Diabetes
Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a condition of impaired carbohydrate utilization
caused by an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. In diabetes,
the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to allow the glucose
in the blood to be used. The tissue cells, therefore, do not get
enough materials for the production of energy, causing weakness
in the patient.
Symptoms
include, excessive thirst and urination, insomnia, low energy
and burning sensation in the hands and feet. In Ayurveda this
disease is known as madhumeha. It usually afflicts those people
who have led an over-nourished or luxurious lifestyle, indulging
often in sweets and dairy products.
Ayurvedic
treatment is generally reducing in nature, advising a diet and
regimen that eliminates food with sweet and heavy qualities and
encourages a physical and active lifestyle. Herbal treatment aims
to restore the function of the pancreas and improve digestion
at a cellular level. Ayurvedic treatment can offer tremendous
relief for the sufferer of this condition allowing them to enjoy
full health, reducing or eliminating the reliance on insulin.
Goiter
This refers to enlargement of the thyroid gland resulting in a
swelling in the front part of neck. There are many types of goiter
but the excessive production of thyroxin by the thyroid gland
(hyperthyroidism) is often involved. Generally it is caused by
a lack of iodine in the diet. Ayurevedic treatment consists of
cleansing herbs to eliminate imbalanced body energies internally
and the application of herbs externally to reduce swelling.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a metabolic disorder, characterized by the
excessive production of thyroxin by the thyroid gland. The increased
metabolism causes loss of weight and symptoms such as trembling
and sweating of hands. Goiter may also be present.
According
to Ayurveda, impaired digestion of food leads to blockage of the
minute channels causing an imbalance in the function of the thyroid
gland. The first line of treatment is to clear these channels
in order to balance body energies and restore the correct production
and circulation of thyroxin.
Obesity
( Athisthaulyam )
An excessive accumulation of fat in the body is called obesity
and is a very common metabolic disorder. Obesity is generally
caused by overeating, eating too much heavy or cold food, excessive
sleeping, lack of exercise or it may be a hereditary predisposition.
And it leads high blood pressure, Cholestrol and heart diseases.
In
Ayurvedic terms it is explained as an accumulation of toxins in
the body, caused by deficient digestive fire. If food is not digested
properly it produces toxins in the stomach. This further depletes
the digestive fires that convert digested food into nutrients
for the tissues. This toxic element is a thick, sticky residue
that collects in the minute channels of the body causing blockages
and impaired movement.
Ayurvedic
treatment is reducing and detoxifying in nature, herbal formulas
are administered to digest and eliminate toxins and restore the
tissue fire. Correct diet and lifestyle adjustments are advised.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
may be caused by problems within the thyroid gland that causes
insufficient circulation of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms show
a decrease in metabolism, with the slowing of mental and physical
activity. Patients may experience a variety of differing symptoms
such as sensitivity to cold, dryness of the skin, constipation,
anorexia, anginal pain, anemia and disordered menstrual function.
Ayurvedic
treatment involves clearing these channels in order to balance
body energies and restore the circulation of thyroxin. Herbal
preparations are administered to increase the digestive fire at
a cellular level, restoring proper metabolism.
