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ISSN 2041-7780 Issue 12 Aug/Sep 11 £3.50 22-23 October 2011 | Earls Court | London Choice See back cover for your exclusive Health & Wellbeing £5.50 reader offer... www.choicehealthmag.com The Leading Publication for Complementary Health, Education and Wellbeing HowHow WasWas YourYour Massage?Massage? Eye Care in Ayurveda Colon Hydrotherapy What Do l Choose? Your Health and 16 44 46 Wellbeing Success Starts Here! Are you a health-conscious consumer, looking to come into the industry or looking for a suitable treatment? Find out what the experts say and read. In this issue: 10 Ayurveda & Yoga Support Fertility The Natural Way with Ayurveda One of the greatest wonders and gifts in life is the process of reproduction and the birth of a child. Difficulties in conceiving are becoming a growing concern, with many couples feeling anxious and distressed. he medical definition of infertility is the channels where there is an obstruction, blockage Tinability to conceive after a year of or accumulation of toxins that hinder nutrients regular sexual union without the use of from reaching the body tissues and therefore, contraceptives or the inability to retain the fetus indirectly, causing infertility. to full-term. The first step in addressing infertility is to Ayurvedic treatment approach make the correct diagnosis of the cause by An Ayurvedic infertility treatment plan would assessing both male and female partners. In a usually be a two-stage process; first the small number of cases, infertility is diagnosed as cleansing of the body (and mind) and then ‘incurable’; however, in the majority of cases rejuvenation therapy to create a supportive there is cause for hope as the condition is usually environment and good health of all seven tissues. reversible. According to Ayurveda, conception will take Treatment of infertility would be unique to the place when the sperm, ovum and uterus are all individual as the causative factors will vary from healthy. The shukra dhatu represents the person to person. The doshic constitution (vata, reproductive tissues in both men and women and pitta, kapha), environment, sex, age and is produced as a result of a seven-step temperament and the family history of both sequential transformation process of bodily partners would also be considered. In general, tissues. A blockage or lack of nourishment at any the focus would be on stimulating the body’s stage of this process can hinder conception. natural healing ability to encourage fertility, rather Therefore, the health of the reproductive tissues than the use of external drugs or surgery. This is dependent on the health of the former tissue approach would simultaneously improve the formation. overall wellbeing of the person without causing Reproductive tissues are formed after the further side effects. Once a diagnosis has been plasma, blood, muscle, bone and bone marrow made and the state of the constitution has been and fat have been formed. These bodily tissues established, all the treatments and herbs can are known as ‘dhatus.’ The health of tissues then be tailored to restore a natural balance. while they are being formed is dependent on the ability of the body to properly digest food; hence The foundation of Ayurvedic infertility having a well-functioning digestive system is treatment would be to: important. The first step in Ayurveda would be to go through a cleansing process known as ☯ identify and address the root cause; ‘panchakarma’ or a mild palliative detox to ☯ determine the doshic constitution of both remove the toxins and impurities from the body. partners; ☯ remove toxins and impurities and Good digestion ensures that ‘ama’ (toxins) does clear blockages; ☯ boost the digestive system not form further and that bodily tissues are and increase metabolism; ☯ manage mental and subsequently nourished, influencing the health of physical stress; ☯ maintain a supportive diet and the sperm and ovum. Once there is evidence that lifestyle. ama has been removed, a nourishing sattvic diet and lifestyle which supports fertility is Ayurvedic purification encouraged. In order to encourage fertility, the body needs to Since dhatu formation is a complex process, be free from ‘ama’ (toxins) and impurities that there is, of course, a vast range of possible create blockages and hinder the good health of causes that need to be pinpointed so that the tissues. Pancha karma, the five Ayurvedic appropriate measures can be taken to create a purification methods would be administered for healthy internal environment, conducive to this purpose. The process would start with pre- conception. Ayurveda focuses on clearing the purification treatments of a series of herbal oil Aug/Sep www.choicehealthmag.com Ayurveda & Yoga 11 Causes of infertility should be reduced and proteins can be increased; small amounts of barley can be taken ☯ Poor nutrition of reproductive tissues with milk. due to sluggish digestion, increase in It is recommended that the man should follow toxins or under-nourishment. a sattvic diet complemented with increased milk, ☯ Overindulgence in sexual activity ghee, rice and nuts. can lead to depletion of reproductive tissue and impotency. Herbs for infertility ☯ Suppression of sexual urges for long periods can lead to obstruction and Herbs and tonics that support fertility include decrease libido in the long term. shatavari (asparagus racemosus), ashwagandha ☯ Eating excessive spicy, salty and hot (withania somnifera), ashoka (saraca asoca), aloe foods that increase pitta dosha. vera and triphala. These herbs, amongst others, ☯ Physical and mental stress. are highly rejuvenating, promote the balance of ☯ Compromised immunity. hormones and encourage the production of ☯ Nervous system imbalances. reproductive fluids. There are also supportive ☯ Disturbed natural biological rhythms herbal jams that are packed with nutrients and of the body. herbs; these include chyawanprash and brahmi avaleha, phala grtam. massages. This would be followed by herbal steam to loosen the impurities over the whole body in preparation for elimination. Intake of medicated ghee in incremental doses is given to soften and open the channels of the body, ready for elimination of ama. This pre-cleanse therapy ensures that the channels are clear so that the nourishment can reach the various tissues. These loosened toxins are then eliminated through emesis, purgation and enemas which are the main purification methods. Once the body has been properly cleansed of the toxins, the rejuvenation process (rasayana treatment) can begin by restoring a natural balance to the body Yoga and meditation for infertility functions. The first step is to create a strong In today’s society, stress is often a major factor in digestion to prevent toxins from building up and the widespread infertility rates. It is imperative to ensure that optimum nutrition is absorbed from that both partners take initiatives to relax the the foods. body and mind. This can be done through the practice of relaxing breathing techniques such as Ayurvedic rejuvenation nadi shodhana and ujjaya pranayama and Rasayana therapy is designed to help nourish the various meditations. Yoga postures such as body, bring doshas back into balance and restore padmasana (lotus pose) can increase the blood normal bodily functions, particularly ovulation. A flow to the perineum and activate the lower programme of dietary regulation, daily regimens, chakras, muladhara (root) and svadisthana herbal medication, ayurvedic tonics, yoga and a (sacral) that govern the sexual functions. Pelvic stress free life is introduced. floor exercises can also enhance circulation to Both partners would benefit from following a the reproductive organs. restorative whole food diet based on their Ayurveda advises that conception should be constitutional needs and can include foods such avoided if experiencing negative emotions, if as: ☯ fruits such as pears, peaches, mango, suffering from compromised immunity, if plums, raisins, figs, dates, grapes, coconut and menstruating or if one has overeaten. Intercourse pomegranates ☯ grains such as basmati rice should take place when the couple is in a happy and lentils such as mung and kidney beans mood, and the best position for conception is with ☯ dairy proteins including milk, buttermilk, the woman lying on her back. Afterwards, the paneer, ghee ☯ nuts including almonds, walnuts, woman should have a cool bath and cup of pumpkin seeds ☯ spices including cardamom, boiled milk with saffron. CHW nutmeg, saffron, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel, ajwain ☯ vegetables © As a member of the APA, Geeta such as asparagus, sweet potato, broccoli, Vara is a fully qualified Ayurvedic squash, carrot, and beetroot ☯ alcohol, caffeine, Practitioner working in London and smoking and poor quality fats in the diet should the South East providing be avoided. consultations, treatments and corporate workshops. For more It is important that women take mental and information about supporting fertility physical rest during the monthly cycle and they treatment or other health concerns, should keep lean and active. In addition to the please email: [email protected] recommendations given above, the following or call: 07956 521601. should be added to the diet: spices such as www.geetavara.co.uk turmeric and ajwain are good for keeping the uterine organs cleansed; ghee can be replaced Reference: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, with oil; the intake of carbohydrates and fats Ch. XXI, Department of Health website. www.choicehealthmag.com Aug/Sep.