Ayurveda for Common Disease Conditions

Allergies

The hyper reaction of the body against any irritation is called allergy. Usually, this reaction will not be chronic in nature, but in some cases, it stays long and makes life uncomfortable. Some of the allergic reactions are considered as a separate disease. It includes hay fever, dyspnoea, eczema and allergy to some food. Ayurvedic herbal combinations are popular for the remedy of allergic disorders. Turmeric is a common herb which acts against the internal and external allergens.

Ayurveda’s perspective

Due to the above causes Kapha and Pitta together with Vata vitiates and causes the signs and symptoms of allergy. According to Ayurveda, reduced ojas (immunity) and accumulation of undigested food (ama) are the causes of allergic reactions. So the primary line of treatment is improving the agni and digestion. Proper digestion and absorption of food and the evacuation of waste from the intestine time to time reduces the allergic symptoms. If the vitiated doshas and the accumulated ama are not treated timely, they may cause other health implications like asthma, cough, or other chronic disorders.

Ayurveda treatments can include

• Herbs for improving the digestion
• Diet and lifestyle recommendations.
• Warm oil therapies according to constitution
• Nasya
• Herbal enema
• Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation.

Arthritis

There are over 100 varieties of arthritis that affect the muscles, bones and joints. According to research in Victoria, more than 1.5 million people are experiencing joint and other diseases of muscles and joints. Osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common arthritis conditions. In Ayurveda joints and bones are more influenced by the Vata element and the diseases are called Vata Roga.

Ayurveda’s perspective

A high salt, spicy and acidic diet together with physical or mental stress, aggravates the Doshas, particularly Vata. Later vitiated Vata vitiates the blood and finally localises in the joints. This causes degeneration in the joints which causes pain and inflammation. Main focus in the treatment of arthritis is Vata balancing diet and regimen. Rest and oil massage is essential in the treatment.

Treatments may include

• Diet and regimen to support the joints and bones
• Herbs for proper digestion
• Herbal enema
• Abhyanga
• Sweating therapies and bolus massage
• Herbs to balance the dosha and reduce inflammation.
• Shirodhara
• Yoga and Meditation

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disorder which affects the different functional system of the body. Pancreases secrete the hormone called Insulin which is responsible for the absorption of glucose from the blood. When the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin effectively, there is an accumulation of glucose in the blood. This condition is called Diabetes. Ayurveda explains Diabetes as Prameha which means increased urination.

Ayurveda’s perspective

Due to the above causes doshas become vitiated and thus lose harmony in the body. Aggravated doshas primarily make changes in the circulatory and urinary system, resulting in the circulation of undigested food (Ama). The symptom of Ama in the blood is an increase of sweet taste in the blood and urine. This condition is called Prameha. Ayurveda explains twenty varieties of Prameha and their management with correction of lifestyle and diet.

Treatments may include

• Diet based on individual constitution and disease condition
• Lifestyle recommendations
• Herbal bolus massages to reduce the complications
• Herbs/ herbal infusions
• Shirodhara
• Herbal enema
• Therapeutic Yoga and Pranayama
• Meditation for emotional and metal tranquillity

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. There are different varieties for skin diseases commonly called Kushta. Eczema can become red patches on the skin that become scaly and itchy. Tiny blisters with clear fluid can form in some cases. Weeping of the skin is a sign infected dermatitis. Eczema can vary in severity and symptoms may flare up or subside from day to day with stress. Skin diseases are very much related to pulmonary problems.

Ayurveda’s perspective

From the above causes, doshas become aggravated and vitiates the blood and then localises in the skin. Due to this reason blood purification and proper absorption is the primary focus in the management of skin diseases. Diet and medicines are dominated with bitter taste and cooling effect internally. Purely vegetarian diet with alkaline properties is recommended. Reducing stress is also an inevitable part of the treatment.

Treatments may include

• Diet and herbs to detoxify the blood
• Lifestyle recommendations
• Application of herbal paste
• Shirodhara
• Massage with herbal paste
• Herbal enema
• Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation

Liver Disorder

The most common diseases of the liver are cirrhosis and fatty liver. Fatty liver is the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells. Fatty liver can damage the normal physiology and anatomy and lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis. It is a slow progressing disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue and eventually preventing the liver from normal functions. Risk factors for fatty liver disease include increased body weight, diabetes and elevated triglyceride levels.

Ayurveda’s perspective

Liver is the seat of Pitta (fire) and is the organ which aids the process of digestion and assimilation. Imbalance of the liver is the root cause of improper digestion and this will affect other tissues adversely. Liver disease causes improperly absorbed nutrients circulating in the blood. Treatment of liver involves the purification of blood and digestion. Treatment of liver disorders is done with purging therapies, zero alcohol and alkaline diet.

Treatments may include

• Vegetarian diet
• Liver rejuvenate herbs
• Yoga and meditation
• Herbal massage treatments
• Herbal enema
• Nasal medication

Male infertility

Almost one in five couples has difficulty in conceiving a child. Nearly 30% of infertility is caused from the male’s side. Male infertility can be because of poor quality sperm, reduced sperm count or blockages in the tubes of the reproductive system.

Ayurveda’s perspective

Due to the above causes Vata dosha becomes aggravated and vitiates other doshas like Pitta and Kapha which control the secretions and hormone mechanism. This can cause defects in sperm production, sperm quality or sperm motility resulting in infertility.

Treatments may include 

• Oil massages and sweating therapies
• Diet and lifestyle recommendations
• Recommendation of herbs or herbal infusions.
• Rejuvenation and treatment for libido.
• Oil and herbal enemas
• Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation

Weight management

Increased body weight is the most common disorder of the twenty first century. But all the weight gain is not only a result of a high fatty diet or increased food. Most women at menopause experience weight gain. The reason includes lowered oestrogen levels, lifestyle factors such as diet and lack of exercise. In such cases the weight gain is more concentrated in the abdomen region.

Ayurveda’s perspective

Due to the above causes all the doshas become aggravated and vitiates the digestive secretions (Agni). This causes increased absorption of fluid and nutrition. This leads to the deposition of the absorbed elements in the tissues resulting in weight gain. The correction of absorption is the primary focus in the management of increased weight. Appropriate and consistent practice of yoga or exercise together with diet restrictions can reduce body weight on a gradual basis.

Treatments may include

• Special diet to balance digestive fire
• Lifestyle recommendations
• Herbs/ herbal infusions
• Ayurveda counselling
• Dry, warming massages and sweating therapies
• Herbal enema
• Special yogic exercises
• Meditation