Relieving Knee Pain with Ayurveda

Knee pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages and can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Whether it’s due to an injury, arthritis, or overuse, the discomfort and limitation in mobility can be frustrating. While conventional treatments like pain relievers and surgery are available, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to managing and treating knee pain. In this blog, we will explore the causes of knee pain, Ayurvedic principles behind it, and natural treatments to find lasting relief.

Understanding Knee Pain in Ayurveda:

In Ayurveda, knee pain is often attributed to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which represents the elements of air and ether. When Vata is aggravated, it can cause dryness, stiffness, and pain in the joints. However, other doshas can also play a role, especially in cases where inflammation is present, such as in rheumatoid arthritis.

Common Causes of Knee Pain:

  1. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the synovial (lining of the membranes that surround the joints), causing pain and inflammation.
  3. Injuries: Knee injuries, such as ligament tears (ACL or MCL) or meniscus tears, can lead to chronic knee pain.
  4. Overuse: Repetitive strain on the knee joint, often seen in athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs, can result in pain and discomfort.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Knee Pain:

Ayurveda emphasizes on treating the root cause, so first (@ Ayurvidhi Clinic) we diagnose according to Ayurvedic way by taking detailed case history. As per it by making final Diagnosis we start treatment as per dosha and the disease.

  1. Diet and Nutrition: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet to maintain healthy joints. Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic, can help reduce knee pain. Ghee (clarified butter) is also beneficial for lubricating the joints.
  2. Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Dashamool, Guggul are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. They can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, tablets or as part of Ayurvedic formulations.
  3. Massage and Other Therapy: Abhyanga, (the practice of self-massage with warm herbal oils) can alleviate knee pain. Mahanarayan oil, which contains a blend of herbs, is commonly used for joint pain relief. Few other treatments like Pottali Massage, Janu Basti (putting oil on the knee for specific timing) helps to relieve the pain also helps in painless movement of the joint.
  4. Basti: A course of basti helps to elevate the pain of knee by providing the nourishment and keeping the Vaata doshas in check which is a major cause for Knee pain.

Treatment and medicine mentioned above are only for the purpose of information please consult to your Ayurveda Doctor before consuming any ayurvedic medicine.

At Ayurvidhi Clinic (Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatment Centre) we provide best ayurvedic & panchakarma treatment for knee pain and other joint pain problem.

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Monsoon Detox: Revitalize with Basti Panchakarma in Ayurvedic Healing

Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation process, that has been practiced for centuries in India and beyond. Among its various forms, “Basti” or “Vasti” Panchakarma holds a prominent place in the therapeutic index. This therapeutic procedure involves administering medicated enemas to detoxify the body and restore its balance. Interestingly, the rainy season is considered an ideal time to undergo Basti Panchakarma due to its unique benefits and alignment with nature’s rhythms. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of the Basti procedure especially in the rainy season, its numerous advantages, and its relevance in modern times.

The Rainy Season and Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, the human body is influenced by the changing seasons. Each season has its qualities, and these qualities can impact our dosha (bio-energies) – Vaata, Pitta, and Kapha. The rainy season is characterized by increased humidity and moisture, which can aggravate Vaata dosha in the body. Vaata imbalances can lead to various health issues like digestive problems, joint pain, and anxiety. To counter these imbalances, Ayurveda recommends specific therapies and practices, and one of them is Basti Panchakarma.

Basti Panchakarma involves the administration of medicated herbal enemas to cleanse the colon and remove accumulated toxins from the body. It is a deeply therapeutic process that helps balance Vaata dosha and promotes overall well-being. The procedure typically lasts for a few days and is performed by trained Ayurvedic practitioners.

Types of Basti Procedure:

  1. Niruha Basti: The Basti constitution made of medicine decoction along with some oil and honey emulsification is called niruha basti or kadha basti in layman’s terms.
  2. Anuvasana Basti: Basti constituted only by medicated oil is Anuvasana basti or tail basti.
  3. Matra Basti: Oil Basti introduced in a specific quantity is known as matra basti.

Duration of Basti:

The duration of Basti treatment is determined accordingly to the person’s health condition the necessity of the panchakarma procedure and the chronicity of the disease. Generally, it is been advised in the terms 8 days, 15 days, 21 days, or 30 days duration. It’s a physician’s call to choose the duration according to the patient’s health.

Benefits of Basti Panchakarma in the Rainy Season

  1. Detoxification: The rainy season can lead to an accumulation of toxins in the body due to increased humidity and weakened digestive fire. Basti Panchakarma helps eliminate these toxins and purify the system, reducing the risk of various diseases.
  2. Improved Digestion: The increased Vaata during the rainy season can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. Basti helps pacify Vaata and improves digestion, promoting a healthy gut.
  3. Joint Health: Vaata imbalances can manifest as joint pain and stiffness, which are common during the rainy season. Basti therapy provides lubrication to the joints and reduces inflammation, alleviating joint-related problems.
  4. Enhanced Immunity: By removing toxins and balancing the dosha, Basti Panchakarma strengthens the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections and illnesses that are prevalent during the rainy season.
  5. Mental Well-being: The calming and grounding effects of Basti help soothe the nervous system, reducing stress, and anxiety, and promote mental clarity.
  6. Skin Health: Skin problems like acne and rashes can be aggravated during the monsoon. Basti Panchakarma helps purify the blood and detoxify the skin, promoting a clear and healthy complexion.

As shown above the benefits of basti panchakarma during the monsoon season are indeed

Relevance in Modern Times

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, the importance of traditional healing practices like Basti Panchakarma cannot be overlooked. The constant exposure to pollution, processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles contributes to the accumulation of toxins in our bodies. This toxic burden can lead to chronic health issues and a compromised immune system.

Basti Panchakarma offers a holistic and natural approach to detoxification and rejuvenation. Its benefits extend beyond the physical realm and encompass mental and emotional well-being. In a world where stress and anxiety are prevalent, this ancient therapy provides a much-needed opportunity to reset and reconnect with oneself.

Moreover, Basti Panchakarma is a complete Ayurvedic treatment for diseases.

Conclusion

Basti Panchakarma is a time-tested therapeutic procedure that brings harmony to the body and mind by aligning with the rhythms of nature. Embracing this ancient Ayurvedic practice, especially during the rainy season, can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being. By detoxifying the body, boosting immunity, and promoting mental clarity, Basti Panchakarma proves its relevance and importance in modern times. So, this monsoon, consider experiencing the healing power of Basti and embark on a journey of wellness and rejuvenation. Remember to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing any Panchakarma therapy to ensure it suits your individual needs and health conditions.

Ayurvidhi clinic is best for the Basti panchakarma treatment.

At Ayurvidhi Clinic we offer the best ayurvedic treatment and provide the best panchakarma therapy on Porwal Road, Lohegaon, Pune.

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11 Yoga-asana you should start this International Yoga Day!!!

 Yoga is a word derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means to connect. It helps to maintain the connection between mind, body & soul.  Nowadays yoga is popularised for maintaining health and body posture.

Let’s find some easy yoga-asana that you can do easily at home to maintain your health:

1. Tadasana (ताडासन):

This is a standing asana done standing straight and raising hands above.

Benefits: Helps to develop steadiness in the body. Releases stress on arms, legs, and back muscles.

2. Paad-angushthasana (पाद-अंगुष्ठ-आसन): This asana is one of the basic. In simple terms touching your own toes. It can be done while standing or sitting on the ground.

Benefits: Beneficial for spine health. Also helps to relive the abdomen pain that occurs during menstruation

3. Vrukshasana (वृक्षासान): This is a tree similar position created by standing on one leg with other folded and relaxed on the thigh of other muscle.

Benefits: Helps to develop the balance, concentration.

4. Trikonasana (त्रिकोणासन): Triangle pose made by touching our feets with crossed leg with wide open apart.

Benefits: Helps to release the stress of spine by twisting of muscles attached to it. Muscles of hips are stretched which helps in people having sitting jobs.

5. Vajrasana (वज्रासन): Thunderbolt pose or diamonds pose. This is simple sitting pose by kneeling and sitting back on legs to take weight off your knees.

Benefits: It is beneficial to do this asana for few minutes after meal to improve digestion. Also helps to improve strength of muscles of thigh and calves.

6. Shashakasana (शशंकासन) : Rabbit pose done by first sitting in vajrasana and then bending forward and stretching the arms.

Benefits: Helps to releves the stress and tension. Improves gut health and helps in constipation.

7. Bhujangasana (भुजंगसन): Cobra pose done sleeping on your belly then lifting the upper body from hip with help of hands.

Benefits: Helps to relieve stress. Helps to stretched abdomen which improves gut health. Good to improve the respiratory system.

8. Padmasana (पद्मासन): Lotus Pose. It is a modified Indian sitting pose done by crossed leg and resting feet on either laps facing upwards.

Benefits: Ideal for meditation. Improves muscle strength of hip muscle and thigh muscle. This asana helps to upward the blood flow toward navels which helps to improve the digestion and gut health.

9. Ardhahalasana (अर्धहलासन): This is the asana done sleeping back on and lifting both legs from hips by making 90 degree angle in the leg and hip.

Benefits: Relieves muscle tension of calf muscle and feet.

10. Pawanmuktasana (पवनमुक्तासन): This asana performed by one leg hold closed to the stomach while other is rotated in the air making an imaginary circle.

Benefits: Helps to release gases and flatulence. Helps in digestion.

11. Surya-namaskara (सूर्य नमस्कार): A complete yoga-asana actively involves all the muscle of body. It is set of  asana done in a uniformly active speed of motion.  It is good combination of asana and pranayama.

Benefits: Helps to stretch every muscle of body and release its tension. It helps to improves digestion and the gut health.

Precaution to be taken:

People suffering from arthritis, severe osteoporosis, old age patient are advised to by expert advise.

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Ayurveda & Environment: What we need to know

Ayurveda is the science of life. And life is dependent on the environmental factors present around us.

Ayurveda is a health science developed from the studies done by the Ayurveda rushi (experts) by observing the daily activities in nature.

The basic concept of Ayurveda is based on the theory of Panchamahabhuta. They are Akasha, Vayu, Teja, Jala & Prithvi; and these all together form an environment on the planet Earth as well as in the human body.

How this panchamahabhuta evolves in the human system is well explained in the Taitirya Upanishad:

तस्माद्वा एतस्मादात्मानं आकाशः सम्भूतः। आकाशाद्वायु:। वायोरग्निः।अग्नेरापः। अद्भ्यः पृथिवी। पृथिव्या ओषधयः। ओषधीभोन्नम्। अन्नात्पुरुषः। स वा एष पुरुषोऽन्नरसमयः।

This shloka explains the evolution & connection of the Human and the ecosystem. It says: The conscious is first manifested into the Akasha. The Akasha makes space for particles to move resulting in the development of Vayu. The Vayu ignites and raises the temperature which results in the formation of Teja. Then the Teja cools to form in Aap or Jala. The jala condenses and solidifies into the parthiva to form Pruthivi. The Pruthvi gives birth to various Oshadhi means plants that ultimately feed and are responsible for the organism’s life cycle.

This whole concept of basic environmental factors and the ecosystem is well in Upanishad. This theory is used as a basic factor of Ayurveda knowledge.

Let’s get to know it little dipper.  As for now, we know the Panchamahabhuta; Akasha, Vayu, Teja, Jala & Prithvi. These five fundamental elements are responsible for the Ayurveda Doshas formation. Vaata Dosha is formed by the union of Akasha + Vayu mahabhuta. The Pitta is formed due to the dominance of Teja & Jala mahabhuta. And Kapha is developed by the dominance of Jala & Pruthvi.

Ayurveda has yet another principle that shows correlation between the human body and nature.

पुरुषोऽयं लोकसम्मितः।

  or in simple terms

सर्वं द्रव्यं पांचभौतिकं अस्मिन् अर्थे।

This means those things which are present around us in this nature and environment are also present in the human body. This shows the link between the human body and the environment. These all are correlated through panchamahabhuta and their manifestations. And the panchamahabhuta is the reason for the health and disease in the body also for a peaceful environment and calamities in the world.

The earth is ours. Let’s save it. And take a step toward your Health.

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Suvarna Prashana

Ayurvedic texts are the source of various ancient medicines along with some unique traditional practices. These practices were originally described in the form of a health regimen which further transferred into rituals. Suvarna Prashana or Suvarna Bindu Prashana is one of them.

It is mentioned as among the Sixteen Sanskar of Hindu Scripture.  These sanskar connected and considered as milestone with many important events in child life during pregnancy (while in the womb), during birth and after birth. These sanskar are done at every particular stage of child’s life as part of achieved milestone which indicates major completion of child growth.

What is Suvarna Prashana?

Suvarna Bindu Prashana is an ayurvedic formulation likewise a tonic for children. 

It is a unique blend mixture of Suvarna Bhasma (purified gold ash), honey, ghee, and herbal extract of various drugs. Suvarna Prashana mainly consists of Suvarna Bhasma, Madhu, Ghruta, and several immunity booster herbs.

Where it is been mentioned?

Suvarna Prashana is mentioned as sanskar in the ancient ayurvedic text of pediatrics, Kashyapa Samhita. Kashyapa Samhita is specially written by Aacharya Kashyapa for child health, their diseases, and the treatments.

He described it in shloka as follows:

सुवर्णप्राशनं हि एतत् मेधाग्निबलवर्धनम्।

आयुष्यं मङ्गलं पुण्यं वॄष्यं वर्ण्यं ग्रहापहम्॥

मासात् परममेधावी व्याधिभिर्नच धष्यते।

षडभिर्मासैः श्रुतधरः सुवर्णप्राशनाद् भवेत्॥

Ref: Kashyap Samhita

Why Suvarna Prashana is important?

It is a unique Ayurvedic practice to build good health and an immune system without causing any side effects. In normal language, it is likewise nowadays vaccination. It is an ayurvedic immunity booster medicine. It comes with the protective properties of Gold, along with the goodness of Ghruta, madhu, and several ayurvedic immunity-boosting herbs.

Why only Suvarna or gold? 

 In the Indian subcontinent, Suvarna, or gold has an auspicious value. Generally, gold is connected with Devas inform of ornaments. The gold has the property of covering and protective mechanism. Suvarna possesses properties like rejuvenation, immunity booster, improves complexion and growth of the body, accelerate growth of the brain & improves memory. It also possesses antioxidant properties and it is very beneficial to relieve oxidative stress. All properties of Suvarna Bhasma are present in the Suvarna Prashana.

What are the Key Ingredients of Suvarna Prashana?

Suvarna Bhasma: Gold is considered very precious in Ayurveda and it would possess properties like madhura, rejuvenation, immunity booster, improves complexion and growth of the body, accelerate growth of the brain and improves memory, also increase digestion power of the body. Gold possesses a lot of antioxidant properties and it is very beneficial for babies who were delivered with difficulty during the process of delivery, oxidative stress to the baby can be relieved with the antioxidant properties of Suvarna Bhasma in the Suvarna prashana.

Ghruta or Ghee: It alleviates Pitta & Vata. It acts as a cooling, softening & improves voice and skin color complexion. It has the potency to carry and accelerate the property of the medicine used with it.

Madhu or Honey: Madhu or Honey has a great tendency to accept, carry and imbibe in various conditions. It accelerates the absorption of the medicine used with it. It also kapha elevates which is a major cause of diseases in children.

Various Herbs: Herbs like VachaShankhapushpi, Brahmi, etc are used in the making of Sauvarna Prashana. These medicines are good for the brain cells and their nourishment. They act as carrier for the above-mentioned medicine to transport them to their actual site of action. They also help to boost the absorption of gold particles in the body. 

 

Why Pushya Nakshatra?

Pushya Nakshatra is one of the 27 nakshatras in the Nakshatra mandala (constellation). Pushya is derived from the word Pushti which means nourishes. It is considered auspicious due to its nourishing nature. This is selected for the administration of Suvarna prashana to bloom its properties.

Administrative age group:

It is advised for children between the age of 0 to 16 years.

Benefits of Suvarna Prashana:

  • Boosts Immunity
  • Improves Memory & concentration
  • Improves Digestion & Gut Health
  • Prevents recurring Infection
  • Improves Skin tone and hair texture

When it should Be Started?

It can be started at any age of the child group regardless of previous dose history or not. But for better results, it should be given on a regular basis.  

 When to take:

It should be given on an empty stomach preferably in the morning.

Do not have food at least for 30 minutes after the consumption of Suvarna Prashana. 

At Dr. Bathe’s Ayurvidhi Clinic on Porwal Road, we do the Suvarna Prashana is done regularly on every months Pushya Nakshatra.

The Schedule is given as follows:

 

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Arthritis

 

Arthritis is a common joint disease faced by numerous people nowadays. Arthritis is a degenerative disease of joints commonly found in old age people, but nowadays people from young age group are also been prone to arthritis. It is characterized by swelling and stiffness in joints.

Types of arthritis

There few types of arthritis which are important to know while treating it.

  1. Osteoarthritis:

It is one of a common type of an arthritis mostly affecting joints and its cartilages. In this the cartilages attached to bones are gradually wore out over the period of time due to various causes. It affects mostly weight bearing joints of the body. Common example is knee joint.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is a condition in which the immunity cells attacks its own body cell. In this case the immunity cells attacks on cartilages. The symptoms of RA are inflammation of synovial membrane which causes pain and tenderness in joints.

3. Ankylosing Spondylitis:

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects spine and its muscle. It has chronic back pain, stiffness mostly at the junction of ligaments attaches to bone.

4. Psoriatic Arthritis:

Psoriatic Arthritis is an autoimmune joint disorder develops in the patient suffering from Psoriasis. This disease has red and slivery patches on the body.

So, while treating the patients suffering from arthritis it is a big challenge as it is not a condition that completely cures in current scenario. It also has several limitations like use of drugs there are only use for static muscle relaxants for pain relief, using of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to cure the inflammation are used for long term are the only solutions till now.

Ayurvedic view while treating arthritis 

But ayurveda medicine gives a best way to manage and avoid the further complication associated with arthritis. Ayurveda has a holistic approach while treating arthritis. For the treatment arthritis it is important to understand the nature of disease and the root causes. The Ayurvedic herbal medicines are very effective in reducing the symptoms of the disease and prevent the further deterioration of body. Whereas the panchakarma therapies are effective in regenerate the cartilages cells and improve the health of joints.

At Ayurvidhi Clinic (Ayurvedic Chikitsalaya & Panchakarma Therapy Centre) we offer effective and authentic treatment for arthritis.

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Ekadashi Fasting Rituals and Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a time tested science since ages by sages. The principles of ayurveda are time tested.

The fasting ritual done on waxing phase of moon on ashadha month is auspicious and widely followed in Maharashtra. This day of Ekadashi is popularly known as Devshayani Ekadashi. Shayana means to rest or to sleep. From this day God Vishnu rest on Shesha Naaga in cosmic ocean & awakens on the Ekadashi of Kartik month known as Devprabodhani Ekadashi. The duration of these four months, from Ashadha to Kartik is known as Chaaturmaasa in the Indian calendar. During this time various fasting rituals are done on various occasions during Chaaturmaasa.

Let’s know about the science behind the Fasting in Ayurvedic way;

In ayurveda, Agni is an extremely important factor in digestive system responsible for good digestive health.  The balanced state of Agni is responsible for the health while imbalance of Agni responsible for creating a disease.

The Chaaturmaasa is falls during the Adana-kaal in ayurveda calendar. During this time the digestion power Agni is disturbed due to environmental changes leading to manda-agni. This manda-agni is responsible for various digestive disorders due to undigested food or toxins (aama rasa) in gastric tract. So to avoid such issues fasting is done as a ritual.

The fasting process is termed as Langhana in ayurveda texts. Langhana word is derived from Laghu which means light or subtle. In langhana ayurveda suggests to avoid eating for specific time duration & consuming warm water.

The langhana helps to enhance metabolism by digesting the residual undigested food (aama), increase assimilation by improving and eliminating toxins from cellular level, promoting gut health. Langhana helps in reduction of fat and mass; improves, rejuvenates body system and also improves physical and physiological health.

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