Theory of Health and Disease in Ayurveda and Yoga

According to Ayurveda, any disease, any discomfort, or anything wrong in any part of the body, is due to an upsetting of the balance between the three humours. In Ayurveda, they believe in the theory of the Tridoshas—Vata, Pitta and Kapha—wind, bile and phlegm. These three are common constituents of the human body, and if they are in a certain proportion and balance, the body is in normal health. But if this balance, this ratio, is disturbed due to any reason, then there comes about an abnormal condition of the body. It may manifest in different ways with different symptoms. And each set of symptoms is given a label and is called by the name of a particular disease. But they say that disease is due to the imbalance of the Tridoshas—Vata, Pitta and Kapha. And most of the approach of the Ayurvedic physicians is to give some medication which will restore the balance between the Tridoshas. When this balance is restored, the person is back to normal. Whereas, in the Yogic interpretation of health and disease, they say that disease is due to the upsetting of the balance in the distribution of Prana. If the Prana becomes unevenly distributed, if it does not go to a particular place, a diseased condition can manifest in that place. Or, if the Prana accumulates too much in some place, then also a certain abnormal condition can arise. Equal distribution of Prana all over the body, throughout the body, in a balanced way, diffused—that is the condition desired. And this equal distribution means the presence of as much Prana as is required in each part. Equal distribution does not mean that Prana should be equally distributed all over the body. No. Prana is required in different proportions, in different degrees, in different parts of your body. And, if it is present in that natural state, then it is called equal distribution of the Prana. Little variations do occur in this distribution during the course of the day. When you eat food, the Prana is more concentrated over the region of the stomach. When you do intellectual work, the Prana is more active in the area of the brain. And Yogasanas bring about equal distribution of the Prana throughout the body in the desired proportion for the normal state. It is interesting to note that the Yogic interpretation of disease and the Ayurvedic theory of disease do not contradict each other. It is only one statement from two angles of vision, from two approaches. When the three humours are thrown into an imbalance, the predominance of any one of them in a particular place may draw Prana there in an abnormal quantity or may inhibit Prana from entering that particular place. From the Ayurvedic point of view, it is imbalance of the Tridoshas; and from the Yogic point of view, this imbalance of the Tridoshas brings about a disharmony in the distribution of the Prana. So, the two viewpoints are not contradictory. They are expressions of a condition from two different angles.

Take the case of a husband and a wife with one child. The husband has a certain income and he is able to look after the family with that income. As years go by, a second child comes, and the mother becomes widowed too. She now comes to live with her son and so the family grows and now they are in great financial difficulty. They are not able to look after the family. Now, why has this condition come about, this difficulty, this economic problem? We may say that it is because of the growth of the family beyond its capacity to look after itself. Or, we may say that the income is not enough, that it is not proportioned to the expenditure. From the point of view of monetary resources, the problem has arisen because the income is not sufficient. From the point of view of the family, the problem has cropped up because the members have become too many, the number of people have become too many. It is stating the same problem from two different angles. Likewise, in the case of health and ill health. When you are healthy, the Tridoshas are in balance; or you may say that the Prana is equally distributed. And when you are ill, the balance of the Tridoshas is upset; or you may say that the Prana’s even distribution is upset. So, inner health ensues out of the practice of the Asana. Due to the practice of the Asana for a long time, the Prana tends to become equally distributed throughout the body, and gradually, the normal health condition is restored to the body. This is important. And here, it is the inner health which is more vital, more important. Asana brings about inner health. It makes you impervious to heat and cold. Power of endurance is increased. Will power of the mind becomes increased. These are the benefits of the practice of Asana. And, indirectly, through the medium of the Prana, the steadiness of the body gradually brings about a certain stability of the mind, a certain steadiness of the mental activity, a certain harmony of the mental activity.

Then we come to the fourth Anga of Raja Yoga, namely, Pranayama. Pranayama is a way of controlling the Sukshma Prana within to which you have no direct access. Prana is a subtle invisible force. It is the life-force that pervades the body. It is the factor that connects the body and the mind, because it is connected on one side with the body and on the other side with the mind. It is the connecting link between the body and the mind. The body and the mind have no direct connection. They are connected through Prana only and this Prana is different from the breathing you have in your physical body. Prana is not Svasa. The respiratory breath that moves within your nostrils is not Prana. It is called Svasa Vayu. Svasa-Prasvasa, inhalation and exhalation, is of air. But then, why is the regulation of the inner breath and the outer breath of the nostrils given the name of Pranayama, when they do not constitute Prana, when they constitute only Svasa Vayu? The process of regulation of breath is given the name Pranayama, because this is the way to ultimately gain control over the subtle life-force that is present within as Prana.

How Pranayama Controls Prana

Having no direct access to Prana, the ancient Rishis evolved this method, because the outer manifestation of the inner Prana is present in the human system in the form of breath. Breath is the outcome of the movement of Prana. Breath is the outcome of the most vital and important movement of Prana. It is the Prana that moves the lungs and makes the lungs expand and contract, expand and contract, expand and contract, from the moment you are born until the moment you give up your body in death. It is Prana, the great life-principle, which keeps on this movement. It is that which pumps the heart. It does various other functions as well, pervading the whole body and being present in different ways. In performing different functions, the same Prana assumes distinct names—Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, Samana. Besides these, there are five Upa-Pranas or subsidiary Pranas also. In this way, this life-principle is working all the time; and whether you are awake or asleep, whether you are conscious or unconscious, automatically this Prana keeps up all the indispensable essential life-movements within you. If these life-movements are not kept going, life will not last. You will not be able to live; the body will not be kept alive. So, the Prana functions involuntarily. You do not exert to make the lungs move. It is not you who are keeping up the pumping motion of the heart. It is not you who are keeping up the bellow-like contracting and expanding movement of the lungs. You are not even aware of the movement of the lungs, not even conscious of it. It is only when something happens to you that you are aware; otherwise, you are not even conscious of it. It is this Prana, this great manifestation of Divinity, this great manifestation of the Cosmic Energy, that keeps going all these essential, vital movements in your body. The expansion and contraction of the lungs manifests in the body as the ingoing and outcoming breath. And the ingoing and outcoming breath is the symptom of the movement of the Prana, which keeps the lungs in a constant state of indispensable vital activity. So, this breath in the nostrils is due to the movement of the subtle Prana within your body, just as the movement of the second-hand, the minute-hand and the hour-hand are due to the hidden or undiscerned inner movement of the hairspring within the mechanism of the timepiece or the watch. It is because there is the constant unbroken movement of the hairspring inside that on the surface of the visible dial, the hour-hand and the minute-hand are able to move round and do their work. Now, if you want to bring about a slowing down or a cessation of the movement of the hairspring within the timepiece, you have no means of doing it, because you have no access to it. It is somewhere inside covered over by the structure of the watch or the timepiece. You cannot get at it. The only way of trying to get at it is through its outer symptom or outer manifestation. So, if you place your finger on the second-hand of the timepiece moving round in one little corner of the dial and stop it, if you arrest the second hand, gradually the movement of the hairspring also becomes arrested. Similarly, if you stop the minute-hand of the timepiece, then also, the movement of the minute-hand being the ultimate result and outcome of the movement of the inner hairspring, the movement of the hairspring gradually slows down and then comes to a stop. It is in this reverse fashion, this remote and indirect fashion, that the regulation and stoppage of the outer breath of the nostrils achieves the ultimate result of controlling and even bringing to a stop certain aspects of the movement of the subtle Prana, because the Prana is connected with the outer breath. The outer breath is connected with the subtle Prana as the latter’s ultimate outer effect. Thus, Pranayama takes you within.

Hypertension-A Silent Killer

Hypertension is called a silent killer because for years problem can be asymptomatic ( i.e no symptoms ) till it suddenly causes target organ damage. Target organ damage can lead to visual disturbances, palpitations, angina, headaches, transient weakness in various body parts, breathlessness, swelling in face and/or general fatigue.

Research studies suggest that the control of hypertension requires an integrated approach which includes weight reduction, nutritional care, activity pattern and stress management besides the pharmacological therapy.

Experts advise a balanced diet approach to much patients focusing on increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, non fat dairy products and have in saturated and total fat. Patients are advised to limit the consumption of salt by reducing salt in cooking refraining from adding salt at the table and avoiding highly salted processed foods. A customized physical activity pattern is required based on individuals fitness level and health condition.

Lifestyle modification is advised to reduce both weight as well as waist circumference. A high waist circumference, high waist hip ratio and high body mess index (BMI) increases the chances of high BP, high cholestrol and high blood sugar.

Hyper tension disease is of two types –

1] Primary Hypertension : In this type no cause for hypertension can be identified. It is the most common form of hypertension and is prevalent in 95 % cases.

2] Secondary Hypertension : Approximately 5% of patents have an identifiable cause eg. Chronic kidney diseases, thyroid disease, pregnancy, renal vascular problem, during induced or sleep disorders.

Five point programme “ REACH “ can make your reach to normal BP.

R – Relaxation techniques

E – Eating plan

A – Activity pattern

C – Control of weight

H – Hypertension management through herbal medicines

Stress management is essential through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, mantra jap and meditation and development of time management skills. 

100 Golden Rules for Health ( in Indian Ayurveda)

ENGLISH TRANSLATION of my HINDI Health Book

Interested to translate Hindi books please contact to rkavishwamitra@gmail.com.

     India as a country has achieved success in multiple areas after independence. Yet there are many aspects of life where our country has deemed to have weekend itself. Those are good health and high character. Both of them have been the heritage of our nation but missing now. It is rare to see a group of healthy people having high values. It is saddening that most of our population is relying on English medicines which can create serious health risks. 
      According to National Institute of Occupational Health, 32% of India’s working population suffers from physical body pain which has led 13% of the same to leave their jobs due to chronic pains. On notice, 36% of the population aged near about 40 is victim of high blood pressure. At present, the country accounts for 6.5 crore diabetic patients and it is believed that the numbers would double by the year 2025. The most unfortunate is that half of them are not aware with their disease.

       The climate of India is said to be the most suitable where the ancient saints have exclaimed that an average Indian has the competence of living up to 100 years of a vigorous life. However, current people are suffering from various diseases such as heart problems, diabetes and depression like disorders. According to experts in India, heart ailments have replaced communicable diseases as the biggest killer. Approximately 30% of urban and 15% of rural suffer from high BP and heart diseases. This booklet provides precautions and solutions to the health related problems. It would be a boon mainly for our younger generation who is less aware with rules and regulations for a healthy life.
1.  Appetite and daily meals

For a good health, it is important that the individual has the right eating habits in terms of daily routine followed. Take food when you are really hungry.  Why to do this? The reason is that the food we intake is processed and digested in stomach. In case of less appetite food is not well digested. Due to the faulty digestion endotoxins are generated which leads to bad health. In Ayurveda, this problem is called AMA.

"AMA is term used in Ayurveda for endotoxins. The 'AMA' are endotoxins formed in the intestines due to faulty digestion. The low digestive fire leads to formation of fermentation inside the intestine and that in turn can increase the formation of pus and mucus. The formation of 'AMA' is increased if the food is rich in fast foods, packaged food, burgers, pizzas, non-veg diet and other heavy greasy items. "

                                                                                      -Vikram Chauhan

We should intake food according to three fourth of our appetite. One fourth of stomach should be empty. Overeating should be avoided as it increases fat in our body. Overeating leads to increased pressure on our digestive system. As our digestive system keeps on expanding and contracting so for this type of activities our stomach should be empty up to some extent. In case of filled stomach, the execution activities will decrease which will lead to constipation. According to some health specialist from Russia  "the more you eat the sooner you die". There is another saying that "One third nourishes our body and two third nourishes the doctors". Thus , eat less ,chew more and live long and remain fit.

12. Meal Timings:

We should take meal twice a day. The optimum time to consume food is from 8 to 10 in the morning and from 5 to 7 in the evenings. It is suggested that the evening meal i.e. dinner should be consumed 2 hours before sleeping and it should be as light as possible. Anything should be avoided before sleeping specially items like banana, apple etc. Heavy diet should be taken in the morning only. Digestive capacity is at its peak at around 12:00 pm. Therefore, meal taken in morning is well digested. The digestion of the food depends on the energy provided by the sun. During daytime when we are exposed to sun rays our digestion chakras are better activated. According to our convenience, meal can also be taken thrice a day.  There should be difference of at least 2 hours between two intakes otherwise it causes problems. The gap between 2 food intakes should not be more than 6 hours.

3. Nature of Food :

Don’t use fine flour   for chappati. It can cause infection to the intestine as it has chance of sticking to it. We should use whole pulses after sprouting. Don’t overcook the food. Eat food which is beneficial for you. Eat seasonal fruits and avoid non-seasonal food items. Use small Elaichi after taking Banana and coconut after rice. It creates soothing effect. But never use radish with milk or kheer with yogurt. Also one should eat less than the amount of hunger a person stumbles upon. Hence it has been rightly said “Diet cures more than doctors”.

14. Condition during Meal

Before consuming food one must be equanimous. One must not be in any tension or any kind of fear or pressure while consuming meal. Food is a gift given by God which should not be taken for granted. Food should be chewed properly and in time 30 minutes should be taken for meal completion. The above mentioned facts are echoed by Acharya Bhav Mishra. Individuals should not multitask while consuming food for instance reading or watching television simultaneously. Food consumed unhappily by people have increased number of ketones in their body thus one must always thank God for the auspicious gift i.e. food.

1.   

55.  After lunch, rest should be taken and post dinner going for a walk is recommended, 100-200 steps should be taken for better digestion. After lunch rest a while, after dinner go to a mile.

6. Don’t drink water within one hour just after taking meal. If required drink water in small amount while eating food.

  

7.      Once a week, food can be consumed of individuals likes. However, the remaining days must include a healthy diet. Hot spices should be avoided while cooking meals.

8. After age of 40 use ghee only if you do physical work or exercises daily. Otherwise use cow ghee in less amount.

1.   9.    Milk and other drink items should be not galloped in one go and thus must be consumed sip by sip as this helps in digestion. Consuming extremes i.e. very hot or very cold can be damaging to our teeth. Therefore, items of optimum temperature suitable to human body must be consumed. Consuming hot after cold or vice versa should not be practiced. 

1.     

    10. Oily foods should not be consumed. Chips and other similar snacks should not be taken on a regular basis.

2.      11. What to eat? How much to eat? This is not the question that must cater but rather the proper digestion of food is all that matters. 

to be continued

14 Diseases That Affects More Men Than Women

Commonly known as motor neuron disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), ALS is a disease that causes neuron degeneration. According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), about 5,000 people each year are diagnosed with this condition. ALS is more common in men than women and affects individuals who are mostly between the age of 40 to 60 years. ALS is caused by a gene mutation that results in weak and stiff muscles, difficulty in chewing and swallowing and slurred speech. While there is no cure for ALS, drugs such as Riluzole and Nuedexta can be used to not only relieve symptoms but also to prolong the life expectancy of ALS sufferers.

Parkinson is a disorder of the brain that affects movement. Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, slowness in movement and impaired balance. According to the Journal Of Neurology 2004 by Wooten, Parkinson’s disease occurs more frequently in men than women and the symptoms usually begin showing at the age of between 50 to 60 years. As the disease progresses, the disorder can lead to sleep problems, fatigue, memory lapses, difficulty in walking and talking.
3.     Liver Cirrhosis
This disease is mostly caused by excessive consumption of alcohol and hepatitis C. While symptoms include fatigue, weakness, itchy skin, confusion and brown or orange coloured urine, they do not appear until the advance stage of the disease making it difficult to detect early.

4.  Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. According to the Cancer Fact Sheet 2013, 1 in 2 men will have cancer in their lifetime. The top 3 cancers that affect more men than women include lung and bronchus, prostate cancer and liver cancer

The majority of cancer cases are caused by lifestyle and environmental factors while others are due to genetic factors. Though there is no cure for cancer, early detection and treatments such as chemotherapy can prolong the life of a cancer patient and allow the patient to enjoy the same quality of life as other people.

5. Commonly known as ruptures, Inguinal Hernia occurs 10 times more frequently in men than in women. Symptoms include a tender lump in the groin that enlarges when you either sneeze, strain or cough. However the symptoms disappears when you lie down.

Other symptoms include a sharp pain in the groin which increases when bending or lifting heavy objects. Inguinal Hernia is treated by surgically removing it under general anesthetic.

6. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by the disruption of electrical impulses. When there is an altered chemical state in the body, the electrical impulses became scrambled, resulting in a convulsion or seizure.

Males are more prone to epilepsy than female with most of them occurring between the age of 15 to 25 years. People with learning disabilities are more prone to epilepsy as well.

Treatment depends on diagnosis, and the most common medications used to treat epilepsy are ethosuximide, acetalozolamide, phenytoin, vigabatrin, clobazam and  lamotrigine.

7. Osteoarthritis is a disease that is caused by deterioration of elasticity in joints cartilage. When the cartilage is weakened, it causes stiffness and pain in the joints.

People who suffer from osteoarthritis may also experience warming and a ‘creaking’ sound in the affected joints.

The most common treatment for osteoarthritis is over the counter chondroitin and glucosamine food supplements, fish oil  and omega 3 capsules. In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and Aleve can be used to treat osteoarthritis.

8. 9.     Varicoce

This is a disease that causes infertility in men. Varicocele is caused by a defective or damaged varicose vein valve. It mostly occurs in the left testicle where the vein is enlarge and blood flow is disrupted, leading to lower sperm production or sperm quality.

Pain, heaviness and enlarged vein in the testicles are some of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

10.     Emphysema

Image source: SIU School of Medicine

Commonly known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema is a disease that is mainly caused by smoking. Seen as a lifestyle for men, smoking has resulted in an increase in number of men with these disease. However, today’s modern women are also catching up, albeit not in a good way.

COPD is caused by inflamed and damaged airways resulting in symptoms such as coughs, breathlessness, chest infections, frequent removal of sputum and tiredness.

11.     Gout

According to CDC, gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in adult men. It is also 10 times more common in men than women, with most gout attacks occurring around the age of 40 years old. Gout is caused by excessive production and/or less excretion of uric acid, causing the acid crystals to accumulate in fluids and tissues within the body.

12.     Prostatitis

This is a disease that affects the genital and urinary stem of both young and middle-aged men. It’s a very common disease that is experienced by most of the men during their lifetime.

Symptoms such as pain during ejaculation or urination can be signs of prostatitis. While the disease can be caused by bacterial or non bacterial infection, both types of prostatitis have the same symptoms.

13. Bladder Tumors are caused by over production of the number of cells that line the bladder. Formation of the tumours are three times more common in men than women at the age of 50. Symptoms include frequent urination, bloody urine, lack of appetite and abdominal pain.

Fight fever naturally

With viral fevers and infections on the rise, there is a growing trend to seek benefits from traditional healing herbs. Many of these have been found to ease complications and aid recovery. Among these are papaya leaf, giloe and tulsi.

Papaya leaf: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the extract of raw papaya leaf helps to boost platelets, also known as thrombocytes and relieve symptoms. Few recent studies have shown the effect of papaya leaf juice in curing the dengue fever. A recent study done in Malaysia on mice in 2009 also reported significant improvement in thrombocyte count in the group which received papaya leaf formulations compared to the control group. It seems that this bitter green juice is showing benefits without posing any serious ill-effects.

Papaya leaf has also been found to possess powerful anti-malarial and anti-cancer properties. The leaf extract has been used as a prophylactic to prevent malaria in endemic regions. A study by researchers at Purdue University showed that papaya leaf consists of over 50 active ingredients found to kill fungi, worms, parasites, bacteria, and many forms of cancer cells. In addition, papaya leaves also contain important nutrients that support the immune system, including vitamins A, C, and E. Papain is an important enzyme in papaya leaves that breaks down proteins naturally and aids digestion.

For dengue fever it is suggested that the papaya juice is extracted by crushing and sieving fresh leaves of papaya. One leaf of papaya gives about one tablespoon of juice, which is quite bitter in taste. Two tablespoons of papaya leaf juice should be given to dengue patient three times per day after every 6 hours interval.

Giloe also known as Guduchi (plant which protects from diseases, Sanskrit), enjoys the reputation of being one of the most famous medicinal plants used in treatment of large number of human ailments as mentioned in Ayurveda.

Giloe too has been reported to help treat dengue in early stages without any side-effects. It has been reported to increase the platelets in a significant manner and lower the body temperature.

Giloe, known as Rasayana plant in ayurveda, has been reported to enhance general body resistance and promote longevity. It has also been reported to have anti-stress and adaptogenic properties.

Nutritionally, giloe is high in fibre, potassium and chromium, a good source of protein, carbohydrate, iron and calcium. Several bio-active components like alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins and plant steroids have been isolated from different parts of the plant and contribute to its high antioxidant status and curative properties. These components have also been reported to play an important role in blood glucose regulation, anti-diabetic potential, cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. Giloe has also been reported to possess immune-stimulating properties, which can reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy such as immune-suppression.

Tulsi, the “queen of herbs”: As implied by its name “Ocimum Sanctum” in Greek and “the incomparable one” in Sanskrit has been regarded as one of the holiest and most cherished herbs by virtue of its health promoting and healing properties.

Among its innumerable benefits, tulsi reduces stress, enhances endurance, increases oxygen utilisation, boosts the immune system, slows aging, reduces inflammation, prevents gastric ulcers, protects against radiation, lowers fevers, cholesterol and high blood pressure, protects teeth and gums, fights bacterial, viral and fungal infections, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of anti-oxidants and other nutrients. A premier adaptogen, tulsi offers remarkable preventive and curative potential with respect to many stress-related degenerative disorders, such as, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, hepatitis and neurological dementia. The leading active compounds in “holy” Tulsi include eugenol (volatile oil), ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid. Seeds contain essential fatty acids - linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Although, of not much nutritional significance, tulsi does contain vitamins like A and C and minerals calcium, iron, and zinc.

Although, tulsi has a long history of use and safety in traditional medicine, it has also been reported to have mild hypoglycemic (lowering of blood sugar) and blood thinning properties which must be kept in mind by diabetics and heart patients on medication.

As the long-term use of herbal medicines/ preparations has not been well established, these must be administered under professional supervision and guidance. In addition, herbal medicines must not be had by pregnant women, nursing mothers, toddlers and infants. A word of caution for especially for those suffering from auto-immune diseases and taking immune-suppressants, as these may interfere with medications.

Psychosomatic disorders

Which diseases are psychosomatic?

To an extent, most diseases are psychosomatic - involving both mind and body.

• There is a mental aspect to every physical disease. How we react to and cope with disease varies greatly from person to person. For example, the rash of psoriasis may not bother some people very much. However, the rash covering the same parts of the body in someone else may make them feel depressed and more ill.
• There can be physical effects from mental illness. For example, with some mental illnesses you may not eat, or take care of yourself, very well which can cause physical problems.

However, the term psychosomatic disorder is mainly used to mean ... "a physical disease that is thought to be caused, or made worse, by mental factors".

Some physical diseases are thought to be particularly prone to be made worse by mental factors such as stress and anxiety. For example, psoriasis, eczema, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is thought that the actual physical part of the illness (the extent of a rash, the level of the blood pressure, etc) can be affected by mental factors. This is difficult to prove. However, many people with these and other physical diseases say that their current mental state can affect how bad their physical disease is at any given time.

Some people also use the term psychosomatic disorder when mental factors cause physical symptoms but where there is no physical disease. For example, a chest pain may be caused by stress and no physical disease can be found. Physical symptoms that are caused by mental factors are discussed further in another leaflet called Somatisation/Somatoform Disorders 

How can the mind affect physical diseases?

It is well known that the mind can cause physical symptoms. For example, when we are afraid or anxious we may develop:

• A fast heart rate
• A thumping heart (palpitations)
• Feeling sick (nauseated)
• Shaking (tremor)
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• A knot in the stomach
• Fast breathing

These physical symptoms are due to increased activity of nervous impulses sent from the brain to various parts of the body and to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) into the bloodstream when we are anxious.

However, the exact way that the mind can cause certain other symptoms is not clear. Also, how the mind can affect actual physical diseases (rashes, blood pressure, etc) is not clear. It may have something to do with nervous impulses going to the body, which we do not fully understand. There is also some evidence that the brain may be able to affect certain cells of the immune system, which is involved in various physical diseases.

What are the treatments for psychosomatic disorders?Each disease has its own treatment options. For physical diseases, physical treatments such as medication or operations are usually the most important. However, healthcare workers will usually try to treat a person as a whole and take into account mental and social factors which may be contributing to a disease. Therefore, treatments to ease stress, anxiety, depression, etc, may help if they are thought to be contributing to your physical disease.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Agni	Fire element, digestive fire.
Agni dipana	Increases digestive fire.
Ahamkara	Sense of separate self or ego. Literally, “I former.”
Alochaka Pitta	Sub-type of pitta which governs visual perception.
Alterative	Blood purifying substances that gradually restores healthy bodily functions.
Ama	Toxic residue of improperly digested food that can become the source of disease.
Ama pachana	Promotes digestion and the destruction of toxins
Amenorrhea	Absence or suppression of menstruation.
Anabolic	Constructive or building phase of metabolism.
Analgesic	A substance that relieves pain.
Anthelmintic	Destroying and dispelling parasites (including bacteria, yeasts and fungus).
Antibacterial	Inhibits or destroys bacteria.
Antibiotic	Inhibits or destroys bacteria and other microorganisms.
Antiemetic	A substance that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting.
Antifungal	A substance that prevents and inhibits the growth of fungi.
Antipyretic	Dispels heat and reduces fever.
Antispasmodic	Relieves muscle spasms and cramping.
Antiviral	A substance that inhibits viruses.
Anupana	A Substance that serves as a medium of intake for herbs, such as honey, aloe vera juice, etc.
Apana Vayu	Downward moving sub-type of vata, responsible for elimination of waste products, gas, menstruation and child birth.
Aphrodisiac	Substances that stimulate and/or revitalize the reproductive system.
Arishta/Asava	Traditional medicated herbal wines used in Ayurveda.
Aromatic	Herbs containing volatile, essential oils that aid digestion and relieve gas.
Artava	Female reproductive tissue.
Asthi dhatu	Bone tissue.
Astringent	Substances that firm tissues and reduce discharges and secretions.
Avalambaka Kapha	A sub-type of kapha located in the chest region, mainly in the lungs.
Ayurveda	“Science of Life.” The ancient medical system of India.
Basti	Therapeutic enema, one of the five main cleansing measures of Panchakarma.
Bhasma	Incinerated and purified substance such as a mineral, gem, shell, coral, etc., with potent healing properties.
Bhedaniya	Substances that break down accumulated tissues and waste products.
Bhrajaka pitta	A subtype of pitta located in the in the skin and governs complexion.
Bhutagni	Digestive fire located in the liver that governs the metabolism of the five elements.
Bodhaka kapha	A subtype of kapha located in the mouth and tongue and is responsible for taste and digestion.
Buddhi	Intellect (individual form).
Carminative	A substance that relieves gas and promotes digestion and peristalsis.
Catabolic	Destructive phase of metabolism.
Cathartic	Strong laxatives that cause powerful evacuation.
Charaka	Author of the ancient Ayurvedic text CharakaSamhita.
Chikitsa	Therapy or treatment.
Cholagogue	Promotes flow of bile from the gall bladder.
Cystitis	Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Demulcent	Soothes, protects and nurtures internal membranes.
Dhatu	The seven main bodily tissues.
Dhatu agni	Specialized digestive fires located in the membranes of each of the seven bodily tissues.
Diaphoretic	Induces sweating and increases the release of toxins through the skin.
Diuretic	Promotes kidney and bladder activity and increases urination.
Dosha	Three basic energetic principles, which determine individual constitution.
Drastic	A strong laxative.
Dysmenorrhea	Painful or difficult menstruation.
Dyspnea	Difficulty in breath, often associated with respiratory and cardiac disease.
Edema	Swelling caused by fluid retention in the bodily tissues.
Emetic	A substance that inducing vomiting.
Emmenagogue	A substance that aids in promoting and regulating menstruation.
Emollient	Soothes, softens and protects the skin.
Enteritis	Inflammation of the small intestine.
Expectorant	A substance that encourages the clearing of phlegm from the lungs and throat.
Galactagogue	A substance that promotes the secretion of breast milk.
Gastritis	Inflammation of the stomach.
Ghee	Clarified butter.
Guna	Attributes, modes of nature that influence creation.
Hematemesis	Vomiting blood.
Hemoptysis	Spitting up blood from the lungs.
Hemostaic	A type of astringent that stops bleeding and internal hemorrhaging.
Kapha	One of three basic energetic principles composed of water and earth.
Kledaka kapha	A subtype of kapha located mainly in the stomach, which is associated with gastric and other mucous membrane.
Kundalini	Serpent like spiritual energy that rises from below the base of the spine when awakened.
Laxative	Substances that promote mild bowel movements.
Lechaniya	Scraping or reducing action.
Lithotriptic	A substance that dissolves and dispels gall bladder and urinary stones and gravel.
Mahat	Cosmic mind, cosmic consciousness.
Majja dhatu	Nervous tissue, bone marrow.
Mala	Bodily waste products.
Malabsorption	Abnormality in the absorption of nutrients across the intestinal tract.
Mamsa dhatu	Muscle tissue.
Manas	Recording or conditioned mind.
Mandagni	Slow or sluggish digestive fire.
Mantra	Sacred sounds, sacred syllables.
Meda dhatu	Adipose tissue.
Menorrhagia	Excess menstrual bleeding.
Nasya	Administration of medication through the nose.
Nephritis	Inflammation of the kidney.
Nervine	Substances that improve the function of the nervous system; may be stimulants or sedatives.
Nirama	Without toxins.
Nutritive tonic	Increases weight and strength and nourishes all the bodily tissues.
Ojas	Refined essence of all bodily tissues, which maintains immunity, strength and vitality.
Pachaka pitta	Subtype of pitta located in the stomach region governing digestion.
Pachana	Digestion; that which promotes digestion
Panchakarma	Five cleansing measures for eliminating ama and dosha from the body (emesis, purgation, enema, bloodletting and nasal medications).
Pitta	One of three basic energetic principles composed of fire and water.
Prabhava	The special potency or action of a substance that cannot be explained by the logic of its taste, energy or post digestive effect.
Prakruti	Eternal principle of matter, primordial energy of creation.
Prana	Vital life force, a subtype of vata governing inward movement.
Pranayama	Expansion of vital energy (prana), a term commonly used for yogic breathing practices.
Purgative	A strong laxative that often causes multiple loose bowel movements.
Purusha	The eternal Self, pure consciousness.
Rajas	Active principle.
Rakta dhatu	Blood tissue.
Ranjaka pitta	A subtype of pitta rooted in the liver and spleen and is responsible the color and formation of blood.
Rasa	Taste; plasma.
Rasa dhatu	Plasma, lymph, white blood cells.
Rasayana	Rejuvenation, rejuvenating therapies and substances.
Rejuvenative	Prevents decay, slows the aging process and revitalizes the organs.
Rhinitis	Sinus inflammation.
Rishis	An enlightened seer or sage.
Sadhaka pitta	A subtype of pitta located in the brain and heart responsible for mental and higher mind functions.
Sama	With toxins.
Sama agni	Balanced digestive fire.
Samana vayu	A subtype of vata present in the small intestine and navel region that governs the digestive system.
Samkhya	The System of Indian philosophy, which deals with cosmic evolution.
Sattwic	Purity, clarity, light, essence.
Sedative	A substance that calms or tranquilizes.
Sedative	Calms or tranquilizes.
Shakti	Divine creative energy, cosmic feminine energy.
Shleshaka kapha	A subtype of kapha present in the joints, which provides lubrication and freedom of movement.
Shukra	Sexual fluid.
Spermatorrhea	Abnormal loss of semen without ejaculation.
Srotas	Bodily channels or pathways.
Stimulant	Improves physical and mental function, increases heat and circulation, dispels chills, and strengthens digestion and metabolism.
Stomachic	A substance that strengthens stomach function
Suppuration	Pus formation and discharge.
Tamas	Inertia, darkness, stability.
Tarpaka kapha	A subtype of kapha associated with the white matter of the brain, cerebral spinal fluid and protective membranes in the nervous system.
Tejas	Superfine essence of pitta, flame of intelligence in the body.
Tikshna agni	Sharp digestion, excessive appetite.
Tikta	Bitter taste.
Tinnitis	Ringing in the ear.
Tridoshic	Balance of the three doshas, balancing to all threedoshas.
Udana	A subtype of vata that governs speech, energy, will power and exhalation
Urticaria	A skin condition characterized by itching or hives.
Vajikarana	A substances that enhance sexual energy and function.
Vasodilator	A substance that causes relaxation of the blood vessels.
Vata	One of three basic energetic principles composed of air and space.
Vedas	Ancient scriptures of India.
Vikruti	Disease, deviation from nature, imbalanced state of the doshas.
Vipaka	Post-digestive effect.
Virya	Energy of a substance such as heating and cooling.
Vulnerary	A substance that heals wounds and prevents infection by stimulating cell regeneration.
Vyana vayu	A subtype of vata governing the circulatory system and the movement of the musculoskeletal system.
Yoga	Union with God, the practical science of self or god realization