AYURVEDIC PANCHAKARMA

Panchakarma is an important component of Ayurvedic treatment, which eliminates vitiated doshas from the body. The three doshas or humors in Ayurveda are Vaata, Kapha and Pitta, that is, Wind, Phlegm and Bile. Panchakarma is an elaborate procedure involving multiple stages of body cleansing techniques. There is a Poorvakarma or Pre Cleanse Procedure, a Pradhanakarma or Primary Cleanse Procedure and Paschat Karma or Post Cleanse Procedure. For example, one of the key Pradhanakarma technique is Vamana. It is an important Samshodhana procedure (bio-cleansing method) recommended for cleansing of bahudoshas. It involves drug induced vomitting to expel toxic wastes resulting from excess Kapha Dosha.

Ahara (nourishment), Agni (digestive fire), Bala (resultant strength) and Vyayama Shakti (ability for routine exercises) of modern society has diminished considerably because of its lethargic and luxuriant lifestyle. So it is worthy to observe the Panchakarma procedure as a periodical detox and rejuvenation process to protect and preserve health. Contrary to this is sickness or dis-ease caused because of imbalances in the three body humors or doshas. Panchakarma ensures that the three doshas are in harmony with each other and with the perfunctory bodily activities. There are many qualified Ayurvedic Centers and Spas in India and abroad that provide Panchakarma services. The government run AYUSH centers also have this facility. Many ageing cinema actors tend to rush to Kerala when they are badly in need of a Panchakarma.

Below is a schematic of the Panchakarma procedure (Click on it to get the detailed flow):

If Panchakarma piques your interest further, there are tons of resources and videos on it on the web. A sample below (Click on the Panchakarma equipment photo below to view the detailed video):

var embedCode = ‘

‘

Shiatsu Massage – An Introduction

Shiatsu is Japanese for “finger pressure”; it is a type of alternative medicine consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches, and other massage techniques. This has been considered a way to help people relax and cope with issues such as stress, muscle pain, nausea, anxiety, and depression, for thousands of years. There are two main Shiatsu schools: one incorporating elements of evidence-based anatomy and physiology, and the other based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.

But finding and paying for a Shiatsu expert every time we’re stressed or feel a bit worse for wear, well, that’s hard to do. For that reason we have this simple guide that instructs in the way of the self-shiatsu massage. It may not be as good as laying on a bed and letting someone else do the work, but it can be a useful way of reducing stress, pain, anxiety and a host of other small health problems and aches.

Click poster below for a larger view:

Eating Well – the BACKPACKER way

Eating healthy is a habit. It is not to be treated lightly as an occasional indulgence to tickle the palate, or until you pickle the liver.

Here’s a BACKPACKER delight that’s a must have in every kitchen :

Bitter-Gourd Brussel-Sprouts Beets Broccoli

Artichoke Arugula

Cauliflower Celery

Kohlrabi Kangkong

Parsnip Parsley

Asparagus Alfalfa

Cabbage Chives Carrots Cilantro

Kale Komatsuna

Eggplant Endives

Radish Rhubarb

Culinary Herbs and Common Spices

I couldn’t just leave this poor blog behind when I am actively posting in others. (:-O)

I was wondering about what I should post in the health blog for the very first time. Then it stuck me. Start simple. Write about some day-to-day herbs we all use in our kitchens. So without much ado, presented below are two charts to spice up your herbal life.