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Gandusha and Kawala

Gandusha and Kawala are two ancient Ayurvedic practices that involve holding and swishing liquid in the mouth respectively. Both these practices are considered to be effective in maintaining oral health and treating a range of dental and oral problems. In this article, we will explore what Gandusha and Kawala are, their benefits, and how to perform these practices.   What is Gandusha?   Gandusha is an Ayurvedic technique that involves holding a liquid in the mouth for a specified period of time. The liquid used for Gandusha is usually an herbal decoction or oil that is prescribed by an Ayurvedic practitioner based on the individual’s specific needs. The liquid is held in the mouth without swallowing or gargling, and then spit out after a certain period of time.   Benefits of Gandusha   Gandusha is said to have numerous benefits for oral health, including:   Reducing plaque and bacteria: Gandusha is known to remove harmful bacteria and plaque from the mouth, which can prevent cavities and other dental problems. Soothing dry mouth: Holding an oil-based liquid in the mouth can help soothe dry mouth, a condition that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Reducing bad breath: Gandusha is effective in reducing bad breath by removing bacteria that can cause odors. Relieving tooth sensitivity: Certain herbal decoctions used in Gandusha are believed to reduce tooth sensitivity.   How to Perform Gandusha   To perform Gandusha, follow these steps:   Choose an herbal decoction or oil as per the recommendation of an Ayurvedic practitioner. Take a small amount of the liquid in your mouth and swish it around gently, making sure that it covers all parts of the mouth. Hold the liquid in your mouth for 3-5 minutes or as recommended by your Ayurvedic practitioner. Spit out the liquid and rinse your mouth with warm water.   What is Kawala?   Kawala, also known as oil pulling, is another Ayurvedic technique that involves swishing oil in the mouth for a specified period of time. The oil used for Kawala is usually sesame oil or coconut oil, which are believed to have numerous health benefits.   Benefits of Kawala   Kawala is said to have numerous benefits for oral health, including:   Reducing harmful bacteria: Kawala is known to remove harmful bacteria from the mouth, which can prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Whitening teeth: Some people claim that Kawala can help whiten teeth by removing stains and reducing yellowing. Freshening breath: Kawala is effective in reducing bad breath by removing bacteria that can cause odors. Relieving dry mouth: Swishing oil in the mouth can help soothe dry mouth, a condition that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.   How to Perform Kawala   To perform Kawala, follow these steps:   Take one tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil in your mouth. Swish the oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, making sure that it covers all parts of the mouth. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water.   Note: It is important not to swallow the oil as it may contain harmful bacteria.   Conclusion   Gandusha and Kawala are two ancient Ayurvedic practices that have numerous benefits for oral health. These techniques are safe and easy to perform, and can be used to prevent and treat a range of dental and oral problems. However, it is important to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying these practices, as the specific liquid and duration may vary depending on individual needs.

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Adharniye Vega – Non supressible Urges

Adharniye Vega, also known as Non-Suppressible Urges, is a term used in Ayurveda to describe certain bodily urges or reflexes that should not be suppressed. These urges are considered to be natural and essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being.   According to Ayurveda, there are thirteen types of Adharniye Vega, which include the urge to defecate, urinate, sneeze, vomit, belch, yawn, cough, cry, pass gas, breathe deeply, eat, drink water, and have sexual intercourse. Suppressing these urges can lead to various health problems, including physical and mental imbalances.   Ayurveda recommends that these urges should be allowed to occur naturally, and should not be forcibly suppressed unless there is a medical emergency. For example, if one feels the urge to defecate, it is important to use the bathroom immediately rather than holding it in, as this can lead to constipation, hemorrhoids, and other digestive problems.   Similarly, suppressing the urge to sneeze or cough can lead to respiratory infections, while suppressing the urge to yawn can cause fatigue and drowsiness. Suppressing the urge to cry can lead to emotional imbalances, while suppressing the urge to have sexual intercourse can cause sexual dysfunction and other health problems.   To address Adharniye Vega, Ayurveda suggests balancing the Vata dosha through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. This may include avoiding foods that aggravate Vata, practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation and yoga, and using herbs such as ashwagandha, brahmi, and shatavari to balance the dosha.   It is important to note that while Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to addressing Adharniye Vega, it is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing uncontrolled urges or reflexes, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.   Overall, Adharniye Vega is an important concept in Ayurveda that emphasizes the importance of allowing natural bodily urges and reflexes to occur without suppression. By following this principle, one can maintain optimal health and well-being in both the physical and emotional realms.

Tridosha – concept of Vata, Pitta & Kapha

Tridosha is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of three doshas or energies – Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (fluid). These doshas are believed to be responsible for the physical, mental, and emotional health of an individual. When these doshas are balanced, a person enjoys good health and well-being. However, when they are imbalanced, they can cause various health problems.  Let’s take a closer look at each of these doshas: Vata Dosha: Vata is the energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, and heartbeat. It is also responsible for creativity, enthusiasm, and vitality. When Vata is balanced, a person is energetic, enthusiastic, and creative. However, when it is imbalanced, it can cause anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. Physical symptoms of Vata imbalance include constipation, dry skin, and joint pain to mention a few. Pitta Dosha: Pitta is the energy that controls the body’s metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, and nutrition. It is also responsible for intellect, courage, and understanding. When Pitta is balanced, a person is intelligent, focused, and goal-oriented. However, when it is imbalanced, it can cause anger, irritability, and inflammation. Physical symptoms of Pitta imbalance include heartburn, ulcers, and acne. Kapha Dosha: Kapha is the energy that controls the body’s structure and lubrication, including muscles, bones, and joints. It is also responsible for love, calmness, and forgiveness. When Kapha is balanced, a person is loving, patient, and calm. However, when it is imbalanced, it can cause lethargy, weight gain, and depression. Physical symptoms of Kapha imbalance include congestion, obesity, and diabetes. Ayurveda believes that each person has a unique combination of these three doshas, known as their Prakriti or constitution. Understanding one’s Prakriti can help in maintaining good health and preventing diseases.  Ayurveda also provides various therapies, including herbal remedies, massage, and yoga, to help balance the doshas and restore health. In conclusion, Tridosha is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda, which recognizes the importance of balancing the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies in the human body for good health and well-being. By understanding one’s Prakriti and taking measures to balance the doshas, one can achieve optimal health and prevent diseases.

Know about Ringworm – An Ayurvedic View

Fungal infections cause the most common ailments. One such disease is ringworm. Ringworm is also known as Dermatophytosis. Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects your skin. As its name suggests, it is circular in appearance. The fungus appears like a copper-coloured worm in a round shape, that causes severe itching. Its not caused by a worm though. There are several treatments for this ailment but Ayurveda not only treats this fungal infection but also prevents our body from getting infected. Here, you will get to know about treatments for ringworm through Ayurveda. What is Ringworm According to Ayurveda? Ringworm is referred as dadru in Ayurveda. This disease is classified among 18 diseases under the heading kushta roga which are skin diseases. According to Ayurvedic texts it is caused due to vitiation of Pitta and Kapha dosha. In Ayurveda this medical condition is described as – Bluish discolored, linearly distributed raised circular rash that causes severe itching. This condition can remain for a longer period and can attain other shapes as well.   What causes Ringworm?   Ayurveda says that it is due to our wrong food habits that the above two mentioned doshas get aggravated. The habit of eating wrong food combinations like eating sour curd with milk for a long time, wrong food habits like eating heavy food and many other such habits aggravate the doshas and cause Ringworm lately. What are the Symptoms of Ringworm?   Following symptoms are experienced in Ringworm- Dryness and itching over the affected area. Burning sensation. The skin may flake off. How Ayurveda treats Ringworm? Ayurveda has a wide range of treatment plans for Ringworm. These are – External application of herbs like jatyadi oil, nalpamaradi taila, Karanja taila and so on. Medicines like patoladi kashayam, gandhak rasayan, haridra khand, panchtikta guggulu and many more. Panchakarma therapy named vaman, virechana, raktamokshana can be done. Single drug formulations like gandhak, bakuchi, nimb, patol and many more are used. You can also do some yoga asanas like padmasana, sukasana, surya namaskar and many more. Takeaway Ringworm is a fungal condition that needs treatment. Ayurveda gives you a wide range of treatments for curing the same. You can also prevent ringworm infection by avoiding wrong food habits, wearing dried loose clothes, avoid sweating and so on.