Paper presented at International conference DYUTI13 at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences Kochi on 4Jan 2013

1. Scope of Ayurveda &
CAM
in Life Style Diseases
Dr B RAJEEV
Chief Physician
THL Ayurveda , THAQDEES HOSPITALS
Edathala, ALUVA

2. Ayur = life, Veda = Science
 It incorporates all aspects of life
whether physical, psychological,
spiritual or social. What is
beneficial and what is harmful to
life, what is happy life and what is
sorrowful life; all these four
questions and life span allied
issues are elaborately and
emphatically discussed in
Ayurveda.

3. AYUSHKAMEEYAM
Providing guidelines on ideal daily
and seasonal routines, diet,
behavior and the proper use of our
senses, Ayurveda reminds us that
health is the balanced and dynamic
integration between our
environment, body, mind, and spirit.

4. Ayurvedic diagnosis & treatment
 Ayurvedic diagnosis is not a diagnosis of
disorder in the material level of cells and tissues
but an assessment of balance in Vata, Pitta and
Kapha.
 Ayurvedic treatment does not take something
from the outside like drugs or surgery to attack
the disease.
 Rather its purpose is to restore the proper
functioning of these divisions of biological
intelligence so that true healing may occur from
within.

5. Goal of Ayurveda
 An important goal of Ayurveda is to
 identify a person’s ideal state of
balance,
 determine where they are out of
balance,
 and offer interventions using diet,
herbs, aromatherapy, PANCHA KARMA
treatments, music, yoga and
meditation to re-establish balance.

6. Dynamic integration between environment,
body, mind, and spirit
 This Vedic perspective of health is
effective because it is rooted in the
deepest quantum mechanical reality of
nature’s functioning.
 The classical level of molecules that
modern medicine deals with is very
superficial compared to the quantum
mechanical world from which Vedic
Science functions

7. The Ayurvedic Procedure
 Dinacharya,
 Rathricharya and
 Ritucharya .

8. Alternative and complementary
medicine ARE THE BODY MIND OR THE
WHAT
MINDED BODY?
A. Bodymind – refer to a state of integration that
includes body, mind and spirit
- the mind was believed to be located within the
anatomic structure of the brain, however,
memories, thoughts and behavior
processes are stored throughout the body.
B. Minded Body – emphasize that the qualities
we associate with the mind are distributed
throughout the body.

9. Alternative and complementary
medicine
What are the Types of Bodymind Healing?
A. Information transduction – the conversion or transformation of information
or energy from one form to another.
- The mind is seen as nature’s way of receiving, generating, and transducing
information
e.g. – use of relaxation techniques and imagery
B. Mind Modulation – refers to the process by which the brain converts neural
messages into neurohormonal messenger molecules and communicates them to all
body systems that evoke states of health or illness.
Through the nervous system, mind modulation is used in
holistic therapies such as relaxation, imagery, meditation, and music therapy

10. Alternative and complementary
medicine
What are the Types of Bodymind Healing?
C. Neuropeptides – are “messenger molecules” that are
responsible for connecting the body and emotions.
- The autonomic, endocrine, and immune systems are the vehicles for
neuropeptides.
D. Psychoneuroimmunology – focuses on the relationships
among stress, the immune system, and the health outcomes.
- Many studies have shown links between emotional conditions and
physiological functions.
- Activity in the body affects the brain.

11. Alternative and complementary
medicine ARE THE FOUR MAJOR GROUPS OF
WHAT
HEALING MODALITIES?
I. Touch Therapies – stimulates the production of healing
promoting chemicals by the immune or limbic system.
II. Mind-Body Therapies – Individuals focus on realigning or
creating balance in mental processes to bring about healing. It
focuses in bringing balance to thoughts, emotions, or the
breath for its own sake.
III. Aromatherapy – controlled use of essential oils to promote a
possible number of outcomes including improvement of mood,
edema, acne, allergies, bruising and stress
IV. Transpersonal Therapies – therapies that effect healing
between persons

12. Alternative and complementary
medicine
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF TOUCH THERAPY?
1. Massage – relaxes muscles and release lactic acid that
accumulates during exercise. It improves the flow of blood and
lymph, stretch joints, and relieve pain and congestion.
2. Reflexology - is based on the principle that the hands and feet
are mirrors of the body and that they have reflex points that
corresponds to each of the body’s glands, structures and
organs. When a reflex point is massaged, it stimulates the
corresponding organs on that zone.

13. Alternative and complementary
medicine ARE THE TYPES OF TOUCH THERAPY?
WHAT
3. Acupressure – form of healing in which the therapist exerts finger
pressure on specific sites. The application of finger or thumb
pressure is thought to restore balance in the flow of energy, and
when energy can flow freely, the body can heal itself.
4. Reiki – Practitioner places the hand on the client and energy flows
from one to the other. The amount and effectiveness of the
energy is said to depend on the need of the recipient.

14. Alternative and complementary
medicine ARE THE TYPES OF MIND BODY THERAPIES?
WHAT
5. Biofeedback - is a technique that teaches various forms of
relaxation by providing a response from physiologic needs.
It is a technique that brings bodily processes under
conscious control.
6. Imagery – application of the conscious use of the
imagination with the intention of activating, biological,
psychological, or spiritual healing.
7. Yoga – the uniting of all the powers of the body, mind and
spirit. It is an approach to living a balanced life.

15. Alternative and complementary
medicine ARE THE TYPES OF MIND BODY THERAPIES?
WHAT
8. Meditation – a technique used to quiet the mind and
focus it in the present, and to release fears, worries,
anxieties, doubts, concerning the past and the future.
9. Prayer – is similar to meditation but is intended to be
communicating with God, a saint, or some other
being who answer the prayer

16. Alternative and complementary
medicine ARE THE TYPES OF MIND BODY THERAPIES?
WHAT
10. Music Therapy – the behavioral concerned with the
systematic application of music to produce relaxation and
desired changes in emotions, behavior and physiology.
11. Humor and Laughter – Humor involves the ability to discover,
express or appreciate the comical or absurdly incongruous, to
be amused by one’s own imperfections or the whimsical aspects
of life and to see the funny side of an otherwise serious situation
12. Hypnosis – an altered state of consciousness in which an
individual’s concentration is focused and distraction is
minimized. It can be used to control pain, alter body functions,
and change lifestyle habits.

17. Alternative and complementary
medicine THE TYPES OF TRANSPERSONAL THERAPIES?
WHAT ARE
14. Therapeutic Touch – a process by which practitioners believe
they can transmit energy to a person who is ill or injured to
potentiate the healing process.
15. Intercessory Prayer- refers to prayer offered in favor of
another. The praying people are referred to as intercessors

18. Alternative and complementary
medicine
Healing Modalities :4 Major Groups of Healing Modalities
1. Touch
2. Mind-body
3. Aroma
4. Transpersonal

19. Alternative and complementary
medicine
Mind-Body Therapy includes:
 Progressive Relaxation
 Biofeedback
 Imagery
 Yoga
 Meditation
 Prayer
 Music Therapy
 Humor and Laughter
 Hypnosis

20. Alternative and complementary
medicine
Yoga
 The word yoga, derived from the Sanskrit
root yuj meaning “to bind” or to yoke,” is
the uniting of all powers of the body, mind
and spirit.
 An approach to living a balance life based
on ancient teachings found in Hindu
spiritual treatises ( The Upanishads)
written in 800-400 BC.
 The great yogi Patanjali (500BC) classified
the teachings of the Upanishads into 8
ways of being, referred to as Ashtanga
Yoga, meaning integrated or eight-limbed
yoga.

21. Alternative and complementary
medicine
Yoga
8 Stages of Yoga
1. Yama (Universal Moral Commandments)
▪ Refers to improvement in social behavior and is
achieved by 5 noble practices: nonviolence (both
physical and psychologic), truthfulness, refraining from
stealing, self-restraint in every sphere of life, and
refraining from hoarding.
2. Niyama (Rules for daily conduct)
▪ These refer to improvement to personal behavior
and are achieved by maintaining a purity of body and
mind, developing a habit of commitment, practicing
austerity in every sphere of life, studying relevant
literature, an practicing dedication to God daily.

22. Alternative and complementary
medicine
3. Asanas (Physical Posture)
▪ These consists of a series of 84 main postures (e.g.,
cobra posture and plough posture) intended to improved
body health.
▪The bending, stretching, and holding properties of the
postures are designed to relax and tone he muscle and
improved the function of various organs of the endocrine
and nervous system.
▪People may assume 10-15 yogic postures, including
stationary exercises for all parts of the body for a period
of 15 minutes only.

23. Alternative and complementary
medicine
4. Pranayama (Breath Control)
▪ This stage includes 8 main breath control techniques.
▪ Through the practice of various exercises, an individual
learn not only to control breathing but also to restrain
and quiet the flow of life force energy (prana).
▪Breath control designed is designed to still the mind
and achieve transcendental awareness by controlling the
life force. This is done by regulating and haronizing the
breath in particular pattern.

24. Alternative and complementary
medicine
5. Pratyahara (Controlling the sense)
▪This aspect of yoga involves restraining the activities of the sense
organs with the ultimate goal of restraining the mind.
▪It is achieved by minimizing the stimulation of the sense organs and
leading as simple a life as possible.
6. Dharana (Concentration of the mind on one point)
▪Leading to avoid all destructions and concentrate on an object one’s
choice involves tremendous perseverance and willpower.
▪The concentration helps to calm mental excitement and to induce
tranquility and serenity of the mind.
7. Dhayana (Meditation)
▪This stage refers to meditation that occurs when a person’s
concentration has become one pointed, enabling the person to unify
consciousness completely and experience a stats of transcendental
awareness.
8. Samadhi (Supraconsciousness)
▪This stage refers to extension of conscious control over successively
realms of consciousness.

25. Alternative and complementary
medicine
Music Therapy
▪Maybe defined as “the behavioral science concerned with
the systematic application of music to produce relaxation
and desired changes in emotion, behavior and
physiology.
▪It is consists of listening, rhythm, body movement and
singing.
▪Individuals can move through various stages of
consciousness : normal waking, expanded sensory,
threshold, daydreaming, trance, and meditative states.

26. Alternative and complementary
medicine
Hypnosis
▪ It is an altered state of consciousness in which an
individual’s concentration is focused and distraction is
minimized.

27. Alternative and complementary
Alternative Medical Therapies
medicine
ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE
▪ Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been evolving
for thousands of years and has a long history
throughout Asia.
▪ It treatment modalities such as acupuncture, herbs,
exercise, diet, and massage.

28. Alternative and complementary
medicine
CHIROPRACTIC
▪ It involves adjustments of the spine and joints and is
grounded in the assumption that maintaining the
alignment of the spine and joint facilitate the flow of
energy throughout the body, including the nervous,
circulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and limbic
system.

29. Improve immunity through
Ayurveda
TO PREVENT
LIFE STYLE DISEASES

30. Immunity-Ojas
 The quintessence of all the tissues (7
dhatus) of the body is known as Ojas.
 Ojas is our vital energy.
 Pervades all tissues, cells, and spaces.
 The ultimate distillation of each tissue
combined together and it is the main
determinant of our immune status and
hence our resistance to disease.

31. Ojas-two types
Ojas is said to be of two types:
 1. Para Ojas- exists in a quantity of eight
drops and is located within the heart; its
loss leads to death.
 2. Apara Ojas is distributed throughout the
body.

32. Immunity in Ayurveda
 Immunity= vyadhi kshamatwa
 Vyadhi= disease
 Kshamatwa=resistance
 Also called ‘Bala’ in ancient texts

33. Bala/ strength
 Bala/vitality principle--firm integrity to the
muscles, good voice, complexion, motor&
sensory functions, and intellect to perform
their natural functions.

34. Bala includes
 Vyaadhi kshamatvam –resistance to
diseases
 Vyaadhi bala virodhitvam-reducing the
strength of the already manifested disease
 Vyadhi utpada pratibandhakatvam=
prevention of the un manifested disease

35. 3 types of immunity/bala
There are three types of immunity
(vyaadhi ksamatva or bala) in Ayurveda
 Sahaja: Congenital or Natural
 Kalaja: Related to Time, Season, Age
 Yukti kruta: Acquired

36. Sahaja Bala (Congenital or Natural)
 Sahaja Bala- inherited- comes from the
parents.
 The effect will be at the chromosomal
level.
 Nothing can be done except to pacify the
defects through various modalities of
Ayurveda.

37. Kalaja Bala
Kalaja Bala -related to time–
 Time of day, season, age, and place of birth link
to immunity.
 Places with an abundance of water, ponds, cool
and pleasant climatic conditions are kapha-
dominating areas and contribute to stronger
immunity.
 Strength is greater in the early morning, spring,
and youth than in evening, summer and old age.

38. Yuktikruta Bala
Yukti kruta Bala represents acquired
immunity, in which disease can be
defended against through Ayurveda.
 Focuses on three plans for acquiring or
enhancing immunity

39. Three plans for acquiring immunity
 Satmya- suitable diet
 Vyayama- exercise
 Rasayana- rejuvanation

40. 1.Satmya
1. Satmya -suitability.
 Adapting to wholesome substances ,giving up
unwholesome substances, to which the physiology has
been addicted since birth promotes immunity.
 Wholesome food to suit your constitution and good
digestion  proper formation of the 7 dhatus or
tissuesgood essence of the seven dhatus/ojas

41. 2. Vyayama -exercise
 . Daily exercise of up to 50% of one’s
exertion capacity enhances digestion,
removes ama/toxins, strengthens tissue
metabolism promotes immunity.

42. Rasayana
 Promoting the whole physiology,
producing resistance against disease both
physically and mentally.
 Building positive state of mind, purification
therapy/panchakarmas, herbs

43. Rasayana includes
 Ahara Rasayana—good dietary habits
 Vihara Rasayan- proper daily routine
 Achara Rasayana-good conduct
 Aushadha Rasayana –drugs

44. Ahara rasayana
 Nutritious diet
 Have milk and ghee in diet
 Timely eating
 Not less , not excess
 Avoid preservatives, refined foods, fried
foods

45. Vihara Rasayana
 Timely work, rest and sleeping habits
 Proper care of the body
 Regular exercise
 No addictions

46. Achara Rasayana (good conduct)
 Peaceful mind
 Free from anger and ego
 Good interpersonal relationships
 Respecting elders and teachers and
preceptors
 Regular prayers and meditation

47. Some Rasayanas
 Amalaki (Embelica officianalis)
 Harithaki ( Terminalia chebula)
 Pippali ( Piper longum )
 Aswagandha (Withania somnifera)
 Shilajatu
 Vidanga (Embelia ribes )
 Guggulu ( Commifora mukul)
 Brahmi (Bacopa monniera)
 Trifala (Terminalia chebula Terminalia bellerica,& Embelica

48. Immunity-some more factors
 Uterine health of mother: A healthy uterus for a baby’s
growth
 Nutrition after birth: Wholesome, adequate and timely nutrition
in infancy improves immunity.
 Constitution: Kapha constitution people have stronger immunity
 Mind: A strong mind , positive thinking increase Ojas /immunity.
 Meditation for spiritual growth: Orienting the mind towards
spirituality  greater self-awareness and positive thinking
enhancing mental strength and overall immunity.

49. PANCHAKARMA REJUVENATION
Therapy
 After the body has been functioning for 4 months
in the specific climatic conditions of any of the
seasons it builds up the toxins and impurities
that come from functioning in that particular
climate.
 One of the main reasons people fall sick at the
change of seasons is due to this accumulation of
impurities from the past season and the body
having the extra challenge of adjusting to a new
climate.

50. Need of PANCHAKARMA
 The toxic pollution from our modern industrial society has
also created another compelling reason to internally
cleanse the body on a regular basis.
 In the world , there are between 75,000 to 100,00
synthetic chemicals that are used in various types of
industry and agriculture. These toxins are found
everywhere in our environment and in our physiology,
and can now be found in virtually every living organism
around the world.
 Regardless of lifestyle, profession, eating habits, or
geographic location, toxins are accumulating in our
bodies. By the time we reach age 40 our toxin level is
substantial.

51. Panchakarma ("five actions")
 Nasya (nasal therapy),
 Vamana (medical emesis or vomiting),
 Virechana (purging) and
 two kinds of Vasti (therapeutic enema),
 Nirooha Vasti and
 Sneha Vasti.
 RAKTHA MOOKSHANAM

53. Ideal Daily Routine
Description
 To Bed by 10:00 PM - The Day Starts the
Evening Before!
 Morning
 Arise before 6 AM
 Evacuate bowels and bladder
 Clean teeth, scrape tongue
 Abhyanga - oil massage
 Bath or shower
 Sun salutations and/or asanas and Pranayama
 Transcendental Meditation technique
 Exercise
 Wear clean, comfortable, natural fabric clothing
 Light breakfast followed by morning work or study

54. Afternoon & Evening
 Afternoon
 Warm cooked lunch with all six tastes
 Rest for 10 minutes after eating followed by a brief walk
 Afternoon work or study
 Sun salutations and/or asanas and Pranayama
 Transcendental Meditation technique /Prayer
 Evening
 Early, light evening meal
 Rest for 10 minutes after eating followed by a brief walk
 Pleasant, relaxing activity
 To bed before 10 PM with natural fabric clothing and
bedding

55. Avoid/ APATHYA
What we want to avoid are situations
where we are awake at 12:00
midnight, eating, reading or watching
TV.
If such behavior becomes a pattern
then the body is cheated out of an
important daily balancing process.
Over time this can lead to the
development of many serious
imbalances/Life style diseases.

56. NIDRA
 Importantly, when we go to bed by 10:00
PM we have the greatest chance of
awakening early and having the
necessary time to do the rest of our proper
daily routine.
 This is why the day starts the evening
before and proper bedtime is the
foundation for the next day’s activity.