Archives for Aug 20, 2021

Addictions

Aug 20, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a condition when a person tries to seek pleasure and joy from addictive substances like tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, or something else, and then, unless a certain level of the addictive substance is present in the blood, the person’s brain doesn’t work properly. The person addicted to something has become chemically dependent on those addictive substances. This may be the cause of their dissatisfied and stressed life for which they try to escape from the reality of their circumstances.

What are the Symptoms of Addiction

Typical: The symptom of addiction varies from person to person. But most commonly an addictive person experiences symptoms like undernourishment which makes them look pale and they tend to miss daily activities like going to school or work. Also, it is seen that the person who is addicted has a repetitive speech pattern. Overactive and underactive are also very common symptoms of addiction. Additionally, an addictive individual becomes argumentative, defensive, and cannot deal with stress.

Might Experience: Might experience physical symptoms depending upon the substance.

What are the Causes of Addiction

Easy access
Stress
Peer addiction
Low self esteem
Depression
Genes
Media and advertising

When to see a Doctor?

There can be two situations of addicted individuals. Firstly, when they start taking addictive substances beyond a limit. This is when they start experiencing major physical issues and again when they completely stop taking the addictive substances. In both cases, they need to see doctors if they experience severe symptoms like headaches, tremors, drowsiness, depression.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Addiction

When it comes to lifestyle changes to prevent addiction it is important for the addict to change behaviors and things that trigger their addiction. With the help of loved ones like parents or spouses, an addictive person can come out of this situation with support. Some important preventive measures can be taken like detoxification, for which ayurvedic panchakarma plays an important role. It is a very effective ayurvedic program for preventing and curing addiction. Also, there is some nasal ayurvedic treatment like doing nasya with Brahmi ghee to lessen the toxicity of nicotine. In addition to that, a person should also follow a physical workout routine like going out for a walk or doing cardio and yoga. However, most importantly, gradually reducing the dose of addictive substances to reduce withdraws. Suddenly stopping addiction may cause several issues and it may be life-threatening.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Addiction

Agni Tea:

1 quart water
⅛ pinch cayenne pepper
½ handful minced ginger root
2 tablespoons Sucanat or other sweetener
⅛ to ½ teaspoon rock salt
Put all the above ingredients in a pot and boil for 20 minutes. Take the pot off the burner, cool for a few minutes, then add the juice of half a lime. Do not boil the lime juice.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Chitrak | Katuki | Ginger

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not known.

Acidity and Heartburn (Acid Reflux)

Aug 20, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Acidity and Heartburn?

Heartburn is the ailment which features a burning pain in the lower chest region. This is caused due to acid reflux which means your stomach acid flowing back up into your food pipe.

The heartburn usually feels like it’s burning in the center of your chest, behind your breastbone. This condition shouldn’t last for more than an hour and can be cured at home with non-prescription medicines.

What are the Symptoms of Acidity and Heartburn?

Symptoms of Acidity and Heartburn include:

Chest pain, particularly when you bend over, stretch out, or eat
Burning at the back of your esophagus
Fluid at the back of your esophagus that tastes hot, sour, acidic, or salty
Lasting cough, sore throat, or hoarseness
Dysphagia — the sensation of food being stuck in your throat
Nausea
Burping
Bloating

What are the Causes of Acidity and Heartburn?

Going to bed right after you eat
Eat excessively
Over recommended weight for your height
Overeating spicy or fatty or acidic food
Pregnancy
Certain medications. Look at product labels for side effects.
Cigarette and alcohol usage

When to see a Doctor?

You should contact your doctor if:

Your heartburn won’t go away within less than an hour and you start experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty swallowing, vomiting, continuous nausea. Also when it keeps coming back even after taking over-the-counter medicines for weeks. Also, you should not delay in seeing a doctor if you experience serious hoarseness or wheezing and your discomfort impedes your lifestyle or daily activities.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Acidity and Heartburn

You can often prevent and manage heartburn by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. These changes include:

Not going to bed with a full stomach.
Avoiding overeating.
Eating slowly
Wearing loose-fitting clothes.
Avoiding certain foods.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Not smoking.
Sleeping on your left side.
Raising the head of your bed
Planning your exercise to avoid heartburn.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Acidity and Heartburn

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Aloe vera gel | Ginger | Fennel seeds | Holy basil

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not known.

Sore Breasts (mastalgia)

Aug 20, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Sore breasts?

Sore breast is generally a symptom of hormone imbalance or premenstrual syndrome. Clogged lymphatic systems can also lead to sore breasts. Sometimes, this can also be associated with some emotional factor such as grief or sadness.

What are the Symptoms of Sore breasts?

Typical: Breast swelling, fullness or lumpiness, burning, aching or stabbing sensation

Might Experience: Extramammary breast pain

What are the Causes of Sore breasts?

Common in people with large breast size
Breast surgery and scar formation
Fatty acid imbalance can affect sensitivity of breast tissue
Infertility treatment and oral contraceptive pills
Excessive caffeine use

When to see a Doctor?

See you doctor in case of breast pain that persists daily for more than a couple of weeks or if the pain is getting worse or awakens you from sleep

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Sore breasts

Avoid hormone therapy
Stay cautious with medications
Avoid uncomfortable or unfitted bra
Try relaxation therapy to reduce stress
Limit or eliminate caffeine intake
Avoid excessive lifting activities
Try to follow a low-fat diet

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Sore breasts

Gentle Massage: Take 1 teaspoon of warm castor oil, and gently massage the breast from inside outward, both underneath and around the nipple, and to the side.

Herbs for water retention: To reduce the swelling, make the following herbal mixture:

punarnava 1 part
shatavari 1 part
musta 1 part
Use ½ teaspoon of this mix in 1 cup hot water to make a tea and drink this twice a day.

Another Herbal remedy: o reduce the swelling, make the following herbal mixture:

jatamansi 2 parts
shatavari 3 parts
tagar 3 parts
Mix the herbs together, and use ½ teaspoon in a cup of hot water to make a tea. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes,and drink.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Shatavari

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known

Breastfeeding Problems

Aug 20, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Breastfeeding Problems?

In ayurveda, breast milk is considered as amrita (nectar) for the growing child. However, most of the women experience some type of breastfeeding discomfort and find it difficult to nurse their child especially during the first few weeks.
Some of the most common breastfeeding problems include: Sore nipples, poor breastfeeding latch, breast engorgement, leaking breasts, clogged milk ducts, and oversupply.

What are the Symptoms of Breastfeeding Problems?

Typical: Heavy and painful breast due to incomplete removal of milk, Sore nipples, and leaking breast

Might Experience: Boil on breast, low weight gain in the baby, very short or very long session of breastfeeding, low milk supply or oversupply, clogged milk ducts, and breast infections.

What are the Causes of Breastfeeding Problems?

Incorrect breastfeeding technique is the cause of breastfeeding problems in most cases . One common problem is improper latching which leads to nipple injury, heavy breast, engorgement, plugged ducts, and breast infections.

When to see a Doctor?

If you face any problem in breastfeeding, ask for help from your obstetrical or pediatric health care provider, nurse, lactation consultant, or a breastfeeding counselor.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Breastfeeding Problems

Follow a healthy and balanced diet
Include foods that are good for lactation
Avoid smoking
Stay hydrated
Try to sleep when the baby is sleeping
Don’t take any medication without consultation

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Breastfeeding Problems

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known

Bleeding internal (hemorrhaging)

Aug 20, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Bleeding internal?

Internal bleeding is a health condition that occurs within your body. Instances of this condition include peptic ulcer, hematoma, and bleeding through the urethra. This condition is often very tough to diagnose as it happens internally, and no one can see.

What are the Symptoms of Bleeding internal?

The symptoms of internal bleeding can be numerous and usually similar to some other ailments. However, here are some obvious symptoms one may experience if one has this condition. Severe headaches or sudden headaches can be a symptom of internal bleeding. Fatigue or lethargy can be experienced as well. One may also feel weakness and numbness mostly on one side of the body. Apart from these, the person who is suffering from this condition will have speech difficulty or difficulty in writing and understanding any speech. They often feel like losing balance while walking or may lose consciousness. They also have difficulties in hearing.

What are the Causes of Bleeding internal?

The causes of internal bleeding can be different. There can be several factors that may trigger this condition. The internal bleeding may be caused by an injury to a blood vessel or because of some clotting issues. If someone has been suffering from persistent high blood pressure may also experience internal bleeding. The gastrointestinal might as well be involved in triggering internal bleedings. Some lifestyle factors like heavy smoking or drinking can cause internal bleeding in the stomach as the lining of the stomach may get irritated.

When to see a Doctor?

The presence of blood in the urine or stools can be a sign of severe ailments. For instance kidney problems or cancer, and should be examined further profoundly in discussion with your doctor.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Bleeding internal

The prevention of this condition is difficult as the causes are many. However, there can be some lifestyle preventions for internal bleeding. As we have already discussed, this condition may occur due to other diseases like high blood pressure, so controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol is crucial. Also preventing diseases that are related to alcohol can be avoided by controlling alcohol consumption. Injury prevention also needs to be practiced by wearing safety equipment for activities that may cause harm and may hurt you.

Persons taking medications that affect them to internal (and external) bleeding must take additional protections to prevent any trauma; furthermore, they should continue to get routine blood tests (INR, PT, CBC’s) to see if they are properly medicated and ensure that they are not bleeding internally.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Bleeding internal

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Lodhra, Kushtha and Bilva herb mix | Turmeric, Saffron mix in warm milk

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known

Depression

Aug 20, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental condition that pessimistically disturbs how you think, the way you feel, and how you act out. The origin of depression, from an Ayurvedic viewpoint, is too complicated to set out here. In short, we can say that as of certain etiologic dynamics, vata from the colon, pitta from the intestine, or kapha from the stomach penetrates the general circulation and lodges in the nervous system, affects the normal operation of the brain and nervous system, and triggers depression.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Typical: There are various symptoms of depression and completely vary from person to person. However, there are some typical symptoms that are most common in all depressed people. A person who is depressed tend to lose any interest in usual activities, like meeting friends and family or going out with them, sleep disturbances like, oversleeping or insomnia, bad temper, agitation, always feeling exhausted and tired, poor appetite or overeating, trouble concentrating and making decisions, reduced sex drive.
Might Experience: fear, anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia.

What are the Causes of Depression?

There can be several causes of depression, like some psychiatric ailments can cause this condition, or maybe if someone is physically ill, they may develop depression. People who are physically, sexually, and emotionally abused tend to go depressed for a long time. The death of a close one can also cause depression greatly. Apart from that, there are various other factors as well like stress at work, gender inequality, relationship issues, etc.

When to see a Doctor?

Depression is a severe health situation that involves the care of a physician. Minor or preclinical issues may occasionally be entirely cured using some Ayurvedic suggestions, but then again, they are not a replacement for consulting with a doctor.

Regular screening: If your depression doesn’t quickly start to lighten by using Ayurvedic home treatments, please refer to a doctor.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Depression

Some causes of depression cannot be prevented. There are causes that are not in our hands but there are ways to deal with them. However, some causes may be controlled and prevented by making some changes in your lifestyle or by simply improving your thought process. The most important thing is to deal with your stress. Taking good care of yourself, having enough sleep, and eating clean and healthy with a proper workout will help you in achieving that. Talking to your family and friends and sharing your problems with them will surely help if your times get hard. Nevertheless, get help immediately if you are depressed as the wait may have the worst impact on this condition.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Depression

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Ashwagandha | Brahmi | Tulsi | Shatavari

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Ginger | Ashwagandha