Blog Archives ~ Dr. Pashupati Nath

Scientific Importance of Sharad Purnima’s Kheer

sharad purnima kheer

Scientific Importance of Sharad Purnima’s Kheer

We are already aware with the practice of feeding asthma patients by making kheer on the night of Sharad Purnima, but here we are talking about facing malaria with Kheer. In fact, our ancient traditions are very scientific in nature, not of ignorance. But that we will make you understand later. From the Shradh to Sharad Purnima, the kheer we eat gives us many benefits.

As we all, know we get malaria by mosquito bites. We must be getting bitten by mosquitoes at least 700-800 times in a year. That means by the age of 70 years, we might have gotten 1 lac mosquito bites. But most people will get malaria only once or twice a year. The summary is that it is only 1% correct that we get malaria by mosquito bites.

Kheer Khao Malaria Bhagao

But there is no shortage of advertisements, which says, one mosquito is also dangerous, use “Hit”, then not even a single mosquito will be left. Now, in the wake of such advertisements, millions of people are indirectly involved in this mosquito market

Everyone knows that bacteria cannot grow without appropriate environments.

Like we cannot get yogurt just by adding a bit of yogurt in the milk, milk should be heated a little. It must be kept covered in a warm environment. If we keep stirring it, then also we won’t get any curd.

Similarly, the bacteria of malaria develop when it gets the environment of pitta, then it spreads to the whole body within 4 days, otherwise it ends in a short time. Even after so many efforts, it is not in our hands that we will not get bitten by mosquitoes or diseased microscopic pests.

But controlling pitta is in our hands. Now look at the miracle of our traditions. Why having Kheer becomes mandatory this season? In fact, eating pudding suppresses pitta.

After the rainy season, when the autumn comes, there is a lot of sunlight due to the absence of clouds and dust in the sky. By which the pitta gets irritated in the body. At this time, due to the accumulated water in pits etc., mosquitoes are produced in large quantities, which is the highest risk of malaria.

In the autumn itself, the Pitra Paksh (Shraddha) comes and the main food of the ancestors is Kheer. During this period, we get to devour kheer 5-7 times. After that, on the night of Sharad Purnima, kheer is kept in a silver vessel under the moonlight for the whole night and then in the morning this kheer is consumed. This particular kheer reduces the outbreaks of pitta in our body.

Make this Kheer and keep it in the moonlight of the whole night in the moon. You will get the benefit only when its consumed cold.

For the Kheer made for the night of Sharad Purnima, if you do not have a silver plate, then put the spoon of silver in the kheer, but the vessel should be made of clay, bronze or brass. Avoid using aluminium or plastic.

This kheer carries special coolness. If its cow’s milk, then it is very good and special. The possibility of getting malaria gets minimal.

Do not use saffron and nuts to make this particular kheer, which is made in this season. They can increase pitta due to the tendency to increase heat in the body. If possible, then just pour cardamom and charoli.

🙏🙏🙏 Believe in Indian culture.🙏🙏🙏

About the Author

Dr. Pashupati Nath is a well renowned Ayurvedic Doctor (MD), and a consultant. With 18+ years of experience as an Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Pashupati Nath works with his patients to help them unearth dormant capacities that lead to more fulfilling life through the physical, psychological and spiritual way of Ayurveda.

Besides being an inspiring Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Pashupati Nath is a gifted holistic coach as well and incorporates his knowledge of Ayurveda, myths and philosophy in his treatment – and by doing so, always manages to inspire those around him.

Zika Virus, How Ayurvdea can help

zika virus pic for article

What is the Zika Virus?

Zika virus is similar to dengue fever, yellow fever and West Nile virus.

It is carried by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitos. Zika largely gets spread through mosquito bites, but can also occur through intrauterine infection.

If a woman is bitten by an infected mosquito and becomes infected, Zika can cross into the placenta and affect the foetus. While anyone can contract Zika, pregnant women are the most at risk due to the potential for fetal microcephaly and other neurologic abnormalities.

Sexual transmission of this virus can occur. Transmission has been reported from infected men and women to their sexual partners. The virus can be transmitted through anal, oral or vaginal sex.

zika virus

Zika Virus Symptoms

Though most infected people won’t show any symptoms, a few (about 1 in 5) may display the following symptoms, which could range from mild to severe:

Fever
Headache
Rash
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Symptoms may show up any time from 3-14 days after a mosquito bite and can remain for several days to a week.

How Ayurveda can help in the treatment of Zika Virus Infection

Ayurveda, the 5000 year old medical science based on natural systems, has some excellent preventive and curative solutions to all diseases. The most significant aspect of these measures is that they are entirely based on natural substances and, therefore, totally safe on the human body without causing any kind of side-effects.

Prevention:

Maintain a safe distance from people that show evident signs of nasal congestion or flu symptoms.
Do not greet people with a kiss or handshake.
Do no share food, glasses or forks.
Open and ventilate enclosed rooms.
Keep kitchen countertops and bathrooms disinfected with bleach; disinfect toys, phones door knobs and any contact surface with alcohol.
Visit your doctor immediately if you experience sudden high fever and cough, with headache and muscle pain.
Avoid sudden temperature change.
Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A and C (Carrots, papaya, orange, tangerine, lime lemon and pineapple).
Frequently wash hands thoroughly with plenty of soap and water.
Wear full sleeved clothes
Use mosquito coil

To eliminate standing water:
– Unclog roof gutters;
– Empty children’s wading pools at least once a week;
– Change water in birdbaths at least weekly;
– Get rid of old tires in your yard, as they collect standing water;
– Empty unused containers, such as flower pots, regularly or store them upside down;
– Drain any collected water from afire pit regularly.

Treat the symptoms:

Get plenty of rest.
Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.

Disclaimer:-

It is always advised to consult an Ayurveda expert for specific treatment,
This article is not a substitute to the standard Medical Diagnosis or personalized Ayurvedic Treatment!
It is intended only for Information!

For experts consultation please write us at dr.pashupatinath@gmail.com or call at +91-9414043016

About the Author

Dr. Pashupati Nath is a well renowned Ayurvedic Doctor (MD),a coach, consultant. With 18+ years of experience as an Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Pashupati Nath works with his patients to help them unearth dormant capacities that lead to more fulfilling life through the physical, psychological and spiritual way of Ayurveda

How to have a healthy Body, Mind and Soul?

ahaar 2

How to have a healthy Body, Mind and Soul?

With the help of Ahaar (Regimen)

The body grows, develops strength, and gradually matures from the time of conception. Proper time (Kala Yoga), favourable disposition of the nature (Swabhava Samsiddhi), brilliance of properties of food (Ahara Sausthava) and absence of inhibiting factors (Avighata) are the factors responsible for the growth of the body. The health is also the utmost foundation for the accomplishments of life. Hence, Ayurveda aims to preserve the state of health. Health as well as disease is dependent on several factors. Amongst these, food (Ahara) is the most important one.

The human body requires food to provide energy for all life process and for growth, repair and maintenance of cells and tissues. The nutritional needs vary according to age, sex and occupation. A balanced diet contains different types of foods in such quantities and proportions that the need of the body is effectively met. Eating a well-balanced diet on a regular basis and staying at an ideal weight are critical factors in maintaining the emotional and physical well-being. In Ayurveda Diet forms the important component of life as it is included in the three pillars of life (Traya- upastambha). Being supported by these three well-regulated factors of life, the body is endowed with strength, complexion and growth, and continues till the full span of life, provided a person does not indulge in such regimen as are detrimental to health. Ayurveda specified the characteristics of food in terms of quality, quantity and time which vary with age, constitution, digestive power, season, disease and also from person to person. One must devour the diet, which is suitable to him in all facets, and deviation from these may cause diseases. In addition to these, wrong cooking procedures, irregular timing, and consuming imbalanced and non-congenial food and not following the prescribed rules for preparing, preserving and eating food may also cause imbalance of health.

We can attain all this with help of Ahaar .

But what do we understand by Ahaar (regimen)?

When we hear the name of the regimen, the first thing which comes in our mind is of drinking or eating food. But are these the only things necessary for our nourishment? Does our diet comprise of more things, that we do not even think of?

Let us take a look at what does regimen actually mean. We take regimen as our diet which could possibly a big mistake we are doing.

Regimen means that we are taking things from outside to inside our body. When we look at a beautiful flower, then regimen is happening. Eyes appear to be having a regimen of a beautiful flower. The eye is doing regimen of beauty. The ears are listening to music, we are doing regimen of music. Ears are taking the regimen of sound. When we touch someone, then our hands are taking the regimen of touch. Every pore of our body is taking regimen of touch of someone’s aroma. The entire body is our regimen system. All our senses are taking the outside world inside us. But we are doing a mistake by considering only refreshments to be our food.

Naturally, whatever we are accumulating in our body will get reduced in 24 hours. And this only makes us healthy or ill. For this reason, we see patients getting sick even after taking complete and controlled diet. The root cause of this is that we consider diet to be our regimen.

The body is a microcosmic universe made up of the five primordial elements or panchmahabhutas.

The living body (jeevsharir), is formed with a combination of body, mind and soul, and the nature is nourishing it every moment for us. Our body is made up of Panchmahabhoot, and our gyanendriyas (senses) are indicater of panchmahabhoot. So our body gets nourishment with these panchmahabhoot with the help of gyanendriya.That is why in Ayurveda, it is explained that we should take food based on our Prakriti. You can read my article on Prakriti here to understand more about it. Lead your life following ritucharya and dinchayra .

Any material in the universe, according to Ayurveda is composed of five basic elements, the Pancha Mahabhootas, namely Prithvi (Earth), Ap (Water), Teja (Fire), Vayu (Air) and Akasha (Ether). The Tridoshas (Biological Humors) i.e. Vata, Pitta & Kapha which constitutes the body is also made up of Pancha mahabhootas. Whatever food we eat either has Dosha aggravating action or pacifying or balancing action on human body. To keep the homoeostasis of Doshas (health), Ayurveda has described specific diet. Proper planning and indulging of the diet can maintains our body.

“Words are also kind of a “food”. Which word to serve at which time, once we learn that then there is no best chef other than that.

Every word has its own taste, taste it before serving it. If you don’t like it yourself then how will the other person like it?”

In our clinic we provide you with all treatment based on your prakriti, so you can have a healthy body, mind and soul.

OCD & AYURVEDA

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM OCD?

AYURVEDA CAN HELP

ocd and ayurveda

We see a lot of people in our life or sometimes we, ourselves are struggling to break certain habits, without having the perceptive of what accurately is happening to us. Should I visit a doctor or is this usual? Should I take medicine for this problem or do I even have a problem? How do I distinguish between all? It’s all perplexing. Most of the time we don’t even perceive it as a problem. So, let us help you figure it all out. First let me explain it to you in brief, what precisely is OCD.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: A psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, such as cleaning, checking, counting, or hoarding. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the anxiety disorders, is a potentially disabling condition that can persist throughout a person’s life. The individual who suffers from OCD becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. OCD occurs in a spectrum from mild to severe (we have to diagnose level of OCD by using a scale, OCI), but if severe and left untreated, can destroy a person’s capacity to function at work, at school, or even in the home.

While the compulsive side of OCD is generally well documented (for example religious and rigorous hand washing or ‘checking’ of things to ensure their safety), the lesser known side involves the obsessive aspect which may cause a sufferer to experience unwanted and upsetting thoughts or images (commonly known as ‘intrusive thoughts’). These thoughts can cause huge levels of distress in an individual as they struggle to work out what the thoughts mean and why they are thinking in such a way.

While the Western medicine has found that OCD usually develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, Ayurveda says, conditions like OCD are associated to an imbalance within the bodies’ delicate biochemistry. According to Ayurveda, when the primary doshas are out of balance, mental health issues develop.

Vata imbalance can contribute to anxiety, fear and insomnia
Pitta imbalance can cause anger, compulsions and irritability
Kapha imbalance can lead to lethargy and depression

In most cases of OCD, the Vata dosha is especially intensified and out of balance.

There are variety of different factors which can cause this imbalance. These include:

Lack of exercise
The accumulation of toxins
Stress
Diet and digestion

Ayurvedic treatment for OCD and related anxiety conditions pursues to re-balances biochemistry by removing the toxins in your body and restoring the healthy physiological functioning. This multi-layered approach frequently involves the following, in consultation with our Ayurvedic doctors or consultants.

Prescription of herbal medicines
Counselling
Lifestyle amendments
Instruction in gentle yoga postures and breathing exercises
Prescription of Ayurvedic revitalizing massage and detoxing treatments including:

Shirodhara or the ‘rebalancing treatment’, is a form of Ayurveda therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shiro (head) and dhara (flow ) which helps to calm the mind and spirit.

Abhyanga – (“oil massage”) is a form of Ayurvedic medicine that involves massage of the body with large amounts of warm oil. The Abhyanga is a part of the Dinacharya (daily practices) to maintain good health and well-being. The result is an increased state of awareness, directing the body’s internal healing system.

Udvartana involves a healing warm oil massage to reassure the abolition of toxins deep within the body and tissues followed by an exfoliation treatment with an Ayurvedic herbal paste to invigorate and revitalise the skin.

Panchakarma or Ayurvedic detox, a complete cleansing process used to rid the body of toxic build up and restore balance to the entire system. It is often referred to as the ultimate healing experience for both body and mind due to its rebalancing, detoxifying effects.

You can visit our clinic where professionals diagnose it and give the treatment based on your prakriti.

About the Author

12650834_1102201766458682_5156844579013834930_n — Dr. Pashupati Nath

PCOS & AYURVEDA

pcos site

PCOS & AYURVEDA

There are many issues these days which are becoming prevalent in today’s world. One of these condition, which is getting epidemic proportions is dreaded – PCOS. In this article I would like to explain its causes and symptoms in as short and simple as possible.

What is PCOS or PCOD?

Polycystic ovary disease or PCOD/ Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a problem in which a woman’s hormones go haywire. PCOS can create havoc on your periods and may make it difficult for one to get pregnant. It may create changes in the way you look. If overlooked, over time it may turn to serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancers! Many small cysts get created on the ovaries of women with PCOS. That’s the reason it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful on their own but one of the reasons for hormone imbalances. One should remain aware that the symptoms of PCOS may still persist, even if when we remove both the ovaries. Your metabolism gets affected rather than your ovaries. Hormone regulation centre at hypothalamus in the brain which affects multiple organs (Multi-system disease) plays a major role in this.

Women those who are suffering from PCOS gets heavy vaginal bleeding (its one of the symptoms). The reason behind it is, as they are not ovulating and producing the hormone Progesterone like other normal women do and have normal periods, the lining of their uteri becomes thick leading to heavy bleeding and sometimes uterine cancer.

The common symptoms of PCOS are:

Infertility
Irregular periods
Oily skin
Heart problems
Weight gain
Migraines
Hirsutism
Acne
Mood swings and depression

As if it was not bad enough, your chances increase of developing a big disease later on in life, like, autoimmune thyroid disease, full-blown diabetes and even cancers.

Although PCOD is fairly common, it has no sure-fire cure in mainstream allopathic medicine, but Ayurveda can help alleviate PCOD symptoms in a big way.

PCOD – How Ayurveda Can Help?

In Ayurveda, when the two doshas – Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Water) gets imbalanced PCOD is caused. Aggravated Pitta causes contamination of the dhatus or tissues like blood and plasma. This is the reason why there is a build-up of toxins or Ama in the body.
These toxins get accumulated in the channels of the mind, leading to an imbalance of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland in PCOS patients, this results in an imbalance of female hormones and causes the formation of ovarian cysts which is nothing but a collection of fluids within the ovary, anovulatory periods or periods with no ovulation etc.

Ayurvedic herbal remedies for PCOD

Ayurveda works on these problems:

– Treatment for insulin resistance

-Reducing obesity

-Correcting hormonal imbalance

– Reducing high cholesterol levels

Could I have PCOS?

If any or all of the above signs seems familiar to you, you might have PCOS. There could be many other reasons as well that you have these signs: however, only your health care provider can tell for sure. It would be advisable for you to consult a doctor near you or you can contact us (contact details are given below)

Conclusion

Although there is no quick fix to treating PCOS as it is a systemic issue, it can be managed through diet and lifestyle and a holistic approach. If you’re ready to get to the bottom of your hormonal imbalances once and for all, let us help you. Your body CAN work for you. You can choose to stop suffering and start feeling good.

Ayurveda can help you here.

As you must have noticed that I have not mentioned any ayurvedic medicines for PCOD here, the reason being that, a treatment is given on an individual basis (based on your prakriti). You can read about it here https://drpashupatinath.com/ayurvedic-prakriti/

First we decode your prakriti and based on the same, treatment is designed.

If you would like to get yourself treated for the same, you can contact me at +91-9414043016 or at dr.pashupatinath@gmail.com

About the Author

Types of Mental Illness

types of metal illness pic

Types of Mental Illness

As you are here you are probably a student who is studying psychology, going through something in your life right now or you are just curious to know more about this mental health condition. Whatever is your motto, its always good to have more awareness about it, just in case someone near or dear one might be suffering from it. With more awareness, it can be treated with the help of medicines and counseling if consulted early with a doctor.

These days it has become very common for people to use the word depression in general life. ” Oh I am so depressed my car broke down”, ” I am so depressed my friend called off our trip”or any other such expression. But we need to understand that depression is a very severe health condition. Maybe its just sadness or grief or some other emotion which we might label as depression. Before jumping on to a conclusion, we must understand what exactly your mental health status is. There are different ways (like some scales to diagnose – HAM-D, HAM-A, OCI etc.) to measure which type of mental health problem one might be suffering from and at which stage they are at. Accordingly, the treatment will be provided by your health consultant. You must visit a doctor near you to diagnose it in a proper way.

So let’s begin with what exactly is a mental illness? Whether it is actually an illness or just a phase one is going through in life at the moment?

What Is Mental Illness?
Mental Health involves effective functioning in daily activities resulting in
Productive activities (work, school, caregiving)
Healthy relationships
Ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity
Mental Illness refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders — health conditions involving
Significant changes in thinking, emotion and/or behavior
Distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities

Mental illnesses take many forms. Some are mild and only interfere in limited ways with daily life, such as certain phobias (abnormal fears). Other mental health conditions are so severe that a person may need care in a hospital.

Many different conditions that are recognized as mental illnesses. The more common types include:

Anxiety disorders: People with anxiety disorders respond to certain objects or situations with fear and dread, as well as with physical signs of anxiety or panic, such as a rapid heartbeat and sweating. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
Mood disorders: These disorders, also called affective disorders, involve persistent feelings of sadness or periods of feeling overly happy, or fluctuations from extreme happiness to extreme sadness. The most common mood disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.
Psychotic disorders: Psychotic disorders involve distorted awareness and thinking. Two of the most common symptoms of psychotic disorders are hallucinations — the experience of images or sounds that are not real, such as hearing voices — and delusions, which are false fixed beliefs that the ill person accepts as true, despite evidence to the contrary. Schizophrenia is an example of a psychotic disorder.

Personality disorders: People with personality disorders have extreme and inflexible personality traits that are distressing to the person and/or cause problems in work, school, or social relationships. Examples include antisocial personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): People with OCD are plagued by constant thoughts or fears that cause them to perform certain rituals or routines. The disturbing thoughts are called obsessions, and the rituals are called compulsions. An example is a person with an unreasonable fear of germs who constantly washes his or her hands.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a condition that can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, or a natural disaster.
Other diseases or conditions, including various sleep-related problems and many forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are sometimes classified as mental illnesses, because they involve the brain.

Role of Ayurveda in Mental disorders.

Diet According to Psychophysiological Type : There are primarily three kinds of Ama: Vata ama, Pitta ama, and Kapha ama. Vata ama can cause nervousness and occasional anxiety; Pitta ama can cause irritability; and Kapha ama can cause low ambition and sadness. Both our psychophysiological type (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha)

Exercise According to Psychophysiological Type : The degree of exercise that is recommended is dependent upon our psychophysiological type. Too little or too much exercise can be harmful, so it’s useful to know whether we are Vata, Pitta, or Kapha predominant.

Herbal Recommendations : Particular herb or combination of herbs target a particular organ or physiological function, physics views this in a parallel manner.

Body Purification : Also called Panchakarma in Ayurveda, this has been shown to be very beneficial to mental and emotional functioning. Some of the treatments used in Panchakarma are oil massage (Abhyanga), Shirodhara (oil poured over the forehead), and Basti (herbalized enemas). The combination of these and other purification therapies work to systematically remove toxins from the cellular level of the body

Daily Routine : The importance of a healthy daily routine for optimal mental health cannot be overemphasized. It’s well established in medical literature that not getting enough sleep can increase feelings of sadness and occasional anxiety, and impair cognition and mental focus. According to Ayurveda, getting to sleep by 10:00 p.m. is ideal, as that’s the time when Kapha dosha dominates and we are most likely to be naturally sleepy.

Relationships : Learning skills to effectively communicate and work through the disharmony when it arises is vital to our mental peace and happiness.

Mental illness is treatable. The vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function normally in their daily lives.

I have given a very crisp introduction here, for further details please contact me at dr.pashupatinath@gmail.com or call at +91-94140-43016

If you feel you might have any symptoms of the above mentioned condition, consult a doctor near you. We, at Padmanabham Ayurvedic Centre diagnose these conditions and treat them with the help of medicines (only if its required) and/or with counselling.

Thank you for reading my write up. Stay healthy and happy.

About the Author

Ayurvedic Prakriti

Prakriti in Ayurveda

Let me start with what do you understand by Prakriti? Whenever we listen to this word, the first thing which comes to our mind is our nature. But let me introduce you to it’s actual meaning according to Ayurveda.

Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine, is believed to be around 5,000 year old, and is considered to be the longest continuously practiced system of medicine. Long before blood tests, MRIs, CAT scans, EKGs, and x-rays, there was the eightfold examination process called ashtavidha pariksha. (Ashta means eight, vidha means fold or process, and pariksha means exam.) This check-up is still practiced today by Ayurvedic medical doctors and certified consultants.

When getting an initial consultation, plan to spend about an hour with the practitioner. The eightfold exam is a thorough process in which the consultant really gets to know you. It consists of examining eight areas of the body and bodily functions, all of which reveal places of balance and imbalance.

Ayurveda defines health as a state of physical, psychological, social and spiritual well being and is based on the theory of Panchamahabhoota (the five basic elements – Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth) and Tridoshas (three biological humors – Vata, Pitta and Kapha) which are present in each and every cell of the body along with mind and spirit. The equilibrium of doshas is called health and imbalance (Vikriti) is called disease (Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana 1). Together these three doshas determine the physiological balance and constitution of the individual which is called as Prakriti in Ayurveda. Every person has all three doshas (physical humors – vata, pitta, kapha) and trigunas (psychological qualities – Satwa, Rajas, Tamas) in different proportions. However, depending upon the predominance of the five basic elements, three doshas and mental qualities in sperm (Shukra) and ovum (Shonita) at the time of conception, the individual prakriti is decided. Prakriti is also described to be influenced by maternal factors including the intra-uterine environment, food and regimen adapted by the mother during pregnancy (Matur Ahara Vihara). This basic constitution which is fixed at the time of fertilization generally remains constant through out the life of that individual. Ayurveda has also explained the food and lifestyle as per individual constitution including the factors which aggravate and pacify doshas (Vimana Sthana 1/21-25, Charaka Samhita, 2003).

To summarize, Prakriti, thus refers to genetically determined physical and mental constitution of an individual. Every person has his/her own unique constitution which determines the biological functions, response to environmental factors, drugs and also susceptibility to diseases making it one of the earliest known concepts of preventive and personalized medicine. The knowledge of prakriti and the ability to subgroup individuals based on their predominant prakriti, in Ayurveda system of health care, thus, is one of its important and unique specialties and essential tools. This not only helps to understand the mental and physical nature of a person in health but also to know the susceptibility to diseases which assists in promotion of health, prevention and cure of diseases. It may also be mentioned that Ayurveda system primarily aims at treating the cause of the disease (and not just the symptoms) by identifying the imbalance of the Tridoshas (Vimana Sthana 8, Charaka Samhita, 2003).

There are a large number of recognizable phenotypic features described for the prakriti types. Of these, the key features include the following:

Key distinguishing features for prakriti determination

VATA

Thin body frame, does not gain weight
Skin dry, rough, dark complexion, cracked
Hair dry and splitting
Quick performance of activities
Variable and/or poor appetite.
Physical working capacity less, resistance to disease usually poor
Prefers warm or hot food and climate.
Scanty perspiration, variable thirst
Tendency for constipation
Light sleep with many dreams
Prone to anxiety, worry and depression, unpredictable nature

PITTA

Medium body frame
Skin delicate, reddish complexion, warm to touch
Good/excessive appetite
Feels warm/hot sensation
Prefers cold food and climate, intolerance to hot food and climate
Tendency for loose motion
Excessive thirst and perspiration
Bright eyes, reddish sclera, yellow iris, sharp penetrating vision
Hair soft, premature graying, baldness
Intelligent, sharp memory, hot tempered, brave, jealous, aggressive, commanding nature

KAPHA

Large, board body frame, tendency to gain weight
Skin thick, soft, smooth, firm, glossy, fair complexion
Good stamina but slow in physical activities
Deep and pleasant voice
Moderate appetite
Moderate perspiration, low thirst
Deep and sound sleep
Large eyes, calm, stable with whitish sclera
Hair thick, oily, wavy dark coloured
Calm, cool, joyful, polite good nature

Additional notes:

Combination of basic elements mainly Space and Air results in the formation of Vata dosha, Fire and Water elements form Pitta dosha, Water and Earth elements form Kapha dosha in the living body.

There are distinct properties of each dosha. The main properties of Vata dosha are – dry, cold, light, subtle, clear, rough, astringent taste, responsible for movements and catabolic in nature. Pitta dosha possesses properties of hot, unctuous, sharp, liquid, spreading, sour-pungent-bitter taste, responsible for digestion and metabolism, Kapha dosha possesses the qualities of cold, heavy, soft, oily, stable, slimy, sweet taste and anabolic in nature (Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutra Sthana 1/10-12, 2003).

There are seven types of physical prakriti viz., Vata, pitta, kapha, vata-pitta, pitta-kapha, kapha-vata and tridosha prakriti –(combination of all three doshas vata, pitta-kapha in equal proportions), and three broad types of mental constitution viz., satwa, rajas and tamas prakriti (Vimana Sthana 8/9,5, Charaka Samhita, 2003). Even though, Ayurvedic texts have explained the characteristic features of all seven types of physical and three types of mental constitution, only three main types of Prakriti viz., Vata predominant, Pitta predominant and Kapha predominant constitution are usually taken for the examination of a person/patient.

About the Author

Dr. Pashupati Nath is a well renowned Ayurvedic Doctor (MD),a coach and a consultant. With 18+ years of experience as an Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Pashupati Nath works with his patients to help them unearth dormant capacities that lead to more fulfilling life through the physical,psychological and spiritual way of Ayurveda

Basics of Ayurveda

Basics of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the Science of Life and it originated in India. The word Ayurveda is the combination of two words Ayu (Life) & Veda (Knowledge). It is one of the most ancient medical sciences of the world. Its roots are in Atharvaveda, the oldest recorded compendium of wisdom on the earth (6000 B.C.)

The object of Ayurveda is to preserve and promote the health of a healthy person as well as cure the disease. Good health is the fundamental prerequisite to acquire materialistic, social and spiritual upliftment of human beings. Therefore, one should follow the rules of good health as described in Ayurveda.

Concepts of Ayurveda are based on the various Indian philosophical systems (schools). Ayurveda refers to the six Indian philosophies but predominantly follows (1) Nayay Vaiseshika philosophy (2) Sankhya Yoga philosophy and (3) Philosophy of Yogadarshana. Accordingly, human body is an integrated combination of five elements, mind , intellect and soul (jivatma). It also recognizes “Supernatural force” in the system of philosophy, whom we call “Paramatma” and who is omnipresent, universal and eternal but who is separate from the “jivatma” or individual self.

Human body has three components i.e. Sattva, Raja and Tama, which interact with the biological components Vata, Pitta and Kapha and decide the psychosomatic constitution of an individual ( Prakriti). Every individual has a peculiar body- mind constitution which is responsible for the health or disease pattern of an individual. Ayurvedic concept of examination of constitution ( Prakriti Pareeksha) is to know body, mind constitution while selecting diet, medicine or treatment regimen, which is a special feature of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda refers two sets of famous texts, each consisting of three books viz.,

Brihattrayi i.e. the three major classics
Caraka Samhita (1500-1000 B.C.)
Susruta Samhita (1500-1000 B.C.) and
Vagbhata (600 A.D.)
Laghuttrayi i.e. the three minor classics
Madhava Nidana (700 A.D.)
Sarangdhara Samhita (1300 A.D.) and
Bhava Praiksha (1600 A.D.)

Besides these classics, there are many more books (there number goes in hundreds) have been contributed in the propagation and clinical practice of Ayurveda.

The Universe, according to Ayurveda is composed of five basic elements – Panch Mahabhoots viz. Space (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water ( Jala) and Earth (Prithvi). As the human body is similarly constituted, there is a fundamental similarity between universe and man. A healthy balance between microcosm (human being) and the macrocosm (universe) is the basis of health and peace.

Ayurveda is based on the theory of three humours (Tridosha) i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, seven tissues (Saptdhatu) i.e. fluid components of the body (Rasa), Blood (Rakta), Muscle tissue (Mamsa), Adipose tissue (Medas),Bone Tissue (Asthi), Bone marrow (Majja) and reproductive elements (Sukra) and immunity/strength (Ojas) and three biowastes (Trimalas) i.e. Urine (Mootra), Faeces (Pureesha),and Sweat (Sweda). A balanced state of aforesaid factors, is the state of health and when this balance is deranged it results in a state of disease.

Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita (1500-1000 B.C.) of Ayurveda provides comprehensive preventive-promotive and curative aspects of health through eight major clinical specialities.

Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
Salakya (Dealing with the diseases of Ear, Nose, Throat, Eyes & Dental problems )
Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
Agada Tantra (Toxicology)
Bhutavidya (Psychiatry)
Kaumara Bhritya (Paediatrics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics)
Rasayana Tantra (Rejuvenation Therapy)
Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac/Andrology)

These major eight specialities have been further developed to may sub-specialities of Ayurveda including the paraclinical specialities.

According to Ayurveda, health is the dynamic integration of body (Sareer), mind (Satwa) and spirit (Atma). Ayurveda, the science of life lays great emphasis on preservation and promotion and health, thereby preventing the disease. Elaborate description are available on personal hygiene, which includes diet and regimen during day (Dinacharya), during night (Ratricharya), seasonal routine (Ritucharya) and behavioural and ethical practices (Sadvritta). Observance of certain rules regarding suppressible and non-suppressible nature urges also pave way towards positive health.

In Ayurveda the process of learning , research and clinical practice are experiential and scientific. Like other systems of ancient Indian learning, Ayurveda is discovered through most recognized schools of acquiring knowledge and producing advance evidence (Pramanas) viz. (1) Direct prescription through sense organs (Pratyaksha), (2) Inference (Anumana) (3) verbal texts form many of the trust worthy persons, who knows truth and communicate correctly (Atpopadesha) and (4) logical/rational interpretation (Yukti), etc.

The diagnosis in Ayurveda is based on two-fold approach to diagnostic viz. (1) Examination of the patient i.e. Rogi- pareeksha : and (2) Examination of disease i/e. Roga-pareeksha. Therefore, Rogi-pareeksha is essentially concerned with ascertaining the constitution of individual and status of his health and vitality. This is achieved through ten-fold examination for patient (Dasavidha Pareeksha) comprising of (1) Constitution (Prakriti) (2) Disease susceptibility (Vikriti), (3) Essence (Sara), (4) Compactness (Samhanana) (5) Anthropometry (Pramana), (6) Compatibility (Satmya), (7) Mind (Satwa), (8) Digestion capacity of food (Aharasakti), (9) Physical strength ( Vyayamsakti) and (10) Age (Vaya). The general examination is made through popular eight types of examination of patient (Ashtasthana pareeksha) comprising examination of Pulse (Nadi), Urine (Mootra), Faeces (Mala), Tongue (Jihwa), Voice (Shabda), Touch (Sparsha) , Eye/Vision (Drik) and Stature (Akriti) and also considering the state of Pathways in internal transport systems (Srotas) and Digestive fire (Agnni).

Ideal treatment according to Ayurveda is one, which cures the disease without causing any side effect.

The objective of curative treatment in Ayurveda is to restore the balance humours (Doshas), Body, tissues (Dhatus) and bio-waste products (Malas). Three classical therapeutic streams advocated by Ayurveda are (1) Therapies with inexplicable mode of action (Daivyavyapasraya chikitsa),

Dr Pashupati Nath

About the Author

He is a well renouned Ayurvedic Doctor (MD), he gives treatment to the patients through the physically,psychological and spiritual way of Ayurveda

Reference – Guidelines of Basic training And Safety in Panchkarma

Solution for Digestion Problems

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After checking most of my patients who has digestion problems, they complain about indigestion, stomach ache etc. and then they say that my abdomen is troubling me. I tell them that your abdomen is not troubling you, YOU are the one who is troubling your abdomen.
My patients will always say, doctor what should I tell you, we are very troubled with our abdomen, it pains, it bloats, constipation, gas, acidity… and from piles to heartache all the complaints start opening up.
To explain them I ask them-
How frequently do you eat? The answer comes, anytime.

Then I ask them again, what time do you take your dinner and when do you sleep after eating food.
They answer, somewhere between 10-12 pm and they sleep while watching tv.
How many cups of tea in a day?? Starting from 3 cups to 10-12 cups a day.
Do you take tobacco, cigarette etc? Most men says yes to it.
Do you drink hold water or cold?
They reply how will we quench our thirst with
hot water?? So we drink cold water.
Do you take salads or fruits?
Answer is sometimes.
How many kms do you walk in a day? Most of them laugh and some says they take stairs in the house only for 5 to 6 times a day.
These questions automatically makes them aware about how they are torturing their gut and on top of it they are blaming their abdomen only.
Still I ask them whose fault is it… yours or your innocent abdomen’s?
The picture gets a bit clear in their mind.
So if you are also troubled with your abdomen, then think about it once that your abdomen has troubled you or you have troubled your abdomen…

Eat at a fix time
Walk daily for 3-4 kms
Drink hot water (if not much then 3 to 4 glasses atleast)
Eat 3 hours before you sleep
Have fruits and salads daily,and then if your abdomen still disturbs you then we can agree yes your abdomen has indeed troubled you.

And even after all these suggestions , the problem persists then you should revisit.

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Dr.Pashupati Nath

About the Author

He is a well renouned Ayurvedic Doctor (MD), he gives treatment to the patients through the physical,psychological and spiritual way of Ayurveda

Spirituality

“Spirituality” – A Different Perspective

It all started on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri. My wife asked my son to get better pooja material for worshipping Lord Shiva. She asked him to get better Bael Patra (Stone Apple / Aegle Marmelos). She sent him back three times. All the Shiv Temples were crowded with devotees and cost of all the pooja materials are very high on this day or any other festival for that matters. Is this the only way to worship God, on this particular day, place with only these kinds of materials? When the fact is that we have been taught that God is everywhere and in everything. Then why there is so much of fuss all about?
I was driving to go to my clinic and it struck to me, what exactly are we doing? What are we teaching to our kids?
Let’s go back to where it all started. I was born into a typical Hindu family, where I had been taught all about the rituals and also that God is everywhere and resides in everything. I accepted it the way it was told to me. But I was not able to understand it completely at a very tender age. So on this day when I was looking at all the people celebrating this day with so much of vigor I thought are we understanding it or just doing it blindly as we were taught? Why worship just one Idol? Then it dawned to me that according to Hindu Mythology we have been worshipping everything in different forms.
We worship different idols like Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The Trimurti is the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism in which the cosmic functions of Creation, Maintenance and Destruction are personified as a triad of deities, typically Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. So we worship even the DESTROYER.
We worship and celebrate days, weeks, months and all the five elements in different forms. We worship days in the form of Chaitra Pratipada( New Year Celebration), we worship Darkness (Amavasya – Laxmi Poojan ( Goddess of Wealth) in the form of Diwali, a Festival of Lights. We celebrate different times of the day in many forms like Morning as Brahma Muhurat, Noon as Abhijit and Evening as Godhuli Bela.
We even worship all the five elements, Ether/Aakash, Air/ Vaayu, Fire/Agni, Jal/Water, Prithvi/Earth in many forms. As we all know that everything is made up of all these five elements. Hence we can say that God is there in everything at any given moment and according to Hindu Mythology, we have been worshipping them in all the forms.
This is what a group of people are following a particular process of worship before knowing that every process of worship is suitable for their individual identity (Svadharm). So before following any kind of worship do research in your inner (psychological & spiritual) laboratory. Like in the outer world scientists keep researching in the laboratories, looking for ways to explain everything. Scientists are looking for answers outside. Spirituality sends us inwards. We have to search for answers in the lab inside us. Only then we will be able to find our own unique path which would be explored only by us.
Being an Ayurvedic doctor, these are my personal thoughts on the success of this journey. There are four milestones to it – health, wealth, love and peace. First you have to love yourself, love your body, and take care of your physical health. When you are physically fit then you can enjoy everything. Then take care of your thoughts. Nourish good thoughts about yourself, about people around you. Give love to yourself but others as well. You should send such vibes even to your enemy that he/she could feel the love even without talking to you. Spread it around. You would feel at peace with yourself.
Now you are free to worship any element, any time, or any path you feel more connected to. It’s completely your choice, not based on your birth or society in which you are born in. Explore all the paths of spirituality and then make your own path which would be individual as you are unique on this planet earth. Then there would be no conflict and peace would be there everywhere.
All I can say is Hinduism is not a religion; it’s a way of life. It’s about celebrating all aspects of life. Ayurveda helps you in achieving that.

Dr. Pashupati Nath

About the Author

He is a well renouned Ayurvedic Doctor (MD), he gives treatment to the patients through the physically,psychological and spiritual way of Ayurveda