Marma chikitsa can cure lifestyle ailments

Marma chikitsa is based on the healing-touch ayurvedic science concept, which is mainly dependent on 107 sensitive points in the human body for curing various ailments. It was practised by Indian sages in the ancient times even before yoga and other forms of healing practices appeared globally.
Marma chikitsa is quite effective in curing modern day lifestyle generated ailments. Renowned Marma chikitsa expert Dr Sunil Joshi stated this while addressing mediapersons at Haridwar.

Dr Joshi said the Marma art of treatment is based on 107 sensitive points in our body. All these points are connected with the brain and are pressed lightly or hardly to stimulate senses. Besides curing various ailments, this therapy is quite effective in preventive aspects too, making a person live a healthy life and strengthening his immune system.

Advanced courses in Marma chikitsa are conducted by International Academy of Ayurveda (www.ayurved-int.com)

Kerala to host Global Ayurveda Festival 2016

The third edition of Global Ayurveda Festival and Arogya Expo (GAF) will be unveiled on 29th January 2016, and the festival will continue until 2nd February 2016, in Kozhikode, Kerala.

About 5000 delegates from over 50 countries are likely to participate in the event, which include practitioners, students, hospitals, manufacturers, government and non-government agencies, working in the sector, who will all gather in this largest biennial event of the Ayurveda fraternity, which is being held for the first time in Kozhikode.

Organized by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA), the GAF 2016 is held in association with the Government of Kerala, native Ayurveda fraternity and department of AYUSH, Government of India.

The state department of AYUSH, Department of Tourism and Department of Industry are all partnering with GAF in a big way.

GAF is positioned as the destination festival on Ayurveda in Kerala, which bridges the great native medicinal tradition with global community.

The earlier conferences of GAF were organized at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, and have grown into internationally recognized event on Ayurveda, with participation of delegates showing consistent growth from 1 800 to 2012.

GAF 2015 will include an international seminar on the theme Women’s Health, a mega exhibition of 500 stalls involving participation of ayurveda hospitals, drug manufacturing industry, government and non-government agencies, all showcasing their products and services.

The GAF 2016 is a fortnight long ‘Grand Kerala Ayurveda Fair’, to be held in 14 districts of the state on 14 days, during 15th to 28th January to ensure participation of local ayurveda institutions.

Several organizations from Germany, US, UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Brazil and Russia are likely to participate in GAF 2016.

Practise ayurveda and keep calm

 A healthy mind and body is possible through ayurvedic practices like 'panchakarma' and "pancha jnyanendriya", said N V Krishnamurthy, director, Abhigna International Academy of Ayurveda and Yoga, at Mysuru.

He was addressing paramedical students at a seminar on "Management of Dementia - Challenges to Patient's Caregivers", organized by Sarada Vilas College of Pharmacy. "Pancha jnyanendriya carries message to the brain. If sense and motor organs are healthy, then many problems can be avoided. Halthy activities, consuming good food and sufficient sleep keeps the brain and sex life healthy. But not many people follow a healthy lifestyle," he said.

Read More about Ayurveda

We need to support ayurveda just like we did with yoga

Today we see a Nobel Prize awarded for work in traditional Chinese medicine. This raises the question why AYURVEDA is not afforded the same consideration, not only worldwide but also in India?

Ayurveda is as profound and sophisticated as traditional Chinese medicine and shares a great deal with it, particularly relative to the role of prana (chi in the Chinese system), with both viewing the human being as an intricate system of energy patterns, much like modern physics and its view of the universe. Both recommend herbs as their main healing modality, including special tonic and rejuvenative agents to improve longevity, immunity and higher awareness. Both are based upon ancient medical texts and have in depth methods of diagnosis and treatment. The two are regarded as the oldest and most extensive natural healing traditions in the world.

Yet while the communist government of China supported the traditional medicine of the country as the medicine of the people, the government of India did not so favour ayurveda, until the current Modi administration, and instead emphasised modern medicine to the point where ayurveda was marginalised.

Meanwhile many Indians have taken up the study of modern medicine and immigrant Indians now represent a significant percentage of doctors in the US and UK. Yet while Chinese doctors usually support traditional Chinese medicine, few Indian medical doctors have seriously taken up the cause of ayurveda.

Yet ayurveda has spread in spite of all this, with ayurvedic books, programmes and treatment centres available in most countries of the world today. This has happened mainly because ayurveda has been promoted by independent groups - particularly those working in yoga, ayurveda and meditation fields, who have introduced ayurveda globally as a transformative and futuristic system of mind-body medicine.

Yoga and ayurveda

Yoga in India is closely related to other traditional disciplines, particularly ayurveda. When yoga texts speak of health, they employ the ayurvedic terminology of doshas (biological humours), agni (digestive fire), the five pranas or types of vital energy, and related factors. Yoga by itself is not a medical system but a spiritual practice, such as is explained in the Yoga Sutras. Yoga has no disease theory or system of diagnosis of its own. For this it has relied upon ayurveda.

Ayurveda takes the yogic view of consciousness and applies it for healing purposes. It teaches a yogic way of life as an ideal means of both health and happiness. Ayurveda recommends the daily practice of yoga, not just asana but also pranayama and meditation, for harmony of body and mind. If we are looking for a yogic system of medicine in terms of both diagnosis and treatment, we find that already beautifully structured in traditional ayurveda.

The complication is that because of the suppression of ayurveda during the colonial era, when yoga spread worldwide during the 20th century, ayurveda was not usually part of it. And while India at Independence brought ayurveda back to some degree, it removed most of its connections to yoga in an effort to make it more acceptable to modern medicine.

The yoga and ayurveda connection only became popular during the last few decades when various spiritual groups, starting with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, began to emphasise it. Swami Ramdev has recently revived yoga and ayurveda in a major way in India, making the connection widely known.

As someone who has worked in the field of yoga and ayurveda for over 30 years, I am happy to see this extraordinary progress of ayurveda, but it still has far to go to realise its full potential. Greater support is essential for ayurveda to gain the recognition it deserves, and to encourage more people to follow and benefit from its life-changing practices.

Health care is the fastest rising cost in the world today. Drug-based medicine is unaffordable for poorer countries like India and problematical in the West, with numerous damaging side effects. Drugs should be the last rather than the first means of treatment, beginning with natural healing methods like yoga and ayurveda instead. Special ayurvedic methods of oil massage and Pancha Karma, such as are popular in Kerala, can remove disease-causing factors before the disease even manifests.

India should not over emphasise drug-based medicine and be forced to return to ayurveda later. The country should honor its own great tradition of natural healing through ayurveda, which is helpful to everyone, just as it is embracing yoga.

The writer,DR DAVID FRAWLEY, is the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies and the author of more than 30 books on yoga and vedic traditions.

Ditch the Flu Shot and Do This Instead

Every year we get bombarded with posters and slogans to get flue vaccines. We are witnessing a powerful psychological attack under the title “the Vaccine is the best protection against the flu!”. You can’t help but come to a conclusion that a common flue is the most dangerous thing in the world and thus, there is nothing else left for you to do except to get this shot. But wait! You have to know that flu vaccines have been proved to be not only ineffective but also toxic for humans and animals.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The following substances are found in flu vaccines: aluminum, antibiotics, egg protein, formaldehyde, human aborted fetal apparatus (dead human tissue), monosodium glutamate (MSG), and thimerosol (mercury).” Flu vaccines are directly linked to long-term health consequences.

Truth is that only people with weakened immune systems get affected with Flu. 

Here are a few things you can take to strengthen your immune system naturally.

Cod liver oil.
 It’s incredibly full of fat-soluble vitamins that support the immune system and fatty acids like EPA and DHA that reduce inflammation. EPA is the precursor of important prostaglandins (localized tissue hormones that help the body deal with inflammation). Cod liver oil has more vitamin A and more vitamin D per unit weight than any other food. A single teaspoon of high-vitamin oil contains nearly 2000 IU. There are virtually no infectious diseases that do not respond well to treatment which consists of cod liver oil.

Thyme
has amazing antiviral, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibiotic, and antiseptic properties which makes it a great natural additive during cold and flu season. Not only is thyme is known for killing microbes, but it also helps the body to eliminate toxins. In addition, it benefits the immune system by encouraging the formation of white blood cells, increasing immune response to invading organisms.

Tumeric
Add turmeric to your meals or to ginger tea. Turmeric’s anti-bacterial agents may help our body fight against colds, cough and flu.  Turmeric’s key ingredient Curcumin is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help in healing cuts and wounds.
Read More about Turmeric here

Honey and Cinnamon
Taking one tablespoon of lukewarm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days will help prevent and cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses. Consistent use of honey helps fight bacteria and viral diseases by strengthening the white blood corpuscles.
Read More about Cinnamon here

Ayurvedic herbs to fight with Dengue

Yoga teacher Baba Ramdev today claimed that Ayurvedic products can increase the platelet count in patients suffering from the vector-borne fever faster than allopathic medicines.

He said that consuming juice made of Giloy leaves, aloe vera, papaya leaves and pomegranate not only increases platelet count but also increases overall immunity of the body.

If you are interested in knowing about Ayurvedic Medicinal Herbs ----Enroll for Interactive Online Herbology Course- with certificate from International academy of Ayurveda Click Here.

Try this Herbal Tea for better immunity!
1] Add one cardamom, 2 – 3 coarsely ground black pepper, 2 – 3 a small piece of cinnamon (dalchini), 4 – 5 tulsi leaves and dried ginger (sonth) to a glass of boiling water.
2] Let it boil for 10 minutes and remove it from the flame.
3] Allow it to cool for some time, strain and drink while warm.
4] For taste, you can add a few drops of honey. Don’t add sugar.
Drink this tea daily to improve your immunity and to prevent infections.

Health Benefits of Asafoetida (Hing)

Asafoetida (Hing) is one useful ayurvedic herb. In Hindi it is popular with name Hing or Hingu. Hing is commonly used Indian spice of kitchen. It is dried resin of Asafoetida plant and is available in solid state in small pieces. Hing is used daily in preparing chaunk/ Tadka for many dishes like Dal or pulse to add flavour. In Tadka, we fry kitchen spices like onion, tomato, cumin, garlic, fennels seeds, chilli, Hing and other spices in oil or ghee for delicious taste. Hing is also one main ingredient of Pickles. Due to its Digestive nature it is used in all vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. It has many health benefits.

Here are some important asafoetida uses --

In Respiratory diseases:
Asafetida’s medicinal uses are many, which include the treatment of influenza. Asafetida is beneficial in fighting the swine flu and H1N1 virus. It is also used in treating asthma and bronchitis and is effective is treating colds and the flu in children. In addition, it can also be used for reducing chronic bronchitis and whooping cough due to its anti-microbial action.

In stomach Disorders:
Asafoetida is an amazing spice to treat flatulence and expelling wind. Many suffer from gas when they consume lentils. Whenever you cook dals and pulses, adding asafoetida prevents the problem and helps in quick digestion. A small pinch of asafoetida will go a long way.

For Bee sting:
Asafoetida is very beneficial in treating stings of bees, wasps etc. The paste of asafoetida should be applied as a poultice on the affected area and left to dry. To make the paste, a small piece of asafoetida is rubbed on a stone, along with little water till you get a thick paste. Apply this paste over the stings.

In ear pain:
Asafoetida is also very effective in treating ear ache /ear pain. Heat coconut oil in small pan and add a small piece of asafoetida and let it melt. Once it gets to room temperature, apply the oil inside the ears with your hands. This is one of the effective remedies for ear pain that has been practiced for years.

For Menstrual pain relife:
It helps to get rid of menstrual pain. Asafoetida is fried in a empty kadai and powdered and added to the buttermilk along with little bit of sugar and given to women with menstrual pain and it really helps. I read that asafoetida contains special chemicals which can thin the blood thus making the blood flow smooth. This remedy has been used for ages in our village side and can greatly reduce the discomfort.

Tooth ache:
Asafoetida is very good for treating tooth aches. To make a poultice for tooth aches, make a paste of asafoetida and lemon juice in a mortar and  pestle and apply with the help of a ear bud on the affected tooth. You will find your pain gradually decreasing.
 Asafoetida used as mouth rinse also gives good relief from tooth pain. To make the rinse, asafoetida and few cloves are boiled in cup of water. This water when used as a mouth rinse gives good relief from tooth ache

Effective Acne treatment and Skin Blemish:
Asafoetida can also be used effectively for acne and acne scars. A pinch of asafoetida powder can be mixed with water and applied over the acne spots. Regular application will gradually cure acne flares.  Asafoetida is also very effective in treating skin blemishes. A simple face mask made with asafoetida powder and yogurt will greatly reduce the blemishes and age spots in the skin. Try do it regularly at least weekly once for best results.

If you are interested in doing ----Interactive Online Herbology Course- with certificate from International academy of Ayurveda Click Here.

Why Rasasindura is not toxic?

Researchers have employed state-of-the-art analytical tools and elegant computational methods in a truly multidisciplinary project to prove that Rasasindura, the mercury-containing Ayurvedic drug, is not toxic. Mercury is one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. (WHO Worksheet No 363, Sept 2013). Metallic mercury is highly mobile, soluble in water depending on its chemical form and oxidises relatively easily. Bacteria convert environmental mercury in to methyl mercury. Mercury interacts with human body and turns it into methyl mercury. Methyl mercury is more toxic. As per conventional wisdom, Rasasindura will be toxic. Ayurvedic physicians claim that they have been using this drug for ages without any harm. The study carried out in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology tries to solve the riddle.“...Our work not only helps to understand the non-toxicity of Rasasindura but also establishes the Ayurvedic synthesis method for a well controlled end-product,” Dr. Debdutta Lahiri and her colleagues wrote in the latest issue of Journal of Synchrotron Radiation.

In this study, researchers used virgin samples of Rasasindura prepared as per Ayurvedic protocols. “Bhasmikaran” (making into powder), is simple in theory; it involves repeated, controlled and prolonged heating of metals with suitable ingredients to make metal powders and to remove residual metals and toxic organic molecules. The results obtained by the scientists apply only to the sample they used and not to any commercially available sample of Rasasindura. Regrettably, Ayurvedic formulations do not have any applicable standards.

Scientists used five analytical tools and procedures with Rasasindura and nanoparticles of lab-based red á-HgS to prove that the structure of Rasasindura is indeed the very stable, á-HgS. Surface organic groups or organic groups were absent in both .The drug has thus the following attributes: because of the special affinity of Hg to Sulphur, Hg-S bonds are very strong. Other workers have shown that accumulation of á-HgS in the human body is very low. Absorption of á-HgS by the gastro-intestinal tract is only 0.2 per cent; the fraction reaching the kidney is much lower at only 0.02 per cent. HgS is 10,000 times less toxic than methyl mercury.

The researchers showed that complete oxidation occurred in Rasasindura and free mercury or organic mercury was absent in it. They used synchrotron-based X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) method to prove 100 per cent HgS formation in Rasasindura.

They found that that Rasasindura contains nanocrystals of about 20 nm size. Particle distribution is better controlled in Rasasindura than in á-HgS, made in laboratories. The paper proves that toxicity cannot be decided by elemental analysis alone.

In December 2004, Dr Robert B. Saper from the Boston University School of Medicine and his colleagues stated that 20 per cent of the Ayurvedic medicines they purchased from Boston contained high levels of lead, mercury and arsenic (Journal of American Medical Association). We do not know whether companies prepared any of these drugs as per Ayurvedic protocols. Saper's paper led to the banning of such drugs in many countries.

Since then a few papers showed that some of the drugs are not toxic.

Let me reiterate that the present study does not endorse any sample of Rasasindura available in the market.

The author is former Secretary, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. Email: ksparth@yahoo.co.uk

Read More articles about Use of Heavy Metals in Ayurveda and about their Toxicity.

Kerala government forms separate department for Ayush

Mirroring the central model, the government of Kerala has formed a separate department for Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) with a view to promote the use of Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) and to implement various projects under Union government’s Ayush programmes.

With this, after Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, Kerala becomes the third state in the country to have separate department for Ayush systems. It will help the state to avail more funds through Central government schemes to implement various centrally sponsored projects.

The creation of the Ayush department will help largely for the growth of traditional medicines in Kerala, especially in the field of Ayurveda. The main objectives of the department include strengthening methods of treatment under ISM, develop standards of Ayush education by modernising hospitals and other healthcare institutions, develop infrastructure facilities for Ayush education, push up research activities in the sector, promote educational programmes under Indian systems of medicine, adopt measures to improve the quality of drugs and to increase the availability of raw drugs and medicinal plants.

The creation of the department will improve acceptance of Ayurveda . Kerala will become the capital of Ayurveda in the country, though it is already a major hot-spot for ayurvedic treatments.

Cinnamon For Hypertension

Cinnamon a commonly used spice is available as rolled quills, powder or liquid extract. There are many cinnamon varieties although the most commonly used is Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia (Chinese) Cinnamon. Cinnamon also offers various health benefits mainly due to the presence of volatile oils cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamyl acetate. Cinnamon contains calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin K and dietary fiber.

Cassia cinnamon has especially been used for medicinal purposes. It could be used to treat hypertension, some types of cancer, chest pain or kidney disorders. Cinnamon is said to reduce high blood pressure and improve blood glucose circulation. It is also said to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Foods rich in calcium like cinnamon could help lower blood pressure levels. Calcium acts as a mediator in contracting and relaxing blood vessels. Calcium deficiency could result in raising blood pressure levels. This is where cinnamon can help. 1 tbps of cinnamon provides close to 8% of daily body calcium requirement.

In one randomized trial that studied 58 patients , it was found that 2g cinnamon taken daily reduced high blood pressure and blood sugar levels over time. In a 2006 study it was found that cinnamon regulated blood sugar metabolism and lowered blood pressure in rats suffering from hypertension. Thus cinnamon can be of help in dealing with hypertension but detail effects of cinnamon need some more study.
Read more about Cinnamon.

Ayurveda Has Practical Approach to PCOS

Though Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been identified in younger generation, Ayurveda System of Medicine has a practical approach to the same,

Though Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common female endocrinal disorder with prevalence of about 26 per cent in the age group of 18 to 45 years. It has of late been identified with much younger generation which could be the cause of concern. Yet, Ayurveda has practical approach in diagnosis and management of PCOS, said AYUSH Department Director Vijayakumar Gogi.

Women with increasing symptoms of PCOS face fertility problems owing to overarian dysfunction and endocrine problems.The Ayurveda approach to PCOS focuses on regularising the cycle and managing infertility in married women, he added.
Read more about Ayurvedic management of PCOS problem at -
 http://ayurveda-foryou.com/women/pcos_treatment.html

MAC, Pune to start govt approved Ayurveda industrial training courses by August 2015

In order to enhance skill set and also encourage entrepreneurship in Ayurveda industry, MAC Pune has received Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) recognition as Industrial Training Institute to start fellowship courses from August 15 this year at the MAC Pune Ayush cluster. Maharashtra Ayurved Center Pvt Ltd (MAC) based at Kolewadi, Pune cluster, funded by the Ayush ministry, houses a dedicated raw material processing centre for supply of standardised, graded, certified and processed raw materials in bulk to the ayurvedic manufacturers across the state. MAC Pune cluster is the second Ayurveda cluster after Konkan in the state. The institute recognised by MUHS, Nashik will conduct industrial training courses for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (BAMS) and Pharmacy students to increase their skill sets. It will empower students with hands on training on various latest techniques/machines in ayurvedic manufacturing along with giving a low down on legal and FDA licensing aspects also enabling them to seek placements directly in the industry at various posts. Applications are invited from eligible candidates for admission to fellowship courses for the academic year 2015-2016 namely fellowship course in ayurvedic raw material identification, storage, processing and packaging (FCARMISPP) which is for a duration 12 months and fellowship course in ayurvedic drug manufacturing (FCADM) which is again for a duration of 12 months. The course fees is Rs. 40,000/course for the academic session of one year. Available seats for each course is 5. Informed Dr Sunita Belgamwar, chairperson, Maharashtra Ayurveda Centre Pvt Ltd (Ayush industry cluster sponsored by the Government of India), "There is s huge requirement of such trained manpower considering the future requirement of raw material which is standardised, certified and packaged properly. The course is intended to train personnel mainly for meeting requirements of consumer sector of ayurvedic drugs. They will be acquainted with the raw material of ayurvedic drugs for identification, storage, processing, packaging and making it ready for manufacturing. They will also be trained to maintain stores of ayurvedic drugs (both raw materials and finished products) properly." She further added that the increasing demand for traditional drugs globally also has led to increase in exports from the country of the raw material and finished drugs. MAC Pune cluster has given us an opportunity to develop a 360 degree horizontal model to propagate concepts and principles of Ayurved to all the stakeholders through interventions like exhibition, contract manufacturing, raw material processing and sale, quality control lab and entrepreneurship development centre. The MAC Pune cluster is aimed at bringing about quality improvement of raw material and finished goods, reduction in the individual capital investment through contract manufacturing, reduction in the pre manufacturing time (40 per cent time saving) by virtue of bulk raw material supply, reduction in the packaging and labelling costs through a common facility centre, reduction in marketing costs by common marketing and branding (40 per cent cost saving), development of new drugs, process design and validation to compete globally, IPR protection and assistance in research and development and global exposure through common exhibitions.

Ayurveda Therapies to Psychiatric patients

Nimhans centre,Bangalore offers ayurveda therapies to psychiatric patients

The ayurveda centre has been helping those suffering from schizophrenia to tackle their violent, aggressive behaviour and sleeplessness. Nimhans has been collaborating with the Indian ancient medicine since 1959. In 1970, the centre was upgraded by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) with the establishment of the Advanced Centre for Ayurveda in Mental Health and Neuro Sciences.

Patients are suggested select therapies of Panchakarma that does detoxification. Medicated oil massage, termed Shirodhara in ayurveda, is also helpful.

Those suffering from muscular dystrophy are suggested some Panchakarma therapies that reduce stiffness in the arms and calf muscles.

Low IQ? Get treated here

The Advanced Centre for Ayurveda in Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, which is conducting in Manasa Mandata (slight mental retardation) among children.
Ayurvedic medicines like Saraswath Gritha (medicated ghee) and Brahmee Gritha made up of herbs are used to treat mild mental retardation. There are cases wherein after a couple of months of treatment, the children have improved their IQ from 52 to 61.

Read More about Ayurvedic Psychology.

Natural remedies to boost your immunity

Dear Reader, Come winter and you blame the cold for body ache joint pains and the   sniffles. Research, however, proves that it is not the temperature, but the germs spread during winter that causes it and foods that are not suitable. To prevent this, build your immunity then additions to the diet is the best tool.

Luckily, nature takes care of this and produces foods that are needed to boost your immunity during the winter. Melons and mangoes don’t grow naturally in winter or  strawberries  in summer  and  if  they are  available  for  some  reason  than  don’t  have them 

Ancient Indian medicine believes there are cooling foods and warming foods, which change according to seasons, therefore the diet changes with the change of season. Immune-boosting produce is what you need. Enhance your immunity with antioxidants, beta-carotene, lycopene, Vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C, fibre, natural fat, natural sugar and photochemicals. Winter foods are packed with the above and plenty more. Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower; gobi paratha, gobi mutter, gobi aur sargam ka aachar… or even radishes… Quite a staple during winter!

By Naini Setalvad

Read more about Immunity Boosting in Ayurveda

Symbolic Meaning of God Ganesha Statue

 

 Ganesh is a God of Intelligence .That is why we worship this God Ganesh at the beginning of every activity in our life like may be beginning of study ,wedding ceremony ,entering in new house etc .By this worship we want to appeal that ‘Please give us such a Intelligence by which we can prevent obstacles or we can overcome them if at all it happens ,’

Statue of God Ganesh also has so many symbolic teachings to us .His face is of Elephant .We know that Elephant is supposed to be Intelligent & strong animal .So we must also try to become strong & Intelligent .Broad forehead is also indicating Intelligence ,because in human body we have all centers of Intelligence( higher functions)  in forehead.Small eyes of Ganesh indicates sharp vision capable to select in between Good & Bad .Big ears teaches us to become  a good listener .Big belly is indicating that God Ganesh can digest many mistakes of human being (& forgive them ).Similarly we should also try to accept the mistakes done by other people & can forgive him to give a chance for improvement .Trunk of elephant  can pick up a beautiful Lotus & at the same time   ,when he becomes furious ,he can uproot even a strongest tree .So we  should also be soft spoken in day to day activities & also should be strong enough to make a lesson to bad people .

While worshiping God Ganesh it will be better if we could understand this aspect & purpose of festival .Otherwise worship can only become mechanical process.

Second point is regarding when we chant Aarti of Ganesh or Atharvashirsha .What is the meaning of this ? Are they only words or have some other sense? Yes ! any prayer has it’s own importance .Prayer is a dialogue with our soul.Prayer is like food of soul .Prayer is a process of Introspection .So it should be more of quite type ,with closed eyes,with sitting in a comfortable position .Prayer is a Meditation .Words in the prayer are like Mantra . Mantra chanting is like Music Therapy .It has a power to clean your mind,removing bad thoughts & implanting smoothening & nourishing thoughts .Prayer is like taking bath or shower to clean your mind & refresh your soul .

Athrvashirsha word itself has specific meaning .This is made up of A + THARVA + Shirsha .Tharva means unstable .Atharva means Stable .Shirsha means head or brain or mind .So by chanting Atharvashirsha regularly can make your brain or mind or thoughts more stable ,calm & happy .Chanting of this mantra is like Tonic in this fast life or Hyperactive life style ,to chilled down our senses .

So let us make Salute to God Ganesh or Power of intelligence !!

---By Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande

AYURVEDA WORKS -– even Western science now says so

Conventional studies are revealing that this ancient Indian medicinal system can truly address a slew of ills, from diabetes to depression.
Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, is currently under the scrutiny of the Western scientific community. So far, the results are encouraging.

A study in The Netherlands proves that Ayurveda significantly lowers the level of toxins in the body after only two weeks of treatment.
Patrick Eyquem, the Frenchman from Bordeaux, France, who runs Arogya Ayurvedic Center says “We did blood tests on chemicals accumulated in the body that one acquires from food, such as from fertilizers and pesticides, and the reduction of chemicals after two weeks was from 48-50 percent.”

Another research team, this time led by Dr. Rainer Waldschütz,  at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg in Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, conducted a study on a group of 130 subjects.
After 14 days on panchakarma, an Ayurvedic detoxification treatment, the average level of cholesterol dropped from 203.5 mg to 179.5 mg. LDL levels dropped by about 8.7 percent. This, in turn, reduced the risk of heart attack by about 17.8 percent.

Other findings of the study included: decreased levels of 17 toxic and cancer-causing chemicals from the body tissues, including heavy metals and pesticides; decreased cholesterol by lowering toxic lipid peroxide levels; decreased the rate of platelet clumping; raised the good, HDL cholesterol; lowered diastolic blood pressure; reduced free radicals; reduced bodily complaints, irritability, strain and psychological inhibitions; decreased anxiety and aging.
During the study, Ayurveda has been proven successful in treating chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (88 percent effective), bronchial asthma (78 percent), chronic bronchitis (71 percent), eczema (68 percent), psoriasis (60 percent), chronic constipation (88 percent), headache (85 percent), chronic sinusitis (100 percent), diabetes mellitus (75 percent) and hypertension (56 percent).

Turmeric Steadies Blood Sugar

Turmeric is a flavorful yellow spice used in rice and meat dishes and even deserts, but it also has outstanding medicinal properties. Use turmeric to treat high blood sugar levels, a practice that has been scientifically confirmed by research at Gujarat University. They confirmed that the active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, switches on the genes that keep blood glucose levels stable. The compound can also help the pancreas make insulin when it is low. In order to see the benefits of turmeric, start taking about half a teaspoon daily either directly or in your cooking.

Read More about Health benefits of Turmeric 

Ayurveda medicinal plants with anti-diabetic and other beneficial properties

Plant Name	Ayurvedic/common name/	Anti-diabetic and other beneficial effects proved scientifically	References
Acacia arabica:	Babbul	Hypoglycemic effect by initiating release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells	( Wadood A., et all, 1989 )
Aegle marmelos	Bael or Bilva	Hypoglycemic activity	(Karunanayake E.H. et all, 1984)
Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis	Gwarpatha or Ghritkumari	Hypoglycemic activity
Azadirachta indica:	Neem	Anti-diabetic activity, apart from this plant also has anti-bacterial, antimalarial, antifertility, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects	(Biswas K., et all, 2002 )
Annona squamosa	Sitaphal	Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities of ethanolic leaf-extract, Increased plasma insulin level	(Kaleem M. et all, 2006 & Gupta R K, et all, 2005)
Artemisia pallens	Davana	Hypoglycemic, increases peripheral glucose utilization or inhibits glucose reabsorption	(Subramonium A., et all, 1996 )
Areca catechu	Pugi/Supari	Hypoglycemic	(Chempakam B. 1993 )
Boerhavia diffusa	Punarnava	Increase in hexokinase activity,decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose bis-phosphatase activity, increase plasma insulin level, antioxidant	(Pari L.,2004 & Sateesh M A 2004)
Bombax ceiba	Semul or Shalmali Palasha	Hypoglycemic Hypoglycemic (Somani R., et all, 2006 )	(Saleem R.,et all, 1999 )
Butea monosperma Cassia auriculata Linn	Avartaki	Antihyperglycemic	(S. J. Surana, et all, 2008 )
Capparis decidua	Karir or Kair	Hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic	(Agarwal V., Chauhan B.M. 1988 )
Coccinia indica	Bimbi	Hypoglycemic	(Kamble S.M.,et all, 1998)
Emblica officinalis	Amla, Dhatriphala, a constituent of herbal formulation, “Triphala”	Decreases lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, Hypoglycemic	Bhattacharya A, et all 1999,b. Kumar K C S , et all, 1999, c. Bhattacharya A, et all, 1995)
Enicostema littorale	Krimihrita	Increase hexokinase activity, Decrease glucose 6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase activity. Dose dependent hypoglycemic activity	(a) Maroo J., et all, 2003, b. Vijayvargia R. et all, 2000)
Eugenia jambolana	Indian gooseberry, jamun, Jambu	Antihyperglycemic effect, Inhibits insulin activity from liver and kidney	(Acherekar S., et all, 1991)
Ficus bengalenesis	Vat/ Burgad	Hypoglycemic, antioxidant	(Augusti K.T., et all, 1994)
Gymnema sylvestre	Gudmar or Meshashringi	Anti-hyperglycemic effect, hypolipidemic	Chattopadhyay R.R, 1999, b. Preuss H.G., et all, 1998)
Hemidesmus indicus	Sariva/Anantamul	Anti snake venom activity, anti-inflammatory, Hypoglycemic	(Alam M.I., Gomes A. 1998)
Hibiscus rosa-sinesis Hollarhena antidisentrica	Gudahal or Japa Kutaj	Initiates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells Hypoglycemic activity	(Sachadeva A., Khemani L.D, 1999) (P. Chandar – 2006)
Momordica cymbalaria	Karela	Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic	(Rao B.K. et all, 1999)
Murraya koenigii	Curry patta, Meetha Neem	Hypoglycemic, increases glycogenesis and decreases gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis	(Khan B.A.,, et all, 1995)
Swertia chirayita	Chiraita	Stimulates insulin release from islets	(Saxena A.M., et all, 1993)
Syzygium alternifolium	Shaha - jira	Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic	(Rao B.K., Rao C.H., 2001 )
Terminalia belerica	Behada	Antibacterial, Hypoglycemic	(Sabu M.C., Kuttan R, 2002 )
Terminalia chebula	Haritaki or Harad	Antibacterial, Hypoglycemic	(Sabu M.C., Kuttan R., 2002)
Vinca rosea	Sadabahar	Anti-hyperglycemic	(Chattopadhyay S.R, et all, 1991 )
Withania somnifera	Ashvagandha, Winter cherry	Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic	(Adallu B., Radhika B. , 2004 )

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Mercury in Ayurvedic medicines is good

Contrary to the debate on international regulations to ban trade of mercury owing to its toxicity and adverse impact on the environment, an Ayurveda expert at the Banaras Hindu University has advocated the use of mercurial preparations as medicine to treat acute and chronic diseases. However, he has also cautioned against its free use.

"Mercurial preparations in Ayurveda are not toxic in nature if prepared according to classical parameters with guidelines of good manufacturing practices," said head of the department of Rasa Shastra Prof Anand Chaudhary.

"But, classically prepared Ayurvedic medicines are not toxic. Mercury in Ayurveda is processed specifically with very specific pharmaceutical preparation, known as ?Samskar' of mercury and finally converted into medicinal sulphide form, which is not harmful," claimed Chaudhary.

According to him, western countries tried to use mercury as medicine in the 15th-16th century AD, but failed in their attempt. They used mercury to treat diuretic and syphilis in its chloride form and experienced many adverse effects. But Indian Ayurveda developed innovative methods in the 10th century AD to convert elemental mercury into its sulphide medicinal form. Indian knowledge is perfect as it developed technology to produce stable and non toxic form of Mercury as Rasa Sindoor, Rasa Parpati and many other forms of medicines of Ayurveda, he claimed.

Read More - Heavy metals in Ayurvedic Medicines

Poha — Powerhouse of nutrition

Poha is one of the few Indian dishes that can be had for breakfast, lunch or even as a snack. Made from flattened or beaten rice, it can be prepared in a jiffy and is highly nutritious too. Rice is parboiled, flattened and dried to make the thin flakes that we call poha. All over India, poha is made in many different ways making it a very versatile dish. Here we look at the many nutrition benefits of the humble poha.

Packed with iron: Eating poha regularly can prevent iron deficiency or anaemia as it contains 20 mg of iron in every 100g raw rice flakes. Children as well as pregnant and lactating women can benefit greatly by consuming it. Softened poha is also a great way to add dietary iron when an infant is weaned from breastmilk. Sufficient iron helps the body to form haemoglobin that carries oxygen to body cells and also builds immunity. Squeeze a cut lemon on the poha as it helps improve iron absorption.

A complete meal: Mixed vegetables can be added to rice flakes to make it rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. Add sprouts, soya nuggets, peanuts and even boiled eggs to make a well-balanced and high-protein meal. Poha also makes a tasty and healthy packed lunch for toddlers as well as office goers. Opt for beaten rice made from brown rice for an extra health boost. Here are some more quick breakfast options. 

A good source of carbs: Carbohydrates are the major source of energy in a bowl of poha. This makes it a perfect breakfast option. It can be eaten for snack too in the place of unhealthy options such as chips and biscuits. Carbohydrates are needed to help our body store energy, and perform various other functions. But getting your carb intake from healthy sources is vital and poha is one healthy source. 

Very low on gluten: These days, many people are cutting down on food grains like wheat and barley even if they aren’t sensitive to gluten. These people can opt for poha as it has very low amounts of gluten. People who have celiac disease should consult their doctor if they can eat poha without causing bloating or stomach pain. They can eat khichdi too as it is very healthy. Here are some health benefits of khichdi. 

Good for diabetics: Poha is considered to be a great meal option for diabetics as it promotes slow release of sugar into the bloodstream. It also keeps you full for longer time. A single serving is enough to keep you going without hunger pangs and reach for unhealthy sweets and junk food. Add chunks of soya to increase its nutritive value. You can also try this sample diet plan for diabetics. 

To avoid monotony, make it by incorporating many different ingredients. Each state in India has their own version of this dish. Try this mixed sprouts poha for breakfast. 

Given below is the calorie count in 1 katori of poha: 

Vegetable Poha- 244 Kcal

Peanut Poha- 589 Kcal

Huli Avalakki- 222 Kcal

Content courtesy- http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/health-benefits-of-poha-k214/