7 Tips to Take Control of Bipolar Disorder

7 crucial steps to controlling and managing bipolar disorder or manic depression are discussed in this article.

 

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a life-long illness affecting the chemistry of the brain. In classic cases, it causes severe mood swings from manic episodes of extreme highs to depressive episodes of debilitating lows, with relatively normal periods in-between. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 2 million people age 18 and older have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. 

 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for bipolar disorder at this time. But as with any chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy, proper treatment, management and understanding of the illness is crucial. Most people with bipolar disorder can lead full, productive and satisfying lives by taking crucial steps to control and manage their illness.

 

Some key steps to consider if you or a loved one have bipolar disorder include:

 

1. Find a mental health professional you trust. A person diagnosed with bipolar disorder needs to establish a relationship with a trusted mental health professional where an open and honest exchange can take place.

 

2. Take medication as prescribed. This is first and foremost the most important step in taking control of bipolar disorder. It is the one element that needs to be strictly adhered to. In order for medication to work effectively it must be taken consistently and for the long term. It may be tempting to stop taking medication as symptoms lessen and one starts feeling better. However, this could have devastating consequences.

 

3. Reduce Stress. Mental health professionals typically believe that increased stress can trigger an episode of manic depression. Finding time to relax, sharing extra responsibilities, or simply talking to someone during a stressful event may help to bring on an increased feeling of calmness.

 

4. Do not become isolated. Do not try to "handle" bipolar disorder alone. Seeking out the comfort and understanding of family and friends is central to a person's treatment. It can be very helpful to join a bipolar disorder support group because the people there understand the feelings and difficulties of living with the illness. They can lend insight and encouragement to a person confronting a diagnosis.     

 

5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is important to establish regular healthy routines such as exercising the same time every day, going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning. Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep, because erratic sleep patterns can increase the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Do not use caffeine or recreational drugs. 

 

6. Become an expert on bipolar disorder. Become involved in understanding the symptoms and treatment of bipolar disorder and the effects it can have on family and friends. Consult a qualified mental health professional with questions and concerns. Read books about the illness or listen to lectures by experts. Learn as much about bipolar disorder as possible because knowledge is a powerful tool in taking out the mystery of the illness.

 

7. Enhance life with enjoyable things. Make it a priority to engage in things that bring about feelings of joy, happiness, and accomplishment. Hobbies or activities that enhance a sense of peace or relaxation serve one well in dealing with the confusion of bipolar disorder.

 

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder does not have to mean the end of one's world; rather it can be considered a new beginning. One that, at last, provides an explanation and ultimate relief from some of the unexplained and destructive behaviours a person might exhibit, freeing them to live rich and fulfilling lives.

6 Essential Facts You Should Know About Bipolar Disorder

The first step in dealing with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is education. This article contains 6 essential facts you need to know about this serious yet treatable illness.

 

Mental health authorities estimate that more than 2 million adults have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also called manic-depression), a chemical imbalance in the brain causing extreme mood swings from manic highs to agonizing lows. Although a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be frightening and confusing, it is a treatable and manageable condition. 

 

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with bipolar illness, the first step in relieving fear and uncertainty is education. The more you know about the disorder, the less control it will exert over you and others who may be affected.

 

The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov), The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (www.nami.org), and The National Mental Health Association (www.nmha.org) are just a few of the recognized national organizations providing information, facts and support to anyone who may be directly or indirectly affected by bipolar disorder. 

 

Below are some essential facts about bipolar disorder provided by these organizations that may alleviate some of your concerns and questions surrounding a recent diagnosis.

 

Bipolar disorder affects many people: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million adults, or 1.2 percent of the population, in any given year.

 

Bipolar disorder has many potential causes: There does not appear to be one cause for bipolar disorder. Evidence suggests that many components may come into play, all of which affect the chemical balance of certain parts of the brain. Several studies on the occurrence of bipolar disorder in families demonstrate a genetic disposition toward the illness. Other factors may include extremely traumatic life events, chronic illness, alcoholism, and drug abuse. 

 

Bipolar disorder has varied symptoms: The most pronounced symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic mood swings consisting of extremely “high” manic episodes to debilitating episodes of depression and then back again with relatively normal moods in between. Behaviours during a manic episode include heightened feelings of euphoria, extreme energy, decreased need for sleep, extreme irritability and distractibility, and increased aggression. Depressive episodes bring about excessive feelings of despair, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, and sometimes thoughts of suicide. 

 

Bipolar disorder affects both sexes in children to adults: Manic depression is not selective in who it touches. Women and men are equally affected, as are children and adolescents (although a diagnosis in children and teens is more difficult to determine). A majority of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a least one family member with the illness. And children of parents with the illness are more likely to develop it themselves.

 

Bipolar disorder has effective treatment modalities: Bipolar disorder is treated with medications, called mood stabilizers, to assist in controlling fluctuation in moods. The important thing to understand about bipolar disorder is that it is a life-long, recurring illness requiring ongoing care. In addition to medication, psychotherapy is also prescribed in the management of the illness. Psychotherapy assists people to understand their illness and to develop coping skills to help deal with life events and stressors that may trigger manic and depressive episodes. 

 

Bipolar disorder has no cure: As of today, there is no known cure for bipolar disorder; however, it is a treatable and manageable illness. With a close relationship with a mental health professional, a proper diagnosis, and vigilant adherence to taking medications and sticking to prescribed treatment plans, most individuals with bipolar illness lead very productive and rewarding lives. 

 

These are just a few of the facts pertaining to bipolar disorder. It is not a simple illness, yet it is manageable and treatable. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, do not hesitate to seek information and help. Any one of the above-mentioned organizations can offer you education, guidance, and support. Obtaining knowledge is one of your first steps in alleviating the uncertainty and anxiety of dealing with such a diagnosis.

5 Ways to Deal With ADHD

With an increasing number of our youths suffering ADHD, stress syndromes, unemployment, depression, drug use, crime and higher rates of youth suicide than ever before, today’s parents and teachers are finding their roles more and more difficult.

 

According to renowned family relationships specialist, Marguerite Clancy, there are no overnight solutions for issues such as ADHD, but there are a few quick things struggling parents can do now to start dealing with it:

 

1) Get into a routine and stick to it (try to include fun times and laughter) 

 

2) Set up a punching bag or get your child playing a sport 

 

3) Be consistent with discipline and offer rewards where appropriate 

 

4) Use positive language, keep directions short, maintain calm 

 

5) Agree on consequences for behaviour together 

 

“There are many options available to parents and carers. It is important to show love and respect, and to lead by example”, says Marguerite. “There are also many forms of therapy available to help that don’t rely on medication.” For example, she recommends Sandplay Therapy, which is a well-established technique for enhancing emotional growth through play. She suggests parents encourage their child to use toys to represent things that are bothering them. Dolls, action figurines, cars, balls, and even blocks can all be used to represent people, objects, and everyday situations that may be very hard for the child to put into words. “You’d be surprised what problems your child is experiencing - many of them would be things you’d never have even dreamt of,” says Marguerite. “By recognising the significance of imaginary play, you give your child a way to express themselves using a language they’re fluent in.” 

 

According to Marguerite, parents can then talk about these problems with their child. Then if they’re still experiencing problems, they may want to try a punching bag or a sport. “With an easier way to communicate and an outlet for your child’s frustrations, you should find it far easier to figure out how to improve your situation.”

Benefits of Garlic

Benefits of Garlic! A more detailed account of what garlic does for various organs in the human body: If garlic had been created in the laboratory instead of by nature, it would probably be a high-priced prescription drug. 

 

A Common Saying everyone knows. That's just how good it really is... 

 

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and it's been credited with fighting heart disease, lowering blood pressure and helping to fight off colds.

 

In fact, garlic has been used medicinally for at least 3,000 years, but until relatively recently its benefits were considered little more than folklore. According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Nov. 28, 1990; 264:2614), the therapeutic roles of garlic have been described in more than 1,000 scientific studies. 

 

Cooking with Garlic 

 

Most of the modern research on garlic has concentrated on its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as offering protection against strokes and heart disease. 

 

The following is a more detailed account of what garlic does for various organs in the human body: 

 

1. Protection of the liver from toxic substances: Garlic activates the cells of the liver and thereby protects the liver from toxic substances; it also rejuvenates a tired liver and promotes its normal functioning. 

 

2. Improvement of blood circulation: When allicin is heated in the process of cooking the garlic, a substance called ?ajoene" is formed. This substance has a suppressive effect on thrombi and blood cholesterol, so it is effective for the treatment of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. 

 

3. Regulation of stomach function: Allicin promotes the secretion of gastric juices by stimulating the mucous membranes of the stomach; furthermore, it combines with proteins which can reduce excessive activity of the stomach. In addition, allicin regulates the functioning of the stomach by activating the large intestine and thus cure both constipation and diarrhoea. 

 

4. Promotion of insulin secretion: Allicin combines with vitamin B1 (thiamine) to activate the function of the pancreas and thus promote insulin secretion. As a result, garlic is effective in the prevention or the cure of diabetes that is caused by a lack of insulin or by the defective functioning of the pancreas. 

 

5. Normalization of blood circulation: Because it stimulates the brain nerves and controls the workings of the heart at a constant level, garlic stabilizes blood pressure. It is also capable of dissolving cholesterol and fatty substances inside blood vessels and therefore refreshing cells and the blood inside the body. 

 

Today, there is worldwide scientific evidence to support the many health benefits that can be derived from the daily consumption of garlic. 

 

Extensive tests on humans have concluded that a regular intake of garlic can: 

 

• Lower total cholesterol (but raise the good-type HDL cholesterol) 
• Produce more "natural killer" cells in the blood that will tackle infections and tumours 
• Lower blood pressure 
• Reduce the risk of blood clots (that are responsible for most heart attacks and strokes) 
• Destroy infection causing viruses and bacteria 

 

Garlic is classified as both an herb and a vegetable. It can be found in products ranging from ice cream to dry rubs; the versatility of this herb is seemingly endless. 

 

Tips for Cooking with Garlic

 

1. Before cooking, remove the exterior skin of the clove. There are many ways to do this: strike the bulb with the broad side of a kitchen knife, use a rubber garlic rolling tube, soak the garlic in lukewarm water for 30 minutes or dip the cloves into boiling water for 30 seconds. 

 

2. After skinning the garlic, select a cooking method that will result in the appropriate flavour. It can be sautéed to create a nutty, savoury taste; poached to create a mild flavour; oven-roasted to bring out the nutty flavour with a caramelized quality; fried to create a crisp exterior; or grilled to create a soft, smoky flavour. 

 

3. Garlic is very sensitive to heat and will burn easily, especially when sautéing. Expose the garlic to heat just until the oil sizzles and then remove it. When cooking garlic with onions, start the onions first. They will take longer to cook. 

Benefits of Ayurveda

The world of Ayurveda is a vast and interesting one. It is with this objective that this article on Benefits of Ayurveda was written, so that people got to know more about Ayurveda and its various effective uses in treating different diseases.

 

Ayurveda is the essence of old Hindu Medicare techniques, which are based on the curing the diseases from the roots. In Ayurveda, whole body is supposed as a mutually responding system. A single part not responding well may cause a disturbance in all body. Ayurveda works for the aim of complete health.

 

Allopathic techniques are based on the concept of sudden and instantaneous relief, so often the patient get rid of his problem for a short period, but the origin of disease is not eliminated, finally there comes the probability in future for that origin to be worse. Allopathic techniques uses antigen that introduces a chemical, heaving opposite effect of what the body is producing. So there is always a risk with the power and supplied quantity of the drug.

 

On the other hand, Ayurvedic Medicare is based on natural and herbal techniques and supplements, which are 100% side effect free. Ayurveda does not believe in antidotes and antigens, very rarely those techniques are used, Ayurveda works not to suppress the system of body, but to go to the origin and cure the basic disturbing element. In such treatments there are very low chances of side effect and the benefit of the body is forever. It gives you a complete health treatment, which works on the complete body system so it makes you feel better in your entire body.

 

If you eat 1 apple a day and one day suddenly eat 3, it’ll not cause any problem for you, but if you take 2 sleeping pills a day and one day you takes 4, it’ll be dangerous; most of the supplements of Ayurveda are essence of fruits, vegetables and jadi-booties, which are natures gift to human. Jadi-booties are some of the rarely found wild plants and fruits, which are very effective in some dieses. In old age, students of Ayurveda were taught the classification of every single kind of plants exits; they used to give long time to find those jadi-booties in jungles, rocks & mountains. In modern age of globalization some of the companies and groups are doing that work collectively, so now it is easy for us to use those techniques, which were once very costly even for the kings.

 

Ayurveda works in all directions, it not only gives the body what it wants but it prevents harmful supplements. The concept of ‘Parheja’, in Ayurveda, is the concept restricting the harmful food and supplements that disturbs the treatment.

 

Ayurvedic techniques are developed in ashramas of Hindu saints and researchers. This Medicare is the result of long time, generation-to-generation research work. It is well tasted and well proven in the history of India that is one of the world’s oldest cultures, In modern age, when pollution and effects of intoxications are disturbing the systems of the body and a normal human is getting weaker due to luxurious life; Ayurveda, along with yoga and exercises is the way to have a healthy body and a sound mind.

 

Taking in to account all the benefits of Ayurveda we can expect a rise in the popularity of ayurvedic medicines in the forthcoming year. Surveys have showed that many patients have received positive results from Ayurvedic treatment, thus in a few years Ayurveda is sure to bring about a revolution in the field of medicines.

Benefits of Green Tea

If weight loss, the prevention of cancer, healthy teeth, and the idea of low cholesterol does not give you an idea that green tea is a miracle worker, you must be working with some pretty powerful magic.

 

Benefits of Green Tea Introduction

 

There has been an influx of media coverage about the health benefits of green tea. Most green tea enthusiasts may base their opinions on green tea around their own experiences of the beverage. The Chinese have been drinking green tea for thousands of years due to its miracle working abilities. Green tea has been used by the Chinese for treating minor headaches to much larger matters such as preventing cancer. Many health studies are beginning to shine some light on the facets and benefits of green tea. What are the benefits from green tea that can affect your life? The following are five major benefits of green tea that may substantially change your life.

 

First Health of Green Tea - Weight Loss

 

The high concentration of polyphenols in green tea helps to oxidize fat and encourage thermogenesis. Thermogenesis in the body is the rate which the body burns calories. Green tea results in an increase of energy which raises the metabolism, therefore, more weight is lost than normal. As a morning beverage, green tea has a small amount of calories compared to most other beverages that Americans drink in the morning. The constant barrage of coffee as most peoples’ morning beverage results in a higher amount of daily calories compared to green tea as a beverage in the morning. A substitution of green tea instead of reaching for a cup of joe will make a big difference in the size of your waistline.

 

Second Benefit of Green Tea - Prevention of Cancer

 

The antioxidants in green tea eliminate free radicals that plague the body. These free radicals cause aging and cancer. The polyphenols of green tea constantly search for free radicals and they prevent the formation of unstable oxygen molecules in a process known as oxidation. This oxidation damages healthy cells of the body and have been linked to illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and even strokes. The polyphenols in green tea prevent the birth of abnormal cells, inflammation, and destroy most cancer causing agents.

 

Third Benefit of Green Tea - Healthy Teeth

 

Green tea is well known for keeping teeth clean because of one of its ingredients, fluoride. The fluoride kills the bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque. Also, fluoride helps to maintain healthy, cavity-free teeth. This helps to prevent general tooth decay inside of the mouth. This cannot be about coffee which stains the teeth with an ugly yellow tinge. The oral health of teeth can be vastly improved with the consumption of green tea.

 

Fourth Benefit of Green Tea - Lowers Cholesterol

 

Green tea may be a possible solution for all those suffering from conditions of high cholesterol. Heart attacks are one of the most common problems associated with bad cholesterol. Drinking green tea could possibly lower this stunning high risk. Green tea lowers the bad cholesterol’s levels, LDL cholesterol and prevents the occurrence of blood clots in the body. The LDL cholesterol flows through the liver and cells forming heavy deposits on artery walls. The catechins in green tea help to decrease the amount of bad cholesterol. Also, the catechins help to maintain a healthy good cholesterol to bad cholesterol ratio improving the overall health of the body.

 

Benefit of Green Tea Conclusion

 

If weight loss, the prevention of cancer, healthy teeth, and the idea of low cholesterol does not give you an idea that green tea is a miracle worker, you must be working with some pretty powerful magic. A couple of cups of tea in addition to your normal daily beverage will greatly decrease the risk of any bad conditions. The only side effect that has been clearly recognized is the daily overdose of caffeine. This problem has been addressed through the usage of green tea extract. Green tea can be taken in a pill form with all the benefits of normal green tea. So, we hope that you begin a daily green tea regimen tomorrow!

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Digestive Disorders

There are numerous simple recipes illustrated in Ayurveda to correct many disorders. Here are few gruel recipes which are strongly recommended in digestive disorders. These are simple and effective remedies which can be prepared easily at home to correct the digestive disorder and also to replenish the lost nutrients.

 

Gruel Recipes

 

For Indigestion

 

Ingredients:

 

Rice - 1/2 cup

Water - 4 cups

Long pepper - 2 or 3 

Ginger -1

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice with recommended quantity of water with crushed ginger and salt. Powder long pepper and fry it in a spoon of cow’s ghee and add it to gruel. Consume this when it hot. This is very light to digest and relieves colic pain.

 

For Diarrhoea

 

Ingredients:

 

Rice - 1/2 cup

Water - 4 cups

Ginger paste - 1/2 spoon

Salt to taste

Pomegranate juice - Ω cup

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice with recommended quantity of water with ginger paste and salt. Add pomegranate juice when the gruel is warm. This gruel rehydrates body and supply energy. This soothes inflamed walls of intestine and controls bowel movements. 

 

For Flatulence 

 

Ingredients:

 

Ω cup of rice

4 cups of water

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) - powder-1/2 spoon

Roots of pippali or long pepper

Ginger paste -1/2 spoon salt to taste

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook Rice, haritaki powder, roots of pippali and water together. Add salt to it. Consume this when it is warm. This relieves flatulence and regularizes the bowel movement

 

For Indigestion Due to Over Consumption of Oily Food

 

Ingredients:

 

Ω cup rice

4 cups of water

Butter milk - 1 cup

Salt to taste

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice water and salt together. Add a cup of butter milk when it is little warm and consume it. This relieves indigestion, nausea and corrects digestion.

Ayurveda Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes called as ‘impotence’.

 

The term "erectile dysfunction" can mean the inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or the ability to achieve only brief erections.

Ayurveda defines Erectile dysfunction or ED as follows:

 

Sankalpapravano nityam priyaam vashyaamapi sthreeyam ||

na yaathi lingashaithilyaath kadaachidyaathi vaa yadi |

Shwaasaarthaha swinnagaatrshcha moghasankalpacheshtitaha ||

mlaanashishnashcha nirbeejaha syodetat klaibyalaxanam |

 

This means even though a man has a strong desire to perform sexual act with a cooperative partner, he cannot perform sexual act because of looseness (absence of erection) of his phallus (penis). Even if he performs sexual act with his determined efforts he does not get erection and gets afflicted with tiredness, perspiration and frustration to perform sex.

 

Physiology of Erection

 

The two chambers of penis (corpora cavernosa,) which run through the organ are filled with spongy tissue. The corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a membrane, called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra, which is the channel for urine and semen runs along underside of the corpora cavernosa.

 

Due to sensory or mental stimulation, or both, the erection begins. Due to impulses from brain and local nerves the muscles of corpora cavernosa relax and allow blood to flow in and fill the spaces of spongy tissue.

 

The flow of blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the chambers, thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow channels, erection recedes.

 

In Ayurveda physiology of erection and ejaculation is described as follows:

 

Vrishunow basthimedram cha naabhyuuru vankshnow gudam|

Apaanasthaanamantrasthaha shukra mootra shakrunti cha||

 

The ‘apaanavayu’ one of the five types of vayu is located in the testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groin, anus and colon. Its functions are ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine and stools. 

 

Shushruta explains the process of erection and ejaculation as ‘When a man has desire (iccha) to have sex, his response to touch increases’ (Vayu located in skin causes flow of signals from skin to brain, thus causing sensation of touch). This causes arousal or ‘harsha’. Arousal or Harsha intensifies actions of vayu and at this moment highly active vayu liberates the ‘teja’ or heat of pitta. Thus tejas and vayu increase body temperature, heart beat and blood flow causing erection.

 

Causes of ED

 

Erection requires a sequence of events. Erectile dysfunction can occur when any of the events is disturbed. Nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, around the penis and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and around the corpora cavernosa constitute this sequence of events. Injury to any of these parts which are part of this sequence (nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, fibrous tissue) can cause ED. 

 

Lowered Level of Testosterone Hormone

 

The primary male hormone is testosterone. After age 40, a man's testosterone level gradually declines. About 5% of men that doctors see for erectile dysfunction have low testosterone levels. In many of these cases, low testosterone causes lower sexual interest, not erectile dysfunction.

 

The whole male body responds to testosterone. 

 

Even sushruta has illustrated about this response of body to the element ‘Shukra’. He has said, 

 

"yatha payasi sarpistu goodashchekshow raso yatha shareereshu tatha shukram nrinaam vidyaadhbishagwara"  

 

This means: The Shukra (the element which helps in reproduction) is present all over the body.

 

This can be explained with the following examples:

• The ghee is present in milk in an invisible form. This is extracted from milk using many processes. 

• The sugar is present all over the sugarcane. It is extracted by subjecting the sugarcane to number of processes. 

Same way Shukra is present all over the body. But the cream of Shukra (semen) comes out of the body only during the process of ejaculation. But this process of ejaculation needs a joyful union of mind and body.

 

Decrease in production of ‘Shukra' causes erectile dysfunction.

 

Over exertion - physically and mentally : Working for long hours in office, mental stress at office and home, short temperedness ,insufficient sleep cause erectile dysfunction. 

 

These causes are explained in Ayurveda as "shoka  chintaa, bhaya, traasaat.... " which means that erectile dysfunction or Impotence occurs due to grief, fear, anxiety and terror.

 

Strained relationship with sexual partner: Erectile dysfunction also occurs when there is a disliking towards sexual partner.

 

Ayurveda describes this as "naarinaamarasamjnatwaat..."  means disliking for women. 

 

Diseases that cause Erectile Dysfunction

 

Neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, anaemia, depression, arthritis, endocrine disorders, diabetes, diseases related to cardiovascular system also become reasons for erectile dysfunction.. 

 

According to Ayurveda the diseases which cause erectile dysfunction are "Hritpaandurogatamakakaamalashrama..." - Heart diseases, anaemia, asthma, liver disorders, tiredness.

 

Apart from these the imbalance in tridoshas also cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. 

 

Consumption of Medicines, Drugs and Tobacco

 

Using antidepressants, tranquilizers and antihypertensive medicines for a long time, addiction to tobacco especially smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, addiction to cocaine, heroin and marijuana cause erectile dysfunction.

 

In Ayurveda texts these causes have been said in brief as "rukshamannapaanam tathoushadham" - "dry food , drinks and medicines" cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. 

 

Trauma to Pelvic Region

 

Accidental injury to pelvic region and surgeries for the conditions of  prostate, bladder, colon, or rectal area may lead to erectile dysfunction. 

 

These causes are mentioned as abhighata (trauma), shastradantanakhakshataha (injury from weapons, teeth and nail.) in Ayurveda. 

 

Other Reasons

 

Obesity, prolonged bicycle riding, past history of sexual abuse and old age also cause  Erectile dysfunction. 

 

Ayurveda describes the cause of impotence or erectile dysfunction due to old age as follows: diminution of - tissue elements, strength, energy, span of life, inability to take nourishing food, physical and mental fatigue lead to impotence.

 

Remedies for ED

 

ED is treatable at any age. The total treatment in for impotence is called as ‘Vajikarana therapy’ in Ayurveda. As this therapy increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act, like a horse, it is called 'Vaajikarana' ('Vaaji' means ‘Horse’).

 

Vaajikarana therapy leads to:

 

• Happiness.
• Good strength. 
• Potency to produce healthy offspring. 
• Increased span of erection. 

 

Eligibility for Vajikarana Therapy

 

The Vajikarana therapy should be administered to persons who are between 18 to 70 years of age.

 

These therapies should be administered only to a self-controlled person. If this therapy is administered to a person who does not have self-control, he becomes nuisance to society through his illegitimate sex acts.

 

Psychotherapy

 

Decreasing anxiety associated with intercourse, with psychologically based treatment helps to cure ED. The patient's partner can help with the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes is being treated.

 

Same treatment is illustrated in Ayurveda. It has been said, “A woman who understands a man and is liked by him, along with erotic environment act as best aphrodisiac.”

 

Drug Therapy

 

Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or impotence. It has been said that people who have strong sexual urge, who want to enjoy sex regularly have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy, vigour, stamina and strength. These preparations also supply the nutrients which are necessary for production of semen.

 

Ayurveda Tips to Overcome ED

 

• Consuming herbal preparations to rejuvenate the reproductive organs.
• Massaging the body with a herbal oil which gives a relief from physical exertion and also acts as aphrodisiac.
• Practicing Yoga and Meditation to overcome mental exertion and to cope up with stress. 
• Sleep at least for 8 hours a day. 
• Avoiding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, heroin etc. 
• Exercise regularly. 
• Avoid hot, spicy and bitter foods. 
• Favour sweets, milk products, nuts and urad dal. 
• Add little ghee in your diet. 
• Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses.

Author: Dr. Savitha Suri B.A.M.S 

Benefits Of Alternative Medicine

More and more people are turning to Alternative Medicine and Natural Therapy as cost of conventional medicine escalate.

 

With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome, are you worried or wondering....

 

Is it possible to maintain good health?

 

What your body needs to function properly?

 

Why conventional medicine is becoming more complicated and costly and in some cases simply ineffective?

 

A growing number of people are turning to alternative medicine and natural healing--simple, traditional low-tech methods of preventing illnesses and solving everyday health problems.

 

Do you have unanswered questions on....

 

Why are people flocking to health food stores, with their lotions and potions, and what keeps them going back for more?

 

What to do if you or someone in your family falls ill?

 

Are these therapies really old wives tales or can they really work?

 

Even mainstream doctors have begun to recommend natural drugless therapies' to treat both everyday complaints and serious illnesses. Dietary modifications, for instance, has become the weapons of choice against a number of diseases that would have been treated mainly with prescription drugs a generation ago.

 

It is now known that many conditions are caused by the wrong diet and can be reversed by the right diet. Heart disease, cancer, weight problems, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure--they can all be treated to some degree with foods.

 

Natural therapies found in alternative medicine are actually much older than Western treatments such as surgeries and antibiotics. Experts estimate that herbal remedies and Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, has been around for 5,000 years.

 

Many alternative medicine remedies began with scientific research or clinical impressions reported by physicians working with safe, natural substances. But we live in a generation now that has been cut off from this age-old tradition of self-reliance. Healing and health care have almost become the exclusive province of duly licensed physicians. 

 

While doctors and other professionals-are indeed great to have around, what is not so great is when you cannot do anything without them.

 

Shouldn't we be able to do something to save our health - maybe even our lives - without a doctor?

 

What happens when medical help is not so readily available?

 

What happens when doctoring simply does not work?

 

Some of us go to doctor after doctor, and still no help. Is that the end of the line?

 

While antibiotics have saved millions of lives, they have not really solved some resurgence of germs that are turning up in new forms that do not respond to conventional therapies.

 

There has been a real shift in the way people think about their health. Rising health care cost is a factor in the recent surge of interest in alternative medicine. Many people are attracted to the alternative physicians emphasis on treating the whole person--body, mind and spirit. 

 

Most importantly some physicians use intensive counselling to help patients find out whether aspects of their daily lives, such as job stress, marital problems, diet or sleeping habits might be behind their symptoms. In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices patients find this individualized approach of alternative medicine particularly appealing.

 

One of the principal goals of alternative medicine and natural healing is to break the cycle of dependency and allow people to be more in control of their own lives.