Back to nature

Health - By admin on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 00:35

Ayurveda is making a comeback, especially among women. It is an option they want to try before a surgical intervention in many cases. From viral infections to stress, Binita Parikh finds Ayurvedic remedies that can cure as well as relax the body.

Be it a relaxing abhyangam at a stylish spa or a reliable tulsi and dry-ginger powder decoction for common cold, Ayurvedic therapies are now the way of life with an increasing number of women. The basic Ayurvedic philosophy is that balance of three humors, namely vayu (translated as wind, but to be interpreted as ‘air in space’), pitta (translated as bile, but to be interpreted as ‘fire in water’) and kapha (translated as phlegm, but referred to in Ayurveda as 'water in earth') is essential for health. Diseases are caused by an imbalance between these three. What is finding an overwhelming acceptance from women the world over is that with Ayurveda, correcting the imbalance requires no surgical interventions or heavy drug therapies.

“Mothers find it effective and soothing to have non-toxic, chemical-free remedies for simple problems like common cough and indigestion, right in their kitchen,” says vaid Sushma Hirpara. So instead of rushing to the nearest physician for common ailments, the smart women nowadays are relying on age-old wisdom and finding remedies in their own kitchen. For instance, dry ginger powder (sunth), black salt (sanchal or paadalun) and asafoetida (hing) are good for gas trouble, Dhanajiru (a combination of ground cumin, coriander, black pepper and turmeric) and sakar (sugar stones) are effective first aid for vomiting and the good old tulsi-sunth decoction mixed with jaggery makes a great get-well-soon drink for many viral infections.

“In fact, Ayurveda has a proper understanding and a scientific view point to offer for many ailments like cough and headaches, while allopathic view just sees these as symptoms for many different diseases,” says vaid Rituraj. The application of ghee made from cow’s milk is said to relieve tension-related headaches, while application of salt water will also ease stress headaches. Sometimes, all the vaid does is ask the patient to increase intake of water. They advice the balance of mind, body and spirit.

“Ayurveda has always been a way of life with Indians and now, we are seeing a resurgence. An increasing number of people, including many doctors, prefer to try Ayurvedic therapy especially before going for surgical intervention. In fact, allopathic way does not offer insight into many problems related to women like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This disease is increasingly found in girls from age of 16 to 22. Its symptoms include irregular and painful periods. Doctors recommend a hormone therapy or removal of ovaries, while we see it as an imbalance and treat it with medicines. Other diseases like uterus fibroid, bone extension, piles and menopause syndromes while requiring surgical intervention under allopathic treatment, require just medicine and a change of lifestyle as per Ayurveda. And women are delighted to find a healthier alternative for their health problems,” explains vaid Sushma Hirpara.

Of course, there is a word of warning, do not try Ayurvedic preparations from unknown labels and beware of quacks.

The wellness sector is also brimming with this branch of knowledge that India has to offer. Ayurvedic massages are in great demand, says Prakruti Parmar, marketing manager of Anantaa Wellness Spa.

Some popular Ayurvedic Massages

Abhyangam:

Abhyangam itself means "to massage". It is an effective way of conditioning the body. Abhyangam can be used therapeutically. The massage is designed around each individual, to suit his or her disease or condition by an Ayurvedic vaid. Abhyangam can increase the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies, which provide more resistance against viruses and diseases. This helps the defense mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards environmental changes.

Elakizh

It is a classical massage with medicated leaves and is used to tackle joint pain, muscle cramps, stress and arthritis. Herbal poultices (bundles) are prepared with various herbs and medicated powders. The poultices are warmed in medicated oils and used to massage the entire body. The massage can promote better circulation within the affected area thereby promoting increased perspiration, which helps the skin to eliminate wastes. It also helps to tone the skin and can be superbly relaxing.

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is meant for eliminating diseases of head and Vayu disorders affecting neck, eyes, ears, nose and nervous system. It helps to overcome stress and its ill effects on nervous system, helps relieve insomnia, stress, tension, anxiety, anger, chronic headaches, rheumatism, hypertension, asthma and hair problems.

Foot Reflexology

Foot reflexology helps in relaxation and relief of stress, promotion of restful sleep, assistance with elimination or reduction of digestive problems, overall wellness and improved mental health, and pain management for chronic or acute pain, stimulating the glands of body.

Binita Parekh is a freelancer based in Ahmedabad. She has headed programme teams for radio, edited city pull-outs, reported on riots and earthquakes. And now she works on whatever suits her fancy.