Turmeric helps in breast cancer cure

Turmeric, the medicinal properties of which Ayurveda found millennia ago, is now recognized by modern scientific research as a cure for breast cancer. Its anti toxic properties were also widely known, from ancient times in India. Turmeric is an ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines.

Houston : Oct 15, 2005. : In what may spell good news for people at advanced stages of breast cancer, researchers have discovered that curcumin - the main ingredient in the common Indian spice turmeric - is an "effective preventive". Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre have found that curcumin, which gives Indian curry its yellow colour; inhibits metastasis in the lungs of mice afflicted with breast cancer.

"We know that it's an effective preventive at low doses, the question is whether larger doses can be therapeutic for disease sufferers," Dr Bharat Aggarwal, of the experimental therapeutics department at the cancer centre, said. Though study results are early, researchers found the non-toxic natural substance not only repelled progression of the disease to the lungs, but also appeared to reverse the effects of paclitaxel taxol, a commonly prescribed chemotherapy for breast cancer that may trigger spread of the disease with use over a long period of time.

"We are excited about the results of the study and the possible implications for taking the findings into the clinic in the next several years," he said.

Advanced breast cancer is currently a difficult foe to fight with few proven treatments available after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Because taxol is so toxic, it activates a protein that produces an inflammatory response that induces metastasis.

Curcumin suppresses this response, making it impossible for the cancer to spread. In fact, researchers found that adding curcumin to taxol actually enhances its effect.

Curcumin breaks down the dose, making the therapy less toxic and, just as powerful while delivering the same level of efficacy.

Taxol is currently used as chemotherapeutic agent in breast cancers, but because the drug frequently induces resistance after prolonged use, it is not effective in treating metastatic breast cancer, says Aggarwal.

Researchers studied 60 mice with breast cancer, which were randomly assigned to one of four groups - control group, taxol only, curcumin only and the combination of taxol and curcumin. After the tumours grew to 10 mm in size, they were surgically removed, and the mice were fed powdered curcumin.

Source : PTI

Ayurveda heals by treating the mind, body, and spirit

Ayurveda, a 5000 year old Indian healing method, treats not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual ailments. It is based on three different personality types, the Vata, the Pitta, and the Kapha, and treatments are adjusted accordingly. The Ayurveda philosophy believes that health can be affected by daily factors such as work, the people one is surrounded by, and diet. Emphasis is placed on diet, with one's ideal diet based on personality type, or dosha.

Original news summary: (http://www.expressnewsline.com/special/fullstory0305-insight-Ayurvedas+approach+toward+healing-status-11-newsID-2168.html)

Ayurveda has been in use in India since centuries.It's found to be 5000 years old.It is based on three different personality types, and seeks to treat an individual from a holistic perspective.Ayurveda seeks to treat the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the individual.In Ayurveda the sages state that life, or energy, is alive and intelligent.Understanding the essential nature of reality allows the person to change their own state of health or emotional well being.Everyone is a mixture of these three doshas, and usually has characteristics that make one predominant.1. The Vata person is creative, quick thinking and resourceful.Vata energy is based in the colon and is prone to flatulence, twitches, joint problems, nervous disorders, and constipation.People with the predominate Vata dosha should avoid sugar, alcohol, drugs, most raw foods, and ice cream.2. The Pitta person is strong-willed, impassioned, and determined.People who have red hair, freckles, premature gray hair, and blond hair are said to have some Pitta qualities.These people can be impetuous and flighty, getting over-involved in projects and quickly burning out.The best diet for a Pitta individual would emphasize foods such as cottage cheese, ice cream, sweet fruits, oatmeal, and grains.

• They should avoid spicy and hot foods.
• The Pitta individual would do best in cooler climates that have distinct seasonal changes.
• The Kapha individual is sensitive, sedate, strong, and forgiving.
• Kaphas have the greatest struggle with weight.
• These people are connected to the earth element, and at their best are wise, tolerant, and loyal.
• It is important to keep these doshas in balance through the day.
• The best way to have healthy vikruti is to keep the doshas in balance through diet.

Former football superstar Ricky Williams credits Ayurveda with getting his life back on track

Former Miami Dolphins football star Ricky Williams has become a vocal champion for Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of body-mind balancing from India. The former Heisman Trophy winner credits Ayurvedic principles with helping him regain physical and spiritual strength after a long period of feeling out of balance. Williams is one of millions of Americans discovering Ayurveda, which has become one of the more popular natural health movements in recent years, despite critics’ claims that the practice is not rooted in science.

Original news summary: (http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/10963719.htm)

- At the height of his professional football career, Ricky Williams was feeling stressed and unbalanced. So the Miami Dolphins star abruptly walked away from the sport - and a multimillion-dollar salary - and began studying the ancient Indian medical system known as ayurveda. "I am now able to do things with my body, after only minimal yoga practice, that I could never have imagined doing on the football field," he wrote. Interest in ayurveda is growing as Americans are increasingly trying alternative treatments to battle chronic health problems such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory disorders. Considered a comprehensive health-care plan in India, ayurveda teaches that humans are made of three essential qualities, or doshas. When these doshas are knocked out of balance, whether by stress, lack of sleep, a poor diet or something in the environment, symptoms of disease or illness can arise. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who brought transcendental meditation to the United States, generally also is credited with introducing ayurveda in the 1980s. The National Council Against Health Care Fraud, a group that consistently demands more scientific proof with regard to alternative treatments, has warned that "ayurveda has become a marketing term for a variety of health products and services of limited, questionable, or unproved value." Consumers also should stick with products recommended by quality practitioners because the use of dietary supplements such as herbs is largely unregulated by the federal government. Knowing your dominant doshas (many people have two) can affect everything from what you eat to how much exercise you need and what types of oils to use on your skin. "After the first one I was calmer; after three treatments, my body was really responding.

Marma massages - Rubbing off the Alzheimer dilemma

Modern science has delimited us to look everything from a cellular angle, persuading us to believe that some ailments are beyond the control of human capability. But reality is far from this paradox. Dr.R.Chandrasekhran’s approach on Alzheimer’s discard these clinical relevations made by modern allopaths.

Gifted with Indian holistic science, Ayurveda,
Dr. R.Chandrasekharan is confident about his scientific intervention, and is successful to a large extent in combating this deadly disease. Dr.Chandrasekharan is the former professor and the Head of the post Graduate center, Govt.Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. Moreover, he has over thirty years of experience in Marmatherapy to equip him to face the challenge.

Marmatherapy is some what similar to the Chinese medicine, acupuncture, as both therapies are based on the stimulation of certain vital points, resulting in the effective cure. In Marmatherapy, the points are called Marma points , and are seen on the body where flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints meet. They may be seen as the junctions where Vaata, Pitta and Kapha meet. Philosophically speaking, they are the points of physical, actual and causal bodies. According Marma scholars, there are 107 marma points in the body, networked to major charkas or energy centers of the body. Out of which, the snayu marma points controls human nervous system and they are twenty seven in number. In short, they are the points that have great importance in a person’s body, mind and soul.

“The optimal stimulation of these pivotal points by massage helps to develop the preventive health and longevity of the body and mind, ensuring the proper balance and flow of hormones, fluids, immune factors etc” says Dr. Chandrasekharen. Enlightened by this, his therapeutic package give pre-dominance to marma massages, and has included kayiyuzhichil (palm massage) and chavittiyuzhichil (foot massage) in the treatment schedule, the former type needs great skill and knowledge.

Unlike the Chinese acupuncture, the vital points are less in number and larger in size, enabling the physician to detect and study them clearly. Marma points are measured in finger units, ‘anguli’.

While undergoing the treatment, the patient has to observe both physical and spiritual regimen for effective results. The medicated oils and decoctions used for the stimulation of the marma points are of ayurvedic type. Apart from this, suitable panchakarma method is also prescribed by the physician according to the demand of the patient's physical condition.

Effect of massage on skin

Massage cause an increase in the circulation of blood, and there by stimulate the nerve endings. This stimulation results in the production of histamine like substances which will cause vasodilatation and enhance the lymphatic circulation of the concerned part of the body system.

Effect on the muscles

When medicated oil is applied on the muscle, it will loosen the muscle fiber, which are in a state of atrophy and diminished activities. Inflammatory reactions due to the accumulation of toxic materials like uric acid and lactic acid in the tissue are eliminated with the increase in circulatory rate of blood, by performing the massage therapy.

Effect on the Circulation

Massages on human extremities accelerates both nervous and lymphatic circulation because of the increased pressure applied during the process. This deep massages causes the emptying of the vein and lymphatic mechanically. Fluid cannot return on account of the operation of waves with in the vessels, therefore more space is created for blood returning from the deeper parts of the body. The exchange or passing of tissue fluids and lymph helps the bathing of the tissues, which helps in the growth and nutrition of cells naturally But continued inactivity leads to impede normal nutrition due to the defective drainage by the lymphatic .

Effect on the Nervous system

Nerve endings are stimulated by the massage, these endings supply both movements and sensibility to various parts of the body. Massages have the power of rejuvenating the vitality of nervous and spinal cord. A gentle and short stimulation applied to the nerves containing both vasoconstrictors and vasodilators turn to produce the contractions-dilation of blood vessel. But a strong and prolonged stimulation given by the massage will produce vasodilatation and there by increases the circulation of heart.

Effect on Marmabhigatha (stress on marma)

From the above analyses, it’s clear that massages has a definite action on the body’s physiological function. If we study all these changes occurred by a massage, it’s obvious that ultimate massage act by removing srodhorodham (removing the cellular block). According to general conception regarding srodhorodhana -block of small siras(vein) is the cause for a number of diseases. By the performance of massage the obstruction of nerve impulses and nerve disorders can be removed, therefore by adopting massage, a smooth running of vaata and other doshas and Raktha(blood) can be achieved. When the disturbance are not relieved in time it leads to nijarogi (internal tridosha imbalance). The treatment for it will be prescribed according to the pre-dominance of Doshakopa as stated earlier. And it’s the vaata, which become vitiated in the majority of Marmabhigatha cares.

Ayurveda - The Happening Therapy For The Modern Woman

The cosmetic and skin care world is seeing a definite shift towards all-things-natural; a trend away from chemical ingredients and artificiality. Women and companies worldwide, including the young generation, have become aware of the lasting and long-term benefits of natural ingredients as compared to the
short term and side effect-prone results produced by hazardous chemical
ingredients. Ayurveda, one of the oldest healing systems of the world, has found many takers in this changed scenario. Its holistic approach and individualized therapy methods make Ayurveda a popular beauty and skin care system.

This 5000-year-old healing system of India has many an authentic practitioner in Kerala, a lush and verdant state in south India. The tradition of Ayurveda in Kerala has evolved many unique healing and rejuvenation practices that use the exotic herbs easily available in this fertile land. The Ashtangavaidyans (traditional Ayurvedic physicians) of Kerala have developed special formulations, massages and Panchakarma therapies to cater to the needs of every stage of a woman’s life.

Ayurveda identifies the fact that a woman goes through a number of experiences and
traumas during her lifetime. The therapy procedures have been designed by
keeping this basic fact in mind. Developed and perfected through years of
experience, these holistic techniques confer beauty and grace on women. All over
the world, women have begun comprehending and appreciating the age-old wisdom of
Ayurvedic beauty care and rejuvenative practices. Ayurveda understands a
woman’s need to be pampered while being made to look beautiful. This, along
with its therapies that are harmonious with Nature, is what endears Ayurveda to
women, young and old, throughout the world.

ARTHRITIS - Ayurvedic approach

Do you know that 25% of people who consult their family doctors suffer either from some kinds of aches or pains? Among these 25%, 10-15% have some form of Arthritis. Arthritic pain is chronic and chronic pain is like an alarm that won’t turn off, persisting because of a malfunction of the immune system.

Arthritis is not a single disease. More than 100 conditions, each characterized by inflammation of one or more joints are considered forms of arthritis. Some may occur just once. Others recur. Some can be cured depending on the cause and stage. Others can certainly be controlled. Not one is fatal, but the extreme pain and difficulty in moving can prevent you from working and leading a normal life.

Modern medicine recognizes more then 100 types of rheumatic diseases. Causes are attributed to injury, infection, metabolic conditions or tumors. In many cases the cause remain unknown to western medicine. Some disorders are related to age, gender and climatic conditions (i.e., cold or dampness). Ayurveda, the traditional natural healing system of India is regarded as one of the most important systems of alternative medicines available and one that may hold the key to the future medicine of humanity. The system of mind - body medicine considers the physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of healing. It has a practical understanding of all aspects of our being from a cellular level to that of pure consciousness. The speciality of Ayurveda lies in the concept of disease and concept of complete cure. Ayurveda does not consider complete cure, only after disappearance of the main symptoms. This disappearance only shows that the joint action of the vitiated dosha and dooshyas or their amalgamation has been broken away. The internal causative factors are still to be treated and brought to normal if the disease process is to be completely abolished. The Panchakarma therapy is very important because it removes the root cause of the disease.

Symptoms

• Recurring pain


• Swelling


• Tenderness in the joints.


• Morning stiffness


• Inability to move a joint normally


• Redness and warmth in a joint


• Unexplained weight loss


• Weakness combined with joint pain


• Fever


• Loss of taste, thirst


• Lack of enthusiasm


• Heaviness


• Indigestion

Causes

Obesity, excessive physical stress, climatic conditions or occupation. Here in the body’s immune system fights against itself and targets the joints. Eating incompatible food combinations and following incompatible lifestyle, lack of exercise or exercising after having fatty foods-or with poor digestion produces ama (undigested food toxins). Ama associated with vayu quickly moves to different seats of kapha in the body, filling them (and blood vessels) with waxy material. Thus ama associated with all three doshas blocks tissue pores and passage. This causes weakness and heaviness in the heart, which becomes the seat of the disease. Joints are simultaneously affected, casing stiffness and many other disorders. It can also be considered an autoimmune disorder.

Affected age group

Age is not a barrier here. Not only the elder citizens but also the infants, children, young adults and middle agers can be victims.

MONSOON TIME AYURVEDA, AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Monsoon clouds bring good news to lovers of Ayurveda all round the globe. Kerala where Ayurveda is a way of life, and monsoons spectaenlar, is getting ready to receive tourists from around the world who flock to experience Ayurveda rejuvenation therapy during the monsoon. The reason: the monsoon season is known to be the best time to receive Ayurvedic treatment.
No, there is no harm in taking Ayurvedic treatment in any time of the year, if you take complete rest and do not tire your body. But monsoon is the best time any one can go for an Ayurvedic treatment without a second thought. Ayurvedic oil massage and other treatments excite the body. Monsoon hence becomes an ideal time for Ayurvedic treatment. Feeling the goodness of the gentle, soothing oil of mountain herbs, when torrential rains lash outside is an out of the world experience.

Traditional texts reveal that people of any body type can have Ayurvedic therapies during monsoon. Human body will respond better to treatment during monsoon season than any other time.

"Number of health tourists to Kerala will cross half a million mark, thanks to Ayurveda" says a prominent tour operator, analyzing the current trend. In Kerala for the past so many years Ayurvedic tourism has been a big draw. There is a steady growth in tourist flow owing to the interest in Ayurveda. Monsoon rejuvenation therapy is the fastest growing segment in health tourism here.

Ayurvedic tourism has a cultural component, which is best experienced in Kerala by the tourists from western world. This is one reason why the flow to Kerala keeps on increasing. Kerala, the first and only state in India that can boast of 100 percent illiteracy is on a par with developed countries, in social development. People of Kerala are gentle, and friendly. It is a culturally vibrant state where tourists love to come back again and again.

The state tourism department on its part is gearing up to meet the demand by upgrading the existing Ayurvedic facilities and commissioning new ones. Ayurvedic tourism is no more a passing interest to western tourist; it is fast becoming a trend. Britons, Americans, Germany, Spanish, French and even next-door neighbors Sri Lankans make a bee line to Kerala. So, see you in Kerala this monsoon.