Infano Women's Health | Lifestyle

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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a largely prevalent disorder that affects one in every five women in India. While symptoms such as irregular periods, unusual weight gain, excessive hair growth and acne all usually point to PCOS, many women experience no symptoms, which means the condition can go undiagnosed well into adulthood.

While the exact cause of PCOS is yet to be determined, the disorder is linked to abnormal levels of androgen (male hormones) in the body, including high insulin levels, which may result in more than half of all PCOS sufferers developing type 2 diabetes before the age of 40. Even though there is no cure for the disorder, a doctor recommended diet, workout regimen, and medication can help treat the symptoms.

The conversation around PCOS has opened up in recent years, leading to a greater awareness of the symptoms. Many celebrities and influencers have come forward and used their platform to address and share their stories of struggles with the disorder. One such celebrity to come forward is Sara Ali Khan, who opened up about life with PCOS.

Before the release of her debut film, Khan opened up about her struggle with PCOS. On the chat show Koffee With Karan, she claimed she was 96 kgs, and due to her hormone levels, it was challenging for her to lose the weight that she had put on while studying at Columbia University. Sara underwent a weight-loss transformation to look and feel her best despite the challenges.

With sheer willpower, Sara conquered her diet and practised yoga and Kathak, all while hitting the gym regularly, where she incorporates cardio and weight training. In the past, Sara has confessed how she does not consume carbs, any form of sugar or even milk. She eats a lot of protein ranging from eggs to chicken and snacks on cucumber sticks and low-fat greek yoghurt with protein powder and a pinch of coffee that she considers her dessert.

While one can take inspiration from Sara’s story, it is also important to remember that every person’s body is different, and each body needs different care. So before undertaking any diet or fitness routine, it is essential to consult a doctor first and get the care designed for your body’s needs.

Highlights

What is Ayurvedic Medicine? The Science Behind Ayurveda and its different branches.

Why we shouldn’t consume Ayurvedic medicines without knowing what effect it has on their body?

There are several preparations and modes of administration for medicine. Each type of medicine you take has different pharmacological action.

What are the factors that the Ayurvedic professionals take into consideration before administering treatment?

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What Is Ayurvedic Medicine?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system, based on ancient writings that rely on a “natural” and holistic approach to physical and mental health. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and one of India’s traditional health care systems. Ayurvedic treatment includes products that are mainly derived from plants, but may also include animal, metal, and mineral, along with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

The Science Behind Ayurveda

The Sanskrit term Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life”. Our five senses serve as the portals between the internal and external realms, as the five great elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Ayurveda groups these five elements into three basic types of energy and functional principles that are present in everybody and everything. These principles are described in Sanskrit as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha to describe their combinations.

Using these basic principles, Ayurveda customizes preventative wellness for each individual. In addition, ancient Ayurvedic doctors produced detailed descriptions of acute and chronic conditions (complete with causes, signs, and symptoms), and developed extensive holistic treatment protocols.

Ayurveda’s eight branches include:

● Kaayachikitsa – Internal Medicine
● Baalachikitsa – Pediatrics
● Bhuta Vidya – Psychiatry
● Shalakya Tantra – Ear, Nose and Throat Treatment
● Shalya Tantra – Surgery (not practiced in the United States today)
● Vishagara Vairodh Tantra – Toxicology
● Jarachikitsa/Rasayana – Geriatrics and Rejuvenation
● Vajikarana — Aphrodisiac Therapy, Fertility, and Conception

Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s most comprehensive cleansing protocol which uses five primary therapies to release and eliminate accumulated toxins from deep within the tissues and return the doshas to their proper seats in the body.

But just like every school of medicine, every medicine comes with side effects. Just because Ayurveda uses natural medicines, it is important to understand the actions of each and these cannot be consumed without the guidance and prescription of an Ayurvedic doctor. One shouldn’t consume Ayurvedic medicines without knowing what effect it has on their body.

Dr. Varalakshmi is an Ayurveda doctor who shares the wisdom of Ayurveda for modern women which she calls, ‘The Dr. Varalakshmi Approach’.

“When it comes to healing your disease, it’s not just the medicine but the form of medicine you take also matters”, says Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra, an Ayurvedic doctor. “There are several preparations and modes of administration for medicine. Each type of medicine you take has different pharmacological action”.

Ayurvedic Doctor/Practitioner recommends taking churnas (powder), kashaya (bitter liquids), vati (tablets), avalehas (jams), gritam (ghee), asavas (fermented liquids).

But there are certain factors that the Ayurvedic professionals take into consideration. This includes:

1. Taste of the person – if you don’t like one mode of administration. It may not work for you because of the psychological effect.
2. Type of Disease – Diseases like diabetes asavas aren’t recommended. They are sweet and can affect your sugar levels.
3. Stage of the disease – Acute stages ghee form of medicines is not good as mandagni is prevalent and that’s why powders, kashayas are suitable.
4. Mode of action – Asavas are fast-acting and are given in complicated diseases or where there is a need for quick effect.

Right medicine for the disease is always important:

Churnas for digestive problems, cough and cold and kapha diseases.
Kashayas for lekhana and ropana (drying and healing).
Asavas for deep-seated illnesses.
Jams for rasyana or nourishing the tissues.
Ghee for chronic diseases and vata-pitta diseases.