Understanding Hiccups

Hiccups are a sudden, involuntary squeezing of the diaphragm, the main breathing muscle under the lungs. In medicine it is known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF), or singultus. The hiccup involves a reflex arc. Once triggered, the reflex causes a strong contraction of the diaphragm followed about 0.25 seconds later by closure of the vocal cords, which results in the classic "hic" sound. Hiccups will usually stop on their own.

Most simple cases of hiccups come after eating or drinking too much or too quickly. The stomach, which is situated right below the diaphragm, becomes distended and irritates it.


Sometimes hiccups will occur because of a disturbance to the nerve pathways from the brain to the muscles involved. This explains why hiccups may occur with temperature changes or emotional situations. Alcohol and excess smoking also trigger hiccups sometimes.

Persistent hiccups may signify problems in the brain, spinal cord or any of the structures around the diaphragm or chest wall. Continuous hiccups lasting for more than a day or two may indicate a cause of an underlying disease, which needs medical intervention.

Ayurveda considers hiccups as a respiratory disorder called "Hidma". Acharyas have mentioned a lot of preparations in the treatment of this condition. The treatment principle is to tone up the "Pranavaha Srothas". Pranavaha srotas refers to the pulmonology complex of the human body which includes the heart, trachea, pulmonary vessels, lungs and its associated structures.

Christmas tree syndrome

Though the name given to the condition - Christmas tree syndrome - sounds frightful, thankfully, it is usually not much more than an allergy. Earlier, it was thought that the allergy was due to the pollen from the Christmas tree. Researchers have now found that the allergy results from exposure to certain mould that enter the house along with the tree and thrive in the warm environments. These mould have been associated earlier with respiratory allergies. They could be a particularly significant problem in colder regions, where people cannot keep their windows open for adequate ventilation. Researchers found that the concentration of the spores increases to a more than sufficient level to cause a respiratory allergy if the tree is kept indoors for two weeks.

The symptoms of Christmas tree syndrome are similar to other allergies. These include:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Eye watering

People with asthma could also suffer from an attack. The symptoms may be particularly worse when the person is close to the tree. People who have a tendency towards developing allergy may be more susceptible and should watch out for such symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Christmas Tree Syndrome

A person who suffers allergic symptoms especially when he is close to a Christmas tree may be suffering from Christmas tree syndrome, though it may not always be possible to pinpoint the cause of the allergy in some cases.Christmas tree syndrome is treated like any other allergy using antihistamines. People who suffer from asthma attacks due to the exposure should take anti-asthma medications.


Prevention of Christmas Tree Syndrome

Of course, if you are allergic to Christmas trees, it does not mean that you will never see another Christmas tree in your house again. Some suggestions to deal with the problem are:

• Use an artificial tree instead of a real one. Artificial trees look equally beautiful and do not cause the same allergy (unless, of course, if they are covered with dust). You may even be doing a good deed to the environment by opting for an artificial tree.

• If you insist on a natural one, researchers suggest that you can wash down and dry the tree before it enters your house, and you should also get rid of it as soon as possible, preferably before a fortnight.

(Courtesy: medindia)

Tired All The Time?

Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for ‘tired all the time’.There are lots of health complaints that can make you feel tired. Not just the well-recognized ones like anemia and thyroid problems, but also more surprising ailments, such as diabetes and food intolerance. Being overweight or underweight can cause tiredness. That’s because your body has to work harder than normal to do everyday activities. If you’re underweight, you have less muscle strength, and you may feel tired more quickly. Pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks, can also sap your energy. Psychological causes of tiredness

Psychological tiredness is far more common than tiredness that's caused by a physical problem. One key reason is anxiety, which can cause insomnia and in turn lead to persistent fatigue. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that nearly a third of the populations are severely sleep-deprived, often because of job and money worries.

The worries and strains of daily life can be exhausting, even positive events, such as moving house or getting married. And emotional shock, such as bad news, bereavement or the break-up of a relationship, can make you feel drained. Mental health problems such as depression or anxiety can make you feel more tired. They can also prevent you from getting a proper night's sleep.

Tiredness can often be attributed to lifestyle factors, such as drinking too much alcohol, or having a bad diet. If you drink alcohol in the evening, it tends to wake you in the middle of the night. And if you drink a lot regularly, it can make you depressed and affect your sleep. If you have a disturbed sleep pattern – for instance if you work night shifts, sleep in the day or look after young children – it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep, and you’ll feel tired during the day.

How to tackle tiredness through Ayurveda?

Dr. Pathrose, Chief Physician Parathuvayalil hospital & Orthopedic Centre say, tiredness is caused due to decreased strength. A persons strength (Bala) is based on his digestive fire (Agnibala).Decreased agni leads to deprivation of Strength. Therefore the treatment principle is administration of medicines which induces Agnibala ie Agnideepana drugs. Apart from treatment patient is advised to adopt healthy lifestyle habit .Practicing yoga and pranayama are also beneficial in relieving fatigue. Medicines like Aswagandharishtam and Aswagandhadi leham are usually indicated in fatigue. A special medicine prepared under the guidance of Dr. Pathrose called Chyavana D Strong is indicated in general debility and compromised immuno competency. Many of its ingredients are Agni deepana and bala vardhaka. Psychological tiredness can be addressed according to the clinical history and condition of the patient.

No Mother? Do not worry so long as you have Thriphala

This is a popular folk saying in India about the wonder drug Thriphala and its nutritive value which it makes more of a tonic.

What is Thriphala?

The name Thriphala means, “Three fruits”. This refers to the three components that form the supplement, which are Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellerica. These components are all known medicinal plants that have long been used in Ayurveda medicine.

Emblica officinalis (also known as amalaki or Indian gooseberry) is known for its laxative and purgative properties. It is also extremely high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. The herb also aids in healing and blood clotting functions. It also breaks down fat accumulations and serum cholesterol.

Terminalia chebula (also known as haritaki) is a mild and safe laxative. It prevents blood clotting and improves stomach and digestive function. Terminalia chebula is commonly used to correct nutritional imbalances and streamline digestion.

Terminalia belerica (also known as vibhitaki) is another Ayurveda laxative. Additionally, it is beneficial to wound healing and has the ability to reduce fevers.

Because of its high nutritional content, Ayurvedic doctors generally do not regard Thriphala as a mere laxative. Some of the scientific research and practical experience of people using it down through the ages has demonstrated that Thriphala is an effective blood purifier that stimulates bile secretion as it detoxifies the liver, helps digestion and assimilation, and significantly reduces serum cholesterol and lipid levels throughout body. As a result, it is regarded as a kind of universal panacea and is the most commonly prescribed herbal formula.

How Thriphala benefits weight loss?

It is used for a variety of purposes, but now that it is known that Thriphala benefits weight loss, one of the most common uses has become weight control. Thriphala benefits weight loss by creating an environment where the body is able to process and excrete wastes and toxins freely and often.Thriphala powder when taken with honey proves good results in treating obesity since both have lekhana property.There are no universal standard of how to use this medicine. Frequency and dosing may vary from person to person depending on your health, goals and tolerance. Thriphala acts as a laxative which can relieve constipation while fighting inflammation of the digestive system. In addition to acting as a laxative, Thriphala weight loss supplements have been shown to lower cholesterol. Lower cholesterol is a health goal of many people, especially those who are carrying extra weight. Thriphala benefits by cleansing metabolic waste from the body and acting as a non-addictive laxative. Once toxins and excess water have been removed, weight loss will be inevitable. Today Thriphala supplements are available over the counter in powder or tablet form, making it easy to acquire and use.



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Manage Bell's palsy through Ayurveda

Bell’s palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis that causes sudden weakness in facial muscles as a result of damage or trauma to the facial nerve.

The actress Katie Holmes 's signature smirk is a side effect of Bell's Palsy.

The facial nerve, on its way from the brain stem , the junction between the brain and the spinal cord , passes through a narrow bony passage close to the ear. At times of lowered immunity, a dormant virus, usually the chicken pox or cold sore virus can wake up and attack the nerve causing it to swell. The result of the swelling is a constriction of the facial nerve inside that narrow bony passage, which in turn causes the paralysis.Sometimes this can be triggered by an event like trauma such as skull fracture or facial injury. Facial palsy can also occur in association with high blood pressure, diabetes, and tumors.

Bell's palsy can strike anyone, of any age, gender or race, and although it's classified as a "rare" illness, it is common enough that about one in 60 people will experience an episode at some time in their life. The very good news is that most people make a full recovery within the space of a few months.

The thousands of endings into which the facial nerve eventually divides are embedded in cheeks, forehead, lips and eyelids.This was responsible for every emotion from a smile, and a wink to a frown.In facial palsy no matter how hard the brain tries to send messages, from that one point of swelling onwards the face beyond sits there in blissful radio silence cut off and stranded.The paralysis makes half of the face appear to droop.Smile will be one-sided, and the eye on that side resists closing. Symptoms can vary from person to person and range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis. Problems with eating or drinking, impaired speech, an altered or reduced sense of taste, increased sensitivity to sound in the affected ear are the symptoms noted on facial palsy.

According to Ayurveda Bells palsy is correlated as "Ardhita" which is a well known type of disease which has an exclusive involvement of vata dosha in its pathogenesis. The facial nerve manifests the maximum number of symptom and hence it is frequently compared to facial nerve palsy. Medicines like Dhanadanayanadi and Maharasnadi kashayam are usually indicated. External therapies like Thalam, Abhyangam or massaging face with medicated oils like Ksheerabala, Karpasathyadi tailam etc are used according to the clinical condition. Kseeradhoomam is a special type of procedure where the face is fomented with steam of medicated milk or decoctions. Siropichu and Sirovasthy are the head treatments having excellent result in the management of Facial palsy. Among them Sirovasthy( retaining of medicated oil over head for a prescribed period of time )is the important treatment explained in Ayurveda treatment of Ardhita. Nasyam (nasal application) Kabalam (retaining of medicine inside mouth) karnapooranam (application of medicine in the ear) are the other treatments usually indicated in treating Ardhita. Rasayanas like lasunam and Bhallataka are effective in treating Ardhita.Dr. Pathrose, Chief Physician, Parathuvayalil Hospital &Orthopedic Centre, says “the nerve, over the time, is able to recover and regenerate through Ayurveda procedures unless the treatment is done under proper guidance of a medical practitioner.

Certain facial exercises are useful in accelerating the rate of recovery. Since it aggravates vata Patient is advised to avoid cold exposure . Bubble gum chewing is effective as an exercise. Another simple exercise which can be suggested is asking the patient to smile and frown for 10 times at a stretch.

Although it can seem frightening at first, most people with Bell's palsy recover fully within 1 to 3 months."Dealing with a condition like Bell's palsy it's important to eat well and get lots of sleep. Good nutrition and rest will help body to heal itself " Dr. Pathrose added.

Keep Vata at a bay to stay young

Our skin tends to become rough, dry, and irritated during certain seasons especially during winter and with age. According to Ayurveda, it happens due to the accumulation of Vata in the body. Vata predominates in early Winter, and in people over the age of 50. When there is excess Vata, we are prone to dry skin, cracking joints, thinning dry hair, and brittle nails. Vata can also show up in the body earlier if you're really stressed, have a Vata disturbing diet or live in a Vata inducing climate (cold and dry). The secret to staying young is keeping Vata at bay.  Let’s see how we can slow down Vata accumulation and ways to help you stay young and keep your skin beautiful throughout Winter.
  
1. Stick to high-water content vegetables that are easier to digest, such as lettuce, carrot, cucumber, radish, fennel, and tender asparagus tips. These vegetables are good for all types of skin.

2. Adding seeds and nuts into your diet will improve the condition of your skin. Both traditional and Ayurveda medicine agree that Vata is drying by nature so all foods that have natural healthy fats in them will prevent this imbalance. Nuts and seeds are a perfect food they contain Omega-3s, healthy fats, and fiber to help digestion

3.Stay hydrated throughout the day and give preference to warm liquids, such as herbal tea. Making some spicy tea with fresh ginger and lemon will wake you up in the afternoon and keep your digestion healthy, which is important for glowing skin.

4. Exercising is necessary in preventing cold Vata from accumulating. Ayurveda advises exercising to keep your muscles and joints healthy and toned, while helping you sweat out toxins. Exercise will also improve blood circulation, digestion, and give you a healthy blush! Choose the type of exercise that makes you feel good and gives you energy without exhausting you. Whether it is walking, jogging, dancing, yoga, or boxing you should enjoy it and have fun moving your body. 

5. Meditation and breathing can be very effective stress busters that you might want to consider. High levels of emotional and mental stress are one of the major reasons why Vata gets aggravated. It literally sucks out all the vital juices from your skin making it dehydrated.

6. Adequate sleep is a must for healthy skin. Aggravated Vata often causes restlessness which can lead to insomnia. Any skin care professional or Ayurveda doctor will agree on the fact that getting at least seven hours of sleep is a good thing when it comes to having a healthy and glowing complexion. If you have trouble falling asleep, try a full yogic breathing described above or use this one before going to bed.

7. Taking care of your skin from the outside, Staying hydrated on the inside is important but you shouldn't forget about taking care of your skin from the outside as well. Cleansing and moisturizing are the most crucial to keeping your skin healthy and young. An oil massage is the best remedy for dry skin. Abhyanga, a full body oil massage, calms the mind, leaving you feeling grounded yet focused and alert, and balances emotions. For the best absorption, Elaadi oil applied 2-3 times a week before bath makes skin feel very smooth and healthy. According to Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil, Chief physician, Parathuvayalil Hospital & Orthopedic center , Abhyanga stimulates healthy blood circulation, lymph drainage,& reduces water retention in the body thereby prevents vata accumulation and help us to stay young forever.

Patrapotalaswedam : A Herbal Sudation Procedure

Patrapotalaswedam refers to sudation or ooshma sweda performed by specifically prepared medicinal leaves.The word ‘Patrapotala’ is derived from two words ‘patra’ means leaves and ‘potali’ means bundle.This procedure is commonly known as ‘Elakizhi' or ‘Pachakizhi’ in Malayalam.This type ooshma swedana procedure comes under poorva karma (preparatory procedure) before starting Panchakarma (5 purificatory process) in Ayurveda.

The leaves of Arka (Calotropis gigantea), Karanja (Pongamia glabra), Dhatura (Datura metel), Eranda (Ricinus communis), etc of vatahara property are generally used for the preparation of the bundle.Leaves are chopped and mixed with grated coconut and rock salt.Rock salt helps in quick absorption of medicinal property by the body during the procedure.The proportion of the ingredients varies according to the symptoms of the disease.The mixture is warmed in a pan smeared with medicated oil and then tied up in 4 linen bundles to be used for the fomentation.

During the procedure the patient is comfortably made to lie on his/her back on the treatment table. Oil is applied on his head (Thalam) and the body and mild massage (Abhyanga) is given. The poultices are made warm by dipping them in the medicated oil on a gentle fire and applying them on the body placed in 7 different postures, 5-10 minutes in each posture. After the treatment, the patient is advised to take rest for few minutes and hot water bath is given after the rest.

Arthritic conditions, lumbago, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, sciatica, pain and stiffness of joints, post paralytic spasm, other spastic and inflammatory conditions shows proven results with Patrapotalaswedam.

Janu basti : An effective solution for Osteo Arthritis Knee

The term ‘janu’ denotes ‘janu sandhi’ meaning knee joint and ‘basti’ meaning to reside to abide or to retain. This means janu basti is a procedure done on knee joint where medicine is made to retain over the knee for a prescribed time. This procedure is evolved from Shirovasti procedure where oil is retained in head for a prescribed period.

This procedure comes under Baahyasamana Chikitsa (External therapy). On the basis of mode of application Baahyasamana procedures are of different types such as

1. Abyanga which means massaging

2. Sekam or Dhara meaning pouring type

3. Pichu or Aalepa meaning just application type

4. Basti/kabala/ Gandoosha where medicine is retained

In this procedure the healing property of the medicated oil used are especially useful to restore the lubricant fluid in the joint and maintain integrity of the structures involved in the joint.

In Janu Basti two Basti Puta are prepared on the two Knee joints .This can be planned for one knee joint alone  if only one of the joint is involved in the disease process. The main precaution to be taken in this procedure is to stabilize the knee joints so that these could not swing internally or externally. The patient is made to lie on his back on the Droni. Circular ridge made of black gram paste is built up on the Knee Joint. The ring should be of such a size that it covers the whole knee joint.After ensuring that the ring is leak-proof, lukewarm medicinal oil, which alleviates pain and strengthens the joint, is slowly poured into it. The oil used will be according to the clinical condition of the patient.When the oil cools down, it is squeezed out with cotton gauze and the procedure is repeated a few times may be in every 5 minutes.The oil and the receptacle are kept on for about half an hour. After removing them, the affected area may be gently massaged with the same oil. The patient is then made to take rest for a short while.

The healing property of herbal oil used for this basti deeply clean and fortify the blood, build strong muscle and connective tissue, and lubricate the joint especially in treating Osteo arthritis and other knee related diseased conditions.

Benefits of Takra dhara in Ayurveda

The word 'Takra' means butter milk and 'Dhara' means pouring. Dhara with medicated  butter milk is called as  Takra dhara. This is similar to Shiro dhara  but buttermilk is poured onto  the forehead, instead of  herbal oil. Takra dhara involves continuous flow of medicated butter milk to the centre of forehead continuously.

Takra dhara should be done in the prescribed time and duration. After giving head massage medicated Buttermilk is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp.Usually materials like Amalaki choornam , Mustha and Milk are used for the preparation of Takra.Normally the course of the treatment is of 7-14 days and the duration each day is of 45-90 minutes depending on the clinical condition of the patient.

Buttermilk is supposed to have tremendous cooling properties and induces the same to the brain with the intent of relaxing the mind and reducing mental stress.Ayurveda suggests this treatment especially for psychosomatic disorders like psoriasis. It is also a favorite  therapy for people who  complain of migraines and  other specific Pitta disorders,  where cooling and refreshing  therapies are recommended. Apparently this is very commonly used treatment for Vata predominant diseases like Alzheimer’s, insomnia, stress related problems, hypertension etc.

It prevents graying of the hair and hair fall, reduces headaches, increases digestive power and alleviates anorexia. In cases of psoriasis, Dhara is performed on the affected area to have a curative effect. Also this proves very effective in treating scalp problems like dandruff. This treatment relaxes and revitalizes the central nervous system hence helps in strengthening the central nervous system and curing diseases like diabetic neuropathy and paralysis."The excessive secretion of cortisol produced by stress causes rise in blood levels of glucose.This may be reduced due to the relaxation effect of Takra dhara" says Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil, Chief physician, Parathuvayalil Hospital & Orthopedic Centre.Before doing Dhara the patient should be well examined and any contra indications should be excluded.

Takra dhara is believed to have a balancing effect on the deepest recesses of our brains, stimulating the endocrine system, the pituitary and pineal glands (for hormonal imbalances) and pleasure neurotransmitters (for depression or emotional insecurity). It is also said to enhance blood circulation to the brain, improving clarity and releasing deeply trapped Aama, or toxins.

Dietary advice for the management of high Uric acid

High uric acid level can be reduced with a change in diet. Doctors strongly recommend making simple changes in diet like eliminating beef rolls and choosing green leafy vegetables, cabbage and high fiber foods instead for regulating uric acid levels.

High-fiber foods

According to the University of  Maryland Medical Center, adding foods high in dietary fiber may help lower uric acid levels in your blood. Dietary fiber may help absorb uric acid in your bloodstream, allowing it to be eliminated from your body through your kidneys. Increase the consumption of dietary soluble fibers such as Isabgol, Oats, Spinach, and Broccoli to name few.

Cold-pressed olive oil
Use cold-pressed olive oil in cooking instead of shortening, butter or vegetable oils. Oils that have been subjected to heat or processing turn rancid quickly. Rancid fats destroy vitamin E in your body - this vitamin is necessary for controlling uric acid levels. Olive oil helps you avoid the production of excess uric acid, which is associated with the consumption of rancid fats.

Take in a healthy dose of vitamin C
To help reduce the amount of uric acid in your system, regularly taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C will decrease your uric acid levels in a month or two.

Avoid bakery products
Avoid cakes, pastries, cookies and other sugary delights which are rich in saturated fats and trans fats.

Celery seed extract
This is also a popular natural remedy for gout and uric acid problems. The seeds of the celery plant have long been used to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis. Celery possesses sedative, antioxidant and mild diuretic action and is considered a urinary antiseptic. In rare cases, this herb is also used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety and nervous breakdown. Although the seeds of this plant are often used in herbal supplements, the roots may also be used.

Antioxidant-rich foods
Fruits and vegetables such as red bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries, broccoli and grapes are rich sources of antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidants which are vitamins that prevent free radical molecules from attacking your organ and muscle tissue cells may help lower uric acid levels.

Cherries    
Cherries contain chemical compounds that may help neutralize uric acid allowing your body to eliminate this acid as waste. Some researchers recommend consuming 30 to 40 cherries every four hours during an attack.

Apple cider vinegar
It is believed that raw, apple cider vinegar can help alleviate high uric acid levels by changing the pH values of your blood. But it has to be raw, un-distilled, un-pasteurized apple cider vinegar; the kind you get from your local health food store.

Saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and alcohol
All these affect your triglycerides, a type of fat that can clog your arteries and increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes.

High-fructose corn syrup
This is a type of sweetener in soft drinks and other processed foods that can elevate your levels of triglyceride and uric acid - a chemical associated with diabetes, gout, alcoholism, kidney disease and other health problems.


Drink plenty of fluids to help flush uric acid from your body
Drink a minimum of 3 and 1/2 liters of water daily. Water is a medium that aids the kidney to 'strain' the impurities from your body.

Avoid high-protein weight-loss diets which can cause you to produce too much uric acid (hyperuricemia).
Limit meat, poultry and fish - animal proteins are high in purine and this will result in high uric acid levels in the body

Limit or avoid alcohol
Alcohol interferes with the elimination of uric acid from your body. Drinking beer in particular has been linked to gout attacks. If you are prone to uric acid attacks, limit alcohol consumption to one drink three times a week.

Choose complex carbohydrates
Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fewer refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes and candy. Because foods rich in complex carbohydrates promote feelings of fullness, and prevent overeating and are useful in maintaining a healthy weight.

Joint protection techniques to help you stay in control of your rheumatoid arthritis pain

Joint protection is a proven strategy to help you manage rheumatoid arthritis pain and perform daily activities more easily. Arthritic joints can't tolerate as much stress as healthy joints can, so pushing, pulling or twisting motions can be painful. Think about ways you can avoid unnecessarily stressing your joints.

Choose the strongest joint available for the job: Save your smaller, weaker joints for the specific jobs that only they can accomplish. Throughout the day, favor large joints. For example, carry objects with your palm open, distributing the weight equally over your forearm. Slide objects along a counter or workbench rather than lifting them. Use your thigh muscles to rise from a chair instead of pushing off with your hands. To help prevent joint damage, spare your fingers as much work as possible. In particular, try to avoid prolonged pinching or gripping motions. Use tools that help spread the force throughout your palm or arm.  

Use good body mechanics: If you position yourself correctly and use the muscles best suited to a physically demanding task, you can minimize the stress on your joints. Proper body mechanics allow you to use your body more efficiently. Carry heavy objects close to your chest, supporting the weight on your forearms. To pick up items from the floor, stoop by bending your knees and hips. Or sit in a chair and bend over.

Arrange your work area wisely :

While sitting Make sure you have good back and foot support. Your forearms and upper legs should be well supported, resting level with the floor. You may want to raise your chair, to make it easier to get up from it.

For typing If you type at a keyboard for long periods and your chair doesn't have arms, consider using wrist or forearm supports. An angled work surface for reading and writing is easier on your neck. 

While standing The height of your work surface should enable you to work comfortably without stooping.

Keep moving Don't give your joints the chance to become stiff, so keep them moving. When writing or doing handwork, release your grip every 10 to 15 minutes, or when your hand feels fatigued. On long car trips, take breaks every hour or two so you can get out and stretch. Choose aisle seats on airplanes, so you can shift your legs more easily. Move each joint through its full pain-free range of motion at least once a day. It's normal for your joint flexibility to vary from day to day. On sore, stiff days, keep your movements slow and gentle to avoid further damage.

Balance work and rest: Take time to organize your daily tasks. Work at a steady, moderate pace and avoid rushing. Rest before you become fatigued or sore, and alternate light and moderate activities throughout the day. Also try to take periodic stretch breaks.

Understand the difference between the general discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis and the pain from overusing a joint. Take note when an activity causes joint pain so you can avoid or modify the activity next time.
(Courtesy:Mayoclinic)                                                                                                                       

                                       

Ayurveda to better manage Leucorrhoea

Excessive discharge of a white, sticky, foul-smelling material from the vagina is called Leucorrhoea. Generally speaking this condition occurs commonly among weak and anemic women due to unhygienic conditions, infection of the genital tract, impaired immune function and to those women who are constantly under stress. Leucorrhoea may occur normally during pregnancy by increased blood flow to the vagina due to increased estrogen.

Leucorrhoea could be a sign of several disease processes, including an organic bacterial infection. If the discharge is thick and white and there is an itching sensation, it may be due to vaginal thrush, caused by a yeast-like fungus, the commonest cause of leucorrhoea. It may also occur in women suffering from diabetes or those who are being treated with antibiotics for some other condition.

If the discharge is greenish-yellow and has an unpleasant smell, it could be due to trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease. It may also be transmitted via toilet articles from one woman to another. If a low back, or an abdominal pain accompanies the discharge, and you feel sick, it may be due to pelvic inflammatory disease. Leucorrhoea may also be noticed in females who are suffering from tuberculosis, anemia as also in those who have a general low resistance power, maintain poor local hygiene and those who use excess of vaginal medications such as strong disinfectants.

In Ayurveda, Leucorrhoea is known as Shveta Pradaram where Shveta means ‘white’, and Pradaram means ‘discharge’ Ayurveda considers that leucorrhoea is caused by the vitiation of kapha dosha. Kapha, along with other factors, can impair the Rasa Dhatu (nutrient plasma) present in the vaginal tract, ultimately leading to the painless discharge of white colored fluid from the vagina.

According to Dr. Pathrose, Chief Physician, Parathuvayalil Hospital & Orthopedic centre, washing the affected area with Thriphala Kashaya (Thriphala kshalanam) is found to be very effective in treating Leucorrhoea especially to reduce the itchiness. Also internal medicines like Musalikhadiradi Kashaya, Chandraprabha vati, Pushyanuga choornam are all proven medications for Leucorrhoea. Chewing of Betel nut after meals has a curative effect and also prevents further development of the disease. Asoka Ghrita, Satavari gulam are other medications which found effective in treating Shveta Pradaram.

Ayurveda advises some guidelines to be followed by patients with Shveta Pradaram .Patients are advised to avoid fried, sour and spicy foods. Fruits, vegetables, and salads should be included in patients diet. Increase liquids in the diet, such as water which helps to flush out the toxins. The most important factor is to maintain  a proper hygiene, always wear clean cotton under garments. Pat dry the vaginal area after washing it 1-2 times daily with plenty of water.     

Get rid of those excess fat in subcutaneous tissue through Udwarthana

Udwarthanam is special therapeutic deep tissue massage using herbal medicinal powders. Unlike other massage Udwarthanam is against the course of hair follicle and towards the direction of the heart, is much deeper and drier than the others.

This procedure helps in the stimulation of the adipose tissue hence resulting in the breakdown of unwanted fat from the body. A sought after management of high cholesterol, people with body mass more than ideal stipulated norms, helps impart mobility to the joints, strengthens the muscles and refreshes the body and successful in weight loss management by increasing the basic metabolic rate.

According to Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil, Chief physician, Parathuvayalil hospital and Orthopedic Centre, Udwarthanam is useful in the following conditions like Motor Neuron Disorder, Parkinsonism, Muscular dystrophy, Multiple sclerosis, Hemiplegia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cerebral palsy, Skin diseases, Diabetes mellitus and Obesity.Kolakulathyadi choornam, Thriphala choornam, Jeevaneeya gana choornam are usually taken according to the condition of the patient.This procedure is done for nearly 35 -40 min followed by a steam bath.

Udwarthanam pacifies the aggravated Kapha dosha thereby reduces the excess fat accumulated in the subcutaneous tissues. Softens and exfoliates dead skin cells, thereby giving a lustrous glow to skin.

“Udwarthanam Kaphaharam Medasaha Pravilayanam
Sthireekaranam Anganam Tvak prasadakaram Param ”

Meaning: Udwarthanam pacifies kapha dosha; liquefies the fat; stabilizes the body parts; best to improve the complexion of the skin.

(Ref: Ashtanga Sangraha)

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, most common type of tendon inflammation in Mothers

This disease is also known as Gamers’ thumb, Washerwoman’s sprain, Radial styloid tenosynovitis, de Quervain’s disease, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, de Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis, Mother's wrist, Mommy thumb.

It is one of the most common types of tendon lining inflammation, also called tenosynovitis. The swollen tendons and their coverings cause friction within the narrow tunnel or sheath through which they pass. If a particular motion is repeated day after day, it may irritate the sheath around the two tendons, causing thickening that restricts the movement of the tendons. The result is pain that may extend from the forearm to the thumb base. De Quervain’s was named after the Swiss surgeon who first described the condition in 1895.

People between the ages of 30 and 50 have a higher risk of developing de Quervain's tenosynovitis than those in other age groups. The condition is more common in women than in men, and it may be associated with pregnancy. Baby care, which involves using your thumbs as leverage to lift your child hundreds of times a day, may also be associated with the condition.


The condition can occur gradually or suddenly. Often, its cause is unknown. Jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive hand and wrist motions like Gardening, racquet sports, and various workplace tasks are some activities that can aggravate the condition. Overuse, a direct trauma or injuries to the thumb, repetitive grasping and certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can all trigger the disease.

Symptoms
•    Pain may travel into the thumb or forearm.
•    Thumb motion may be difficult and painful, particularly when pinching or grasping objects
•    Swelling and pain on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb.
•    The pain aggravates with thumb and wrist motion.
•    Pain, if direct pressure is applied to the area.
•    A "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in thumb when trying to move it

The test most frequently used to diagnose de Quervain’s disease is the Finkelstein test. Make a fist with your thumb placed in your palm. When the wrist is suddenly bent to the little finger side the swollen tendons are pulled through the tight space. If this maneuver is very painful, it is likely that you have de Quervain’s disease.
 
Wearing a splint 24 hours a day for  four to six weeks ,immobilize the affected area ,abstaining from any activities that may aggravate the condition, Ice application to reduce inflammation,anti-inflammatory medication or injection and if all the above efforts does not respond surgery may be indicated. Surgical release of the tight sheath eliminates the friction that worsens the inflammation, thus restoring the tendons’ smooth gliding capability. The risks and complications of surgery include nerve injury, infection, bleeding, stiffness of thumb, recurrence, pain or numbness at the incision.

The main benefit of Ayurveda treatment is to lessen the pain and improve mobility and function says Dr Pathrose, Chief Physician, Pathrose Parathuvayalil Hospital and Orthopedic Centre, Kerala. With the aid of Prachannam, a type of Rakthamoksha one among the Panchakarma Procedures, de Quervain’s disease can be well managed in Ayurveda. He also suggests avoiding excessive movements such as hand and wrist twisting, pinching and forceful gripping for those having this kind of tenosynovitis.


 

Sleeping helps in detoxifying your brain!

Researchers from University of Rochester Medical Centre (URMC) recently discovered a mechanism that removes waste products from the brain that is mainly active during sleep. This revelation could transform scientific understanding of what sleep is for, and how it works and offers new directions for brain disease treatments.

This study shows that the brain has different functional states when asleep and when awake. In fact, the restorative nature of sleep appears to be the result of the active clearance of the by-products of neural activity that accumulate during wakefulness."

In 2012, Maiken Nedergaard of URMC reported about a system that drains waste from the brain. He named it as "glymphatic system," because it acts like the body's lymphatic system but is managed by brain cells known as glial cells. The glymphatic system clears away toxins or waste products that could be responsible for brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.

In the current study, they conducted a series of new experiments on glymphatic system and found that the system is nearly 10 times more active during sleep. They also noted that the sleeping brain removes significantly more amounts of one toxic proteins viz. amyloid-beta which is implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

The brain only has limited energy at its disposal and it appears that it must [choose] between two different functional states - awake and aware or asleep and cleaning up. You can think of it like having a house party. You can either entertain the guests or clean up the house, but you can't really do both at the same time, says Dr. Nedergaard. Understanding precisely how and when the brain activates the glymphatic system and clears waste is a critical first step in efforts to potentially modulate this system and make it work more efficiently. Further findings on glymphatic system are very promising in arriving at an effective solution in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of dirty brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Managing the Back Pain in Women after Delivery

Back pain, especially the low back pain observed in woman after the child delivery is called Post-Partum Back Pain.

During pregnancy, expansion of the uterus stretches and weakens the abdominal muscles and alters the posture which causes strain on the back. Long or difficult labor, hormonal changes during and after the delivery, improper posture and the extra weight gained poses repetitive stress on low back region leading to back pain. Women who
have had  episodes of back pain before or during pregnancy are more likely to have persistent pain after giving birth. Incidence of Post-Partum Back Pain is rampant in C-section. The surgical incisions made to deliver the baby in C- section disrupt the stability of spine causing the pain.

Back Pain after delivery usually subsides in a few months, though some women will continue to have pain for much longer. Though less alarming, this condition if not addressed properly can result in persistent back pain which further aggravates to unbearable levels. Maintaining the right posture remains at the forefront of back pain management. Mothers should also be encouraged to nurse the infant in a proper seated position.

Not all are aware of treatment options for this condition. Ayurveda stresses equally on pre natal care (Garbhini paricharya) as well as post natal care (Soothika paricharya). 

In Ayurvedic terms, giving birth is one of the most significant disturbances of Vata dosha that can occur in a woman’s body. Low back Pain and muscle spasms occur as a result of this Vata elevation. Specific procedures are mentioned in the post delivery period to restore the balance of vitiated doshas.

Right from the fourth month of pregnancy, Ayurveda recommends ‘Abhyangam’, application of certain medicated oils like Dhanwantharam in low back region along with the intake of Dhanwantharam gutika in order to regulate Vata dosha. This practice is recommended after giving birth also. 

Abhyangam helps to strengthen the ligaments, muscles, tendons and joints of the whole body especially spine. This not only soothes the skin but also relieves the pain. Medicated Grithas (ghee) & Kashayas (decoction) prepared with Vata balancing herbs like Dashamoola & Bala are administered internally. “Thengin Pookuladi Lehyam”, an effective herbal formulation is also used in the management of Post-Partum Back Pain.

Sciatica: Nerve pain from irritation of the sciatic nerve

Sciatica refers to leg pain starting from the low back region, along the buttock, down towards the back of thigh and calf which makes standing or sitting difficult.

Sciatic nerve starts in the lower spine and runs down the back of each leg. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg. It also provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot. Sciatica occurs when this sciatic nerve becomes pinched, usually by a herniated disc in your spine or by an overgrowth of bone (bone spur) on your vertebrae.

 The pain most often occurs on one side. Sciatica pain may feel like a dull ache, burning sensation, tingling sensation on prolonged standing, sitting, or walking. In some cases, the pain is severe enough to make a person unable to move. The pain even flares up on sneezing, coughing or sometimes laughing. Numbness may also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak sometimes.

Sciatica is not a disease, it is a symptom of conditions in which sciatic nerve gets irritated. Most common condition is Inter Vertebral Disc Prolapse in which a prolapsed disc of spine compresses the sciatic nerve. Sciatic pain also occurs in Spondylolysthesis where one vertebra slips over the other and in the narrowing of spinal canal. Tests such as straight leg rising can pinpoint which nerve root is affected.

Ayurveda describes sciatica as “Gridhrasi” (Gridhra means Eagle), as the gait of the affected person resembles that of an eagle’s walk and the inflamed nerve appears like eagle’s beak.  According to Ayurveda sciatica is caused by the aggravation of Vata dosha that has resulted from the strain to low back region. Factors such as constipation, cold weather etc. can aggravate this.  Ayurveda treatment aims at bringing back the aggravated dosha to equilibrium and thereby to the state of health.

Dr Pathrose Parathuvayalil, Chief Physician, Parathuvayalil Hospital and Orthopedic Centre, Kerala says that depending on the necessity and condition of the patient different Panchakarma therapies such as Virechana and Vasthy are done in sciatica.  Herbal medications and external therapies which pacify the inflammation such as kadivasthy, medicated lepanams etc. are also done. As Ayurveda addresses the root cause of the issue rather than the symptoms, results are stable.