Effect of Mental Disturbances on Digestive System and Metabolism, Ayurveda approach in dealing them – Part1

Body and Mind are mutually related. They are 2 sides of the same coin. They work in coordination and carry on all the functions essential for our like process smoothly. If the body is healthy, the mind is healthy and if the mind is healthy, the body is healthy. Thus body and mind are entangled in an inseparable relationship. Thus we can conclude that there is essentially a physical component involved in mental problems and vice versa.

Ayurveda perspective of considering combined Body-Mind entity in causation of GI & other Metabolic Disorders……..

Ayurveda was the first medical science to establish the relationship between body and mind and also between physical and mental disorders.

According to Ayurveda basics,

In the physical ailments – the body gets affected by diseases first and later the mind gets affected. This happens because in Somatic (physical) diseases the Doshas (contaminants) of the body – Vata, Pitta or Kapha gets contaminated either singly or in combination and on a low immune background afflict the body tissues (dhatus) and cause diseases. Later the contaminated Doshas contaminate Rajas and Tamas – the Doshas (contaminants) of mind and hence afflict the mind in a later period.

In the mental diseases the process is reverse. In these Rajas and Tamas get contaminated first leading to manifestation of mental illness. Later these mind contaminants disturb the physical contaminants (Doshas) leading to physical diseases.

Thus in any disease – there is inevitable involvement of both body and mind. This probably was the first ever explanation of psycho-somatic factors in the manifestation of a disease.

सर्वॆऽपि रोगाः मन्देऽग्नौ सुतरमुदराणि।

{Sarvepi Rogah Mandagnau sutaramudaraani}

Meaning: All diseases are having their origin from the disturbed AGNI (digestion/metabolism) especially the abdominal problems (gut related problems or digestive diseases / gastro-intestinal diseases)

AgniMandhya or errors of digestion (metabolism) leads to Ajeerna (sluggish digestion / weak digestion / indigestion)

This Ajeerna is said to be “Sarva-Roga-Mula” i.e. Root of all the systemic diseases (psycho-somatic diseases)

There are many causes for Ajeerna. Among these causes of Ajeerna, Ayurveda has included the components of Shoka (Grief), Bhaya (Fear), Krodha (Anger) etc indicating a psychological component in the causation of a systemic or metabolic disease.

Some types of Atisara (diarrhoea) is said to be caused by Bhaya (Fear) and Shoka (Grief, Stress). The modern day concept of Nervous Diarrhoea or a stressful gut is evident to all of us. Nothing has changed over a period of evolution. Of course, the stress levels and their impact on many diseases have ascended the graph, thanks to the modern day life style and erratic diet.

The saga of unresolved gastro-intestinal and metabolic disorders………Involvement of “MIND FACTOR”

I have personally encountered many patients coming to my clinic with Gut related (Gastro-intestinal) and digestion related problems (with complications many times) viz loose stools, pain abdomen, constipation, nausea, flatulence etc. which have never been attended or shown response to any type of medication, treatment, changes of diet or counselling. I have seen people getting desperate and breaking down.

Why do some people suffer from so severe digestive and metabolic problems?

Why do many people not find any sort of healing remedies in spite of sincerely trying maximum available options and after visiting the best of doctors?

Why do people need so many opinions about the well being of their stomach and gut?

Why do people seek to so many specialities and yet give up hopes?

Why do people have bundles of test and investigation related documents and reports in their cupboards, heaps of prescriptions, printouts of lot of information from the net and bills as a proof of spending so much money on their stomach?

Have you ever thought why someone has to spend years and most of their life time in seeking remedy for their ailing stomach when its health lays in one’s own hand?

Answer…????

Because the problem is only seen with a partial perspective

Because the medical system most often miss the involvement of “MIND FACTOR” in the so called and so-diagnosed somatic or physical diseases

I think this discussion has left you with a lot of questions!!!!

Do mental disturbances lead to complicated and unresolved GI disturbances / digestive (metabolic) disorders?

If so, how and what diseases are manifested?

Do we have good remedy and relief for these disorders?

We will try to get some answers and possible remedies in the coming issue…

Keep reading this space for more updates…

Pictures courtesy:

http://www.drdianahoppe.com/gut-second-brain/

http://quotes.lifehack.org/quote/albert-j-nock/the-mind-is-like-the-stomach-it/

Homeopathic Strategy for Healing Gut Troubles

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Ayurveda Basics: Adhaaraneeya Vega 6: Kshudha or Hunger, Symptoms of forcible control, Treatment…

Food is one of the basic instincts of man and Hunger is a sign for the food to be supplied to replenish the body and satisfy its nutritional demands. In our mechanics and dynamics of life, we often neglect the call of hunger. We either ignore hunger pangs or postpone it or forget to attend it at time. Over a period of time, the body and mind adjusts themselves and accommodates to our version of fulfilment. But on the backdrop there is a serious damage to the metabolism leading to tissue injury, which becomes irreversible with passage of time. The extent of cellular damage due to improper supply of nutrition determines the nature of immunity we have at a given point of time.

Negligence of hunger or want of food leads to metabolic errors and are reflected as loss of appetite, less interest in food, anorexia, indigestion, bloating, sour and salty belching, tastelessness, chest burn etc. According to Ayurveda these reflect damage to or impairment of Agni (the digestive capacity or digestive fire). This is the root cause of many systemic diseases.

Hunger is a natural urge or reflex and body gives a regular remainder. Holding on to the reflex or neglecting this natural reflex may lead to many metabolic disturbances and present as signs of malnutrition

Below enumerated are the signs and symptoms which occur when we forcibly withhold the impending hunger urges: Ayurveda perspective –

कार्श्यदौर्बल्यवैवर्ण्यमङ्गमर्दोऽरुचिर्भ्रमः।

क्षुद्वेगनिग्रहात्तत्रा स्निग्धोष्णं लघु भोजनम्॥{च.सू.७/२०}

तन्द्राङ्गमर्दावरुचिभ्रमश्च क्षुधो विघातात्कृशता च दृष्टेः।{सु.उ.५५}

अङ्गभङ्गारुचिग्लानिकार्श्यशूलभ्रमाः क्षुधः।

तत्र योग्यं लघु स्निग्धमुष्णमल्पं च भोजनम्॥{अ.हृ.सू.४}

•  Karshya – Emaciation
• Dourbalya – Weakness (Loss of strength and immunity)
• Vaivarnya – Discolouration
• Angamarda – Beating type of pain in different parts of the body
• Angabhanga – Breaking / Splitting type of pain in different parts of the body
• Aruchi – Anorexia
• Bhrama – Giddiness, Fainting
• Tandra – Stupor, Sleepiness
• Drishti dourbalya – Weakness of vision
• Glaani – Fatigue
• Shoola – Colic

Treatment principles in Kshudha Avarodhajanya Vikara / Kshudjanya Udavarta (Diseases caused due to forcible control of Hunger):

• Snigdha Bhojana – Unctous food (Food having reasonable amounts of ghee and oil)
• Ushna Bhojana – Hot food
• Laghu Bhojana – Light food
• Alpa Bhojana – Less quantity of food

अन्नं वै प्राणिनां प्राणाः॥

Food is the life for all the living organisms including human beings. When we make a habit of not taking food at proper time and proper quantity it leads to metabolic disturbances. In turn the tissues get depleted of necessary nutrition. This leads to the above said complaints. When the food is not given at the proper time of demand, the Agni or metabolic fire feeds on the body tissues leading to weakness fatigue and drop in immunity. Inadequate formation or maturation of blood leads to loss of vision or diminished vision.

Time is valuable but health is more important. Nothing is significant in front of health maintenance. For good health it is important to eat right and take care of our tissues.

Click to read the introduction of Adhaaraneeya Vegas:

https://drraghuramys.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/ayurveda-concepts-adhaaraneeya-vegas-admire-the-expressions-of-the-body-to-maintain-perfect-health/

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Ayurveda @ Home: Lavanga-Pathya Kwatha for Ajirna (Ajeerna) – Indigestion

Lavanga-Pathya Kwatha

लवङ्गपथ्ययोः क्वाथःसैन्दवेनावधूलितः।

पीतः प्रशमत्याशु त्वजीर्णे रेचयत्यपि॥ {यो.र.अजीर्ण.प्र}

As the name indicates, there are 2 main ingredients in this formulation i.e. Lavanga and Pathya

Ingredients:

• Lavanga: Syzygium aromaticum

LAVANGA -CLOVE

• Pathya (Haritaki): Terminalia chebula

Haritaki – Terminalia chebula

• Saindhava Lavana: Rock Salt

Saindhava Lavana – Rock Salt

How to prepare?

• Lavanga and Pathya are taken in equal quantities
• They are pounded individually to get their coarse powder
• The coarse powder of each is measured and adjusted so as to get equal quantity
• Take 16 times their quantity of water (16 times volume of both drugs mixed together)
• Heat on moderate flame until ¼ water remains
• Filter and separate the coarse part
• Sprinkle Saindhava Lavana
• Serve Hot

Dose:

• 40-50ml (adult single dose) or as directed by physician

When to take?

• Preferably before food, twice or thrice daily as suggested by the physician

Indications:

• Ajirna / Ajeerna – Indigestion

Caution:

• Lavanga, Haritaki or Saindhava if used in improper measurements may lead to intolerance, Severe loose stools, Abdominal cramps, Nausea etc
• As such many people don’t tolerate Lavanga and Haritaki in low doses also
• Ajeerna or indigestion is not a simple concept according to Ayurveda. It is the root cause of all the health problems. So any form of indigestion or chronic indigestion not responding to medication may indicate a serious disorder at its backdrop. It may be a symptom of many chronic diseases or just a symptom. The Ayurvedic physician should take the call on the nature of Ajeerna after a thorough examination of the patient.
• People of different constituents (Prakriti) will have different types of indigestion. Ajirna will lead to Ama formation in tissues (metabolites or endo-toxins). The nature, quality and quantity of ama, the prakriti of the individual in question and the type of ajeerna should be analysed before trying any formulation or home remedy.
• Thus the above said ingredients may be needed in different proportions in different presentations of Ajeerna and in different Prakriti’s.
• The compound may not be universally prescribed (may not suit everyone)

Disclaimer:

• These blogs are written for informative purpose and not for self prescription
• Home remedies shall not be used based on self diagnosis, without knowing the extent of the problem. It may be harmful. Don’t try these in established and chronic diseases (mentioned above) or when complaints persist for longer, You may need your doctor’s help
• Intake of any medicine without prescription of a qualified Ayurveda doctor is dangerous
• A thorough examination of the disease and the diseased by a qualified Ayurveda doctor followed by diagnosis and prescription is mandatory
• Dietetic & Lifestyle advices, co-prescriptions, treatments etc may be essential and may prescribed by your doctor
• Ayurveda medicines are time tested and are not universal (all medicines do not suit everyone)

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Ayurveda Basics: Jeernahara Lakshana – How to know that your digestion is fine?

According to Ayurveda, all the diseases (most of them) are manifested due to the disturbance of Agni (metabolism), unless proved otherwise. Therefore the treatment line-up of most of the systemic disorders in Ayurveda starts with the correction and balancing of metabolic errors.

Ajeerna or Indigestion is one of the chief complaints which indicate that the metabolism is under error. The error may be within the gut or at the cellular level.

Food is the basic necessity and instinct to live for all living beings. Variations in quality and quantity of food or incompatible foods readily lead to the manifestation of indigestion. The unmonitored or unattended indigestion becomes the root source for many systemic diseases. Thus indigestion is a chief complaint in many diseases. This may reflect as lack of interest towards food (aversion) or tastelessness (anorexia) or loss of appetite (hunger) or frequent hunger or reduced capacity of the gut to digest food even if given in smaller quantities.

Our gut is a grinder and its blades wanes off w.r.t its strength to digest food with ageing process. We need to respect this process and make necessary adjustments in the quality and quantity of food we take as we progress with our ageing.

Avoiding the indigestion process or keeping our digestive functions intact and undisturbed is the secret of keeping good health. All of us suffer from one or the other form of indigestion every now and then. None of our digestion is perfect.

To keep our digestive process going on in a smooth way we need to know whether the food we are taking is getting digested properly or not.

But who tells us whether our food is digested properly or not?

Answer – Our Gut!!!!!!

Jeernahara Lakshana:

Signs and symptoms indicating that our digestion is going on smoothly or that the food which we are taking is properly getting digested:

उद्गारशुद्धिरुत्साहो वेगोत्सर्गो यथोचितहः।

लघुता क्षुत्पिपासा च जीर्णाहारस्य लक्षणम्॥ {यो.र}

Udgaara Shuddhi: Pure Belchings

• If the food is digested properly the belching should be clear and should not carry the taste or smell of the food. It should not have any taste and should not produce any discomfort in the chest or belly

Utsaha: Feeling of enthusiasm, energetic, spirited

• The complete and proper digestion of food will end up providing good energy indicating that all the cells are properly saturated with adequate nutrition. Thus there is a feel of enthusiasm and energy

Yathochita Vegotsarga: Proper and timely voiding of stools and urine

• Proper digestion leads to proper formation of stools and urine. They will be eliminated properly in proper time and quantity without causing much discomfort or without any aid. This natural elimination of wastes will further keep our gut and body healthy and our mind happy

Laghutaa: Lightness of the Body

• When the food gets digested properly it will be properly bifurcated and split into nutritive part and waste part. The nutritive part of food nourishes all the cells and keeps them healthy. At the same time the metabolic wastes are thrown out in proper time. When these mechanisms are running smoothly in the body, there will be no blocks in the channel systems of the body. All the functions of the body and its cells will take place smoothly and uninterruptedly. This will keep our body light and healthy.

Kshut Pipasa: Timely feeling of Hunger and Thirst

• Once the food is digested properly and converted into energy and heat in due course of time, the body will need more food and water to fulfil its needs for smooth functioning. This demand is manifested in the form of hunger and thirst. Thus manifestation of hunger and thirst in proper time (in rhythm with the digestion) is a sign of proper digestion.

Isn’t it easy to identify whether our food is digested properly or not?

With the above said information you can do this check test daily and be happy if things are matching up

If the above said symptoms are not found in you, it might be a case of acute or chronic indigestion. This indicates that your metabolism is at trouble.

It may become the root cause of many diseases in future especially Diabetes, Hypertension, Thyroid problems, Weight related issues, Depression, Sleep disorders, Heart diseases etc.

Kindly bring this to the notice of your Ayurveda doctor as early as possible and get it attended….

It is never too late…………

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Taking Bath…Keeps you healthy and rejuvenated…

Taking bath regularly keeps you healthy, fresh, energetic and rejuvenated for the whole day and for life is a statement made in Ayurveda centuries back. All of us take bath daily as a formality and as a routine part of our daily schedules. But the medical importance of taking bath has not been emphasized and explained anywhere other than the oldest holistic medical science…Ayurveda. Here we shall be discussing about the holistic and medical horizons of bathing. 

What are the benefits of bathing?

“Deepanam vrishyamaayushyam snaanamojo bala pradam

Kandoo mala shrama sweda tandraa trut daaha paapmanut”

*Deepana – Enhances the digestive fire(capacity) and regularizes metabolism. This property enables us to digest our food properly. This may probably brought about by improvisation of circulation & retention of heat after bath.

*Vrishyam –  Aphrodisiac effect. Gives sexual competence to an individual. Taking showers before sex always enhances the performance and keeps us fresh and spirited during the act and allows us to enjoy sex to the maximum – both physically and mentally.

Bathing relaxes the mind and body from the effects of day long stress and fills in enthusiasm and interest in sex.

*Aayushyam – Enhances life span. It means to say that it fills in a new energy and life in all the cells.

*Oorja & bala pradam – Provides energy and strength. This is achieved when the bath alleviates tiredness and fatigue enabling an individual to get actively involved in physical and mental activities.

*Relieves one from kandoo(itching), mala(dirt), shrama(fatigue), sweda(sweating), tandra(stupor), trut(thirst), daaha(burning sensation) and paapma(effects of unwholesome and sinful acts) 

Effects of morning bath:

“Praata snaanam cha paapaharanam duswapna pradhwamsanam shouchasya aayatanam malaapaharanam samvardhanam tejasaam

Roopa dhyotakaram shareera sukhadam kaamaagni sandeepanam streenaam manmatha gaahanam shramaharam snaane dashaite gunaaha”

The below mentioned 10 fold benefits are achieved after snana(bath):

1. Relieves one from paapma(effects of unwholesome and sinful acts)
2. Destroys the effects of bad dreams and nightmares.
3. Source of cleanliness.
4. Removes dirt and dust.
5. Improves appetite.
6. Improves color and complexion.
7. Gives freshness to the body.
8. Improves sexual vigour and libido.
9. Enhances sexual interest in the women too.
10. Relieves one from fatigue. 

Health Benefits of having cold and hot bath:

*Cold bath helps alleviate Raktapitta(haemorrhagic disorders).

*Hot bath increases strength of an individual and pacified the aggravated vata and kapha. It provides strength only when it is used to bathe the body excluding the head. It means to tell that hot water should not be used for head bath. If done it not only destroys the strength but also causes harm to the hairs and eyes. When vata and kapha doshas are vitiated luke warm water can be used for head bath.

“Asheetena ambhasa snaanam payaha paanam yuva striyaha

Etadvoo maanavaaha pathyam snigdamalpam cha bhojanam”

As quoted by Ashwini Devas (or the divine physicians of Hindu mythology who are rated as the first ever physicians by Ayurveda) to King Bhoja “Bathing with hot water, drinking milk, sex with a young virgin and food in lesser quantities which is admixed with ghee are always beneficial for you” These can be considered as beneficial for the whole human race…for all of us.

***Aamalaki or Embalica Officinalis called amla is said to be one of the best rejuvenators in Ayurveda – when taken as an internal medicine. The same is advised to be used for bathing in Yoga Ratnakara(Ayurvedic text)

“Yaha sadaa aamalakaihi snaanam karoti sa vinishchitam

Valee palita nirmukto jeevadvarshashatam naraha”

One who regularly takes bath using amalaki admixed water or by applying paste of amalaki will be devoid of vali(ageing and wrinkling) and palita(premature maturing of hairs) and will have a healthy life span of hundred years. 

Conditions contraindicated for bathing:

Those suffering from fever, diarrhea, diseases related to eye and ears, flatulence, cold and congestion, diseases caused by vitiated vayu and indigestion should not take bath. It should not be taken immediately after taking food too. 

Wipe your body thoroughly after bath:

  “Snaanasyaanantaram samyak vastrena tanu marjanam

Kaanti pradam shareerasya kandu twak roga naashanam”

After bath one should wipe his body using a clean cloth thoroughly. By doing so one gets relieved of itching and skin related ailments. The complexion of the skin increases as a result of wiping.

 

Bathing is a part of our health and life style…customary…traditional…and more of culture… 

For more such life style tips and for a better health care through the holistic Ayurveda..

 

Contact: Dr Raghuram Y.S,MD(ayu),

                                Consultant Physician

                                Arogya Ayurvedic Centre

                               12^th cross,Jayanagar 7^th Block/Off K.R. Road

                                Bangalore – 82

                                Landmark: Opp Upahar Sagar hotel/Behind Shastry’s Bakery

                                Ph: +91-9480071422 /080-26766291

Mail us at: drraghuramys@gmail.com

                  drraghuram@avnarogya.in

Visit us at: www.avnarogya.in and www.arogyabangalore.com