Skin, the protective covering of our body bears assault of changing climates and seasons. Scorching heat of the summer vexes the skin with sun burns and dehydration. Thus the skin needs rest and rejuvenation in winter. But winter takes its own toll on the skin. The cold and dry weather of winter brings about drying of skin making it scaly. Lack of sufficient humidity out doors leads to cracked skin. Indoor heating further removes the traces of moisture and aggravates dryness of skin. Cracked, chapped and dry skin leads to various skin infections. Hence the skin has to be rejuvenated and care should be taken to keep the skin moist, soft and smooth.
The winter season is marked as Hemanta ritu in ayurveda. Hemanta ritu starts from mid November and ends in mid January. This falls in southern solstice which is called as visarga kala or dakshinayana in ayurveda. In winter the agni or body fire (digestive power) increases with the support of vata . The increased body fire even digests heavy foods easily and quickly. When sufficient food is not available for the amplified body fire it affects the nutritive fluids of body leading to vitiation of vata. Thus the vitiated vata assigns its qualities of coldness, dryness and roughness to skin. Hence in winter a great care should be taken to protect the skin with various measures regarding diets and lifestyles.
Skin care diet for winter:
1. Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated. Drinking warm water in winter prevents vitiation of vata and diseases which arise from vata.
2. Soups which are sour and salted - balance vata.
3. Include honey in the diet.
4. Avoid Consumption of junk foods, too much of sweets and oil food as these lead to weight gain.
5. Your diet must ideally comprise of Cane juice, milk and clarified butter (ghee) during winter.
6. Stay away from cold and refrigerated foods like ice creams, milk shakes as they vitiate vata.
7. Gorge on warm and heavy food to fulfill the requirement of increased body fire.
Skin care life styles for winter
1. Always wear warm clothes which are made of wool, silk and cotton.
2. When you are wearing clothes in layers wear cotton clothes next to your skin as they do not cause skin allergy. Moreover they absorb sweat. Where as synthetic clothes fail to do so. Unabsorbed sweat harbors microorganisms which cause skin infections.
3. Avoid long hot showers and bath.
4. Quick three minutes bath is advisable.
5. Twenty to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can give your skin a healthy glow.
6. Avoid repeated washing of face. This washes off natural oils from your skin and makes the skin dry, scaly and wrinkled. Use Luke warm water instead of hot water to wash face.
7. Use an indoor humidifier to place moisture in the air.
Skin care accessories for winter
1. Massage your body with oils which are infused with vata balancing herbs.
2. Apply moisturizing lotion liberally all over the body.
3. Smear lip balm on lips to prevent chapping of lips.
4. Take care of your skin on heels with balms and moisturizing products.
Enjoy the winter with a glowing skin. I wish you a Happy winter
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
What Is Ayurveda & How Can I Lose Weight With It?
Ayurveda is a 5000 year old Indian system of medicine, which has remedies for every conceivable disease known to mankind.
The remedies of Ayurveda have been successfully used the world over for curing many diseases like obesity, cardiovasculr desease, arthritis, cancer, jaundice etc.
Ayurveda means the science of life. The roots of this science are in nature. As such all the recommendations and practices bring you closer and in harmony to nature and they seldom have any side effects as in the case of modern medicines.
Ayurveda sees a strong connection between mind, body, senses and in the soul. our senses can see and perceive the changes in the body but we cannot perceive what is happening in a subtle way in our mind and still subtle is the soul which is beyond the comprehension of most of us.
But the root of any change in the body starts at the most subtle level first and then in the mind and subsequently in the body for the senses to sense.
For the body to function properly the mind body and the senses must work in conjunction. Any imbalance here will mean problem for you. The total Ayurvedic approach is towards balancing the mind body and the senses and achieve perfect health.
Ayurveda sees you as made up of space, air, water, fire and earth. The whole creation i.e. nature is made up of these five elements. To remain healthy all these five elements must be balanced in the body just like in the nature.
To know how to apply this knowledge of Ayurveda to get rid of fat, we must understand the various ways in which these elements combine and form energy forces which affect us.
According to Ayurveda there are three types of energy forces or "doshas" that affect us in various ways. These forces are known as "TRIDOSHAS" or "three energies".
1. Vata Dosha: This is the first type of force which is a combination of space(ether) and air. Vata stands for movement and affects circulation, respiration and elimination.
2. Pitta Dosha: This is the second force formed by the combination of fire and water. This force is mainly responsible for Metabolism and Thermogenesis. The main function of this dosha is to convert food into nutrients so that the body can assimilate them easily.
3. Kapha Dosha:This is the third dosha formed by the combination of water and earth. This dosha gives protection and growth to you. The function of this dosha is to build the body and protect the various organs by giving protective layers like in the case of stomach where it provides stomach lining to protect it. Each individual is a combination of these three doshas in different proportion. Hence the dietary requirements also vary from person to person depending on the dominating force in his system. So if you want to get rid of fat, its very much important to know your own constitution first and follow the diet recommended by Ayurveda.
Ayurveda works on three levels to get rid of excess fat from the body.
1. ELIMINATE TOXINS: Faulty diet, polluted environment and stressfull liviliving has introduced a lot of toxins into your systems. Definitly these toxins will create problems in one way or the other in the body. You must be aware that most of deseases like diabetes, cardio vascular deseases, colon cancer, gallbladder desease etc. are associated with obesity.
So, a good weight loss programme must begin with detoxification Because. Untill and unless these toxins are removed from your body there wont be any significant weight loss which can be sustained over a long period of time.
Shifting to a healthier diet plan without getting rid of the toxins in the body is just like putting a freshly prepared cake in a bin full of garbage. The cake also becomes garbage in a short while.
99% of the toxins can be eliminated through simple breathing and cleaning the excretery organs with the help of some herbs recommended by Ayurveda.
2. BALANCING ALL THE THREE FORCES (humours) : The second step is to balance the three doshas viz.Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The toxins in your body has damaged the various organs responsible for weight loss, thus undermining your own bodies ability to loose weight.
Improving the functioning of these organs is the most important weightloss approach in Ayurveda.
This is done with the help of various herbs naturally available to you. Most of these herbs can be easily prepared at home.
These herbs healthe various organs responsible for weightloss as well as balance the various forces in your body.
3. TAKE A HEALTHY DIET:Now that all the vital fat burning organs are working properly,you can take the diet recommended by Ayurveda for you.
According to Ayurveda one man’s medicine is another man’s poison. What this means is that every human being is unique. This uniqueness comes from the various combinations of the three doshas present in the body.
So, Ayurveda recommends a different diet for different type of people to keep off weight and live a healthy life.
Knowing your body type is very simple, you just need to answer some questions an add up the results.
The remedies of Ayurveda have been successfully used the world over for curing many diseases like obesity, cardiovasculr desease, arthritis, cancer, jaundice etc.
Ayurveda means the science of life. The roots of this science are in nature. As such all the recommendations and practices bring you closer and in harmony to nature and they seldom have any side effects as in the case of modern medicines.
Ayurveda sees a strong connection between mind, body, senses and in the soul. our senses can see and perceive the changes in the body but we cannot perceive what is happening in a subtle way in our mind and still subtle is the soul which is beyond the comprehension of most of us.
But the root of any change in the body starts at the most subtle level first and then in the mind and subsequently in the body for the senses to sense.
For the body to function properly the mind body and the senses must work in conjunction. Any imbalance here will mean problem for you. The total Ayurvedic approach is towards balancing the mind body and the senses and achieve perfect health.
Ayurveda sees you as made up of space, air, water, fire and earth. The whole creation i.e. nature is made up of these five elements. To remain healthy all these five elements must be balanced in the body just like in the nature.
To know how to apply this knowledge of Ayurveda to get rid of fat, we must understand the various ways in which these elements combine and form energy forces which affect us.
According to Ayurveda there are three types of energy forces or "doshas" that affect us in various ways. These forces are known as "TRIDOSHAS" or "three energies".
1. Vata Dosha: This is the first type of force which is a combination of space(ether) and air. Vata stands for movement and affects circulation, respiration and elimination.
2. Pitta Dosha: This is the second force formed by the combination of fire and water. This force is mainly responsible for Metabolism and Thermogenesis. The main function of this dosha is to convert food into nutrients so that the body can assimilate them easily.
3. Kapha Dosha:This is the third dosha formed by the combination of water and earth. This dosha gives protection and growth to you. The function of this dosha is to build the body and protect the various organs by giving protective layers like in the case of stomach where it provides stomach lining to protect it. Each individual is a combination of these three doshas in different proportion. Hence the dietary requirements also vary from person to person depending on the dominating force in his system. So if you want to get rid of fat, its very much important to know your own constitution first and follow the diet recommended by Ayurveda.
Ayurveda works on three levels to get rid of excess fat from the body.
1. ELIMINATE TOXINS: Faulty diet, polluted environment and stressfull liviliving has introduced a lot of toxins into your systems. Definitly these toxins will create problems in one way or the other in the body. You must be aware that most of deseases like diabetes, cardio vascular deseases, colon cancer, gallbladder desease etc. are associated with obesity.
So, a good weight loss programme must begin with detoxification Because. Untill and unless these toxins are removed from your body there wont be any significant weight loss which can be sustained over a long period of time.
Shifting to a healthier diet plan without getting rid of the toxins in the body is just like putting a freshly prepared cake in a bin full of garbage. The cake also becomes garbage in a short while.
99% of the toxins can be eliminated through simple breathing and cleaning the excretery organs with the help of some herbs recommended by Ayurveda.
2. BALANCING ALL THE THREE FORCES (humours) : The second step is to balance the three doshas viz.Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The toxins in your body has damaged the various organs responsible for weight loss, thus undermining your own bodies ability to loose weight.
Improving the functioning of these organs is the most important weightloss approach in Ayurveda.
This is done with the help of various herbs naturally available to you. Most of these herbs can be easily prepared at home.
These herbs healthe various organs responsible for weightloss as well as balance the various forces in your body.
3. TAKE A HEALTHY DIET:Now that all the vital fat burning organs are working properly,you can take the diet recommended by Ayurveda for you.
According to Ayurveda one man’s medicine is another man’s poison. What this means is that every human being is unique. This uniqueness comes from the various combinations of the three doshas present in the body.
So, Ayurveda recommends a different diet for different type of people to keep off weight and live a healthy life.
Knowing your body type is very simple, you just need to answer some questions an add up the results.
Monday, September 21, 2009
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Five Ayurvedic Suggestions for Attaining Your Ideal Weight Naturally
One
Don't practice deprivation, whether it's fasting or skipping meals or denying your cravings--it's the quickest way to start a vicious cycle of weight gain. Instead, eat three meals a day--a small breakfast and dinner and a more hearty lunch, and add a healthy mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack if you feel hungry. Ayurveda does recommend portion control though--the quantity of food you consume at a meal should be no more than what you can hold in your two cupped palms, and you should get up from the table before you feel satiated and completely full.
The key to weight management is effectively metabolizing what you eat, eliminating wastes efficiently and letting the digestion system get a break between meals. Fasting will only further disrupt your metabolism by not giving it anything to "work on" on the days you fast. Same with skipping meals – if your digestive system does not get something to work on at around the same times each day, it will not function at peak efficiency when you do eat. And the way to handle cravings is to gradually educate your taste buds to desire only what is good for you, by actively choosing more foods that are right for you each day and eliminating those that are not. Denying cravings only leads to binges when your body can't take it any more.
Two
Work with your digestion rhythms, not against them. Many of us today follow an eating pattern that isn't healthy: we skip breakfast, eat a hurried lunch at our workstation or on the go, and then eat a large dinner, often too close to bedtime.
According to Ayurveda, your digestive agni – the "fire" in your stomach that cooks the foods you eat and makes them into rasa, the nutritional essence that builds healthy cells and tissues, is most active around noon. That's why Ayurvedic teachings recommend that the largest or heaviest meal of the day be lunch. A typical Ayurvedic vegetarian lunch includes two or three servings of cooked veggies, a lentil dish, a whole grain, a chutney (a relish made with spices and fruits or vegetables), and lassi, a beverage made by blending fresh yogurt and pure water. Breakfast and dinner should consist of more easily digested foods. For breakfast, eat a helping of sweet juicy fruit, and warm cooked cereal. For dinner, eat light one-dish meals, or vegetable or lentil soups. A small handful of soaked and blanched almonds or walnuts makes a nutritious mid-morning or afternoon snack. If you follow this meal pattern, your digestion is generally never taxed beyond its capacity, and your body efficiently metabolizes the food you eat.
Three
Keep your internal machinery clean. You take your car in for an engine oil change periodically, you sharpen your lawnmower blades at the start of each growing season, you give your house a good spring cleaning each year…shouldn't you be giving the systems of your body at least a similar degree of attention?
It's true that your body is built to eliminate wastes on its own, but it may need a little help occasionally. The cleaner you keep your insides, the more efficiently your digestion works to deliver nutrition to the cells and tissues and move toxins out of the body. If toxins build up in the body, all the internal systems become less efficient, and one effect can be that you put on weight and feel heavy and lethargic even though you are eating right. Ayurveda recommends herbal formulations such as Triphala to gently aid the process of internal cleansing.
Four
Exercise. The original Ayurvedic texts were written long before the wheel or television came around to make couch potatoes of many of us. Walking was a necessity, so everyone got lots of exercise each day. Today we need to consciously work out to incorporate the same level of activity into our daily routine.
Enjoy your exercise activity and it will be easier to stick to it. Also, remember that all of us don't benefit from the same amount or type of exercise. Choose your exercise activity according to your natural constitution / build and your tendency to gain weight. While walking is universally beneficial, Pitta persons might also gravitate towards water sports while Kapha individuals need to add something really energetic such as racquetball.
Five
Get enough sleep each night. Research studies have connected sleep deprivation to obesity as well as to poor eating habits, a sluggish metabolism and depression, all of which in turn also contribute to weight gain. Ayurvedic healers recognized this connection between sleep and digestion long ago, hence the Ayurvedic ideal daily routine, which urges you to be in bed before 10 p.m. and wake up before 6 a.m. for the best quality and quantity of sleep.
Eating a lighter meal at night, and finishing the meal at least two hours before you go to bed will help you fall asleep quicker. Manage your work and R&R time so you don't have to stay up late to meet work deadlines or to "wind down" with late night T.V. To help your physiology adapt to higher levels of stress or more demands on your body and mind, take Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic capability and as a tonic for the nervous system.
Don't practice deprivation, whether it's fasting or skipping meals or denying your cravings--it's the quickest way to start a vicious cycle of weight gain. Instead, eat three meals a day--a small breakfast and dinner and a more hearty lunch, and add a healthy mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack if you feel hungry. Ayurveda does recommend portion control though--the quantity of food you consume at a meal should be no more than what you can hold in your two cupped palms, and you should get up from the table before you feel satiated and completely full.
The key to weight management is effectively metabolizing what you eat, eliminating wastes efficiently and letting the digestion system get a break between meals. Fasting will only further disrupt your metabolism by not giving it anything to "work on" on the days you fast. Same with skipping meals – if your digestive system does not get something to work on at around the same times each day, it will not function at peak efficiency when you do eat. And the way to handle cravings is to gradually educate your taste buds to desire only what is good for you, by actively choosing more foods that are right for you each day and eliminating those that are not. Denying cravings only leads to binges when your body can't take it any more.
Two
Work with your digestion rhythms, not against them. Many of us today follow an eating pattern that isn't healthy: we skip breakfast, eat a hurried lunch at our workstation or on the go, and then eat a large dinner, often too close to bedtime.
According to Ayurveda, your digestive agni – the "fire" in your stomach that cooks the foods you eat and makes them into rasa, the nutritional essence that builds healthy cells and tissues, is most active around noon. That's why Ayurvedic teachings recommend that the largest or heaviest meal of the day be lunch. A typical Ayurvedic vegetarian lunch includes two or three servings of cooked veggies, a lentil dish, a whole grain, a chutney (a relish made with spices and fruits or vegetables), and lassi, a beverage made by blending fresh yogurt and pure water. Breakfast and dinner should consist of more easily digested foods. For breakfast, eat a helping of sweet juicy fruit, and warm cooked cereal. For dinner, eat light one-dish meals, or vegetable or lentil soups. A small handful of soaked and blanched almonds or walnuts makes a nutritious mid-morning or afternoon snack. If you follow this meal pattern, your digestion is generally never taxed beyond its capacity, and your body efficiently metabolizes the food you eat.
Three
Keep your internal machinery clean. You take your car in for an engine oil change periodically, you sharpen your lawnmower blades at the start of each growing season, you give your house a good spring cleaning each year…shouldn't you be giving the systems of your body at least a similar degree of attention?
It's true that your body is built to eliminate wastes on its own, but it may need a little help occasionally. The cleaner you keep your insides, the more efficiently your digestion works to deliver nutrition to the cells and tissues and move toxins out of the body. If toxins build up in the body, all the internal systems become less efficient, and one effect can be that you put on weight and feel heavy and lethargic even though you are eating right. Ayurveda recommends herbal formulations such as Triphala to gently aid the process of internal cleansing.
Four
Exercise. The original Ayurvedic texts were written long before the wheel or television came around to make couch potatoes of many of us. Walking was a necessity, so everyone got lots of exercise each day. Today we need to consciously work out to incorporate the same level of activity into our daily routine.
Enjoy your exercise activity and it will be easier to stick to it. Also, remember that all of us don't benefit from the same amount or type of exercise. Choose your exercise activity according to your natural constitution / build and your tendency to gain weight. While walking is universally beneficial, Pitta persons might also gravitate towards water sports while Kapha individuals need to add something really energetic such as racquetball.
Five
Get enough sleep each night. Research studies have connected sleep deprivation to obesity as well as to poor eating habits, a sluggish metabolism and depression, all of which in turn also contribute to weight gain. Ayurvedic healers recognized this connection between sleep and digestion long ago, hence the Ayurvedic ideal daily routine, which urges you to be in bed before 10 p.m. and wake up before 6 a.m. for the best quality and quantity of sleep.
Eating a lighter meal at night, and finishing the meal at least two hours before you go to bed will help you fall asleep quicker. Manage your work and R&R time so you don't have to stay up late to meet work deadlines or to "wind down" with late night T.V. To help your physiology adapt to higher levels of stress or more demands on your body and mind, take Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic capability and as a tonic for the nervous system.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Ayurveda Tips For Hair Loss...
Hair loss, thinning of hair and balding is some of the common hair problems. Many of us suffer from these ailments due to our modern lifestyle and diet. Ayurveda can be very beneficial in treating these conditions as it investigates the root cause of the problem. The causes for these hair conditions are:
* Excess of Pitta dosha in the body is the chief cause of hair problems. Pitta is increased by excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and excessive smoking. Pitta is also aggravated by eating too much fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods.
* Intake of too many chemical medicines, low blood circulation, anemia, and general weakness after disease, stress, anxiety, and mental tension are also prime causes of hair loss.
* Chronic diseases like typhoid fever, presence of dandruff or lice and hormonal imbalance also cause hair loss.
So watch out carefully for these reasons! You may be overdoing one of them, and thus losing your beautiful hair.
* The first step is to locate the root cause in your diet or lifestyle that may be increasing the Pitta dosha. Once you locate it, try to give up or at least reduce the diet, habit, or activity responsible for increasing Pitta.
* Always use a natural shampoo or soap to clean the hair. As most soaps and shampoos have chemicals, they might be the cause of your problem. Usually the chemicals have a heating effect, and increase Pitta locally. Amla (embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are very commonly used in India for washing the hair.
* Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping the hair loss. Use Neelibringadi coconut oil or kayyonnyadi oil at least three times in a week. Also medicated oils like 'Mahabhringraj oil ',' Amla oil and 'Arnica oil' are very useful. Put oil on the scalp, and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
* The person should maintain a regular bowel movement everyday. In case of constipation, a mild natural laxative can be taken. Triphala, an Ayurvedic herbal powder, is also useful.
* The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.
* Regular physical exercise is very beneficial as it helps in balancing the aggravated doshas.
* Rub your scalp vigorously after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands.
* Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime juice on the hair is also beneficial.
Ten ways to beat backache
Exercise: Go for a half-an-hour aerobic exercise morning and evening, at least five days a week. The type of exercise should be chosen depending on one’s age and general health condition. Walking and swimming help prevent backache.
Food: Eat food in moderation and in time. Calcium-rich food such as leafy vegetables, milk, butter and curd strengthen bone and prevent constipation. Drink sufficient water.
Sitting posture: While sitting keep the backbone erect and rest the feet on the floor. Keep a comfortable distance between chair and table. Don’t sit for more than half an hour at a stretch. Walk and relax for a while after every half an hour.
Sleeping posture: Lying on a wooden cot on a bedsheet or thin bed is best for the backbone. Avoid big pillow or cushion. First lie on the side of the body and then on the back with legs and hands stretched.
Lifting weight: Most backaches occur as a result of lifting the weight forcefully by leaning towards the side or front. Lift the weight by bending the knees and holding the weight close to the body.
Sleep: Don’t sleep during the day. Ensure 5-6 hours of sleep in the night. Have moderate sex. Practise regular toilet habits.
Sunlight: Expose body to the warm evening sun. Vitamin D obtained from sunlight is good for the growth of bone.
Obesity: Control body weight according to one’s height. When the feet become too weak to hold the body weight, it leads to backache.
Bad habits: Avoid bad habits like smoking and drinking. These invite diseases like BP and diabetics, which could aggravate your backache.
Mental health: Stress and tension cause backache. Practice mental relaxation and de-stressing techniques like yoga and music therapy.
Food: Eat food in moderation and in time. Calcium-rich food such as leafy vegetables, milk, butter and curd strengthen bone and prevent constipation. Drink sufficient water.
Sitting posture: While sitting keep the backbone erect and rest the feet on the floor. Keep a comfortable distance between chair and table. Don’t sit for more than half an hour at a stretch. Walk and relax for a while after every half an hour.
Sleeping posture: Lying on a wooden cot on a bedsheet or thin bed is best for the backbone. Avoid big pillow or cushion. First lie on the side of the body and then on the back with legs and hands stretched.
Lifting weight: Most backaches occur as a result of lifting the weight forcefully by leaning towards the side or front. Lift the weight by bending the knees and holding the weight close to the body.
Sleep: Don’t sleep during the day. Ensure 5-6 hours of sleep in the night. Have moderate sex. Practise regular toilet habits.
Sunlight: Expose body to the warm evening sun. Vitamin D obtained from sunlight is good for the growth of bone.
Obesity: Control body weight according to one’s height. When the feet become too weak to hold the body weight, it leads to backache.
Bad habits: Avoid bad habits like smoking and drinking. These invite diseases like BP and diabetics, which could aggravate your backache.
Mental health: Stress and tension cause backache. Practice mental relaxation and de-stressing techniques like yoga and music therapy.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
What is PANCHKARMA?
What is panchakarma and how it can help to overcome obesity?
Panchakarma is a a purification process recommended by the 5000 year old ayurveda system of medicine. Unlike modern medicines ayurveda recognizes obesity as a desease and recommends the following fool - proof measures for removing fat from the body.
Purification : The average persons body is full of toxins. These toxins have accumulate in the body slowly over a period of time. These toxins are a result of negative emotions, stress and wrong eating habits.
Unchecked, these toxins accumulate in the fat cells making them rigid and difficult to dislodge.
To get rid of fat, removing these toxins from the body is very essential. Without removing toxins from the body .. fat removal is impossible. This is the reson why so many diet programmes have failed.
To purify the body of toxins ayurveda recomends a comprehensive cleaning programme known as "Panchakarma"
Panchakarma is an effective tool to remove all the toxins from the body and get fat loss benifits as a result.
Panchakarma involves the following steps :
A. Pre Purification :
Snehan : Oil Massage
Sweden : Steam Therapy
B. Purification :
Vaman - Vomiting or Emesis
Virechan - Purgation therapy
Basti - Enema therapy
Nasya - Nasal administration
Raktamoksha - Blood purification
Its the most comprehensive cleaning programme under the sun.
Once the body gets rid of all the unwanted toxins and dirt, the fat loss is automatic. You feel lighter .... more energetic and look years younger than your age.
Panchakarma is a a purification process recommended by the 5000 year old ayurveda system of medicine. Unlike modern medicines ayurveda recognizes obesity as a desease and recommends the following fool - proof measures for removing fat from the body.
Purification : The average persons body is full of toxins. These toxins have accumulate in the body slowly over a period of time. These toxins are a result of negative emotions, stress and wrong eating habits.
Unchecked, these toxins accumulate in the fat cells making them rigid and difficult to dislodge.
To get rid of fat, removing these toxins from the body is very essential. Without removing toxins from the body .. fat removal is impossible. This is the reson why so many diet programmes have failed.
To purify the body of toxins ayurveda recomends a comprehensive cleaning programme known as "Panchakarma"
Panchakarma is an effective tool to remove all the toxins from the body and get fat loss benifits as a result.
Panchakarma involves the following steps :
A. Pre Purification :
Snehan : Oil Massage
Sweden : Steam Therapy
B. Purification :
Vaman - Vomiting or Emesis
Virechan - Purgation therapy
Basti - Enema therapy
Nasya - Nasal administration
Raktamoksha - Blood purification
Its the most comprehensive cleaning programme under the sun.
Once the body gets rid of all the unwanted toxins and dirt, the fat loss is automatic. You feel lighter .... more energetic and look years younger than your age.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Treating Dry Skin Condition Naturally
Dry skin looks dull and life less due to lack of moisture. Well hydrated skin glows and exhibits a healthy look. Wrinkles develop at an early age due to prolonged dryness of skin. Dry, rough and wrinkled skin gives an aged appearance. Dry and cracked skin harbor microbes and cause fungal infections. Excess drying of skin leads to dry eczema. Hence a proper care should be taken to increase the moisture level of skin and prevent drying. Soft, smooth and wrinkle free skin gives young and healthy look.
Causes of Dry Skin :
Our skin is soft and smooth because of oil glands found under our skin. The skin becomes dry when these glands fail to supply sufficient lubrication to keep the skin soft and smooth.
1.The cold and dry weather of winter takes its own toll on the skin. The cold, dry weather of winter brings about drying of skin making it scaly. Lack of sufficient humidity out doors also leads to dry skin. Indoor heating further removes the traces of moisture and aggravates dryness of skin. Thus in winter the skin becomes extremely dry.
2.Dry skin condition may occur due to genetic factors.
3.Dry skin condition may arise from nutritional deficiencies due to poor diet.
4.Unhealthy practices like exposure to extreme weather conditions, bathing for long time in very hot water, using harsh soaps, swimming in chlorinated water, chemicals and harsh cosmetics.
5.The skin loses its capacity to retain moisture, as we grow old. The extreme climatic conditions to which we get exposed, as we grow old worsen the condition and skin becomes more dry.
6.Few underlying diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis or seborrhea may also lead to dry skin.
7.Dry skin may arise as an effect of medications like diuretics, antihistamines and anti spasmodics.
What Ayurveda says about Dry Skin?
According to texts of Ayurveda dry skin is caused by vata dosha. When vata dosha increases in body it reduces kapha and makes skin dry and wrinkled. (Kapha keeps skin soft and smooth where as vata makes the skin dry and rough. Vata dosha's qualities are opposite to kapha dosha qualities).
The causes which increase vata dosha in body -
*Exposure to cold and dry climate
*Controlling natural urges like urination, defecation, hunger, thirst, etc.
*Staying awake at unearthly hours (late night). Irregular food habits.
*Excess physical and mental exertion.
*Consumption of spicy, dry, bitter food.
Here are the natural tips to take care of dry skin :
*Do not use hot water to cleanse dry skin.
*Use a soft cotton cloth and pat dry your skin. Do not rub the skin with harsh, rough textured towels.
*Instead of washing with water use a clean sprayer to moisten your skin. Use mineral water instead of tap water for spray.
*Lightly pat dry the skin.
*Avoid using harsh soaps and face washes as they remove natural oil that protects your skin.
*Pamper your skin by massaging with moisturizer. Moisturizer increases the moisture of upper layer of skin and makes it soft and smooth.
*Regularly massage your body with herbal oil. Herbal oil softens and sooth the dry skin and help to trap the moisture between skin pores.
*Apply a thin layer of coconut oil before finishing the bath and pat dry the skin *Avoid alcohol-based cleansers.
*Consume a balanced diet which includes foods from all groups like vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates, cereals, milk and milk products.
*Include yellow and orange vegetables like carrot which have rich anti oxidants. *Avoid junk food like chips, deep fried food etc
Ayurveda Tips for dry skin condition. :
*Keep yourself warm in dry cold climates.
*Massage whole body with body massage oil which is infused with vata balancing herbs.
*Do not sit near fire place.
*Avoid stale, over fried, dry food.
*Always consume fresh warm food with little fat like ghee or olive oil.
*Include sour and salty food in diet.
*Sweet juicy fruits are recommended.
*Drink 7-9 glasses of warm water everyday. (Do not drink cold water as it increases vata)
Home Remedies for dry skin :
*Mix egg yolk, rose water lime juice, olive oil and orange juice (1 tea spoon each) thoroughly. Apply a smooth mixture of this ingredient on your face in morning and wash it off after 20 minutes
*A face mask of honey, egg, olive oil and rose water works very well for dry skin.
*Liberally apply gentle herbal moisturizer all over your body.
Causes of Dry Skin :
Our skin is soft and smooth because of oil glands found under our skin. The skin becomes dry when these glands fail to supply sufficient lubrication to keep the skin soft and smooth.
1.The cold and dry weather of winter takes its own toll on the skin. The cold, dry weather of winter brings about drying of skin making it scaly. Lack of sufficient humidity out doors also leads to dry skin. Indoor heating further removes the traces of moisture and aggravates dryness of skin. Thus in winter the skin becomes extremely dry.
2.Dry skin condition may occur due to genetic factors.
3.Dry skin condition may arise from nutritional deficiencies due to poor diet.
4.Unhealthy practices like exposure to extreme weather conditions, bathing for long time in very hot water, using harsh soaps, swimming in chlorinated water, chemicals and harsh cosmetics.
5.The skin loses its capacity to retain moisture, as we grow old. The extreme climatic conditions to which we get exposed, as we grow old worsen the condition and skin becomes more dry.
6.Few underlying diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis or seborrhea may also lead to dry skin.
7.Dry skin may arise as an effect of medications like diuretics, antihistamines and anti spasmodics.
What Ayurveda says about Dry Skin?
According to texts of Ayurveda dry skin is caused by vata dosha. When vata dosha increases in body it reduces kapha and makes skin dry and wrinkled. (Kapha keeps skin soft and smooth where as vata makes the skin dry and rough. Vata dosha's qualities are opposite to kapha dosha qualities).
The causes which increase vata dosha in body -
*Exposure to cold and dry climate
*Controlling natural urges like urination, defecation, hunger, thirst, etc.
*Staying awake at unearthly hours (late night). Irregular food habits.
*Excess physical and mental exertion.
*Consumption of spicy, dry, bitter food.
Here are the natural tips to take care of dry skin :
*Do not use hot water to cleanse dry skin.
*Use a soft cotton cloth and pat dry your skin. Do not rub the skin with harsh, rough textured towels.
*Instead of washing with water use a clean sprayer to moisten your skin. Use mineral water instead of tap water for spray.
*Lightly pat dry the skin.
*Avoid using harsh soaps and face washes as they remove natural oil that protects your skin.
*Pamper your skin by massaging with moisturizer. Moisturizer increases the moisture of upper layer of skin and makes it soft and smooth.
*Regularly massage your body with herbal oil. Herbal oil softens and sooth the dry skin and help to trap the moisture between skin pores.
*Apply a thin layer of coconut oil before finishing the bath and pat dry the skin *Avoid alcohol-based cleansers.
*Consume a balanced diet which includes foods from all groups like vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates, cereals, milk and milk products.
*Include yellow and orange vegetables like carrot which have rich anti oxidants. *Avoid junk food like chips, deep fried food etc
Ayurveda Tips for dry skin condition. :
*Keep yourself warm in dry cold climates.
*Massage whole body with body massage oil which is infused with vata balancing herbs.
*Do not sit near fire place.
*Avoid stale, over fried, dry food.
*Always consume fresh warm food with little fat like ghee or olive oil.
*Include sour and salty food in diet.
*Sweet juicy fruits are recommended.
*Drink 7-9 glasses of warm water everyday. (Do not drink cold water as it increases vata)
Home Remedies for dry skin :
*Mix egg yolk, rose water lime juice, olive oil and orange juice (1 tea spoon each) thoroughly. Apply a smooth mixture of this ingredient on your face in morning and wash it off after 20 minutes
*A face mask of honey, egg, olive oil and rose water works very well for dry skin.
*Liberally apply gentle herbal moisturizer all over your body.
Dark Circles Home Remedies
Causes of Under Eye Dark Circles :
1. Lack of sleep.2. Inherited condition having a family with the kind of skin that makes dark circles more likely.3. Fluid retention which causes puffiness that may cast shadows.4. Aging which thins and relaxes the skin around the eyes.
Dark Circles - Treatments and Remedies :
Dark Circles can be removed by applying peeled and grated potato overnight at least three times a week.
Make cotton pads and dip them in cucumber juice. Place on your eyes for 15 minutes. The effect is cooling and relaxes your eyes.
Massaging eyes with almond oil is of great help. Massage at bed time daily, and in two weeks you will see the difference.
Dark circles can be removed by doing pranayam daily for at least five minutes.
Pressing the mount below index finger of the palm is good for eyesight and removing dark circles.
When stressed, keep your eyes covered with cucumber slices for some time.
Dip cotton balls in rose water and keep for 5-10 minutes.
Drink as much water as you can drink.
Dip cotton balls in chilled water and keep for 5-10 minutes on the eyes.
Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoid reading late at night, lying down
Every morning, after washing your face, gently apply mixture of equal parts of tomato and lime juice; wash after half an hour.
Alternate hot and cold compresses under your eyes for 10 minutes. Then apply a teaspoon of almond oil mixed with half teaspoon of lime juice on the dark surface every night before going to bed.
For cooling effect to eyes paste of the herb nutmeg (Jaiphala) made with milk may be applied all around the eyes and over the eyelids.
Dandruff Home Remedies
Add six spoonfuls water, two spoonfuls pure vinegar and apply it on the scalp with cotton wool before going to bed. Tie a towel around your head to protect the pillow. Wash your hair next morning. After shampooing, rinse again with vinegar water. Continue this once a week for at least three months.
Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this.
Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds in yogurt overnight and apply the curd on your scalp for half an hour before washing in the morning.
Hair washed with fenugreek (methi) seed paste prevents dandruff, falling hair, baldness and dandruff keeping the hair long, healthy and black. Just soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water to soften the seeds and grind in the morning to make paste. Before hairwash, apply this paste on scalp and hair and leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with shampoo later.
Natural Anti-Dandruff Massage:
Massage your scalp with warm coconut or castor oil twice a week.
Massage with the tips of your fingers in a circular movement for at least half an hour.
Leave it on overnight and shampoo the following morning.
This prevents the hair from becoming dry and moreover prevents dandruff and falling hair by improving the circulation and strengthening the hair roots.
Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this.
Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds in yogurt overnight and apply the curd on your scalp for half an hour before washing in the morning.
Hair washed with fenugreek (methi) seed paste prevents dandruff, falling hair, baldness and dandruff keeping the hair long, healthy and black. Just soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water to soften the seeds and grind in the morning to make paste. Before hairwash, apply this paste on scalp and hair and leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with shampoo later.
Natural Anti-Dandruff Massage:
Massage your scalp with warm coconut or castor oil twice a week.
Massage with the tips of your fingers in a circular movement for at least half an hour.
Leave it on overnight and shampoo the following morning.
This prevents the hair from becoming dry and moreover prevents dandruff and falling hair by improving the circulation and strengthening the hair roots.
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