In the past year we have faced many challenges, this year we look forward to peace, prosperity and good health. It is our endeavour to keep you abreast and well informed of various aspects in the vast sphere of Ayurveda, which, as we all know is an ancient science of healing – relevant even in today’s fast-paced contemporary world. Our Ayurvedic Doctors will be contributing many articles towards Vaidya Bhashini, and we hope that you will benefit from the immense knowledge that they will share.
Happy reading! And have a wonderful 2021 ahead!
Doctors Speak
Prevent cardiac disease with diet
Cardiac disease is an umbrella term that covers a number of diseases which affect the heart. The term includes heart failure, coronary artery disease and angina as well.
There are multiple causes of cardiac disease, some of which are outlined
below:
- Unhealthy dietary choices
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Excess weight and obesity
- Diabetes
- A family history of heart disease
- A history of preeclampsia during pregnancy
- Age
- Smoking
- High alcohol intake
- Low activity levels
- High stress and anxiety levels
The flowchart below will help you understand how an unhealthy diet can
trigger off cardiac ailments:
Unhealthy Diet
- Weight Gain
- Insulin Resistance
- Oxidative Stres Inflammation
- Endothelial Dysfunction
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- PlaFormation
- Ischemia /Reduced Blood Flow
Upsurge in Cholesterol Leve
How does diet help fight cardiac ailments?
A plant-based diet helps reduce risk of heart disease by 40% as this kind of diet is rich in potassium and magnesium whilst being low in sodium and unhealthy fats. A plant-based diet keeps weight in check. It reduces lipid levels, blood pressure and vascular damage, thereby protecting the heart. The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a nutritional program assembled in the 1990s to prevent hypertension and risk of heart disease. The DASH diet comprises of vegetables and fruits, as well as low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and nuts. It is a rich source of calcium, magnesium, potassium and dietary fibre while being low in sodium, and saturated fatty acid (SFA). The DASH diet reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 11.4 and 5.5 mmHg in patients with hypertension.
With proper diet and lifestyle modification, risk of cardiovascular disease decreases by 12%
The following flowchart explains how excess calories leads to cardiac
problems:
- Excess Calorie Intake
- Weight Increases
- Insulin Resistance Increases Oxidative Stress Occurs
- TG Levels in Blood Increase
- Cardiac Hypertrop Inflammation Happens
- Heart Failure Develops
- Stroke Ensues
Check out how a proper diet helps reverse cardiac disease:
- Reduces Weight
- Reduces Insulin Resistance
- Reduces Oxidative Stress
- Decreases TG
- Reduces Inflammation
Reduces Risk of Heart Failure and Stroke Carbohydrates play an important role in preventing and curing heart diseases.
Both quality and quantity of carbohydrates are important in a healthy eating pattern. Diets high in glycemic index and glycemic load have been associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Diets low in glycemic index or load have been inversely associated with CHD.
Excess consumption of sugar or simple carbohydrates increases thyroglobulin (TG) and cholesterol levels in blood, increases BP and weight, thereby increasing insulin resistance.
What is a low carbohydrate diet?
A low-carbohydrate diet is defined as consumption of 30 to130 g of carbohydrates per day or up to 45% of total calories. A low carbohydrate diet helps reduce TG and increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Studies suggest that a low carbohydrate diet also helps keep body mass index (BMI) in the healthy range. A low carbohydrate diet helps reduce insulin resistance and increases insulin sensitivity. It helps control sugar levels, reduces blood pressure. (Glycemic Index (GI) is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels).
In a meta-analysis of 22 cohorts, a 7 g/day increase in fibre intake was associated with a 9% decrease in CHD incidence. Intake of fibre, particularly cereal fibre, has also been shown to reduce all-cause mortality among myocardial infarction (MI) survivors by 27% as compared with a low fibre intake.
Dietary fats:
Of the 3 primary types of dietary fat – trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and unsaturated (includes mono and polyunsaturated fats) fatty acids – trans fatty acids have been strongly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Excess consumption of saturated fats and trans fats leads to an increased risk of heart disease.
Omega 3 fatty acids play a crucial role in preventing heart disease.
Flax seeds and walnuts are excellent examples of omega 3 fatty acid rich foods. Antioxidant nutrients are compounds that inhibit oxidation which is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals leading to vascular damage. Vitamins A, E and C act as antioxidants, hence they help reduce oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). These vitamins reduce inflammation and improve vasodilatation of vessels, reduce platelet adhesion, improve endothelial function and hence help reduce risk of heart diseases such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and angina.
4 Reasons why early birds get all the worms and much much more!
The statement “I wake up before sunrise!” is quite often met with “How on earth do you manage that every day?!” or “Really?! That is so tough to do!” Yet Ayurveda, being a holistic science that emphasises a balanced routine, strongly advocates waking up before sunrise. One and half hours before, to be precise.
“Brahmemuhurte uttishthet swastho rakshartham ayushah” which translates into “To attain health and a long life, one must awaken in the brahma-muhurtam”. The brahma-muhurtam refers to the last part of the night, from 2 am to 6 am. It is the time of pure consciousness and is loaded with Sattva – which brings us to the first reason.
1. Take full advantage of brahma-muhurtam!
About an hour and a half before sunrise, a great shift in energy fills our space. And about half an hour before the sun lights up the sky, a second boom of energy dawns in the atmosphere. This time is considered best for attaining brahmagyan (meditation and self-analysis), supreme knowledge and eternal happiness. During this time the environment is pure, calm, and soothing and the mind is fresh after sleep.
2. Predominance of Vata dosha.
The time between 2 am and 6 am is dominated by Vata which is a quality of lightness, quickness and movement. Activities pertaining to those qualities will be effortless at this time of the day. Creativity and clarity generally peak before sunrise, students will greatly benefit from razor sharp concentration, focus and a strong memory. Since elimination of wastes from the body is governed by Vata, this is the ideal time to empty your bladder, clear out your bowels, wash off sweat and also rid the mind of the previous day’s mental and emotional wastes triggered by a confusing emotional partner, a boss barking out unreasonable deadlines, that jam at the traffic signal and other annoying sources.
3. Soak in the Sattva
Ever had days when everything seemed to run smoothly, when the day passed like a well-oiled machine? Actions were effortless, the mind felt light, the day seemed brighter than usual bringing a hidden smile across your face – you felt terribly lucky!
That is the effect of Sattva, one of the 3 fundamental gunas, relating to lightness, purity, dynamism and enthusiasm.
The oxygen that the body can receive is highest during the early hours of the morning and this Sattvic quality is further enhanced by spiritual practices like yoga asanas, pranayams, Sudarshan Kriya, chanting and meditation. The energy we need to spend during the rest of the day depends on the quality of these yogic practices – especially meditations. Waking up in Sattva prevents restlessness and grogginess that results from waking after sunrise.
4. Being in harmony with Nature
Nature is a wonder and is intelligent beyond anything our little minds can ever comprehend. She takes care of every leaf on every tree. Effortlessly, she pays attention to everything – from the tiniest of bacteria to us human beings. Nature thrives on rhythm. There is a rhythm in the solar system, in our planet, in our breathing, in our emotions and in nearly everything. A fast-paced modern lifestyle tends to move us out of this harmony and by a simple act of realigning ourselves, we can boost immunity and overall well-being. Rising early gives us an opportunity to marvel at the miracle of existence and allows this miracle to instil a deep-felt reverence for life itself. Rising after having rested, at a time when the day has not yet started and the night has not yet bid us goodbye, might just be the simplest solution for most of our health issues. If your morning routine involves an epic war with the alarm clock and a hectic rush to work, then do
try and wake up early – at the earliest! What you stand to gain from this one change in habit far outweighs the couple of extra hours you may get to spend snoozing!
Dietary fibre and cardiovascular disease.
In a meta-analysis of 22 cohorts, a 7 g/day increase in fibre intake was associated with a 9% decrease in CHD incidence. Intake of fibre, particularly cereal fibre, has also been shown to reduce all-cause mortality among myocardial infarction (MI) survivors by 27% as compared with a low fibre intake.
Dietary fats:
Of the 3 primary types of dietary fat – trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and unsaturated (includes mono and polyunsaturated fats) fatty acids – trans fatty acids have been strongly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Excess consumption of saturated fats and trans fats leads to an increased risk of heart disease.
Omega 3 fatty acids play a crucial role in preventing heart disease.
Flax seeds and walnuts are excellent examples of omega 3 fatty acid rich foods. Antioxidant nutrients are compounds that inhibit oxidation which is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals leading to vascular damage. Vitamins A, E and C act as antioxidants, hence they help reduce oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). These vitamins reduce inflammation and improve vasodilatation of vessels, reduce platelet adhesion, improve endothelial function and hence help reduce risk of heart diseases such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and angina.
Cancer cure. A ray of hope discovered at Sri Sri Ayurveda hospital.
Cancer, the dreaded, demonic word instils fear in each one of us. Cancer as a disease, and malignancy as a pathological condition, is an extremely challenging situation and needs total understanding in all its dimensions. Though there is a lot of research and development in the field of oncology, cancer management remains a great challenge for the modern world. Hence people are looking at other ancient traditional methods for a cure. With the blessings of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar, we have started a Cancer Unit at our Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital for the holistic management of cancer.
Ayurveda has its own set of terminologies, concepts and unique methods of diagnosis. It is an arduous task to find exact equivalents in modern medical science to match technical terms of Ayurveda. However, closest terminology is envisaged and presented here. Some of the basic principles of Ayurveda are Thridosha (Vaatha, Pittha, Kapha); Saptha Dhathu Rasa namely Raktha (blood), Maamsa (flesh), Medas (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow), Shukra (reproductive fluid), Mala (toxins); Agni, Aama, Srothas, Srotomarga, Rogamarga etc.
Cancer is diagnosed as ARBUDA. It is also referred to as Granthi, Sannipathaja Vyadhi, Aaganthuja Vyadhi, Vishadushta Vyadhi. It is a complex
disorder due to an imbalance in more than one Dosha. Sometimes it is a Vyadhi Sankara (group of diseases or group of symptoms). Mere anti-cancerous drugs may not be useful and sufficient in treating this complex disease. Whatever may be the type of cancer, all modern reports and terminologies should be analysed in Ayurvedic terms. Samprapthi (pathogenesis) should be understood, Nadi Pareeksha should be done and then Chikitsa Sutra (line of treatment) should be devised. The treatment procedure could be either Shodhana also referred to as Panchakarma treatment (detoxification procedure) or Shamana (palliative treatment) or both. Parallelly Marma Chikithsa (in which vital points of the body are worked upon to balance the energy and help remove any blockage in the flow of energy), Meru Chikithsa, Cranio Sacral Therapy can also be resorted to. In Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital, a very unique ‘Sathvavan Protocol’ is also followed for cancer patients. This includes
Sathvik, Natural Diet
Yoga Therapy. Specific and Modified Yoga Asanas
Praanaayaama
Sudarshan Kriya
Meditation
Management of Emotions
Music Therapy
Sound Healing
Study of Self. Introspection Sessions
Relaxing Techniques
Mudra Therapy etc.
This Sathvavan Protocol helps in detoxification of all the systems, reduces stress levels, improves overall immunity of the body, relieves anxiety and
depression, enhances brain function (increased mental focus, calmness and recovery from stressful stimuli) and promotes health, wellness and peace of mind.
This is a kind of Sathvavajaya Chikithsa (improving will power of the patient) and Daivavyapaashraya Chikithsa (seeking the blessings of the Almighty and Gurus (Masters) and surrendering to them).
Cancer patients who visit our cancer department are classified into the following four groups:
Group I – Fresh case, recently diagnosed without any modern treatment.
Group II – Operated case without chemo/radiation/any other treatment.
Group III – Cancer survivor after standard treatment protocol.
Group IV – Terminal case either with recurrence or with multiple metastasis.
We treat all these four groups of cancer patients with Ayurveda and other holistic therapies. So far, in the past five years, we have treated 1,496 OPD patients and 437 IPD patients.
Cancers like breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, leukaemia (blood cancer), lymphomas and many more are being treated successfully at our Sri Sri Cancer Care Unit. Breast cancer patients are treated with Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatment (detoxification procedure) followed by Paneeya Kshara (a unique Ayurvedic herbal oral alkali preparation) and other Ayurvedic anti cancerous herbo-mineral preparations. With these treatments, the breast tumours of many of our patients have completely regressed (shrunk). NO conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation etc. were performed. Many leukaemia (blood cancer), lymphoma, prostate cancer, cervical cancer patients were also treated successfully. Terminally ill stage IV cancer patients are also effectively managed and have been able to improve their quality of life, increase their life span and experience reduced suffering.
Cancer is a complex disease. We cannot manage a disease like cancer simply by giving anti-cancerous drugs! To break its complexity, we have to
understand cancer based on the basic principles of Ayurveda enumerated earlier. Then, after analysing the Samprapti (pathogenesis) according to Ayurveda, we have to resort to Chikitsa Sutra (line of treatment). The Sathvavan Protocol has to be strictly adhered to. With this holistic approach, in accordance with the principles of Ayurveda, the chances of cancer cure is understandably high at the Sri Sri Ayurveda
Hospital.
Heroes of the Month
Dr. Rajesh Mishra is an Ayurvedic doctor whose hard work during Covid – 19 helped more than 800 patients every month. Through his excellent pulse diagnostic skills and administration of Sri Sri Tattva Medicines, his patients have responded well to treatment. Dr Rajesh is a well-known International Ayurvedic Doctor with 16 Years expertise in blending traditional Ayurvedic knowledge for the formulation of Ayurvedic and Herbal supplements which counter health-related challenges arising from hectic modern lifestyles and chronic diseases.
During consultations, Dr Mishra performs medical interventions at various levels – from health diagnosis-preventive measures, to predicting future diseases and their possible complications, prognosis and treatment – all these dimensions are taken care of.
Dr Mishra operates in our chain of Sri Sri Tattva Wellness Clinics across many cities (Kolkata, Durgapur, Asansol, Barakar, Ranchi, Tata, Dhanbad, Varanasi, Allahabad,). He has helped us realise our vision to spread the healing power of Ayurveda in these areas. His consultations cover the entire range – Ayurveda, Panchakarma Therapies, Beauty, Skin and Hair Care Treatments, Yoga, Diet and Lifestyle Modifications.
Dr Mishra has been awarded the title of ‘Best Performing Doctor’ for the month of December for conducting 24 continuous camps in the East Zone.
Pranshakti Divine Shop has been organising regular Ayurvedic camps for the general public for the past 10 years. All patients emerge from the camps feeling satisfied and cared for and with courage and confidence that lasts for a lifetime! Dr Niranjan organises all the camps with utmost hygiene, providing secure and hassle-free registration. His contacts and communication skills significantly increase marketing opportunities for the organization. He provides door to door delivery of medication for his online consultations – a commendable activity during Covid-19 times. His hard work and dedication served 400+ patients during the month of December. His sense of service has instilled trust and confidence in his patients who flock to his clinic the whole year through.
Dr Niranjan has been awarded the title of ‘Best Performing Organiser’ for the month of December for conducting 6 camps in his Clinic Zone (East).
Health is wealth! Ayurveda offers you natural, holistic healing to boost your health quotient significantly. To know more about the therapies and treatments that we provide
Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma
The Art of Living International Centre
Pipeline Road, 21st Km,
Off Kanakapura Rd, Udayapura,
Bengaluru 560082, Karnataka, India
Contact Number
+918061540300
Email:
