Rediff article on Ayurveda by Resmi Jaimon

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http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/aug/03ayurveda.htmMonsoon rejuvenation using Ayurvedic treatmentsResmi Jaimon | August 03, 2007 | 17:28 ISTEmail : resmi.writerCome

monsoon and the landscape around you turns into a verdant green.

Sleeping at nights suddenly becomes a pleasant experience. While it is

the time to enjoy the cool downpour it is also the time to welcome a

host of diseases. The

queues in front of hospitals and clinics become longer as the rainy

season progresses. Arthritis, gastric disturbances, asthma, sinusitis,

diarrhoea, indigestion and skin diseases are just some of diseases that

plague most of us during this season. While

allopathic medicines may cure a host of these ailments, Ayurvedic

medicines too play an effective and vital role in controlling as well

as treating monsoon disorders.In Ayurveda, mid-June to mid-August is referred to as the Varsha Rithu

or the Monsoon period. And this is the right time, it is said, to take

a treatment in Ayurveda. Let us take a look at some of the treatments

and diets to keep diseases at bay. Panchakarma Dr

Vijayalakshmi B, Ayurveda Physician, Santhigiri Ayurveda Heritage,

Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, says, "Ayurveda bases its principal on

preventing diseases." According to Shreekumar.V, Manager, Santhigiri Ayurveda Heritage, Kovalam, Kerala, the monsoon is the best time to take treatments in Ayurveda. 16 healthy ayurvedic mantras"The ailments or injuries in your body show up during this season," he adds."For all the doshas (problems) and for the overall functioning of the body, Panchakarma (panch meaning 'five' and karma meaning 'action') treatment is recommended." How does Panchakarma benefit you? Says

Dr Vijayalakshmi B, "It helps increase your immunity power

and circulation, it removing wrinkles and helps you get better sleep."

However, if you are going for an Ayurvedic rejuvenation package or

treatment for any other ailments, take the advice of an experienced

physician. Here

are some of the Panchakarma treatments you can opt for during monsoon

(strictly to be done as per your physician's advice): Abhyanga: Abhyanga,

or massage as we commonly known it, is a whole body massage with herbal

oils. This helps in nourishing and revitalising your body. Abhyanga

helps in improving blood circulation, relaxing body, and reducing

stress. Dhara:

In this treatment medicated oils are poured on the forehead. This

treatment helps in reducing stress, headaches, improves memory,

relieves sleep disturbances and tension. It allows calmness to creep in

slowly while the stress and tension slip away with the Shirodhara oil (a stream of oil on your forehead). When buttermilk is used in place of oil, it is referred to as Takra Dhara.Swedanam: The patient is made to sweat by using steam of herbs, depending on the ailments.Pizhichil:

Pizhichil involves pouring oil all over the body accompanied with a

massage. It is helpful in reducing fatigue, dryness and neurological

disorders.Bust stress with an Aurveda massageVirechana: Therapeutic Purgation or Virechana as it is known is a medical purgation therapy. It helps in removing toxins (Pitta dosha -- disorders

related to secretion fo bile) from your body. This treatment is

effective in treating skin disorders, diabetes, asthma, digestive

disorders etc. CostThe cost of treatment varies depending on the treatment. For

instance, Abhyanga could cost you Rs 400 or more (depending on herbs,

oils used) for a single sitting to around Rs 60,000 or more for a

three-week therapy involving various treatment procedures.Dietary tipsApart

from treatment, a diet suiting your body constitution also helps. Here

are some general tips for you to follow during the monsoon: Dos Drink only boiled and cooled water. Adding a little honey is also goodHerbal water is recommendedDrink plenty of waterEat only moderate quantity of food Use ginger for easy digestionInclude green gram and plenty of milk in your daily dietSpices should be in moderate quantity Wash all fruits and vegetables with warm waterOil massages are good during the rainsBathe in warm water Wear clean and dry clothesKeep physical exercise at

a moderate levelKeep surroundings dry and cleanDont'sAvoid foods that are hard to digestAvoid cold foods and drinks Curds is a no-no during monsoonStrike out raw vegetables and salads from your menu during the monsoonSleeping during the day is not

recommended

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