Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

It’s our legs and foot which have carried us so far in the journey of our whole life. Leg and foot are classified into the Karm-indriya category (motor organs of utmost importance) by Ayurveda. RLS is a nervous disorder, caused due to imbalance in the nervous system which causes an urge to move the legs. It is characterised by an irresistible urge to move one’s body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations. RLS usually interferes with sleep and sleep patterns. Insomnia or sleep disturbances are common symptoms of RLS. Therefore it is also considered as a sleep disorder. RLS commonly affects the legs. It can also affect the arms, torso, head and even phantom limbs.

According to Ayurveda, there are three types of energy in human bodies, namely Vatta, Pitta and Kapha, which maintain normal body functions. Any functional deficit inside the body is recognised through the imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha using the terms Vata dosha, Pitta dosha, and Kapha dosha, respectively. As a representative of Wind (vayu) and Ether (akash), Vata is responsible for all types of body movements in the mind and body.  Since movement is the main function of Vata, (Vata qualities such as “light, dry, mobile, cold, hard, rough, sharp, subtle, flowing, and clear”, chala (flowing) is the main quality of Vata dosha)

Causes of RLS:

• Excessive consumption of dry foods, junk food and carbonated drinks etc
• Much use of stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol etc
• High consumption of bitter foods
• Excessive exercises eq. spending too much time working out in the gym
• Excessive indulgence in sexual activities
• Drastic fasting eq. following a very strict diet to lose weight quickly
• Stress and excessive thinking.
• Late night sleeping habits
• Constipation

Symptoms: Restless leg syndrome is a condition that has been characterised as Vata dosha or an imbalance in the function of the Vata energy. If a Vata-constitution person has a Vata-increasing diet, activities and is deprived of rest, they are prone to have restless leg syndrome, which is a a Vata disorder. When Kapha- and Pitta-constitution people have Vata-provoking diets coupled with excessive physical and mental activities and lack of rest, they are prone to develop chronic diseases, which can manifest as a restless leg syndrome due to the combination of doshas.

The pathological condition includes Vata disturbance in the majjavaha srotas, which explains the role of the psyche in developing restless leg syndrome, as majja offers stability to the body and mind. Since our legs are used repeatedly throughout the day, they definitely undergo a lot of stress and strain at the end of the day. That is why we feel better when someone squeezes our legs at the end of the day, while we sleep. Due to excess mobility, people under the influence of Vata dosha are always restless.  They will be shaking their legs, hands, eyes, eyebrows, lips, tongue, head, neck or any joint due to the hyperactive Vata energy.

Treatment: Ayurveda offers natural dietary and lifestyle advice to help balance Vata and calm the body, mind, arms and legs. Ayurveda has the best therapies and herbal medicines to balance the body constitutions, Specially Panchkarma therapies which are very helpful in RLS are: Abhyanga (Oil massage), Kaya Seka (Pizichil), Pinda Sweda and Earvang Dhara, Nasya, Shirodhara /Shirobasti, Basti (Medicated enema). Beside these therapies follow the instructions below:

1. Stay regular with your daily routine. Elimination of bowel is a prerequisite for good health. Irregular elimination can allow toxins to build up, causing you to feel “plugged up” physically and mentally. Regularity of bowel movements is important to pacify the natural downward flow of Apana Vata and reduce ama, which can accumulate and cause blockages in your body. Try adding more fiber to your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, quinoa or amaranth. Drink warm water just after wakeup before tooth-brush.
2. Legs need rest, relaxing oil massage and good attention if we need to stay healthy and fit enough to carry on the day-to-day activities.
3. Reduce stress as much as possible and Avoid smoking.
4. Must do Morning walk, jogging or an evening post-dinner brisk walk at a moderate pace can help.
5. If you are an exercise freak and want to work hard on your exercise, make sure to hydrate enough and de-stress yourself after exercise.
6. Reduce Caffeine consumption- Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, sodas and sports supplements and some over-the counter medications. Cut these off from your diet as far as possible.
7. Drink Fresh fruit juices everyday and green vegetables are the best.
8. Hydrate- Drink water liberally. Avoid diuretics in the form of caffeine, avoid alcohol.
9. Increase electrolytes – depletion of minerals like calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium etc crucial for muscle function and relaxation will lead to cramping of muscles and relax muscles. Try to compensate them. Replace natural electrolytes and minerals such by using trace liquid minerals, Himalayan sea salts, organic fruits and vegetables. Magnesium -Use a topical magnesium lotion or do magnesium salts soak. Magnesium can be absorbed through skin. It helps to displace calcium ions that are causing muscle cramping and restlessness in the legs.
10. Stretch – tight muscles and fascia (connective tissue surrounding group of muscles) cause cramping and pain in the legs. Practice light morning stretch routine, get into Yoga sessions to stretch the muscles and before bed at night stretch your feet and calves by putting your feet against the wall and leaning them with your ankles bent so that your toes are pointing up.
11. Try deep tissue massage (that targets the lower body, hips and legs), foam roller etc will work
12. Healthy diet – Eat a balanced healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Limit alcohol and caffeine especially at bedtime. Avoid any foods that you know that might keep you awake at night.
13. Create a regular sleep schedule –Sleeplessness also can trigger symptoms. Quality and quantity of sleep is a must to get rid of pain.
14. Sleep in a soapy bed – Many people report that putting a bar of soap under their bottom sheet chases away RLS and night time leg cramps. There is no scientific evidence in its proof.
15. Supplements – vitamin D supplements been associated with low levels of iron or vitamins C and E. Each day, take 500mg of magnesium, 800-1000 mg of calcium and 800-1000 mg potassium. Shortage of any of these can make your legs twitchy. Drink mineral water rich in magnesium. Bump up your intake of folic acid, a B vitamin (called folate).
16. Folic acid helps build red blood cells, which in turn helps oxygenate the body. That is an important benefit since RLS is associated with a decrease in oxygen. Food sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, orange juice and beans. You’ll also find folate in most multi-vitamins. Eat iron-rich foods such as dark green vegetables, liver, wheat germ, kidney beans, lean beef etc.
17. Sex – Sex can be tried to get relieved.
18. Breathe deeply – Release the tension by taking slow, deep breaths (anulom-vilom). It also helps to dim the lights and listen to soothing music before you go to bed. Turn off the TV before going to bed.
19. Stretching – This helps to ease tight muscles and helps increase flexibility. massage little with warm oil then start it. Stretching should be done at night, before bedtime. This relaxes the body and mind. You can try doing the following stretches: Toe-pull Calf stretch– Sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. Reach forward with both hands and grasp your toes, pulling gently until you feel the stretch in your calves. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds and relax. Repeat several times.
20. Yogasanas: It is much more beyond exercise. It is a holistic approach towards effective body-mind healing, Calms the brain and helps relieve mild depression, Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings, and groins, Stimulates the liver and kidneys which’ll help to remove toxins, Improves digestion, Relieves anxiety, fatigue, headache etc.

• Paschimottanasana
• Uttanasana
• Paschimattanasana
• Janu Sirsasana
• Shavasana (Corpse pose)
• Pranayama (Deep Breathing)

To book an appointment or to know more about your body or Ayurvedic treatment for Restless leg syndrome in Melbourne with one of our highly experienced Ayurveda specialist please contact on +61411114403 or email at info@rejoiceclinic.com.au

How PCOD correlate to Infertility? 

Every month, in women of childbearing age, tiny fluid-filled cyst known as follicles develop on the surface of the ovary. Female sex hormones, including estrogen cause one of the follicles to produce a mature egg. The ovary then releases this egg, and it breaks out of the follicle.

PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, incorrectly approached by allopathy system as a localised ‘poly-cyst’. Many young women are treated with hormonal medication causing irreparable side effects or with sugar control drugs for peripheral relief without any perceptible contribution to the quality of life. Too much insulin combined with high levels of luteinising hormone can lead to excess production of male hormone called testosterone in your ovaries, and abnormally high amount of testosterone prevent ovulation. As a result your follicle does not mature and ovulation does not occur, which can lead to infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder that is associate with an imbalance in female sex hormones and unhealthy diet. The imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms and may affect a woman’s fertility.

In women who have PCOD/PCOS, there is an imbalance in female sex hormones. The imbalance may prevent the development and release of mature eggs. Without a mature egg, neither ovulation, nor pregnancy can occur. The hormone imbalance may also include an abnormal increase in testosterone which is primarily a male sex hormone. Women also produce testosterone, although it is usually in small amounts.

Effects on fertility: PCOS/ PCOD can affect a person’s fertility in different ways.

1. Ovulation problems are usually the primary cause of infertility in women with PCOS. Ovulation may not occur due to an increase in testosterone production or because follicles on the ovaries do not mature.
2. Even if ovulation occurs, an imbalance in hormones may prevent the lining of the uterus from developing properly to allow for implantation of the mature egg.
3. Due to unbalanced hormones, ovulation and menstruation can be irregular. Unpredictable menstrual cycles can also make it difficult to get pregnant.
4. Most of the women gets stressed due to imbalance menstruation circle along with busy schedule, which is resulting in many other ailments eq.loss of appetite, anorexia, headache, insomnia etc which are the main reason too for infertility.

If we feel hate, it means that something or someone is actively diminishing us. We do feel bad when feeling hate, for the very reason that an active problem is present and it requires our attention to resolve! Hate is not an emotion to bottle up, to do so is very dangerous as it means you are encouraging  an extremely negative process. Holding hate is something most people cannot do safely, and it quickly ends up re-projecting outward to then hurt those innocent around us.

What is the reason behind Hate? Pitta is responsible for digestion, metabolism, nutrition and temperature. The pitta dosha, when in balance, leads to contentment and intelligence. But, when out of balance or imbalance it can cause ulcers and arouse anger, hate and jealousy.

Why Pitta dosa imbalance in the body? In a world where our attention and energy are constantly being pulled in multiple directions, it is easy to forego exercise and unhealthy habits. However, neglecting healthy foods and regular activity poses a massive threat to our wellbeing long term. Alcoholic and fermented drinks, coffee,  oily, hot, salty, and heavy foods such as anything fried, egg yolks, nuts, hot spices, and hot drinks etc the main reasons behind increasing pitta dosha.

Releasing Hate as soon as possible! Many times the best way to be kind is to walk away without attachments and commitment, to leave as little behind for the reflection of hate to work against you. Sometimes others will push anger to conflict, and we have to be ready to deal with such conflict also. Yes it’s true as well that, It isn’t always easy to walk away from hate. However, due to the way humans mature, there are times when we’re energised to change. At these moments, you have a limited window to push and make changes in your life. Don’t waste these key moments of life where we’re energised to change. Understand, It takes empowerment to change, if you are in a situation where your power is being taken away, it is harder to walk away from hate. This sometimes means the first step to removing hate is empowering yourself and using your new power to drive away from the hate.

Why You need Balance your Power! The true lesson to learn about hate isn’t to reflect that feeling of destruction back out, but instead to release judgments in a kind and gentle manner to grow for yourself. You are helping yourself. We all have Pitta within us and we provides practical and best advice on how to balance that naturally without harming you and others,  Here’s how:

1. A change in lifestyle: Sleep on time between 9-10am and wakeup early in the morning around 5-6am
2. Release the judgement driving the feelings of anger and hate.
3. To move on with our own life without attachment to where our feelings of hate arise.
4. Take the time to focus releasing the anger itself.
5. As you work against each smaller problem, keep your awareness open so you can learn more about the nature of the feelings. As the process unfolds, you will get more information which you can further use to unravel the source of the hate. When an issue still keeps coming back, then fully release the source of the problem. With this awareness, you can spot the sub-elements feeding into the feelings of hate and more precisely work on your healing process.
6. Deep breathing exercises. There are three pranayama techniques that’ll help you with hate in particular: Deep diaphragmatic breathing: Mentally say, “Breathing in, I am aware of my hate.” “Breathing out, I let it go.” With each inhalation feel the hate. With each exhalation feel the emotion leaving your body. By paying attention to your anger and hate, you are allowing it to dissolve and pass away. You’ll feel so relax after that.
7. Yogaasnas: Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Twist Pose). This pose can be likened to wringing anger out of the body. The Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine is associated with anger. When body twist, it directly affect the organs and specifically the liver, to detox the body of hurt, grudges and resentment. Lengthen the spine on the inhale and as you exhale gently twist or spiral your belly, rib cage, chest and head to the right and back. Visualise releasing any stored up emotions as you gently twist and exhale. Repeat on the other side.
8. Shavasana (Corpse Pose). If there’s one pose that forces one to let it all go, then it’s only “Shavasana”. Lie down on your back with your arms down by your sides, palms facing skyward. Let your feet fall out comfortably, close your eyes and travel inward. See if you can practice staying completely still for this asana. The only movement is the breath moving through the entire body – locating stored emotions with the in-breath, and releasing them with the out-breath.
9. Use Pitta pacifying herbs and oils: There are plenty of of natural herbs to balance pitta dosha.

• Coconut & Brahmi Oil- Great for Pittas to lubricate and cool internally. Placing it on the body from head-to-toe for a self-abhyanga (self-massage) is good before a bath.
• Lukewarm peppermint are cooling and soothing.
• Turmeric – Great for inflammation and (a Pitta tendency).
• Avoid Pitta aggravating foods: Salty, pungent and sour foodsshould be avoided.
• Avoid all meat (especially red meat)
• Alcohol is a big for those with a pitta inflammation. Think about what happens when you put alcohol on fire.
• Drink plenty of water everyday.
• Eat cooling, naturally sweet, bitter and astringent foods, ample amounts of coconut water, coconut milk and coconut oil should be ingested.
• Cucumbers – A great cooling food.
• Fruits & berries – Naturally sweet fruits for the Pitta Dosha.
• Avoid overworking- There’s a big difference between an effective leader and a strict boss. Practice moderation, kindness and compassion.
• Keep supportive, loving and nurturing people around you.
• Stop the blame game: Looking inward is the only answer. Anger and hate is all about you and no one else.
• Balance rest and activity, allowing some free time everyday. Be careful not to create unnecessary time pressures for yourself.
• Do not skip meals, specially breakfast and do not wait until you are famished to eat
• Regularly spend time in nature. Take walks in the woods and along natural bodies of water. Keep plants and fresh flowers in your home and office. Walk under the moonlight.
• Laugh a lot, every day without fear.

Gout/ Vata-Rakat: 

 Ayurveda Treatment for Gout/ Vata-Rakat:

We offer authentic and traditional Ayurvedic treatment for gout. The treatment includes mainly shodhan, shaman, Diet and lifestyle modification, yoga and exercises.

Panchakarma therapy (Abhyangam (massage) with specially prepared Ayurvedic oil, Elakizhi, Njavarakizhi, Snehanam, Swedanam (medicated steam bath), Virechanam (medicated purgation), Basti (medicated enema) and specially prepared herbal paste (lepam) for external application and internal medicines etc according to the patient’s medical condition. If you strictly follow instructions and take treatment and medicines as directed by Doctor, definetely you’ll get miracle results with in 2-3 weeks. We are using pure Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of Gout. Ayurvedic treatments are often herbal in nature. It’s believed that everybody has a predominant dosha, which is the main energy in the body. Your dosha determines what illnesses you tend to ail from. In Ayurveda, understanding your dosha can help you figure out which treatments and lifestyle changes you should undertake to achieve balance. There are three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha.

Gout – Modern overview

Gout is a collection of diseases, mainly affecting small joints. It is also related to disorders of the kidney. It is predominantly seen in males (above sixteen years) and mostly seen in females before menopause. It is the most common cause of inflammatory joint disease in men over 40 years.

Gout causes: Uric acid concentration in the body fluids depends upon the balance between purine synthesis and uric acid elimination through the kidneys and intestine. Various genetic and environmental factors lead to increased uric acid levels in the blood, either by decreasing the excretion of uric acid or by increasing its production. In about 75 % of patients, genetic deformity contributes to increased uric acid levels by decreased uric acid excretion through urine. In such patients, if the kidneys are normal, they excrete more and more uric acid through urine. Factors influencing gout and increased uric acid levels in the blood:

• Renal failure and Lead poisoning
• Myxoedema and Down’s syndrome
• Drugs like diuretics, Pyrazinamide, and aspirin etc
• Hyperparathyroidism (increased parathyroid hormone)
• Lactic acidosis by alcohol, exercise, starvation, vomiting and toxaemia in pregnancy.

Advice for curing Gout:

Supta Jathara Parivartanasana:

If you want to improve your posture then you can try only one Supta Jathara Parivartanasana Yogaasan. The name is derived from the Sanskrit Supat, meaning “lie-down position” jathar, meaning “abdomen,” parivarta, meaning “turning,” and asana, meaning “pose.”It’s very simple, but powerful pose that will help you to improve your spine in alignment, to release kinks and tension built up from long bouts of standing, sitting, and all of your other daily tasks. You should do this in the morning on the plan floor. Steps to do Supta Jathara Parivartanasana

1. Lie down on your yoga mat on your back. If you not feeling comfortable then you can place a thin soft pillow beneath your head.

2. Fold your legs towards stomach and hug your knees into your chest and take few deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

3. Then extend your arms out in opposite directions, like a capital “T”.

4. Bring your knees out one side left at 90 degrees so that your shins (front side of leg below knee) are parallel to the earth and your knees and torso create an “L” shape.

5. Take a big breath in and press your mid-back into the ground.

6. Keep the shoulders flat to the floor, close the eyes, and relax into the posture. Let gravity pull the knees down, so you do not have to use any effort in this posture.

7. Breathe and hold for 6-10 breaths.

8. To release: inhale and roll the hips back to the abdomen

9. Repeat on other side.

” BANANA” is a favourite fruit for everyone throughout the whole life from childhood to old age. Beside an energy booster, it is also can help us to keep fit and healthy. Banana can help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, it must be added to our daily diet. Banana has three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant and sustained boost of energy to the body. Properties of Ripe Banana:

• Rasa: Madhura (sweet taste)
• Virya: Ushna (Hot)
• Vipak: Amla (sour)
• Guna: Heavy
• Dosha: vata & pitahar, Kapha-incre)
• Plant Part Used: fruit, stem, leaves, flower, rhizome
• Dhatus: Mamsa, medha, majja and shukra
• Srotansi: Mamsa, meda, majja, sukra, mutra, purisha
• Contains: Vitamin C, fibre, potassium, manganese, Vitamin B6, and antioxidants glutathione, phenolics, delphidinin, rutin, naringin.

 Ripe banana Properties:

• Kapha enhancing
• Aphrodisiac
• Rich source of B6 and Potassium
• source of natural sugars and fibre
• Controls appetite
• Antacid
• Demulcent
• Promotes taste
• Supports muscle tissue
• Cures emaciation
• Relieves problems with urination

Best time to eat: In the noon (It’s a pitta time- strong digestive power)

When should not eat: Who have cough, cold, sinus problem, Asthma, COPD and GERD (gestroesophageal reflux) they should not eat banana during night. Highly fibrous, If you eat banana at night, it increases the cough and cold.

Food combining cautions with banana as indicated in Charak Samhita:

• Do not combine banana and milk
• Do not combine banana and yoghurt
• Do not take liquids within an hour of eating banana.

Negative affect: Banana don’t have any negative affect on any one except who are allergic to latex may also be allergic to banana.

Don’t Refrigerate Banana: Never, put your banana in the refrigerator.

A good home medicine

•  Building muscles: Research has proven that just only two bananas provide enough energy for a 90-minute workout.
• Genital warts: Tape banana peel over the wart each night for a at least 2-3 weeks.
• Cracked heel: Apply mashed banana after properly cleaning the cracked area under feet. Don’t put the feet on the floor at least until one hour.
• Constipation: Eat a ripe banana at night just before going to bed.
• Diarrhoea: Eat two unripe bananas.
• Dry skin, wrinkles: Banana nourishes the skin with a mashed banana face pack mixed with a small amount of milk.
• Antioxidant: Ripe banana is a great antioxidant level.
• Asthma, allergies, rhinitis: Insert 2-3 long peppers into a peeled ripe banana, keep it overnight and eat in the morning. Drink one cup of honey water after one hour.
• Asthma: Insert seven cloves into a peeled ripe banana, keep it overnight and eat in the morning. Follow an hour later with one cup of honey water.
• Pitta-soothing diet: Mash the banana with raw sugar and cardamom to neutralise its pitta aggravating properties.
• Banana for building muscles: Chop together two bananas, five figs & dates and two teaspoons of honey. To aid digestion, add a pinch of cardamom and two pinches of ginger powder. Great for building muscle.
• Micturation: Eat one or two bananas with a pinch of cumin as a between-meal snack. 
• Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
• Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inner side of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
• Mood Swings: Eat a banana everyday, it contains vit- B6 which regulates blood glucose levels, which helps in your mood swings.
• Anaemia: Banana is rich in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of heamoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
• Blood pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
• Antacid: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
• Morning sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
• Anti-Ulcerative: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralises over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.