Ayurveda Everywhere....!

East Meets West

Deana Lancaster, North Shore News
Published: Sunday, September 27, 2009

They said it wouldn't last.

When yoga and acupuncture began to gain ground on aerobics and pain medicine the naysayers called them fads, and predicted that the shift towards Eastern and complementary wellness treatments would soon go back to being the provenance of aging hippies and dropouts.

They were wrong: yoga is hotter than ever (literally and figuratively), alternative therapies like acupuncturist services and naturopathy are covered by some medical plans, and therapies from the East are even becoming popular as spa and beauty treatments. This acceptance is leading the way into a deeper understanding of Eastern philosophy and wellness.

The newest trend is actually one of the oldest: Ayurveda, the science of life.

"It's a 5,000-year-old system of medicine from India," says Linda Tang. She is the owner and creative force behind Lower Mainland-based Dream Designs, which specializes in eco-friendly bedding and clothing. She recently opened The Chakra Lounge above the West Vancouver location of Dream Designs, where customers can learn about Ayurveda, and how to apply its principles for their own health.

"It's based on the understanding of how energy flows in the human body. You can use it to heal pain; not just physical pain, but emotional pain too."

And yet, explains Surrey-based Ayurvedic practitioner Mandeep Singh, at its heart, the system is not meant to treat symptoms of illness, but to prevent them in the first place. The treatments, which include diet recommendations, herbal formulas, breathing exercises and yoga, are designed to strengthen the body and the immune system. Published studies have documented reductions in cardiovascular disease risk factors -- including blood pressure, cholesterol, and reaction to stress -- in individuals who practice Ayurvedic methods.

Developed through centuries of observations, experiments, discussions and meditations, Ayurveda is based on the view that the "great elements" that comprise nature -- earth, water, fire, air and ether -- are also seen in human beings. Health is achieved when the elements are in balance.

But it's not a one-size-fits-all remedy, says Singh, who also offers consultations and treatments at The Chakra Lounge.

Each of us is unique, with our own composition of these elements, plus we have a unique set of constantly changing life circumstances; all of which must be considered in determining natural healing approaches and recommendations for daily living. And because we each have a unique constitution, our health prescription must also be unique: diet, exercise, daily supplements and energy point massage treatments are all determined by our own constitution.

Tang said she became interested in the philosophies and treatments after having a baby. During the pregnancy she experienced back pain, pain in her hands and changes in her skin.

"And then I had a newborn, I was getting little sleep and still running a company. I was tired, fatigued all the time.

"I could go to my Western doctor, but what could they do for me? Nothing, really."

She began to look at alternative styles of medicine, and in researching Ayurveda realized that she was going through a period of imbalance. The steps she has since taken -- yoga, massage, herbs and breathing exercises -- have not only helped her to feel better, but "it's helping me to understand things better. It's a way of looking at the world."

Dream Designs' Chakra Lounge is located at 1502 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. Call 604-922-8325 or visit dreamdesigns.ca for information.

Source: North Shore News

A shift in medical studies....!

HYDERABAD: With people switching over from traditional to alternative therapies, aspiring doctors too have changed track. Allopathy is no more the in-thing for wannabe doctors or so it seems if the rising popularity of Unani, Homeopathy and Ayurveda courses in Hyderabad is anything to go by.

Believe it or not, there are as many as 10 students vying for each seat for these courses now, while in the previous years many seats were left vacant. This year, officials of NTR University of Health Sciences say that all the 121 seats in the two Unani medical colleges are filled. Of the 211 seats for homeopathy (BHMS) 203 are filled and out of 220 seats for the Bachelor’s course in ayurveda, 205 are filled.

Though surprised, the officials are glad that such a shift has taken place. “The students are now interested in courses which will fetch them good earnings. The students who specialise in these medicines also look at them as an easy ticket to go abroad. Many know that one can earn big money with alternative therapies abroad,” N Venugopal, registrar, NTR University told ‘TOI’. While many of them have dollar dreams, there are also those who chose to stick to traditional medicine to cater to some people who still believe in the natural healing process.

“Unani is very much the most needed medicine in some parts of Hyderabad. The medicine requires knowledge in Urdu and not many people know to read and write the language now. One needs some kind of expertise to carry the tradition forward as it is in demand even now,” Venugopal said.

Students said that many of them opted for the course out of love for the subject. “I never wanted to go for an MBBS course. Unani was my first choice while my brother opted for homeopathy. There are many people who know that allopathic drugs do not give lasting solutions for diseases,’’ said Ahmed Fahad, a student of Nizamia Tibbi College. He said that he even went for coaching to clear BHUMCET to get into one of the colleges. Unlike the previous years, where there were hardly 200 students applying for the course, in 2009 admissions the number of applicants doubled.

According to others, there are more takers for alternative medicine as allopathy has failed to offer solutions for many new diseases. Besides, with various big brands in natural therapies joining the field, the career path has become very lucrative, say students.

Source: Times of India

I always used to say "the time is changing and it is the era of natural medicines/healing".... I am happy for Ayurveda.

Bravo Ayurveda !

Invention of Ayurveda medicine for H1N1

Madras University develops herbal drug for swine flu

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 08:00 IST
Peethaambaran Kunnathoor, Chennai

The Centre for Herbal Sciences (CHS) at the University of Madras, along with Ramoni Research Foundation (RRF), Chennai has invented a new herbal drug for curing the pandemic swine flu. The drug, developed from Siddha and Ayurveda preparations, is named as 'Ayusrem'.

The scientists behind the discovery of the medicine have claimed that they have cured 10 patients contracted by H1N1 viruses and 300 people with other influenza diseases.

The research team has presented their results, formulation, clinical trials and cases of treatment before the health department officials of the state service in the presence of State health secretary.

Prof Dr Raaman, plant scientist and director of CHS and Dr K Balasubrahmanian, organic chemist and pharmacologist and CEO of RRF, the pioneers in the research team, have said the new product would be the first drug in the world developed from herbal source for such dreaded virus prevention. They have applied for patent for the new medicine.

While speaking to Pharmabiz, the doctors said the product is highly cost effective with no side effects. Ayusrem, which is in the form of capsule, is composed largely of nutraceuticals which are safer for human consumption.

The medicine contains 32 different herbal components, which are claimed to be effective in treating the swine flu. Dr Balasubrahmanian, who is also a registered Physician, said, "We have already treated more than hundred patients with cold, fever and cough. Ten of them were suffering with extreme symptoms of H1N1 flu and respiratory problems."

About clinical trials, the scientists said they have tested the drug on 300 people earlier and the results were found good. The report was sent to the DCGI.

Source: PharmaBiz

Paralysis / GBS Cure with Proper Ayurvedic Care !

A proper and well planned Ayurveda care with patient's cooperation can result in wonders...! Read the news below...

[But, the funny thing is both news resources have named the problem differently in the same case! If it is GBS resulting in paralysis (not by 'stroke'), then the case is worth discussing and going for further controlled clinical study as there is a chance of self recovery in it.]

Source 1

MANGALORE: A youth suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has found cure in Ayurveda.

Though GBS, according to allopathic doctors is self limiting, Yashawanth (24) from Santhoshnagar, near Vamanjoor in Mangalore, developed weakness in his limbs and was unable to move for eight months. The doctors at Wenlock Hospital suggested Yashawanth to go for immunoglobulin, which cost Rs 50,000 per injection and the total cost for five days would come to Rs 2.5 lakh.

Later, he was brought to Vishwa Vaidya Ayurvedashram. Dr Srilatha Shetty claimed after four months of treatment with panchakarma, navarakili and many other ayurvedic medicines and procedures, Yashawanth is able to walk around independently and attend to his daily chores.

Yashwant, a mason, confirmed said that though he is not going for work outside, he can manage his day-to-day activities at home independently. The total treatment was free of cost including medicines. Former Vamanjoor corporator Jayaprakash Kottary helped Yashawanth's treatment.

Physicians say GBS in some people leads to respiratory problems, for which the patient needs a ventilator. ``No controlled studies has been done to check in how many cases has it led to respiratory complications," a physician added.

GBS is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually triggered by an acute infectious process.

Source: The Times of India

Source 2

Mangalore Sept 20: A 24-year-old man from Vamanjoor near Mangalore was completely cured of whole body paralysis after undergoing a four month long Ayurvedic treatment in an Ayurveda Ashram recently.

Yashawanth, who hails from an economically backward family, developed weakness in his limbs after his return from a Shabarimala pilgrimage around 7 months ago. He consulted Dr Shrilatha Shetty, Medical Director of Vishwa Vaidya Ayurvedashram near his home, where he was advised to get emergency neurologic treatment in the city. He was treated at Government Wenlock hospital and Sri Manjunatheshwara Ayurvedic College, but to no avail, and was brought back to the Ayurvedashram after three months.

Speaking to media here on Thursday, Dr Srilatha Shetty informed that Yashawanth was given Panchakarma treatment and Navarakizhi at the Ashram, along with music therapy and massages. She described his condition as ‘Sarvanga Vatha’ in Ayurvedic terms and explained its causes, admitting that treating him was a great challenge to her. Also his treatment was completely free. Now, Yashawanth is capable of walking about on his own and performing his duties, she added.

Source: Mangalorean.com

Ayurveda Destination - India

India has emerged as a hot destination for alternative medication by providing indigenous medicine facilities/services throughout the country, says a new report by RNCOS.

The future of alternative medicine in India is very bright. In a developing country like India, alternative medications like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy have an important role to play in alleviating diseases- both chronic and acute. The cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, efficacy, and few side effects make them invaluable and viable alternatives to modern medicine.

According to our new research report “Booming Medical Tourism in India”, in addition to the existence of modern medicine, indigenous or traditional medical practitioners are providing their services throughout the country. There are over 3,000 hospitals with over 700,000 practitioners catering to the needs of traditional Indian healthcare. Indian hotels are also entering the wellness services market by tying up with professional organizations in a range of wellness fields like Ayurvedic massages.

After thorough analysis of the industry, we have found that the Indian Ayurvedic industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 22% (2009–2012) to reach a value of over US$ 1.3 Billion by 2012 end in the backdrop of rising demand for Ayurvedic therapy and products. The Indian Ayurveda market is currently dominated by the southern markets of Kerala and Karnataka.

To boost the influx of international patients looking for alternative and low-cost treatments, the government has started issuing M (Medical) visa to patients and MX visas to the spouse accompanying him. Under these new medical visa rules, patients will have the facility to bring two attendants - spouse and blood relations. They will be allowed two entries in a year, which means a patient can change attendants.

To better gauge the future success of the medical tourism industry in India, “Booming Medical Tourism in India”, provides a complete insight in the Indian medical tourism market. It evaluates the past, present and future scenario of the medical tourism market and discusses the key factors, which are making India a favorable medical tourism destination. Both statistics and trends regarding market size, medical tourist arrivals, infrastructure, accreditations, drivers and restraints have been thoroughly discussed in the report.

Visit for FREE SAMPLE of this report

Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com

About RNCOS:

RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. We are a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. We provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today's globally competitive environment.

Source: PRMinds

Researches Prove Ayurveda Again- Moringa Leaves for Health

NRDC ready to launch Moringa leaf powder as nutraceutical, scouts for commercialisation

Saturday, September 05, 2009 08:00 IST
Nandita Vijay, Bangalore

National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) is now ready with its research findings on Moringa or drum stick leaves powder proving to have high anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and diuretic properties.

The main research was carried out by a team at Tamil Nadu University. NRDC has been approached for commercialisation of the product for which it is on the look out for potential Indian herbal manufacturers.

Moringa contains properties which help rheumatism, arthritis and other joint disorders. It is also recommended as cardiac and circulatory stimulant. Biological studies have confirmed that the drum stick leaf has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and diuretic activities.

Many herbal manufacturers in India are already engaged in exporting Moringa leaves powder as a nutraceutical and in oil form. According to the research findings by Tamil Nadu University, the Moringa leaves can be filled in capsules. "Moringa is the Tree of Life. Doctors use it to treat diabetes in West Africa and high blood pressure in India. We have looked at developing the pure form of the powder which is natural and safe", said HK Phanikumar, consultant, business development, NRDC.

According to the Tamil Nadu University researchers, capsules formulated with Moringa leaves can be certified to prove that there are no additives. Referring to the ancient texts of Ayurveda, the researchers have proved that the Moringa powder helps to boost energy and provides the required nutrition besides rebuild weak bones, enrich anaemic blood. It has calcium content of equivalent to 4 glasses of milk, the vitamin C of 7 oranges, and the potassium of 3 bananas.

Further daily consumption of the Moringa leaf powder which is high in Vitamin A can shield against eye disease, skin disease, heart ailments, diarrhoea among others. Its vitamin C content helps in preventing colds and flu. Its high calcium content is good for strong teeth and prevention of osteoporosis. Being a source of potassium and proteins it is recommended brain and nerves functions.

The competitive advantage of the leaf is that compared to common foods, its values per 100gm. edible portion is vitamin A 6780 mcg and carrots: 1890 mcg vitamin C 220 mg and oranges: 30 mg. Calcium 440 mg and cow's milk: 120 mg. Potassium 259 mg and bananas: 88 mg. Protein 6.7 gm cow's milk: 3.2 gm.

There are several research institutes which have worked on process development of Moringa leaf. Efforts are also on to bring out value-added products to the market.

According to Phanikumar, the product is apt for Indian small and medium manufacturers of herbal products as it can be produced on large scale. With the current high level of awareness about the Moringa leaf nutrition in the market, companies can capitalise on the revenues generation opportunities not only in the domestic market but the international arena, he added.

Source: PhamaBiz

Ayurveda Wisdom Series - 3

Branches of Ayurveda…

Classically, there are 8 main branches in the Ayurvedic Science.

They are,

1. Kayachikitsa – treating generalized ailments by giving various medicines or treatments.(General Medicine)

2. Balachikitsa / Koumarabhritya – childcare medicine (Pediatrics)

3. Graha chikitsa – treatment for diseases by unseen (microscopic?) causes.

4. Shalakya Tantra – Treatment of diseases of head and neck (includes ENT, dentistry)

5. Shalya Tantra – surgical and para surgical treatments

6. Vishachikitsa – treatments for poison and related problems.(Toxicology)

7. Rasayana chikitsa / Jaraa Chikitsa – Treatment for longer life with good health by Rejuvenation advises and procedures (includes Geriatrics)

8. Vajeekarana / Vrisha Chikitsa – Sexual medicine; for better sexual and reproductive life.

Apart from these, there are few other branches for the convenience of study and practice, like Streeroga & Prasooti tantra (similar to OBG), Rasashastra (Indian Alchemy), Bhaishajya Kalpana (Pharmacy), Dravyaguna (Pharmacology etc).

Moreover, Ayurveda is not limited to treatment of humans. It believes in protecting all living beings in the nature. So there are branches like Vrikshayurveda (for plant kingdom), Pashu ayurveda (for animals-Veterinary medicine) which includes Hasthi ayurveda (for elephants), Ashva ayurveda (for horses) and so on...

"LET NOBLE THOUGHTS COME TO US FROM ALL SIDES"

- Rigveda 1-89-i

Ayurveda Software for Apple's iphone...!

SiJack Software introduces iVeda 1.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch
Aberdeen, GB Sep 03, 2009 in iPhone

[prMac.com] Aberdeenshire, Scotland/UK - SiJack Software is proud to introduce iVeda 1.0, their new personal Ayurveda evaluation tool for iPhone and iPod Touch. Designed specifically to leverage the iPhone's peerless interface, iVeda is a unique health-based evaluation tool for a personal Ayurvedic consultation. The application also provides various information on the three dosha types and an overview of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is an ancient art of preventative health and healing, and a philosophy for living in harmony with nature. The art has been practiced for thousands of years in countries such as Sri-Lanka and India, and is widely considered to be the oldest form of health care in the world. iVeda gives an informational overview of Ayurveda and the three doshas, along with a personal consultation for users to discover their own personal ayurvedic constitution and the methods in which they can keep their doshas in balance.

Feature Highlights:

* An introduction to Ayurveda and the three doshas

* A self-diagnosis tool to determine Ayurvedic constitution

* Suggested grocery listings for dual dosha types

* Suggested grocery listings for individual dosha types

* Information on the dosha personalities

* Information on how to recognize when doshas fall out of balance and ways in which to remedy these imbalances

"The name iVeda is really a play on words, while adhering to the Apple 'iSomething' standard format," said Simon Green, founder of SiJack Software Ltd. "Even when said out loud, iVeda sounds quite similar to Ayurveda. The concept of having an Ayurvedic application of this type, was a collaberation between myself and my partner who teaches Ayurveda. We saw that no one else had written a consultation tool for Ayurveda on iPhone. Although there are a couple of eBooks, we wanted to do something different and more interactive."

The iVeda application is not an e-book on the subject of Ayurveda, but rather an evaluation tool for personal consultation. It's for anyone who is interested or wants to learn more about Ayurveda. iVeda embraces the three doshas, and provides useful information on how to recognise when doshas fall out of balance and ways in which to remedy these imbalances, including daily routines. The application features suggested grocery listings for individual and dual dosha types.

System Requirements:

* iPhone, 3G, 3GS or iPod Touch 2.2.1 or later

Pricing and Availability:

iVeda 1.0 is £2.99 and available exclusively through the App Store.

Useful Links:
SiJack Software
iVeda 1.0
Purchase and Download
Screenshots
Media Assets

Located in historic Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK, SiJack Software Ltd is a privately held company founded in 2008 by Simon Green. Committed to providing the highest quality products, SiJack Software was founded specifically for the purpose of developing applications and games for the iPhone and iPod Touch platforms, with a major emphasis on customer satisfaction. Copyright (C) 2008-2009 SiJack Software Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Source: prMac.com

38 ayurvedic formulations identified for 8 disease conditions

38 ayurvedic formulations identified for 8 disease conditions under Golden Triangle scheme

Thursday, September 03, 2009 08:00 IST
Joseph Alexander, New Delhi

As many as 38 ayurvedic formulations have been identified for eight disease conditions and 20 of them have been provided to CSIR for pre-clinical studies so far under the Golden Triangle Partnership scheme set up for validation of traditional ayurvedic drugs and development of new drugs.

The CSIR has submitted the status report of 10 formulations. They are tagradi kwatha (insomnia), medhya (ADHD), ashwagandha churna (anxiety neurosis), haritkyadi churna (dyslipidemia), GTP-HN-1 (hyper tension), brahmi ghrita (ADHD), gokshuradi guggulu (BPH), lakshadi guggulu (osteoporosis), nirgundi tail (joint disorders) and singhanada guggulu (joint disorders).The pre-clinical studies of all other formulations were under progress in different institutions now, sources in the Ayush department said.

The scheme was set up as an integrated technology mission for scientific validation of traditional medicines for identified disease conditions for which the apex organizations like Department of Ayush, Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, CSIR and ICMR have joined hands. The objective of the scheme is to bring safe, effective and standard Ayurveda, Siddha, Homoeopathy and Unani products and develop new drugs of national and global importance. The apex bodies also collaborate with other institutions and companies with this purpose.

"The project is going well and more new collaborations are in the offing. The idea is to bridge the gap between modern medicine and traditional medicine so that India can tap the vast potential in the arena. It is the triangle being built between modern science, modern medicine and traditional medicine, giving a golden opportunity to the country," an official explained.

The CCRAS has also collected the inputs for protocols of different diseases and submitted to the ICMR for further revision. The draft protocols of hypertension, dyslipidemia, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis were thus given to the ICMR.

Source: PharmaBiz

Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Guidelines to manage Flu-like Symptoms

Guidelines issued to manage common flu-like symptoms
TNN 2 September 2009, 04:21am IST

LUCKNOW: Seeing that over 95% of the patients reporting at government hospitals with flu-like symptoms suffered with seasonal flu, ministry of health and family welfare (MOHFW) has issued a circular that talks about Ayush interventions for management of common flu-like conditions.

In Lucknow alone, an average of a 100 samples of suspected cases of H1N1 are being examined every day. A decision to this effect was taken in view of increasing number of persons testing positive to H1N1 infection in the country.

The document, which was shared by health officials on Tuesday, says that most of the viral fevers including various types of flu come under the vaata kapha jwara category and are seen in autumn and spring seasons when seasons and climatic conditions change. Ayurveda has advised certain preventive measures for building immunity and protecting oneself from vaata kapha jwara diseases.

The guidelines say that: avoid kapha provoking diet like curd, cold food, cold drink, fruit juices especially citrus fruits, left over or overnight food, ice-cream. People should instead drink lukewarm water as virus is generally not able to survive temperature.

Use of decoction (concentrate of herbal extracts) made from a combination of tulsi, ginger, black-pepper, long pepper, guduchi or giola (a herb) is recommended. Turmeric may also be added to this combination. The guidelines say that ayurvedic medicines like sudershanghana vati, sudershana churna and samshamani vati boost the body's defence mechanism. The usage of these herbal medicines should, however, be taken under the guidance of a qualified ayurved acharya.

The Central council for research in unani medicine (CCRUM) has also come out with recommendations for preventive measures available under the Unani system after consultation with experts. A decoction or tea containing unnab, bahidana, sapistan and dalchini may be taken every morning. Specific compound formulations such as habb-e-jadwar, khamira nazli aab tarboozwala, tiryaq-e-farooq may be taken after consultation with a Unani doctor. Local application of roghan baboon, roghan-e-morn, roghan kahu or roghan kadu on the scalp and chest help in saving one from congestion. The word of caution is that they should be used as per the advice of the Unani doctor.

Both the systems recommend light diet and personal hygiene as a mandatory element of healthy life. The note underlines that the guidelines have been prepared after taking into consideration the expert opinion received on the subject and can be used for increasing the immunity to fight various flu-like conditions. They may be adopted by normal healthy persons as well as those who have mild cold, cough or body ache.
 
Source: The Times of India