 DEHA PRAKRUTHI: A Unique Contribution of Ayurveda
The characteristic personality of an individual determined by the combination of the three doshas is termed as Prakruthi. The concept of Deha Prakruthi is a strong foundation put forth by ayurveda in understanding human constitution. The escalated state of doshas at the time of conception along with various other factors like the quality of sperm and ovum, condition of the uterus, diet and regimens followed by the couples, climatic changes and results of the past deeds etc determines prakruthi. The present description is in the context of Deha Prakruthi. The word Prakruthi means nature or personality and Deha Prakruthi refers to the natural body constitution. Often we see patients coming up with a request to assess their prakruthi. A skilled physician can find out the prakruthi or the body constitution of the individual through nadee pareksha and by certain other means of examinations like darshana (observation), sparshana (palpation) and prashna (interrogation). Deha Prakruthi has an effect on the body, mind and spiritual make up of an individual. It is genetically determined to an extent which is susceptible to environmental changes. The approach of ayurveda on analysing Deha Prakruthi is quiet detailed and vivid. Lets see how to apply the knowledge of Deha Prakruthi in the field of maintaing and preserving health along with diagnosing and treatment principles. Despite the fact that there are similarities in mankind, every individual differs from each other in many aspects. Knowledge about ones own Deha Prakruthi helps one to maintain health by adhering to conducive diet and regimens suitable to each climate. One can understand the bodily requirements in a better way and can adopt proper lifestyle. This also helps us to find out which are the diseases one is more prone to suffer from and can act accordingly beforehand. Deha Prakruthi is the foremost factor which contributes to early prediction of a disease, prevention of the possible effects of the disease or to reduce the worsening of the symptoms, successful prognosis followed by proper selection of the drugs and line of treatment. For example, a Kapha Prakruthi individual is prone to suffer from respiratory ailments as kapha dosha occupies the upper part of the body predominantly. The middle portion of the body is the seat of pitta and so a pitta prakruthi person is likely to suffer from gastric problems. Since the lower part of the body is vata predominant, a vata prakruthi person is more susceptible to diseases affecting the locomotor or nervous system. Prakruthi of an individual indcates the physical strength or weakness. It is told that kapha prakruthi person have more inbuilt strength, whereas vata prakruthi person is more susceptible to disease as he has less strength and pitta prakruthi person has medium strength. Similarly the nature of the bowel habits are also related to ones prakruthi. A vata prakruthi individual is prone to be constipative, pitta prakruthi person would have a loose consistency of the bowels and a kapha prakruthi person would have medium to normal consistency of bowel movements. Hence this knowledge is utilised to diagnose, treat disease and maintain health. An individuals health can undergo slight changes with respect to seasonal variations or due to natural changes where in this knowledge of Deha Prakruthi can be applied. During climatic changes one can slowly adopt particular regimens suitable for their prakruthi as well. Today, most of the diseases we come across are self generated through faulty diet and life style. Autoimmune diseases are increasing at an alarming rate. In such a scenario, analyzing the deha prakruthi helps one to switch over to healthy habits. Unlike, a common diet and regimen, more individualised approach will prove beneficial. Hence, meeting the needs of the body assures good health and peace of mind. An individual can make informed choices as per his bodily requirements. This ultimately helps to achieve a balanced personal, professional and social life.
0 Comments
 ASHTANGA AYURVEDA
Learning Ayurveda is like swimming across a vast ocean of knowledge. Most of us are quiet familiar with the term Ashtanga Ayurveda (8 limbs of Ayurveda). The concepts of Ayurveda are so expansive and vivid. It has no equivalent in other systems of medicine. For the better understanding of this vast science, our ancient seers divided this whole treatise into 8 different sections. Like the branches of a tree from the same trunk, the 8 branches of Ayurveda rooted on the same fundamental basic principles reach the same goal. Let’s have a look at these 8 branches of Ayurveda and what it deals with in general.
Most of us are unaware of these facilities available in Ayurveda. This would be an eye opener for those who feel that Ayurveda is only for the old age or for those with history of stroke or so. Apart from the above mentioned branches, there are texts in Ayurveda which explains the various conditions of plants called Vrkshayurvdea, health conditions of animals like elephants, horses, cows etc called Hastiayurveda/ Gajayurveda, Aswayurveda and Mrgayurveda or Pashuayurveda. Though it is a traditional ancient living system of medicine with a sound philosophical background, there is yet a need for advanced research/ acceptability for the promotion of Ayurveda.  Curd lovers- satiate your cravings
The science of medicine- Ayurveda that originated in ancient India has a huge treasure of knowledge about the eating habits for staying hale and hearty. Curd is one of the popular milk products that’s enjoyed by many along with their meals. The creamy, slightly sour, curd has been a part of our diet and of our ancestors since the Vedic times. Made by souring boiled milk naturally, curd has a wide variety of bacteria that nurture our digestive system and boost the overall immunity This fermented food is sour in taste and is extremely healthy for the stomach. It is good for the gut and moisturizes the skin as well. It helps in boosting the immune system, improves the digestion and contributes to weight loss..A powerhouse of riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid, curd also has lactic acid which helps in absorption of nutrients Curd is sour in taste, hot in nature, is heavy to digest increases fat , improves strength, increases kapha and pitta (reduced Vata) and improves agni Avoid making these mistakes while eating curd *One should not consume curd at night. The curd is heavy to digest. It is also hot in potency. Therefore, when consumed at night, it may interfere with your sleep as extra energy is required for its digestion. It also triggers the secretion of mucus making the condition adverse for individuals suffering from asthma. As per the Ayurveda, curd pacifies vata, but increases kapha and pitta dosha. During the night, the Kapha Dosha upsurges. Thus, if the curd is consumed during the night, the effect of Kapha Dosha is augmented. In case you cannot refrain yourself from eating curd at night, you can eat it only after adding a pinch of black pepper and rock salt. Other options such as ghee, amla, and honey can also be added to curd when you consume it at night. Alternatively, you can substitute curd by buttermilk. It will help in clearing the mucus secretions. *Curd should not be heated . if you heat the curd, it can alter its properties which can lead to suffocation and swelling in your body. *The daily consumption of curd is prohibited in Ayurveda. It is because curd is known to be heavy in nature and increases inflammation in the body. The only variation that can be consumed on a regular basis is churned buttermilk that has added spices such as rock salt, black pepper and cumin. *One should always avoid eating curd when a person has a bleeding disorder. Thus, if you are someone who has heavy period flow or nasal bleeding, it is considered best to avoid curd at all in your meals. *Do not mix your curd with fruits as it is a channel blocker incompatible food. Long-time consumption would trigger metabolic issues and allergies. *Curd is incompatible with meat and fish. Any combination of curd cooked along with meats such as chicken, mutton, or fish will produce toxins in the body.  Within Ayurveda, tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One,” “Mother
Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs,” and is revered as an “elixir of life” that is without equal for both its medicinal and spiritual properties. Characteristics of the Tulsi Plant A member of the basil family (Lamiaceae), its leaves can be green or purple, depending on the variety. Tulsi has a pungent rasa (taste), a heating veerya (energetic effect), and a pungent vipaka (post-digestive effect). Balancing for vata and kapha doshas, it may increase pittha in excess. Not just one, there are three different types of tulsi According to Ayurvedic texts, the three different types of tulsi are: rama (green leaf) tulsi, shyama (purple leaf) tulsi, and vana (wild leaf) tulsi. Although all three types of tulsi have their uses in Ayurveda, green leaved rama-tulsi is the most widely used. What Is Tulsi Used For? Tulsi has many benefits for the body, mind, and spirit, offering support on both physical and subtle levels. Some of the benefits of tulsi include: The herb stimulates neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for including happiness and energy. Chewing 10-12 fresh Tulsi leaves control stress and manage anxiety. Tulsi is renowned for its support of the lungs, removing kapha buildup, and promoting healthy, uncongested breathing. Tulsi helps promote healthy weight management thanks to its effect in the adipose tissue layer Balancing Vata and Kapha Doshas. In addition to its ability to balance kapha in the lungs, it also balances excess kapha and vata in the head and nerves, and is often used to soothe vata in the digestive tract Skin Care Properties of Tulsi help prevent the formation of acne. Juice of Tulsi leaves is used in treating ringworm and skin disorders. This beneficial herb as skin ointments for treating leucoderma. It also prevents premature ageing and keeps the skin healthy. Vitamin C and A, phytonutrients, in Holy Basil are great antioxidants and protect the skin from almost all the damages caused by free radicals.It can also reduce the itchiness of the scalp as well as control hair fall. Extracts made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength. Tulsi plant is known to enhance livers health which is why it aids in improving the digestion system. The decoction of tulsi leaves, neem leaves, powder of ginger and powder of long pepper has the ability to reduce fever and its symptoms considerably. Tulsi leaves show a positive impact in reducing cholesterol level in the body, thereby helpful in preventing cardiac diseases. Eugenol also proves useful in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone health and heart health. Tulsi acts a mild diuretic & detoxifying agent which helps in lowering the uric acid levels in the body. Acetic acid present in holy basil helps in the breakdown of the stones. Tulsi is a natural headache reliever which can also relieve migraine pain. A decoction of tulsi leaves makes a good medicine for headache. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can be applied on the forehead for relief. Holy basil destroys the bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, and bad breath, while also protecting the teeth. Tulsi tea can be effective in managing type 2 Diabetes. It’s one of the most preferred herbal teas for managing Diabetes. Tulsi contains zinc and vitamin C, two components that help fight infections. Daily intake of Tulsi leaves helps to boost immunity. Side effects of tulsi Leaves Affects male and female fertility In a study conducted on animals, it was discovered that tulsi could lower sperm motility and count in animals when consumed in large quantities. It is wise for males with infertility issues to prevent this negative effect by lowering the consumption of the herb Lowers blood sugar Tulsi is known to reduce blood sugar levels. However, if a person is currently taking Diabetes medication, consuming tulsi leaves could increase the effect and cause the sugar level to drop too low. Harmful to those patients on blood-thinners Blood thinning is a known side effect of the tulsi plant. People who use anti- clotting medicine should avoid basil leaf consumption. Pregnancy Tulsi leaves can have an impact on the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. In extreme circumstances, it may even result in miscarriage. The herb may lead to potentially harmful uterine contractions. Damages tooth enamel Tulsi leaves shouldn’t be chewed since they contain mercury, which harms the enamel.Tulsi contains mercury, which when chewed, releases in the mouth and damages and discolours the teeth. Additionally, tulsi leaves are acidic by nature, but the mouth is alkaline, which can hasten the deterioration of the tooth enamel. To prevent tooth discolouration, one should just swallow them down.  Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that severely affects one’s memory, thinking, learning, organizing, reasoning, and analyzing skills; and the ability to carry out simple daily activities It’s the most common cause of dementia. An Alzheimer’s disease is a physical disease that progressively affects the brain. It’s a progressive disease in the sense that, it gradually affects and damages more part of the brain, over time.
As the condition gets worse, the patients face difficulties with-
What causes AD: The cause of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. About 70% of the risk is believed to be genetic with many genes usually involved. Other risk factors include a history of Head injuries, Depression and Hypertension. Ayurvedic Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease:
 BRAHMI: THE AYURVEDA HERB OF GRACE
Brahmi is often known for its benefits on brain health. Vallarai Keerai is a time-tested herb in Ayurveda, that is categorized as a “Medhya Rasayana” plant, meaning natural produce that remarkably promotes mental faculties, mood, memory and thinking However, that doesn’t explain everything about how it can be helpful. Here’s a more comprehensive list of benefits: Brahmi can help enhance memory, increase intelligence, and boost concentration. Brahmi can decrease the cortisol levels in the body and reduces stress and anxiety Brahmi supplements are cooling and relaxing and can make excellent supplements for optimizing Pitta. It can help calm the Vata in the mind and can help eliminate excess Kapha in the body. It is one of the top Ayurvedic herbs to help reduce stress. Vallarai Keerai, also known as Gotu Kola, is a powerful medicinal herb that confers immense health benefits primarily for enhancing brain activity and nervous system functioning, besides mitigating joint pain in arthritis, healing stomach ulcers and decreasing stress, anxiety. Scientifically known as Centella Asiatica, this green leafy plant is locally called “Vallarai Keerai” in Tamil, “Mandukaparni” in Sanskrit, “Sarswati” in Hindi and “Swaraswataku” in Telugu. Vallarai keerai is a popular green leafy vegetable utilised extensively in conventional South Indian cooking. The other segments of the plant, namely the stem, flowers and fruits are also used in numerous natural home remedies for skin ailments like eczema, boosting memory, aiding in digestion, in Ayurveda practice in India as well as in traditional Chinese medicine. Vallarai Keerai Nutrition Facts: A flourishing herbal wonder, vallarai keerai abounds in Vitamin C. It is also low in calories to help maintain body weight and supplies adequate essential dietary fibers and proteins. Furthermore, it also offers the key spectrum of B vitamins to regulate metabolism and cellular energy requirements. Vallarai Keerai Benefits For Health: Improves Brain Functions Consuming a small portion of vallarai keerai as part of daily diet stimulates the neurotransmitter activity in the CNS, thereby ensuring normal relay of nerve signals from the brain to the other organs in the body, as well as heightened cognitive abilities. Boosts Immune System Consuming just a moderate quantity of vallarai keerai will satisfy the daily vitamin C requirement in healthy adults. Maintains Heart Health It also functions in promoting cardiac muscle activity, lowers the amounts of bad LDL cholesterol and raises levels of good HDL cholesterol. Relaxes Muscle Cramps The significantly high mineral content in vallarai keerai makes it an ideal option to provide relief from muscle sores and cramps. Treats Constipation Consuming some vallarai keerai soup also efficiently relieves intestinal conditions like constipation and indigestion. Fortifies Bones The calcium present in vallarai keerai is absorbed by bones in the body, thereby helping to maintain optimal bone density for day-to-day functions and flexible, unobstructed movement. Combats Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Vallarai keerai offers profuse amounts of vitamin C that confers anti- inflammatory properties to reduce swelling in the bladder, which is more common in women than men. Helps Cure Anemia Taking some vallarai keerai salad with meals will guarantee ample uptake of iron, from foods, into the system and promote red blood cell synthesis and blood passage. Ensures Deep Sleep Insomnia and anxiety are a result of an agitated, nervous, panicked mental state and Gotu kola is an excellent tranquilising agent that soothes stress, tension, promotes sound uninterrupted sleep at night, alleviates undue worry and augments brain health. Vallarai keerai is a panacea for human health, offering marvellous benefits for maintaining brain functions, heart health, lung, liver and kidney operations. It also supports strong bones and muscles and is a proven herb for healing depression, anxiety and mental stress. Effect On Doshas Vallarai Keerai, in essence, has a slightly madhura rasa (sweet taste) with intrinsically laghu and ruksha gunas (light and dry qualities). It possesses ushna virya (heating potency), balancing the kapha (earth and water) dosha (element) while excessively influencing pitta (fire and water) and vata (air and ether) doshas. Moreover, it fosters the positive and equalizing states of mind namely sattva and rajas, effectively eliminating tamas or a negative mindset. Ameliorates Depression Symptoms It is also a wonderful solution for improving conditions of memory loss and nerve decline in neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and others. Offers Anti-Aging Benefits Eating a gotu kola salad or drinking the juice will also help to boost the production of collagen, a protein essential for maintaining the elasticity and firmness of skin texture. |