Seka and Aschyotan are significant procedures used in eye diseases. Seka means washing of eye with medicated liquid. Aschyotan means applying the medicated liquid like decoctions, herbal juices or oil as drops. Seka is pouring liquid in thin streams continuously for a period of time in all eye diseases.  

Ms Sharda Roelsma is a Dutch National of Surinami Indian origin and studied Ayurveda for four years at European Institute for Scientific Research on Ayurveda (EISRA) Holland. After finishing her study at Holland she came to Dayanand Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Jalandhar for Practical training. On our request she wrote her experiences about Ayurveda in India and Holland. I have studied Ayurveda in the Holland because I wanted to learn more about healthy way of living. In Holland best available study is four year course of A.P. i.e. Ayurvedic Practitioner.  

Osteoarthritis in Ayurvedic texts is described as Sandhigata Vata. It is one of the most common forms of joint disorders. It damages the joint through wear and tear. It can be painful and depressing. There is no cure in modern medicine, but there are ways of managing the condition and making the life easier. Physiotherapy is an important part of that management.  

The classical treatise on Ayurvedic Medicine, Susruta Samhita, describes the use of Guggulu for a wide variety of conditions, including Arthritis and Medo-roga. One of its primary indications was a condition known as Medo-roga. This ancient diagnosis is similar to the modern description of Athero-sclerosis. Guggulu is primarily used to prevent this condition by lowering Serum cholesterol and tri-glycerides levels.  

Vegetables are an important part of human diet. The number of plant families we used to eat thousands years ago was greater than the restricted range we eat today. Ayurveda has dealt with vegetables under the classification of 'shaka-harita varga' in the eatables category, whereas the modern science incorporates every type of cereals, roots, tubers, leaves and nuts under the major head of vegetable food. The green vegetables consist of leaves, buds, young shoots and often the entire plant. They contain plenty of vitamins, certain proteins, cellulose and water. Roots and tubers can be stated a source of nutrients for the plant itself and may have different nutritional value for humans. Though some of the vegetables can be eaten raw, cooking of vegetables with reasonable amount of oil, ghee and the common kitchen spices is an established practice in most parts of the world.  

Skin is the most wide and outermost system of human body. It is in ultimate contact with the external environment. Any physical or chemical change in external or internal environment (body) directly affects skin and its appendages like hairs, sweat glands, nails etc. and several times it provides clue to many internal diseases like Diabetes & Renal disorders. Diabetes mellitus (D.M.) commonly known as Madhumeha in Ayurveda is of worldwide prevalence and its incidences are growing faster than any other systemic or infective disease. Many of the uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetic patients suffer from skin disorders.  

Ubtan in itself means local application, used for the beautification of the body, dating back to early legacy of the rich Indian Heritage. The ritual of 'Ubtan', also known as 'Battne di Rasam' in Punjabi, and 'Kappumanjal' in Tamil is one of the vital components of the concept of 'Solah-Shringaar' Sixteen types of beautification of body. The principal acting constituents of ancient 'Ubtan' used in rituals are Turmeric, Bengal Gram & Sandalwood.  

Cancer is a dreadful disease and its treatment is equally painful. In conventional system its treatment is even more agonizing surgery, radiation therapy and chemo therapy are currently the mainstay treatment to deal with cancer. These conventional treatments are having varying success rates and a long list of various side effects is also there. No doubt modern medicine by virtue of its established procedures over the last many decades has gained an unparallel position. When it fails to ensure a cure or induces side reactions, we tend to seek support and solace from other treatment methods commonly referred to as "Alternative Medicine".  

Physicians in ancient India carried the impression that the bark had some special virtue in promoting the union of fractures and the dispersion of ecchymosis when given internally. It grows in most parts of India and is also planted in many parts for shade and ornament. Terminalia Arjuna is a large, evergreen tree, with a spreading crown and drooping branches. The stems are buttressed and often fluted; the bark is very thick, grey or pinkish green, smooth, exfoliating in large, thin, irregular sheets; the leaves are sub-opposite, oblong or elliptic, coriaceous, cordate; the flowers, in panicled spikes; the fruits are nearly glabrous, ovoid or ovoid-oblong, with 5-7 hard, winged angles.  

Be like the tortoise, not the hare! Yoga is a wonderful practice that can deliver many benefits. Yoga is widely practiced all over the world and as of today is a very popular method for getting great exercise. Yoga not only exercises your body, but your mind and soul as well. Yoga physical exercises go hand in hand with yoga meditations. This was started out in India so long ago you might not even believe it. They have found artifacts that depict people in Yoga positions that date back to 3000 BC. The most common practiced form of Yoga nowadays is Hatha Yoga. This is the form of Yoga based mostly on exercises and positions. The popularity of this has boomed due to the enormous benefits that those who practice it receive.

In many countries last century's developments have led to life style alterations characterized by increased caloric and fat intake and reduction in physical activities along with a dramatic increase in metabolic syndrome related diseases such as Diabetes, Hyperlipidaemia, Hypertension and obesity etc. Hyperlipidaemia alone curretly affects approximately 10% of the global population.  

Mankind has always been searching for health and happiness; one does not exist without the other. The word 'Health' comes from the Indo-European root Kailo meaning 'Whole'. As defined by the W.H.O., health is “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” According to the classical texts of Ayurveda, a healthy person will be one whose physiology is integrated and balanced, and whose soul, mind and senses remain blissful.

WHAT ARE WE MISSING WITH ADVANCING AGE? ANTIOXIDANTS What are antioxidents? Antioxidants are natural substances found in our bodies and food, which neutralize free radicals and protect cells. They are mainly found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. It is these chemicals in food that neutralize free radicals- and prevent the oxidative damage to cells and tissues. What are free radicals? These are radicals with unpaired electrons which are harmful for our health as they damage the healthy cells. Just like rusting of metals and browning of apples are oxidation reactions, our bodies also rust due to free radicals released in our bodies. Several oxidation reactions are happening constantly in our bodies some useful ones, which produce energy and are needed to survive and some are harmful ones too. The harmful oxidation is due to the presence of free radicals released in our bodies. Free radicals are the unpaired electrons that when present are harmful for our health as they damage the healthy cells and can lead to: · Cardiovascular diseases · Diabetes · Cancer · Cataract · Arthritis · Premature aging · Alzheimer's disease and many more. At least 100 diseases are linked to the free radical damage and poor antioxidant intake. Formation of these harmful electrons / free radicals can increase due to: · Cigarette smoking · Excessive Alcohol · Stress · Weight loss diets · Reduced sleep · Increased unwanted bacteria in gut · Increased consumption of high and bad fat food · Excessive exposure to pollution, harmful chemicals and drugs. Tips to boost your antioxidant status: • Have a glass of Fresh vegetable or fruit juice everyday. • Take two cloves of fresh garlic in your salad. • Include sprouts of any type of dal, rai, methe, alfa-alfa at least 3-4 times a week. • Take an Amla that is a good source of vitamin C. • Have a few nuts (15-20 gms) everyday. • Use a good supplement like wheat germ, brewer's yeast, Aloe vera, wheat germ juice, • Include 6-9 servings of brightly colored fruits and vegetables daily. • Include one serving of soya daily ( handful= 15 gms). • Prefer green tea over black tea. • Include at least one serving of salad in your daily diet .      

Spices used in Indian Kitchen apart from their taste value are having a great therapeutic value, actually Ayurvedic health care starts right from Indian Kitchen as almost all the herbs used as spices have antioxidant property, and some other important therapeutic properties cardamom and coriander are as following. Chhoti Elaichi: Cardamom-Latin name- Elettaria cardamomum. It is known as queen of spices & is valued all over the world. The therapeutic properties of cardamom are due to its volatile oil. Here are some of the medicinal properties of Cardamom.  

BRITISH MEDICAL STUDENT EXPLORING PANCHKARMA At DAYANAND AYURVEDIC COLLEGE, JALANDHAR In the era of modern medicine where all actions & decisions taken by a medical practioner are purely based on evidences and clinical trials, there also lies a science of ancient wisdom with much more intellect & tremendous potential. Recent years have recorded increased awareness in people regarding their health and the therapies in use. Observing this, I too decided to learn this ancient technique with an inquisitive mind. There is little evidence of why such form of treatment was being used. A form of medicine which when compared to modern day medicine, its treatment techniques and therapy may seem ancient. In the world of constantly developing and improving technology, how traditional forms of treatment can survive, with this curiosity I decided to explore ayurveda and panchkarma at Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar and writing my understanding about the same as following.  

Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a BANANA in the same way again!! Bananas which contain three natural sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) and fiber gives an instant, sustained, and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous, 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.  

JUNK FOODS A NEW REVOLUTION OR DEGENERATION OF THE SOCIETY? Food is the most important basic necessity for man to survive or to live. A wide variety of food stuffs is available in the market. It is food preference of an individual that what one opts for his eating. Most teenagers or college students are in a habit of eating junk or fast foods. Junk foods are foods containing a lot of fat and sugar and hardly any roughage. Rapidly advancing modern age and irregular working hours of people have encouraged them to consume fast foods. It is also a hallmark of modernity among teenagers to eat such foods.  

Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting. In ayurveda this disease is described by the name of Ajeerna. 1. Eat peacefully 2. Avoid cold things. 3. Avoid keeping fast. 4. Do not eat in excess. 5. Use tender radish only. 6. Use curd appropriately. 7. Take your meals regularly. 8. Apply methods of sudation. 9. Do not eat heavy substances. 10. Avoid taking rough substances. 11. Make use of brinjal as vegetable. 12. Take pungent and bitter eatables. 13. Use garlic and ginger in your food. 14. Parval and karela give good results. 15. Make use of hing in food preparations. 16. Sprinkle black pepper powder on your eatables. 17. Don't use ghee and oil preparations haphazardly. 18. Take petha as sweets or in other form of preparation. 19. Use of ajwain, methi and dhania gives beneficial results in it. 20. Do not suppress of natural urges of urination and defecation