Category: Yoga Poses

Top Health Benefits of Yoga and Ayurveda

Overview

The hectic schedule of the modern lifestyle has made harder for individuals to live an active as well as a healthy lifestyle. In recent years, Scientists have invented so many techniques with the help of which individuals can perform multiple tasks with a single click. Basically, these things were invented to improve people’s way of living but such advancements lead to a negative impact on individuals’ lifestyles. The people are becoming lazy day by day. Most of the people do not like to cook food at their homes. They prefer packed food over Home-made food and it is readily available everywhere in the market.

These types of food contain different types of harmful additives and flavoring agents which are mainly used to enhance the taste. These chemical agents have a harmful impact on health. Therefore, a significant proportion of individuals in this generation is unhealthy and unwell. However, people often opine that it is very expensive to maintain a healthy body with a natural lifestyle. But this thinking of people is completely wrong, each and every individual can live a natural and healthy life with the help of Yoga and Ayurveda. Ayurveda is the most Ancient Medicine System used to live a healthy and natural life. Whereas, Yoga is a part of Ayurveda which is basically used for decreasing the physical stress and calming of the mind. Some people also consider Ayurveda as ‘Sister Science’ of Yoga. A person can achieve the goal of a healthy body with the help of Ayurveda practitioner through Ayurvedic methods such as Herbal medicines, Yoga, Massage, and Medication.

Health Benefits of Yoga

Following are the Top Benefits of Yoga:(فوائد اليوغا)

1.Improves Flexibility:

The first and foremost benefit of Yoga is that it improves the flexibility of the body. It is often seen that on the first day of Yoga, a person can’t touch his or her toes. But if a person keeps on doing Yoga regularly then he or she can assume gradual loosening. He or She can also notice that pains and aches start disappearing.

2.Helps in Building muscle strength:

Strong muscles not only protect us from many health disorders like back pain and arthritis but strong muscles also look good. Some people also think that Gym is the best way for the building of muscle strength. But such flexibility is not long-lasting. However, the flexibility gained by Yoga is long-lasting and it also prevents falls in older individuals.

3.Prevention of cartilage and joint breakdown:

When a person is doing Yoga then he or she is moving his or her joints in full motion. By doing this a person moves his or her body’s those cartilages that normally do not move, all these movements prevent arthritis problems.

4.Improve the flow of Blood:

Yoga improves blood flow, especially in hands and feet. It also supplies more amount of oxygen to body cells. There are so many types of Yoga exercises that are characterized by inverted poses. These poses encourage venous blood to flow back to the heat from the pelvis and legs.

5.Boosts immunity:

Yoga increases contracting as well as stretching the power of the muscles. When a person is doing Yoga he or she moves his organs which enhances the drainage of the viscous fluid that is present in immune cells. This helps the body to fight against various types of infection. It also destroys carcinogenic cells and disposes of toxin products that are present inside the body. It also helps in improving heart rate.

Following are the Top Benefits of Ayurveda(الفوائد الصحية للأيورفيدا)

1.Natural Approach:

Ayurveda wants to make people understand that anyone can stay healthy with natural methods of living. If a person is facing any type of health issue then it is due to the imbalance between three basic energies of life. This unbalancing is not a one-night occurrence. When a person understands the real reason behind these imbalances he or she can maintain it with the help of a properly balanced diet and by avoiding junk food such as burgers, pizza and so on.

2.Reduce toxins amount in the body:

According to Ayurveda, there are three different types of toxins present in the human body. The most common toxin present in the body is known as Ama that is mainly produced due to the improper digestion of the wrong food. These toxins keep on generating for a long time and after some time they start regulating throughout the body and cause various types of diseases. However, different types of practices of Ayurveda like eating the largest meal during day time when the sun is at its highest will prevent the formation of toxins.

3.Reduce Stress :

If a person is not eating properly then its digestive fire (Agni) starts decreasing and after some time a person starts feeling tired and uncomfortable which causes different types of health disorders. Whereas, with the help of diet and practices suggested by Ayurveda person can reduce the overall stress of the mind.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Ayurveda

Ayurveda Encourage to love Yourself:

It encourages people to love themselves. Ayurveda believes that each and every individual is unique in their own. There are three different types of Doshas present in the Human body and every individual is a unique mixture of these doshas with 1 dosha being more prominent than the others. While Ayurveda helps to maintain these Doshas because each dosha has its own merits.

VATA:

This dosha is responsible for the quick learning of knowledge but it is also responsible for quick forgetting. The individuals in which this dosha is more their skin and hair are dry. When this dosha is in balance in a person then he or she is full of enthusiasm and joy. But when it is not balanced then it causes stress and anxiety.

PITTA:

This Dosha is responsible for the sharp mind and good concentration. A person becomes more aggressive, pushy, and demanding when this dosha is not balanced. The affected person feels uncomfortable in the hot weather. Excessive heat makes him or her more tired. The main symptoms of the unbalancing of this dosha are Acne, Ulcers, Rashes, Heartburn, and boils.

KAPHA:

This dosha is responsible for the immunity of the body against different types of infections. But people with an excess amount of this dosha are more prone to depression and they do not like cold weather. Due to the unbalancing of this dosha in the body, a person may suffer from many physical conditions like Cold, Sinus, Asthma, and other respiratory problems.

Note

Ayurveda plays a great role in the balancing of these doshas and protects people from many diseases.

Management of Osteoporosis in Ayurveda – Natural Treatment

Introduction

Osteoporosis, which is also known as brittle bone disease is characterized by fragile, porous and easily breakable bones. According to WHO, osteoporosis holds the second place after heart diseases among the most popular diseases. October 20th is regarded as World Osteoporosis Day.

A bone mineral density less than – 2.5 is considered to be chronic osteoporosis.

CAUSES

  • Inadequate calcium intake
  • Menopause and ageing
  • Tobacco consumption
  • Alcoholism
  • Excess consumption of carbonated beverages & coffee, salt & chocolate
  • Inactivity
  • Prolonged use of anti inflammatory corticosteroids
  • Inherited factors
  • Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism & Cushing’s syndrome

Osteoporosis

SYMPTOMS

  • Osteoporosis is generally asymptomatic. Increased risk of fracture is the main characteristic due to low mineral density. Delayed union of fractures can also be noted.
  • Females are more at risk as compared to males. Estrogen (females) plays a crucial role in keeping bone mineral density. In males this role is taken care of by testosterone.
  • Towards menopause and aging, hormone levels decreases owing to bone demineralization.

DIETARY MANAGEMENT AND HOME REMEDIES

Adequate calcium & vitamin D and optimum protein intake are the cornerstones of dietary management.

  • Milk & milk products – milk, paneer, curd, soymilk etc.
  • Lean chicken and eggs
  • Berries & cherries – strawberries and blue berries
  • Green leafy vegetables – spinach, water cress, spirulina, turnip greens, kale. Kale is regarded as the king of vitamins.
  • Green vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, green peas. Cabbage is abundant in vitamin k, vitamin c and calcium.
  • Sour fruits – orange, kiwi, grapes, plums. These are rich in vitamin c. Vitamin c aids in calcium absorption. Plums are best when used in dried form (prunes). Prunes have high concentration of polyphenols (anti-oxidants) which can prevent fractures and maintain adequate bone density.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids – fish oils, salmon, sardine, walnuts, hemp, chia seeds. Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep the bone strength.
  • Seeds – pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
  • Sesame seeds – high in calcium content. It contains magnesium, manganese, vitamin k and vitamin D. Snack on a handful of roasted sesame seeds anytime a day.
  • Apple & apple cedar vinegar – these are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids. These allow the body to retain calcium. Try to include the skin while eating apple.
  • Pineapple – rich in manganese, which is vital in preventing osteoporosis.
  • Virgin coconut oil – this brings magic to women with estrogen deficiency. Virgin coconut oil helps to reverse and stop the loss of bone density. Have 3 tsp of virgin coconut oil daily.
  • Almond milk – they are rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium. They are also rich in antioxidants. Keep 1 cup of almonds at water overnight. Peel off the skin and blend well with 2 cups of water. Add a dash of cinnamon and honey. It can be taken twice a day after staining.
  • Coriander – it is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. 2 tsp of coriander is boiled with 1 cup of water. This is cooled to room temperature. It can be taken twice daily with honey.
  • Green tea – rich in antioxidants and can be taken daily.
  • Food to avoid – sweets, carbonated beverages, alcohol, excessive salt, coffee, artificial colors, sweeteners and canned foods.

EXERCISE AND OSTEOPOROSIS

  • It is a fact that exercises increase bone density.
  • It is a natural process that bone density will decrease with age.
  • It is better to keep your bone density intact before old age.
  • As we all know, prevention is better than cure.
  • So start exercising from today.
  • Male bones are skilled to increase its bone mineral density till the age of 33 and for females it is 28.
  • Weight bearing exercises are best suited for osteoporosis. Aerobics, brisk walking, jogging, skipping, climbing stairs, hiking, tennis etc can be added to the account.
  • All exercises should be done in accordance to your strength and tolerance level.

YOGA POSTURES FOR OSTEOPOROSIS

Yoga Postures for Osteoporosis include

  • Padangusthasana
  • Adho mukha svanasana
  • Uttitha hastha padangusthasana
  • Uttitha parsvakonasana
  • Uttitha trikonasana
  • Ardha chandrasana
  • Parivrtta parsvakonasana
  • Uttanasana
  • Urdhwa dhanurasana
  • Veerabhadrasana

Practice yoga under the strict supervision of a trained yoga instructor.

Soorya Namaskara

Ayurveda also mentions to practice soorya namaskara daily in the morning.Exposure to sunlight for at least 20 minutes a day is recommended for vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption in the body.

OSTEOPROSIS AND AYURVEDA

  • In Ayurveda view point, osteoporosis comes under the category of vatika roga. When the vata aggravates in the body (due to imbalanced life style and ama dosha), it accounts for the DHATU kshaya (asthi kshaya) in the body.
  • Santarpana therapy (nutritive therapy) is advised in these conditions. Also it is mentioned in Ashtanga Hrdaya sutra stana that decreased state of asthi dhatu is to be treated with vasthi (enema) using milk, ghee, and tikta rasa dravyas (bitter taste drugs)

Natural Treatment for Osteoporosis

Medications Used Are

  • Bone Support – capsule consisting of boswellia serrata (asthishringala), laccifera lacca (laksha), moringa, arjuna (terminalia arjuna), and pravala pishti. Boswellia is an excellent choice of remedy for fractures. It is a natural pain killer and fastens the reunion of bones. It helps to inhibit the bone mineral density loss. Laksha is mainly used to increase the bone density.
  • Lakshadi Guggulu – it helps to calm down the aggravated vata and is excellent for fracture healing. It also helps to reverse the bone density loss and helps n the Management of Aches and Pains associated with osteoporosis.
  • Pravala pishti, akik pishti, Mukta pishti, giloy satwa, Jahar mohra pishti etc are also used. These can be used for Natural Calcium Supplement, which helps to strengthen the bones and joint.
  • Arjuna Capsules – terminalia arjuna bark extracts are used to prepare this capsule. 34% of calcium carbonate is present in arjuna. Also it contains sodium and magnesium. Arjuna has powerful healing properties.