Tag: Ayurveda

Research Shows That 97 Percent of Herniated Discs Do Not Require Surgery. How Ayurveda Can Treat It

Abstract

Herniated discs refers to rupture of the intervertebral disc due to ageing, incorrect posture, obesity and accident. These discs are the protective cushion like pads and act as shock absorbers. It is also called a slipped disc. Here in this article we will discuss herniated discs that do not require surgery and it can be managed with the help of ayurveda.

Herniated Disc

Introduction

Herniated disc is a very painful condition. In this rupture of intervertebral discs occur due to many reasons such as ageing, incorrect posture and other reasons. The people who are obese are more prone to this disease. The most common symptoms of herniated discs are numbness, pain and tingling sensation in the affected area. This problem can be diagnosed easily with the help of physical examination or imaging. Nowadays people opt for surgery but 97 percent of herniated discs do not require any surgery, it can be easily manageable with the help of some ayurvedic herbs and some therapies such as abhyang, snehan, sweden and shirodhara etc. Let’s discuss in detail.

Causes

  • Aging
  • Incorrect posture
  • Obesity
  • Fall

Symptoms

Most herniated discs occur in the lower back but it can also occur in the neck and other regions. Its signs and symptoms depend on where the disc is present. Some of its symptoms are as follows.

1. Pain

In this case patients feel pain in the calf, thigh, buttocks and part of the foot.

2. Numbness

People who have herniated discs having numbness or tingling sensation in different body parts.

3. Weakness

Due to this problem it affects the ability to hold items.

Risk factors

      • Weight
      • Occupation
      • Genetics
      • Smoking
      • Frequent driving
      • Being sedentary

Diagnosis

1. Physical examination

In this doctor examines the patient’s reflexes, sensitivity to touch, walking ability, range of motion, muscle strength and location of painful region.

2. Imaging

It involves various test such as CT scan, myelogram, discogram, X Ray scans, MRI scans and CT scan

Prevention

      • Exercise
      • Maintain good posture
      • Maintain a healthy weight
      • Quit smoking

Treatment

1. Medication

      • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- ibuprofen and naproxen etc.
      • Opioids
      • Muscle relaxants
      • Nerve pain medications

2. Physical therapy

A physical therapist can recommend various exercises according to the patient’s symptoms.

3. Surgery

      • Discectomy- removing of all parts of discs
      • Nucleotomy- removal of soft centre of discs with the help of laser excision
      • Laminectomy- removal of part of the vertebrae
      • Spinal fusion- joining of vertebrates together
      • Disc replacement- replacement of discs with artificial implants.

Ayurvedic overview

According to ayurveda this disease can be correlated with aggravation of vata dosha because vata is essential for movement and all physiological functions. As the age increases vata aggravation occurs and causes many vata disorders. Herniated discs can be manageable easily with the help of ayurvedic herbs and some therapies. The therapies which are useful in the management of herniated discs are as follows

      1. Snehana
      2. Kati Basti
      3. Nasya
      4. Basti
      5. Dhanyamla Dhara
      6. Swedna
      7. Pizhichil
      8. Shirodhara

Let’s discuss these therapies in detail

1. Snehana

It is an ayurvedic massage that can be done on the whole body or affected part. Abhyanga is one of the commonly used techniques to perform massage. It mainly balances tha aggravated vata dosha and strengthens bones, tissue and ligaments. It also reduces the pain, fatigue and relaxes the mind.

2. Kati Basti

In this procedure a frame is made on the affected area and this frame is poured with medicated oil. This procedure is done for a certain period of time and the temperature of the oil should be the same throughout the process.

3. Nasya

In this procedure medicated oil is installed into the nasal cavity. This procedure is very helpful in the management of the symptoms of this disorder.

4. Basti

In this therapy medicated oil is introduced into the intestine through a rectal route. This is the best therapy for management of aggravated vata.

5. Dhanyamla Dhara

In this procedure mainly two ingredients are used such as dhanya and amalaki. The medicated liquid is made from these ingredients and poured on the affected body part. This procedure is very useful in improving the blood circulation and it reduces the pain and body ache.

6. Swedna

It involves many procedures to induce sweating. It widens the channels and liquefies the ama and it is expelled out of the body using panchkarma therapies. It is very helpful in relieving the stiffness and heaviness. This is the best therapy in the management of herniated discs.

7. Pizhichil

This therapy is done by two therapists in which lukewarm oil is used and the therapy is done in two positions i.e. sitting and lying. This therapy should be done for about 10 days.

8. Shirodhara

This therapy involves pouring medicated oil over the forehead. It improves sleep which is disturbed in most of the painful conditions.

Ayurvedic herbs which are useful in the management of herniated disc are

      1. Shunthi
      2. Rasna
      3. Ashwagandha
      4. Guduchi

1. Shunthi

Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) is a wonder herb that acts on the respiratory and digestive systems. This herb is very useful in the balancing of three doshas. This herb has many properties such as pain relieving, aphrodisiac, expectorant and digestive etc. It is very useful in the management of pain and spasms.

2. Rasna

This herb is very useful in the management of all bone related disorders such as sandhigatvata and aamvata etc. It also improves heaviness and heat in the body. So this herb is highly useful in the management of herniated discs.

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is well known for boosting the immune system and strengthening the body. This herb relieves pain and heals the tissue. Due to analgesic and tissue healing effects it is very useful in the management of this disease.

4. Guduchi

Guduchi is an ancient herb that acts on the digestive and circulatory system. It is very useful in improving the overall strength of the body and management of herniated discs.

Herbal remedies for herniated disc by Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is a worldwide company which treats humans as well as animals. This is a GMP certified company. All the medicines made by this company are natural and free from side effects. This company makes medicines under the observation of MD ayurveda doctors. Planet Ayurveda makes medicine in the form of tablets, syrup and churna. All the products are gluten free. In case of herniated disc following products are offered by Planet ayurveda

Product list

      1. Boswellia Curcumin
      2. Yograj Guggul
      3. Hakam Churna
      4. Aamvatantak Churna
      5. Maha Triphala Ghrit

Disc Care PackBuy Now: Disc Care Pack

Product Description

1. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin is in the form of capsule and it contains mainly two herbs i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (Curcuma longa). These two herbs show antiinflammatory actions and help in relieving joint pain. It is very useful in the management of various conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis, crohn’s disease and asthma etc. Both of the herbs are safe and support joint health. It is also rich in antioxidant property which helps in the movement of joints.

Dose:- 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Yograj guggul

Yograj guggul is widely used ayurvedic medicine in the management of various bone diseases. The main ingredients of this tablet are Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), musta (Cyperus rotundus), chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) etc. These herbs balance the vata and relieve pain and stiffness. It is very helpful in the management of lumbar and cervical spondylosis. Thus this is the best medicine in the management of herniated discs.

Dose:- 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals

3. Hakam Churna

It is in the form of churna and contains many herbs such as Chandrashoor (Lepidium sativum), kalonji (Nigella sativa), methi (Trigonella foenum) and ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) etc. Acidity and indigestion aggravates the vata dosha and it causes many problems such as pain and stiffness. Thus, This churna is very useful in the management of indigestion and acidity related problems. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in the management of various disorders such as cervical spondylitis, stiffness, osteoarthritis, sciatica and rheumatoid arthritis etc.

Dose:- ½ tsp powder twice daily with hot water after meals

4. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak churna is made up of widely used ancient herbs. Some of its main herbs are ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), suranjaan (Colchicum autumnale), gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), haridra (Curcuma longa) and sonth (Zingiber officinale). It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation of the joints, tenderness and pain. It is also useful to boost immunity and give relief from swelling. Ashwagandha present in this churna is a wonderful herb that is very helpful in the management of various disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis etc and it also gives strength to the body.

Dose:- 1 tsp twice daily with plain water or kumari saar or aloe vera juice after meals.

5. Maha Triphala Ghrit

It is an ayurvedic medicine in the form of ghee and it contains many dravyas such as Kwath dravya of triphala in which amalaki (Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and haritaki (Terminalia chebula) are present. Along with triphala bhringraj (Eclipta alba), vasa (Adhatoda vasica) and other dravyas also present. It shows many properties such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antioxidant, adaptogenic, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anti obesity and anti diabetic properties etc. Thus this ghrit is very useful in the management of herniated discs.

Dose:- 3 to 6 gram mixed with mishri after meals

Conclusion

It refers to rupture of the intervertebral disc due to ageing, incorrect posture, obesity and many other reasons. These discs are the protective cushion like pads present between the vertebrae. These discs act as shock absorbers. It is also called a slipped disc. The most common symptoms of herniated discs are numbness, pain and tingling in the affected area. Here in this article we have discussed that 97 percent of herniated discs do not require any surgery, it can be easily manageable with the help of some ayurvedic herbs and some therapies such as abhyang, snehan, sweden and shirodhara etc.

Top 10 Ayurvedic Secrets for a Healthy Life

Introduction

Top 10 Ayurvedic Secrets for a Healthy Life

Ayurveda, a holistic science that has been originated in India and a well-renowned science that has influenced the entire globe with its effective and safe treatment by its natural ways either in the form of medicines (the natural herbs) or in the form of diet and lifestyle management. As we know, in today’s era our diet and lifestyle are the major culprits for various ailments that not only affect our body but also affect our mind. All these things were analyzed thousands of years ago by our prestigious Ayurvedic scholars hence they mentioned a proper daily routine that too with respect to seasons.

Here, let us start with the secrets!

1.WAKE UP EARLY

(Reference – Ashtanga hridyam / Sutrastahanam / Dinacharyadhyam / Shloka no.1)

The meaning of this quotation goes as – Those who have the desire to achieve a healthy, long and a disease-free lifespan, they should get up in the ‘Brahma mahurta‘ (early morning). Brahma mahurta time is around 4-5 o’clock.

In fact, you are always advised by your parents to get up early, the reason behind that is to achieve a health and wealth along with a sparkle vital force that makes you active throughout the day.

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise

Even researches have shown that those who wake up early are quite intelligent and smart in their works.

2.PERFORM DAILY RITUALS TO GET RID OF TOXINS

  • It is clearly mentioned in our classics that after wake up, eliminate the toxins and debris from the body by getting rid of natural urges (Vega nivarna), brushing (dantadhavana), gargling (Gandusha), applying collyrium (Anjana karma), Nasal instillation (Nasya), etc.These regimens help you to prevent diseases if you perform them on a daily basis.

3.A FRUITFUL MASSAGE (ABHYANGA)

(Reference – Ashtanga hridyam / Sutrasthanam / Dinacharyadhyaya / Shloka no.8)

  • The meaning of this quotation goes as – Daily massaging your body with the oils, helps you to alleviate tiredness (Shrama), all the Vataja diseases, and also prevents ageing (Jara). It helps to enhance vision (drishti prasada), nourishes the body (pushti), aids sound sleep (swapna), nourishes the skin (sutwak), maintains muscle tone (dadyakrit) and provides long life (Ayu).
  • The whole body massage is recommended but especially one should massage the head region, and foot.

Avoid massage while suffering from fever, indigestion and kaphaja roga.

4.PERFORM VYAYAM (EXERCISES)

  • The best thing you can do to maintain a healthy life is–’workouts’. You can perform either Yoga or Exercise. All these things just not only make you physically healthy but also support your mental health.
  • Performing daily exercises make your body light, increase the working potential, improve digestive fire, and also improve the body built.
  • Avoid over exercise because it may lead to depletion of healthy body tissues and also avoid strenuous exercises in old age, instead of providing health it may give rise to various problems. So do exercise according to one’s capacity.

Healthy Shower

5.A HEALTHY SHOWER

(Reference – Ashtanga hridyam / Sutrasthanam / Dinacharyadhyaya / Shloka no. 16)

  • In our classics the benefits of bath are explained, they are – Improves digestive fire (deepana), enhances virility (vrushya), provides a long life (ayushya), fills energy (urja), improves strength (bala prada).
  • It also helps to alleviate – itching (kandu), debris (mala), tiredness (shrama), excessive sweating (sweda), laziness (tandra), thirst (trid), burning sensation (daha) and disease (paap – a synonym of roga).

A BALANCED AND NUTRITIOUS DIET

6.A BALANCED AND NUTRITIOUS DIET–

  • Our diet plays an important role in maintaining good health. In otherwords, the existence of our life totally depends upon our diet and this diet directly impacts our Ojas (essence of all the dhatus) which in turn boosts our immunity, hence provides a healthy lifespan.<
  • Nutritious diet should always be consumed according to one’s capacity. Prefer shadrasayuktahara ahara (a diet that includes all the tastes that nourish our body). Always consume after the digestion of previous meals and avoid overeating.
  • Your diet should be rich in all the micro and macro nutrients that do not affect your digestive fire (Agni) as agni is the prime factor that aids healthy health.

7.ADOPT SEASONAL REGIMENS

  • Every season directly impacts the panchamaubhutas, the five elements that composed the whole universe thus affects the humans as well as other creatures of the surroundings.
  • Moreover, Season variation is the peak time that affects one’s health. These climatic changes are the reason that decline our immunity and our weak immunity is the cause of the origin of various diseases in our body. We can achieve a powerful immunity by altering our dietary and lifestyle habits. Always take  diet and follow regimens according to particular Ritu (season).This will help you to attain good health.

8.NEVER SUPPRESS THE NATURAL URGES

(Reference – Ashtanga hridyam / Sutrasthanam / Rogaanutpadniya adyaye / Shloka no. 1)

  • In our classics there is a clear reference that we should never suppress the natural urges.Those urges are – Apana vata (Flatus), vin-mutra (Feces and Urine), trit (Thirst), kshuda (Hunger), nidra (Sleep), kasa (Cough), shwasa (Respiration), jrimbha(Yawning), ashru(Tears), chardi (Vomiting), retas (Sperms). Suppression may lead to accumulation of toxins inside the body which gives rise to various diseases.
  • But always try to suppress anger, grief, greed and jealous.

9.AVOID STRESS AND STRAINS

  • A major factor that gives rise to various diseases and responsible for declining health is stress. Stress and strains are the part and parcel of our life. So never consider them a burden, face them with the positive energy and tackle accordingly.

10.SATKARMA / SADVRUTTA (HEALTHY HABITS)

  • Our personality is known by our habits which directly impacts our health.Try to adopt some good habits and the wrong habits should be kept at the edge. Develop a healthy habit to drink plenty of water that helps to detoxify the body. You can devote sometime of your life in somerighteous acts. Remain positive and stay happy as happiness is the key to a good health.

GIVE SOME IMPORTANCE TO YOUR LIFE AND YOUR LOVED ONES

  • Healthy secret of living a healthy life is to give importance to your own life and share some time with your loved ones. That will ease the way of living with a healthy lifespan.
  • These regimens help  you to prevent diseases and provide a healthy life so one should try to incorporate these things in  daily routine.

Note

Moreover the main aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy individual i.e ‘स्वस्थस्यस्वास्थ्यरक्षणं.. So, those who have the desire to achieve long and healthy life, they should follow the rituals mentioned in Ayurveda,-a holistic incomparable andunbeatable science.

Give a try this will improve your way of living