Dinacharya - Ayurvedic Routines for Health

By Vishnu Dass, LMT, NTS, CAyu

True freedom can only be achieved through discipline and awareness. This is why in India yogis go through so many austerities to attain liberation. Health is freedom from disease, but also freedom from unrestrained desires and drives. An Ayurvedic lifestyle requires discipline and awareness, which you can develop by slowly integrating daily routines, or dinacharya, into your lifestyle. Following are some of the main dinacharya practices.

Wastes should be eliminated from the body first thing in the morning. This helps revitalize the organism and prepare the body to receive more nutrients. According to Ayurveda, one should have at least one bowel movement a day. If not, the toxins can be reabsorbed into the tissues. To avoid this, it is important to eat enough fiber-rich food and good quality oils, such as flax, olive or sesame oil, and avoid excessive amounts of raw foods and chilled drinks. There are traditional herbal compounds that help restore and maintain the tone of the colon while gently cleansing it on a daily basis. But be careful not to abuse laxatives; even the herbal ones can weaken the tone of the colon and create dependency.

Another early morning Ayurvedic practice is to gently brush the teeth and scrape the tongue. A thick coating on the tongue indicates that there is ama (toxins) from improperly digested food in the GI tract. You should scrape off this coating with a metallic tongue scraper several times prior to brushing your teeth.Early morning bathing is another basic dinacharya practice. In yogic traditions, bathing symbolizes the purification of the soul. From an Ayurvedic perspective, it also washes the sweat residue from the pores of the skin, leaving a healthy radiant glow. Gentle herbal soaps or powders can be used. The daily practice of rubbing the body with oil (abhyanga) can further nourish the skin and deeper tissues. Vata constitutions should use sesame oil, pitta should use coconut oil and kapha are best with corn oil.

As much as possible, you should wake with or before the sun for meditation. In the Vedic tradition, the pre dawn hours are known as Brahma murta. This quiet, calm time, when the Earth and its inhabitants are still asleep, is most conducive to a meditation practice. Even if it cannot be done before dawn, regular meditation is essential for the maintenance of health. It helps to rejuvenate and purify the entire nervous system, as well as to calm the mind so you can experience deeper awareness, peace and joy.

Yoga and exercise are also important aspects of good health. The type of exercise you choose should be suitable for your specific constitution. Walking is probably the best exercise for all constitutions, as is traditional hatha yoga. Ayurveda suggests a workout at half the body’s capacity, just until you break a sweat. This will stimulate the digestive fire (agni) and relieve constipation. Relaxation and sound sleep will also result. Over-exercising can cause dehydration, breathlessness, muscle aches, chest pain, and it may eventually lead to arthritis, sciatica, or heart conditions. Kapha individuals can perform the most strenuous type of exercise. Pitta people should do a medium amount of exercise and only during the coolest time of day. Those with a vata constitution should do the gentlest type of exercise; even though they love to jump and jog, better choices are yoga, stretching and T’ai Chi.Finally, the cultivation of clear, compassionate and loving relationships is another important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Suppressed or unresolved emotions can poison your body just as much as bad food combining. Regular meditation (or a meditative type of practice) can enhance your awareness of relationships and promote discrimination as well.

Laod Dhanwantari

Ayurveda is a spiritual science in itself. It is believed that Ayurveda, as a branch of the Vedas, is a stream of the knowledge passed down from generation to generation since eternity, much in the same way as Vedic literature and the Vedic scriptures were. As the story goes, the knowledge of Ayurveda was created by Brahma, the Creator, who gave it to Prajapati, who passed it to the Ashwini Kumari (the celestial Twin Physicians), who in turn passed it down to Indra, and so on.
According to the Charaka Samhita, the knowledge of Ayurveda is eternal and is revealed in each of the cycles of creation of the universe. When needed, Lord Vishnu himself incarnates as Lord Dhanvantari and reestablishes the tradition of Ayurveda in the world to help relieve some of humanity’s suffering.
Lord Dhanvantari is known as the father of Ayurveda, since he was the first divine incarnation to impart its wisdom amongst humans. He first appeared during the great churning of the cosmic ocean of milk (Samudra manthan) to deliver amrit (ambrosia, or Divine nectar) to the demigods. The churning of the ocean of milk is a famous episode in the Puranas that represents the spiritual endeavor of a person to achieve Self-realization through concentration of mind, withdrawal of the senses, control of all desires, austerities and asceticism. It is celebrated in India every twelve years in the holy festival known as Kumbha Mela. The following story is related in the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Indra, the great leader of the demigods, was riding on his elephant when he came across the sage Durvasa Muni. Seeing the great demigod, Durvasa offered him a special garland that had been blessed by Sri, another manifestation of Laxmi, the Goddess of Abundance. Indra accepted the garland nonchalantly and put it on the trunk of his elephant, who tossed it on the floor. Durvasa Muni was very upset by this display of disrespect, and in anger cursed Indra and all the demigods to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune right then and there.
Taking advantage of this situation, the Asuras (demons), headed by Bali, attacked the demigods, killing many of them and slowly gaining control of the universe. Indra and the other demigods rushed to Brahma for help. Brahma suggested to bring their predicament to Lord Vishnu, who in turn advised them to seek alliance with the Asuras to churn the ocean of milk together for the nectar of immortality. The demigods agreed only because Lord Vishnu told them that He would make sure they alone would obtain the nectar and recover their strength and power to defeat the demons.
Using the mountain Mandara as the rod and Vasuki the serpent as the cord, both demigods and demons proceeded to churn the ocean of milk. All kinds of herbs were cast into it. The churning was so arduous that Lord Vishnu had to appear in many forms to help them with this process and prevent it from going nowhere. He even appeared as Lord Vishnu himself sitting on top of the mountain to infuse Indra and his companions with energy.
The churning of the ocean of milk first produced a deadly poison (halahala) that only Lord Shiva could swallow without being affected by it. And so he did, except that his consort Parvati pressed his neck as he was swallowing, so that the poison would not reach his stomach, and the halahala stayed in Lord Shiva’s throat, changing the color of his neck to blue due to its potency. This is why Lord Shiva is also called Neelakantha, or the blue-necked one.
During the churning, many Divine objects and beings emerged from the ocean, including Kamadhenu (the wish fulfilling cow), Ucchaisrava (the white horse), Airavata (the white elephant), Kaustubhamani (a rare diamond), Kalpavriksha (the wish fulfilling tree), and Shri Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, who after being worshipped by all Gods, demigods, asuras and everyone else present, was reunited with her husband Lord Vishnu after having been separated for many ages.
As the churning continued, Lord Dhanvantari appeared. He was young and strongly built, his chest was very broad and his complexion bluish black. He had strong arms, reddish eyes, and moved like a lion. He was clad in bright yellow, his curly hair was anointed with oil and he wore shining earrings made of pearl. As he emerged, he was holding a conch, leeches, healing herbs, a chakra (one of the divine weapons of Lord Vishnu’s), and the long sought pot of ambrosia, for which he is also called Sudha Pani (“carrying nectar”). The asuras, greedy after all things, realized right away that the container was full of nectar and snatched it from him.
Again filled with greed and pride, the demons started quarreling about which of them would drink the nectar first, grabbing the pot from one another and behaving like thieves. Seeing how busy they were fighting with each other, Lord Vishnu didn't miss the opportunity to trick them. He appeared as Mohini, a beautiful woman who fascinated the demons, recovered the nectar from them, and distributed it only amongst the demigods. As soon as the demigods drank it, they were invigorated with energy and defeated the demons. After worshipping Lord Vishnu and Shri Laxmi, they resumed their position in the heavens.
At the time of the churning, Lord Vishnu foretold that Lord Dhanvantari would appear again in the world to teach men the science of Ayurveda. And so he did, after Lord Indra, seeing humanity so afflicted by pain and disease, pleaded with Lord Dhanvantari to descend into the material world and teach Ayurveda to the human race.
King Dirghatamas of Kashi (Benares) was performing severe austerities and offering them to Lord Dhanvantari in the hopes that he would be pleased with them and grant him a son. The Lord appeared and offered a boon to the king, so Dirghatamas asked Lord Dhanvantari to be born as his own son. The Lord replied that he would.
Soon after, Lord Dhanvantari was born in the royal household of Kashi and eventually became the king. Even as a young boy he had ascetic tendencies, was extremely disciplined and performed severe austerities. He taught Ayurveda orally to the sages and rishis (seers) who became his disciples. His teachings are recorded in the Agni Purana, as well as through the teachings of his disciples Susruta, Pauskalavata, Aurabha, Vaitarana, and others.
May this story remind the reader that although used for thousands of years, Ayurvedic principles have never changed, since they derive from universal laws of nature that are eternally true, and that they should be preserved and transmitted along with the strong spiritual tradition they originally emerged from.
It is written in the scriptures that, “One who remembers the name of Dhanvantari can be released from all disease.” Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped all over India as the God of Medicine. Even today, two days before Diwali, the Festival of Lights, people remember and honor him. At dusk, a lamp pointing toward North by North-East is lit at the doorstep of the house to welcome Lord Dhanvantari for health and happiness in life. This day is known as Dhanteras (or Dhanwantari Triodasi, or Dhantrayodashi).
It is worth mentioning that outstanding authorities on Ayurveda were also honored in ancient and medieval India with the name “Dhanvantari.” So the name now refers not only to the divine preserver of Ayurveda, but is also associated with the hierarchy and rich medical tradition in the history of India. The original Dhanvantari, one of the many avatars (divine incarnations) of Lord Vishnu’s, is known as Adi-Dhanvantari.

Quit Smoking with the help of Ayurveda & Yoga



Because nicotine is so addictive, it is very hard to stop smoking. But you can. The single most important factor for people who successfully quit smoking was the belief and confidence that they could do it. There is no magical quick fix. Do it when you really decide you want to do it.
AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM -Ayurveda does not rely on one or two techniques. It combines as many as possible and addresses the life of the entire person -- body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda views the roots of addictions as mental inertia, which is caused by excess mental activity. An addiction grows because we attempt to calm these excesses through artificial, external means (drugs, food, tobacco etc.) rather than through natural or holistic measures. If one is anxious, angry, worried, impatient, lethargic or uncaring, Ayurveda sees this as an excess of one of the three basic Dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT To deal with nicotine, tar and other toxic compounds in the channels, consider these recommendations:
Drink plenty of water, better yet if it is kept in a container made of copper, which scrapes away ama (toxic deposits).
Perform neti kriya morning and night (with the help of a neti pot, allow room-temperature normal saline solution to enter one nostril and flow out the other; then, reverse.).
Practice bhastrika pranayama, morning and night, to expel contaminants in the upper airways (any good hatha yoga manual will have simple instructions).
For nicotine, tar and other toxic compounds already deposited in the dhatus: take three tablets or one tablespoon of triphala every night, before bedtime.
Toning herbs include Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Bala, and Ginseng. Take a constitutionally appropriate rasayana every morning, which will help detoxification. Rasayana 'Chyavanaprash' is suitable for person of any constitution.
DIET - Do your very best to stay away from alcohol, sugar and coffee the first week or longer, as these tend to stimulate the desire for a cigarette. Avoid fatty foods, as your metabolism will slow down a bit without the nicotine, and you may gain weight even if you eat the same amount as before quitting. So discipline about diet is extra important now. No one ever said acquiring new habits would be easy!
Take vegetarian low fat diet to increase the Sattvic quality of mind. All fresh foods contains, prana and they increase ojas.
Nibble on low calorie foods like celery, apples and carrots. Chew gum or suck on cinnamon sticks.
EXERCISE -Exercise is an obvious way to help avoid gaining weight after you quit. Studies show that smokers have an easier time quitting when they add exercise to their smoking cessation plan. There are some other benefits of exercise including: stress reduction
HELP FROM YOGA -Yoga is a form of relaxation and exercise that incorporates stretching, meditation and the knowledge of the body's full potential. It helps relieve tension and stress, and helps increase your strength and vitality.
corpse pose (Shavasana) - The corpse pose, or Shavasana in Sanskrit, is the classic relaxation Yoga Pose, and is most restful pose in yoga. It's the final pose used in most yoga classes, but can also be done on its own to facilitate meditation or relaxation. It looks deceptively simple, but it is in fact, one the most difficult Yoga Asanas and one which changes and develops through practice.

How to Gain Weight



Try asking people how to gain weight and you'll likely see some bewildered and confused faces staring back at you. The question is quite legitimate one and one that frustrates those who find themselves on the light end of the scale.
While most of the people find overweight problems and struggle to keep the kilos off, others find it just as challenging to put weight on. Though myriad advise is available on 'How to loose weigh' , it can be a lonely struggle for those who want to put on weight.
Risks associated with being too underweight -
Complications in surgery and slow recovery after illnesses.
Greater tendency to vattika diseases,
Impaired immunity,
Bone/joint problems,
Anemia etc.
It is important to see that the weight you want to gain should be equally distributed all over the body, and not only around your waist
Following are some of the guidelines for gaining weight -
To gain weight, eat food with extremely high caloric value.
Try to increase your food intake without consuming too much fat and sugar.
Regular meals, especially breakfast, are important if you find it difficult to gain weight.
Eat Late - Having snacks at bedtime may help to gain weight.
Relax after having meal.
Eat Frequently- Eat five or more meals a day.
Do regular exercise.

Recommended Ayurvedic preparations -
Chyavanprash
Shatavari Kalpa
Makardhwaj Gold
Vasant kusumakar rasa

How to Gain Weight



Try asking people how to gain weight and you'll likely see some bewildered and confused faces staring back at you. The question is quite legitimate one and one that frustrates those who find themselves on the light end of the scale.
While most of the people find overweight problems and struggle to keep the kilos off, others find it just as challenging to put weight on. Though myriad advise is available on 'How to loose weigh' , it can be a lonely struggle for those who want to put on weight.
Risks associated with being too underweight -
Complications in surgery and slow recovery after illnesses.
Greater tendency to vattika diseases,
Impaired immunity,
Bone/joint problems,
Anemia etc.
It is important to see that the weight you want to gain should be equally distributed all over the body, and not only around your waist
Following are some of the guidelines for gaining weight -
To gain weight, eat food with extremely high caloric value.
Try to increase your food intake without consuming too much fat and sugar.
Regular meals, especially breakfast, are important if you find it difficult to gain weight.
Eat Late - Having snacks at bedtime may help to gain weight.
Relax after having meal.
Eat Frequently- Eat five or more meals a day.
Do regular exercise.

Recommended Ayurvedic preparations -
Chyavanprash
Shatavari Kalpa
Makardhwaj Gold
Vasant kusumakar rasa

LATEST TRENDS IN THE MANAGEMANT OF PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterized by well-defined erythematous (reddish) plaques with large adherent silvery scales. The main abnormality in psoriasis is an increased proliferation of the skin layers due to excessive division of the cell in the basal layers of the skin. Severe itching may associate with the plaques. Dryness of the skin and silvery scaling are characteristics of this condition.
1% to 3% of the most population has Psoriasis. It is very common among Europeans and North Americans. It is often seen between 15 to 40 yrs of age.
The exact reason behind Psoriasis is unknown. There is frequently a genetic predisposition. A child with one affected parent has a 15% chance of developing the disease and this rises to 50% if both the parents are affected. Streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract may exacerbate the condition. Deprivation of sunlight influences this condition and mental stress plays an important role in aggravating the condition. Certain drugs like chloroquine, chlorpropamide, lithium and practaol may aggravate this condition.
The peculiar lesions will be raised and red with dry, silvery-white scaling. Size may vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Common sites are scalp elbows knees and lower back. Pitting of the nails is very common. Involvements of palm is not uncommon. Many may develop sero-negative inflammatory arthritis, which is characterized by multiple involvements of joints and pitting on nails.
Ayurvedic view: Many basic Ayurvedic texts have explained skin diseases, which resembles Psoriasis. According these references, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. (Two of the basic energies/humors, which maintains our body equilibrium) Accumulation of low potency poisons (Dooshi vishas), are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together (Eg: diary products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc can activate the pathogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda do emphasize on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
Treatment: Coming to the treatment aspects of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda, it aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins from the body fluids. It is achieved by "Panchakarma" treatments.
Current schedule, comprising various treatment aspects of Ayurveda is aiming at a better control of Psoriasis. This includes internal and external medications purely of plant origin. Rough out line of this schedule is as follows. (i) Consumption of medicated ghee, considering the Dosha type of the Psoriasis and the person, for 5 to 7 days. (ii) Detoxifying, by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana). This is followed by medicated buttermilk dripping overhead (Dahara) and pasting the entire body with a paste of medicines and mud. (iii) Basthies (medicated enemas) are being done for 8 days and internal medicines like herbal concoctions; medicated ghee has to be consumed for at least 90 days.
A strict diet regime has to be followed during the entire treatment period and it is better to continue as vegetarian. Yogurt, black gram, chilies and salted thing have to be restricted. It is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriatic must keep a state of mental calmness.

LATEST TRENDS IN THE MANAGEMANT OF PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterized by well-defined erythematous (reddish) plaques with large adherent silvery scales. The main abnormality in psoriasis is an increased proliferation of the skin layers due to excessive division of the cell in the basal layers of the skin. Severe itching may associate with the plaques. Dryness of the skin and silvery scaling are characteristics of this condition.
1% to 3% of the most population has Psoriasis. It is very common among Europeans and North Americans. It is often seen between 15 to 40 yrs of age.
The exact reason behind Psoriasis is unknown. There is frequently a genetic predisposition. A child with one affected parent has a 15% chance of developing the disease and this rises to 50% if both the parents are affected. Streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract may exacerbate the condition. Deprivation of sunlight influences this condition and mental stress plays an important role in aggravating the condition. Certain drugs like chloroquine, chlorpropamide, lithium and practaol may aggravate this condition.
The peculiar lesions will be raised and red with dry, silvery-white scaling. Size may vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Common sites are scalp elbows knees and lower back. Pitting of the nails is very common. Involvements of palm is not uncommon. Many may develop sero-negative inflammatory arthritis, which is characterized by multiple involvements of joints and pitting on nails.
Ayurvedic view: Many basic Ayurvedic texts have explained skin diseases, which resembles Psoriasis. According these references, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. (Two of the basic energies/humors, which maintains our body equilibrium) Accumulation of low potency poisons (Dooshi vishas), are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together (Eg: diary products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc can activate the pathogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda do emphasize on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
Treatment: Coming to the treatment aspects of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda, it aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins from the body fluids. It is achieved by "Panchakarma" treatments.
Current schedule, comprising various treatment aspects of Ayurveda is aiming at a better control of Psoriasis. This includes internal and external medications purely of plant origin. Rough out line of this schedule is as follows. (i) Consumption of medicated ghee, considering the Dosha type of the Psoriasis and the person, for 5 to 7 days. (ii) Detoxifying, by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana). This is followed by medicated buttermilk dripping overhead (Dahara) and pasting the entire body with a paste of medicines and mud. (iii) Basthies (medicated enemas) are being done for 8 days and internal medicines like herbal concoctions; medicated ghee has to be consumed for at least 90 days.
A strict diet regime has to be followed during the entire treatment period and it is better to continue as vegetarian. Yogurt, black gram, chilies and salted thing have to be restricted. It is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriatic must keep a state of mental calmness.

Skin Care - Face Masks ; How and Why ?

Our skin is a complex structure covering our whole body. It has an outer layer- the Epidermis and the inner layer-the Dermis. The epidermis is made of several layers of living cells covered with a layer of dead cells. These dead cells get shed and replaced continuously by new cells from lower layers. The dermis supports the epidermis and is formed of tough but flexible, connective tissue- the collagen and the elastin. The collagen and the elastin are protein fibers that give the skin elasticity and resilience. When these fibers degenerate, the skin begins to develop wrinkles, fine lines and various other imperfections. The dermis also contains the sweat and sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oily, acidic film which lubricates the skin. This film form a protective cover on the skin surface. When the pH level of the skin changes, problems occur.

Skin may be categorized on the following three primary types:
Normal skin is balanced skin. It is soft, with a smooth texture with a healthy glow. This is ideal skin.
Dry skin lacks oil and moisture. It is fragile and flakes easily with changes in external temperature and humidity. This kind of skin is prone to developing early wrinkles and fine lines. In this skin type, the sebaceous glands are less active than normal and the balance is disturbed.
Oily skin has a oily/greasy/slimy shine and feel. The skin texture is coarse and the sebaceous glands are hyperactive creating more oil than necessary, destroying the pH balance of the skin. This skin type will normally suffer from blackheads, pimples, acne and clogged pores.
The Combination Skin as the name suggests will have skin areas which will be oily and some skin areas which will be dry. Parts of skin covering the forehead, nose, chin will be greasy and the rest of the skin will be dry. Cheeks and the areas around the eyes will be dry. This combination skin is the most popular skin type. This skin type will have problems associated with both dry and oily skin types. There will be acne/blackheads and or clogged pores in the oily part, while the dry part of the skin may be flaky and fragile.

Face Masks are an ideal way to remove dead cells on the surface of the epidermis and let the younger cells how. A good face mask should rejuvenate the skin by restoring the pH values, removing excessive oil content, waste and providing a balancing effect to dry skin. Masks should also stimulate blood circulation in the facial area giving the facial skin a healthy glow and a younger looking skin. As the face masks remove dead skin, clean pores, they help in removal of blackheads, reduce acne formation, revitalize the skin and balance the pH value of the film covering the skin. Regular usage of these masks will normally help maintain vigor, reduce wrinkle formation and leave younger looking skin.

The Face Mask you choose will depend upon your Skin Type.
Cleansing mask are suited to oily skin type. They draw out excess oil in the skin and remove waste. These cleansing masks open up the blocked pores and remove dead skin. They also help in reducing blackhead formation and improve texture of skin.
Moisturizing Masks will benefit dry skin types. Dry skin types lack enough oil and these face masks will hydrate the skin and prevent wrinkle formation. Normally such masks would be reinforced with honey, wheat germ, balsam and other plant extracts which provide much needed nourishment top the skin.
Stimulating Masks are normally peel off masks. They help in improving blood circulation to the skin surface, and revitalize the skin. These kind of masks are suitable for all skin types as they deep cleanse the skin, tighten pores, help in treating scars , hyper pigmentation and help prevent sun damage.

Check out these handy Home Made Natural Face Masks:
Home made face mask for dry skin can be created by mixing 10 ml honey with the yolk of an egg and 5 grams of dried milk powder. The yolk of an egg will provide nourishment for the skin while the honey will help restore the pH balance. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply to the face using a flat wide brush. Avoid the eye and lip areas. Clean off with water after 15-20 minutes to find more supple skin which will be hydrated and look much younger.
Oily skins can be treated by mixing 10 ml honey with one egg white and 5 ml of lemon juice and 5 grams brewer's yeast powder.. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply to the face as directed above. The honey will help in restoring the pH balance, the lemon juice will dry up the skin and tighten it and the egg white will help in soaking up the excess oil and provide deep cleansing action. Remove after 15-20 minutes with water.

Many people suffer from black heads because of oily skin and blocked pores. Given below are some Black Head control and removal tips.
Use the home face mask or any commercial face mask for oily skin, once every week to help remove excess oil from the skin.
Use a good quality astringent after cleaning your face. You may alternatively dab your face with rose water which will be a natural substitute.
Avoid soaps on your face, that may irritate the skin or any oily creams.
Use a gentle scrub to remove dead skins from your face daily.
Always avoid harsh squeezing or scraping of the back heads.
A warm compress of water applied to the area of the black head followed by a very gentle pressure will help clear the clog from the pore.
Commercial 'black head' strips available in the market can also help remove black heads. One has to use caution before using these strips to avoid damage to the skin.

It is best to find a long term solution to the black head problem by keeping the oily skin properly balanced, using face masks and gentle scrubs regularly. As the say, prevention is better than cure. In this case, prevention will lead to better facial skin, which will glow and look much younger.

Dengue Cure discovered in AYURVEDA

A recent research done by scholars of Burdwan University in the suburbs of Kolkata has shown that the berries of a wild weed used in Ayurvedic formulation can help to eradicate mosquitoes spreading dengue and act as a resistant to synthetic insecticide. The weed which helps in eradicating dengue is known as Solanum villosum which a member of the family of nightshade possessing medical properties and are used as Ayurvedic herbs.
About two fifth of the total population of the world is now at risk from dengue which is characterized by high fever, pain and rashes. Dengue haemorrhagic fever is the most complicated type which most likely affects children. In the recent years there have been quite a few deaths in Kolkata because of this disease. With this path breaking discovery a cure for Dengue is likely to be found soon.
This research has been carried out in the University of Burdwan where the juice from the berries have been extracted and used on the mosquitoes spreading yellow fever and dengue. The researchers have found out that the extracts of this weed is highly effective in killing the larvae of S.aegypti responsible for spreading dengue. The researchers claimed that the extracts of this weed is not as strong as Malathion but it has the capability to kill the mosquitoes of stagnant water.‘We found that these plants produce two types of phytochemicals,’ said researcher Goutam Chandra. ‘The most interesting are the secondary phytochemicals, such as steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and alkaloids. These act as a repellent which protect against the lethal effects of the larval mosquitoes.’
A number of plants have been reported for their anti-mosquito potency. Most studies report the active compounds to be steroidal saponins, which are thought to kill larvae by interfering with their cuticle membranes. However, only a few plant extracts have moved from the laboratory to field use.
Mosquitoes responsible for spreading disease are increasingly becoming resistant to synthetic insecticides such as Malathion.

5 Facts You MUST Understand if You Are Ever Going to Lose Your Belly Fat & Get Six Pack Abs

by Mike Geary - Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
1. Many so-called "health foods" are actually cleverly disguised junk foods that can actually stimulate you to gain more belly fat... yet the diet food marketing industry continues to lie to you so they can maximize their profits.
2. Ab exercises such as crunches, sit-ups, and ab machines are actually the LEAST effective method of getting flat six pack abs. We'll explore what types of exercises REALLY work in a minute.
3. Boring repetitive cardio exercise routines are NOT the best way to lose body fat and uncover those six pack abs. I'll tell you the exact types of unique workouts that produce 10x better results below.
4. You DON'T need to waste your money on expensive "extreme fat burner" pills or other bogus supplements. I'll show you how to use the power of natural foods in more detail below.
5. Ab belts, ab-rockers, ab-loungers, and other infomercial ab-gimmicks... they're all a complete waste of your time and money. Despite the misleading infomercials, the perfectly chiseled fitness models in the commercials did NOT get their perfect body by using that "ab contraption"... they got their perfect body through REAL workouts and REAL nutrition strategies. Again, you'll learn some of their secrets and what really works below.
So, let's set the record straight once and for all...

Erectile dysfunction treatmentArticles

The majority of men experience irregular erectile dysfunction (ED) at some or the time in their lives. This can be a consequence of fatigue, stress, smoking or excessive alcohol intake etc. Though, when it occurs constantly or for a longer period of time, it causes significant agony to the victim or to his relationship, then it starts to be measured as a somber problem. herbal Viagra, Erectile dysfunction treatmentBelow are some erectile dysfunction treatment options starting with self help:
Herbal supplement – These are another good method by which you can treat your problem. One of the most popular herbal supplements for premature ejaculation treatment is shilapravang. Shilapravang is a wonderful herbal Viagra that has been designed on the principles of ayurveda for premature ejaculation treatment.Discussion - Share your concerns with your partner as she is the best person who can understand your problem to the fullest. You can easily rely on your partner for her support in resolving this issue. Begin by placing less stress on intercourse and more on raising other forms of sexual understanding. Spending time cuddling, kissing, licking and massaging can still be enjoyable and will help keep your sensitively close to your mate.
Sex therapy - A lot of men could get advantage or benefitted from a course of counseling or therapy. Sex analysis is predominantly essential if the erectile dysfunction has psychosomatic root which cannot in reality be cured with bodily treatments. Sex therapy can help to reinstate self respect and sexual assurance. Engage your partner in sex therapy also.
Life style - Lead a healthy lifestyle by reducing drinking alcohol and quitting smoking. Do reasonable amounts exercise like brisk walking for half an hour daily. Consume a balanced diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables with low in fat. Decrease the stress level in your life.

Broken bones set right by herbal

What could be more miraculous for those with fractures who can be cured without painful surgery through Ayurveda? Sounds interesting!
A bone-healing centre in Tamil Nadu state is gaining popularity among orthopaedic patients who believe that traditional therapy has miraculous healing powers. A family runs the clinic located at Puttur, 100 km away from Chennai, for over 125 years, where the traditional doctors heal the patient.
Having satisfied with the therapy Hameed, one of the patients said, “I met with an accident two years ago and fractured my thigh. I immediately came for this treatment. I got treatment for six weeks and now I am cured and alright.”
This miraculous treatment has made the family a household name and patients not only from the State but also from the neighbouring States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnatka and Kerala regularly visit the clinic.
Gopala Raju who discovered a medicinal plant by chance set up the clinic in 1881. He experimented the medicine on a rabbit whose back was broken and after that started treating patients from nearby villages, which include mostly labourers from construction sites and poor children.
Subramaniyaraj, a doctor at the clinic said, “We are running the clinic for past 125 years, and I belong to the fifth generation. Our treatment is for 45 days and we apply herbs and eggs as medicines. After three bandages, the patient is cured.”