Guard against hypertension in winter

Winter is not only about dry skin and hyperacidity. Winter can also bring or aggravate more serious problems like irritable bowel syndrome, piles and hypertension. Peripheral vasoconstriction due to cold is blamed for elevated blood pressure during winter. Ayurveda believes that during cold weather if Agni is under-utilized, over-utilised or abused, then it gives rise to hypertension and cardiac problems related to hypertension.
Symptoms of hypertension:
1) Headache
2) Restlessness
3) Palpitation
4) Insomnia
5) More sweating
6) Chest pain
7) Irritability
8) Fatigue.
If not diagnosed and treated early, hypertension can lead too many serious complications like heart failure, paralytic stroke, retinal damage, kidney damage etc. Care should therefore be taken to avoid hypertension during winter.

Care to be taken:
Avoid deep fried and spicy food. n Avoid more sun exposure, especially after mid-day.
Avoid mental stress, anger.
Sleep at least seven hours continuously.
Regular walking and yogasan are also useful.
Avoid extreme fasting.
Avoid smoking, alcohol and having more salt.
Drink plenty of water.
Persons having history of hypertension should regularly check their blood pressure.
Add one table spoon of pounded Dhania seeds in one cup of water, keep overnight and on an empty stomach take this water as a protection against blood pressure.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Arthritis

Arthritis is caused by damage to the joints and has become quite widespread in the present day world. Many people above 35 years of age are suffering from arthritis today. There are different forms of arthritis, of which the most common one is osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative bone joint disease). Though the treatment of arthritis is available in allopathy, homoeopathy and other medicine systems, Ayurveda is gaining more and more nationwide popularity day by day.

 Arthritis as per Ayurveda: As per Ayurveda, arthritis can be defined as joint pain, caused by the aggravation of vata (air) dosha and excessive collection of amla (toxic byproduct of improper digestion) in the body of an individual. When amla increases, it starts getting deposited in the weaker areas of the body. When it starts accumulating in the joints and if at the same time aggravation of vata takes place, the result is Amlavata, in other words arthritis.

 Arthritis treatment in Ayurveda: In Ayurveda, the treatment of arthritis centres on the digestion of amla and reduction of vata, simultaneously. Along with that, efforts are undertaken to reduce the pain as well as the inflammation of joints. The major steps, recommended under Ayurveda, for arthritis treatment are:
1. First and foremost step recommended under Ayurvedic arthritis treatments consist of fasting. It helps in the digestion of amla.

2. Massage with Antivatatailas like Karpasasthyadi, Kethakeemooladi, Dhanwantharam oil, etc helps in the reduction of vata and reduces the pain. Concentrate more on the sore joints.
3. Take hot, bitter and astringent items.
4. Don't expose yourself to wind, cold, mist and drizzle.
5. Cover the body and heat with flannel.
6. Arthritic people must take special care of their diet. Under Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis, people are recommended to eat such food that does not lead to the creation of gas in the body. They should also avoid hot, spicy and fried foods as well as sweets. Things like tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate and cocoa should be taken in moderation.

Medicated oils like kethakeemooladi, kottamchukkadi, sahacharadi, dhanwantharam etc. can be used for Vasti, Nasya, Abhyangam, Pizhichil etc. Kashayams like Dhanwantharam, Rasnadi, Indukantham, Gulikas like Yogaraja gulgulu, aisoragulgulu etc. can be given.Panchakarma treatment is also given according to the condition of the patient.