Shirodhara

There are specialized forms of shirodhara called tailadhara, ksheeradhara, takradhara and jaladhara.

Shirodhara works primarily on the mental sheath or “manomaya kosha” as it is referred to in Ayurveda. Shirodhara is traditionally used to calm the nerves, harmonize vata constitutions, restore the nerves, release stored emotions, and purify the mind. In Ayurvedic Medicine, it is considered an important tool in the pursuit of higher states of consciousness. Shirodhara has been traditionally shown to help with fatigue, mental exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, some mental disorders, headache, excessive thinking, nervousness, and many other conditions commonly affecting persons in today’s active lifestyle.

Benifits of Shirodhara:
Regular shirodhara enhances blood circulation to the brain, improves memory, nourishes hair and scalp, assists in providing sound sleep and calms the body and mind. Shirodhara is one of the most effective treatments for reducing stress and nervous tension.

• Ultimate mental and emotional relaxation therapy
• Beneficial for many diseases connected with the head, neck, eyes, ears, nose and throat
• Beneficial for many diseases of the nervous system like nerve disorders, facial palsy, paralysis and ptosis (drooping) of the eyelids.
• Beneficial for curing long standing insomnia and schizophrenia
• Beneficial for fits in epilepsy when used in conjunction with other medicines
• Prevents hair lose, premature graying and cracking of hair
• Relieves headache and burning sensation of the head
• Nourishes and rejuvenates the body
• Stimulates the nervous system giving sturdiness to the body
• Improves digestion
• Sharpens the sense organs
• Improves the quality of voice
• Gives strength to the neck and head
• Improves the health of the skin
• Cools the body and relieves pain.
• Invigorates the body and mind and stimulate cognitive memories
• Helps relieve fatigue, tension, anxiety, anger, chronic headaches, rheumatism, hypertension, asthma, hair problems and stress
• Disperses negative electrical impulses that accumulate at the skull and hairline from stress.
• Renews the sweetness of life
• Rejuvenates the entire face and softens worry lines
• Opens the third eye of lord Shiva by this therapeutic Marma based head massage
• Activates the pituitary gland
• Increases spiritual awareness
• Regulates mood and depression disorders
• Activates the memory & stimulates the 6 & 7th charka which regulates our breathing patterns.
• Increases intuition
• It improves concentration, intelligence, confidence and self-esteem

Contraindications for Shirodhara therapy

• Full stomach
• Severe Vata disorder
• People with severe anxity and combined control issues
• Low Blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• Recent neck injuiry
• Alcoholism
• Brain tumor
• Abrasions or cuts on head
• Rashes on forehead or scalp
• Aversion to oil

Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic treatment which involves slowly pouring liquids over a client’s third eye, which is located in the forehead. It has been used in India for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions, and many spas have adopted Shirodhara treatments for their clients. In the West, Shirodhara is an immensely popular option on the menu at many high end spas, and it may be bundled with other body treatments for a luxurious spa session.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Shirodhara is designed to relax the body and open the third eye. It is used to treat a range of skin conditions, along with eye problems, stress, insomnia, memory loss, and graying hair. A wide range of liquids can be used, depending on the body type of the patient; oils are common, but milk, buttermilk, and water can be used as well. Frequently, the liquid will be infused with herbs which are tailored to the client.

A traditional Shirodhara session starts with an interview with a vaidya, an Ayurvedic practitioner. The vaidya will determine the patient’s body type, and he or she may make recommendations for a range of treatments including Shirodhara. When the interview is concluded, the client lies on an inclined table with his or her palms facing up. Aromatic essential oils are applied to the hands, the nose, and sometimes the feet as well while a gentle stream of warm liquid is run over the forehead. Commonly, the session will include light massage of the scalp, face, and neck.

A Shirodhara session can last up to an hour, and it is usually carried out in a calm room with neutral music, diffused natural light, candles, flowers, and other decorations which are intended to promote relaxation. After the session, the client is gently wiped clean with warm, moist towels and he or she may be wrapped in moist towels and herbs for a gentle moisturizing treatment.

In a spa environment, the focus of Shirodhara is on relaxation, rather than treatment of any specific medical conditions. The client typically remains clothed as in therapeutic Shirodhara, unless he or she has also requested a body wrap or scrub to complement the Shirodhara session. Scented oils and herbs are not usually formulated specifically for the patient, but they usually contain essential oils which are designed to promote a state of calmness. Many spa clients enjoy the relaxing experience of Shirodhara, along with the gentle touch of face and hair.

How Do Herbs Work Herbs which are used to treat impotence work on the body in two ways. Firstly they help increase blood flow to the penile area and secondly they enhance testosterone levels in the body which are essential for optimal sexual performance.

Ayurveda can Help You to Relieve Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Symptoms.
The awareness of ED has increased as pharmaceutical treatments such as Viagra are widely advertised. However, current pharmaceutical therapies do not address the root causes of ED. Ayurvedic treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) is a natural whole-body approach that can restore normal erections and sexual activity.
Erectile dysfunction is treatable in all age groups. The total treatment in for impotence is called as “ Vajikarana therapy” in ayurveda. As this therapy increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act, like a horse, it is called ‘Vaajikarana’.(‘Vaaji’=Horse.)

Vaajikarana therapy leads to

• Happiness
• Good strength
• Potency to produce offspring
• Increased span of erection

Erectile Dysfunction Remedies – Herbs:

• Kapikachu ( Mucuna Pruriens)
• Shatavari  ( Asparagus Racemosus )
• Ashwagandha
• Salampanja
• Siddha makaradhwaja
• Pushpadhanva rasa

There are many Herbal oils described for Penis massage, which

1. Helps to increase hard erection
2. Helps to increase duration of hard erection. 

All medicines described here are taken under medical supervision, there are so many medicinal preparations mentioned in Ayurveda for ED. Ayurveda also recommended that people who have strong sexual urge, who want to enjoy sex regularly have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy, vigour, stamina and strength. These preparations increase the span of erection, hardness and prevent premature ejaculation. These preparations rejuvenate the male reproductive system.

Ojus Fitness Yoga:

Ojus weight loss Yoga: Yoga is an effective and natural way to lose weight gradually and permanently. Some cause for obesity are stress, bad eating habits, sedentary life style, toxins accumulation, over calories intake and low metabolism. Learn postures, breathing and relaxation techniques, igniting your inner heat to improve the metabolism and get rid of unwanted fat.

Ojus Private Yoga: By appointment only. $49.95 for one person, $5.99 per additional participant. Have a one on one, one hour yoga session or bring your own group.

In a quiet atmosphere, the ears are filled in succession for about 20 minutes with warm oil. The Marma points on the ear received during this time a gentle, circular massage.

Pouring of 2-4 drops of medicated oil in each ear for five minutes. It protects the ears from infection.

Warm oils are poured into the ear passages to help clean as well as nourish the inner ear drums and bones. The effect of this treatment leaves the person feeling warmth and calmness.

1.     Stress Relief: Yoga can help reduce the stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

2.     Pain Relief: Daily yoga can help ease the aches and pains of the body. There are different asana recommended for different problems.

3.     Better Breathing: Pranayama is a breathing exercise, deeper and longer inhalation and exhalation. It will help to increase your lung function and set off the body’s relaxation response.

4.     Flexibility: You will notice your level of flexibility will increase, which will help with your range of motion. Sometimes in the yoga daily exercises, people cannot even touch their toes. The benefits of yoga will include flexibility of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your body.

5.     Increased Strength: Yoga poses use all the muscles in your body and help you increase your strength level from head to toe. The benefits of yoga and daily exercises will help you strengthen your muscles close to the bones, which increase the support of your skeletal system as well.

6.     Weight Management: You will see the benefits of yoga begin to affect your scale. Daily exercises are always recommended, but yoga helps reduce the level of cortisol in your body. This aids in weight loss and fat burning.

7.     Improved Circulation: Yoga will help improve your body’s circulation. In turn, with daily exercises, you will see the benefits of yoga with lowered blood pressure and pulse rates.

8.     Cardiovascular Conditioning: Even the gentlest style of yoga will help to lower your resting heart rate and increase your overall endurance. This is one of the important benefits of yoga to help improve the amount of oxygen taken in during the daily exercises.

9.     Focus on the Present: You can have greater coordination, memory skills, reaction times, and improved concentration skills by utilizing yoga for daily exercises. These benefits of yoga will extend far out of the yoga center.

10.  Inner Peace: What more could you want. This is one of the primary reasons that people do daily exercises of yoga. This is one of the most important benefits of yoga and is also one of the more easy ones to attain.

The benefits of yoga are very far reaching indeed. There is no one other exercise avenue you can take that will address all of these issues in one simple session. For those of you that think yoga is too easy, I encourage you to try one class. You may find it is just what you are looking for.

HOUSEHOLD AYURVEDA

Ayurveda  is Ayu’s veda which tells everything about life. Ayurveda lies in every second of our daily routine. It gives each and every information regarding the food, household spices and common herbs. Some of the examples are as follows::

• For very common disease like acidity : milk/coconut water/coriander/amla/dubh(grass)/petha juice are useful.

• For flatulence: ginger with salt after meals/dry grapes with salt at night/harad with coriander/hot fomentation of ajowan poultice on stomach is very useful.

• For loose motions: curd with rice/moong dal with rice/soya and mint concotion with mishri/pomegranate skin with curd.

• For asthma: vacha powder with rock salt decoction vaman/tulsi with black pepper and honey/mulathi chewing.

• In mouth ulcer:triphla katha decoction gargling/akar kara use/tawa soot with honey to be applied on the ulcer/fresh tea leaves decoction with salt and mustard oil to be applied on the ulcer.

• In piles: aloe vera juice/curd water with meethi saunf to be taken orally/castor oil application to anus and navel

• For Rheumatism: turmeric with dry ginger with honey/ajowan with asafoetida.

• For Urticaria: Turmeric powder with milk/ kutaki with neem decoction/ triphala powder at night more onion and garlic/ sulphur with sesaman oil local application

• For height growth: Vit-E oil 5 drops with milk/ giloy with milk/ varahikand with milk/ sweet soya aftermeals

• For low Backache:Dry ginger with milk/shilajeet with milk/ kadipatta decoction fomentation to lower back/ pippali and turmeric with milk

• For constipation:triphala and munnaka with milk at night/raddish intake/sugarcane juice/sprouts/wheat flour with ghee/ amla with isabgol husk/ hot fomentation of ajowan on stomach

• For wrinkles: pomegranate skin powder with lemon juice/ rice powder ,almond oil, Vit-E and rose water appilication to face/unboiled milk with besan/20 min. bare feet walk on green grass.

• In vision disturbances: triphala at night/ cow ghee 2-2 drops in eye/triphala ghee eye concentration tratak/ triphala eye wash/ more intake of milk /carrot and brocclii intake

• For general fatiguability:milk and ashwgandha/ milk and anjeer/ milk with shilajeet/cheese/besan and cow’s ghee

• In Diabetes: Gudmaar with neem decoction/ fenugreek seed empty stomach in morning/ triphala with milk at night/ turmeric with milk/ jaamun, shardha, papaya fruit intake

• For Sinusitis: Sesamun oil with garlic 2drops in each nostil/black pepper with honey oral intake/ tulsi mulethi concoction

• For varicose veins: sweet potato juice or salad/ brocclii vegetable/ giloy with mishri/ triphala and ashawagandha with milk

• For Obesity: Petha juice/ barley water/ triphala with hony/ lemon honey/ methi seed with luke warm water/ fried wheat flaur with almonds

• For high BP;: Petha juice/ low salt diet/ cows ghee massage on hands and feet / garlic intake/ ashwagandha with milk/ amla and  VitC intake

• For Low BP: munnakka with milk/ lichi/ high glucose diet/ sweet soya with mishri.
• In fever:- Chandan lepa to hands, feet and forehead, amla murrbaha/ dry ginger decoction/ bacil leaves juice with honey/ coriander + chandna decoction.

• In case of Anaemia- amla with honey / shatavari with honey / sweet potato/ brocclli / apple / permanganate / spinach / tomatoes / carrot / coconut water / amla

• In throat congestion- gagles of turmeric with salt / tulsi + cardamon + honey/ ginger with tejpatta decoction / vanksha with tulsi decoction / pine leaves decoction

• In dysmenorrhoea – dry date with milk / 2 munakha with milk/ supari with shilajeet soya intake.

• For memory improvement – Brahmi with milk / ashwagandha with milk, deep breathing exercises /rose petals with milk / almond with milk.

• For anxiety neurosis – 20 min bare feet walk on green grass/ hot fomentation to hands, feet and abdomen /  dubh grass with milk  / vacha powder pinch with milk.

• For toothache: – Akarkara / toothache L.A./

• For lose of appetite – Permanganate powder / dry ginger rinjed in lemon / citrus fruits more / sugarcane juice/ curd with salt / rice with curd water.

• For digestion- Lauki juice/ lumen seeds with coriander powder / mint chatani / sweet soya with mishri / mostly non-fried vegetarian food items intake

• For stomachache- Ajowan with lemon intake/ ajowan poultice fomentation to abdomen and back / mint leaves intake.

• In liver dysfunctioning- Sugarcane juice / raddish juice/ cucumber / papaya/ Vit C/ curd / coriander intake

• In pregnancy- Ashwaganda / satavari / lotus seed vegetable / chestment vegetable / apple / broccoli/ chandan with milk / putarjeevak with shivligi intake

• For general muscular improvement :- Bala / Ashwagandha / vidharikand / varahikand/ shatawari / ksheerbala tail with milk.

• The antioxidants are :- Amla/ Harad / Giloy / spirulina / ashwagandha / shatavari.

• For Low BP: munnakka with milk/ lichi/ high glucose diet/ sweet soya with mishri.

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Youvan pidika or Acne vulgaris is one of the most popular health problems faced by adolescent teenagers.

What Causes Acne?

According to Ayurveda, the main cause of youvan pidika is an increased vata and kapha dosha in the person. An increase in the rakta and medha dhatu also can cause youvan pidika. Ayurveda believes that youvan pidika is a disease that is caused due to improper diet and other internal factors. A list of the factors that can cause youvan pidika is given below:-

(i) An improper diet is the chief cause of youvan pidika. A person who has anah (simple constipation) and ajirna (indigestion) regularly has more chances of youvan pidika. Similarly people who like spicy (teekha) food, sugary or oily food can have youvan pidika.

(ii) Faulty eating methods can cause youvan pidika. Some of the notable faulty eating methods are:-

a) Adhyashana – Consuming food at short intervals, due to which new food enters the body when the previous food is not digested.

b) Virudhashana – Consuming incompatible foods together such as fish and milk, curds and milk, etc.

c) Vishamashana – Consuming food with disregard to the bodily cravings, such as eating when not hungry or fasting when hungry.

One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). It has been proved that youvan pidika is caused due to an excessive production of the male hormone, testosterone.  Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.

Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder. Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug.

Stress has an important role in all the skin disorders. Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity and Squeezing or picking at blemishes can also cause acne.

Who Gets Acne?

People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Nearly 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.

How Is Acne Treated?

The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by it. Drug treatment is aimed at reducing several problems that play a part in causing acne: abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles, increased oil production, bacteria, and inflammation.

Some people with acne become depressed by the changes in the appearance of their skin. A doctor should be consulted if a person feels unusually sad or has other symptoms of depression, such as loss of appetite or trouble concentrating.

Clues that help the doctor determine whether acne in an adult woman is due to an excess of androgen hormones are hirsutism (excessive growth of hair in unusual places), premenstrual acne flares, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated blood levels of certain androgens.

How Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin?

Clean Skin Gently. Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening and after heavy exercise. Some people with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps and rough scrub pads. It is important that patients thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it. Astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots. Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day.

Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin

People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their blemishes risk developing scars or dark blotches. People should avoid rubbing and touching their skin lesions.

Shave Carefully

Men who shave and who have acne can test both electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Men who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.

Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan

Many of the medicines used to treat acne can make a person more prone to sunburn. A sunburn that reddens the skin or suntan that darkens the skin may make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier. However, these benefits are only temporary, and there are known risks of excessive sun exposure, such as more rapid skin aging and a risk of developing skin cancer.

Choose Cosmetics Carefully

People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free.

Diet for Acne (Youvan pidika):

(i) Eat food that is suitably warm. Avoid cold foods.

(ii) Do not eat foods that are not compatible with each other.

(iii) Keep a suitable time gap between meals. A complete meal can take anywhere between three to four hours for digestion. It is not good to eat anything else within this timeframe.

(iv) Oily foods must be avoided. More abstinence from oily foods is needed in the summer season, or if you are living in a hot climate.

(v) Do not gorge on spicy and sugary food. Keep your diet a perfect balance of foods with different tastes.

(vi) Consume proper amounts of green leafy vegetables. This will provide the cellulose for roughage, which takes care of proper movement of bowels.

(vii) Include a fair amount of fresh fruits in your diet. This will build up proper water content in your body, which will make the blood purer.

Life Style for Acne:

A daily bath is essential. Special attention should be paid to the face. Wash the face with water and mild soap at least twice a day, and once after returning home from outside. After each washing, rub the body with a towel to remove the dead cells from the surface of the body.

Expose the skin to fresh air and sunlight often. This will help in opening the pores on the skin and lead to better circulation.

Home Remedies for Acne

• Use of tooth paste: To use it, just apply it directly to your zits before sleeping. This is believed to help control the swelling overnight. Just make sure that it is not the gel but the paste.
• The salty-sour way to get rid of Acne: It is actually previously proven that salt can be used as an acne home remedy. Just prepare a salt solution (salt added to warm water) and wash your face with it twice every day. This will remove the excess oil in your face, the main cause of pimples.
• Vinegar: You actually have an option to add vinegar to it. Apply it directly on the affected area and leave for 15-20 minutes.
• Fruity Procedures: One thing you can do is to place strawberry leaves just directly on the affected part. Another is by applying fresh lemon juice mixed with rose water in your face, leaving it there for 15 minutes. A continuous application of this for 15 days is believed to give you amazing results!
• Orange peels: On the other hand, ground orange peel added with water to make a paste and applied to the acne can also make your face free of acne again. Rubbing or applying the paste of it helps.
• Juice made of Papaya applied on the affected area is another great option. In addition,
• Paste made of ripe tomatoes is also an effective solution.
• You can try methi (fenugreek) leaves made to a paste and applied to stay in your face for 10-15 minutes.
• Two cloves of crushed garlic applied twice a day is another choice
• Aloe Vera is also proven to be great as an acne home remedy
• Cucumber will never be out of the list for beauty regimen. Apply a paste of it as a mask and leave it for 30 minutes.
• A paste of ground radish, as well as ground sesame seeds are also very good options when curing your acne.

(i) Applying jamun (Syzgium cumini) seeds rubbed with water on the pimples will reduce the growth of the pimples.

(ii) Squash a properly ripened and soft papaya in water. Massage the whole face with this paste. The paste will begin drying up after about fifteen to twenty minutes. At this juncture, wash the face with clean water and wipe it with a rough towel. Then apply either sesame or coconut oil on the face.

(iv) Wash the face with buttermilk at least twice a day.

(v) Make a paste of 10 grams of besan (flour of chickpea) and 10 grams of haldi (turmeric) in dahi (curds). Apply this paste on the face using massaging techniques. Let the paste dry on the face, and then wash it with plain water.

(vi) A paste of lodhra (Symplocos crataegoides), dhania (coriander) and vach (Acorus calamus) also promises results within seven days.

(vii) Extract the milk of the sharp thorns of the semal tree (cotton tree, Bombax ceiba). Continue this process for just three days to get results.

(viii) Take powders of roasted mustard seeds, orange peels and chiraunji (Buchanania latifolia) in equal proportions. Grind them into a very fine constitution. This mixture is applied to the face.

(ix) Make a paste of jayphal (nutmeg) and red chandan (red sandalwood). Apply this on the face to reduce pimples.

(x) Prepare a mixture of neembu (lemon), black kasondi (coffee pods or java beans) and extract of the tulsi (basil) and dry it in the sun. It will become more viscous when it is dried. Apply it on the face in this concentrated form.

(xi) A very simple remedy is to put the roots of the neem (Azadirachtha indica) in water and apply this concoction on the pimples. This method also gives fast relief from pimples.

(xii) Make a paste of masoor dal (red lentils) with milk, camphor and ghee. Apply this mixture on the face. This will not only reduce the pimples, but also take care of the pockmarks that can remain when the pimples are dried off.

(xvi) Add a spoonful of salt in a bowl of hot water. Apply this with a rough towel on the face as though you are sponging the face. Remember to keep your eyes closed during this application. After each application, wring off the excess water from the towel. This is a mildly painful process as the salt will create a tingling sensation with the open areas of the pimples. However, you will obtain sure results in ten days.

The above techniques can be done at home itself. But if some of these methods do not bring the required results, or if there are unexpected results, then medical attention is required. Unexpected results will mean the problem is not simple acne, but some other more serious underlying problem.

Herbal Treatments for Acne:

The following herbs are prescribed by Ayurveda for people with problems of acne

Home Remedies for Acne

• Use of tooth paste: To use it, just apply it directly to your zits before sleeping. This is believed to help control the swelling overnight. Just make sure that it is not the gel but the paste.
• The salty-sour way to get rid of Acne: It is actually previously proven that salt can be used as an acne home remedy. Just prepare a salt solution (salt added to warm water) and wash your face with it twice every day. This will remove the excess oil in your face, the main cause of pimples.
• Vinegar: You actually have an option to add vinegar to it. Apply it directly on the affected area and leave for 15-20 minutes.
• Fruity Procedures: One thing you can do is to place strawberry leaves just directly on the affected part. Another is byapplying fresh lemon juice mixed with rose water in your face, leaving it there for 15 minutes. A continuous application of this for 15 days is believed to give you amazing results!
• Orange peels: On the other hand, ground orange peel added with water to make a paste and applied to the acne can also make your face free of acne again. Rubbing or applying the paste of it helps.
• Juice made of Papaya applied on the affected area is another great option. In addition,
• Paste made of ripe tomatoes is also an effective solution.
• You can try methi (fenugreek) leaves made to a paste and applied to stay in your face for 10-15 minutes.
• Two cloves of crushed garlic applied twice a day is another choice
• Aloe Vera is also proven to be great as an acne home remedy
• Cucumber will never be out of the list for beauty regimen. Apply a paste of it as a mask and leave it for 30 minutes.
• A paste of ground radish, as well as ground sesame seeds are also very good options when curing your acne.

(i) Applying jamun (Syzgium cumini) seeds rubbed with water on the pimples will reduce the growth of the pimples.

(ii) Squash a properly ripened and soft papaya in water. Massage the whole face with this paste. The paste will begin drying up after about fifteen to twenty minutes. At this juncture, wash the face with clean water and wipe it with a rough towel. Then apply either sesame or coconut oil on the face.

(iv) Wash the face with buttermilk at least twice a day.

(v) Make a paste of 10 grams of besan (flour of chickpea) and 10 grams of haldi (turmeric) in dahi (curds). Apply this paste on the face using massaging techniques. Let the paste dry on the face, and then wash it with plain water.

(vi) A paste of lodhra (Symplocos crataegoides), dhania (coriander) and vach (Acorus calamus) also promises results within seven days.

(vii) Extract the milk of the sharp thorns of the semal tree (cotton tree, Bombax ceiba). Continue this process for just three days to get results.

(viii) Take powders of roasted mustard seeds, orange peels and chiraunji (Buchanania latifolia) in equal proportions. Grind them into a very fine constitution. This mixture is applied to the face.

(ix) Make a paste of jayphal (nutmeg) and red chandan (red sandalwood). Apply this on the face to reduce pimples.

(x) Prepare a mixture of neembu (lemon), black kasondi (coffee pods or java beans) and extract of the tulsi (basil) and dry it in the sun. It will become more viscous when it is dried. Apply it on the face in this concentrated form.

(xi) A very simple remedy is to put the roots of the neem (Azadirachtha indica) in water and apply this concoction on the pimples. This method also gives fast relief from pimples.

(xii) Make a paste of masoor dal (red lentils) with milk, camphor and ghee. Apply this mixture on the face. This will not only reduce the pimples, but also take care of the pockmarks that can remain when the pimples are dried off.

(xvi) Add a spoonful of salt in a bowl of hot water. Apply this with a rough towel on the face as though you are sponging the face. Remember to keep your eyes closed during this application. After each application, wring off the excess water from the towel. This is a mildly painful process as the salt will create a tingling sensation with the open areas of the pimples. However, you will obtain sure results in ten days.

The above techniques can be done at home itself. But if some of these methods do not bring the required results, or if there are unexpected results, then medical attention is required. Unexpected results will mean the problem is not simple acne, but some other more serious underlying problem.

In Sanskrit the word Greeva refers to neck and Basti stands for a container.  So the procedure, in which warm Medicated oil is allowed to stand on back of neck as shown in the figure, is called as the Greeva Basti. This procedure is very useful in maintaining normal structure and working of neck region.

Procedure:

• The patient is made to lie face down on the Droni.
• A reservoir made of black gram dough is built up on the neck which will cover all the vertebrae of neck and 2-3 vertebrae of thoracic region.
• After ensuring that this is leak-proof, lukewarm medicinal oil, which alleviates pain and strengthens the bone and joint tissues, is slowly poured into it. When the oil cools down, it is squeezed out with cotton gauze and the procedure is repeated a few times.
• The oil and the receptacle are kept on for about half an hour. After removing them, the affected area may be gently massaged with the same oil. The patient is then made to take rest for a short while.

The healing properties of herbal oils used for this basti deeply clean and fortify the blood, build strong muscle and connective tissues, and lubricate the joints. Greeva basti is likely to alleviate most types problems associated with the neck.

Indications:

• Pain and stiffness in neck
• Cervical spondylitis
• Referred pain in hands
• Headache and giddiness
• Shoulder pain

Precaution:

Prepare a leak proof receptacle, made of black gram dough.

Temperature of oil should be maintained warm in such a way that it does not burn the skin and at the same time give adequate heat to the area. For this oil should be recycled frequently.

Here in Greeva Basti the main thing which should be kept in mind is that patient should be in such a comfortable position that he need not to move his neck during the procedure. Otherwise there will be leakage of oil and all the efforts will go in vain.

The two procedures i.e. Greeva Basti  and Kati Basti are specially indicated to maintain a healthy spine. Kati Basti corrects all the problems in the lower back and Greeva Basti does this in the neck region. These are the most mobile parts of the back bone. If these procedure are done in routine; like twice in a week or some thing like that (even in healthy fellows) the operation of the back bone will the thing of past.

There’s a reason high blood pressure is called the silent killer. Also known as hypertension, the condition doesn’t have any obvious symptoms, so you can have it for years without knowing it. The only way to tell if your blood pressure is soaring is to have it checked by your doctor. Those who are prone to hypertension should have it measured regularly. Men, however, tend to avoid going to their family doctor at all costs; consequently, the condition can be especially dangerous for them, since unchecked it can cause stroke, heart disease or failure, or kidney failure. Medication is often used to keep high blood pressure under control, and organizations like the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada offer commonsense lifestyle advice like not smoking, exercising at least three times a week, losing weight if you need to, limiting your sodium and alcohol intake, and avoiding foods high in fat and cholesterol.

There’s also another approach: Ayurvedic medicine.

Mandeep Singh is a practitioner of the holistic system. The Punjabi native has spent the last decade in Vancouver, and since 2002 has had his own practice ( www.Ojus.ca ).

The roots of Ayurveda go back to the Veda, a millenniums-old collection of sacred Hindu scriptures, Singh explains. The Indian system of preventive health care, the name of which literally means “science of life”, is based on the principle that well-being is determined by a person’s constitution, which is made up of three doshas, or energy elements: vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (water).

“Ill health results when there is any imbalance of the doshas,” Singh explains, adding that high blood pressure can be managed by taking common Ayurvedic herbs.

Rauwolfia serpentina, or sarpagandha, comes from an evergreen shrub and has a calming, antihypertensive effect. Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha, meanwhile, is said to reduce the effects of stress on the human body while increasing energy.

But there’s more to Ayurveda than herbal remedies.

Ayurveda emphasizes the connection of the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat disease. Consequently, a healthy diet and lifestyle choices come into play, Singh says, as does regularly practising yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises).

Another treatment method is swedana. From the Sanskrit word svedana, it means “causing to sweat”. During treatment, toxins are supposedly expelled from the body via perspiration, and the application of warmth–not extreme heat–most commonly in a herb-infused steam bath is said to alleviate stiffness and inflammation. The result is a feeling of deep relaxation.