Ayurveda and cancer. “According to ayurveda, cancer results from lifestyle errors, such as unhealthy foods, poor hygiene, or poor behavior, or from physical trauma, all leading to imbalances of vata, pitta, and kapha, resulting in injury to the inner layer of the dermis (rohini, the sixth layer of the skin) and the formation of abnormal branches of blood vessels.” This part is very detailed and interesting, but too long to post about here. I would be glad, though, to forward the full study to anyone who requests it.
Treatment of cancer. There are three approaches in Ayurveda: health maintenance, restoration to normal, spiritual approach and disease cure. The techniques were (are!) very modern: “The principles of patient safety were foremost, including meticulous aseptic techniques used for surgery (eg, careful boiling of instruments, cleaning of hands). Treatment involves the surgical removal of tumor, herbal remedies, dietary modification, and spiritual treatment (eg, detoxification, rejuvenation, prayers, music therapy, aromatherapy, gem therapy, sound therapy, stress relief, meditation, yoga, and astrology).” Diet and exercise (yoga, e.g.) were also considered to be important, and meditation, which I practise in my own fashion (having never been taught how to do it properly), “leads to emotional and stress release and detoxification of the cellular and tissue memories.”
In the 7th century, “surgery was considered one of the best methods of treatment for arbuda.” Arbuda is “definite malignancy.” Herbal treatments against cancer “were beneficial only in the beginning stage," but that also depended on the type of tumour involved. The surgical removal of tumours is described in detail…I must say, it’s really incredible to read about such careful sterile practises being used so many centuries ago. I was surprised and very impressed.
The review draws similarities between ancient Ayurvedic and modern Western cancer treatments. Although the different molecular targets “were not known 5,000 years ago, the components of herbs used at that time now appear to target these molecules.” Aha!
The review provides a Table that couples the modern targets of cancer treatment (such as NF-kappa B and COX-2) with ancient herbal remedies. Truly extraordinary. I must have a closer look at this list of herbs as soon as possible. Curcuma longa, of course, is everywhere. The researchers state that the “Development of new synergistic anticancer agents based on these herbs would be beneficial for modern treatment modalities.” Indeed. “The use of Vinca rosea in the treatment of cancer is very well described in ayurveda,” and the modern chemotherapy drug vincristine derives from the plant Vinca rosea, or periwinkle. Just one example.
Differences between modern science and Ayurveda: “Although modern science believes in using a single chemical entity for a particular cancer (eg, paclitaxel, vincristine, etoposide), ayurvedic treatment involves the use of whole plant extracts. It is possible that enhanced toxic effects associated with modern medicine are due to a lack of other components of the plant. Ayurveda usually recommends the use of several plant extracts in combination, which is somewhat similar to the combination of various chemical entities that are currently used for the treatment of cancer.” How about that?
Cancer treatment side effects. The review contains advice on how to “alleviate some of the common side effects associated with modern medical treatment of cancer;” even stress and depression, and how to diminish cancer cachexia: “the ayurvedic regimen rejuvenates the body tissues, tones up the body systems, and acts as a tonic to the body against cancer cachexia.” It also lists herbs that can protect us from the harmful effects of radiation. I already knew about curcumin, but not about ginger, e.g.
Relevance of anecdotes. “Treatment according to ayurveda is very individualized, thereby making it difficult to conduct a large population based clinical study. Thus, not many randomized, controlled, and double-blind clinical trials are available. Many anecdotal and case reports are available that show the efficacy of the herbs and the treatments used. The individualized therapies are sometimes poorly documented, unable to be accepted in the standardized Western field.”
Indeed, this is so true, and it illustrates the sort of opposition I have run into with my own cancer treatment, for instance at the recent conference in Calenzano, where I had a bit of a discussion with the cancer specialist sitting next to me. Will these close-minded attitudes ever change? I hope so. Blog reader Old Bill left me a good quote recently: “What’s wrong with an anecdote if it’s true?” (Beata Bishop). Exactly. And, even more to the point: what’s wrong with hundreds of anecdotes?
“Ayurvedic treatments are still followed by 75 to 80% of the rural population of India. As much as 70% of the Indian population is vegetarian, and this may also contribute to the lower incidence of cancer. It also, however, raises several questions about current treatment. Although current treatment tends to be highly focused at the molecular level, it is highly unfocused at the whole organism level, making it reductionist. Ayurvedic treatment of cancer is a holistic approach and is currently preferred. The new wave of ‘‘system biology’’ and ‘‘genome revolution’’ is expected to provide a holistic approach to the treatment of cancer. In spite of it, this approach tends to ignore the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. It is our hope that ayurveda can help fill this gap.”
Medicines
Diet
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a set of five ayurvedic remedies that may or may not all be used as part of a therapeutic cleansing program.
The five parts of panchakarma are:
Emesis
Purgation
Enema
Nasal application of herbal remedies
Blood-letting
Diet is also considered a very important part of treatment. Visiting an ayurvedic practitioner is important in order to develop the proper diet for your body. The practitioner will determine which of the three humors is the predominant one in your body, and then based on this information, can develop a diet for you that will bring the three humors back in balance.Another important aspect of diet is maintaining the energy level of the food. According to ayurvedic thought, making food cold, for instance, by refrigerating, destroys the natural energy of the food. They believe that this causes the loss of more energy than is lost through cooking. This then leads to poor metabolism, which in turn may lead to someone eventually developing cancer. Of course, not all people who eat refrigerated foods develop cancer. This is because everyone is different. Some people are capable of producing the proper stomach acids to counteract the coldness of the food. These people have what is referred to as “agni” or fire. These people more frequently develop fevers and diarrhea more often than do people who eventually develop cancer, which seems to imply that they are better at excreting the toxins.Based on these ideas, here are some suggestions:
Take supplements to increase your hydrochloric acid levels
Eat spicy foods to help stimulate the gastric juices
After eating, use digestive bitters to make sure the food moves quickly through the digestive system before the toxins can build up
It is also important to note that ayurvedic medicine does not have to be used to the exclusivity of Western medicine. They can be used together as long as you make sure that all practitioners are aware of what the others are doing. Using ayurvedic techniques for cancer treatment in addition to receiving treatment via Western methods often helps to reduce stress levels which then leads to a better reception of the other treatments.
In particular, be careful when taking herbal supplements when also taking other medications, as they may interact with each other and produce undesired effects. Ayurvedic treatments like yoga and massage are usually safe and provide more benefit than harm.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bistort Herb Description - Interactions, Dosage Useful Properties
Alternative Names: Common Bistort, Easter Ledges, Knotweed, Oderwort, Snakeroot, snake week.
Common Forms
Available as a dried or cut root, powder, or tea.
Sources for Bistort
Different folk cultures use different parts of Polygonum bistorta, a member of the buckwheat family. Rhizomes and roots are most prized and gathered in the fall. Leaves are gathered in the spring. Bistort is native to Europe and naturalized in North America.
Chemical Components
There have been reports that P. bistorta contains phenolic compounds. Aqueous extracts are rich in tannins . Rhizomes and roots contain flavonoids, gallic acid, phlobaphene, starch, and a trace of emodin, an anthraquinone.
Actions
The pharmacokinetics of bistort have not been studied. Bistort is one of the strongest botanical astringents known. In a study with rats, bistort significantly inhibited acute and chronic phases of adjuvant and carrageenan-induced inflammation . This effect has not been confirmed in human trials.
Uses and Benefits
Extracts of underground plant parts have long been used to stop external and internal bleeding. Bistort has been used externally for hemorrhoids, insect bites, measles, snakebites, and small burns or wounds; as a mouthwash or gargle for canker sores, gum problems, laryngitis, and sore throat; and to reduce pulmonary secretions.
Internally, bistort has been used to treat dysentery, gastric and pulmonary hemorrhage, irritable bowel syndrome, jaundice, peptic ulcers, and ulcerative colitis. It has also been used as an anthelmintic, an antidote for certain poisons, and a douche for excessive vaginal discharge or bleeding.
The 1983 British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reports that bistort exerts an anti-inflammatory activity and lists it as useful in treating diarrhea in children.
Dosage to be taken
Some sources recommend that 1 tsp of the powdered root can be combined with 1 to 1 1/2 cups of boiling water and taken P.O. for diarrhea. More than 3 cups daily is not recommended.
Adverse Reactions
GI: GI irritation.
Hepatic: hepatic dysfunction.
Bistort Interactions:
None reported till yet.
Contraindications and Precautions to be taken with Bistort
Avoid using bistort in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown.
Special Considerations to be kept in mind
Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of GI irritation.
Monitor liver function test results for signs of hepatic dysfunction.
Caution the patient not to take bistort internally for longer than a few weeks at a time.
Advise women to avoid using bistort during pregnancy or when breast - feeding.
Points of Interest
The rhizome of bistort is rich in starch and has been roasted and eaten as a vegetable.
Commentary
Bistort may have practical value as an astringent for poultices. Its antarthritic and anti-inflammatory properties appear promising. Overall, bistort has significant anecdotal data but few scientific studies supporting its use. The lack of scientific trials for any of the therapeutic claims should limit bistort use until such clinical trials can define more precisely bistort's role in modern medicine.
Common Forms
Available as a dried or cut root, powder, or tea.
Sources for Bistort
Different folk cultures use different parts of Polygonum bistorta, a member of the buckwheat family. Rhizomes and roots are most prized and gathered in the fall. Leaves are gathered in the spring. Bistort is native to Europe and naturalized in North America.
Chemical Components
There have been reports that P. bistorta contains phenolic compounds. Aqueous extracts are rich in tannins . Rhizomes and roots contain flavonoids, gallic acid, phlobaphene, starch, and a trace of emodin, an anthraquinone.
Actions
The pharmacokinetics of bistort have not been studied. Bistort is one of the strongest botanical astringents known. In a study with rats, bistort significantly inhibited acute and chronic phases of adjuvant and carrageenan-induced inflammation . This effect has not been confirmed in human trials.
Uses and Benefits
Extracts of underground plant parts have long been used to stop external and internal bleeding. Bistort has been used externally for hemorrhoids, insect bites, measles, snakebites, and small burns or wounds; as a mouthwash or gargle for canker sores, gum problems, laryngitis, and sore throat; and to reduce pulmonary secretions.
Internally, bistort has been used to treat dysentery, gastric and pulmonary hemorrhage, irritable bowel syndrome, jaundice, peptic ulcers, and ulcerative colitis. It has also been used as an anthelmintic, an antidote for certain poisons, and a douche for excessive vaginal discharge or bleeding.
The 1983 British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reports that bistort exerts an anti-inflammatory activity and lists it as useful in treating diarrhea in children.
Dosage to be taken
Some sources recommend that 1 tsp of the powdered root can be combined with 1 to 1 1/2 cups of boiling water and taken P.O. for diarrhea. More than 3 cups daily is not recommended.
Adverse Reactions
GI: GI irritation.
Hepatic: hepatic dysfunction.
Bistort Interactions:
None reported till yet.
Contraindications and Precautions to be taken with Bistort
Avoid using bistort in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown.
Special Considerations to be kept in mind
Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of GI irritation.
Monitor liver function test results for signs of hepatic dysfunction.
Caution the patient not to take bistort internally for longer than a few weeks at a time.
Advise women to avoid using bistort during pregnancy or when breast - feeding.
Points of Interest
The rhizome of bistort is rich in starch and has been roasted and eaten as a vegetable.
Commentary
Bistort may have practical value as an astringent for poultices. Its antarthritic and anti-inflammatory properties appear promising. Overall, bistort has significant anecdotal data but few scientific studies supporting its use. The lack of scientific trials for any of the therapeutic claims should limit bistort use until such clinical trials can define more precisely bistort's role in modern medicine.
Ayurvedic Oil Massage or Sneha Karma
Ayurvedic Oil Massage or Sneha Karma
Ayurveda, the all-time healing system, has some specialised therapeutic procedures of its own. Among them, sneha karma is one. It is a therapy, which is usually employed as a pre-operative procedure to panchakarma. This procedure produces snigdhata (suppleness) in the body. Ayurvedic texts compare the exhausted human body with a dry stick, which breaks easily. Application of oil to the body makes it supple. This therapy can be employed either by administering oily substances internally or by using them externally in the form of oil massage. This article throws light on abhyanga and mardhana-a specialised oil massage therapy of Ayurveda.
Charaka Samhita, the Ayurvedic treatise, advocates oil massage as a regular health care measure in maintaining positive health. Massage preserves the body energy. It improves the blood circulation and helps in excreting toxins out of the body through sweat, urine and mucous; thus rejuvenating and relaxing the body. It protects against the vitiation and aggravation of vaata and kapha doshas. Massaging oil into the body makes it strong and helps the skin become smooth, says Ashtaanga Hridaya, another Ayurvedic treatise. So, one can expect good results from massage in treating skin disorders like eczema, blisters, scabies, seborrhoea and other conditions like neurasthenia, headaches, sleeplessness, gouty arthritis, polio, obesity and mental disorders. Massage increases physical stamina and mental alertness apart from sexual vitality.
Scientific Validity
The Ayurvedic system of medicine calls the lymph system as the kapha or mucous carrying system. Lymph contains most of the elements in blood i.e. plasma, amino acids, glucose, fats, hormones, enzymes, salts and lymphocytes which fight infection. It acts as a transport medium between cells and the blood stream. It also aids circulation by maintaining the balance of the fluids in the body. The massage technique is pointed towards increasing lymph flow in the body by applying pressure at the manna (vital) points as described in the Sushruta Samhita. Increasing the kapha activity by massage is purported to increase the nourishment of the body and give proper stimulation to joints and body tissues.
If lymph flow is increased by massage, then there are several likely processes, which may be involved. Lymph possesses a relatively large amount of the amino acidtryptophan. This subsequently causes a parallel increase in the neurotransmitter (chemical between nerve endings), serotonin. Serotonin has been implicated in several psychiatric diseases with low levels of its metabolite found by researchers in depression, hallucinations, headaches, anxiety and irritability. So, massage is beneficial in treating these conditions. Another interesting point is that lymph contains approximately 30 times as much histaminase (an enzyme which breaks the allergy and acidity causing histamine) as in blood. So, the pathological conditions where histamine is involved, like painful and swollen tissue areas, gastric irritation, headaches, skin allergies, can be treated with lymphatic massage in order to provide increased supply of histaminase.
Read more about some Ayurvedic Oil Massage tips and facts.
Ayurvedic Oil Massage - Tips and Facts
The effects of massage vary with the time of day. During the day it relaxes and refreshes, giving increased energy. In the evening it is more tranquillising.
To be a good masseur, one needs to look at the formation and function of the musculature. One who follows the natural contours and flows of the body ensures the most effective massage.
In cold seasons, hot or warm oil should be used and in the hot seasons it is viceversa. The easiest way is to put the oil into a plastic squeeze bottle and then hold it submerged in hot or cold water until it is pleasantly warm or cool according to the situation.
Oil should be applied at the joints or marma points in a circular manner, in a clockwise direction. And, on the other body parts, against the direction of the hair growth. This will direct the lymph towards the heart.
Before the massage, just relax. Take some deep breaths, and then rub your palms together until they feel warm. This charges the hands with energy and makes them pleasant to touch.
If we take the body to be an inverted tree, the brain is the root, the spine is the trunk, and limbs are the branches. So for maximum benefit, massage should commence from the upper leg. It should be massaged first on the outside and then inside. The lower part of the legs should be massaged followed by a foot massage. After this, the hips and sides should be worked with and the lower back should be massaged, moving upwards, covering the upper back. Then the chest and the arms should be massaged. The head should always be massaged last.
If daily massage of the whole body is not possible, at least the feet should be massaged every night before sleeping and the head could be given a massage every third day.
A wide range of oils is available for massage. Simple oils that are advised for general massage are sesame oil and mustard oil. Olive oil is also good. But it is too costly to use in our country.
Sesame oil is hot, heavy and sweet. It works on all the three doshas by removing swellings of all muscles, strengthening the skin texture and preventing premature aging. The shape of breasts can be improved by massaging them regularly with this oil. Oil of black sesame seeds is recommended in Ayurveda to keep the hair in good condition. Sesame oil is usually preferred to mustard oil, which may sometimes irritate tender skin because it is pungent and bitter, while sesame oil is neutral.
Apart from this, there are specific oils for specific conditions. For example, Brahmi oil induces sleep. Mahaanarayana taila can be used to treat muscle pains and arthritic conditions. Aswagandhaadi taila can be used in muscle atrophy. In the same way Mahaamarichyaadi taila can be used specifically for controlling itching. These oils can be used on the advice of an Ayurvedic physician.
Ayurveda, the all-time healing system, has some specialised therapeutic procedures of its own. Among them, sneha karma is one. It is a therapy, which is usually employed as a pre-operative procedure to panchakarma. This procedure produces snigdhata (suppleness) in the body. Ayurvedic texts compare the exhausted human body with a dry stick, which breaks easily. Application of oil to the body makes it supple. This therapy can be employed either by administering oily substances internally or by using them externally in the form of oil massage. This article throws light on abhyanga and mardhana-a specialised oil massage therapy of Ayurveda.
Charaka Samhita, the Ayurvedic treatise, advocates oil massage as a regular health care measure in maintaining positive health. Massage preserves the body energy. It improves the blood circulation and helps in excreting toxins out of the body through sweat, urine and mucous; thus rejuvenating and relaxing the body. It protects against the vitiation and aggravation of vaata and kapha doshas. Massaging oil into the body makes it strong and helps the skin become smooth, says Ashtaanga Hridaya, another Ayurvedic treatise. So, one can expect good results from massage in treating skin disorders like eczema, blisters, scabies, seborrhoea and other conditions like neurasthenia, headaches, sleeplessness, gouty arthritis, polio, obesity and mental disorders. Massage increases physical stamina and mental alertness apart from sexual vitality.
Scientific Validity
The Ayurvedic system of medicine calls the lymph system as the kapha or mucous carrying system. Lymph contains most of the elements in blood i.e. plasma, amino acids, glucose, fats, hormones, enzymes, salts and lymphocytes which fight infection. It acts as a transport medium between cells and the blood stream. It also aids circulation by maintaining the balance of the fluids in the body. The massage technique is pointed towards increasing lymph flow in the body by applying pressure at the manna (vital) points as described in the Sushruta Samhita. Increasing the kapha activity by massage is purported to increase the nourishment of the body and give proper stimulation to joints and body tissues.
If lymph flow is increased by massage, then there are several likely processes, which may be involved. Lymph possesses a relatively large amount of the amino acidtryptophan. This subsequently causes a parallel increase in the neurotransmitter (chemical between nerve endings), serotonin. Serotonin has been implicated in several psychiatric diseases with low levels of its metabolite found by researchers in depression, hallucinations, headaches, anxiety and irritability. So, massage is beneficial in treating these conditions. Another interesting point is that lymph contains approximately 30 times as much histaminase (an enzyme which breaks the allergy and acidity causing histamine) as in blood. So, the pathological conditions where histamine is involved, like painful and swollen tissue areas, gastric irritation, headaches, skin allergies, can be treated with lymphatic massage in order to provide increased supply of histaminase.
Read more about some Ayurvedic Oil Massage tips and facts.
Ayurvedic Oil Massage - Tips and Facts
The effects of massage vary with the time of day. During the day it relaxes and refreshes, giving increased energy. In the evening it is more tranquillising.
To be a good masseur, one needs to look at the formation and function of the musculature. One who follows the natural contours and flows of the body ensures the most effective massage.
In cold seasons, hot or warm oil should be used and in the hot seasons it is viceversa. The easiest way is to put the oil into a plastic squeeze bottle and then hold it submerged in hot or cold water until it is pleasantly warm or cool according to the situation.
Oil should be applied at the joints or marma points in a circular manner, in a clockwise direction. And, on the other body parts, against the direction of the hair growth. This will direct the lymph towards the heart.
Before the massage, just relax. Take some deep breaths, and then rub your palms together until they feel warm. This charges the hands with energy and makes them pleasant to touch.
If we take the body to be an inverted tree, the brain is the root, the spine is the trunk, and limbs are the branches. So for maximum benefit, massage should commence from the upper leg. It should be massaged first on the outside and then inside. The lower part of the legs should be massaged followed by a foot massage. After this, the hips and sides should be worked with and the lower back should be massaged, moving upwards, covering the upper back. Then the chest and the arms should be massaged. The head should always be massaged last.
If daily massage of the whole body is not possible, at least the feet should be massaged every night before sleeping and the head could be given a massage every third day.
A wide range of oils is available for massage. Simple oils that are advised for general massage are sesame oil and mustard oil. Olive oil is also good. But it is too costly to use in our country.
Sesame oil is hot, heavy and sweet. It works on all the three doshas by removing swellings of all muscles, strengthening the skin texture and preventing premature aging. The shape of breasts can be improved by massaging them regularly with this oil. Oil of black sesame seeds is recommended in Ayurveda to keep the hair in good condition. Sesame oil is usually preferred to mustard oil, which may sometimes irritate tender skin because it is pungent and bitter, while sesame oil is neutral.
Apart from this, there are specific oils for specific conditions. For example, Brahmi oil induces sleep. Mahaanarayana taila can be used to treat muscle pains and arthritic conditions. Aswagandhaadi taila can be used in muscle atrophy. In the same way Mahaamarichyaadi taila can be used specifically for controlling itching. These oils can be used on the advice of an Ayurvedic physician.
Ayurvedic Oil Massage or Sneha Karma
Ayurvedic Oil Massage or Sneha Karma
Ayurveda, the all-time healing system, has some specialised therapeutic procedures of its own. Among them, sneha karma is one. It is a therapy, which is usually employed as a pre-operative procedure to panchakarma. This procedure produces snigdhata (suppleness) in the body. Ayurvedic texts compare the exhausted human body with a dry stick, which breaks easily. Application of oil to the body makes it supple. This therapy can be employed either by administering oily substances internally or by using them externally in the form of oil massage. This article throws light on abhyanga and mardhana-a specialised oil massage therapy of Ayurveda.
Charaka Samhita, the Ayurvedic treatise, advocates oil massage as a regular health care measure in maintaining positive health. Massage preserves the body energy. It improves the blood circulation and helps in excreting toxins out of the body through sweat, urine and mucous; thus rejuvenating and relaxing the body. It protects against the vitiation and aggravation of vaata and kapha doshas. Massaging oil into the body makes it strong and helps the skin become smooth, says Ashtaanga Hridaya, another Ayurvedic treatise. So, one can expect good results from massage in treating skin disorders like eczema, blisters, scabies, seborrhoea and other conditions like neurasthenia, headaches, sleeplessness, gouty arthritis, polio, obesity and mental disorders. Massage increases physical stamina and mental alertness apart from sexual vitality.
Scientific Validity
The Ayurvedic system of medicine calls the lymph system as the kapha or mucous carrying system. Lymph contains most of the elements in blood i.e. plasma, amino acids, glucose, fats, hormones, enzymes, salts and lymphocytes which fight infection. It acts as a transport medium between cells and the blood stream. It also aids circulation by maintaining the balance of the fluids in the body. The massage technique is pointed towards increasing lymph flow in the body by applying pressure at the manna (vital) points as described in the Sushruta Samhita. Increasing the kapha activity by massage is purported to increase the nourishment of the body and give proper stimulation to joints and body tissues.
If lymph flow is increased by massage, then there are several likely processes, which may be involved. Lymph possesses a relatively large amount of the amino acidtryptophan. This subsequently causes a parallel increase in the neurotransmitter (chemical between nerve endings), serotonin. Serotonin has been implicated in several psychiatric diseases with low levels of its metabolite found by researchers in depression, hallucinations, headaches, anxiety and irritability. So, massage is beneficial in treating these conditions. Another interesting point is that lymph contains approximately 30 times as much histaminase (an enzyme which breaks the allergy and acidity causing histamine) as in blood. So, the pathological conditions where histamine is involved, like painful and swollen tissue areas, gastric irritation, headaches, skin allergies, can be treated with lymphatic massage in order to provide increased supply of histaminase.
Read more about some Ayurvedic Oil Massage tips and facts.
Ayurvedic Oil Massage - Tips and Facts
The effects of massage vary with the time of day. During the day it relaxes and refreshes, giving increased energy. In the evening it is more tranquillising.
To be a good masseur, one needs to look at the formation and function of the musculature. One who follows the natural contours and flows of the body ensures the most effective massage.
In cold seasons, hot or warm oil should be used and in the hot seasons it is viceversa. The easiest way is to put the oil into a plastic squeeze bottle and then hold it submerged in hot or cold water until it is pleasantly warm or cool according to the situation.
Oil should be applied at the joints or marma points in a circular manner, in a clockwise direction. And, on the other body parts, against the direction of the hair growth. This will direct the lymph towards the heart.
Before the massage, just relax. Take some deep breaths, and then rub your palms together until they feel warm. This charges the hands with energy and makes them pleasant to touch.
If we take the body to be an inverted tree, the brain is the root, the spine is the trunk, and limbs are the branches. So for maximum benefit, massage should commence from the upper leg. It should be massaged first on the outside and then inside. The lower part of the legs should be massaged followed by a foot massage. After this, the hips and sides should be worked with and the lower back should be massaged, moving upwards, covering the upper back. Then the chest and the arms should be massaged. The head should always be massaged last.
If daily massage of the whole body is not possible, at least the feet should be massaged every night before sleeping and the head could be given a massage every third day.
A wide range of oils is available for massage. Simple oils that are advised for general massage are sesame oil and mustard oil. Olive oil is also good. But it is too costly to use in our country.
Sesame oil is hot, heavy and sweet. It works on all the three doshas by removing swellings of all muscles, strengthening the skin texture and preventing premature aging. The shape of breasts can be improved by massaging them regularly with this oil. Oil of black sesame seeds is recommended in Ayurveda to keep the hair in good condition. Sesame oil is usually preferred to mustard oil, which may sometimes irritate tender skin because it is pungent and bitter, while sesame oil is neutral.
Apart from this, there are specific oils for specific conditions. For example, Brahmi oil induces sleep. Mahaanarayana taila can be used to treat muscle pains and arthritic conditions. Aswagandhaadi taila can be used in muscle atrophy. In the same way Mahaamarichyaadi taila can be used specifically for controlling itching. These oils can be used on the advice of an Ayurvedic physician.
Ayurveda, the all-time healing system, has some specialised therapeutic procedures of its own. Among them, sneha karma is one. It is a therapy, which is usually employed as a pre-operative procedure to panchakarma. This procedure produces snigdhata (suppleness) in the body. Ayurvedic texts compare the exhausted human body with a dry stick, which breaks easily. Application of oil to the body makes it supple. This therapy can be employed either by administering oily substances internally or by using them externally in the form of oil massage. This article throws light on abhyanga and mardhana-a specialised oil massage therapy of Ayurveda.
Charaka Samhita, the Ayurvedic treatise, advocates oil massage as a regular health care measure in maintaining positive health. Massage preserves the body energy. It improves the blood circulation and helps in excreting toxins out of the body through sweat, urine and mucous; thus rejuvenating and relaxing the body. It protects against the vitiation and aggravation of vaata and kapha doshas. Massaging oil into the body makes it strong and helps the skin become smooth, says Ashtaanga Hridaya, another Ayurvedic treatise. So, one can expect good results from massage in treating skin disorders like eczema, blisters, scabies, seborrhoea and other conditions like neurasthenia, headaches, sleeplessness, gouty arthritis, polio, obesity and mental disorders. Massage increases physical stamina and mental alertness apart from sexual vitality.
Scientific Validity
The Ayurvedic system of medicine calls the lymph system as the kapha or mucous carrying system. Lymph contains most of the elements in blood i.e. plasma, amino acids, glucose, fats, hormones, enzymes, salts and lymphocytes which fight infection. It acts as a transport medium between cells and the blood stream. It also aids circulation by maintaining the balance of the fluids in the body. The massage technique is pointed towards increasing lymph flow in the body by applying pressure at the manna (vital) points as described in the Sushruta Samhita. Increasing the kapha activity by massage is purported to increase the nourishment of the body and give proper stimulation to joints and body tissues.
If lymph flow is increased by massage, then there are several likely processes, which may be involved. Lymph possesses a relatively large amount of the amino acidtryptophan. This subsequently causes a parallel increase in the neurotransmitter (chemical between nerve endings), serotonin. Serotonin has been implicated in several psychiatric diseases with low levels of its metabolite found by researchers in depression, hallucinations, headaches, anxiety and irritability. So, massage is beneficial in treating these conditions. Another interesting point is that lymph contains approximately 30 times as much histaminase (an enzyme which breaks the allergy and acidity causing histamine) as in blood. So, the pathological conditions where histamine is involved, like painful and swollen tissue areas, gastric irritation, headaches, skin allergies, can be treated with lymphatic massage in order to provide increased supply of histaminase.
Read more about some Ayurvedic Oil Massage tips and facts.
Ayurvedic Oil Massage - Tips and Facts
The effects of massage vary with the time of day. During the day it relaxes and refreshes, giving increased energy. In the evening it is more tranquillising.
To be a good masseur, one needs to look at the formation and function of the musculature. One who follows the natural contours and flows of the body ensures the most effective massage.
In cold seasons, hot or warm oil should be used and in the hot seasons it is viceversa. The easiest way is to put the oil into a plastic squeeze bottle and then hold it submerged in hot or cold water until it is pleasantly warm or cool according to the situation.
Oil should be applied at the joints or marma points in a circular manner, in a clockwise direction. And, on the other body parts, against the direction of the hair growth. This will direct the lymph towards the heart.
Before the massage, just relax. Take some deep breaths, and then rub your palms together until they feel warm. This charges the hands with energy and makes them pleasant to touch.
If we take the body to be an inverted tree, the brain is the root, the spine is the trunk, and limbs are the branches. So for maximum benefit, massage should commence from the upper leg. It should be massaged first on the outside and then inside. The lower part of the legs should be massaged followed by a foot massage. After this, the hips and sides should be worked with and the lower back should be massaged, moving upwards, covering the upper back. Then the chest and the arms should be massaged. The head should always be massaged last.
If daily massage of the whole body is not possible, at least the feet should be massaged every night before sleeping and the head could be given a massage every third day.
A wide range of oils is available for massage. Simple oils that are advised for general massage are sesame oil and mustard oil. Olive oil is also good. But it is too costly to use in our country.
Sesame oil is hot, heavy and sweet. It works on all the three doshas by removing swellings of all muscles, strengthening the skin texture and preventing premature aging. The shape of breasts can be improved by massaging them regularly with this oil. Oil of black sesame seeds is recommended in Ayurveda to keep the hair in good condition. Sesame oil is usually preferred to mustard oil, which may sometimes irritate tender skin because it is pungent and bitter, while sesame oil is neutral.
Apart from this, there are specific oils for specific conditions. For example, Brahmi oil induces sleep. Mahaanarayana taila can be used to treat muscle pains and arthritic conditions. Aswagandhaadi taila can be used in muscle atrophy. In the same way Mahaamarichyaadi taila can be used specifically for controlling itching. These oils can be used on the advice of an Ayurvedic physician.
Taste or Rasa of the Food Item
Sweet (Madhura Rasa): Any food that is nourishing and brings satisfaction, generally, has a sweet taste. Eating sweet foods will bring on kapha qualities in the bodycoldness, heaviness (by adding fat), steadiness and physical energy. Sweet foods are also soothing. They move the bowels and have the diuretic effect. If you are in a nervous and unsettled mood which is a sign of aroused vaata, sweet will calm you; it also puts out the fire of pitta and is considered as a brain tonic. However, too much sugar is not stabilising; it aggravates kapha, which produces lethargy. Excess of sweet causes greed and emotional dependence. Too much sweet becomes nauseating and leads to obesity, loss of appetite, respiratory disorders, goitre, swelling of lymph nodes, diabetes, worms etc. In the case of any kapha imbalance, sweets should be reduced or avoided. Example of sweet foods are rice, dal, jaggery, sugar, milk, honey, tubers, eggs, mango, bananas, apricots.
Sour (Amla Rasa): Drugs and diet with sour taste stimulate appetite and add taste to food. They expel the gas and combat anorexia. They can be used as anti-coagulants. Though it is refreshing to eat sour food, if consumed in excess, it increases thirst, which is the character of aggravated pitta. It can cause burning sensation in throat and chest. One has to drink lot of water to quell this heat. This in turn promotes fluid retention and swellings. The sharp qualities of pitta, such as sharp intellect and wittiness, are increased by sour foods. But too much pitta is connected with resentment and envy. Anaemia, haemorrhage, vertigo, and defects of the vision are the common disorders caused by excessive use of sour food. Examples of sour foods are lime, tomato, citrus fruits, etc.
Salty (Lavana Rasa): Salt increases both pitta and kapha. In small amounts, its taste adds relish to food, and starts the flow of saliva and stomach juices. However, excessive salt will make it harder to control food cravings. By making you eat extra, salt adds fat and leads to overweight. Salt also makes your body heavy, causing impotence, grey hair, premature wrinkling, falling of hair, haemorrhage, skin diseases, and gastric disorders. Excess salt is generally associated with cravings and uncontrollable desires. Examples are pickles and papad.
Pungent (Katu Rasa): Pungency of hot and spicy food causes a burning sensation (the heating effect of aggravated pitta) and thirst (the drying effect of aggravated vaata). It stimulates the body and makes fluids-sweat, tears, saliva, mucus and the blood flow freely. So, digestion increases and congested tissues are cleaned out. In spite of these good qualities, if used in excess, pungency can cause harm-eating a raw chilli causes swollen lips, burning skin, hot sweat and even impotence. Too much spicy food makes you thirsty, dizzy and unsettled. Examples of pungent foods are pepper, ginger, chillies, onions, garlic, etc.
Bitter (Tikta rasa): Bitter foods instantly make the palate crave for more satisfying tastes. It speeds up digestion. When the body becomes toxic, inflamed, hot, or itchy due to pitta aggravation, bitter taste is the best corrective. (Bitter giloy and quininebark soothe fever, for instance). But, if used in excess, bitter aggravates vaata, leadi.'1g to characteristic vaata complaints-loss of appetite~ weight loss, headache: unsteadiness, dry skin, debility, and dryness of the mouth. Examples of bitter foods are karela, methi, turmeric, spinach & spices.
Astringent (Kashaaya rasa): Astringent, the taste that makes our mouth dry, is not familiar to many. Astringency is light and sedative and causes granulation, absorption, and stiffness. This taste is cooling and constrictive; stops the flow of secretions such as sweat and tears. In excess, its constricting effect may lead to vaata complains such as constipation and dry mouth, along with gas or abdominal bloating. Astringent taste controls excitement. However, if you take in excess, astringency makes you shrivel. The sudden condition when you are seized by fear and the dry mouth that anxiety brings, are both astringent qualities. Examples of astringent foods are lentils, tea, broccoli beans, cabbage, cauliflower etc.
It is advisable to change your diet a bit so that all the six rasas are represented in your meal without repetition and monotony. A balanced diet is one that contains all the six tastes (shat-rasas).
For example, even if you have only two chapattis and boiled vegetables a day, you do not lose weight because both wheat and vegetables have sweet taste that prevents weight loss. Or even being on a diet of salads, one gets constipation because there is no lubrication in the diet. A little cow ghee added to the salads prevents putting on weight and facilitates bowel movements everyday.
Heating Or Cooling Energy Of Food Or Veerya
Certain items of food have a heating effect on body or are of high caloric value e.g. meat, fish, egg, jaggery, dates, nuts, honey, mango etc. Others like milk, oranges, melon, bananas, curd, cheese etc. have a cooling effect on the body.
Post-Digestive (Metabolic ) Effect Or Vipaaka
The post-digestive effect refers to the effect of the food substance on the digestive system, metabolism and on the nutrition of the body.
Sour (Amla Rasa): Drugs and diet with sour taste stimulate appetite and add taste to food. They expel the gas and combat anorexia. They can be used as anti-coagulants. Though it is refreshing to eat sour food, if consumed in excess, it increases thirst, which is the character of aggravated pitta. It can cause burning sensation in throat and chest. One has to drink lot of water to quell this heat. This in turn promotes fluid retention and swellings. The sharp qualities of pitta, such as sharp intellect and wittiness, are increased by sour foods. But too much pitta is connected with resentment and envy. Anaemia, haemorrhage, vertigo, and defects of the vision are the common disorders caused by excessive use of sour food. Examples of sour foods are lime, tomato, citrus fruits, etc.
Salty (Lavana Rasa): Salt increases both pitta and kapha. In small amounts, its taste adds relish to food, and starts the flow of saliva and stomach juices. However, excessive salt will make it harder to control food cravings. By making you eat extra, salt adds fat and leads to overweight. Salt also makes your body heavy, causing impotence, grey hair, premature wrinkling, falling of hair, haemorrhage, skin diseases, and gastric disorders. Excess salt is generally associated with cravings and uncontrollable desires. Examples are pickles and papad.
Pungent (Katu Rasa): Pungency of hot and spicy food causes a burning sensation (the heating effect of aggravated pitta) and thirst (the drying effect of aggravated vaata). It stimulates the body and makes fluids-sweat, tears, saliva, mucus and the blood flow freely. So, digestion increases and congested tissues are cleaned out. In spite of these good qualities, if used in excess, pungency can cause harm-eating a raw chilli causes swollen lips, burning skin, hot sweat and even impotence. Too much spicy food makes you thirsty, dizzy and unsettled. Examples of pungent foods are pepper, ginger, chillies, onions, garlic, etc.
Bitter (Tikta rasa): Bitter foods instantly make the palate crave for more satisfying tastes. It speeds up digestion. When the body becomes toxic, inflamed, hot, or itchy due to pitta aggravation, bitter taste is the best corrective. (Bitter giloy and quininebark soothe fever, for instance). But, if used in excess, bitter aggravates vaata, leadi.'1g to characteristic vaata complaints-loss of appetite~ weight loss, headache: unsteadiness, dry skin, debility, and dryness of the mouth. Examples of bitter foods are karela, methi, turmeric, spinach & spices.
Astringent (Kashaaya rasa): Astringent, the taste that makes our mouth dry, is not familiar to many. Astringency is light and sedative and causes granulation, absorption, and stiffness. This taste is cooling and constrictive; stops the flow of secretions such as sweat and tears. In excess, its constricting effect may lead to vaata complains such as constipation and dry mouth, along with gas or abdominal bloating. Astringent taste controls excitement. However, if you take in excess, astringency makes you shrivel. The sudden condition when you are seized by fear and the dry mouth that anxiety brings, are both astringent qualities. Examples of astringent foods are lentils, tea, broccoli beans, cabbage, cauliflower etc.
It is advisable to change your diet a bit so that all the six rasas are represented in your meal without repetition and monotony. A balanced diet is one that contains all the six tastes (shat-rasas).
For example, even if you have only two chapattis and boiled vegetables a day, you do not lose weight because both wheat and vegetables have sweet taste that prevents weight loss. Or even being on a diet of salads, one gets constipation because there is no lubrication in the diet. A little cow ghee added to the salads prevents putting on weight and facilitates bowel movements everyday.
Heating Or Cooling Energy Of Food Or Veerya
Certain items of food have a heating effect on body or are of high caloric value e.g. meat, fish, egg, jaggery, dates, nuts, honey, mango etc. Others like milk, oranges, melon, bananas, curd, cheese etc. have a cooling effect on the body.
Post-Digestive (Metabolic ) Effect Or Vipaaka
The post-digestive effect refers to the effect of the food substance on the digestive system, metabolism and on the nutrition of the body.
Herbs Have Side Effects
In the last few years, traditional systems of medicine are being looked upon with more acceptance in the Western world. Current estimates suggest that a large proportion of the population relies heavily on traditional practitioners and medicinal plants to meet primary health care needs. In our country, thou.gh modem medicine enjoys immense acceptance, herbal medicines have maintained their popularity for historical and cultural reasons. Concurrently, many people in developed countries have begun to turn to alternative or complementary therapies, including medicinal herbs.
Unless diagnosis and the appropriate treatment is done with all the modalities of ayurvedic treatment-diet, deeds and drugs-it is very likely to backfire. Here we shall discuss a few medicinal plants from exhaustive list on ayurvedic materia medica with their side-effects:
Licorice Root
Prolonged use of it i.e. more than 50 grams per day may increase water accumulation causing swelling of the hands and feet, which is a warning sign that you are retaining too much sodium and excreting too much potassium. Under no circumstances should a person try to fast while using licorice root. Also, licorice should not be used in conditions such as low serum potassium; high blood pressure; cardiovascular disease, particularly illnesses involving abnormalities of heart rhythm; gall bladder disease; kidney disease; pheochromocytoma and other adrenal tumours; diseases that cause low serum potassium levels, such as primary and secondary aldosternoism and severe chronic alcohol abuse; diseases that may result from low potassium levels such as certain kinds of flaccid paralysis or limb disorders; fasting or anorexia/bulimia; untreated hypothyroidism.
Garlic Bulb
Consumption of large amounts of garlic may increase the risk of post-operative bleeding. Garlic bas also been reported to evoke occasional allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis and asthmatic attacks after inhalation of the powdered drug. Those sensitive to garlic may also have a reaction to onion. Ingestion of fresh garlic bulbs, extracts, or oil on an empty stomach, may occasionally cause heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Garlic odour from breath and skin may be perceptible.
Aloe Juice
Major symptoms of overdose are griping and severe diarrhoea with consequent loss of fluid and electrolytes. Aloe should not be used in patients with intestinal obstruction or stenosis, atony, severe dehydration with electrolyte depletion, or chronic constipation. Aloe should not be administered to patients with inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or diverticulitis, or to children less than 10 years of age. It should not be used during pregnancy or lactation except under medical supervision. The herb is also contraindicated in patients with cramps, colic, haemorrhoids, nephritis, or any undiagnosed abdominal symptoms such as pain, nausea or vomiting. As it contains laxatives, it should be used only if no effect can be obtained through a change of diet or use of bulk-forming products.
Isabgul
Isabgul products should always be taken with sufficient amounts of liquid, and at least half an hour after other medication or supplements such as calcium, vitamins, to prevent delayed absorption.
Rauwolfia (Sarpagandha)
Its products are contraindicated in patients with a history of mental depression, epilepsy, decreased renal function, and in patients receiving electroconvulcive therapy. As Rauwolfia preparations increase gastro-intestinal motility and secretion, they should be used cautiously in persons with a history of peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, or gallstones.
Unless diagnosis and the appropriate treatment is done with all the modalities of ayurvedic treatment-diet, deeds and drugs-it is very likely to backfire. Here we shall discuss a few medicinal plants from exhaustive list on ayurvedic materia medica with their side-effects:
Licorice Root
Prolonged use of it i.e. more than 50 grams per day may increase water accumulation causing swelling of the hands and feet, which is a warning sign that you are retaining too much sodium and excreting too much potassium. Under no circumstances should a person try to fast while using licorice root. Also, licorice should not be used in conditions such as low serum potassium; high blood pressure; cardiovascular disease, particularly illnesses involving abnormalities of heart rhythm; gall bladder disease; kidney disease; pheochromocytoma and other adrenal tumours; diseases that cause low serum potassium levels, such as primary and secondary aldosternoism and severe chronic alcohol abuse; diseases that may result from low potassium levels such as certain kinds of flaccid paralysis or limb disorders; fasting or anorexia/bulimia; untreated hypothyroidism.
Garlic Bulb
Consumption of large amounts of garlic may increase the risk of post-operative bleeding. Garlic bas also been reported to evoke occasional allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis and asthmatic attacks after inhalation of the powdered drug. Those sensitive to garlic may also have a reaction to onion. Ingestion of fresh garlic bulbs, extracts, or oil on an empty stomach, may occasionally cause heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Garlic odour from breath and skin may be perceptible.
Aloe Juice
Major symptoms of overdose are griping and severe diarrhoea with consequent loss of fluid and electrolytes. Aloe should not be used in patients with intestinal obstruction or stenosis, atony, severe dehydration with electrolyte depletion, or chronic constipation. Aloe should not be administered to patients with inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or diverticulitis, or to children less than 10 years of age. It should not be used during pregnancy or lactation except under medical supervision. The herb is also contraindicated in patients with cramps, colic, haemorrhoids, nephritis, or any undiagnosed abdominal symptoms such as pain, nausea or vomiting. As it contains laxatives, it should be used only if no effect can be obtained through a change of diet or use of bulk-forming products.
Isabgul
Isabgul products should always be taken with sufficient amounts of liquid, and at least half an hour after other medication or supplements such as calcium, vitamins, to prevent delayed absorption.
Rauwolfia (Sarpagandha)
Its products are contraindicated in patients with a history of mental depression, epilepsy, decreased renal function, and in patients receiving electroconvulcive therapy. As Rauwolfia preparations increase gastro-intestinal motility and secretion, they should be used cautiously in persons with a history of peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, or gallstones.
Golden tips For Physical & Mental Health
Golden Rules For Physical & Mental Health
For a sound health both psyche and physique should be normal and also in equilibrium. For maintaining physical health, Ayurveda has laid stress on natural urges that should not be suppressed. On the other hand, for perfect mental health, one needs to suppress urges relating to rash behaviour.
Non-Suppressible Urges
Ayurveda identifies thirteen natural urges that should never be suppressed and that can cause grievous repercussions when forcibly ignored.
Suppression of Urine: Suppression of the urge for urination (micturition) causes pain in the bladder and penis. Difficulty in passing urine, headache, lack of muscular strength (atony) of the bladder, urinary stones and inflammation of urinary tract are some of the problems that can occur on regular suppression of urge to urinate for a long period. One should resort to tub bath, massage, nasal drops of ghee along with the three types of enemas (vasti karmas) described in the Ayurvedic texts. A doctor should monitor these treatments.
Suppression of Stool: If one holds the urge for evacuation of the bowels (defecation), it causes abdominal pain, headaches, retention of stools (feces), gas in the digestive tract, cramps in the calf muscles and abdominal distention.
Suppression of Wind: If one suppresses the urge for passing flatus, this causes retention of stool, urine and gas in the digestive tract, abdominal bloating (distention), abdominal pain, heart disease, constipation or diarrhoea, exhaustion and other abdominal diseases due to the vitiation of vaata. In that case, unction, fomentation, suppositories, intake of food and drinks having carminative action and enema are the best.
Suppression of Semen: Just before the time of ejaculation, if semen is suppressed then it may produce stones (spermolith), pain in the penis and testicles, exhaustion, chest pain, retention of urine and difficulty in intercourse. In that case, massage, tub-bath, and a diet of wine, chicken, rice and milk, along with non-greasy enema and sexual intercourse are prescribed.
Suppression of Vomiting: When food is not digested, or any poisonous material gets ingested into the body, the body tries to expel it. If this act is suppressed, then the undigested matter of poisonous material is circulated in the body, thereby producing different types of diseases and conditions like eruption of weal with severe itching (urticaria), giddiness, loss of appetite, black pigmentation of face, oedema, anaemia, fever, skin diseases, nausea and hyperacidity. In such cases, induction of vomiting, dhoomrapaanam (medicated smoke inhalations) fasting, raksta mokshna (blood-letting), non-greasy food and drinks, physical exercise and virechana karma (purgation) are prescribed.
Suppression of Sneezing: This phenomenon is for getting rid of the foreign matter out of the nose thereby clearing the nasal passage. If this is suppressed, the foreign matter in the nose may produce rhinitis and chronic cold, headache, sinusitis and diseases of the respiratory system. Apart from this, due to excessive strain in the neck, face and associated muscles and other structures, ailments like stiff neck, facial paralysis, migraine and weakness of the sense organs are caused. One should massage, do fomentation in the head and neck region and take medicated smoke inhalations along with nasal drops. One should also take food useful for the alleviation of vaata and take ghee after meals.
Suppression of Eructation: This leads to hiccups, breathlessness (dyspnoea), pain in the chest, cough, and loss of appetite (anorexia).
Suppression of Yawning: This leads to diseases of the eyes, throat, ear and nose. Suppression of yawning also causes bending, convulsions, contractions, numbness, tremors and shaking of the body. For the treatment of these ailments, one should use drugs for alleviating vaata.
Suppression of Hunger: Desire to take food is suggestive of requirements of nutrition or some emotional breakdown. By keeping hungry, either nutritional disorders or debility or irritability are produced. By suppressing hunger, one subjects oneself to emaciation, weakness, change in complexion, discomfort (malaise), loss of appetite, and giddiness. One should take unctuous, hot and light food.
Suppression of Thirst: Desire to drink water is suggestive of requirement of the bodily fluid or replacement of fluid loss. Suppression of thirst causes dryness of throat and mouth, deafness, exhaustion, weakness, dehydration and cardiac pain. In that case one should take cold demulcent drinks.
Suppression of Tears: Emotional conditions like pleasure or grief can bring down the tears and if suppressed, eye diseases, rhinitis, mental disorders, pain in chest, giddiness and digestive disorders can take place. Sleep, intake of wine and pleasant conversation are helpful in overcoming this.
Suppression of Respiration: Breathing caused by over-exhaustion should not be suppressed. Sudden holding of breath may cause suffocation, respiratory disorders, heart diseases and even death: Praanaayaama is an important yogic exercise and one should gradually practise this breathing exercise.
Suppression of Sleep: By keeping awake forcefully, the brain, sense organs and the voluntary organs are tired. As a result, diseases like insomnia, mental disorders, digestive disorders and diseases of sense organs are caused. To overcome them, apart from rest and sleep, one has to resort to the regimen prescribed for the alleviatioi of vaata.
Suppressible Urges
A person desirous of his well-being should suppress urges relating to rashness and evil deeds-mentally, orally and physically.
Similarly, a wise person should refrain from urges relating to greed, grief, fear, anger, self-centredness, shamelessness, jealousy, too much of attachment and malaise.
One should also refrain from speaking harshly, backbiting, lying.
Violence or an urge to succumb to physical weaknesses like adultery should be controlled. A person free from all defects relating to mind, speech and physical actions, is indeed happy and begets dharma (virtue), artha (wealth) , and kaama (desire)
For a sound health both psyche and physique should be normal and also in equilibrium. For maintaining physical health, Ayurveda has laid stress on natural urges that should not be suppressed. On the other hand, for perfect mental health, one needs to suppress urges relating to rash behaviour.
Non-Suppressible Urges
Ayurveda identifies thirteen natural urges that should never be suppressed and that can cause grievous repercussions when forcibly ignored.
Suppression of Urine: Suppression of the urge for urination (micturition) causes pain in the bladder and penis. Difficulty in passing urine, headache, lack of muscular strength (atony) of the bladder, urinary stones and inflammation of urinary tract are some of the problems that can occur on regular suppression of urge to urinate for a long period. One should resort to tub bath, massage, nasal drops of ghee along with the three types of enemas (vasti karmas) described in the Ayurvedic texts. A doctor should monitor these treatments.
Suppression of Stool: If one holds the urge for evacuation of the bowels (defecation), it causes abdominal pain, headaches, retention of stools (feces), gas in the digestive tract, cramps in the calf muscles and abdominal distention.
Suppression of Wind: If one suppresses the urge for passing flatus, this causes retention of stool, urine and gas in the digestive tract, abdominal bloating (distention), abdominal pain, heart disease, constipation or diarrhoea, exhaustion and other abdominal diseases due to the vitiation of vaata. In that case, unction, fomentation, suppositories, intake of food and drinks having carminative action and enema are the best.
Suppression of Semen: Just before the time of ejaculation, if semen is suppressed then it may produce stones (spermolith), pain in the penis and testicles, exhaustion, chest pain, retention of urine and difficulty in intercourse. In that case, massage, tub-bath, and a diet of wine, chicken, rice and milk, along with non-greasy enema and sexual intercourse are prescribed.
Suppression of Vomiting: When food is not digested, or any poisonous material gets ingested into the body, the body tries to expel it. If this act is suppressed, then the undigested matter of poisonous material is circulated in the body, thereby producing different types of diseases and conditions like eruption of weal with severe itching (urticaria), giddiness, loss of appetite, black pigmentation of face, oedema, anaemia, fever, skin diseases, nausea and hyperacidity. In such cases, induction of vomiting, dhoomrapaanam (medicated smoke inhalations) fasting, raksta mokshna (blood-letting), non-greasy food and drinks, physical exercise and virechana karma (purgation) are prescribed.
Suppression of Sneezing: This phenomenon is for getting rid of the foreign matter out of the nose thereby clearing the nasal passage. If this is suppressed, the foreign matter in the nose may produce rhinitis and chronic cold, headache, sinusitis and diseases of the respiratory system. Apart from this, due to excessive strain in the neck, face and associated muscles and other structures, ailments like stiff neck, facial paralysis, migraine and weakness of the sense organs are caused. One should massage, do fomentation in the head and neck region and take medicated smoke inhalations along with nasal drops. One should also take food useful for the alleviation of vaata and take ghee after meals.
Suppression of Eructation: This leads to hiccups, breathlessness (dyspnoea), pain in the chest, cough, and loss of appetite (anorexia).
Suppression of Yawning: This leads to diseases of the eyes, throat, ear and nose. Suppression of yawning also causes bending, convulsions, contractions, numbness, tremors and shaking of the body. For the treatment of these ailments, one should use drugs for alleviating vaata.
Suppression of Hunger: Desire to take food is suggestive of requirements of nutrition or some emotional breakdown. By keeping hungry, either nutritional disorders or debility or irritability are produced. By suppressing hunger, one subjects oneself to emaciation, weakness, change in complexion, discomfort (malaise), loss of appetite, and giddiness. One should take unctuous, hot and light food.
Suppression of Thirst: Desire to drink water is suggestive of requirement of the bodily fluid or replacement of fluid loss. Suppression of thirst causes dryness of throat and mouth, deafness, exhaustion, weakness, dehydration and cardiac pain. In that case one should take cold demulcent drinks.
Suppression of Tears: Emotional conditions like pleasure or grief can bring down the tears and if suppressed, eye diseases, rhinitis, mental disorders, pain in chest, giddiness and digestive disorders can take place. Sleep, intake of wine and pleasant conversation are helpful in overcoming this.
Suppression of Respiration: Breathing caused by over-exhaustion should not be suppressed. Sudden holding of breath may cause suffocation, respiratory disorders, heart diseases and even death: Praanaayaama is an important yogic exercise and one should gradually practise this breathing exercise.
Suppression of Sleep: By keeping awake forcefully, the brain, sense organs and the voluntary organs are tired. As a result, diseases like insomnia, mental disorders, digestive disorders and diseases of sense organs are caused. To overcome them, apart from rest and sleep, one has to resort to the regimen prescribed for the alleviatioi of vaata.
Suppressible Urges
A person desirous of his well-being should suppress urges relating to rashness and evil deeds-mentally, orally and physically.
Similarly, a wise person should refrain from urges relating to greed, grief, fear, anger, self-centredness, shamelessness, jealousy, too much of attachment and malaise.
One should also refrain from speaking harshly, backbiting, lying.
Violence or an urge to succumb to physical weaknesses like adultery should be controlled. A person free from all defects relating to mind, speech and physical actions, is indeed happy and begets dharma (virtue), artha (wealth) , and kaama (desire)
Role of Diet in Health & Disease
According to the philosophy of Ayurveda, health is not just maintained by taking a balanced diet but it depends on various factors like: constitution or prakriti of an individual, digestive power or agni, taste or rasa of the food item, heating or cooling energy of food or veerya, and post-digestive (metabolic) effect or vipaaka.
Constitution Or Prakriti
The inherent constitution or prakriti of an individual consists of one or more of the doshas i.e. the vaata, pitta and kapha. This determines which type of food helps the person in promoting health and nutrition and which are not conducive for the same.
Digestive Power Or Agni
The digestive power or agni is also based on the balance of the doshas in the body. Any imbalance leads to disorder of digestion and metabolism of food. Agni is of 4 types:-
Vishama Agni: Due to vaata dosha, the gastric fire becomes vitiated, causing irregular appetite, indigestion and gas. Emotionally, this can result in anxiety, insecurity, fear and neurological or mental problems.
Teekhna Agni: Pitta dosha is responsible for this type of disorder. It may cause hyper-metabolism, hyperacidity, heartburn and hypoglycemia leading to inflammatory diseases.
Manda Agni: This is due to excess kapha condition, leading to slow metabolism, overweight, allergies and congestive diseases.
Constitution Or Prakriti
The inherent constitution or prakriti of an individual consists of one or more of the doshas i.e. the vaata, pitta and kapha. This determines which type of food helps the person in promoting health and nutrition and which are not conducive for the same.
Digestive Power Or Agni
The digestive power or agni is also based on the balance of the doshas in the body. Any imbalance leads to disorder of digestion and metabolism of food. Agni is of 4 types:-
Vishama Agni: Due to vaata dosha, the gastric fire becomes vitiated, causing irregular appetite, indigestion and gas. Emotionally, this can result in anxiety, insecurity, fear and neurological or mental problems.
Teekhna Agni: Pitta dosha is responsible for this type of disorder. It may cause hyper-metabolism, hyperacidity, heartburn and hypoglycemia leading to inflammatory diseases.
Manda Agni: This is due to excess kapha condition, leading to slow metabolism, overweight, allergies and congestive diseases.
Fomentation or Sweda Karma- heat therapy
Heat therapy relaxes you; loosens muscles and ligaments; dilates blood vessels; boosts circulation; increases metabolic processes; warms the skin and, of course, makes you sweat. So, heat therapy in Ayurveda is called sweda karma (sweda means sweat). This is one of the prerequisites for Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapies.
Heat works to promote wound healing. When applied to a wound, heat raises the metabolic rate. The resulting increased blood flow carries away waste products and provides a greater supply of nutrients and infection fighters to the affected area. It helps reduce the pain of arthritis and sore muscles. It is also used for treating cancerous tumours. Ayurvedic classics have described a wide range of fomentation procedures, which are classified into different categories depending upon various factors:
Whether it involves agni (fire) or not. (agni sweda or niragni sweda).
Is it used for a specific part of the body (ekaanga sweda) or the whole body (sarvaanga sweda). Generally, locally applied heat as in hot packs can be better for wounds, muscle and skeletal injuries; heat therapy for the whole body is generally for relaxation.
Whether the fomentation is wet (snigdha) or dry (rooksha). Moist heat is thought to penetrate deeper than dry heat and so may be better for sore muscles or injured ligaments. Some skin ailments may benefit from less penetrating dry heat.
Ayurveda recommends heat application in all Vaata, Kapha and Aama disorders. Heat can be effective supporting therapy in case of many diseases like bronchial asthma, cough, catarrh, hiccups, bloated belly, inactivity, catch in waist, sides and back, painful urination, urinary stones, turnours, paralysis of the limbs, loss of sense in the limbs, etc.
However, for those with poor blood circulation, diabetes or heart disease, heat therapy should be used only under a doctor's supervision. It is not for expectant mothers, children and aged persons.
Ayurveda has restricted its usage in case of bleeding disorders, diarrhoea, debility and indigestion. Also fomentation will not give the desired results if you are mentally disturbed by emotions like fear, sorrow or anger.
Heat application in the pubic region should be milder than for other regions. Testicles, eyes and chest must be covered properly while taking this heat therapy. Among the wide range of fomentation procedures, some of the important ones are described in the formentation procedures section.
Fomentation Procedures
Some of the well known Formentation Procedures are discussed below:
Upanaaha Swedam (Poultice)
This is the hot application of a paste of drugs such as kola (Zizyphus jujuba), kulattha (Dolichos biflorus), suradaaru (Cedrus deodara), raasna (Pluchea lanceolata), maasha (Phaseolus radiatus), fruits of eranda (Recinus communis) etc.
Ifyou are suffering from Vaata disorders (skeleto-muscular pains), powder and mix these drugs in sour buttermilk or wine along with salt. This is to be applied while it is still hot, over the affected parts, covered with cloth or castor leaves or other leaves. A poultice that has been tied in the morning must be removed in the night or if it has been tied in the night, it should be removed the next morning.
Ooshma Swedam (Steam Bath)
Inducing sweat by means of steam is called ooshma swedam. For generating steam, ordinary plain water is boiled or sometimes medicated decoction may be used. The steam so generated is directed to the whole body or any particular part. For this you need not go to any health spa or health centre. You can sit or lie on a rope cot or chair and cover yourself with a blanket. Place the steaming decoction below the cot. The decoction should be frequently stirred.
A Vagaaha Swedam (Sitz Bath)
In this therapy, the patient undergoing treatment gets into a tub filled with prescribed herbal decoction. When it is comfortably hot, the patient is covered with a blanket to preserve the heat. As the decoction loses heat, it should be replaced time to time with hot decoction. The rule is that medicated oils selected according to the ailment must be added to the decoction.
This procedure is especially suited in generalised body pains, painful or obstructed urination, pelvic inflammatory diseases and hernia. The drugs for preparing the decoction are the leaves of drumstick, castor, karanja (Pongamia pinnata), holy basil, black basil. sireesha (Albizzia lebbek), vacha (Acorus calamus) and fish meat. If the whole body is to be subjected to fomentation then the patient should immerse up to the neck in the decoction, Otherwise, immersing the patient up to the naval region is sufficient. The patient and the tub should be covered fully with a thick blanket.
Kanbala Swedam (Using A Blanket To Promote Sweating)
This is a simple and yet effective method. Take a blanket and immerse it in hot decoction. Ensure that it is comfortably warm. Cover the patient with it after squeezing the extra t1uid from it. You can repeat the process if desired or you can use two blankets, one after the other for continuous fomentation.
Taapa Swedam (Dry Sweating)
In this therapy, sweat is induced by rubbing or pressing the body with a heated stone, tile, hot water bottle or similar material. It is more suited in inflammatory swellings with discharge. This effect can also be achieved with an electric room heater. You can get hot air from it by placing a table fan behind it. This is advantageous over the moist heat in some aspects. The primary disadvantage of steam heat is that your body can't dissipate heat as effectively as in a hot-air bath because heat evaporates more readily in dry air. In a steam room, the sweat lingering on the skin creates a stifling effect that increases the skin temperature, even though a steam room is kept at a comparative low temperature.
Naadi Swedam (Using A Tube To Induce Sweating)
This is very convenient if a particular area is to be subjected to fomentation. Fill a pressure cooker with plain water or prescribed drugs and water. Remove its weight and attach a gas stove pipe to its nozzle. Generate steam and direct it to the desired area. This procedure has to be done carefully as the steam is capable of scalding the exposed part. There are other procedures like pinda sweda, bhaashpa sweda, etc., which need professional supervision and help for conducting the act.
Heat therapy is a pre-pancha karma procedure. To start with, usage of medicated oils externally and internally loosens up the accumulated doshas in the body. With heat therapy, they melt and the flow is directed into the bowels. It is then easy to expel them with vamana (emesis) or virechana (purgation). Thus sweating is essential before any cleansing process. This concept is exclusive to A yurveda.
Heat works to promote wound healing. When applied to a wound, heat raises the metabolic rate. The resulting increased blood flow carries away waste products and provides a greater supply of nutrients and infection fighters to the affected area. It helps reduce the pain of arthritis and sore muscles. It is also used for treating cancerous tumours. Ayurvedic classics have described a wide range of fomentation procedures, which are classified into different categories depending upon various factors:
Whether it involves agni (fire) or not. (agni sweda or niragni sweda).
Is it used for a specific part of the body (ekaanga sweda) or the whole body (sarvaanga sweda). Generally, locally applied heat as in hot packs can be better for wounds, muscle and skeletal injuries; heat therapy for the whole body is generally for relaxation.
Whether the fomentation is wet (snigdha) or dry (rooksha). Moist heat is thought to penetrate deeper than dry heat and so may be better for sore muscles or injured ligaments. Some skin ailments may benefit from less penetrating dry heat.
Ayurveda recommends heat application in all Vaata, Kapha and Aama disorders. Heat can be effective supporting therapy in case of many diseases like bronchial asthma, cough, catarrh, hiccups, bloated belly, inactivity, catch in waist, sides and back, painful urination, urinary stones, turnours, paralysis of the limbs, loss of sense in the limbs, etc.
However, for those with poor blood circulation, diabetes or heart disease, heat therapy should be used only under a doctor's supervision. It is not for expectant mothers, children and aged persons.
Ayurveda has restricted its usage in case of bleeding disorders, diarrhoea, debility and indigestion. Also fomentation will not give the desired results if you are mentally disturbed by emotions like fear, sorrow or anger.
Heat application in the pubic region should be milder than for other regions. Testicles, eyes and chest must be covered properly while taking this heat therapy. Among the wide range of fomentation procedures, some of the important ones are described in the formentation procedures section.
Fomentation Procedures
Some of the well known Formentation Procedures are discussed below:
Upanaaha Swedam (Poultice)
This is the hot application of a paste of drugs such as kola (Zizyphus jujuba), kulattha (Dolichos biflorus), suradaaru (Cedrus deodara), raasna (Pluchea lanceolata), maasha (Phaseolus radiatus), fruits of eranda (Recinus communis) etc.
Ifyou are suffering from Vaata disorders (skeleto-muscular pains), powder and mix these drugs in sour buttermilk or wine along with salt. This is to be applied while it is still hot, over the affected parts, covered with cloth or castor leaves or other leaves. A poultice that has been tied in the morning must be removed in the night or if it has been tied in the night, it should be removed the next morning.
Ooshma Swedam (Steam Bath)
Inducing sweat by means of steam is called ooshma swedam. For generating steam, ordinary plain water is boiled or sometimes medicated decoction may be used. The steam so generated is directed to the whole body or any particular part. For this you need not go to any health spa or health centre. You can sit or lie on a rope cot or chair and cover yourself with a blanket. Place the steaming decoction below the cot. The decoction should be frequently stirred.
A Vagaaha Swedam (Sitz Bath)
In this therapy, the patient undergoing treatment gets into a tub filled with prescribed herbal decoction. When it is comfortably hot, the patient is covered with a blanket to preserve the heat. As the decoction loses heat, it should be replaced time to time with hot decoction. The rule is that medicated oils selected according to the ailment must be added to the decoction.
This procedure is especially suited in generalised body pains, painful or obstructed urination, pelvic inflammatory diseases and hernia. The drugs for preparing the decoction are the leaves of drumstick, castor, karanja (Pongamia pinnata), holy basil, black basil. sireesha (Albizzia lebbek), vacha (Acorus calamus) and fish meat. If the whole body is to be subjected to fomentation then the patient should immerse up to the neck in the decoction, Otherwise, immersing the patient up to the naval region is sufficient. The patient and the tub should be covered fully with a thick blanket.
Kanbala Swedam (Using A Blanket To Promote Sweating)
This is a simple and yet effective method. Take a blanket and immerse it in hot decoction. Ensure that it is comfortably warm. Cover the patient with it after squeezing the extra t1uid from it. You can repeat the process if desired or you can use two blankets, one after the other for continuous fomentation.
Taapa Swedam (Dry Sweating)
In this therapy, sweat is induced by rubbing or pressing the body with a heated stone, tile, hot water bottle or similar material. It is more suited in inflammatory swellings with discharge. This effect can also be achieved with an electric room heater. You can get hot air from it by placing a table fan behind it. This is advantageous over the moist heat in some aspects. The primary disadvantage of steam heat is that your body can't dissipate heat as effectively as in a hot-air bath because heat evaporates more readily in dry air. In a steam room, the sweat lingering on the skin creates a stifling effect that increases the skin temperature, even though a steam room is kept at a comparative low temperature.
Naadi Swedam (Using A Tube To Induce Sweating)
This is very convenient if a particular area is to be subjected to fomentation. Fill a pressure cooker with plain water or prescribed drugs and water. Remove its weight and attach a gas stove pipe to its nozzle. Generate steam and direct it to the desired area. This procedure has to be done carefully as the steam is capable of scalding the exposed part. There are other procedures like pinda sweda, bhaashpa sweda, etc., which need professional supervision and help for conducting the act.
Heat therapy is a pre-pancha karma procedure. To start with, usage of medicated oils externally and internally loosens up the accumulated doshas in the body. With heat therapy, they melt and the flow is directed into the bowels. It is then easy to expel them with vamana (emesis) or virechana (purgation). Thus sweating is essential before any cleansing process. This concept is exclusive to A yurveda.
Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasaayana) - Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy
person, who takes suitable diet and practises self-control, lives a full span of 100 years of 36,000 nights, without illness, says Ayurveda. The idea is to add life to years, not merely years to life. This concept is embodied in 'Rasaayana (rejuvenation) and Vaajeekarna (Verilization) of Ayurveda. Charaka Samhita, the ancient ayurvedic classic of our country claims that it is possible by a special course of rejuvenation of six .months duration, to transform entirely an aged and diseased body into a fresh and youthful one.
Many have sought the secrets of longevity but they remain mostly hidden. On the other hand, agents for' shortevity' and 'dejuvenation' seem to be better understood. It is generally agreed that longevity and vitality have genetic and hereditary factors. Again certain factors like climate, air, soil or water are conducive to longer life.
In experimental animals, three factors are known to affect the life span-heredity, diet and ionising radiation. Recent reports by the Atom Bomb Casuality Commission reveal that the atom bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945) are now showing signs of ageing at a much earlier age than is usual in Japan.
Changes Due to Ageing
Ayurveda divides human life into:
1) Childhood, which extends up to the age of 16
2) Youth and middle age, which extends from 16 to 60 years
3) Old age, "wherein, after 60 to 70 years the body elements, sense organs, strength, energy, manhood, memory, understanding, speech and discrimination begin to decay".
In old age the organs and virility become weak. Hair turns silvery white, skin looks dried and wrinkled, and marks or dots termed as crow's footmarks appear. The skin sags down and becomes flabby. The hair begins to fall off. Respiration becomes laboured and painful. The body gets worn-out like an old building and shakes with bouts of distressing cough. Such man is incapable of all acts, and all his bodily functions are imperfect." Twenty centuries after these words were written in Ayurvedic texts, the changes in physiological ageing are exactly the same as described!
Theoretical Premise For Rejuvenation
Based on our current understanding of cell injury and its repair, it is theoretically possible to postulate mechanisms, which will prevent cell injury and facilitate its repair, and form the basis of rejuvenation. Quenching of free radicals, using membrane stabilizing agents; using Lathyrogens-which are capable of inhibiting cross-linkage of collagen in the connective tissue; and in certain autoimmune conditions, using immunosuppressants-all these can delay ageing and prolong the life. Interestingly the drugs, which are the main ingredients of certain ayurvedic preparations, contain most of the above properties.
Rasaayana, meaning rejuvenation therapy has two words: The phrase Rasa+aayana. Rasa means biologically transformable liquid nutrient of all the tissues in the body and aayana means a pathway. Thus, Rasaayana bestows the strength of all dhaatus of the body! Rasaayana chikitsa helps slowing down the ageing process, enhances memory, improves the functioning of vital organs, increases the ojus (the immunity factor) and nourishes all the tissues.
Rasaayana (Rejuvenation therapy) can be of three types according to the methods adopted.
They are:
Kuti Pravesika: Strictly indoor management with specific diet and rasaayana drugs in a specially constructed house (kuti).
Vaataatapika: Outdoor management, which is suitable to all.
Aachaara Rasaayana: Management without drugs, based on the mode of living, behaviour, conduct etc.
Rasaayana (Rejuvenation therapy) can also be classified into three types according to its utility.
Kaamya Rasaayana: Meant for a healthy person for long life, good vision, improvement of memory or intelligence etc.
Naimittika Rasaayana: It is useful in curing diseases and strengthening the body while preventing a relapse.
Ajasrika Rasaayana: Regular use of cow milk, ghee, and honey throughout the year helps facilitate the maintenance of health and keeps the body free from disease.
The qualifications of a person suitable for rejuvenation, according to Charaka Samhita are as follows: A man who has fortified himself with resolution and purpose, full of faith and single-mindedness, having cast off all evils and nurturing goodwill for all creatures. No man who has not rid himself of the evils both of mind and body, beginning with the gross ones, can ever expect to get the benefits resulting from vitalization.
Many have sought the secrets of longevity but they remain mostly hidden. On the other hand, agents for' shortevity' and 'dejuvenation' seem to be better understood. It is generally agreed that longevity and vitality have genetic and hereditary factors. Again certain factors like climate, air, soil or water are conducive to longer life.
In experimental animals, three factors are known to affect the life span-heredity, diet and ionising radiation. Recent reports by the Atom Bomb Casuality Commission reveal that the atom bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945) are now showing signs of ageing at a much earlier age than is usual in Japan.
Changes Due to Ageing
Ayurveda divides human life into:
1) Childhood, which extends up to the age of 16
2) Youth and middle age, which extends from 16 to 60 years
3) Old age, "wherein, after 60 to 70 years the body elements, sense organs, strength, energy, manhood, memory, understanding, speech and discrimination begin to decay".
In old age the organs and virility become weak. Hair turns silvery white, skin looks dried and wrinkled, and marks or dots termed as crow's footmarks appear. The skin sags down and becomes flabby. The hair begins to fall off. Respiration becomes laboured and painful. The body gets worn-out like an old building and shakes with bouts of distressing cough. Such man is incapable of all acts, and all his bodily functions are imperfect." Twenty centuries after these words were written in Ayurvedic texts, the changes in physiological ageing are exactly the same as described!
Theoretical Premise For Rejuvenation
Based on our current understanding of cell injury and its repair, it is theoretically possible to postulate mechanisms, which will prevent cell injury and facilitate its repair, and form the basis of rejuvenation. Quenching of free radicals, using membrane stabilizing agents; using Lathyrogens-which are capable of inhibiting cross-linkage of collagen in the connective tissue; and in certain autoimmune conditions, using immunosuppressants-all these can delay ageing and prolong the life. Interestingly the drugs, which are the main ingredients of certain ayurvedic preparations, contain most of the above properties.
Rasaayana, meaning rejuvenation therapy has two words: The phrase Rasa+aayana. Rasa means biologically transformable liquid nutrient of all the tissues in the body and aayana means a pathway. Thus, Rasaayana bestows the strength of all dhaatus of the body! Rasaayana chikitsa helps slowing down the ageing process, enhances memory, improves the functioning of vital organs, increases the ojus (the immunity factor) and nourishes all the tissues.
Rasaayana (Rejuvenation therapy) can be of three types according to the methods adopted.
They are:
Kuti Pravesika: Strictly indoor management with specific diet and rasaayana drugs in a specially constructed house (kuti).
Vaataatapika: Outdoor management, which is suitable to all.
Aachaara Rasaayana: Management without drugs, based on the mode of living, behaviour, conduct etc.
Rasaayana (Rejuvenation therapy) can also be classified into three types according to its utility.
Kaamya Rasaayana: Meant for a healthy person for long life, good vision, improvement of memory or intelligence etc.
Naimittika Rasaayana: It is useful in curing diseases and strengthening the body while preventing a relapse.
Ajasrika Rasaayana: Regular use of cow milk, ghee, and honey throughout the year helps facilitate the maintenance of health and keeps the body free from disease.
The qualifications of a person suitable for rejuvenation, according to Charaka Samhita are as follows: A man who has fortified himself with resolution and purpose, full of faith and single-mindedness, having cast off all evils and nurturing goodwill for all creatures. No man who has not rid himself of the evils both of mind and body, beginning with the gross ones, can ever expect to get the benefits resulting from vitalization.
Urine Therapy - Benefits of Urine
Most people are horrified when they first hear about the medical uses of urine. But then, do you know that you have already reused and re-ingested your urine, that too large amount of it for a long period of time, and it's one of the reasons you're alive today? Yes! Urine is the main component of the amniotic fluid that bathes the human foetus, according to latest medical researchers.
Drinking of one's own urine is mentioned in Ayurvedic treatises like Yogaratnaakaram, Sushruta Samhita, Bhaava Prakaasa and Ashtaanga Sangraha. Detailed information on auto uropathy can be obtained from the Dhaamara Tantra under the heading of Shivaambu kalpa vidhi. This contains 107 verses extolling the virtues of urine as a medicament, complete with extremely detailed instructions on everyday use.
In our country, Ravjibhai Patel and Dr. Paragji Desai contributed a lot in popularising this invaluable therapy. It is well known that Morarji Desai, the former Prime Minister of India, was a strong proponent of this therapy. Morarji Desai was even interviewed in 1978 on American television during the CBS news programme, during which he discussed the benefits of urine therapy.
Dr John Armstrong, for the first time, revolutionised the concept of natural urine therapy and re-established its scientific validity in his book, The Water of Life. During recent times, the medical application of urine and its constituents have been tested, discussed, researched and utilised throughout the world. Hundreds of research evidences and thousands of case studies are documented. Medical scientists sat in their laboratories and watched as urine completely devastated rabies and polioviruses, tuberculosis, typhoid, gonorrhoea, dysentery, bacteria and cancer cells.
Urine has also been found to be useful in treating diseases like cancer, gout, osteoporosis, impotence, obesity, asthma, bums, tuberculosis, blisters, cuts, wounds, cataract, coughs and colds, constipation, diabetes, eczema, gangrene, heart disease, hyperacidity, diseases of the stomach and intestines, pulmonary tuberculosis, psoriasis, piles and ringworm, uterus inflammation and stiffness of the vertebral column.
Our disgust for urine is the result of prejudice conditioned by cultural influences. Otherwise its taste is not very unpalatable.
An individual's own urine contains elements like antibodies that are specific to one's body alone and are medically tailor-made to particular health disorder. That is why you should use your own urine for therapy.
Some Fallacies And Facts about Urine:
Fallacy: Urine is a biological waste, which contains a host of micro-organisms.
Fact: Urine is only a derivative of the blood. It is a fluid, which has tremendous variations of composition. These excess elements from the circulating blood are filtered and collected within the kidney in the form of a purified, sterile, watery solution called urine. This is almost free from all kinds of micro organisms like bacteria.
Fallacy: The body has excreted it because it does not need it anymore.
Fact: The function of the kidneys is not excretion, but regulation. The kidneys do not filter out important elements in the blood not because those elements are toxic or dangerous for the body, but simply because the body is not in need of that particular concentration of the element at the time it was excreted . Researchers have observed that urine, because it is actually extracted from our blood, contains small amounts of almost all the life-sustaining elements, enzymes, proteins, hormones, antibodies and immunising agents that our blood contains.
Fallacy: Synthetic derivatives of urine are better option.
Fact: Urine in its natural form is beneficial because it does not produce side-effects. And extract of urine called urokinase which is used to dissolve blood clots can cause serious abnormal bleeding as a side-effect. In contrast, not even a single case with such serious side-effects was reported when natural urine (though it contains measurable amounts of urokinase) was used. Moreover, urine contains thousands of therapeutic agents, such as important natural antibodies, enzymes and regulating hormones that extracts like urea, uric acid or urokinase do not contain.
Urine therapy is simple, but remember that these instructions are not given as medical guidance, but are simply to be taken into account as general information .
Before starting the therapy, diet and general health should be reviewed. All the three doshas should be in a balanced condition. Chemical drugs -and poor dietary habits affect the quality of urine. Synthetic additives, preservatives, refined and denatured flours; sugars, caffeine, nicotine etc. should be avoided .
For internal use, midstream urine is collected in a clean cup. As urine breaks down quickly outside the body, it is to be used as soon as it is collected.
To start with, only a few drops are to be administered each day in the early morning .
Urine can be taken with ink filler and one or two drops should be placed under the tongue. The dosage can be increased to five to ten drops twice a day over a period of three to five days.
Diluting or boiling the urine decreases the efficacy. So these practices should be avoided.
Urine therapy should not be taken during pregnancy and by people suffering from kidney disorders without a doctor's supervision .
Some individuals may experience mild headache, nausea, diarrhoea, tiredness or skin rashes, which are the body's natural responses against stored toxins. These symptoms normally disappear within 24 to 36 hours.
In most cases, frequent small doses of one to three ounces for two to three weeks will suffice. Regular users say that it assists in the maintenance of energy levels, reduction of aging and prevention of illness.
Applying urine to the skin is an excellent treatment for many types of skin disorders such as skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, acne, insect bites, etc. The urea in urine is excellent for cosmetic use and moisturising the skin. Fresh or old urine can be used as external application. In fact, old urine with its high ammonia content is more beneficial in many stubborn skin. diseases.
A small cotton ball or pad is to be soaked in urine and rubbed over the affected area. This is to be discarded and another one is taken to repeat the process for five to ten minutes.
For additional healing benefits, a soaked pad can be secured with a gauze.
Read more about Urine Therapy, its benefits and facts about it.
Drinking of one's own urine is mentioned in Ayurvedic treatises like Yogaratnaakaram, Sushruta Samhita, Bhaava Prakaasa and Ashtaanga Sangraha. Detailed information on auto uropathy can be obtained from the Dhaamara Tantra under the heading of Shivaambu kalpa vidhi. This contains 107 verses extolling the virtues of urine as a medicament, complete with extremely detailed instructions on everyday use.
In our country, Ravjibhai Patel and Dr. Paragji Desai contributed a lot in popularising this invaluable therapy. It is well known that Morarji Desai, the former Prime Minister of India, was a strong proponent of this therapy. Morarji Desai was even interviewed in 1978 on American television during the CBS news programme, during which he discussed the benefits of urine therapy.
Dr John Armstrong, for the first time, revolutionised the concept of natural urine therapy and re-established its scientific validity in his book, The Water of Life. During recent times, the medical application of urine and its constituents have been tested, discussed, researched and utilised throughout the world. Hundreds of research evidences and thousands of case studies are documented. Medical scientists sat in their laboratories and watched as urine completely devastated rabies and polioviruses, tuberculosis, typhoid, gonorrhoea, dysentery, bacteria and cancer cells.
Urine has also been found to be useful in treating diseases like cancer, gout, osteoporosis, impotence, obesity, asthma, bums, tuberculosis, blisters, cuts, wounds, cataract, coughs and colds, constipation, diabetes, eczema, gangrene, heart disease, hyperacidity, diseases of the stomach and intestines, pulmonary tuberculosis, psoriasis, piles and ringworm, uterus inflammation and stiffness of the vertebral column.
Our disgust for urine is the result of prejudice conditioned by cultural influences. Otherwise its taste is not very unpalatable.
An individual's own urine contains elements like antibodies that are specific to one's body alone and are medically tailor-made to particular health disorder. That is why you should use your own urine for therapy.
Some Fallacies And Facts about Urine:
Fallacy: Urine is a biological waste, which contains a host of micro-organisms.
Fact: Urine is only a derivative of the blood. It is a fluid, which has tremendous variations of composition. These excess elements from the circulating blood are filtered and collected within the kidney in the form of a purified, sterile, watery solution called urine. This is almost free from all kinds of micro organisms like bacteria.
Fallacy: The body has excreted it because it does not need it anymore.
Fact: The function of the kidneys is not excretion, but regulation. The kidneys do not filter out important elements in the blood not because those elements are toxic or dangerous for the body, but simply because the body is not in need of that particular concentration of the element at the time it was excreted . Researchers have observed that urine, because it is actually extracted from our blood, contains small amounts of almost all the life-sustaining elements, enzymes, proteins, hormones, antibodies and immunising agents that our blood contains.
Fallacy: Synthetic derivatives of urine are better option.
Fact: Urine in its natural form is beneficial because it does not produce side-effects. And extract of urine called urokinase which is used to dissolve blood clots can cause serious abnormal bleeding as a side-effect. In contrast, not even a single case with such serious side-effects was reported when natural urine (though it contains measurable amounts of urokinase) was used. Moreover, urine contains thousands of therapeutic agents, such as important natural antibodies, enzymes and regulating hormones that extracts like urea, uric acid or urokinase do not contain.
Urine therapy is simple, but remember that these instructions are not given as medical guidance, but are simply to be taken into account as general information .
Before starting the therapy, diet and general health should be reviewed. All the three doshas should be in a balanced condition. Chemical drugs -and poor dietary habits affect the quality of urine. Synthetic additives, preservatives, refined and denatured flours; sugars, caffeine, nicotine etc. should be avoided .
For internal use, midstream urine is collected in a clean cup. As urine breaks down quickly outside the body, it is to be used as soon as it is collected.
To start with, only a few drops are to be administered each day in the early morning .
Urine can be taken with ink filler and one or two drops should be placed under the tongue. The dosage can be increased to five to ten drops twice a day over a period of three to five days.
Diluting or boiling the urine decreases the efficacy. So these practices should be avoided.
Urine therapy should not be taken during pregnancy and by people suffering from kidney disorders without a doctor's supervision .
Some individuals may experience mild headache, nausea, diarrhoea, tiredness or skin rashes, which are the body's natural responses against stored toxins. These symptoms normally disappear within 24 to 36 hours.
In most cases, frequent small doses of one to three ounces for two to three weeks will suffice. Regular users say that it assists in the maintenance of energy levels, reduction of aging and prevention of illness.
Applying urine to the skin is an excellent treatment for many types of skin disorders such as skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, acne, insect bites, etc. The urea in urine is excellent for cosmetic use and moisturising the skin. Fresh or old urine can be used as external application. In fact, old urine with its high ammonia content is more beneficial in many stubborn skin. diseases.
A small cotton ball or pad is to be soaked in urine and rubbed over the affected area. This is to be discarded and another one is taken to repeat the process for five to ten minutes.
For additional healing benefits, a soaked pad can be secured with a gauze.
Read more about Urine Therapy, its benefits and facts about it.
Fasting - How can Fasting be beneficial?
For many philosophers, scientists and physicians, fasting is an essential part of life and the healing process needed to maintain good health. Intellectuals like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Charaka and others used and believed in fasting therapy. Ayurveda discourages long-term fasting because the sense of deprivation created by a long-term fasting encourages the person to follow it up with a spell of indulgence in overeating. While fasting, you should follow the restrictions applicable to your constitution:
Vaata people should never fast on water or any other severely restricted diet for more than a day or two. They should select a single food, like curd rice on which they can live for a month or more, at a time.
Pitta people can fast on liquids, like fruits or vegetable juices or on raw fruits and vegetables, but not on water alone. They should avoid all sour juices, as they tend to aggravate pitta.
Kapha people may indulge in a prolonged water fast if they so desire. Kapha people especially need regular weekly fasting to maintain strong digestion. During fasting, they should avoid intensely sweet and sour juices.
For mixed constitutions, juice fasting is commonly used (rather than water alone) as a mild and effective cleansing plan.
Conditions in which Fasting is beneficial
Whatever the conditions may be, during the fever, and such other illnesses, one needs more liquids than usual, due to the high temperatures and sweating and should fast as long as there is no real desire for food.
Some cases of fatigue will respond well to fasting, particularly when it results from congested organs and energy.
Back pains that are due to muscular tightness and stress rather than from bone disease or osteoporosis are usually alleviated with a lighter diet or juice fasting.
Many patients with mental illness, from anxiety to schizophrenia, have relief by fasting. The purpose of fasting in the case, however, is not to cure these problems but to help understand the relationship of foods, chemicals, or drugs to the mental difficulties.
Obesity may be remedied by some degree of fasting.
Colds, atheroclerosis, coronary artery disease, bronchitis, angina-pectoris, headaches, hypertension, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, diarrhoea, fatigue, food allergies, back pains, environmental allergies, asthma, insomnia, skin conditions and epilepsy-in all these conditions, fasting may be advocated.
Vaata people should never fast on water or any other severely restricted diet for more than a day or two. They should select a single food, like curd rice on which they can live for a month or more, at a time.
Pitta people can fast on liquids, like fruits or vegetable juices or on raw fruits and vegetables, but not on water alone. They should avoid all sour juices, as they tend to aggravate pitta.
Kapha people may indulge in a prolonged water fast if they so desire. Kapha people especially need regular weekly fasting to maintain strong digestion. During fasting, they should avoid intensely sweet and sour juices.
For mixed constitutions, juice fasting is commonly used (rather than water alone) as a mild and effective cleansing plan.
Conditions in which Fasting is beneficial
Whatever the conditions may be, during the fever, and such other illnesses, one needs more liquids than usual, due to the high temperatures and sweating and should fast as long as there is no real desire for food.
Some cases of fatigue will respond well to fasting, particularly when it results from congested organs and energy.
Back pains that are due to muscular tightness and stress rather than from bone disease or osteoporosis are usually alleviated with a lighter diet or juice fasting.
Many patients with mental illness, from anxiety to schizophrenia, have relief by fasting. The purpose of fasting in the case, however, is not to cure these problems but to help understand the relationship of foods, chemicals, or drugs to the mental difficulties.
Obesity may be remedied by some degree of fasting.
Colds, atheroclerosis, coronary artery disease, bronchitis, angina-pectoris, headaches, hypertension, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, diarrhoea, fatigue, food allergies, back pains, environmental allergies, asthma, insomnia, skin conditions and epilepsy-in all these conditions, fasting may be advocated.
Ayurvedic Mental Therapy
Though metals, minerals, gems and jewels are used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine since the Vedic times, it is only in the post-Buddhist period that these have been extensively used in treating various health problems. Several Buddhist saints, like Siddha Nagarjuna, have carried out research on metallic medicine.
According to Ayurvedic treatises, there are seven dhaatus (metals)-gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead and zinc-which are essential elements of the body. Perfect health is attributed to the state of equilibrium of these dhaatus in body tissues. Any imbalance excess or deficiency-disturbs the functioning of the body.
Gold
Gold is present in trace amounts in blood, semen, eyes, upper layer of skin and intestines. Imbalance affects vision, causes general weakness in the body, dullness of intellect, loss of imaginative power, voice and general complexion of an individual.
Silver
Silver is present in the bone marrow, upper layer of bones, gall bladder, pancreas, inner layers of the skin, lungs, muscles, blood vessels, meninges (the membranes investing the spinal cord and brain), and septum of nose. Imbalance leads to neurological disturbances, problems related to teeth, cataract sores and absorption from gut.
Copper
Copper is present in the upper and inner layers of skin, mucosa of soft tissue, large glands, pupil of the eye, hair, pleura and pericardium. Imbalance causes defects in cardiovascular, central nervous and skeletal systems. Deficiency affects production of red blood cells and hair keratinisation. Imbalance causes chronic inflammatory disorders in soft tissues.
Iron
Iron is the major constituent of blood, present in the villi of the intestine, pupit hair and in small quantity in all tissues of the body. Imbalance causes arteriosclerosis, anaemia and general debility.
Lead
Lead is present in blood and lymphatic tissues. Imbalance causes anaemia, disturbance in gastrointestinal tract due to poor secretion of digestive juices, haemolytic anaemia and ascites.
Tin
Tin is present in every tissue. However, it is found more in abdominal muscles, blood and blood vessels, synovial membranes lining the capsule of joints, outer layer of uterus. Imbalance causes malformation in bones, diseases of reproductive tract, affects formation of urine, polyurea and increased perspiration.
Zinc
Zinc is present in blood, brain, nerve tissue and muscles. Imbalance causes problems related to nervous system like depression, anxiety, dullness of intellect, extreme forgetfulness and irritable temperament.
Every mineral or metal in its native form is basically a biological product and Ayurveda has a way of converting the minerals into a biological form, which can be easily assimilated into the body. There is enough evidence of experiments being conducted on such mineral medicines and they have also been proved to be beneficial.
According to Ayurveda, swarna bhasma, the calcined powder of gold acts as an antacid, haematenic and alternative. It is useful in tuberculosis, diabetes, anaemia, oedema, epilepsy, skin diseases, general debility, asthma and heart afflictions. Gold is believed to be a wonderful tonic for the nervous system. It is an antidote to poisons, particularly those of bacterial origin. In loss of appetite, cough, asthma, anaemia etc., swarna bhasma can be used as a tonic with adjutants like dried ginger, long-pepper and black-pepper powders. For chronic fever, swarna bhasma in combination with abhraka bhasma can be taken along with honey. Swarna bhasma can be taken with aamla juice in heart diseases; with milk to promote strength and energy; with ghee as an alternative; with padmakesar choorna to improve complexion; with butter, sugar and honey for tuberculosis; with sugar for burning sensation in lower and upper extremities, with vidarikand as an aphrodisiac.
Roupya bhasma, the calcined powder of silver, according to Ayurveda, works as a sedative and aphrodisiac. It gives fair complexion to skin and gives strength to the body. Can be used to cure excessive heat, impotence, seminal weakness. Also used in painful and irritable conditions of stomach. It is also effective in treating leucorrhoea and menorrhagia, arthritis and general debility. Taamra bhasma, the calcined powder of copper is an astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, prescribed in liver disorders, dysentery, anaemia, plague, worms, skin diseases, gonorrhoea and dyspepsia. Calcined powder of iron is called as Ioha bhasma. It is haematenic and restorative, prescribed in anaemia, disorders of liver and spleen, jaundice, oedema and general debility. Naaga bhasma, the calcined powder of lead is prescribed in diarrhoea, tumours, haemorrhoids and diabetes.
Vanga bhasma, the powder of tin, is prominently used in the diseases of genito-urinary organs and in cases of premature ejaculation in men and dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia and infertility in women. It is also used to treat stapylococcal infection in treatment of boils and skin diseases. It is a proven anthelmintic . Yasad bhasma, the powder of zinc is an alterative, diuretic, hypoglycaemic and astringent.
According to Ayurvedic treatises, there are seven dhaatus (metals)-gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead and zinc-which are essential elements of the body. Perfect health is attributed to the state of equilibrium of these dhaatus in body tissues. Any imbalance excess or deficiency-disturbs the functioning of the body.
Gold
Gold is present in trace amounts in blood, semen, eyes, upper layer of skin and intestines. Imbalance affects vision, causes general weakness in the body, dullness of intellect, loss of imaginative power, voice and general complexion of an individual.
Silver
Silver is present in the bone marrow, upper layer of bones, gall bladder, pancreas, inner layers of the skin, lungs, muscles, blood vessels, meninges (the membranes investing the spinal cord and brain), and septum of nose. Imbalance leads to neurological disturbances, problems related to teeth, cataract sores and absorption from gut.
Copper
Copper is present in the upper and inner layers of skin, mucosa of soft tissue, large glands, pupil of the eye, hair, pleura and pericardium. Imbalance causes defects in cardiovascular, central nervous and skeletal systems. Deficiency affects production of red blood cells and hair keratinisation. Imbalance causes chronic inflammatory disorders in soft tissues.
Iron
Iron is the major constituent of blood, present in the villi of the intestine, pupit hair and in small quantity in all tissues of the body. Imbalance causes arteriosclerosis, anaemia and general debility.
Lead
Lead is present in blood and lymphatic tissues. Imbalance causes anaemia, disturbance in gastrointestinal tract due to poor secretion of digestive juices, haemolytic anaemia and ascites.
Tin
Tin is present in every tissue. However, it is found more in abdominal muscles, blood and blood vessels, synovial membranes lining the capsule of joints, outer layer of uterus. Imbalance causes malformation in bones, diseases of reproductive tract, affects formation of urine, polyurea and increased perspiration.
Zinc
Zinc is present in blood, brain, nerve tissue and muscles. Imbalance causes problems related to nervous system like depression, anxiety, dullness of intellect, extreme forgetfulness and irritable temperament.
Every mineral or metal in its native form is basically a biological product and Ayurveda has a way of converting the minerals into a biological form, which can be easily assimilated into the body. There is enough evidence of experiments being conducted on such mineral medicines and they have also been proved to be beneficial.
According to Ayurveda, swarna bhasma, the calcined powder of gold acts as an antacid, haematenic and alternative. It is useful in tuberculosis, diabetes, anaemia, oedema, epilepsy, skin diseases, general debility, asthma and heart afflictions. Gold is believed to be a wonderful tonic for the nervous system. It is an antidote to poisons, particularly those of bacterial origin. In loss of appetite, cough, asthma, anaemia etc., swarna bhasma can be used as a tonic with adjutants like dried ginger, long-pepper and black-pepper powders. For chronic fever, swarna bhasma in combination with abhraka bhasma can be taken along with honey. Swarna bhasma can be taken with aamla juice in heart diseases; with milk to promote strength and energy; with ghee as an alternative; with padmakesar choorna to improve complexion; with butter, sugar and honey for tuberculosis; with sugar for burning sensation in lower and upper extremities, with vidarikand as an aphrodisiac.
Roupya bhasma, the calcined powder of silver, according to Ayurveda, works as a sedative and aphrodisiac. It gives fair complexion to skin and gives strength to the body. Can be used to cure excessive heat, impotence, seminal weakness. Also used in painful and irritable conditions of stomach. It is also effective in treating leucorrhoea and menorrhagia, arthritis and general debility. Taamra bhasma, the calcined powder of copper is an astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, prescribed in liver disorders, dysentery, anaemia, plague, worms, skin diseases, gonorrhoea and dyspepsia. Calcined powder of iron is called as Ioha bhasma. It is haematenic and restorative, prescribed in anaemia, disorders of liver and spleen, jaundice, oedema and general debility. Naaga bhasma, the calcined powder of lead is prescribed in diarrhoea, tumours, haemorrhoids and diabetes.
Vanga bhasma, the powder of tin, is prominently used in the diseases of genito-urinary organs and in cases of premature ejaculation in men and dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia and infertility in women. It is also used to treat stapylococcal infection in treatment of boils and skin diseases. It is a proven anthelmintic . Yasad bhasma, the powder of zinc is an alterative, diuretic, hypoglycaemic and astringent.
Diagnosis of a disease using Ayurvedic methods consists of following details. The two main pillars on which the diagnosis is based are: History of illness, and Examination of the patient.
History of Illness:
This refers to the following details:-
a) Details of the symptoms i.e. how, when where they occur, duration of medicines taken, relieving and aggravating factors etc.
b) Past history of similar illness, medicines taken, surgery undergone etc.
c) Personal history i.e. marriage, sexual life, family, occupational history, diet, sleep, bowel movements, smoking, alcohol intake, living conditions, financial status, social life and mental status .
d) Family history of similar symptoms/illness and treatment taken.
Examination of the Patient:
Examination of the patient is done in two steps. First is the general examination and second is the examination of the different systems of the body.
a) General Examination or Ashta Vidha Pariksha: This consists of the following parameters: Examination of the pulse (Naadi Pariksha), Tongue, Urine and stool examination, Speech, Examination by palpation and percussion, Gait (bodily movement), General appearance of the patient, and, Examination of the constitution (Prakriti).
b) Systemic Examination: This consists of examination of the following systems: Digestive system, Respiratory system, Heart and Circulatory system, Nervous system, Urinary system, Musculo-skeletal system, Reproductive system, Skin and Hair, and Eyes .
Let us know about some important Ayurvedic diagnostic methods:
Pulse Diagnosis - This also includes two sub topics aswell - modern way of pulse diagnosis and ayurvedic way of pulse diagnosis.
Beyond your cells, tissues, and organs, there is an abundance of activity you are not aware of! It forms complex patterns and is important to your existence and can be perceived through the sense of touch. It is your Naadi or the pulse!
If any Ayurvedic doctor, just by touching your wrist, reels off about your chronic pain or abnormalities in blood sugar and digestion or heart murmurs or kidney failure or peptic ulcer ... all without prior knowledge, do not attribute any extra-sensory perception or amazing occult power to him. It is just an interpretation of a profound theory, the naadi tatvam!
There are two ways of Pulse Diagnosis:
Modern view of Pulse Diagnosis.
Ayurvedic view of Pulse Diagnosis.
Also know about how to check your pulse?
Ayurvedic View for Pulse Diagnosis
Ayurveda has got something more than the above general information about pulse. According to Ayurveda, every cell in our body sends its own unique signal to the heart via different vital organs, and the blood stream. These praanic currents of energy are then compressed into rhythmic pulsation, which can be decoded to reveal what is going on in the liver or the kidneys, the left ventricle of the heart or the right fallopian tube. One electro-magnetic wave is all it takes to telecast an entire scene; likewise, our constitution has devised out how to convey the entire body's activities through the pulse.
The first Ayurvedic classic to describe pulse examination is Saarangadhara Samhita (13th century AD.). Later works such as Bhavaprakasa (15th century AD.), Yogaratnakara (16th century AD.), Basavarajeeyam (17th century AD.) etc. deal extensively with the subject.
The term naadi literally means "a tube or channel through which something flows". Pulse examination is the examination of the arterial pulses at certain points on the body. The early hours of the morning are the best times for pulse examination. It can be misleading or incorrect if done after the patient has taken food, exercise or bath, after taking intoxicants, having sex, sleep or when afflicted with hunger, thirst, anger, grief or worry. The pulse at the wrist on the right hand is selected for the men and on the left hand for the women. While examining the pulse, the patient is made to sit comfortably, relieved of his natural urges, and with faith in the examiner.
When an Ayurvedic physician touches your wrist, he probes deep into your general state of health, ill health and even the bad prognosis. As the strings of a veena bring out all the raagas, so does the naadi. Naadi spandana is caused by heartbeats and the consequent movement of rasa (comparable to plasma) and rakta (comparable to blood). Rasa dhaahl is the medium for the tridoshas to circulate all over the body, their signs being found in the naadi.
Proficiency in pulse diagnosis is gained by long practice, alertness and guidance from the preceptor. Though learning to detect disease from the pulse is a skill belonging to the physician, you can also become familiar with your own pulse and glean fascinating insights into doshas. Once you have worked with your doshas you can easily attribute them to pre-mentioned qualities, signs, symptoms etc. of corresponding doshas in the classical texts. From this data-base, you can gain true intimacy with your own doshas.
Body Constitution
After knowing your prakriti (body constitution) with the pulse examination, you can apply it in maintaining the health and couteracting the disease as it plays an important role in health planning. If we know our natural constitution according to vaata, pitta, and kapha, we can take care of our problems and defend against diseases. We can know what sort of diseases are possible in us in different seasons, and can know how to prevent them before they attack us. It is also possible to perceive about the prognosis of disease with respect to prakriti.
For example, vaata prakriti persons may suffer from vaata diseases (Eighty in number, mostly the diseases of nerves and bones) if they indulge more in a cold, dry, rough, bitter, pungent and astringent diet, over exercise, have irregular food habits, live in colder, drier climates. For seasonal consideration cold winter season, pre-rainy season and cloudy, dry windy climates, are not good for them. Illness may worsen if already present. Any type of sickness may be increased at vaata time, like evening times, late in the night, and the third hour after meals and in old age. If they follow proper diet, behaviour, and tastes to decrease vaata, they may prevent their natural tendency towards the possibility of vaata type diseases.
In case of pitta prakriti, if they tend to indulge in hot, sharp, pungent, sour, salty things, work with fiery, acidic substances, they may suffer from pitta diseases (Forty in number, mostly metabolic disorders) as pitta tends to aggravate from these causes. Hot climate, autumn, second hour after meals and midday (noon) and midnight are the specific times when pitta prakriti people's sickness may increase and medicines taken at this time may be more helpful for speedy recovery.
In the case of kapha prakriti, if they indulge more in unctuous, oily, heavy, dull, slimy food substances and eat sweet, sour, salty food, take more rest and live a comfortable life, with a lack of physical exercise, they may suffer from kapha diseases (Twenty in number, mostly diseases, concerned with structure), as these causes aggravate kapha. These people may fall sick in the spring, in cold and damp climates if they do not take proper care. Their sickness may increase in these climates and also at kapha time, like early morning. If proper medicine is given at this time, it may be more effective.
In this way, knowledge of naadi and prakriti are very useful and important to maintain health in an individual. One can take proper care, adjust diet properly and avoid the diet which is harmful; one can adopt daily and seasonal routines properly and attain perfect health.
History of Illness:
This refers to the following details:-
a) Details of the symptoms i.e. how, when where they occur, duration of medicines taken, relieving and aggravating factors etc.
b) Past history of similar illness, medicines taken, surgery undergone etc.
c) Personal history i.e. marriage, sexual life, family, occupational history, diet, sleep, bowel movements, smoking, alcohol intake, living conditions, financial status, social life and mental status .
d) Family history of similar symptoms/illness and treatment taken.
Examination of the Patient:
Examination of the patient is done in two steps. First is the general examination and second is the examination of the different systems of the body.
a) General Examination or Ashta Vidha Pariksha: This consists of the following parameters: Examination of the pulse (Naadi Pariksha), Tongue, Urine and stool examination, Speech, Examination by palpation and percussion, Gait (bodily movement), General appearance of the patient, and, Examination of the constitution (Prakriti).
b) Systemic Examination: This consists of examination of the following systems: Digestive system, Respiratory system, Heart and Circulatory system, Nervous system, Urinary system, Musculo-skeletal system, Reproductive system, Skin and Hair, and Eyes .
Let us know about some important Ayurvedic diagnostic methods:
Pulse Diagnosis - This also includes two sub topics aswell - modern way of pulse diagnosis and ayurvedic way of pulse diagnosis.
Beyond your cells, tissues, and organs, there is an abundance of activity you are not aware of! It forms complex patterns and is important to your existence and can be perceived through the sense of touch. It is your Naadi or the pulse!
If any Ayurvedic doctor, just by touching your wrist, reels off about your chronic pain or abnormalities in blood sugar and digestion or heart murmurs or kidney failure or peptic ulcer ... all without prior knowledge, do not attribute any extra-sensory perception or amazing occult power to him. It is just an interpretation of a profound theory, the naadi tatvam!
There are two ways of Pulse Diagnosis:
Modern view of Pulse Diagnosis.
Ayurvedic view of Pulse Diagnosis.
Also know about how to check your pulse?
Ayurvedic View for Pulse Diagnosis
Ayurveda has got something more than the above general information about pulse. According to Ayurveda, every cell in our body sends its own unique signal to the heart via different vital organs, and the blood stream. These praanic currents of energy are then compressed into rhythmic pulsation, which can be decoded to reveal what is going on in the liver or the kidneys, the left ventricle of the heart or the right fallopian tube. One electro-magnetic wave is all it takes to telecast an entire scene; likewise, our constitution has devised out how to convey the entire body's activities through the pulse.
The first Ayurvedic classic to describe pulse examination is Saarangadhara Samhita (13th century AD.). Later works such as Bhavaprakasa (15th century AD.), Yogaratnakara (16th century AD.), Basavarajeeyam (17th century AD.) etc. deal extensively with the subject.
The term naadi literally means "a tube or channel through which something flows". Pulse examination is the examination of the arterial pulses at certain points on the body. The early hours of the morning are the best times for pulse examination. It can be misleading or incorrect if done after the patient has taken food, exercise or bath, after taking intoxicants, having sex, sleep or when afflicted with hunger, thirst, anger, grief or worry. The pulse at the wrist on the right hand is selected for the men and on the left hand for the women. While examining the pulse, the patient is made to sit comfortably, relieved of his natural urges, and with faith in the examiner.
When an Ayurvedic physician touches your wrist, he probes deep into your general state of health, ill health and even the bad prognosis. As the strings of a veena bring out all the raagas, so does the naadi. Naadi spandana is caused by heartbeats and the consequent movement of rasa (comparable to plasma) and rakta (comparable to blood). Rasa dhaahl is the medium for the tridoshas to circulate all over the body, their signs being found in the naadi.
Proficiency in pulse diagnosis is gained by long practice, alertness and guidance from the preceptor. Though learning to detect disease from the pulse is a skill belonging to the physician, you can also become familiar with your own pulse and glean fascinating insights into doshas. Once you have worked with your doshas you can easily attribute them to pre-mentioned qualities, signs, symptoms etc. of corresponding doshas in the classical texts. From this data-base, you can gain true intimacy with your own doshas.
Body Constitution
After knowing your prakriti (body constitution) with the pulse examination, you can apply it in maintaining the health and couteracting the disease as it plays an important role in health planning. If we know our natural constitution according to vaata, pitta, and kapha, we can take care of our problems and defend against diseases. We can know what sort of diseases are possible in us in different seasons, and can know how to prevent them before they attack us. It is also possible to perceive about the prognosis of disease with respect to prakriti.
For example, vaata prakriti persons may suffer from vaata diseases (Eighty in number, mostly the diseases of nerves and bones) if they indulge more in a cold, dry, rough, bitter, pungent and astringent diet, over exercise, have irregular food habits, live in colder, drier climates. For seasonal consideration cold winter season, pre-rainy season and cloudy, dry windy climates, are not good for them. Illness may worsen if already present. Any type of sickness may be increased at vaata time, like evening times, late in the night, and the third hour after meals and in old age. If they follow proper diet, behaviour, and tastes to decrease vaata, they may prevent their natural tendency towards the possibility of vaata type diseases.
In case of pitta prakriti, if they tend to indulge in hot, sharp, pungent, sour, salty things, work with fiery, acidic substances, they may suffer from pitta diseases (Forty in number, mostly metabolic disorders) as pitta tends to aggravate from these causes. Hot climate, autumn, second hour after meals and midday (noon) and midnight are the specific times when pitta prakriti people's sickness may increase and medicines taken at this time may be more helpful for speedy recovery.
In the case of kapha prakriti, if they indulge more in unctuous, oily, heavy, dull, slimy food substances and eat sweet, sour, salty food, take more rest and live a comfortable life, with a lack of physical exercise, they may suffer from kapha diseases (Twenty in number, mostly diseases, concerned with structure), as these causes aggravate kapha. These people may fall sick in the spring, in cold and damp climates if they do not take proper care. Their sickness may increase in these climates and also at kapha time, like early morning. If proper medicine is given at this time, it may be more effective.
In this way, knowledge of naadi and prakriti are very useful and important to maintain health in an individual. One can take proper care, adjust diet properly and avoid the diet which is harmful; one can adopt daily and seasonal routines properly and attain perfect health.
Ayurvedic Treatment - Methods of Treatment and tips
Ayurvedic treatment is a multidisciplinary approach, unlike Allopathic treatment where the main stress is on medicines.
Methods of Treatment: According to Ayurveda, there are different methods of treatment for any disease or disorder .
Palliative Treatment:
Palliative treatment refers to means for reduction of increased doshas for curing the disease or decreasing its symptoms. It consists of following measures:-
a) Sneha Karma or use of oily substances externally for massage etc. or internally.
b) Sweda Karma or fomentation.
c) Exercise.
d) Exposure to sun.
e) Exposure to fresh air.
f) Taking medicines which increase digestion.
g) Taking medicines which destroy toxins.
Purification Treatment
Purification refers to removal of accumulated toxins or doshas from the body. This is done by 5 methods known as Panchakarma. They are as follows:
a) Vamana or induced vomiting
b) Virechana or induced purgation
c) Basti or enema
d) Nasya or nasal medication
e) Rakta mokshana or blood-letting.
Other forms of Ayurvedic Treatment:
a) Fasting.
b) Urine therapy.
c) Rejuvenation (rasaayana) therapy.
d) Fish therapy (for asthma).
e) Ayurvedic Mental Therapy for Ailments.
In Ayurveda, the types of medicines based on the source from which they are obtained, are classified as follows:
Herbal medicines - which are extracted from plants & herbs.
Mineral (metal) medicines - which are extracted from minerals, gems and jewels.
Herbomineral preparations - which are a combination of both herbs and minerals.
Methods of Treatment: According to Ayurveda, there are different methods of treatment for any disease or disorder .
Palliative Treatment:
Palliative treatment refers to means for reduction of increased doshas for curing the disease or decreasing its symptoms. It consists of following measures:-
a) Sneha Karma or use of oily substances externally for massage etc. or internally.
b) Sweda Karma or fomentation.
c) Exercise.
d) Exposure to sun.
e) Exposure to fresh air.
f) Taking medicines which increase digestion.
g) Taking medicines which destroy toxins.
Purification Treatment
Purification refers to removal of accumulated toxins or doshas from the body. This is done by 5 methods known as Panchakarma. They are as follows:
a) Vamana or induced vomiting
b) Virechana or induced purgation
c) Basti or enema
d) Nasya or nasal medication
e) Rakta mokshana or blood-letting.
Other forms of Ayurvedic Treatment:
a) Fasting.
b) Urine therapy.
c) Rejuvenation (rasaayana) therapy.
d) Fish therapy (for asthma).
e) Ayurvedic Mental Therapy for Ailments.
In Ayurveda, the types of medicines based on the source from which they are obtained, are classified as follows:
Herbal medicines - which are extracted from plants & herbs.
Mineral (metal) medicines - which are extracted from minerals, gems and jewels.
Herbomineral preparations - which are a combination of both herbs and minerals.
Ayurvedic Concepts Of Health & Disease
Ayurveda is the science of life or longevity, which helps in the promotion of health, prevention of diseases and in achieving a long life. The basic philosophy of Ayurveda is based on the panchamahabhoota (five elements) theory. This theory states that the universe as well as the human body is made up of five elements, namely air (vayu), space (akash), earth (prithvi), fire (agni) and water (jal). These elements combine to form controlling forces or biological humours called Dosha. These dosha are responsible for sustaining the living body in its normal state and are of 3 types: Vaata, Pitta and Kapha. These controlling forces or the doshas act on the tissues of the body known as the Datus and help in the various physiological functions. The waste products formed as a result of various bodily functions are Malas, which are end products of the body. Thus the science of Ayurveda deals with Doshas, Dhaatus & Malas.
Vaata
It is responsible for active movements of different organs and parts of our body.
There are 5 types of Vaata:-
Praana: Praana refers to functions of the brain and nervous system i.e. sensations of smell, taste, touch, hearing and vision, movements of upper and lower limbs, rectum and sex organs and breath.
Udaana: Udaana refers to movements of the chest, diaphragm and voice box. It controls movements of breathing out, sneezing and speech.
Samaana: Samaana refers to movements of the intestine along with digestion and absorption of food substances.
Apaana: Apaana refers to the movements of the bladder, rectum, uterus and is important for passing urine, stools, menstrual fluids, semen and foetus (delivery).
Vyaana: Vyaana is concerned with movements of all kinds of voluntary and involuntary muscles. It is responsible for movements of the heart e.g. blood vessels, lymph is a white fluid present in different parts of the body) glands and glands which produce hormones.
The diseases caused by the disorders of Vaata are: Asthma, Epilepsy (fits) and other mental disorders, Urticaria (a skin disease), Viral fever (due to temperature changes), Anaemia (lack of iron in blood), Obesity (increased weight gain), Diabetes, Diarrhoea, constipation and reduced functions of thyroid and adrenal glands.
Pitta
It is responsible for the chemical reactions that take place in our body.
It is of 5 types:-
Paachaka: Paachaka is due to digestive enzymes and other chemicals in the body, which control the digestion and absorption of food substances.
Ranjaka: Ranjaka is responsible for haemoglobin (the iron-containing pigment in blood) production.
Alochaka: Alochaka is responsible for the biochemical activity of the eye, which is responsible for perception of vision.
Saadaka: Saadaka is responsible for normal functioning of the mind.
Braajaka: Braajaka is responsible for removing waste products in the form of sweat and enhancing the natural glow of the skin.
The diseases caused by disorders of Pitta are as follows: Toxic fevers, Hyperacidity (Gastritis), Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Jaundice, Anaemia Bronchitis, Skin diseases associated with pus formation and All infections due to toxins, bacteria, viruses etc.
Kapha
It refers to promotion or growth brought about by secretions of different types by the organs.
It is of 5 types:-
Kledaka: Kledaka refers to secretions by the mouth, stomach and intestines, which dissolve the food and destroy bacteria.
Avalambika: Avalambika refers to secretions by the respiratory tract from the nose to the lungs and facilitates passing of air and flushes out foreign substances.
Bodhaka: Bodhaka is the watery secretion of the glands around the taste buds of the tongue, which help in perceiving the taste.
Tarpaka: Tarpaka refers to the cerebrospinal fluid which is a secretion surrounding the brair, and spinal cord. It provides nutrition to the brain and protects it from toxic substances.
Shleshaka: SWeshaka is the fluid lying in the bones and joint spaces called as synovial fluid producing movements of bones and joints with ease. The watery fluid surrounding and,protecting the heart and lungs are also referred to as shleshaka Kapha.
The diseases caused by disorders of Kapha are as follows: Common cold, Infection of the lungs and other parts of respiratory system, Diarrhoea due to infection, Jaundice, Eczema, Pimples and other skin infections, Arthritis (painful joints)/ Rheumatic heart disease, Swelling and infection of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis), Peritonitis (swelling of abdominal cavity), Encephalitis, Meningitis and other infections of the brain and, Benign tumours of different parts of body.
Dhaatu
It is a substance which is responsible for formation of basic structure of body. There are 7 types of dhaatus i.e. lymph, blood, muscle tissue, fat tissue, bone marrow, sperm and ovum.
Malas
These are waste products of various dhaatus produced during the course of metabolic changes in the body. Examples of malas are sweatt urine, stool, gases, bile, earwax, nasal discharge, mucous secretions etc. Thus a disease is due to imbalance of doshas, dhaatus and malas.
Vaata
It is responsible for active movements of different organs and parts of our body.
There are 5 types of Vaata:-
Praana: Praana refers to functions of the brain and nervous system i.e. sensations of smell, taste, touch, hearing and vision, movements of upper and lower limbs, rectum and sex organs and breath.
Udaana: Udaana refers to movements of the chest, diaphragm and voice box. It controls movements of breathing out, sneezing and speech.
Samaana: Samaana refers to movements of the intestine along with digestion and absorption of food substances.
Apaana: Apaana refers to the movements of the bladder, rectum, uterus and is important for passing urine, stools, menstrual fluids, semen and foetus (delivery).
Vyaana: Vyaana is concerned with movements of all kinds of voluntary and involuntary muscles. It is responsible for movements of the heart e.g. blood vessels, lymph is a white fluid present in different parts of the body) glands and glands which produce hormones.
The diseases caused by the disorders of Vaata are: Asthma, Epilepsy (fits) and other mental disorders, Urticaria (a skin disease), Viral fever (due to temperature changes), Anaemia (lack of iron in blood), Obesity (increased weight gain), Diabetes, Diarrhoea, constipation and reduced functions of thyroid and adrenal glands.
Pitta
It is responsible for the chemical reactions that take place in our body.
It is of 5 types:-
Paachaka: Paachaka is due to digestive enzymes and other chemicals in the body, which control the digestion and absorption of food substances.
Ranjaka: Ranjaka is responsible for haemoglobin (the iron-containing pigment in blood) production.
Alochaka: Alochaka is responsible for the biochemical activity of the eye, which is responsible for perception of vision.
Saadaka: Saadaka is responsible for normal functioning of the mind.
Braajaka: Braajaka is responsible for removing waste products in the form of sweat and enhancing the natural glow of the skin.
The diseases caused by disorders of Pitta are as follows: Toxic fevers, Hyperacidity (Gastritis), Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Jaundice, Anaemia Bronchitis, Skin diseases associated with pus formation and All infections due to toxins, bacteria, viruses etc.
Kapha
It refers to promotion or growth brought about by secretions of different types by the organs.
It is of 5 types:-
Kledaka: Kledaka refers to secretions by the mouth, stomach and intestines, which dissolve the food and destroy bacteria.
Avalambika: Avalambika refers to secretions by the respiratory tract from the nose to the lungs and facilitates passing of air and flushes out foreign substances.
Bodhaka: Bodhaka is the watery secretion of the glands around the taste buds of the tongue, which help in perceiving the taste.
Tarpaka: Tarpaka refers to the cerebrospinal fluid which is a secretion surrounding the brair, and spinal cord. It provides nutrition to the brain and protects it from toxic substances.
Shleshaka: SWeshaka is the fluid lying in the bones and joint spaces called as synovial fluid producing movements of bones and joints with ease. The watery fluid surrounding and,protecting the heart and lungs are also referred to as shleshaka Kapha.
The diseases caused by disorders of Kapha are as follows: Common cold, Infection of the lungs and other parts of respiratory system, Diarrhoea due to infection, Jaundice, Eczema, Pimples and other skin infections, Arthritis (painful joints)/ Rheumatic heart disease, Swelling and infection of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis), Peritonitis (swelling of abdominal cavity), Encephalitis, Meningitis and other infections of the brain and, Benign tumours of different parts of body.
Dhaatu
It is a substance which is responsible for formation of basic structure of body. There are 7 types of dhaatus i.e. lymph, blood, muscle tissue, fat tissue, bone marrow, sperm and ovum.
Malas
These are waste products of various dhaatus produced during the course of metabolic changes in the body. Examples of malas are sweatt urine, stool, gases, bile, earwax, nasal discharge, mucous secretions etc. Thus a disease is due to imbalance of doshas, dhaatus and malas.
Advantages of Ayurveda
It is preventive, protective, health primitive and curative in nature. At the same time herbal remedies are self contained, and nutritive rendering them harmless and non toxic. This provides a constructive approach against destructive forces.
Ayurveda is not man made but is believed to be divine gift. It is for us to study, seek, search and take the benefits from the treasure of knowledge.
Ayurveda is mainly based on herbs, plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables and all vegetation that grows around us in plenty. It is our native system based on the peculiar indian conditions. Further whatever is available on our own country is bound to be more suitable in creating good health to us rather than borrowed knowledge as well as materials. Charaka samhita stresses the same point.
Ayurveda begins when everything fails and when the treatment is uncertain and prolonged, ayurvedic approach is the right choice since it cures chronic and stubborn diseases by its deep-rooted treatment procedures and drugs.
Ayurveda is not man made but is believed to be divine gift. It is for us to study, seek, search and take the benefits from the treasure of knowledge.
Ayurveda is mainly based on herbs, plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables and all vegetation that grows around us in plenty. It is our native system based on the peculiar indian conditions. Further whatever is available on our own country is bound to be more suitable in creating good health to us rather than borrowed knowledge as well as materials. Charaka samhita stresses the same point.
Ayurveda begins when everything fails and when the treatment is uncertain and prolonged, ayurvedic approach is the right choice since it cures chronic and stubborn diseases by its deep-rooted treatment procedures and drugs.
Friday, November 7, 2008
NRIs in Mutual Funds
If you want to invest in Mutual Funds on a repatriable basis:
A Non-resident Indian (NRI) or an Overseas Corporate Body (OCB) is permitted to purchase the following, without limit, on repatriation basis , units of domestic mutual funds, units of Money Market Mutual Funds in India,
A Non-resident Indian or an Overseas Corporate Body who purchases securities on repatriation basis, shall make payment either by
Inward remittance through normal banking channels or
Out of funds held in his / its NRE / FCNR account.
A person resident outside India who has purchased securities in accordance with this Schedule is permitted to tender units of mutual funds to the issuer for repurchase or for payment of maturity proceeds. The net sale/ maturity proceeds (after payment of taxes) of such securities sold, can be remitted abroad or at the NRI or OCB investor's option, credited to his / its NRE / FCNR / NRO / NRSR / NRNR account.
If you want to invest in Mutual Funds on a non-repatriable basis:
A Non-resident Indian or an Overseas Corporate Body is permitted, without limit, to purchase on non-repatriation basis, units of domestic mutual funds, units of Money Market Mutual Funds in India,.
A Non-resident Indian or an Overseas Corporate Body who purchases securities on non-repatriation basis, has to make payment either by
Inward remittance through normal banking channels or
Out of funds held in his / its NRE / FCNR / NRO / NRSR / NRNR account.
A person resident outside India who has purchased securities in accordance with this Schedule is permitted to tender units of mutual funds to the issuer for repurchase or for payment of maturity proceeds.
The net sale / maturity proceeds (after payment of taxes) of such securities sold, can be
Credited only to NRSR account of the NRI investor where the payment for purchase of securities sold was made out of funds held in NRSR account, or
Credited, at the NRI or OCB investor's option, to his / its NRO or NRSR account, where the payment for the purchase of the securities sold was made out of funds held in NRO account.
A Non-resident Indian (NRI) or an Overseas Corporate Body (OCB) is permitted to purchase the following, without limit, on repatriation basis , units of domestic mutual funds, units of Money Market Mutual Funds in India,
A Non-resident Indian or an Overseas Corporate Body who purchases securities on repatriation basis, shall make payment either by
Inward remittance through normal banking channels or
Out of funds held in his / its NRE / FCNR account.
A person resident outside India who has purchased securities in accordance with this Schedule is permitted to tender units of mutual funds to the issuer for repurchase or for payment of maturity proceeds. The net sale/ maturity proceeds (after payment of taxes) of such securities sold, can be remitted abroad or at the NRI or OCB investor's option, credited to his / its NRE / FCNR / NRO / NRSR / NRNR account.
If you want to invest in Mutual Funds on a non-repatriable basis:
A Non-resident Indian or an Overseas Corporate Body is permitted, without limit, to purchase on non-repatriation basis, units of domestic mutual funds, units of Money Market Mutual Funds in India,.
A Non-resident Indian or an Overseas Corporate Body who purchases securities on non-repatriation basis, has to make payment either by
Inward remittance through normal banking channels or
Out of funds held in his / its NRE / FCNR / NRO / NRSR / NRNR account.
A person resident outside India who has purchased securities in accordance with this Schedule is permitted to tender units of mutual funds to the issuer for repurchase or for payment of maturity proceeds.
The net sale / maturity proceeds (after payment of taxes) of such securities sold, can be
Credited only to NRSR account of the NRI investor where the payment for purchase of securities sold was made out of funds held in NRSR account, or
Credited, at the NRI or OCB investor's option, to his / its NRO or NRSR account, where the payment for the purchase of the securities sold was made out of funds held in NRO account.
NRIs investing in Bank Fixed deposits:
If you want to open a repatriable account in foreign currency:
NRIs and OCBs are eligible to open and maintain Foreign Currency (Non-Resident) (Banks) Accounts - [FCNR(B) accounts] with authorised dealers.
Individuals / entities of Bangladesh / Pakistan nationality / ownership require approval of Reserve Bank to open NRE accounts in India
These accounts may be opened with
Funds remitted from outside India through normal banking channels or
Funds received in rupees by debited from the account of a non-resident bank maintained with an authorised dealer in India or
Funds that are of repatriable nature in terms of the regulations made by Reserve Bank.
Funds from existing NRE / FCNR accounts
Funds remitted from outside India through normal banking channels or
Funds received in rupees by debited from the account of a non-resident bank maintained with an authorised dealer in India or
Funds that are of repatriable nature in terms of the regulations made by Reserve Bank.
Funds from existing NRE / FCNR accounts
Remittances from outside India for opening of or crediting to these accounts should be made in the designated currency (Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Deutsche Mark, Japanese Yen, Euro) in which the account is desired to be opened/maintained.
If the remittance is received in a currency other than the designated currency (Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Deutsche Mark, Japanese Yen, Euro, including funds received in rupees by debit to the account of a non-resident bank), it would be converted into the latter currency by the authorised dealer at the risk and cost of the remitter and account should be opened / credited in only the designated currency
In case the depositor with any convertible currency other than designated currency (Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Deutsche Mark, Japanese Yen, Euro) desires to place a deposit in these accounts, authorised dealers may undertake with the depositor a fully covered swap in that currency against the desired designated currency. Such a swap may also be done between two designated currencies
These accounts may be opened only in the form of term deposit for any of the three maturity periods, viz. one year and above but less than two years, two years and above but less than three years and three years only.
Joint accounts in the names of two or more non-resident individuals may be opened provided all the account holders are persons of Indian nationality or origin. Opening of these accounts by a non-resident jointly with a resident is not permissible
An account may be opened in the name of an eligible NRI during his temporary visit to India against tender of foreign currency travelers cheques or foreign currency notes and coins tendered, provided the authorised dealer is satisfied that the person has not ceased to be a non-resident.
If you want to open a repatriable account in Indian currency
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Corporate Bodies (OCBs) are permitted to open and maintain Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Account with authorised dealers, and with banks (including cooperative banks) authorised by the Reserve Bank to maintain accounts -
These accounts should be opened by the non-resident account holder himself and not by the holder of the power of attorney in India.
Individuals / entities of Bangladesh / Pakistan nationality / ownership require approval of Reserve Bank to open NRE accounts in India.
The accounts may be maintained in any form- example savings, current, recurring or fixed deposit account and so on.
Joint accounts in the names of two or more non-resident individuals may be opened provided all the account holders are persons of Indian nationality or origin. Opening of these accounts by a non-resident jointly with a resident is not permissible.
An account may be opened in the name of an eligible NRI during his temporary visit to India against tender of foreign currency travelers cheques or foreign currency notes and coins tendered, provided the authorised dealer is satisfied that the person has not ceased to be a non-resident
If you want to place a fixed deposit with a bank on a non-repatriatiable basis:
Any person residing outside India (except individuals / entities of Pakistan / Bangladesh nationality / ownership) may open NRNR accounts with an authorised dealer.
Accounts should be opened in Indian rupees out of the funds remitted from outside India through normal banking channels (in freely convertible
In the case of NRIs / OCBs, such accounts may also be opened by transfer of funds from their existing NRE / FCNR deposit accounts
Premature withdrawal of NRE / FCNR deposits for opening NRNR deposits with an authorised dealer other than the one with whom the NRE / FCNR account is maintained will attract penalty, if any, as per the directions issued by Reserve Bank from time to time.
The deposits may be held for periods ranging from 6 months to 3 years.
Banks are free to determine the rate of interest on deposits under this scheme and on advances against funds held in such deposits.
Only Interest accrued on the deposits is repatriable.
The principal amount of deposit together with interest accrued thereon may be renewed for a further period ranging from 6 months to 3 years. If the interest accrued on an existing deposit is invested under the Scheme, the amount of interest so invested, will not be eligible for repatriation.
The account can also be shifted from one authorised dealer to another.
In the case of individual deposit holder, the amount of deposit can be gifted to any resident / non-resident or to any Charitable Trust in India recognised under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Account may be held jointly with residents.
An authorised dealer may register nomination in favour of either a resident or non-resident. However, nomination in favour of a non-resident may be registered subject to the condition that the amount standing to the credit of the depositor, in the event of his death, will be paid to the non-resident nominee only in Indian rupees by crediting the amount to the nominee's NRO / NRNR / NRSR account and will not be allowed to be remitted outside India.
In the case of non-residents only, interest on these deposits is exempt from income tax in India under section 10(15)(i). Notification No. S.O. 653(E) dated 31-8-92
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Corporate Bodies (OCBs) are permitted to open and maintain Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Account with authorised dealers, and with banks (including cooperative banks) authorised by the Reserve Bank to maintain such accounts.
These accounts should be opened by the non-resident account holder himself and not by the holder of the power of attorney in India.
Individuals / entities of Bangladesh / Pakistan nationality / ownership require approval of Reserve Bank to open NRE accounts in India.
The accounts may be maintained in any form, e.g. savings, current, recurring or fixed deposit account etc.
Joint accounts in the names of two or more non-resident individuals may be opened provided all the account holders are persons of Indian nationality or origin. Opening of these accounts by a non-resident jointly with a resident is not permissible.
An account may be opened in the name of an eligible NRI during his temporary visit to India against tender of foreign currency travellers cheques or foreign currency notes and coins tendered, provided the authorised dealer is satisfied that the person has not ceased to be a non-resident.
If you want to open a regular NRO account on non-repatriable basis:Any person resident outside India may open NRO account with an authorised dealer or an authorised bank for the purpose of putting through bona fide transactions in rupees not involving any violation of the provisions of the Act, rules and regulations made there under.
When a person resident in India leaves India for a country (other than Nepal or Bhutan) for taking up employment, or for carrying on business or vocation outside India or for any other purpose indicating his intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period, his existing account would be designated as a Non-Resident (Ordinary) account.
At the time of opening of the account, the account holder should furnish an undertaking to the authorised dealer / authorised bank with whom the account is maintained that in cases of debits to the account for the purpose of investment in India and credits representing sale proceeds of investments, he will ensure that such investments / disinvestments will be in accordance with the regulations made by Reserve Bank in this regard.
Individuals / entities of Bangladesh / Pakistan nationality / ownership require approval of Reserve Bank to open NRE accounts in India.
Post Offices in India may maintain savings bank accounts in the names of persons resident outside India and allow operations on these accounts subject to the same terms and conditions as are applicable to NRO accounts maintained with an authorised dealer/authorised bank.
NRO accounts may be opened / maintained in the form of current, savings, recurring or fixed deposit accounts. The requirements laid down in the directives issued by Reserve Bank in regard to resident accounts shall apply to NRO accounts.
NRO accounts may be held jointly with residents.
If you want to open a regular NRSR account on non-repatriable basis:
NRIs (other than nationals of Bangladesh/Pakistan) who voluntarily undertake not to seek remittance of funds held in these accounts as also income earned thereon are eligible to maintain NRSR accounts with an authorised dealer.
These accounts shall carry the same facilities and restrictions as are applicable to domestic accounts of residents in respect of repatriation of funds held in the account and / or income accrued thereon with an exception of investment in shares / securities or immovable property or agricultural / plantation activities or real estate business in India which shall be governed by the regulations applicable to such investments by non-residents.
The directives issued by Reserve Bank in regard to domestic accounts shall be applicable to these accounts.
For the purpose of opening of these accounts, an application shall be submitted to an authorised dealer in Form NRSR appended to this Schedule.
These accounts may be maintained in the form of current, savings, recurring or fixed deposit account.
When a person residing in India becomes a resident outside India (other than Nepal and Bhutan) on account of him taking up employment, or carrying on business or vocation outside India or for any other purpose indicating his intention to stay outside India permanently or for an uncertain period, the person concerned will have the option of designating his existing domestic account as NRO account or NRSR account.
Operating your NRO account:The operations of these accounts are substantially liberalised and do not require RBI permissions in case of the following transactions:
The operations on the accounts should not result in the account holder making available foreign exchange to any person residing in India against reimbursement in rupees or in any other manner.
The following credits are permitted in NRO accounts:Proceeds of remittances received in any permitted currency from outside India through normal banking channels or any permitted currency tendered by the account-holder during his temporary visit to India or transfers from rupee accounts of nonresident banks.Legitimate dues in India of the account holder.
The following debits are permitted in NRO accounts:All local payments in rupees including payments for investments subject to compliance with the relevant regulations made by the Reserve Bank.Remittance outside India of current income in India of the account holder.
Balances in NRO accounts are not eligible for remittance outside India without the approval of Reserve Bank. Funds received by way of remittances from outside India in foreign exchange, which have not lost their identity as remittable funds, will only be considered by Reserve Bank for remittance outside India.
In case the account (current / savings) is opened by a foreign tourist visiting India, with funds remitted from outside India in a specified manner or by sale of foreign exchange brought by him to India, authorised dealers may convert the balance in the account at the time of departure of the tourist from India into foreign currency for payment to the account holder provided the account has been maintained for a period not exceeding six months and the account has not been credited with any local funds, other than interest accrued thereon.
NRO accounts may be re-designated as resident rupee accounts on the return of the account holder to India for taking up employment, or for carrying on business or vocation or for any other purpose indicating his intention to stay in India is for an uncertain period. Where the account holder is only on a temporary visit to India, the account should continue to be treated as non-resident during such visit.
A bank may pay interest on an overdue term deposit from the date of maturity, provided that a part or whole of the deposit is renewed at the rate of interest prevailing on the date of maturity of the original deposit.
The amount due / payable to non-resident nominee from the account of a deceased account holder, shall be credited to NRO account of the nominee with an authorised dealer / authorised bank in India.
If premature withdrawal takes place due to death of the depositor no penalty shall be levied and interest shall be receivable at the contracted rate upto the date of withdrawal.
In case of death of the depositor before maturity of the deposit, and the deposit is claimed after the maturity period, interest shall be receivable at the contracted rate for a period upto the date of maturity and at simple interest rate for the period from the date of maturity to the date of withdrawal of the deposit. However, in case of death of the depositor after maturity of the deposit, no interest shall be payable after the date of maturity.
Operating your NRSR account:
The operations on NRSR accounts may be allowed freely as in the case of domestic accounts maintained by resident individuals.
The account holders are also permitted to freely transfer funds from NRO / NRE / FCNR accounts to NRSR accounts but not vice versa.
These accounts may be held jointly with residents.
The interest rates as applicable to resident accounts shall apply to these accounts.
A bank may pay interest on an overdue term deposit from the date of maturity, provided that a part or whole of the deposit is renewed at the rate of interest prevailing on the date of maturity of the original deposit.
Interest earned on NRSR account cannot be repatriated.
An authorised dealer may register nomination in favour of either a resident or a non-resident. However, a non-resident nominee will not be entitled to any remittance facility out of funds held in NRSR account of the deceased account holder or income / interest accrued thereon.
If premature withdrawal takes place due to death of the depositor no penalty shall be levied and interest shall be receivable at the contracted rate upto the date of withdrawal.
In case of death of the depositor before maturity of the deposit, and the deposit is claimed after the maturity period, interest shall be receivable at the contracted rate for a period upto the date of maturity and at simple interest rate for the period from the date of maturity to the date of withdrawal of the deposit. However, in case of death of the depositor after maturity of the deposit, no interest shall be payable after the date of maturity.
Operating your NRE account:The operations of these accounts are substantially liberalised and do not require RBI permissions in case of the following transactions:
Proceeds of remittances to India in any permitted currency
Proceeds of personal cheques drawn by you on your foreign currency account
Proceeds of travellers cheques, bank drafts payable in any permitted currency including instruments expressed in Indian rupees for which reimbursement will be received in foreign currency, deposited by you in person during his temporary visit to India, provided the authorised dealer / bank is satisfied that you are still resident outside India, the travellers' cheques / drafts are valid / endorsed in your name and in the case of travellers' cheques, they were issued outside India.
Proceeds of foreign currency / bank notes tendered by you during your temporary visit to India, provided the amount was declared on a Currency Declaration Form (CDF), where applicable.
The notes are tendered to the authorised dealer in person by the account holder himself and the authorised dealer is satisfied that account holder is a person resident outside India.
Transfers from other NRE / FCNR accounts.
Interest accruing on the funds held in the account.
Interest on Government securities and dividend on units of mutual funds, provided the securities / units were purchased by debit to your NRE / FCNR account or out of inward remittance through normal banking channels.
Maturity proceeds of Government securities including National Plan / Savings Certificates as well as proceeds of Government securities and units of mutual funds sold on a recognised stock exchange in India and sale proceeds of units received from mutual funds, provided the securities / units were originally purchased by debit from your NRE / FCNR account or out of remittances received from outside India in free foreign exchange.
Refund of share / debenture subscriptions to new issues of Indian companies or portion thereof, if the amount of subscription was paid from the same account or from your other NRE / FCNR account or by remittance from outside India through normal banking channels.
Refund of application / earnest money made by the house building agencies on account of non-allotment of flat / plot, together with interest, if any (net of income tax payable thereon), provided the original payment was made out of your NRE / FCNR account or remittance from outside India through normal banking channels and the authorised dealer is satisfied about the genuineness of the transaction
Any other credit if covered under general or special permission granted by Reserve Bank.
The following debits are permitted in NRE accounts:Local disbursementsRemittances outside IndiaTransfer to your NRE / FCNR accounts or any other person eligible to maintain such accountInvestment in shares / securities / commercial paper of an Indian company or for purchase of immovable property in India provided such investment / purchase is covered by the regulations made, or the general / special permission granted, by the Reserve Bank.Any other transaction if covered under general or special permission granted by the Reserve Bank.
NRE accounts would be re-designated as resident accounts or the funds held in these accounts would be transferred to the RFC accounts (if the you are eligible for maintaining RFC account) at your option immediately upon your return India for taking up employment or for carrying on business or vocation or for any other purpose indicating your intention to stay in India for an uncertain period. Where you are only on a short visit to India, the account may continue to be treated as NRE account even during your stay in India.
Where the term deposit matures on a Saturday/Sunday, holiday or a non-working day, interest shall be payable at the contracted rate for that day upto payment of proceeds of the deposit on the next working day.
Authorised dealers / authorised banks may allow remittance of funds lying in the NRE account of the deceased account holder to his non-resident nominee.
Joint accounts in the names of two or more non-resident individuals may be opened provided all the account holders are persons of Indian nationality or origin. When one of the joint holders becomes resident, the authorised dealer may either delete his name and allow the account to continue as a NRE account or re-designate the account as a resident account, at your option.
Authorised dealers / authorised banks allow operations on an NRE account in terms of Power of Attorney or other authority granted in favour of a resident by the non-resident account holder, provided such operations are restricted to withdrawals for local payments. In cases where you or a bank designated by you is eligible to make investments in India, the Power of Attorney holder may be permitted by authorised dealers to operate the account to facilitate such investment. The resident Power of Attorney holder shall not, however, be allowed to repatriate funds outside India held in the account under any circumstances or make payment by way of gift to a resident on behalf of you or transfer funds from the account to another NRE account.
Conversion of NRE deposits into FCNR(B) deposits or vice-versa before maturity will attract penalty.
No penalty shall be levied on premature withdrawal of NRE deposit for conversion into an RFC deposit. Where the deposit is withdrawn before six months, banks may pay interest at a rate not higher than the savings deposits held in RFC accounts, provided the NRE account holder has made a request for conversion immediately on his arrival in India.
Application from a resident nominee for remittance of funds outside India for meeting the liabilities, if any, of the deceased account holder or for similar other purposes, should be forwarded to the Reserve Bank for consideration.
The bank , at its discretion, may renew an overdue deposit entirely or partly, provided the overdue period from the date of maturity till the date of renewal does not exceed 14 days. The rate of interest receivable on the amount of the deposit renewed shall be the rate prevailing on the date of maturity or on the date of renewal, whichever is lower.
In case of overdue deposits where the overdue period exceeds 14 days and the depositor places the entire amount of overdue deposit or a portion thereof as a fresh NRE deposit, banks can fix their own interest rates for the overdue period on the amount so placed as a fresh term deposit. Banks shall have freedom to recover the interest so paid for the overdue period if the deposit is withdrawn before completion of minimum stipulated period under the scheme, after renewal.
Income from interest on balances standing to the credit of NRE Accounts is exempt from Income Tax. Likewise balances held in such accounts are exempt from wealth tax.
Operating your FCNR account:
You can deposit funds in FCNR (B) accounts in Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Deutsche Mark, Japanese Yen, and Euro. Keep in mind that deposits in Deutsche Mark will not be accepted from December 31, 2001 and the maturity proceeds on Deutsche Mark, after this date shall be payable only in Euro.
The deposits cannot be held or renewed for a period exceeding three years.
Banks can determine the rate of interest on funds held in these deposit accounts. However, they cannot offer differential interest rates for deposits received on the same date, for the same maturity period. Interest rates may vary according to the size of the deposit, subject to the overall ceiling prescribed. Interest paid by the bank has to be as per schedule and is not subject to negotiation.
The following credits are permitted in FCNR (B) accounts:
Proceeds of remittances to India in any permitted currency
Proceeds of personal cheques drawn by you on your foreign currency account
Proceeds of travellers cheques, bank drafts payable in any permitted currency including instruments expressed in Indian rupees for which reimbursement will be received in foreign currency, deposited by you in person during your temporary visit to India, provided the authorised dealer / bank is satisfied that you are still resident outside India, the travellers' cheques / drafts are standing / endorsed in your name and in the case of travellers' cheques, they were issued outside India.
Proceeds of foreign currency / bank notes tendered by you during your temporary visit to India, provided the amount was declared on a Currency Declaration Form (CDF), where applicable, and the notes are tendered to the authorised dealer in person by the account holder himself and the authorised dealer is satisfied that account holder is a person resident outside India.
Transfers from other NRE / FCNR accounts.
Interest accruing on the funds held in the account.
Interest on Government securities and dividend on units of mutual funds, provided the securities / units were purchased by debit to your NRE / FCNR account or out of inward remittance through normal banking channels.
Maturity proceeds of Government securities including National Plan / Savings Certificates as well as proceeds of Government securities and units of mutual funds sold on a recognised stock exchange in India and sale proceeds of units received from mutual funds, provided the securities / units were originally purchased by amounts debited from your NRE / FCNR account or out of remittances received from outside India in free foreign exchange.
Refund of share / debenture subscriptions to new issues of Indian companies or portion thereof, if the amount of subscription was paid from the same account or from your other NRE / FCNR account or by remittance from outside India through normal banking channels.
Refund of application / earnest money made by the house building agencies on account of non-allotment of flat / plot, together with interest, if any (net of income tax payable thereon), provided the original payment was made out of your NRE / FCNR account or remittance from outside India through normal banking channels and the authorised dealer is satisfied about the genuineness of the transaction.
Any other credit if covered under general or special permission granted by Reserve Bank.
The following debits are permitted in FCNR (B) accounts:
Local disbursements.
Remittances outside India.
Transfer to your NRE / FCNR accounts or any other person eligible to maintain such account.
Investment in shares / securities / commercial paper of an Indian company or for purchase of immovable property in India provided such investment / purchase is covered by the regulations made, or the general / special permission granted, by the Reserve Bank.
Any other transaction if covered under general or special permission granted by the Reserve Bank.
Remittances received in Indian rupees for opening these accounts would be converted by the authorised dealer into the designated foreign currency (Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Deutsche Mark, Japanese Yen, Euro) at the clean T.T. selling rate for that currency ruling on the date of conversion.
For the purpose of payment in rupees, funds held in these accounts shall be converted into rupees at the authorised dealer's clean T.T. buying rate for the concerned currency ruling on the date of withdrawal.
Any inland movement of funds for the purpose of opening these accounts as well as for repatriation outside India of balances held in these accounts will be free of inland exchange or commission for the non-resident depositors.
The Authorised dealer receiving foreign currency remittances in these accounts will also, on request, pass on the foreign currency to another authorised dealer if the account has to be opened with the latter, at no extra cost to you.
Interest on balances held in these accounts can be received half-yearly or on an annual basis as desired by you.
Interest may be credited to a new FCNR (B) account or an existing / new NRE / NRO / NRNR / NRSR account in your name, at your option.
Where the term deposit matures on a Saturday/Sunday, holiday or a non-working day, interest shall be payable at the contracted rate for that day upto payment of proceeds of the deposit on the next working day.
Your deposits can continue till maturity at the contracted rate of interest, if so desired by you, even if your residential status changes to a person residing in India. However, except the provisions relating to rate of interest applicable to the FCNR (B) deposits, for all other purposes such deposits shall be treated as resident deposits from the date of your return to India. Authorised dealers will convert the FCNR (B) deposits on maturity into resident rupee deposit accounts or RFC account (if you are eligible to open RFC account), and interest on the new deposit (rupee account or RFC account) shall be payable at the rates not exceeding the rate payable on savings bank deposits. No penalty shall be levied on premature conversion of FCNR(B) deposits into RFC deposits, on return of non-residents to India.
Joint accounts in the names of two or more non-resident individuals may be opened provided all the account holders are persons of Indian nationality or origin. When one of the joint holders becomes resident, the authorised dealer may either delete his name and allow the account to continue as a FCNR (B) account or re-designate the account as a resident account, at the option of the account holders. Additions or deletions to the name(s) of joint holders is permissible on request of all joint holders.
Authorised dealers / authorised banks allow operations on an FCNR account in terms of Power of Attorney or other authority granted in favour of a resident by the non-resident account holder, provided such operations are restricted to withdrawals for local payments. In cases where you or a bank designated by you is eligible to make investments in India, the Power of Attorney holder may be permitted by authorised dealers to operate the account to facilitate such investment. The resident Power of Attorney holder shall not, however, be allowed to repatriate outside India funds held in the account under any circumstances or make payment by way of gift to a resident on behalf of you or transfer funds from the account to another NRE account.
Application from a resident nominee for remittance of funds outside India for meeting the liabilities, if any, of the deceased account holder or for similar other purposes, should be forwarded to the Reserve Bank for consideration.
Premature withdrawal of FCNR(B) deposits will attract penalty as per the directions issued by Reserve Bank from time to time. Conversion of FCNR(B) deposits into NRE deposits or vice-versa before maturity will also attract penalty.
If premature withdrawal takes place due to death of the depositor no penalty shall be levied and interest shall be receivable at the contracted rate upto the date of withdrawal.
In case of death of the depositor before maturity of the deposit, and the deposit is claimed after the maturity period, interest shall be receivable at the contracted rate for a period upto the date of maturity and at simple interest rate (applicable on date of maturity) for the period from the date of maturity to the date of withdrawal of the deposit.
However, in case of death of the depositor after maturity of the deposit, interest shall be receivable at a rate applicable to savings deposit rate under RFC account (applicable on date of maturity) for a period from the date of maturity to the date of withdrawal.
The bank may, at its discretion, renew an overdue deposit entirely or partly provided the overdue period from the date of maturity till the date of renewal does not exceed 14 days and the rate of interest receivable on the amount of the deposit so renewed shall be the rate prevailing on the date of maturity or on the date of renewal, whichever is lower. In the case of overdue deposits where the overdue period exceeds 14 days and the depositor places the entire amount of overdue deposit or a portion thereof as a fresh FCNR (B) deposit, banks can fix their own interest rates for the overdue period on the amount so placed as a fresh term deposit.
Banks have freedom to recover the interest so paid for the overdue period if the deposit is withdrawn before completion of minimum stipulated period under the scheme, after renewal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)