The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has struck both people's mental health and physical health, with necessary protocols like social distancing and restricted mobility making the average Indian feel alienated and low-spirited.
In a country that already grappled with silent mental health issues pre-pandemic, the current Covid-19 situation has further exacerbated stress and anxiety at an unprecedented scale, reaching all strata and ages.
Ayurvedic expert and founder of Vedas Cure, Vikas Chawla, shares that people may experience a wide variety of psychological effects as a result of infectious outbreaks.
He says: "Individually, new psychological symptoms in people without mental illness may precipitate or intensify the condition of someone with pre-existing mental illness, causing anxiety to their caregivers. Regardless of their exposure to the virus, one can constantly feel fear, anxiety and helplessness about being sick, which may lead to mental breakdowns and poor mental health."
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"The pandemic has severely affected the economy of our country. Many industries such as hospitality, tourism, education and entertainment are close to or have shut down. Due to this many people have either lost their jobs or their remuneration has been cut down by as much as 50 per cent. Such kinds of loss of jobs and/or income has also put people under a lot of stress and mental pressure," says Chawla.
Economic fluctuations, unemployment, increased competition, and unattainable high expectations contribute to a rise in psychological and psychosomatic disorders such as frustration, anxiety, depression, phobias, and personality changes. Stress is said to be responsible for nearly 75 per cent of all diseases. And if not diagnosed and treated promptly, they may lead to extreme depression, insomnia, sleep disorders, migraines, and headaches, among other issues, he adds.
According to him, Ayurveda has effective ways of helping an individual to deal with stress and anxiety. Hundreds of medicinal plants with immune modulator, anti-oxidant, and memory-enhancing properties are available in Ayurveda. Brahmi, ashwagandha, bhringraj, tulsi, ghee, and natural herbs can help relax the mind and address most of these disorders, he opines.
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"It is important to resolve and handle certain concerns naturally in order to live a happier life. A well-known memory-booster, Brahmi is an angel in disguise for your mental well-being, overall. It has a relaxing, anti-stress effect on the central nervous system. Its frequent intake will help you combat anxiety by calming you down."
He further adds,"Bhringraj can detoxify your body, encourage oxygen supply to your brain, and make your brain healthier and stronger, helping it to fend off stress and handle its effects better when ingested orally in the form of Bhringraj herbal teas and powder dissolved in water. Ashwagandha has a long list of health benefits, including improved endurance, immunity, decreased inflammation, and defense against cognitive and neurological disorders. It can also assist you in managing and reducing anxiety. This herb's extract has soothing properties and encourages anti-stress adaptogenic activity in the brain."
Due to the existence of anti-oxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and free radicals generated in the body due to stress and anxiety, Ayurveda also recommends consuming tulsi as a preventive measure and a remedy to combat stress and anxiety.
"Slow massage with certain essential oils helps with migraines, insomnia, and depression. A variety of essential oils and other herbal formulations are available in the market by various brands, including ours, which have proven to be very effective. A quick head massage with Lavender essential oil particularly is highly recommended before going to bed as it encourages immediate relaxation and sleep," Chawla concludes.
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Amaravati, May 26 (IANS) The first phase of studies into the Covid cure devised by a Krishnapatnam-based herbal medicine practitioner was completed on Wednesday.The studies were organised under the directions of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). They were jointly conducted by the Regional Ayurvedic Research Centre in Vijaywada, and the SV Ayurveda College in Tirumala.Officials said that the researchers from the two institutions have completed their retrospective studies. The researchers spoke to 570 persons who had taken the Covid medicine prepared by Anandaiah, a herbal medicine practitioner belonging to Krishnapatnam in Nellore district.According to official sources, the feedback from these people has been transmitted online to the CCRAS.The next phase of research will include toxicity tests, and studies on animals.The Andhra Pradesh government had decided to rope in Central agencies to evaluate the ayurvedic remedy for Covid that a local practitioner claimed to have developed.The medication prepared by Anandiah has been attracting people from the surrounding areas over the last few days. However, distribution of medicine was halted after the Lok Ayukta stepped in following reports that Covid norms were being violated.Anandiah had become a local sensation after people in search of a cure for Covid began landing in droves at his doorsteps, after visuals of his treatment went viral on social media platforms.--IANSpvn/arm
Amaravati, May 21 (IANS) It ended as a no-show for thousands of people who turned up at Krishnapatnam in Nellore district, as District Collector V.N. Chakradhar Babu made it clear that distribution of Ayurvedic cure for Covid would be allowed to resume only after competent medical authorities certify it.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to rope in Central agencies to evaluate the Ayurvedic remedy for Covid that a local practitioner has claimed to have developed.
At a Covid review meeting on Friday, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy directed the officials to get the remedy tested by Central government agencies, in order to decide on its safety and suitability for curing Covid patients.
The Chief Minister said that a team from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) should be sent to Krishnapatnam to conduct an in-depth study of the medicine developed by Ayurveda practitioner Anandiah.
Following an announcement by the YSRCP MLA from Sarvepalli, Kakani Govardhan Reddy, that the Ayurvedic cure for Covid would be distributed from Friday morning, thousands of Covid patients and non-positive persons flocked to Krishnapatnam.
But while some medicines did get distributed initially, the police later stepped in and stopped the process.
The medication, which has been prepared by local Ayurveda practitioner Anandiah, has been attracting people from the surrounding areas over the last few days. However, its distribution was halted after the Lok Ayukta stepped in following reports that Covid norms were being violated.
Anandiah had become a local sensation after people in search of a cure for Covid began landing in droves at his doorsteps, after visuals of his treatment went viral on social media platforms.
Anandiah is giving the medicine free of cost to whoever approaches him. The medicine, in the form of balls or liquid drops, contains natural antioxidants and components such as pepper, ginger, neem, turmeric, and tinospora codifolio, commonly known as giloy.
Apart from Covid positive people, even others who are waiting in vain for vaccines that are in short supply, are turning to Anandiah for Ayurvedic cure, even as there is no scientific evidence that Ayurveda can cure coronavirus.
Taking note of the development, the district administration had formed a committee consisting of officials and AYUSH doctors to evaluate the efficacy of the concoction.
Nellore Collector K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu had said that the committee did not come across any adverse affects in people who took the medicine.
While some samples have been sent for testing to a laboratory in Hyderabad, the results are still awaited.
The Chief Minister, who was appraised of the matter, discussed it in Friday's Covid review meeting, and decided to get the medicine evaluated by Central medical authorities.
Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), May 21 (IANS) With arrangements in place for distribution of an ayurvedic cure for Covid, large number of people have descended upon Krishnapatnam town in Nellore district, since Friday early morning.However, with no clearance from the authorities, people were waiting impatiently for distribution to begin.Sarvepalli Constituency MLA, Kakani Govardhan Reddy of the ruling YSRCP, had earlier announced that the medicine would be distributed from Friday morning onwards.Arrangements such as counters, and queue-lines have been marked at the venue, along with ensuring physical distancing for the people.The medication which is prepared by a local ayurveda practitioner, Anandiah, has been attracting people from the surrounding areas over the last few days. However, distribution was halted after the Lokayukta stepped in following reports that Covid norms were being violated.Anandiah had become a local sensation after people in search of a cure for Covid, began landing in droves at his doorsteps, after visuals of his treatment went viral on social media platforms.Anandiah is giving the medicine free of cost to whoever approaches him. The medicine, in the form of balls or liquid drops, contains natural antioxidants and components such as pepper, ginger, neem, turmeric, and tinospora codifolio, commonly known as giloy.Apart from Covid positive people, even others, who are awaiting in vain for vaccines in short supply, are turning to Anandiah for the ayurvedic cure, even as there is no scientific evidence that ayurveda can cure corona.Taking note of the development, the district administration had formed a committee consisting of officials, and AYUSH doctors, to evaluate the efficacy of the concoction. Nellore collector KVN Chakradhar Babu had said that the committee did not come across any adverse affects in people who took the medicine.While some samples have been sent for testing, to a laboratory in Hyderabad, the results are still awaited.Meanwhile, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy who was appraised of the situation is looking into the matter and expected to decide on the issue.--IANSpvn/in
Jammu, April 26 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpun (IIT-K) has collaborated with I2 Cure (P) Limited, a 'Make in India for the World' Biotech company, for all future research on molecular based I2 cure 'BioShield' which is a broad spectrum antimicrobial with proven efficacy of 99.999 per cent against SARS COVID virus.A press statement by IIT-K said on Monday, "Under the terms of the agreement, I2Cure future products would be incubated at IIT-Kanpur. The relationship would be of the equity partners, and validations of Dr. Jack Kessler's global research would be done for Indian conditions at IIT-K.A"IIT-K would also work with I2Cure to develop new aMade in India' products for global markets, especially in tackling long-term problems in the space of Human Preventive Health, Veterinary science (FMD, Bovine Mastitis, Dermatitis), and Agri products. Conservative estimates point to more than $15 billion being added, per annum, to the income of farmers owing to the Biocidal & fungicidal benefits of Molecular Iodine preventives."All of the research and advancement would be performed under the guidance of IIT- K thought leaders namely Dr. Ganesh. S (Neurobiology of disorders, stress biology, and human genetics Dr. Ashok Kumar (Downstream processing; affinity interactions and cell separations; nanotechnology; biomaterials; tissue engineering) Dr. Amitabha Bandopadhyay (Skeletal development and differentiation)."Stating on this momentous occasion, Anil Kejriwal, Founder Chairman of I2Cure shared, "I am delighted to partner my alma mater, IIT-Kanpur for research and innovation on future-ready preventive & curative products. It gives us great pleasure to be associated with an institution that is regarded as the gold standard among IITs We would jointly be happy to contribute towards the vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to double Agricultural income as well as become a $5 Trillion economy. I2cure would aMake in India' for the world."Adding to it, (Prof.) Dr. Ashok Kumar, BSBE (Biological Sciences & Bioengineering at IIT Kanpur) added, "We are thrilled to welcome one of our 50 most distinguished alumni back to the campus & work towards creating lasting solutions for humans, bovine as well as agricultural problems plaguing India & the world. We're excited about the prospects of IIT-K researched and curated solutions getting global attention. Our faculty & research scholars are also excited about mutually sharing knowledge with acclaimed scientists like Dr. Jack Kessler. IIT-K is known for its aintensive and cutting edge research' approach and we're confident of partnering other Indian Institutions and Govt. labs to lead India into the next leap".Dr. Kessler is a multiple patent holder with more than three decades of research in Iodine technology and has isolated, stabilized, and patented molecular Iodine (I2) which could potentially be 500 times more efficacious than the current Povidone-iodine."Not only does the Molecular Iodine-based BioShield protect against Covid, but is effective against all Bacterial, Fungal, Viral threats, Tuberculosis, Tinea, and all other skin diseases".--IANSsq/in
What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a disorder in which there is abnormal wear on the cartilage and/bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) and it is a common cause of chronic neck pain. It is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine affecting the middle and old age group of both sexes leads to pain and stiffness in the neck, radiating pain to the arm, paraesthesia, numbness, headache, giddiness, etc.
In Ayurveda, Cervical spondylosis is caused by a Vata dosha aggravation and it’s mainly a Vata problem. Its clinical presentation is similar to Vishwachi in which degenerative condition of the cervical spine is common. It’s a disease that mainly affects the neck and upper extremities having signs and symptoms similar to that of cervical spondylosis. Vishwachi is a vataja nanatmaja vikara. The involvement of Vata in the clinical manifestation of vishwachi is of prime importance.
Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms & Signs
Often develop slowly over time, but they get worse suddenly
Pain may be mild/it can be deep and so severe that affected movements
After standing/sitting at night, the pain gets worsen
Pain over the shoulder blade/it may spread to the upper arm, forearm, fingers
Pain gets worse at night/sneezing/coughing/laughing/bending the neck backward/walking more than a few yards
Muscles weakness
Neck stiffness that gets worsen
Abnormal sensation/numbness in the shoulders/arms/legs
Headache (especially back of the head)
Balance loss
If pressure occurs on the spinal cord then, loss of control occurs over the bladder/bowels
Moving the head may make the pain worse and after sleeping neck stiffness is more common
Sometimes, these all changes result in a compression of the blood vessels, it can affect the blood supply to the brain and results in dizziness and blackouts
Dysphagia can occur rarely
Cervical Spondylosis Causes
It is caused by chronic wear on the cervical spine, includes the discs/cushions between the neck vertebrae and the joints b/w the bones of the cervical spine, there may be abnormal growths/spurs on the bones of the spine (vertebrae)
The major risk factor is aging. At the age of 60, most persons show signs of cervical spondylosis
Other factors include
Being overweight/not exercising
Having a job that requires heavy lifting/lot of bending/twisting
Past neck injury
Past spine surgery
Ruptured/slipped disc
Severe arthritis/small fractures/osteoporosis
When to See Your Doctor for Cervical Spondylosis Disease?
When pain and stiffness around the neck occur for long days and found unable to move properly your neck and facing difficulty and pain while bending, along with signs and symptoms that affect your daily routine, then you should consult the doctor.
Risk Factors of Cervical Spondylosis
Age- it’s a normal part of aging, occurs more commonly in old age persons
Occupation- Overhead work put extra stress on your neck
Neck injuries/Trauma
Genetic factors inherent
Repeated occupational trauma: carrying axial loads/professional dancing/gymnastics
Some conditions that contribute to segmental instability and excessive segmental motion like congenitally fused spine/cerebral palsy/down syndrome
Some myelopathy causes
Smoking also a risk factor
Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical Spondylosis Prevention
Regular exercise for the speedy recovery
A heated pad/cold pack can provide pain relief when the neck muscles become sore
A soft neck brace can temporarily relieve pain if a person wears them for short periods
Maintain neck muscle strength, especially neck extensor strength for prevention in general
Avoid holding the head in 1 position (for long duration)
Avoid prolonged head extension
Be careful while performing physical activities
Hot shower in the morning can help
Headrest & seatbelt also may reduce the risk of developing this condition
Yoga Therapy: balasana, natarajasana, bitilasana, marjaryasana, viparitakaranai asana, utthita trikonasana, shavasana can help to reduce the effect of cervical spondylosis
Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylosis
X-Ray/MRI
EMG & nerve conduction velocity test may be done to examine nerve root function
The doctor will check the range of motion in your neck for proper identification and location of pain
Reflexes and muscle strength will be tested to find out if there’s pressure on your spinal nerves/spinal cord
Gait examinations
CT-scan
Myelography
Nerve conduction study
What to avoid in Cervical Spondylosis?
Potato/cucumber/cold drinks/ice-cream/rajma/dry meat, etc. Avoided
Bending/sudden stretching/weight lifting to be avoided for making it more severe
Long journey on two-wheeler/sitting in abnormal posture/sitting for a long time to be avoided
Avoid holding the head in 1 position ( for longer duration)
Avoid prolonged head extension
Be careful while performing physical activities
Consumption of high-fat dairy products can lead to inflammation
Avoid processed food completely
Alcohol/smoking
Avoid meat and dairy products which contain saturated foods & arachidonic acids
Avoid more caffeine consumption
Avoid red meat
Avoid foods that lead to more production of acidity
Avoid spicy/hot/salty/oily foods
What to eat in Cervical Spondylosis?
Black gram/horse gram/wheat/rice
Gingili oil/mustard oil/milk/butter/soar fruits
Dry grapes/garlic
Drumstick fruits & leaves
Consume a diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory food substances
Fish/nuts/oilseeds/omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin- E rich foods
Apple/garlic/ginger/turmeric
Turmeric milk
Diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids
Replace rice with wheat
Bitter gaud/drumstick bitter vegetables
Questions & Answers
Q1. Why Cervical Spondylosis occur in old-age people?
Ans. Older age is a risk factor as in addition to age, people often get more likely to experience neck pain. It is the general term for age-related wear & tear affecting the spinal discs in the neck region. Also, it is caused due to disks dehydration and shrinking. In most people age > 50, discs between the vertebrae become less spongy & provide less of a cushion. Bones & ligaments get thicker and encroached the space of the spinal canal.
Q2. If myelopathy occurs with cervical spondylosis, then what will be the symptoms like?
Ans. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy include tingling/numbness/weakness in the arms, hands, legs, feet/lack of coordination & difficulty walking/abnormal reflexes/muscle spasms/loss of control over bladder/bowel incontinence.
Q3. How is Cervical Spondylosis diagnosed properly?
Ans. By taking a medical history with signs and symptoms appearing, it will be followed by a physical exam of the body by focussing on the neck/back/shoulders. The strength of hands and arms/reflexes test/loss of sensation checkups/walk/equilibrium can be tested. Other tests also can be done include x-ray/computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging( MRI), EMV tests, etc.
Q4. According to Ayurveda, which disease is similar to that of cervical spondylosis?
Ans. In Ayurveda, Cervical spondylosis is caused by a Vata dosha aggravation and it’s mainly a Vata problem. Its clinical presentation is similar to Vishwachi in which degenerative condition of the cervical spine is common. It’s a disease that mainly affects the neck and upper extremities having signs and symptoms similar to cervical spondylosis. Vishwachi is a vataja nanatmaja vikara. The involvement of Vata in the clinical manifestation of vishwachi is of prime importance.
Q5. What exactly is the meaning of the term ‘Spondylosis’?
Ans. Spondylosis is basically a painful condition and situation of the spine which results from the degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Often, it is considered a general term for age-related wear & tear of the spinal discs. It affects the vertebral discs and facet joints that gradually develop with age. This condition can narrow the spinal canal that further results in the compression of the spinal cord & nerve roots. Chronic compression can lead to damage to the spinal cord/can cause radicular arm pain further.
Q6. What are the complications of Cervical Spondylosis?
Ans. Complications of cervical spondylosis include: cervical myelopathy/paraplegia/tetraplegia/recurrent chest infection/pressure sores/recurrent urinary tract infection/progressive neurologic deficits/documented compression of the cervical nerve root/or spinal cord/intractable pain.
Q7. What is the role of psychosocial support in the treatment of cervical spondylosis?
Ans. Some patients with significant disabilities often react with fear/anxiety/depression. Postoperative depression is significantly associated with pain intensity/pain interference/pain-related disability. After surgery, results of one study of depression/negative affect among spinal surgery patients suggest postoperative screening for depression and treating depression to improve functional outcomes after spine surgery.
Q8. What are the various exercises and therapies recommended for cervical spondylosis?
Ans. Various exercises recommended to ease the symptoms of cervical spondylosis are neck stretch/neck tilt/side-to-side neck tilt/neck turn with 5 repetitions. In Ayurveda, some yoga therapies are there like, balasana, natarajasana, bitilasana, marjaryasana, viparitakaranai asana, utthita trikonasana, shavasana can help to reduce the effect of cervical spondylosis.
Q9. What is the role of physical therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis?
Ans. Usually, immobilization of the cervical spine occurs with severe cervical spondylosis with evidence of myelopathy. It limits the motion of the neck. Soft cervical collars are recommended for daytime use only. Patient’s tolerance and compliance are considered when any braces used. Isometric cervical exercises may help to limit the loss of muscle tone. Molded cervical pillows can better align the spine during sleep & provide symptomatic relief for some patients. Neck & upper back exercises are recommended. Yoga therapies also play an important role to reduce the inflammation and pain in cervical spondylosis.
Q10. How cervical spondylosis is cured through the Ayurveda line of treatment?
Ans. During the acute phase (about a week), usually complete bed rest & use of a thin pillow & hard bed is recommended. After acute phase, some panchakarma procedures like sadyovirechana, greevabasti, abhyanga, patra pinda sveda, nasya should be done.
Podikkizhi, ilakikizhi, greeva pichu, tailadhara, panchatikta & ksheera basti, shalishastic pinda sweda is also recommend. Mainly, all the above procedures done after examine the bala and prakriti of the patients. Along with these procedures, shamana chikitsa with recommend classical formulations should be given to the patient.
References
1. Longmore, Wilkinson, Davidson, Foulkes, Mafi, Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine 8th Edition
2. Kayachikitsa Volume-3by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sharma (2017)
3. Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana- ch-28
4. J.Alastair Innes, Davidson’s Essential of Medicine 2nd edition
5. K Sembulingam, P Sembulingam, Essentials of Medical Physiology 6th Edition
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