Often, we have conversations related to boosting immunity, foods and herbs that can be added to the diet, breathing exercises to incorporate in our daily routine, yogic exercises to strengthen the body, treatment and practices that can help, etc. on Malini’s Girl Tribe. So, we invited Dr. Manoj Kutteri to host an Ask Me Anything session for the Tribe on improving immunity. Dr Manoj is an Ayurveda and Naturopathy Practitioner and the Wellness Director of Atmantan Wellness Centre. Read on to know his recommendations to treat colds, coughs, hair loss, flat feet and other conditions using ayurvedic and naturopathic practices.
Disclaimer: The suggestions and statements made are only recommendations and in no way prescriptive. Please use your discretion and discernment.
Allergic Rhinitis
As the name says, allergic rhinitis is a condition resulting from allergies. Symptomatically, this can be treated by finding out the allergy and avoiding them. Besides yoga kriyas–jalneti is immensely helpful. Practice pranayama regularly. Avoid dairy products, cold foods, deep-fried items, etc. It is advisable to do a CBC and IgE test to find out the allergy markers. Then, a detailed dietary and herbal medicine can be discussed for complete treatment. Salt-water steaming is also beneficial.
Sore Throat
A sore throat can happen due to a respiratory problem, or it could be the result of hyperacidity leading to gastro-oesophagal reflux. If you tend to have problems related to respiratory functions such as allergies, running nose, sneezing etc, then gargling with salt water or triphala water will help you a lot. Besides, you can also try gargling with mullet boiled in water. A paste of ginger, turmeric and honey is also beneficial. A kada can be prepared with tulsi, turmeric, shunt and garlic along with jaggery. Sipping this concoction while experiencing acute conditions is beneficial.
Flat Feet And Bunions
Flat foot and bunions are mostly a structural issue and may be a result of improper posture, or other structural changes. Proper physiotherapy rehab exercises can help in treating flat foot. There are foot rollers available and some of them come with acupressure surfaces. You can also get insoles for the shoes which need to be custom made. For bunions, please rule out any association with rheumatoid arthritis. If they are acute then rule out high uric acids as well. If there is pain, then soak your feet in saline water with a drop of rosemary essential oil; this will help to some extent. But postural correction and proper exercise is the key to resolving this condition.
Migraines
It’s important to figure out the type of headache you have. It could either be a congestive headache which is stress-induced or it could be due to migraine attacks usually caused by the H.Pylori infection in the stomach. Correcting the diet will help to some extent. Besides this, liquorice extracts are beneficial. Also, consume 1 tsp apple cider vinegar with a glass of water before meals twice a day to correct the stomach acid secretions. Use probiotics in your diet. Fermented aloe vera or even fermented rice gruel is very effective. Do practice breathing exercise and meditation regularly.
Cold And Sneezing
Cold due to seasonal or environmental reasons needs to be treated first by finding out what is causing the allergy. However, steam inhalation with saline water, doing nasya with two drops of pure desi ghee followed by jalneti with saline water will really help to desensitise the nasal mucosa and reduce the allergic responses. Avoid all histamine-rich foods. You can look up the list online. In order to maintain an optimum body temperature, good breathing practices, proper hydration and consumption of enough veggies and fruits will help. Intermittent fasting twice a week also helps.
Do you follow any Ayurvedic practices? Please share your experience with us in the comments below!
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