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Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris, or acne, is a skin problem that starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. Some people call it blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or zits. When you have just a few red spots, or pimples, you have a mild form of acne. Severe acne can mean hundreds of pimples that can cover the face, neck, chest, and back. Or, it can be bigger, solid, red lumps that are painful (cysts).
To help control acne, keep your skin clean. Avoid skin products that clog your pores. Look for products that say “noncomedogenic” on the label. Wash your skin once or twice a day with a gentle soap or acne wash. Try not to scrub or pick at your pimples. This can make them worse and can cause scars.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Acne can be controlled or even cured with Ayurvedic herbal medicines, which are given orally. You may continue face applications prescribed by your skin consultant, which suit you and are helpful. Results depend upon the severity of the condition. Long-term treatment, usually about 6 – 12 months , gives good , long-lasting results.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition in which children have difficulties paying attention and focusing on tasks. This common disorder begins in early childhood and can continue into adulthood. If not recognized and treated, it can cause problems at home, school, and work and with relationships.
The three types of ADHD symptoms are: Inattention, Impulsivity, Hyperactivity.
Although there is no cure for ADHD, treatment can help control symptoms. Stimulant medications, such as amphetamine (examples include Dexedrine or Adderall) and methylphenidate (examples include Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD, Focalin, or Daytrana), are effective in controlling symptoms in children. Studies show that some children who receive behavioral therapy along with medication improve more than those who receive medication alone. Often, extra support at home and at school and counseling help children find success at school and feel better about themselves.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
We have used herbal medicines for cognitive improvement and for reducing hyperactivity in children with ADHD. Children become more attentive and expressive with Ayurvedic herbal treatment. These can be given in addition to medicines like Risperodone. Treatment may need to be continued for several years to get noticeable results, and is generally safe.
Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
Alcohol abuse means having unhealthy or dangerous drinking habits, such as drinking every day or drinking too much at a time. Alcohol abuse can harm your relationships, cause you to miss work, and make it hard to do the things you need to do. It can lead to legal problems, such as being arrested for disorderly conduct or driving while intoxicated. If alcohol abuse continues, it can lead to alcohol dependence.
Alcohol dependence is also called alcoholism. Alcoholics cannot quit drinking or control how much they drink, even when they try to. They are physically and emotionally addicted to alcohol. They often feel like they must drink just to get by. They might drink secretly or hide the amount they drink. Alcohol controls their lives. Over time, alcoholics need to drink more before they can feel the effects of alcohol. They get grouchy or shaky or have other withdrawal symptoms when they are not able to drink or when they try to quit.
Over time, drinking too much alcohol can cause or make worse health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, gallstones, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancer. If you have trouble with alcohol, cutting back or quitting can help you live a happier, healthier life.
Treatment depends on the extent of the problem. Some people are able to simply cut back to a moderate level of drinking with help from a counselor. Alcoholics need more help. People who are physically addicted to alcohol may need medical treatment when they stop drinking. They may need to stay in a hospital or treatment center where they get medicines to prevent seizures and other symptoms of withdrawal.
Once withdrawal symptoms have passed, the second step of treatment is to work on staying sober. Quitting alcohol is often described by alcoholics as one of the most difficult but worthwhile challenges in life.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
People dependent upon alcohol , can benefit considerably with Ayurvedic herbal treatment, which not only reduces the craving for alcohol, but also gives overall improvement in appetite and physical well-being. However, the patient needs to be strongly motivated to get long-term good results. You will need to be under the supervision of your local physician to treat withdrawl symptoms and any other medical situation, if required.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that affects areas of the brain involved in memory, intelligence, judgment, language, and behavior. It is the most common form of mental decline, or dementia, in older adults.
Alzheimer's disease is more severe than the mild memory loss that many people experience as they grow older. Alzheimer's disease also affects behavior, personality, the ability to think clearly, and the ability to carry out daily activities. Close family members usually notice symptoms first, although the person affected also may realize that something is wrong.
Although there is not yet a cure for Alzheimer's disease, much can be done to maintain quality of life and help the person stay active. Treatment focuses on several areas, including improving memory and daily functioning, dealing with new and unusual behaviors, and treating other conditions that commonly occur with Alzheimer's disease such as depression. Medicines, including cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, may temporarily improve memory and thinking problems. Other treatment includes making sure the home is safe and providing supportive care as the condition gets worse.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Some Ayurvedic herbal medicines have been proved to have strong potential for causing cognitive improvement, and are being studied for efficacy in Alzheimer’s Disease. The aim is to improve memory and daily functioning, and prevent further deterioration.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a hair loss disease, affecting people of both sexes and of all ages. Although not fatal, the resulting disfigurement poses psychological and sociological problems for the patient.
Alopecia areata usually shows up as a bald patch, one to two centimeters in diameter, on any hair bearing part of the body but commonly on the scalp. These patches may increase in size or numbers. Treatment depends on the age of the patient and the spread of the disease. As yet, there is no evidence showing medication can change the course of the disease. There is no permanent cure for this disease nor is there any universally proven treatment. Corticosteroids are most commonly used for treatment. Steroids normally cause temporary hair re-growth. There is a relapse once they are stopped . Hair growth takes 8 to 10 weeks.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal treatment of alopecia areata is aimed at reducing the cause of the disease by immunorestoration, treating the local scalp disease and reducing stress. Long-term, oral treatment is required for good results.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that is long-lasting (chronic) and most often affects the spine. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited motion in the low back, middle back, and neck, and sometimes areas such as the jaw, shoulders, hips, knees, and heels. Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men than women.
Although there is no cure, treatment can usually control symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. Most people are able to do normal daily activities and continue to work. Complications of ankylosing spondylitis may include inflammation of the colored part of the eye (iris), called iritis, or difficulty breathing due to curving of the upper body and stiffening of the chest wall. Treatment includes exercise and physical therapy to help reduce stiffness and maintain good posture and mobility, and medicine for pain and inflammation. It is important to get regular eye exams to check for problems in the eye (iritis) that may occur with this condition. You may use an assistive device, such as a cane, that can help to reduce joint stress and inflammation. While there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve pain and stiffness and maintain mobility, allowing you to continue with your daily activities as much as possible.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are effective in the treatment of ankyosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation, pain and muscular spasm and rigidity ( stiffness). Long-term, oral treatment is required along with local application therapy.
Appendicitis (chronic and recurrent)
Your appendix is a small, finger-shaped sac that is attached to your large intestine. Experts do not know what the appendix does, but most of the time it does not cause problems.
Appendicitis means your appendix is infected, and you will need to have it taken out. If you do not have an infected appendix removed, it can break open (rupture) and spill infection into your belly. This can be deadly if it is not treated right away.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Acute appendicitis is best managed in the hospital and will mostly require surgical intervention. However, if there are recurrent attacks of appendicitis and the acute stage of inflammation has subsided, Ayurvedic herbal medicines, given for 3 – 4 months , reduce the chronic inflammation and prevent further attacks. The patient should , however, be under the regular supervision of a surgeon, to watch for any possible rupture of the appendix( this usually happens in the acute stage of inflammation).
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD, formerly ARMD) is a condition of the macula, part of the retina that is responsible for the central vision needed to read, write, and drive.
As people age and circulation to the retina decreases, the macula degenerates and the capacity for direct central vision is lost. In Wet Macular Degeneration, blood vessels in the retina become abnormal and prone to leaking. Leakage of the vessel may cause a sudden loss of vision, sometimes in a matter of days. Wet AMD is often treated with lasers or injections that stop or slow vascular growth. Dry Macular Degeneration is more common than Wet AMD and affects 90% of patients. Dry AMD is characterized by a loss of pigment in the retina and small deposits of drusen—a waste product—in the layer of membrane behind the retina. The only proven treatment for this condition is high doses of antioxidant vitamins. Unfortunately, vitamin treatment only slows vision loss—and only for a portion of patients.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Several herbal medicines have been found to be beneficial in Age –Related Macular Degeneration , however, this therapy is still in the experimental stage.
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma is caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammation of these passages. This makes the breathing passages, or airways, of the person with asthma highly sensitive to various "triggers." When the inflammation is "triggered" by any number of external and internal factors, the passages swell and fill with mucus. Muscles within the breathing passages contract (bronchospasm), causing even further narrowing of the airways. This narrowing makes it difficult for air to be breathed out (exhaled) from the lungs. This resistance to exhaling leads to the typical symptoms of an asthma attack.
Like any other chronic disease, asthma is a condition you live with every day of your life. You can have an attack any time you are exposed to one of your triggers. Unlike other chronic obstructive lung diseases, asthma is reversible.
The good news for people with asthma is that you can live your life to the fullest. Current treatments for asthma, if followed closely, allow most people with asthma to limit the number of attacks they have. With the help of your health care provider, you can take control of your care and your life.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks of bronchial asthma. This medicine can be taken in addition to the regular treatment being taken.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin problem. It causes dry skin, intense itching, and then a red, raised rash. In severe cases, the rash forms clear, fluid-filled blisters. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Atopic dermatitis is most common in babies and children. Some children with atopic dermatitis outgrow it or have milder cases as they get older. You may also get atopic dermatitis as an adult.
Atopic dermatitis is sometimes called eczema or atopic eczema. But atopic dermatitis is only one of many types of eczema.
Although atopic dermatitis is an ongoing problem, there are things you can do to control it.
Use moisturizing creams and lotions often. Avoid things that trigger rashes, such as harsh soaps and detergents, dander, and any other things you are allergic to. Control scratching. You may want to cover the rash with a bandage to keep from rubbing it. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent him or her from scratching. Use medicine prescribed by your doctor.
Bathe with cool or lukewarm-not hot-water and for short periods.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be taken orally to reduce the severity of this disease. If taken for long periods, this treatment can even completely cure the patient.
Autism
Autism is a complex disorder of the central nervous system that has the following 3 defining core features: 1)Problems with social interactions 2)Impaired verbal and nonverbal communication 3) A pattern of repetitive behavior with narrow, restricted interests
A number of other associated symptoms frequently coexist with autism. Most people with autism have problems using language, forming relationships, and appropriately interpreting and responding to the external world around them.
There is no cure for autism. There is good news, however. A generation ago, most children with autism were institutionalized. This is no longer the case and most children live with their families.
Our improving understanding of autism has shown that, regardless of the severity of the condition, appropriate treatment and education can eventually help many children with autism to be integrated into their community.Early diagnosis is essential for implementing appropriate treatment and education at an early age, when they can do the most good.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
We have used herbal medicines for cognitive improvement and for reducing aggression in children with Autism. Children become more attentive and expressive with Ayurvedic herbal treatment. These can be given in addition to medicines like Risperodone. Treatment may need to be continued for several years to get noticeable results, and is generally safe.
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of your face. Damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face causes that side of your face to droop. The nerve damage may also affect your sense of taste and how you make tears and saliva. This condition comes on suddenly, often overnight, and usually gets better on its own within a few weeks.
Most people who have Bell's palsy recover on their own within a few weeks to a couple of months. However, a small number of people may have permanent weakness of the muscles on the affected side of the face.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be used to obtain complete relief in Bell’s palsy. The duration of treatment will depend upon the duration of the disease.
Cancer
Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. Cancer cells rapidly reproduce despite restriction of space, nutrients shared by other cells, or signals sent from the body to stop reproduction. Cancer cells are often shaped differently from healthy cells, they do not function properly, and they can spread to many areas of the body. Tumors, abnormal growth of tissue, are clusters of cells that are capable of growing and dividing uncontrollably; their growth is not regulated.
Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors tend to grow slowly and do not spread. Malignant tumors can grow rapidly, invade and destroy nearby normal tissues, and spread throughout the body.
Cancer is malignant because it can be "locally invasive" and "metastatic".Locally invasive - the tumor can invade the tissues surrounding it by sending out "fingers" of cancerous cells into the normal tissue. Metastatic - the tumor can send cells into other tissues in the body, which may be distant from the original tumor.
Cancer is named after the part of the body where it originated. There is no one single cause for cancer. Scientists believe that it is the interaction of many factors together that produces cancer. The factors involved may be genetic, environmental, or constitutional characteristics of the individual.
Specific treatment for cancer will be determined by your physician based on:your overall health and medical history ;extent of the disease - type, grade, stage, and location ;your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies ;expectations for the course of the disease ;your opinion or preference
The four goals of treatment are: successful treatment ,prevention ,prolonged life and palliation (Palliation is treatment for a symptom of the cancer, such as pain. It is not a treatment for the cancer itself. The goal of palliation treatment is to improve the quality of life, not longevity.)
The standard types of cancer treatment are:
The conventional, primary methods of treating cancer: surgery ,radiation therapy ,chemotherapy ,
hormone therapy ,immunotherapy / biological therapy .
Cancer may also be treated with:
adjuvant therapy - combining two or more treatments
prophylactic or preventive treatment - treatment is sometimes given even when the cancer has not appeared, or all the cancer is thought to have been removed, if there is a significant statistical risk that the cancer will reappear later.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be used as an additional therapy to the modern treatment of different types of cancer. Treatment is three-pronged and is aimed at reducing the tumor, preventing or stopping the spread of tumor-cells, and directly treating the affected tissue, e.g. muscle, blood etc. This treatment also reduces the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Results depend upon the type and staging of cancer.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) with degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).
These accumulated changes caused by degeneration can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.
A previous neck injury (which may have occurred several years prior) can predispose to spondylosis, but the major risk factor is aging. By age 60, 70% of women and 85% of men show changes consistent with cervical spondylosis on x-ray.
The goal of treatment is relief of pain and prevention of permanent spinal cord and nerve root injury.
In mild cases, no treatment is required. Symptoms from cervical spondylosis usually stabilize or regress with simple, conservative therapy including a cervical collar (neck brace) to restrict motion and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Cortisone injections to specific areas of irritation may also be helpful.
Rarely, intermittent neck traction may be recommended instead of, or in addition to, a cervical collar. Most patients with cervical spondylosis will have some chronic symptoms, but they respond to non-operative interventions and do not require surgery.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal treatment will cure most patients having cervical spondylosis, though the duration of treatment may vary from patient to patient. Use of oral treatment and local therapy gives better results. An average of 3 – 6 months of treatment may be required.
Common Cold
Although the common cold is usually mild, with symptoms lasting 1 to 2 weeks, it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work. Children have about 6 to 10 colds a year. One important reason why colds are so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other in daycare centers and schools. Adults average about 2 to 4 colds a year, although the range varies widely. Women, especially those aged 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, people older than 60 have fewer than one cold a year.
Symptoms of the common cold usually begin 2 to 3 days after infection and often include :
mucus buildup in your nose ,difficulty breathing through your nose ,swelling of your sinuses , sneezing, sore throat ,cough ,headache .Fever is usually slight but can climb to 102 degrees Fahrenheit in infants and young children.
There is no cure for the common cold, but you can get relief from your cold symptoms by:
resting in bed ,drinking plenty of fluids ,gargling with warm salt water or using throat sprays or lozenges for a scratchy or sore throat ,using petroleum jelly for a raw nose ,taking acetaminophen, Tylenol, for example, for headache or fever .
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be used for recurrent common cold , to reduce the frequency and severity of common colds, and to boost the natural immunity of the body.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation or ulceration of the digestive tract. It can affect any part of your digestive tract, but it is most common in the last part of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon). Crohn's disease affects the deepest layers of the lining of the digestive tract, causing deep sores called ulcers. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (which affects the colon and rectum) are the most common types of inflammatory bowel disease, with ulcerative colitis being more common.
Crohn's disease can usually be controlled with medicines that reduce inflammation, keeping the disease from producing symptoms (known as being in remission). However, although it can be managed, Crohn's disease cannot be cured. However, most people with the condition live high-quality, productive lives using medicines to control inflammation and treat symptoms.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can control all the symptoms of Crohn’s disease very well. Prolonged treatment can help to prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Dementia
Dementia is a loss of mental skills that affects your daily life. It can cause problems with your memory and how well you can think and plan. Usually dementia gets worse over time. How long this takes is different for each person. Some people stay the same for years. Others lose skills quickly.
Dementia is caused by damage to or changes in the brain. Things that can cause dementia include:
Strokes, tumors, or head injuries. After Alzheimer's disease, strokes are the most common cause of dementia. This type of dementia is called vascular dementia.
Diseases, such as Parkinson's disease cause dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia There are medicines you can take for dementia. They cannot cure it, but they can slow it down for a while and make it easier to live with.
As dementia gets worse, a person may get depressed or angry and upset. Medicines can help.
If a stroke caused the dementia, there are things you can do to reduce the chance of another stroke. Stay at a healthy weight, exercise, and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal levels. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar in your target range. Keeping both your mind and your body active is a good idea for anyone. So is not smoking.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Some herbal medicines have proved to be promising in the treatment of dementia. The aim is to prevent deterioration and possibly improve memory and day-to-day functioning. This treatment is currently in the experimental stage.
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding(DUB) is irregular vaginal bleeding. For example, you may get your period more often than every 21 days or farther apart than 35 days. Your period may last longer than 7 days. It is not serious, but it can be annoying and disrupt your life.
In most cases, this problem is related to changes in hormone levels. It is not caused by other medical conditions, such as miscarriage, fibroids, cancer, or blood clotting problems. Your doctor will rule out these and other causes of vaginal bleeding to confirm that you have dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
There are many things you can do to treat dysfunctional vaginal bleeding. Some are meant to return the menstrual cycle to normal. Others are used to reduce bleeding or to stop monthly periods. Each treatment works for some women but not others.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a very useful role to play in the treatment of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding. The advantage of these medicines is that these medicines are both effective and safe for long term use. It is however, absolutely essential to rule out other medical conditions causing DUB.
Eczema
Eczema is a term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. Atopic refers to a group of diseases with an often inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
Eczema affects about 10% to 20% of infants and about 3% of adults and children in the U.S. Most infants who develop the condition outgrow it by their second birthday, while some people continue to experience symptoms on and off throughout life. With proper treatment, the disease can be controlled in the majority of sufferers. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to an irritant. It is this response that causes the symptoms of the disease.
The goal of treatment is to relieve and prevent itching, which can lead to infection. Since the disease makes skin dry and itchy, lotions and creams are recommended to keep the skin moist. These solutions are usually applied when the skin is damp, such as after bathing, to help the skin retain moisture. Cold compresses may also be used to relieve itching.
Over-the-counter or prescription creams and ointments containing corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation. For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids. In addition, if the affected area becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection-causing bacteria.
Eczema outbreaks can usually be avoided or the severity lessened by following these simple tips.
Moisturize frequently ,avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity ,avoid sweating or overheating ,reduce stress ,avoid scratchy materials, such as wool ,avoid harsh soaps, detergents and solvents,avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (for example, pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander) ,be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods .
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be given orally to control or cure eczema. The duration of treatment may vary considerably from patient to patient. Treatment is aimed at normalising skin and blood tissue , reducing stress and other causative factors, and immune –boosting.
Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder that is characterized by tender, red nodules under the skin. Erythema nodosum is most common on the shins, but it may also occur on other areas of the body (buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs and upper extremities). The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps approximately an inch across. Within a few days they may become purplish, then over several weeks fade to a brownish, flat patch . Systemic (whole body) findings may include fever and malaise . The condition is more common in women than men.
The underlying infection, drug, or disease should be identified and treated. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may reduce symptoms. An oral potassium iodide (SSKI) solution may produce prompt resolution of the nodules.
Erythema nodosum is uncomfortable, but it is usually not dangerous. Symptoms typically disappear within about 6 weeks, but may recur.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can reduce recurrence in Erythema nodosum.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition that results in loss of movement and/or stiffness of the arm at the shoulder joint. There is usually pain in the shoulder, and it is caused by tightening of the tissues that surround the shoulder joint.
Treatment focuses on relieving pain and restoring function and range of motion to the shoulder.
Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin, may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Muscle relaxants may help relax arm and shoulder muscles. Working with a physical therapist will stretch muscles and restore motion and function to the shoulder. Heat and ice therapies may help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Corticosteroid injections, as prescribed and given by your doctor, may also relieve pain. Surgery is an option if there is no improvement after several months.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Most patients having frozen shoulder will have significant or complete improvement with Ayurvedic herbal treatment. Treatment may be required for several months.
Hair Loss
Everyone has some hair loss every day. In fact, it is normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day. However, some people lose a lot of hair early in life because it runs in their family (inherited) or because of disease, medications, stress, injury, or damage to the hair. The most common cause of hair loss is genetics-you inherit the tendency to lose hair from either or both of your parents. This is called male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. (Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss.) About half of all people have this type of hair loss by about 50 years of age. Other common causes of hair loss include:
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), which is common in children.
Mental stress or physical stress, such as recent surgery, illness, or high fever.
Chemotherapy, the use of medication to destroy cancer cells.
Pulling your hair back too tightly, wearing tight braids or ponytails, or using curling irons or dyes.
Age. As you age, you grow less hair. It is also thinner and tends to break more easily.
Poor nutrition, especially lack of protein or iron in the diet.
Thyroid diseases including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hair loss can occur as thinning (you may not notice hairs falling out) or as shedding, with clumps of hair falling out. It can be general-you lose hair all over your scalp-or focal, which means you lose it in one area only. In inherited hair loss, men generally develop bald spots on the forehead area or on the top of the head, while women have an overall thinning of the hair throughout the scalp.
Because hair is an important part of appearance, hair loss can result in loss of self-esteem and feeling unattractive, especially in women and teens.
Some people choose to treat hair loss with medications or surgery, such as hair transplantation. Others choose to wear hairpieces (wigs or toupees) or use different methods of hair styling (dyeing or combing). The approach you use depends on the cause of your hair loss and how you feel about it. Some people feel they need treatment, while others are not as concerned about thinning hair or baldness.
Hair loss that is caused by a controllable factor, such as stress or a medication, is treated by eliminating the cause.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are highly effective in treating premature hair loss. Treatment is two-pronged - treating the local pathology and removing the causative factor.
HIV / AIDS
AIDS is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. People diagnosed with AIDS may get life-threatening diseases called opportunistic infections, which are caused by microbes such as viruses or bacteria that usually do not make healthy people sick.
HIV is spread most commonly by having unprotected sex with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth during sex.
HIV can infect anyone who practices risky behaviors such as sharing drug needles or syringes;
having sexual contact, including oral, with an infected person without using a condom ;
having sexual contact with someone whose HIV status is unknown . HIV also is spread through contact with infected blood. Women can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy or birth.
If you are like many people, you will not have any symptoms when you first become infected with HIV. You may, however, have a flu-like illness within a month or two after exposure to the virus. This illness may include fever , headache, tiredness and enlarged lymph nodes (glands of the immune system easily felt in the neck and groin). These symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for those of another viral infection. During this period, people are very infectious, and HIV is present in large quantities in genital fluids.
As the immune system worsens, a variety of complications start to take over. For many people, the first signs of infection are large lymph nodes or "swollen glands" that may be enlarged for more than 3 months. Other symptoms often experienced months to years before the onset of AIDS include
lack of energy ; weight loss; frequent fevers and sweats ;persistent or frequent yeast infections (oral or vaginal) ;persistent skin rashes or flaky skin ;pelvic inflammatory disease in women that does not respond to treatment and short-term memory loss . Some people develop frequent and severe herpes infections that cause mouth, genital, or anal sores, or a painful nerve disease called shingles. Children may grow slowly or be sick a lot.
The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. CDC developed official criteria for the definition of AIDS and is responsible for tracking the spread of AIDS in the United States.
CDC's definition of AIDS includes all HIV-infected people who have fewer than 200 CD4+ T cells per cubic millimeter of blood. (Healthy adults usually have CD4+ T-cell counts of 1,000 or more.) In addition, the definition includes 26 clinical conditions that affect people with advanced HIV disease. Most of these conditions are opportunistic infections that generally do not affect healthy people. In people with AIDS, these infections are often severe and sometimes fatal because the immune system is so ravaged by HIV that the body cannot fight off certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other microbes.
Symptoms of opportunistic infections common in people with AIDS include coughing and shortness of breath ; seizures and lack of coordination ; difficult or painful swallowing ; mental symptoms such as confusion and forgetfulness ; severe and persistent diarrhea ; fever ; vision loss ; nausea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting ; weight loss and extreme fatigue ; severe headaches and coma .
Health care providers diagnose HIV infection by using two different types of antibody tests: ELISA and Western Blot.
When AIDS first surfaced in the United States, there were no medicines to combat the underlying immune deficiency and few treatments existed for the opportunistic diseases that resulted. Researchers, however, have developed drugs to fight both HIV infection and its associated infections and cancers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of drugs for treating HIV infection, such as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, and fusion inhibitors. When multiple drugs (three or more) are used in combination, it is referred to as highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART, and can be used by people who are newly infected with HIV as well as people with AIDS.
Researchers have credited HAART as being a major factor in significantly reducing the number of deaths from AIDS in this country. While HAART is not a cure for AIDS, it has greatly improved the health of many people with AIDS and it reduces the amount of virus circulating in the blood to nearly undetectable levels. Researchers, however, have shown that HIV remains present in hiding places, such as the lymph nodes, brain, testes, and retina of the eye, even in people who have been treated.
Because no vaccine for HIV is available, the only way to prevent infection by the virus is to avoid behaviors that put you at risk of infection, such as sharing needles and having unprotected sex.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
We have published our findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue. The overall results proved the Ayurvedic medicine to be highly effective as anti-viral and immuno-stimulant, and safe on long-term use. A nutritious diet, Ayurvedic baseline therapy, timely allopathic treatment of Opportunistic Infections and regular counseling support appears to be an ideal combination in the management of HIV / AIDS patients.
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Infertility
According to the National Infertility Association, infertility is a medical condition of the reproductive system that results in the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. The condition is diagnosed by a physician, usually after a couple has had a year of unprotected, regular intercourse without conceiving, or when pregnancy occurs but does not result in a live birth.
Infertility can be due to factors in either the female or the male ; 35-40% of the time the cause can be traced to the female partner, and 35-40% of the time infertility can be linked to the male partner. Sometimes conditions in both partners play a role. Other times the reason for infertility remains unknown.
Common Causes For Women: Impaired ovulation due to disease, infection, birth defects, or abnormal hormone production ; blocked fallopian tubes from disease or scar tissue ; inability of the uterus to hold the embryo (this may be due to a variety of reasons, including scar tissue on the walls of the uterus) ; endometriosis.
Common Causes For Men : Low sperm count ; high percent of abnormally shaped sperm ; high percent of sperm that are not moving forward ; ejaculation dysfunction
Sperm production can be affected by blocked passageways, fevers, infections, or birth defects. Both men and women can develop antibodies that attack sperm and prevent fertilization.
Other factors that can contribute to infertility include stress, smoking, alcohol use, excess weight and overall health.
The causes of infertility are not always easily recognizable. A doctor may recommend a variety of diagnostic tests that can help determine how to proceed.
Diagnostic tests for women include blood tests to check hormone levels, an X-ray to determine if the fallopian tubes are open, and an endometrial biopsy. A doctor may also recommend laparoscopic surgery to check for endometriosis, adhesions or pelvic scarring. (Laparoscopy is generally performed on an outpatient basis.)
Tests may include: Semen analysis to evaluate ejaculate; the specimen is collected after 2 to 3 days of complete abstinence to determine volume and viscosity of semen and sperm count, motility, swimming speed, and shape ; measuring basal body temperature -- taking the woman's temperature each morning before arising in an effort to note the 0.4 to 1.0 degree Fahrenheit temperature increase associated with presumptive ovulation ; monitoring cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle to note the wet, stretchy, and slippery mucus associated with the ovulatory phase.
Postcoital test (PCT) -- to evaluate sperm-cervical mucus interaction through analysis of cervical mucus collected 2 to 8 hours after the couple has intercourse ; measuring serum progesterone (blood test) ; endometrial biopsy ; testicular biopsy (rarely done) ; measuring urinary luteinizing hormone by using kits commercially available for home use to predict ovulation and assist with timing of intercourse; progestin challenge -- with sporadic or absent ovulation ; serum hormonal levels (blood tests) for either or both partners ; hysterosalpingography (HSG) -- X-ray procedure done with contrast dye that enables evaluation of potential transport from the cervix through the uterus and fallopian tubes ; laparoscopy to allow direct visualization of the pelvic cavity and, lastly, pelvic exam (women) to determine if there are cysts.
Treatment depends on the cause of infertility for any given couple. It may range from simple education and counseling, to the use of medications that treat infections or promote ovulation, to highly sophisticated medical procedures such as in-vitro fertilization.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Different causes of infertility need to be treated differently. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is very useful in increasing sperm count in men , and is very effective in women where the cause of infertility cannot be pinpointed, and in women having very painful periods. Very thin and very obese women who are unable to conceive also benefit from Ayurvedic herbal therapy.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain or discomfort, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term but manageable condition.
The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not well understood. In IBS, the movement of the digestive tract is impaired, but doctors can find no change in physical structure, such as inflammation or tumors. The symptoms of IBS are thought to be related to faulty communication between the brain and the intestinal tract, which causes abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines.
Irritable bowel syndrome can usually be diagnosed from symptoms. IBS is diagnosed when a person has the typical symptoms of the disorder and routine tests have ruled out other possible causes.
Active involvement in treatment is important to managing it successfully. Treatment is adapted to fit individual needs and usually focuses on changes in diet and lifestyle, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, and managing stress. Medications may also be used.
For some people who have IBS, certain foods may trigger symptoms. The following suggestions may help prevent or relieve some IBS symptoms:avoid caffeine ; limit your intake of fatty foods( fats increase gut sensations, which can make abdominal pain seem worse) ; if diarrhea is your main symptom, limit dairy products, fruit, or the artificial sweetener sorbitol ; increasing fiber in your diet may help relieve constipation ; avoiding foods such as beans, cabbage, or uncooked cauliflower or broccoli can help relieve bloating or gas ; getting regular, vigorous exercise (such as swimming, jogging, or brisk walking) may help reduce tension and make your bowels more regular.
Medications such as loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea, tegaserod (Zelnorm) for constipation, or antianxiety agents such as paroxetine (Paxil) may be used along with lifestyle changes to manage symptoms of IBS.
If stress triggers your symptoms, some form of psychological therapy or stress management may help you deal more positively with stress and help prevent or reduce stress-related IBS episodes.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Iritable Bowel Syndrome can be managed successfully on a long-term basis with the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic Kidney Disaese (CKD, also known as Chronic Renal Failure) is a disease affecting the Kidney. Chronic kidney disease occurs with long-term kidney disease, resulting in a gradual decline in kidney function over time.
The prognosis of chronic renal failure is not promising. Most patients will experience a steady decline in renal function, over a variable time course. Conditions that cause rapid deterioration of renal function carry a poorer prognosis. People who smoke, have poor diabetes control, or are obese are likely to have their disease progress faster. Eventually renal function will deteriorate to such an extent where the kidneys cannot cope with everyday function. When this occurs, patients will be considered for dialysis therapy. This will require the patient to attend hospital for a number of hours, 2-3 times per week to undergo dialysis therapy. There is also a process called 'peritoneal dialysis' where fluid in the patient's abdomen acts to 'absorb' many of the toxins the kidney usually filters out. This can often be done in a patient's home or workplace.
Usual results of chronic kidney disease depend on how severe it is: Mild disease can lead to increased blood pressure and nocturia. Moderate disease can lead to mild anaemia and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other disaeses . Severe disease can lead to 'uraemia', which is described below .
Sometimes in the early stages of chronic kidney disaese, there are absolutely no symptoms at all. Usually it is only when the level of urea (which is a toxic chemical usually filtered out by the kidneys) increases quite a bit, which is called ureamia, do you start to get symptoms. However, when that level is reached, there can be symptoms such as: fatigue ; weakness ; dyspnoea (breathlessness) ; ankle swelling ; restless legs ; anorexia ; nausea and vomiting ; pruritis (itching) ; decreased concentration ;
bone pain ; impotence or infertility ; menorrhagia (heavy periods) or amenorrhoea (stopping of periods) .
More severe symptoms occur when the level of urea gets even higher, and can include: mental slowing ; clouding of consciousness ; seizures ; muscle twitching .
The first step in treating chronic renal failure is to reverse anything that might be causing the problem such as dehydration, heart failure, sepsis, urinary tract obstruction, hypertension or toxic causes. Unfortunately, this is not always possible as many of the causes cannot be reversed.
Blood pressure control is very important in the treatment of renal failure. Usually the first drug of choice is an ACE inhibitor because that also seems to stop the progression of the renal failure in ways other than just lowering blood pressure. Other than that, calcium-channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers are also very valuable drugs to combat hypertension.
Lowering risk factors for cardiac disease also leads to better outcomes in chronic renal failure. It is important to stop smoking as soon as possible, as doing that alone reduces the progression of the disease by 30%. Diabetes should also be kept under meticulous control, as keeping your blood sugars normal also slows the progression of the disease. Keeping cholesterol low also helps with the disease, and lowering it through the use of a statin also seems to help in ways other than just lowering cholesterol.
Beyond all of this, treating the complications of renal failure is also important. It is important to prevent malnutrition, treat hypocalcaemia (low calcium due to deficient vitamin D production) and manage anaemia.
Eventually however, for many people their kidney function deteriorates to the point where they need an external machine to perform the function of the kidney. This process (called haemodialysis) is very time intensive and is usually a last resort. Alternatively, peritoneal dialysis through a catheter in the abdomen can be performed at home. Some people are fit enough to undergo kidney transplantation, taking anti-rejection drugs instead of dialysis.
As it is a complicated disease, it is important that you be referred to a specialist relatively soon after diagnosis so that they can treat you as effectively as possible.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Chronic Kidney Disease responds well to Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Treatment should be started as early as possible, so as to get maximum therapeutic benefit, before permanent damage has occurred. Regular and long-term herbal therapy may even reduce the frequency of required dialysis. The patient needs to be under the regular supervision of a Urologist.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition. It appears as rows of itchy, flat-topped bumps (lesions) on the arms and legs. Sometimes, lichen planus affects the mucous membranes, especially in the mouth and genitals, causing pain, soreness or a burning sensation.
Lichen planus isn't an infectious disease and isn't contagious. But it can be persistent, lasting months or even years. It may reappear after it goes away. This makes treatment of lichen planus difficult. Self-care measures, such as tub soaks and cool compresses, can help. But more bothersome symptoms may need prescription ointments or creams to reduce the itching and inflammation.
The exact cause of lichen planus isn't known. In some cases, it appears to be triggered by an allergic or immune reaction to a medication or other substance.
Lichen planus on the skin usually clears without treatment within eight to 12 months. Mild symptoms may require only self-care measures and periodic observation by your doctor. More bothersome symptoms may be treated with ointments or creams to reduce inflammation and itching.
Treatment may include: An ointment or cream containing a steroid-sparing immune-modulating medication, such as imiquimod (Aldara) or tacrolimus (Protopic) ; antihistamines ; phototherapy with ultraviolet light ; pills taken by mouth (oral) corticosteroid medications, in severe cases .
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Recurrent Lichen Planus can be treated effectively using Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Treatment is aimed at reducing the immune reaction and the symptoms. The patient may however need to repeat the course of medicines several times to get complete relief from the disease.
Mental Retardation
Mental retardation is described as a condition that is diagnosed before age 18, and includes below-average general intellectual function, accompanied by impairment in the person's ability to acquire the skills necessary for daily living.
Failure to adapt (adjust to new situations) normally and grow intellectually may become apparent early in life. In the case of mild retardation, these failures may not become recognizable until school age or later. An assessment of age-appropriate adaptive behaviors can be made by the use of developmental screening tests. The failure to achieve developmental milestones is suggestive of mental retardation.
A family may suspect mental retardation if motor skills, language skills, and self-help skills do not seem to be developing in a child, or are developing at a far slower rate than the child's peers.
The degree of impairment from mental retardation has a wide range, from profoundly impaired to mild or borderline retardation. Less emphasis is now placed on degree of retardation and more on the amount of intervention and care required for daily life.
Mental retardation affects about 1 to 3% of the population.
The primary goal of treatment is to develop the person's potential to the fullest. Special education and training may begin as early as infancy. This includes social skills to help the person function as normally as possible.
It is important for a specialist to evaluate the person for coexisting affective disorders and treat those disorders. Behavioral approaches are important in understanding and working with mentally retarded individuals.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
We have used herbal medicines in patients with mild to moderate mental retardation. Patients without significant brain damage have shown good improvement, specially in social interaction and language skills.
Migraine
Migraine headaches are one of the most common problems seen in emergency departments and doctors’ offices. Migraines are due to changes in the brain and surrounding blood vessels.
Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours and vary in frequency from daily to fewer than 1 per year. Migraine affects about 15% of the population. Three times as many women as men have migraines. More than 80% of people with migraines (called migraineurs) have other members in the family who have them too.
Different types of migraine headaches are :-
Common migraine accounts for 80% of migraines. There is no "aura" before a common migraine.
People with classic migraines experience an aura before their headaches. Most often, an aura is a visual disturbance (outlines of lights or jagged light images). Classic migraines are usually much more severe than common migraines.
Status migrainosus is a migraine that does not go away by itself.
The exact cause of migraine headaches is not clearly understood, though experts believe they are due to a combination of the expansion of blood vessels and the release of certain chemicals, which causes inflammation and pain.
Various triggers are thought to bring about migraine in certain people prone to developing migraine. Different people may have different triggers: Certain foods, especially chocolate, cheese, nuts, alcohol, and MSG, bring on headaches in some people. (MSG is a food enhancer used in many foods including Chinese food.) ; missing a meal may bring on a headache ; stress and tension are also risk factors. People often have migraines during times of increased emotional or physical stress.
Birth control pills are a common trigger. Women may have migraines at the end of the pill cycle as the estrogen component of the pill is stopped. This is called an estrogen-withdrawal headache.
Smoking may cause migraines or interfere with treatment
Most migraineurs can manage mild-to-moderate attacks at home with the following strategies:
Using a cold compress to the area of pain ; resting with pillows comfortably supporting the head or neck ; resting in a room with little or no sensory stimulation (light, sound, odors) ; withdrawing from stressful surroundings ; sleeping ; drinking a moderate amount of caffeine ; trying certain over-the-counter headache medications
Despite medical advances, migraines can be difficult to treat. About half of migraineurs stop seeking medical care for their headaches because they are dissatisfied with therapy.
After the headaches are under control, the prognosis is very good. However, patience is the key. As noted previously, it may take several attempts before an effective treatment plan is found.
Treating migraine is an art more than a science. No "cookbook" recipe is effective for every person. A drug that works well for one migraineur may not provide any relief for another. A combination of different medications is sometimes needed to treat resistant headaches.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be used both to treat an acute attack , and also to reduce or completely stop recurrence. Different patients may require treatment for varying periods, to get relief or a cure.
Kidney Stones
Nephrolithiasis or kidney stones is a disease affecting the urinary tract. Kidney stones are common. About 5% of women and 10% of men will have at least one episode by age 70. Kidney stones affect about 2 out of every 1,000 people. Recurrence is common, and the risk of recurrence is greater if two or more episodes of kidney stones occur. Kidney stones are common in premature infants.
Some types of stones tend to run in families. Some types may be associated with other conditions such as bowel disease, ileal bypass for obesity, or renal tubule defects. A personal or family history of stones is associated with increased risk of stone formation. Other risk factors include renal tubular acidosis and resultant nephrocalcinosis.
Kidney stone formation may result when the urine becomes overly concentrated with certain substances. These substances in the urine may complex to form small crystals and subsequently stones. Stones may not produce symptoms until they begin to move down the ureter, causing pain. The pain is severe and often starts in the flank region and moves down to the groin.
The size of the renal stone will dictate the natural history of this condition. If the stone is less the 5mm in diameter, then it will most likely pass on future urination. If the stone is larger than 5mm, urological procedures may be required to remove the stone. Surgical intervention will be required in any patient whose urinary tract in completely obstructed. This situations represents a surgical emergency.
Kidney stones are painful but usually are excreted without causing permanent damage. They tend to recur, especially if the underlying cause is not found and treated.
Treatment goals include relief of symptoms and prevention of further symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the type of stone and the severity of symptoms and/or complications. Hospitalization may be required if symptoms are severe. Stones are usually passed in the urine, given enough time to flush through the system. The urine should be strained at the time of passing and the stone saved for analysis of the type of stone. Fluids should be adequate to produce a large amount of urine. Water is encouraged, at least 6 to 8 glasses per day. If oral intake is inadequate, intravenous fluids may be required. Pain-killers may be needed to control renal colic (pain associated with the passage of stones). Severe pain may require strong pain-killers such as morphine or pethidine.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Some kidney stones can be flushed out rapidly with the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a condition that damages kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. It can occur at any age, though it most often affects children between the ages of 18 months and 8 years. The condition tends to affect boys more often than girls. Children with nephrotic syndrome often respond to treatment better than adults do. Nephrotic syndrome can cause: Protein to leak into the urine ; low levels of albumin in the blood ; swelling around the eyes from fluid retention ; swelling in the hands, legs, and feet from fluid retention ; high blood levels of cholesterol and triglyceride.
Treatment of nephrotic syndrome will depend on whether you are an adult or a child and the cause of the condition. You may have medication, and your doctor may suggest a special diet that is low in salt. Medications may include: ACE inhibitors, for relaxing and widening blood vessels for better flow ;
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), for relaxing and widening blood vessels for better flow ;
Steroids, for stopping protein leaks ; Diuretics, for removing extra water, sodium, and potassium ;
Salt-free albumin, for returning water to a normal circulation pattern.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be given as additional therapy to treat Nephrotic Syndrome. Long-term treatment is required to give significant relief or a complete cure.
Nicotine Dependence
Nicotine dependence is the physical vulnerability of your body to the chemical nicotine, which is potently addicting when delivered by various tobacco products. Smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes contains thousands of chemicals, including nicotine. Nicotine is also found in chewing tobacco.
Nicotine produces physical and mood-altering effects in your brain that are temporarily pleasing; these effects reinforce your continued use of tobacco and nicotine dependence.
Being addicted to tobacco brings you a host of health problems related to the substances in tobacco smoke. These effects include damage to your lungs, heart and blood vessels. Smokers have significantly higher rates of heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Millions of Americans smoke, and smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Men who don't quit smoking lose an average of 13.2 years of life, while smoking women lose even more - an average of 14.5 years.
Overcoming nicotine dependence is difficult and takes commitment, support and time. The sooner you quit smoking, the better. But even if you're a longtime smoker, stopping your nicotine dependence plus taking healthy lifestyle steps can reverse much of the damage smoking has done to your body.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
People dependent upon tobacco products , can benefit considerably with Ayurvedic herbal treatment, which not only reduces the craving for nicotine, but also gives overall improvement in appetite and physical well-being. However, the patient needs to be strongly motivated to get long-term good results. You will need to be under the supervision of your local physician to treat withdrawl symptoms, if required.
Nocturnal Enuresis (Bed-wetting)
Bed-wetting is uncontrollable urination during sleep, a condition also known as nocturnal enuresis. Accidental wetting of clothes or bedding is common in children younger than 4 and is usually a normal part of developing bladder control. Children learn to control their bladders at different rates, but most can do so reliably throughout the night by age 5 or 6.
Generally, bed-wetting is defined as occurring 1 to 2 times per week over at least a 3-month period in a child 5 years of age or older. Primary nocturnal enuresis is bed-wetting in a child older than age 5 or 6 who has never been able to consistently stay dry at night. Secondary nocturnal enuresis is bed-wetting that begins after a child has had at least 6 months of night-time dryness.
Bed-wetting is not an intentional act by the child. Most likely, a child's bed-wetting results from a combination of factors, which may include: Delayed growth and development ; small bladder capacity;
too little antidiuretic hormone (ADH) ; sound sleeping ; psychological and social factors.
Secondary nocturnal enuresis is a condition in which a child starts wetting the bed suddenly after consistently having had bladder control throughout the night. When this occurs, it may be the result of a medical condition, such as a bladder infection or emotional stress.
Treatment usually is not needed for bed-wetting in children age 7 and younger. Most children who wet the bed develop bladder control over time without treatment. Bed-wetting (primary nocturnal enuresis) in children older than 7 or 8 may be treated if it occurs at least twice a week for at least 3 months and is affecting the child's performance in school or relationships with peers. Treatment includes educating the parents and child about what is normal and expected and how the urinary system works. Treatment methods may involve praise and encouragement, a moisture alarm, behavior therapy, or medicine. Often a combination of treatment methods is used.
Bed-wetting that occurs after a successful period of staying dry throughout the night (secondary nocturnal enuresis) may be related to a treatable medical condition.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Nocturnal Enuresis(Bed-wetting) can be effectively cured with the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines. The initial course of treatment is for 3 – 4 months , and one or two smaller courses may need to be repeated.
Obesity
Obesity means accumulation of excess fat on the body. Obesity is considered a chronic (long-term) disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes. It has many serious long-term consequences for your health, and it is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States (tobacco is the first). Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30. The BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height. Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and in other developed countries. More than half of Americans are overweight—including at least 1 in 5 children. Nearly one third are obese. Obesity is on the rise in our society because food is abundant and physical activity is optional.
A measure called the body mass index (BMI) is used to assess your weight relative to your height. It is defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m 2). It can also be calculated for weight in pounds and height in inches.
Body mass index is closely related to body fat percentage but is much easier to measure. Therefore, it is used by many primary care providers to identify obesity. The greater your BMI, the higher your risk of developing health problems related to excess weight. In figures, it can be put in this way:
Healthy = 18.5-23.9 ; Overweight = 25.0-29.9 ; Obese = 30 or greater ; Morbidly obese = 40 or greater.
Obesity increases your risk of many other diseases and health problems, including the following:
Heart disease ; Diabetes ; High blood pressure ; Stroke ; Osteoarthritis (especially knee, hip, and lower back pain) ; Gallstones ; Lung disease and sleep apnea ; Colon cancer ; Endometrial cancer ;
Depression ; and Gout . Depression may be one of the most common effects of obesity. Many obese people suffer emotional distress. Because of the emphasis on physical appearance in our culture, which equates slimness with beauty, obese people may feel unattractive. They also are subjected to prejudice, ridicule, and discrimination, which may make them feel ashamed or rejected.
Medical treatment of obesity focuses on lifestyle changes such as eating less and increasing activity level. There are medications that can promote weight loss, although they work only in conjunction with eating less and exercising more.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are very useful in the treatment of obesity, when combined with exercise and diet control. The advantage of these medicines is that in addition to being effective, they are completely safe for long-term use. Since obesity is a chronic, lifestyle disease, treatment also needs to be long-term, with permanent lifestyle changes.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. As many as one million Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease. While approximately 15 percent of people with Parkinson's are diagnosed before the age of 50, incidence increases with age. The cause is unknown. Parkinson's disease can also cause several different symptoms. The specific group of symptoms that an individual experiences varies from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease are: tremor of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face ; rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk ; bradykinesia or slowness of movement ; postural instability or impaired balance and coordination .
Although there is presently no cure, there are many treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage the symptoms.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Patients with Parkinson’s Disease respond very well to Ayurvedic herbal medicines. These medicines can be given in addition to currently available standard therapy. Herbal medicines can reduce tremor and rigidity to a great extent. Some of the patients we have been treating have started going out of their homes for walks, and socializing, after a gap of several years. Treatment, however, is long-term or probably, life-long.
Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine (duodenum). Ulcers develop when the intestine or stomach's protective outer layer is broken down. When this happens, digestive juices can damage the intestine or stomach tissue. These strong juices, which contain hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin, also can injure the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that leads from your throat to your stomach.
Symptoms include: A burning, aching, gnawing pain between the belly button (navel) and the breastbone. Some people also have back pain. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours and may come and go for weeks ; Pain usually goes away for a while after you take an antacid or acid reducer ; Loss of appetite and weight loss ; Bloating or nausea after eating ; Vomiting after meals ; Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds ; Passing black stools that look like tar or stools that have streaks of dark red blood ; Different people have different symptoms, and some people have no symptoms at all.
To treat peptic ulcers, most people need to take medicines that reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. You also may need to take antibiotics to kill an H. pylori infection. Antibiotics usually help you feel better within a few days.
You can help speed the healing of your ulcer and prevent it from coming back if you quit smoking, limit caffeine and alcohol, and reduce stress. Continued use of medicines such as aspirin or naproxen may increase the chance of your ulcer coming back.
Ignoring symptoms of an ulcer is not a good idea. This condition needs to be treated. While symptoms can go away for a short time, you may still have an ulcer. Left untreated, an ulcer can cause life-threatening problems. Even with treatment, some ulcers may come back and may need more treatment.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be very useful in chronic or recurrent peptic ulcer. One course of medicine is for 3 – 4 months. The patient may require 2 or 3 such courses to get long-term or complete relief. Suitable life-style modifications will need to be taken.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a usually painful condition of the prostate gland, the small walnut-shaped organ that lies just below a man's bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate gland produces most of the fluid in semen.
Often the cause of prostatitis is not known. About half of the men with prostatitis have no signs of inflammation, so no exact cause can be determined. Of the men who have signs of inflammation, about 10% have a bacterial infection. A few men have prostate inflammation without symptoms.
The symptoms are similar for all types of prostatitis, with the exception of acute prostatitis and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. In the acute form of the disease, symptoms are severe, come on suddenly, and include fever and chills.
Signs of the chronic forms of prostatitis may be milder and come on gradually over weeks or months and may include: A frequent urge to urinate, although you may pass only small amounts of urine ; A burning sensation when urinating (dysuria) ; Difficulty starting urination, interrupted flow (urinating in waves rather than a steady stream), weaker-than-normal urine flow, and dribbling after urinating ;
Excessive urinating at night (nocturia) ; A sensation of not completely emptying your bladder ; Pain or discomfort in your lower back, in the area between the testicles and anus, in the lower abdomen or upper thighs, or above the pubic area. Pain may become worse during a bowel movement.; Pain or vague discomfort during or after ejaculation ; Pain in the tip of your penis.
Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis you have. Medications to control pain, reduce inflammation, soften your stool, and relax your bladder muscles may be used. If your prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you will be prescribed antibiotics. Surgery is rarely used to treat prostatitis.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Aurvedic herbal medicines are very useful in chronic prostatitis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy. Treatment may be required for several months. However, before any treatment, the patient should be thoroughly investigated to rule out malignancy(cancer).
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common and chronic condition that usually causes patches of itchy, scaly and sometimes inflamed skin. Although they can appear anywhere, these patches -- called plaques -- are most likely to crop up on your knees, elbows, hands, feet, scalp, or back. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the fingernails and toenails are also affected in about 50% of cases of active psoriasis.
The symptoms of psoriasis can vary a great deal depending on its severity, ranging from mildly annoying to truly debilitating. While the itchiness and pain can be unpleasant, some of the worst effects of psoriasis can be emotional. People with severe psoriasis sometimes are so overwhelmed by their condition and self-conscious of their appearance that they feel isolated and depressed.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to seven million people in the U.S. have psoriasis. That's about 2.6% of the population. Unfortunately, there isn't a cure. But there are many effective treatments that can help keep psoriasis under control.
Normally, skin cells are constantly being formed deep beneath the surface of your skin. Over about a month, these cells are pushed up to the surface. This is called cell turnover. The cells eventually die and flake off, revealing new skin cells.
In people with psoriasis, the skin cells grow too quickly. Cell turnover can happen in a matter of days. Layers of skin build up, forming a whitish, flaky crust. Blood vessels increase flow in an attempt to nourish this skin, which leads to redness and swelling. The classic symptoms of psoriasis are reddened, inflamed skin with a whitish, flaky layer of dead cells on top.
Although psoriasis usually appears as a skin condition, recent discoveries show that its real cause is a problem with the immune system. Your body naturally fights infections and heals injuries with special cells -- called white blood cells -- that battle viruses or bacteria. Normally, these cells go to the site of infection or injury to help repair wounds and prevent infection. One byproduct of this normal process is inflammation (redness and swelling). For reasons that doctors don't yet understand, the immune systems of people with psoriasis malfunction. One type of white blood cell - the B-cell - begins creating antibodies that destroy normal skin cells. Another type of white blood cell - the T-cell - begins overproducing a substance called cytokines. This overproduction turns off a signal that controls the growth of skin cells. So this is why psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease - your own immune system malfunctions and attacks normal body tissues. Other autoimmune diseases include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Psoriasis doesn't have any set way of progressing. It develops differently depending on the person. Some people may only have occasional and minor symptoms for their entire lives. Others may have to cope with severe symptoms on a regular basis. In most people, the symptoms come and go. Flare-ups might be brought on by some of the conditions mentioned above, such as dry weather or stress.
Untreated, extremely severe psoriasis can be dangerous. Although it happens very rarely, if lesions cover enough of the body, the immune system can become overwhelmed. This increases your risk of developing serious bacterial infections. Be sure to see your doctor immediately if your psoriasis spreads to cover large parts of your body or if you show signs of infection, such as fever.
Coping with psoriasis can be exhausting and frustrating. It's important to try to stay emotionally and physically healthy during treatment.
Currently there is no cure for psoriasis. However, many types of treatment are available, including products applied to the skin, phototherapy, and oral medications, that can keep psoriasis under control. Most cases are mild and can be treated with skin products. In some cases, psoriasis can be hard to treat if it is severe and widespread. Most psoriasis returns, even mild forms.
The purpose of treatment is to slow the rapid growth of skin cells that causes psoriasis and to reduce inflammation. Treatment is based on the type of psoriasis you have, its location, its severity, and your age and overall health. It also depends on how much you are affected by the condition, either physically (because of factors such as joint pain) or emotionally (because of embarrassment or frustration from a skin rash that may cover a large or visible area of the body). Treatment for psoriasis may continue for a lifetime. Counseling and stress reduction may improve symptoms and help prevent flare-ups.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are very effective in the treatment of psoriasis. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and boosting the natural immunity of the body. Long-term treatment is required and patients with severe involvement may need several courses of treatment.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a relatively common disease of the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, the membranes or tissues (synovial membranes) lining the joints become inflamed (synovitis). Over time, the inflammation may destroy the joint tissues, leading to disability. Rheumatoid arthritis affects women 2 to 3 times as often as men, and it often begins between the ages of 40 and 60.
There are many types of arthritis (disease of the joints). Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joints. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects young children. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's own immune system attacks the joint tissues. An inherited factor in some families (genetic predisposition) may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, knees, or neck. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects both sides of the body at the same time. In rare but severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis may affect the eyes, lungs, heart, nerves, or blood vessels.
Health professionals now recommend early treatment with certain medications that may control rheumatoid arthritis or prevent the disease from getting worse and may reduce the chance that you will suffer permanent disability. Because many of the medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis have side effects, good communication and regular follow-ups with your health professional are very important for successful treatment of the disease. In addition to medications, early treatment includes appropriate exercise and lifestyle changes.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that can be controlled but not cured. The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, maintain function, and prevent permanent disability. Even though rheumatoid arthritis does not usually shorten a person's life span, it can cause disability, depending on how severe the disease is and whether it responds to treatment.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Rheumatoid arthritis requires long-term treatment and Ayurvedic herbal medicines are very useful in the treatment of this condition because the medicines are not only effective , but are safe for long-term use.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a severe brain disease that interferes with normal brain and mental function-it can trigger hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and significant lack of motivation. Without treatment, schizophrenia affects the ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and interact appropriately with other people. It is often disabling and can profoundly affect all areas of your life (for example, becoming unable to work or go to school).
There are several types of schizophrenia, and the specific types are diagnosed based upon symptoms. The most common type is paranoid schizophrenia, which causes fearful thoughts and hearing threatening voices.
There are many theories about the cause of schizophrenia, but none have yet been proved. Schizophrenia may be a genetic disorder, since your chances of developing schizophrenia increase if you have a parent or sibling with the condition, but most people with relatives who have schizophrenia will not develop it. It may also be related to problems experienced during pregnancy (such as malnutrition, or being exposed to a viral infection) that damages the unborn child's developing nervous system.
Schizophrenia causes two groups of symptoms: negative symptoms and positive symptoms.
Negative symptoms generally include apathy or lack of motivation, self-neglect (such as not bathing), and reduced or inappropriate emotion (such as becoming angry with strangers). Negative symptoms usually appear first and may be confused with depression. Positive symptoms, which generally appear later, include symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized or confusing thoughts and speech.
Symptoms of schizophrenia usually emerge in adolescence or early adulthood. Symptoms can appear suddenly or may develop gradually, often causing the illness to go unrecognized until it is in an advanced stage when it is more difficult to treat.
There is no cure for schizophrenia, but many people can effectively manage their symptoms with medications and professional counseling. Consistent, long-term treatment is critical to the successful management of schizophrenia. Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia often do not seek treatment or they stop treatment due to unpleasant side effects of medications or lack of support.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
We have compared the use of Ayurvedic herbal medicines in the long-term management of Schizophrenia, and have found the medicines to be as useful as modern anti-psychotic drugs, but without any side-effects. For details see www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00483964 and www.stanleyresearch.org/programs/trialgrants.htm
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back. Branches of the sciatic nerve extend through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot.
The most common cause of sciatica is a bulging or ruptured disc (herniated disc) in the spine pressing against the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. However, sciatica also can be a symptom of other conditions that affect the spine, such as narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), bone spurs (small, bony growths that form along joints) caused by arthritis, or nerve root compression (pinched nerve) caused by injury. In rare cases, sciatica can also be caused by conditions that do not involve the spine, such as tumors or pregnancy.
Symptoms of sciatica include pain that begins in your back or buttocks and moves down your leg and may move into your foot. Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the leg may also occur.
Sitting, standing for a long time, and movements that cause the spine to flex (such as knee-to-chest exercises) may make symptoms worse. Walking, lying down, and movements that extend the spine (such as shoulder lifts) may relieve symptoms.
In many cases, sciatica will improve and go away with time. Initial treatment usually focuses on medicines and exercises to relieve pain. You can help relieve pain by: Putting ice or a cold pack on the middle of the lower back ; Avoiding sitting (unless it is more comfortable than standing) ;
Alternating lying down with short walks. Increase your walking distance as you are able to without pain ; Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Additional treatment for sciatica depends on what is causing the nerve irritation.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines will cure most patients suffering from sciatica, provided there is no causative factor which definitely needs surgical treatment. Treatment may be required for several months, to get complete relief.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose and sinuses. Sinuses are hollow spaces, or cavities, located around your eyes, cheeks, and nose. When a mucous membrane becomes inflamed, it swells, blocking the drainage of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat, which causes pressure and pain in the sinuses. Bacteria and fungi (plural of fungus) are more likely to grow in sinuses that are unable to drain properly. Sinuses can become blocked during a viral infection such as a cold, and sinus inflammation and infection can develop as a result. One key distinction between a cold and sinusitis is that cold symptoms, including a stuffy nose, begin to improve within 5 to 7 days. Sinusitis symptoms last longer and get worse after 7 days.
There are two types of sinusitis: acute (sudden) and chronic (long-term). With chronic sinusitis, you're never really free from symptoms and always have a low level of sinusitis symptoms.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are a runny or stuffy nose and facial pain and pressure. You may also have a yellow or greenish discharge from your nose or down the back of your throat (postnasal discharge). The location of pain and tenderness depends on which sinus is affected.
Other common symptoms of sinusitis may include: Headache ; Bad breath ; Runny or stuffy nose ;
Cough that produces mucus ; Fever ; Tooth pain ; Reduced sense of taste or smell ; Post-nasal drainage or drip.
Sinusitis often improves on its own, but it may need to be treated with antibiotics or other medications, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. With chronic sinusitis, a longer course of medications is often needed. Surgery may be required if you have taken antibiotics and other medications for an extended period of time but still have symptoms, or when complications (such as the spread of infection beyond the sinuses) are likely.
Fungal infections, which account for a significant number of chronic sinusitis cases, do not respond to antibiotic treatment. They may require treatment with antifungal medications, corticosteroids, or surgery.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines will cure most patients having chronic sinusitis. Treatment may be required from a few weeks to about 3 months.
Stomatitis
The word "stomatitis" literally means inflammation of the mouth. It includes inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. The inflammation can be caused by conditions in the mouth itself, such as poor oral hygiene, poorly fitted dentures, or from mouth burns from hot food or drinks, or by conditions that affect the entire body, such as medications, allergic reactions, or infections.
Aphthous stomatitis, also known as recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) or canker sores, is a specific type of stomatitis that presents with shallow, painful ulcers that are usually located on the lips, cheeks, gums, or roof or floor of the mouth. These ulcers can range from pinpoint size to up to 1 in (2.5 cm) or more in diameter. Though the causes of canker sores are unknown, nutritional deficiencies, especially of vitamin B12, folate, or iron is suspected. Thrush, a fungal infection, is a type of stomatitis.
The treatment of stomatitis is based on the problem causing it. Local cleansing and good oral hygiene are fundamental. An infectious cause can usually be treated with medication. Systemic problems, such as AIDS, leukemia, and anemia are treated by the appropriate medical specialist. Chronic problems with aphthous stomatitis are treated by first correcting any vitamin B12, iron, or folate deficiencies. If those therapies are unsuccessful, medication can be prescribed which can be applied to each aphthous ulcer with a cotton-tipped applicator. This therapy is successful with a limited number of patients. Major outbreaks of aphthous stomatitis can be treated with tetracycline antibiotics or corticosteroids. Valacyclovir has been shown to be effective in treating stomatitis caused by herpesviruses. Patients may also be given topical anesthetics (usually a 2% lidocaine gel) to relieve pain and a protective paste (Orabase) or a coating agent like Kaopectate to protect eroded areas from further irritation from dentures, braces, or teeth.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are very effective in the treatment of chronic or recurrent stomatitis. The duration of treatment will vary , depending upon the type and severity of stomatitis.
Styes and Chalazia
Styes and chalazia are lumps in or along the edge of an eyelid. They may be painful or annoying, but they are rarely serious. Most will go away on their own without treatment.
A stye is an infection that causes a tender red lump on the eyelid. Most styes occur along the edge of the eyelid. When a stye occurs inside the eyelid, it is called an internal hordeolum . A chalazion is a lump in the eyelid. Chalazia (plural) may look like styes, but they are usually larger and may not be painful. Styes and chalazia may be related to blepharitis, a common problem that causes inflammation of the eyelids.
Styes are caused by a bacterial infection. Usually the bacteria grow in the root (follicle) of an eyelash. An internal hordeolum is caused by infection in one of the tiny oil glands inside the eyelid.
A chalazion develops when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked. If an internal hordeolum doesn't drain and heal, it can turn into a chalazion.
A stye usually starts as a red bump that looks like a pimple along the edge of the eyelid. As the stye grows, the eyelid becomes swollen and painful, and the eye may water. Most styes swell for about 3 days before they break open and drain. Styes usually heal in about a week.
A chalazion forms a firm lump or cyst under the skin of the eyelid. Chalazia grow more slowly than styes. If a chalazion gets large enough, it may interfere with vision. The inflammation and swelling may spread to the area surrounding the eye. Chalazia often go away in a few months without treatment.
Home treatment is all that is needed for most styes and chalazia. Apply warm, wet compresses 3 to 6 times a day. This usually helps styes and chalazia heal faster. It may also help open a blocked pore so that it can drain and begin to heal. Use an over-the-counter treatment. Try an ointment (such as Stye), solution (such as Bausch and Lomb Eye Wash), or medicated pads (such as Ocusoft Lid Scrub).
Let it open on its own. Do not squeeze or open a stye or chalazion. Don't wear eye makeup or contact lenses until after the stye or chalazion heals.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines will completely cure most patients having recurrent stye or chronic chalazion. Treatment will usually be required for 1 – 3 months.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle.
Tendinitis is most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or from a sudden more serious injury. Tendinitis can occur in almost any area of the body where a tendon connects a bone to a muscle. The most common places are: Base of the thumb ,elbow ,shoulder , hip , knee ,
Achilles tendon .
The symptoms of Tendinitis include: Pain at the site of the tendon and surrounding area. Pain may be a gradual buildup or sudden and severe, especially if calcium deposits are present ; Loss of motion in the shoulder, called "adhesive capsulitis" or frozen shoulder.
Initial treatment includes: Avoiding activities that aggravate the problem ; resting the injured area ;
icing the area the day of the injury ; taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines . If the condition does not improve in a week, see your doctor. You may need more advanced treatments, including: Corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroids (often called " steroids") are often used because they work quickly to decrease the inflammation and pain ; Physical therapy. This can be very beneficial, especially for a "frozen shoeulder." Physical therapy includes range of motion exercises and splinting (thumb, forearm, bands) ; Surgery. This is only rarely needed for severe problems not responding to other treatments.
Tendinitis may take weeks to months to recover, depending on the severity of your injury.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are useful in giving complete relief from inflammation and pain, in tendinitis. Use of both local and oral treatment will give faster results. Treatment time will depend upon severity of tendinitis.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is among the most painful afflictions known. It is characterized by sudden attacks of pain that are typically brief, lasting only seconds to two minutes. These attacks are severe and described as intense, stabbing or electrical shock-like. TN pain occurs on only one side, involving the upper, middle and/or lower portions of the face. Each attack may come on spontaneously (without warning) or be triggered by specific light stimulation (gentle touch or movement), usually in the affected areas of the face. Common triggers include touch, talking, eating, drinking, chewing, tooth brushing, hair combing, water from a shower and kissing. Pinching or pressing these same trigger points will not usually cause TN pain.
During an attack of TN, the sufferer will almost always remain still and refrain from speech or movement of the face, so as not to trigger further attacks of pain. The face may contort into a painful wince. Early descriptions of TN confused these sudden attacks with seizures, leading to the term tic doloureux or neuralgia epileptiforme. TN attacks rarely occur when the sufferer is asleep, but may be worsened or alleviated by leaning or lying in a specific position. During an attack, TN pain never crosses over to the other side of the face. In rare cases of bilateral TN, (in which pain occurs on both sides) the left and right-sided pains are separate and distinct.
The disease course of TN is characterized by periods of flare-up (i.e. exacerbations), when painful attacks come on often and may be very difficult to control with medications. Then there are periods of remission, when no pain occurs. However, even during periods of remission, TN sufferers live in fear of their next flare-up. Over time the periods of exacerbation become more frequent and more severe, while the remissions become shorter. Therefore, the need for more aggressive medical or surgical treatments increases as the disease invariably progresses.
Medications are the first line of treatment for TN and include carbamazepine (Tegretol®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), gabapentin (Neurontin®) and baclophen (Lioresal®). As the disease progresses and pain becomes more frequent and severe, increased doses of medications are required which may lead to intolerable side effects and/or inadequate pain control. Each sufferer has differing tolerance to these medications and pain, but at least half will eventually find that medications do not adequately control their progressively worsening TN. The surgical procedures then considered are either microvascular decompression surgery or some form of nerve injury procedure (rhizotomies).
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines will give complete relief from pain to most patients having Trigeminal Neuralgia, however, treatment will need to be taken for 1 – 2 years, and 2 – 3 treatment courses of shorter duration may need to be repeated.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the large intestine. Though it usually affects the left side of the colon (sigmoid colon) and the rectum, the extent of the disease can vary from affecting mainly the rectum (proctitis) to affecting the entire colon (extensive colitis or pancolitis). The amount of the colon affected usually predicts the severity of the disease. Extensive colitis tends to cause more severe symptoms than proctitis, but some people have a large amount of the colon affected without having severe symptoms. The most common inflammatory bowel diseases are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
The cause is not known. The immune system may overreact to normal intestinal bacteria and cause inflammation. Or disease-causing bacteria and viruses may play a role in triggering ulcerative colitis. In a small number of cases, ulcerative colitis is believed to run in the family.
The main symptoms are abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea or urgency to have a bowel movement. Ulcerative colitis usually causes bloody diarrhea or mucus in stools. In severe cases, people may have diarrhea 10 to 20 times per day. Constipation, fever, and loss of appetite also may occur. Factors that may cause ulcerative colitis to flare up include medicines, infections, hormonal changes, and lifestyle changes, including increased stress.
Ulcerative colitis often can be controlled with home treatment and medicines to stop inflammation.
Mild ulcerative colitis symptoms may respond to antidiarrheal medicines and changes in your diet. Moderate to severe symptoms may require one or more prescription medicines. For disease that is limited to the rectum, you can try topical medicines (suppository, enema, or foam). For severe inflammation of the rectal lining (proctitis) or inflammation throughout the colon, you may need medicines that act on the whole body, such as medicines to control inflammation (aminosalicylates and corticosteroids) and medicines to suppress the immune system (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and cyclosporine).
If you have symptoms that are severe and do not respond to medicine, you may need surgery to remove part or all of your colon. Removal of the entire colon cures ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is an ongoing (chronic) condition that may flare up throughout your life. You may have only mild symptoms or long periods without symptoms. A few people have symptoms that are persistent and severe.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Most patients having ulcerative colitis will benefit tremendously from treatment with Ayurvedic herbal medicines. However, depending upon the severity of the disease and the nature of causative factors, the treatment time may vary considerably for different patients.
Urticaria
Urticaria is another term for “hives.” The condition affects an estimated 20 percent of the population at one time or another in their lives. An episode of hives can start as itching, followed by swollen, red welts. The itching may be mild or severe. Scratching, alcohol beverages, exercise, and emotional stress may worsen the itching. An episode of hives may last from a few minutes to several hours to several days to several weeks. Each individual welt should last no more than 23 hours.
Acute episodes of urticaria last for six weeks or less. Acute urticaria is generally due to certain foods and additives, medications, insect stings, blood transfusions and infections. Foods such as eggs, nuts and shellfish are common causes of urticaria. Medications such as aspirin and antibiotics (especially penicillin and sulfa) also are common causes of hives. Infections causing hives include the common cold, strep throat, infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis. In most of these cases, when the reason for hives is removed or avoided, the hives resolve.
Chronic episodes of urticaria last more than six weeks. In many cases, the cause of chronic hives cannot be identified despite detailed testing; in this instance the condition is called idiopathic urticaria. In approximately 50 percent of cases of idiopathic urticaria, the immune system is causing the release of chemicals such as histamine. In other cases, chronic urticaria may be associated with thyroid disease or other hormonal problems. Rarely, chronic urticaria has been associated with cancer. In most cases of chronic urticaria, the hives will gradually disappear over time.
In most instances, urticaria will improve with medications such as antihistamines. Low-sedating or non-sedating antihistamines are preferred because they are effective with minimal side effects. Frequently, your physician may try a combination of 2 or 3 antihistamines. Severe episodes of urticaria may require temporary treatment with prednisone or a similar corticosteriod medication.
If a causative factor can be identified, the best treatment is to avoid or eliminate that factor. For example, if a problem with a specific food is strongly suspected, then that food should be eliminated from your diet. This will require careful reading of packaged food labels and careful questioning about ingredients in restaurant meals.
Persons with physical urticaria should try to avoid exposure to that physical factor, if possible. Patients with solar urticaria should wear protective clothing and apply a sunblock when outdoors. Loose-fitting clothing will help relieve pressure urticaria. People with cold air urticaria should not swim alone, and those with severe cold urticaria should not swim at all. Cold air exposure should be avoided if possible; warm clothing should be used for unavoidable exposure to cold air. For people with dermographism, avoiding harsh soaps and frequent bathing will reduce the problem of dry skin, which can cause itching and scratching that can aggravate this condition.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines will cure most patients having chronic urticaria. Treatment time may vary from 3 – 6 months, in most patients having mild to moderate symptoms.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction. Hepatitis can be categorized in two groups: acute hepatitis ; chronic hepatitis .
Acute hepatitis is quite common in the US. Common causes of acute hepatitis may include:
infection with a virus (viral hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E) ; overdose of drugs (such as acetaminophen)
chemical exposure (such as dry cleaning chemicals) . Acute hepatitis usually starts with flu-like symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of acute hepatitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: jaundice; nausea; vomiting ;
loss of appetite; fever ; tenderness in the right, upper abdomen ; sore muscles ; joint pain ; itchy red hives on skin .Treatment varies, depending on the type of acute hepatitis (viral versus non-viral). Severe, acute hepatitis may require hospitalization.
Some people do not recover fully from acute hepatitis and develop chronic hepatitis, as the liver continues to sustain more damage and inflammation. Hepatitis is considered chronic if symptoms persist longer than six months. Chronic hepatitis can last years. Symptoms for chronic hepatitis are usually mild. Although the liver damage continues, its progression is usually slow. The following are the most common symptoms of chronic hepatitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Some individuals may experience no symptoms, while others may experience the following: feeling ill ; poor appetite ; fatigue ; low fever ; upper abdominal pain ; jaundice ; symptoms of chronic liver disease (such as enlarged spleen, spider-like blood vessels in the skin, and fluid retention) . The goal of treatment is to stop damage to the liver and alleviate symptoms. Treatment may include: antiviral agent.When caused by hepatitis B or C, inflammation of the liver may be stopped with the antiviral agent interferon-alpha ; corticosteroids. Corticosteroids may be used to treat chronic liver disease caused by an autoimmune disorder. Inflammation is suppressed, but scarring of the liver may continue; discontinuation of certain drugs. When chronic hepatitis is caused by certain drugs, discontinuing those drugs usually clears up any symptoms.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Most patients having acute or chronic hepatitis will benefit very much with Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Treatment time will very considerably from patient to patient.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition in which your skin loses melanin, the pigment that determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or no longer form melanin causing slowly enlarging white patches of irregular shapes to appear on your skin.
An estimated 1 to 2 million Americans have vitiligo. It affects both sexes and all races, but is often more noticeable and more disfiguring in people with darker skin. Vitiligo usually starts as small areas of pigment loss that spread and become larger with time. These changes in your skin can result in stress and worries about your appearance.
There is no cure for vitiligo. The goal of treatment is to stop or slow the progression of pigment loss and, if you desire, attempt to return some color to your skin.
Doctors and scientists have theories as to what causes vitiligo. It may be due to an immune system disorder. Heredity may be a factor because there's an increased incidence of vitiligo in some families. Some people have reported a single event, such as sunburn or emotional distress, that triggered the condition. However, none of these theories has been proved as a definite cause of vitiligo.
In some cases, medical treatment for vitiligo may not be necessary. Self-care steps, such as using sunscreen and applying cosmetic camouflage cream, may improve the appearance of your skin. For fair-skinned individuals, avoiding tanning can make the areas almost unnoticeable.
Depending on the number, size and location of the white patches, you may decide to seek medical treatment. Medical treatments for vitiligo aim to even out skin tone, either by restoring color (pigment) or destroying the remaining color.
Depending on the type of therapy, treatment for vitiligo may take from six to 18 months. Medical treatment choices are based on the number of white patches you have and how widespread they are. Each person responds differently to treatment, and a particular therapy may not work for you.
Medical therapies are Topical corticosteroid therapy, Topical psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), Oral psoralen photochemotherapy, or oral PUVA, Narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy, Depigmentation, and surgical therapies.
The change in appearance caused by vitiligo can affect your emotional and psychological well-being. You may experience emotional stress, particularly if vitiligo develops on visible areas of your body, such as your face, hands, arms or feet. You may feel embarrassed, ashamed, depressed or worried about how others will react. Young people, who are often particularly concerned about their appearance, can be devastated by widespread vitiligo.
Ayurvedic treatment overview :
Ayurvedic herbal medicines will bring about improvement or a cure in most patients having vitiligo. However, probably, since a damaged immune response may be responsible, the results are not directly proportional to the severity. For example, some patients with very widespread vitiligo respond very fast and completely, whereas some patients with a few patches may respond very slowly. There is, therefore, no fixed treatment time or schedule, and treatment needs to be tailor-made for each patient.
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