The delay, indeed fortuitous, did give us enough time to enrich the second issue with informative articles and research papers that will be of enormous interest to all our patrons. The focus is on a chronic disease, bronchial asthma, that has hitherto remained a challenge to modern medicine. There is however good news. Yoga and Ayurveda seem to provide lasting cure. Our cover story is all about it and we are sure it will be as revealing as it will be informative.

Ayurveda is often described as "ancient", often in pejorative sense. This indeed is unfair because it's strength is precisely that it has stood the test of time. Interestingly, recent researches show how this ancient discipline has perfected the very same systems that attribute modernity, often viewed as safe and sure, to allopathy. For example, there was Susruta, who was a great surgeon of ancient India and who had perfected even plastic surgery that is widely believed to be the gift of modern medicine to mankind. Similarly, rhinoplasty and inoculation
were known to have existed in India of 18th century. This issue details the glory of Ayurveda in these areas.

Alternative medicine is the buzz word the world over. Claims to greatness by one discipline over the other may sound a trifle unfair. Even so, the very fact that systems like Ayurveda are getting increasing acceptance even in the usually demanding west is proof of its inherent worth. Which explains the growing popularity of Ayurveda the world over, the latest being in West Asia. The issue reports the palpable popularity of India's ancient medical system in Gulf.

We are happy to note that the first issue was well received. Admittedly, there are shortcomings, being the first attempt of its kind. Nonetheless, the hearty reception received is encouraging enough to better the product. This is a promise we will do everything  to fulfill.

Bronchial Asthma, What Yoga Says
Dr. K. Jyothilal

Bronchial Asthma manifests in the form of a known physiological disorder that can be precipitated, exacerbated and perpetuated by psychological factors. 

When an asthma patient comes in contact with an allergic substance, it behaves as an antigen and reacts with the corresponding antibodies already present in his body. The histamine and other substances liberated during the allergic reactions causes the following changes in the bronchi. More .......


THE GERMAN LINK IN KERALA
T. Damu

Where to go one step further to knowing the psychoso matic relationship that the West mostly talks about, and get a Vedic touch to truly realize the symbiosis between the body, mind and soul? Looking for relief from maladies like spondylitis, migraine, arthritis and even paralysis? Or just a rejuvenating hot herbal oil massage to invigorate for an herbal holiday. More .......

Ayurvedic spas of Kerala
Saikat Neogi

A continuous stream of hot oil poured on the forehead....linen bags filled with steaming rice for a massage...
These are some of the treatments for rejuvenating the body, infusing new life in tired limbs and banishing stress - the Ayurvedic way. The 3000-year-old system of Ayurveda medicine as practiced in the Indian State of Kerala, is gaining immense popularity among those suffering from stress related symptoms and living life in the fast lane. Cardiologists from USA, stockbrokers from Vienna, retired couples from the UK, writers from South Africa, any number of senior executives from all over India- all visit these spas for physical, mental and spiritual cleansing. More .......

The Sacred plant that Heals

The medicinal effect of all these varieties of Tulsi is nearly similar, if not the same. The best part of the matter is that certain  Indian scientists are at the threshold of finalizing their discovery of a reliable  medicine against cancer out of Tulsi plant.  More .......

Dhanwanthari Vaidyasala
ON THE WINGS OF TRADITION

It was 1933. C.N. Namboothiri had just completed his studies  as a traditional Ayurvedic practitioner in a gurukulam, the ancient and traditional form of schooling. The knowledge that he acquired on the great science of life that has its origins in the Vedic period was his only wealth. A resource that he wanted to enrich further. More .......

Live long Live smart THROUGH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Apple
Apple is a highly nutritive food  that contains minerals and  vitamins. On an average, 100 gm of apple contains 84.6 per cent water, 0.2 per cent protein, 0.5 per cent fat, 0.3 per cent minerals, 1.0 per cent fibre and 13.4 per cent carbohydrates. It provides 10 mg calcium, 14 mg phosphorus, 1 mg Iron, 40 IU of vitamin A and approximately 59 calories. Small traces of vitamin E, H and B complex too are found. The skin of an apple and the flesh just below, contain more vitamin C and A than the inner flesh. So this should not be discarded. Apple has malic acid, which is beneficial for the bowels, liver and brain.  More .......

Grandma's medicine
Seema Paul

Prof. Ranjit Roy Chaudhury,  emeritus scientist at the  prestigious National Institute of Immunology in Delhi, has grown 10 plants in his office balcony. He waters them everyday, tends them with great care and introduces each of them to interested visitors, just as if they were his own children. The plants have nothing to do with the subject of his research at the institute, which is the male contraceptive, but are related to another subject close to his heart- herbal medicines or "grandma's remedies", as he prefers to call them. "This is Ocimum Sanctum or tulsi," he tells his visitors," you can treat cough and cold with its leaves...this is Vinca Rosea, whose common name is Periwinkle. Its extracts are used in the manufacture of medicines that are being used to treat leukemia and other types of cancer... Arjun is a cardiac stimulant, Asparagus Recemeosus or Shatvari is good for the general well being. Pudina or Mentha Spicta is a very good antiseptic, the leaves of the genda flower, Calendula oficinalis, can cure acidity; Pipal leaves relieves distension, Gokhru or Tibulus terrestris is a good diuretic and can treat kidney stones,".  More .......

SAFFRON THE  KING  OF  SPICES
Gulshan Khtai

Saffron is God's choicest gift to mankind.  Growing in the idyllic, exotic environments in  Kashmir that is the veritable Heaven on earth, it is revered in the Hindu Puranas and Christian Holy Book. It is also part of the Islamic Cultural Heritage. Blossoming in congenial climate of the Kashmir Valley, its enchanting beauty and splendor make it a symbol of Purity. Though tender and delicate by itself, saffron bestows strength, vigor and vitality to the human race. More .......

INTRODUCTION  TO AYURVEDIC  FOLKLORE SNIPPETS FROM KEARALA'S AYURVEDIC  TRADITION -
A MIDAS TOUCH..?
T. Gopinath

Kerala somehow has preserved its  Ayurvedic tradition almost intact. There  may be some aberrations here and there with commercialization and profit motives creeping in. Also non-availability of essential raw materials has diluted the quality of medicines.

Those graduating out of Ayurveda Colleges have no patience to work as interns at the feet of renowned physicians and are in a hurry to set up independent practice. To many of them, ' Sahasrayoga' containing formulae for quick remedies is the Gospel and hence the quality of treatment invariably suffers. More .......

BRIDGING  THE GULF - ARAB WORLD WELCOMES AYURVEDA
Dr. V.L. Shyam

Which is the best System of  Medicine? An endless  argument can start here!!  There have always been problems of boundary setting and boundary maintenance conflicts between the Conventional medicine, Ayurveda and other alternative medicine, which has to vanish for the wellness of humanity. The fact is that no medical system has complete answer to all health related questions. All systems of medicine have advantages and disadvantages. If these medical systems; Conventional medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine can complement each other, that would be the greatest gift for the humanity. This will be a true unity in diversity!! More .......

Under the GOOSEBERRY TREE
K. S. Rajan

Indian Gooseberry (Embica  Officinalis) is one medicinal  plant that most Indians know about, for its wide uses in indigenous medicine. The species is common in deciduous forests in most parts of India and even ascends up to 4500 ft in the Himalayas. Gooseberry finds use in all the Indian medicine systems, whether it is Ayurveda, Siddha or Unani and is so much in demand that many medicine companies cultivate it. More .......



VISHARASAYANA: FOR DETOXIFYING THE SYSTEM
Dr. Anish M Kurias

What is 'Visharasayana'? The word 'Visha Rasayana' is totally unfamiliar  to a majority of the people. It can be described as, "the treatment  which helps in expelling all the free radicals, toxins and disease causing factors which had gained entry into the human body through different means." The treatment helps the body to get rid of any ailments and to regain its health by rejuvenating it.  Why is this therapy needed? A variety of toxins enter into our body through different means, most of which we are unaware of resulting in weakening of our body and reducing our immunity. It is here that Visharasayana plays a major role. It rejuvenates the body by expelling all the toxins. Most importantly, it can be done in a single day. Why and how is it done?  More .......

In search of a HEALTHY HOLIDAY 

Nobody knows how tourism got  connected with Ayurveda. But  now Kerala has become a place for the health-conscious tourists. Almost all tourist operators are now harping on this idea. All hotels and resorts offer better Ayurvedic treatment facilities and scores of Ayurvedic doctors have got into the payrolls of five-star hotels. More .......


SURGERY: THE GREAT LEGACY  OF SUSRUTA
D.P. Agarwal

It is a less known fact that great strides were made in the field of  surgery in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine system.  Rhinoplasty, inoculation against small pox etc were practiced in India even in 18th century. The Indian technique of rhinoplasty has earned many laurels outside the country. Similarly, plastic surgery as a whole, management of injuries, and some simple measures as substitutes of surgical manipulations have, of late, been brought to light. Susruta was a great surgeon of ancient India, though there is considerable controversy about his age. Surgical science was called Salya-tantra (Salya - broken parts of an arrow and such other sharp weapons; tantra - maneuver). The broken parts of the arrows or similar pointed weapons of the enemy were regarded as the commonest and most dangerous of foreign objects causing wounds and requiring surgical treatment. Thus a primitive sort of surgery was as old as warfare itself. More .......

Caring FOR THE MOTHER-TO-BE
Dr. C.K. Nalini

Ayurveda is a health care system sensitive to women's special health needs. Women are far more sensitive to the rhythms and cycles of nature and Ayurveda is founded on the principle of keeping the body toned in tune with nature. Thus, women find Ayurveda very suitable naturally. They might share some common health risks with men, such as hypertension, diabetes etc. But because of the special reproductive role, they are at risk of some distinctly female disorders. More .......

Hair - Raising Facts

Hair growth and style is an essential part of our beauty as well as health. All people will benefit from taking good care of their hair. The less damage you have to overcome to achieve the look you are after, the better. Ayurveda provides ways to keep your hair healthy. Be gentle, keep it moisturized, and avoid heat and sun. More .......

Sangamam 1st Issue