MAKE PUMPKIN CURRY THE AYURVEDIC WAY TO BALANCE DOSHAS
February 9, 2022 MAKE PUMPKIN CURRY THE AYURVEDIC WAY TO BALANCE DOSHAS Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles Pumpkin, the round-shaped orange vegetable, is a powerful antioxidant. Pumpkin has beta carotene, and the vibrant colored fruit, is filled with nutrients that can handle various doshas, such as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Pumpkin has a potential amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. It contains magnesium and potassium that protect the circulatory system and balance the blood pressure in your body. It has rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is significantly lower in fat. It helps to stay away from obesity and overweight. Benefits of pumpkin curry Apart from its taste, the presence of Vitamin A in pumpkin supports your body to maintain smooth and healthy skin without acne. The fiber content in pumpkin helps balance the blood glucose levels. Ayurveda suggests including pumpkin in the diet as it is considered to prevent cancers, keep heart health intact and balance the doshas. Here is how you can prepare pumpkin curry in the Ayurveda way. Preparation time – 30 Minutes Ingredients 2 cups of chopped and cubed pumpkin Fenugreek 1 tbsp ghee Cumin seeds ½ tsp mustard seeds Salt to taste ½ tsp garam masala 2 tsp chopped coconut Ginger powder and turmeric Fresh coriander 2 tsp jaggery 1 tsp ground peanut Preparation Method Heat the pan and add ghee to it, then put the required quantity of cumin seeds, fenugreek, mustard seeds, ginger powder, and turmeric. Once the mustard seeds crackle, stir well until the ingredients turn golden brown Add the cubed pumpkin pieces and mix for 3 to 4 minutes. Then add a required amount of water until the pumpkin sinks Then put garam masala, salt to taste, and chopped coconut. Stir it well. Allow to cook it on a low flame for 20 minutes Once the pumpkin gets cooked well, add fresh coriander and jaggery in it to give a final touch The process is pretty simple, and the vegetable gets cooked within 25 to 30 minutes. You don’t need any extra ingredients or components for taste and aroma. Consuming the above dish weekly, twice, or thrice is expected to balance the doshas.
AYURVEDA FOR GERIATRIC WELL-BEING
February 9, 2022 AYURVEDA FOR GERIATRIC WELL-BEING Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles As life expectancy increases, so do old age related health issues. While reduced vision, impaired hearing, and a general slowing down of metabolism are common, other diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular problems, respiratory troubles, nervous issues, and musculoskeletal weakness are also seen in a majority of old people. Ayurveda describes aging as jara or vardhakya, which means becoming old by the act of wearing out. It is not an illness but a natural occurrence like hunger, thirst, or sleep. While Western medicine prescribes vitamins and protein supplements for the elderly, Ayurveda looks at the holistic well-being of the aged people. Ayurveda emphasizes improving the quality of life in old age. The anti-aging concept is called Rasayana in Ayurveda, which means keeping up good physical and mental health at mature age through a blend of a nourishing diet, healthy activities, and calm herbs. The word Rasayana is about clearing the natural flow of matter and energy channels. Performing Geriatric Yoga regularly prevents all sorts of age-related issues. It paves the way for stability, improves blood flow, and rejuvenates cells producing energetic quality. As per Ayurvedic physicians, after the age of 60, humans will have the Vata dosha as the dominant one. The prevalence of Vata can give rise to weak memory, degeneration of brain tissue, sleep issues, and osteoarthritis, among others. An increase in Vata during old age is natural, and being aware of that reality can help those making decisions that better protect against imbalances. Lifestyle Vata is considered the subtlest of the three doshas, and hence balancing Vata can be achieved with very simple lifestyle practices. Self-care and following certain practices can help balance the Vata stage of life. Abhyanga The ancient self-massage, Abhyanga, helps a lot in old age. Warm oil massage to the skin and scalp reduces the dry, rough and cold nature of Vata. It helps to keep the bodily tissues lubricated. To achieve rejuvenation and pacification, for Vata treatment, oils like sesame oil is used. Nasya Nasya is the application of medicated oil to the nasal passages. It calms Vata by lubricating and soothing the delicate respiratory tissues. It eases constriction and stress. Pranayama and Meditation In balancing Vata, calming the mind and nervous systems are important. Meditation and Pranayama are considered Vata-pacifying and highly recommended for old age. Gentle Exercise Vata is said to be the most delicate among the three doshas, and in old age, you should listen to your body closely. It is advised to take gentle activities like walking, yoga, and Vata-pacifying exercises. Diet The Agni becomes weak and erratic when the Vata aggravates. Since the digestive fire is compromised, one should simplify the diet and include Vata-pacifying food. In old age, choose whole foods that are cooked, soft, and rich with easily digestible nutrients and spices. Consume them warm or hot for better results. The elderly should avoid cold or frozen foods or drinks, large quantities of raw fruits or vegetables, dry foods like popcorn, crackers, and stimulants like alcohol, caffeine, or refined sugars. The Vata-pacifying seasonings include black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, fennel, and pippali.
STAY AWAY FROM THESE FOODS TO AVOID BAD CHOLESTEROL
February 7, 2022 STAY AWAY FROM THESE FOODS TO AVOID BAD CHOLESTEROL Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles For decades, people have been avoiding cholesterol-laden foods to reduce fat in their bodies. So what is bad cholesterol? LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is called “bad” cholesterol, and it makes up most of the body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can raise the risk for heart disease and stroke. For healthy living, one should either avoid or limit food with high cholesterol levels. It is recommended to replace saturated and Trans fat foods with fresh food, vegetables, and fruits. Fast Food Fast food increases the chances of diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases. People who like to indulge in fast foods tend to suffer from more health issues. Fried chicken, chips, and pizza can increase the bad cholesterol in the body. It’s better to reduce the consumption of the same. Though many may avoid fast food, people often cannot resist the crispy and oily fried items whenever they are out. According to research, it contains a high amount of bad cholesterol and trans fat, leading to heart-related diseases and obesity. It’s better to avoid deep-fried items like French fries, cheese sticks, and similar ones. Sugars Consuming a limited amount of sugar is considered good, and it helps to stay active and strong. But such sugar should come from natural sources like fruits. Cutting down on ice creams, baked products, pastries, and cakes are desirable to keep the bad cholesterol away. Processed Meat Processed meat has been linked with diseases like cancer and heart diseases. Processed meat contains harmful chemicals and is generally considered unhealthy. Limit the intake of processed meat, bacon, sausages, and hot dogs to stay away from bad cholesterol. Ayurveda in Cholesterol Management Ayurveda has a different view on cholesterol compared to Western medicine. Ayurveda considers cholesterol as supporting and lubricating the body’s many circulatory channels, shrotas. Shrotas are circulatory channels of the body. Larger shrotas like arteries and veins carry blood from the heart while micro-shrotas carry nutrients to the cells and waste from the cells. According to Ayurveda, cholesterol becomes harmful when Ama is present in the body. Excessive accumulated Ama, when mixed with fat tissue, damage shrotas and create health issues like cholesterol, hypertension, and heart diseases. According to Ayurveda, diet is central to one’s good health. Hence, the ayurvedic treatments for cholesterol improve the diet, which keeps the liver healthy while balancing the fat metabolism in the body. Ayurvedic treatments for cholesterol include meditation, yoga, and massages to detoxify the body. Going for a panchakarma program can help regulate cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In Ayurveda, when too much salt and sugar are included in the diet, it can give rise to Kapha dosha. To balance it, you can use lentils, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, apples, and pears to reduce bad cholesterol. Bitter food, leafy greens, and whole grains like oats and quinoa improve fat metabolism in the body. Guggul and Arjuna are used in Ayurveda to manage cholesterol. Herbs like Shilajit, Vrikshamla, Haritaki, too, are considered to lower blood pressure. However, besides reducing cholesterol, the above herbs have individual health benefits. You can personalize your Ayurvedic treatment by consulting an Ayurvedic physician.
AYURVEDA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PROSTATE PROBLEMS
February 5, 2022 AYURVEDA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PROSTATE PROBLEMS Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles Today prostate enlargement is common in old-age males. Persons above 50 years are prone to develop an enlarged prostate. The common symptoms include frequent urination, inconsistency, burning sensation or acute pain during urination, release of blood while urinating, stiff back, hip, and thigh area with the inability to move easily and without pain. The problem begins due to the enlargement of a gland present below the bladder in males. It leads to issues concerned with urination, and pain due to the increased size of the gland pressing the urethra. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, and non-bacterial chronic prostatitis are commonly occurring prostate issues. The prostate can be diagnosed at an early stage with a rectal examination, ultrasound scan, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. In allopathic medicine, the treatments are related to hormone therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and medication. However, many turn to Ayurveda to get treatment for prostate. Ayurveda identifies each disease with the imbalance of three elements –Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The level of these elements varies from person to person. According to exacerbation levels, the well-being of an individual is determined. Prostate cancer is referred to as Shukra Dhatu in Ayurveda. Ayurveda suggests healthy eating habits to manage ailments. Bad eating can give rise to the metabolic toxin ‘Ama’ due to improper chemical reactions in the body’s cells that change food into energy. Indigestion may also lead to excessive flatulence. Natural herbs and spices provide the required supplements that are essential to lead a healthy life. Yoga enhances blood circulation to the pelvis which keeps the prostate in good health. By regular exercises, one can improve health and stamina. Drink more water to keep the body hydrated. It will also prevent urinary-related issues. Without any hurry, take time to empty the bladder. As per Ayurveda, Rakta Dhatu consists of the oxygen-carrying red blood cells in the body, whereas Rasa Dhatu carries and provides the required nutrition and nourishment to all the body cells. Rasa Dhatu is considered vital for prostate health. Consume fresh and juicy fruits, include almonds and walnuts in your diet. It is important to keep alcoholic beverages at bay to keep Rakta Dhatu unaffected. Keep room temperature at comfortable levels as excessive cold may tend to cause retention of urine within the body. One should avoid aggravating Apana Vatham as it is necessary to regulate bowel movements. If aggravated, it may lead to metabolic toxin ‘Ama’ entering Rakta Dhatu. Daily body massage in a circular motion helps in keeping Apana Vatham stable. Ayurveda treatments help in cleaning the Dhatu at regular intervals of time. It helps in leading a healthy life. Natural herbs and spices in diet help ease prostate-related issues. Do not compromise on your diet, include supplements, find time to exercise, and lead a healthy lifestyle. It would help keep your prostate healthy. Consult an Ayurvedic physician to diagnose and treat prostate problems. Ayurvedic management of enlarged prostate tries to pacify the aggravated Vata, strengthen the urinary system, and relieve the symptoms of enlargement.
TANGIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAY LEAF
January 28, 2022 TANGIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAY LEAF Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles We know how amazingly bay leaves will enhance the flavor of the food we prepare. In addition to using bay leaves as flavor enhancers, they also have immense health benefits. Bay leaf is an integral ingredient in many Indian cuisines. Beyond the culinary benefits, this wonder leaf has medicinal properties. Bay leaves are used in Ayurvedic treatments in a big way, as they have multiple medicinal properties. Bay leaves are anti-bacterial. Bay leaves are also used in a host of Ayurvedic remedies as they have anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, carminative, and other therapeutic properties. Besides the aroma it spreads, the bay leaf is replete with many vitamins such as Vitamin A & C. Also, the leaf also has a host of minerals such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, copper, potassium, iron, and zinc. Diabetes As the bay leaves are known to lower the level of blood glucose, they are ideal for treating Type 2 diabetic patients. Bay leaf tea is available in supermarkets and other marketplaces. You can try consuming bay-leaf tea thrice a day. You also get powdered bay-leaf in the marketplace. You can boil the powdered bay leaves in water and consume them thrice a day for a month to gain maximum results. Besides reducing the blood glucose level, the bay leaf also fights against respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma and cough. As it is a stimulant of respiratory passage, bay leaves relieve chest congestion and help the air tracts clean. Thus, with the help of bay leaves, your body will get the much-needed immunity, especially with the context of the pandemic of Covid-19 that is gripping the world. Therefore, bay leaves are a traditional remedy for innumerable respiratory ailments. The ideal way to use bay leaves effectively is to crush them along with Holy Basil and boil with 250 ml of water. After allowing the mixture to cool, you need to strain it and drink it while still warm. Gut and Heart Health Bay leaf is also the natural treatment for digestive-related issues, including heartburn, irregular bowel movement, and constipation. Take 200 ml of water, add thinly sliced ginger and five grams of bay leaf, and boil it until it is reduced to quarter by volume. Add honey and consume twice a day. This mixture will give great relief from the above-mentioned digestive disorders or irregularities. Bay leaf also has plenty of phytonutrients that improve the functioning of the heart and prevent the risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and other such complications. Add bay leaves to your daily dietary regimen for tangible benefits and a healthy heart. Stress Management Bay leaves are also a therapeutic effect for rejuvenation and relaxation as the same helps you do away with stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other stress-related complications. Furthermore, bay leaf is also a vital component in Ayurvedic massages. No wonder, then, this wonder leaf is used in renowned spas and Ayurvedic therapy centers. Boil three grams of bay leaves in 300 ml water and add wild rose flowers to get maximum benefit. When it is boiled, strain it and consume the mixture. Regular use of this concoction will give you humongous relief from stress-related ailments. Last but not the least, bay leaf also has properties that can relax your nerves, meaning it will induce sound sleep. Take a few drops of the bay leaf extract along with water and drink it daily at bedtime. Regular consumption of this will relax your nerves and induce sound sleep. In addition to that, the bay leaf also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is advised to massage bay leaf oil to your skin to reduce swelling and pain with sprains, arthritis, strains, and general pains and aches. Bay leaf is also effective in the treatment of common cough. Take 1-2 grams of powdered dry bay leaves, add a teaspoon of honey and consume and it gives you instant relief from cough. Hair Care In addition to all these health benefits, bay leaves help to grow lush and healthy hair and help maintain your hair clean, and keep the lice at bay. Regular use of bay leaf mixture on your scalp will help restore your broken hair and help grow fresh and thick hair. Take 50 grams of powdered bay leaves, add 350 ml of water and boil the same. After cooling, strain the same and apply to your hair. You can wash it after allowing it on your hair for an hour. The result would be excellent if used frequently. Regular use of bay leaf tea is beneficial. To make an excellent bay leaf tea, you can add about 4-5 bay leaves into a liter of water and stir it for about 20 minutes. For a lesser strength brew, chop a few fresh or dry bay leaves, pour hot water over them, and allow them to settle. Later, you can add sugar or a sweetener of your choice and consume it.
EFFECTIVE HOME REMEDIES FOR TREATING CONJUNCTIVITIS
January 28, 2022 EFFECTIVE HOME REMEDIES FOR TREATING CONJUNCTIVITIS Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles As we all know, the medical term for Pink eye is Conjunctivitis. Simply put, Conjunctivitis is the swelling of the thin transparent membrane covering the front of the eye, otherwise known in medical terminology as conjunctiva. Persons affected with Pink eye have redness pervading all around the eyes. The patients affected with Conjunctivitis will have an itching sensation in their eyes, along with pain. However, the worst irritation would be the sticky fluid emanating from the eyes. This fluid discharge will seal your eyes, especially after the overnight sleep, and it will be a tad bit difficult to remove those fluids to open your eyes. Though not a severe ailment, Conjunctivitis can hamper your day-to-day activities to a major extent. If you can use some of the below home remedies effectively, you may be able to overcome the disease within a few days. Let’s now see how these home remedies can give you not only relief from the agony of Conjunctivitis but also reduce and heal the infection within a short time. Here are some simple home remedies 1. The least you could do is avoid direct contact with the sun. If you are infected with Conjunctivitis, it is prudent not to travel. Also, ensure you are not exposing your eyes directly to the sunlight. Drink plenty of water, tender coconut juice, or other fruit juice to keep your body hydrated. It is better to avoid aerated drinks. 2. To get relief from pain and other irritation, take two cups of lukewarm water, add three tablespoons of honey, and stir it well. After allowing it to cool for some time, wash your eyes with this mixture, both in the morning and before sleep. Honey has the medicinal property to soothe your eyes and helps to heal the infection quickly. 3. Another remedy is to take 250 ml of water and boil it along with coriander leaves. After straining the water and letting it cool for a while, you can wash your infected eyes with the same. Again, coriander has a medicinal property that gives immense relief from the irritation caused due to the infection. 4. Make a cup of Indian gooseberry juice, add two teaspoons of honey and take it internally twice a day. This, too, will improve your immunity to a great extent, thus helping the body fight against Conjunctivitis effectively. 5. Take a raw potato, slice it and keep it on your eyes. This you can repeat many times during the day. This eventually helps to reduce inflammation and also lessens the pain induced by the infection. 6. Tulsi is a medicinal herb that effectively fights against a host of infections. In this case, too, you can soak 5-10 leaves in lukewarm water and wash your eyes at regular intervals. This will help your eyes to reduce pain and soothe your eyes. This will also help to reduce the swelling of your eyes. Dietary regimen When afflicted with Conjunctivitis, you need to adjust your diet regimen to help your eyes heal faster. Avoid foods that are hot, oily, spicy, and hard to digest, as they add more swelling and exacerbate the condition. Also, try to avoid sour items. At the same time, you have to supplement your diet with more fresh fruits, greens, and leafy vegetables, and these would help the body cool down, giving a lot of relief to your affected eyes. While all these home remedies are meant to mitigate the patient’s suffering, these dietary regimens will also help to hasten the healing process. It is advisable to consult an Ayurveda physician and take advice if the symptoms persist even after 24 hours of trying home remedies for further guidance and treatment.
SIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF TASTES AND THEIR ROLES ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA
January 19, 2022 SIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF TASTES AND THEIR ROLES ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles In Ayurveda, there are six different types of tastes or rasas found in our diet. These tastes are made from the five elements of our doshas – fire, air, ether (space), water, and earth. It is recommended that one include all kinds of tastes in their meals for optimum health. This will help the human body get adequate nutrition and improve overall health. Sweet (Madhura) The sweet taste comprises the elements of earth and water, and it balances the Vata and Pitta. The taste is derived from natural sugars. When consumed in moderate quantities, the sweet taste can help balance hormones, promote longevity, and is said to be cooling, grounding, and nourishing. On the contrary, if consumed in excess quantities, it can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart diseases. We can find sweet taste in rice, milk products, honey, and sweet fruits. Sour (Amla) The sour taste makes up the elements of earth and fire, and it can stimulate the pitta and Kapha doshas of the body. This taste improves one’s appetite, digestion, and elimination of food waste and aid saliva production. We can find sour taste in curd, berries, pickles, fermented food, lemon, vinegar, cheese, and citrus fruits. However, if taken in large quantities, it may lead to diarrhoea, excessive thirst, hyperacidity, and aggression in the body. Salty (Lavana) This taste comprises the water and fire elements, and it balances the Vata dosha and aggravates the Pitta and Kapha doshas. The salty taste is said to improve taste, increase saliva production, augment digestion, cleanse tissues, improve absorption of minerals, and promote electrolyte balance. But, if consumed more, it can have a negative impact on the skin and blood. We can find salt in sea salt, soya sauce, rock salt, seafood, including vegetables, and processed food. Pungent (Katu) The spicy or pungent flavor is a combination of fire and air. It balances the Kapha and aggravates the Pitta and Vata. This taste is said to warm up the body, clear toxins and sinuses, and remove excess fat. It stimulates digestion, encourages sweating, and improves blood circulation. Excess consumption of pungent food can lead to extreme drying, excess thirst, imbalance in the nervous and reproductive system, irritability, anxiousness, digestive discomfort, and aggression. Pungent food includes ginger, garlic, hot spices, mustard, onions, chili, and hot pepper. Bitter (Tikta) The bitter taste is made up of air and space elements and is considered the most cooling and lightest of all the six tastes. This taste is said to be detoxifying in nature and aids the removal of waste and toxic material from the body. The bitter taste is best suited for Pitta and Kapha doshas, but it aggravates Vata dosha. We can find the taste in green leafy vegetables, bitter melon, olives, coffee, sesame seeds and oil, brinjal, spices, saffron, and turmeric. However, bitter taste should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. Astringent (Kashaya) The astringent taste is made up of air and earth and is said to be a dry flavor. Those with Vata need to consume this taste in moderation as it can cause gas. Astringent taste slows down digestion and lightens the body. Astringent food can help repair wounds, fight diarrhea and water retention in the body, and is said to be anti-inflammatory. We can find the taste in unripe bananas, tea, coffee, pomegranates, green beans, cranberries, turnips, legumes, grains, and pears. This taste is good for Pitta and Kapha doshas.
HOW TO REDUCE PITTA DOSHA
January 19, 2022 HOW TO REDUCE PITTA DOSHA Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles The human body and doshas As per Ayurvedic texts, the human body is governed by three natural elements – Vata by air, Pitta by fire, and Kapha by water. These doshas are responsible for digestion and other functions of the body. Each person’s body consists of a unique ratio of these doshas, with one outmanoeuvring the other, thereby making up the person’s dosha. When the doshas become imbalanced, they can lead to diseases in the human body. Pitta and Agni The word Pitta is derived from ‘tapa’ a Sanskrit word, which represents heat. Pitta tends to increase body heat since the element is associated with fire. It controls the ‘Agni’ or the fire in the body. Pitta dosha can be triggered by consuming foods that are spicy, oily, and acidic, to name a few. How to identify pitta imbalance When pitta imbalance occurs, one can identify the following symptoms: increased body heat, heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhoea, acne and body inflammation, impatience, excessive sweating, hot flushes, skin diseases, bloodshot eyes, bleeding disorders, headaches, and increased anger. What are the foods to avoid? Those with imbalanced Pitta should avoid extremely hot, spicy, heavy, and sour food. Consumption of such food can increase the acidic nature in one’s stomach leading to aggravation of these symptoms. Try avoiding red meat, salted butter, fried food, food with excess salt, sesame oil, salmon, potatoes, tomatoes, citric fruits, and spicy flavors like tabasco sauce, corn, brinjal, and turnips. What food is advisable? Some foods that can pacify the Pitta include fruits like apples, ghee, leafy green vegetables, cucumber, cauliflower, milk, melon, papaya, grains like oats, wheat, quinoa, legumes like lentils, black and soybeans, almonds, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds and eggs. Do not eat heavily, as that can overburden the already fired-up body. Try to have fruits and vegetables at least an hour before your meal for the best effect. Drink a lot of water. Natural remedies for Pitta Jeera in lukewarm water can have a pacifying effect on the Pitta. Amla or gooseberry can help cleanse the digestive system and act as a coolant. Neem is considered an excellent natural remedy for imbalanced Pitta, and the Ayurvedic remedy Triphala is also said to support the digestive system. Coconut water, fresh juice, and aloe vera juice can also bring down the body temperature. Lifestyle practices to correct imbalanced Pitta Yoga can help mitigate the heat generated in the body. Try doing some breathing exercises with Pranayama. Some asanas like Balasana (child pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Jathara Parivartanasana (spinal twist), and Marjaryasana (cat and cow pose) can help bring the body temperature down. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Find some time to workout early in the morning or evening. Get some quality sleep. Have a healthy and balanced diet and ensure that you have your food on time. Practice stress-management techniques, whichever works for you. Meditation can give a calming effect to the mind and body. Avoid conflicts and too many arguments to avoid the body heat rising. Team sports can also help.
HOW TO RELIEVE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
January 13, 2022 HOW TO RELIEVE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles That heavy and bloated feeling, cramps in your lower abdomen often accompanied by headache and mood swings; menstruation is never fun except for the lucky few who never get cramps. According to Ayurveda, menstruation is governed by the Vata dosha, and it’s a time of internal turmoil in the body. The solution is to slow down and be easy on your body and balance the Vata dosha. Here are some of the Ayurvedic remedies to ease menstrual cramps. Avoid overly spicy foods Menstruation is a time when digestion is not at its best. So, try to help the stomach as much as possible by giving it only light and easily digestible foods. Avoid overly spicy or sour foods, and drink warm water to keep yourself well-hydrated. Warm rice gruel, curd rice, hot rice mixed with ghee and salt, and non-citrus fruits are all safe options during your periods. Jaggery can balance Vata, so replace sugar with jaggery for a few days, ahead of your periods. Sip Ajwain tea Ajwain or carom seeds are a superfood for easing any inflammation and are thus ideal for menstrual cramps. Add a teaspoon of Ajwain seeds to a cup of boiling water and let it infuse well. You can also add a pinch of jaggery to get rid of the bitter twang, and your drink is ready. Ajwain will not just relax your body but aid digestion, reducing the bloated feeling during your periods. Take methi seeds Consuming methi powder during the first three days of your period will not just reduce cramps but boost your health and energy levels in general. If methi powder doesn’t work for you, soak a tablespoon of seeds overnight and drink it the following day. Add crushed ginger and a tiny pinch of black pepper for added taste. Methi also reduces nausea and fatigue and can be consumed every day, even otherwise. Practice light yoga While you might not be feeling up to heavy-duty exercise during your periods, Ayurveda recommends light and easy yoga postures, which will lessen cramps, especially if you start a few days ahead of your periods. Lie on your back and lift one leg 90 degrees slowly. Release and lift the other leg. You can also try cycling in the air with your legs slowly, all of which will ease your uterine muscles. Massage abdomen with sesame oil Warm sesame oil has the power to soothe and relax any part of your body, and it works for menstrual cramps too. Gently massage the lower abdomen with sesame oil and try to relax. Sesame seeds are also said to regulate irregular menstrual cycles due to their oestrogen managing capacity. Take a warm shower afterward, which will also relax the body. There are a lot of myths surrounding periods that girls should not wash their hair during those days, but there is no such thing in Ayurveda. Keep yourself fresh and clean and avoid stressors of all kinds as much as possible.
AYURVEDIC NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
January 12, 2022 AYURVEDIC NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE Contact Us +65 6398 0415 admin@ayurvedasg.com Recent Articles There are no quick fixes for any disease in Ayurveda, nor are there any medications for good health. Ayurveda teaches us that the body becomes healthy when the mind, body, and emotions are in harmony with each other and with the elements of nature. Here are a few Ayurvedic New Year resolutions for a healthier and happier you. One home-cooked meal a day Due to our hectic lifestyle, we get so caught up in unhealthy routines that food becomes the last priority in life. You might be skipping breakfast, regularly eating out for lunch and dinner, not keeping count on the cups of coffee and tea you have been having throughout the day. This year, promise yourself you will eat at least one home-cooked meal per day, come what may. Aim low, and soon, you will find yourself dreading the same old takeout. Also, try to eat all three meals on time, regardless of what you eat. Be mindful about stress Today, stress is the root cause of almost all lifestyle diseases plaguing half the urban population. As with food, we often accept stress as part of life, and something inevitable for productivity, which needn’t be the case. Stress makes your body work on overdrive, diverting all energies for flight or fight rather than proper digestion and sleep. Recognize the triggers and patterns of stress and work out what you can do to avoid or lessen this New Year’s stressors. Over a period, you will find yourself more productive and at peace with yourself. Give yourself a sesame oil massage once a week Consider your body as your temple, and it’s your duty to keep it in the best health possible. Often, we lose touch with the body and ignore all the red flags it gives us, eventually leading to diseases. This new year, resolve to devote one hour a week to give your body a long, relaxing massage. Ayurveda recommends warm sesame oil infused with frankincense. Take a warm bath afterward. You will feel rejuvenated, and your body supple and relaxed. Respect your sleep rhythm Our body clock works according to the onset of night and day, all of which we disrupt very early in life. But the fact remains that we function best when we respect the body’s sleep rhythms. This year, aim at going to sleep by 11 pm at least four days a week, for a beginning. In a matter of time, your body will start winding down by 11 pm every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Ten minutes of yoga every day The New Year resolution which gets broken most is to exercise every day, as evidenced by the spike in gym memberships in January. The key is to go for smaller goals, which wouldn’t sound intimidating. Aim at ten minutes of yoga every day, which takes almost no effort at all. Conclude it off with a few minutes of meditation. However, all those minutes add up, and your body will thank you later in life for it. Try to scale it up to half an hour every day and a full-fledged one hour on the weekends.