We speak with Dr Ajit Rajigire, M.D, Ph.D, D.Y.A, PGDEMS, an accomplished Ayurveda Expert with more than 20 years of having helped patients with various lifestyle ailments and chronic conditions
The monsoons bring with them stunning beauty and a serene calm. But they also can bring in some health issues. As per the time-tested science of Ayurveda, the monsoon is also the best time to rejuvenate and heal the body naturally. Dr Rajigire is also the chief consulting doctor at the Sarth Ayurveda Retreat and Wellness Centre, Sawantwadi (in the beautiful Konkan region just 60 kms from Panjim-Goa).
Why do digestive issues occur during the monsoons and how can Ayurveda help address this? What are the other monsoon related ailments that are effectively handled by natural remedies?
As per Ayurveda the ‘vata’ (air element) in our body constitution, is aggravated during the monsoon season and ‘pitta’ (fire element) also tends to accumulate. For proper digestion to take place, both vata and pitta need to be balanced. Including ghee, ginger, and food with high water content, in your diet will aid digestion.
Monsoon can lead to a weakened digestive system, resulting in issues like indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, and food poisoning.
Ayurveda emphasises maintaining a balanced diet with warm, light, and easily digestible foods. Ginger, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek can help improve digestion. Avoid heavy, oily, and fried foods. Also, skip day-time naps as they slow down digestion and metabolism.
Ayurvedic detoxification therapies like ‘Panchakarma’ can help remove accumulated toxins from the body, improve digestion, and promote overall wellness.
Gentle yoga asanas such as Pawanmuktasana (wind-relieving pose) and Bhujangasana (cobra pose) are also very helpful. Pranayama routines like Kapalabhati can also enhance digestion by increasing oxygen flow to the digestive organs.
What solutions does Ayurveda provide for conditions like Arthritis?
Ayurveda focuses on reducing inflammation and balancing the doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) to manage arthritis. We emphasise on anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and green leafy vegetables. Foods that aggravate vata and inflammation, such as cold and raw foods are to be avoided. Regular warm oil massages using herbal oils can help improve circulation and reduce pain. Herbs like guggul, ashwagandha, and shallaki have anti-inflammatory properties and can support joint health.
Panchakarma therapies like Abhyang, Basti (oil and decoction), Manya Basti, Kati Basti, Kizhi, etc help to maintain the aggregated vata.
Gentle yoga poses that don’t strain the joints, like Tadasana (mountain pose) and Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose), can help improve flexibility and ease joint pain.
How can Ayurveda help with weight management?
Ayurveda approaches weight management holistically by balancing digestion, metabolism, and mind-body connection:
Eating mindfully, avoiding overeating,and focusing on whole foods is important for structured weight loss and overall well-being; but most importantly, consuming foods that align with your dominant dosha.
In Ayurveda, ‘you are what you digest.’ Herbs like guggul and triphala can aid metabolism and weight loss. Drinking ginger tea and including spices like black pepper can boost digestion. Engage in regular physical activity that aligns with your dosha. Yoga and Pranayama can support weight management and reduce stress. Stress can contribute to weight gain, so practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation and deep breathing is essential. Avoiding sleeping during the day also is critical to ensure weight management. At the Sarth Ayurveda Retreat we have a comprehensive weight management program which is guided by our Ayurvedic experts at every step of the way. We do many Panchakarma therapies like Lekhan Basti and Udavartanam (full body powder massage). Having seen excellent results in the past, we are keen to help many more individuals to maintain optimal weight so that they can enjoy their life to the fullest.
In their mission towards bringing overall wellness to the community, Sarth Ayurveda Retreat and Wellness Centre has introduced a powerful ‘Health & Wealth Wellness Program’ to bring complete wellness to employees in corporates and institutions across Goa and the Konkan. The program helps build awareness on two critical aspects of employee well-being – physical and mental health as well as wealth wellness. Experts with over 2 decades of knowledge and experience in these fields are conducting these 90 minute value-adding sessions. Sarth welcomes corporates across Goa and Konkan to reach out if they would like to bring this enriching session to their employees
Stress seems to be affecting people across all ages. How can Ayurveda help with stress management?
Ayurveda offers tools to calm and balance the mind and reduce stress:
• For stress management, we do therapies like Abhyang, Kizhi and specially Shirodhara which are very useful.
• Calming yoga poses like Shavasana (corpse pose) and meditation techniques help to quiet the mind. Breathing exercises like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) can help balance the mind and reduce anxiety. A regular practise has long term benefits. Herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi can support the nervous system and reduce
stress. It is important to follow a consistent daily routine that includes adequate sleep, balanced meals, and time for
relaxation.
• Consuming a Sattvic Diet, one that includes fresh, whole foods and avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can go a long way in managing everyday stress and help alleviate chronic stress.
