How To Test Covid 19 At Home

Even as the world gets into recovery mode post-pandemic, many people are still grappling with the symptoms of long Covid. According to the WHO, if you have recovered from Covid-19 but some symptoms stay stubborn, such as shortness of breath, brain fog, and fatigue, the condition is known as long Covid. Long Covid symptoms also include palpitations, insomnia, gastric problems such as bloating, acidity, irritable bowel, muscle weakness, and mobility issues. Any microbe that enters the body causes toxicity, resulting in the imbalance of Doshas or bio-energies of one's body. Our bodies are prone to infectious diseases when we have a weak immune system, and Panchakarma along with other curative Ayurveda treatments helps to strengthen the immune system. In Ayurveda, the Panchakarma procedure is used as a prophylactic to prevent infectious diseases and incidentally can also help to prevent a relapse. In the case of a Covid patient who has tested negative for the virus, the Vaidyas (doctors) at CGH Earth recommend the Panchakarma procedure to strengthen and fortify the body. However, such procedures cannot be administered soon after recovery, though other Ayurvedic treatments for insomnia, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and immune boosting can be done. To do the Panchakarma cleansing procedures, it is recommended to allow the body to heal itself -- for up to say two months in order for the energy levels to get back to normal or near normal. This is the same recommendation that Ayurveda would give for a person who has undergone surgery or some serious illness; a gap of two or three months before undergoing the Panchakarma. Meanwhile, the degree of long Covid symptoms varies from patient to patient and therefore the treatment protocols vary as well. The doctor will need to watch and assess when the patient is ready to undergo only one or multiple karmas which are part of the Panchakarma procedure. Long Covid patients suffer from respiratory problems and also issues related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, cardiac-related conditions, neurological conditions, and brain and kidney issues. Covid also affects the sense organs wherein some people lose their sense of smell, taste, hearing, and vision for an extended period of time. Many, post Covid suffer from insomnia, brain fog, and anxiety. Although Panchakarma has immense health benefits, it is critical that for post-Covid patients the energy level is checked prior to putting them on any treatments, as they are tiring processes that do initially lower one's energy. Panchakarma procedures include detoxification of the body. This is a necessary stage of treatment as the disease-causing microbes bring a lot of toxins into the body and if they remain in the body, Ayurvedic treatments cannot address the conditions that have manifested internally. For Kapha-related lung infections, chest pain, and infected pleural cavities the patient is treated with Herbal drug-induced vomiting or Vamana (one of the deep cleansing Panchakarma procedures). Likewise for gastric infection or if the liver or pancreas is affected purgation is advised. Meanwhile, the main procedure for problems related to sensory organs like loss of smell or taste is Nasya i.e.: nasal treatment. For those affected by arthritis, degenerating muscles, or skin lesions; Vasti or medicated enemas are prescribed. It is to be noted that this is not merely Colon cleansing but the administration of special medicines into the colon and rectum where the medications in them are easily absorbed internally. Alongside the Panchakarma procedures, secondary treatments or "Upakarmas" are also administered to the patients. "Tharpanam" which is administered for the eyes and "Karnapuranam" for the ears are treatments that Ayurveda prescribes for patients who have long Covid conditions related to these sensory organs. Treatments like "Njavarakizhi" and "Pizhichil" also aid in correcting the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha imbalances and help rejuvenate and rebuild the body from the inside out. Herbal medications are administered to improve the immune system. In particular, those with respiratory tract issues benefit from these prescribed herbal medicines by improving their lung capacity and removal of excess accumulation of phlegm or fibroids. These medicines are beneficial for those with GI tract issues. Regularly strengthening the body with herbal preparations after a course of Panchakarma, helps to keep Covid and other infectious diseases at bay. In Ayurveda, the course of medication can last from three to six months and in some cases where the patient is very weak, it is prescribed for a year. (Dr. Firoz Varun is an Ayurveda Doctor at CGH Earth Kalari Rasayana Ayurveda Hospital) Read More►Is Your Skin Summer-Ready?

प्रश्न - मेरे पैर का घुटने के नीचे का हिस्सा ठंडा और सुन्न रहता है। इसका क्या कारण है? कृपया आयुर्वेदिक और घरेलू उपचार बताएँ। उत्तर - इस समस्या के होने के कई कारण हो सकते हैं, मुख्य रूप से कई बार एक ही पोजिशन में पैर लटका कर लंबे समय तक बैठे रहने से भी ऐसा हो सकता है या ठंडे कमरे अथवा ठंडे स्थान में लंबे समय तक होने से भी ऐसा होना संभव है क्योंकि इससे पैर का रक्त प्रवाह सीमित हो सकता है। यदि ऐसा सिर्फ एक बार ही हुआ है तो आपको ज्यादा चिंता करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है। लेकिन यदि ऐसा बार-बार हो रहा है तो आपको गंभीरता से इसका इलाज करवाने की जरूरत है। यदि आपका पैर लंबे समय से ठंडा है, या ठंड के साथ दर्द, झुनझुनी या सूनापन या कमजोरी है तो उस स्थिति में, यह न्यूरोपैथी या पैरिफेरल आर्टरी डिसीज जैसी स्थिति का संकेत हो सकता है। इसमें शरीर में ख़ून का संचार करने वाली रक्त वाहिकाएं (आर्टरीज) सुकड़ना आरंभ हो जाती हैं, इन आर्टरीज में फैट या कैल्शियम का जमा होना शुरू हो जाता है, जोकि ज्यादातर शारीरिक रूप से कम व्यायाम करने वाले लोगों, मोटापा से ग्रस्त, मेटाबोलिक रोगों से ग्रस्त लोगों या स्मोकिंग, अधिक शराब पीने, तंबाकू का सेवन करने वाले लोगों में सबसे अधिक होती है। इस स्थिति से बचाव के लिए सबसे बेहतर तरीका है अपने खानपान और अनियमित दिनचर्या को सही करना, यदि वजन अधिक हो तो उसको कम करने का प्रयास करना चाहिए, शराब, सिगरेट, तंबाकू, मिर्च-मसालेदार, देर से पचने वाला भोजन जैसे मैदा से बने पदार्थ मोमोज, पराठें, राजमा, छोले-भटूरे, पूड़ी आदि गरिष्ठ भोजन का पूरी तरह से निषेध करना चाहिए, अपने हाथ-पैरों को गर्म रखें इसके लिए हीटिंग पैड आदि से सिकाई कर सकते हैं, मोटे मोजे पहन सकते हैं, गुनगुने पानी में सैंधा नमक डालकर पैरों की सिकाई करने से लाभ मिलता है। आयुर्वेद में कुछ विशेष तरह की जड़ी बूटियों से बनी "पोटली" थैरपी से इस स्थिति में तेज़ी से लाभ मिलते हैं, इसके अलावा आयुर्वेद में "शिरावेध" प्रक्रिया से भी बेहद अच्छे लाभ इस बीमारी में मिलते हैं। (डॉ. अभिषेक गुप्ता, मुख्य चिकित्सा अधिकारी, निरोगस्ट्रीट)  यह भी पढ़े► पेट साफ नहीं होता है , क्या करें? 

The ancient practice of meditation can do more than just relax the mind. Recent studies have revealed that meditation can positively impact heart health by reducing stress and lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Mindfulness and meditation can benefit overall health, including heart health. The age-old practice uses quiet contemplation, breathing and sustained focus to help let go of stress and feel more calm and peaceful. It can be thought of as a mini-vacation from stress in life. Psychological stress increases the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. This causes a release of harmful hormones cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. These harmful hormones fasten the heart rate, increase cardiac output and narrow the arteries. As meditation induces deep relaxation in the mind and body, the stress subsides, and stability is restored. How to Make Meditation a Habit? Once people understand the basics of the practice, the next challenge is making it a habit. Like every other lifestyle change, it takes time to incorporate meditation into everyday life and build it into a routine. Here are some tips: Set a daily alarm on the phone or block out time on a digital calendar Try an app that reminds it's time to meditate and then record the length of the session Start by practising a few minutes every day and increase the time in small amounts until the goal is reached Meditation to Connect with the Heart's Energy Here are some simple steps to connect with the heart's Energy: Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Let go of any thoughts and the world outside. Focus the attention on the spiritual heart centre (the middle of the chest) and be aware of the heart as a space. Resting the attention on the heart centre, breathe gently and sense the breath flowing into the heart. One may also visualise a coolness permeating the chest. Breathe normally and steadily. For the next few minutes, sit and listen to the heart. The heart will gradually begin to release emotions, wishes, memories, dreams and fears long stored inside. If the mind wanders, gently return to the focus on the heart. Upon completing the meditation practice, take a few moments to reflect on the practice. Why Meditation can be Useful for Heart Health? Several studies have shown that meditation can lower stress levels, reduce cortisol levels and improve heart health. Meditation can activate the "rest-and-digest" functions of the body, which counteracts the "flight-or-fight" responses. With daily meditation practice, people can lower their heart rate and blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart diseases. Here's a look into what different studies have to say about meditation and heart health. Researchers in 2013 at the University of Sydney found that meditation can improve HRV. It is a significant marker of mental and physical health. After spending ten intensive days learning how to meditate, meditation drastically improved the heart's responsiveness. In 2021, the American Journal of Biomedical Science and Research published a report on meditation's effect on heart rate. It revealed that with time, meditation helps the heart to beat slower and become more consistent. This indicates that meditation may be effective in preventing heart diseases. The International Journal of Exercise Science published a study in 2017 on the effect of meditation on stressed college students. Throughout the 6-week-meditation programme, blood pressure and pulse decreased significantly. It takes time to learn meditation and gain confidence, as with any new endeavour. The important thing is to practice every day, even if only for a few minutes. Meditation, no matter how brief, is always preferable to doing nothing. A schedule can also be used to establish a routine. In addition, every day, one should try to practice meditation. Daily practice can have enormous benefits not only for the heart, but also for the mind, body, and soul. (Dr. Deepak Mittal, Founder, Divine Soul Yoga) Read More► 7 Indoor Exercises to Keep You Fit During Monsoon

Covid-19 has created mayhem globally. The WHO has termed COVID-19 as a Pandemic, which is an epidemic that spreads across continents. India is in a better position than most other countries in trying to contain and prevent the spread. India has the rich heritage of Ayurveda and knowingly or unknowingly every Indian has grown up with Ayurveda as a way of life. Ayurveda is a Vedic medical science that focuses on living a healthy life. The science advocates treating the disease and ensuring no recurrence. Many references are found in Ayurveda’s ancient texts to trace the roots of an epidemic. Mankind has three Doshas that build the human constitution and are also are responsible for a variety of diseases along with various Dushyas. COVID-19 can be roughly compared to epidemics described in Ayurveda texts, caused by contaminated air, water, land, and a disturbed Rutucharya (Charak Viman 3, Janapadodhwansa also described by Sushruta in Sushrut Samhita, Sutrastahn, 6) Environmental changes caused by man’s interference with the bio-ecology in which he lives, as well as pollution due to depletion of natural resources, may be the cause for the destruction of communities and could justify the attribution to karma given here as a cause of vitiation. Another reference that describes the symptoms of COVID-19 is seen in Charakasamhita, Nidan Sthana, Jwara Nidan, Aagantuj Jwara. The disease is caused due to exogenous factors like  Bhutaabhishaynga (due to micro-organisms mentioned by Charaka) and Rakshasa ( demons in the form of viruses and bacteria mentioned by Sushruta) and the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, in this case. The Jwara is due to external reasons and appears independent at first but later shows signs and symptoms of Nija Jwara (endogenous fevers). However, these Aagantuja Jwaras have their etiological factors and treatments.  A comparative table of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and those mentioned in Sushrut Samhita, Sutrasthan, 6 is given below:  Clinical features COVID-19 Aagantuja Jwara Jwara/Fever Present Present Kaas/Coughing Present Present Shwas/Breathlessness Present Present Pratishyay/Runny nose Present Present Vamathu/Vomiting Present Present Shirashul/Headache Present Present तस्य प्रकृतिरुद्दिष्टा दोषाः शारीरमानसाः| देहिनं न हि निर्दोषं ज्वरः समुपसेवते||१२|| Charaka Chikitsasthana, Jwara Chikitsa This sutra states that if the physical and mental state of the body is in equilibrium,  Jwara will not arise. Chakrapani Datta has commented on this, by enhancing the point of treatment of Aagantuj Jwara as per Nija Jwara. (Ayurveda Dipika) Also, one reference must be mentioned here that Chakrapani Datta was born in the 11th Century, and Allopathic Medicine was discovered in the 19th Century, which proves that a much deeper study of Epidemics was done in Ayurveda much before Allopathic studies.  In the following table, the WHO guidelines and preventive measures advocated are compared to the measures stated in Ayurvedic ancient scholarly texts: Guidelines by the WHO Guidelines in Ayurvedic Samhitas Physical Distancing , Quarantine, Avoiding mass gatherings स्थानपरित्याग, return home (Sushruta) Physical and Respiratory Hygiene नासंवृतमुखः कुर्यात्क्षुतिहास्यविज्रुम्भणम्। नीचरोमनखश्मश्रुर्निर्मलाङ्घ्रिमलायनः स्नानशीलः सुसुरभिः सुवेषो अनुल्बणोज्ज्वलः।। (Vagbhat) Urban Lifestyle is one of the main reasons for Apacharaja Prakruti, which is nothing but a temporary state of Vikruti. Here, Roga Bala, and Rugna Agni play a very important role as far as the severity of the disease is concerned. As urbanization increased, the rate of contamination of the four factors, water, air, land, and time (kaala), was faster. If the environment suffers, the result will be seen in the form of mutated crops and new illnesses in animals. The quality of basic food such as Milk, Grains, Pulses, Poultry, etc will be compromised and as a result, nutritional deficiencies will be seen in human beings to a larger extent. In addition, excessive use of pesticides in crops, injecting steroids in poultry, etc will result in hormonal imbalance and weak immunity in human beings. The urban population focuses more on social status than on the status of individual health. Ignoring and breaking all rules of Aahara, Vihara, and Aachara lead to various lifestyle diseases and low immunity. Following Sadvrutta and Swasthavrutta is the key to a healthy lifestyle, which will not only prevent us from COVID-19 but also any other epidemic in the future. Read More► Culinary Medicine Ayurvedic Perspective