Holiday Skincare Tips

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/91728.php

Whether at a party, on vacation or out in the winter cold, following a few simple steps can help maintain healthy skin throughout the holiday season, according to the experts at Smoothmed, a New York-based walk-in botox boutique. To follow is a list of Smoothmed’s do’s and don’ts to help keep skin merry and bright throughout the holiday season.

- Apply an extra dose of moisturizer prior to a party to help keep skin hydrated.

- Increase acne regimen in days leading up to the party.

- Avoid salty foods for at least two to three days prior to a party to prevent puffy eyes.

- Increase your water intake to keep yourself hydrated and counter the effects of alcohol and chocolate.

- Don’t get an injectable treatment such as Botox on the day of a party. Make sure to plan a treatment two weeks in advance to allow the treatment two to five days to work and to avoid bruising.

- Don’t get a facial peel on the day of a party. This should be done one week before an event to avoid redness and irritation.

- Test sun block on your skin before purchasing it to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin.

- If you have sensitive skin, bring your own pillow case on a trip, as your skin may react negatively to the hotel’s laundry detergent.

- If you’re going to be skiing, consider a heavy greasy moisturizer to protect your skin from the cold wind.

- Don’t put bug repellent directly on your skin. Instead, spray your hat and collar.

- Pack all of your skin and acne products when going on a trip, as the change in environment and diet can induce acne.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri

http://www.ayurhelp.com

Smoking And Obesity May Increase The Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction

A prospective study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has found that obesity and smoking are strongly associated with a greater risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Meanwhile, regular physical activity appeared to have a significant impact on lowering the risk of ED. This is the first large-scale prospective study to examine the links between ED and smoking, obesity, alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle. The study will appear in the July 2006 issue of The Journal of Urology.

The researchers, led by Constance Bacon, a former post-doctoral fellow at HSPH, and Eric Rimm, associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at HSPH, surveyed 22,086 healthy subjects between the ages of 40 and 75 from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who reported good or very good erectile function and no major chronic disease before 1986. Among the participants, 17.7 percent (3,905) reported new onset of ED between 1986 and 2000. The researchers adjusted the results to take into account those with and without prostate cancer during the follow-up period, since prostate cancer treatments, such as radiation or surgery, may lead to ED.

The results showed that both smoking and obesity were associated with a higher risk of the development of ED among previously healthy men with good erectile function. The researchers also found that regular physical activity showed a strong inverse association with ED risk. “We found a 2.5-fold difference in risk of ED when we compared obese men who did little exercise with men who were not overweight and averaged 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day. (Obesity was defined as a body mass index of more than 30 kilograms in weight divided by the square of height in meters.) For men younger than 55 there was a 4-fold difference in risk for the same comparison,” said Rimm. Alcohol consumption did not increase the risk of ED. In general, men without prostate cancer showed stronger associations with these lifestyle factors than those with prostate cancer.

These results suggest that ED and coronary heart disease may share many of the same risk factors. Rimm said the results should encourage men to follow a more healthy lifestyle. “Many men may choose not to change to a healthier lifestyle, which includes exercise and a prudent diet, because they perceive heart disease as something that may only develop decades in the future. Hopefully, these results will help to motivate men to adopt a more active lifestyle to avoid a problem which may be more immediate,” he said.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri ayurveda help through free ayurveda consultations

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6688963.stm

Going abroad for a relaxing holiday before trying for a baby may not be a good idea, fertility experts say. Officials at the Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridgeshire say soaking up the sun in tight trunks may be one of the worst preparations for fathering a child.

Australian research has shown that too much heat can reduce sperm count and slow down the surviving sperm.

But other experts cast doubt on the claims, although they said it may be wise to be cautious.

Many couples feel that a foreign break improves their chances of conceiving by allowing them to relax fully.

However, sperm takes eight weeks to mature in the testes, and during that period, is vulnerable to any changes in temperature.

The testes naturally hang outside the body to keep them cool, and confining them in tight underwear, or dipping them in the hot tub may not be a good idea, it is claimed.

Dr Thomas Mathews, the Medical Director at Bourn Hall, the world’s first assisted conception clinic, said: “We find that at an initial consultation men may have a normal sperm count, but in some cases this has declined when we check again before treatment, which may be several months later.

“It is only recently that it has occurred to us that there may be a seasonal effect at work.”

Hot baths

He said experiments had found that exposing the testes to heat over long periods led to a decreased sperm count.

In the 1950s, it was even suggested that regular hot baths could be a successful contraceptive.

Modern IVF methods do not require large numbers of viable sperm, as a single sperm can be used to fertilise an egg, in a process called ICSI.

The Australian research on animals found that heating the testes caused cell death, and a subsequent reduction in the numbers of sperm in the semen.

In addition, the sperm that were present had a reduced swimming ability, and might therefore be less capable of fertilisation.

But Sheffield University fertility expert Dr Allan Pacey said: “If this was a major effect, I think we would see people having problems conceiving in every country in the Tropics.

“However, it’s worth being cautious, as there is some evidence that scrotal heating can have an effect on DNA quality in sperm.”
Posted By Dr.Savitha  Suri (Ayurveda help through free ayurveda consultations )

Causes of Genital Herpes

Herpes is caused by a virus the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which belongs to the same family of viruses that cause chickenpox. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses

1. Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and mostly causes oral herpes

2. Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). And mostly causes genital herpes

However, both type-1 and type-2 can occur in the genitals, oral area or both.
Due to unhealthy life styles and diet the delicate balance between doshas get disturbed. This disturbs the body fire or Agni.

(Agni is the body fire, which is responsible for transformation of one substance to another. It breaks down the food substances, eliminates toxins and wastes, maintains body temperature, and resists the invasion of microbes by maintaining strong body immunity.

The body fire, which is assisted by balanced doshas, digests the food completely to form Pakwa Anna rasa (the liquid form of food which is completely digested by digestive enzymes), which is ready to get absorbed by body tissues. According to ayurveda Pakwa Anna Rasa nourishes the body and its components to keep the body devoid of diseases. But when body fire is impaired there will be an incomplete digestion of food forming Apakwa Rasa (indigested food). The indigested food fails to nourish the body components leading to lowered body resistance.)

The disturbed Agni fails to digest the food and toxins get accumulated in body due to improper metabolism. Accumulation of toxins reduces the body immunity and paves the way for invasion by microbes.

When a person who has low immunity comes in contact with HSV virus, he/she gets the genital or oral herpes.

Unhealthy lifestyle

1. Over eating

2. Sleeping in afternoons.

3. Over physical exertion.

4. Over mental exertion

5. Consuming food frequently even when not hungry.

6. Constant exposure to hot sunny climates

Unhealthy diet

Excessive consumption of

1.  Salty, sour, hot, spicy food.

2. Sour curds

3. Alcohol.

4. Cheese

5. Charred and overcooked food.

6. Sesame, Bengal gram, horse gram, sesame oil, rice flour, garlic, fish.

Opposite foods

1. Curds, salt, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, sour fruits, meat, prawn, pork, should not be consumed with milk. The above-mentioned foods should not be consumed by mixing one item with another.
 
2. Sprouts, honey and milk should not be consumed with meat and fish.

3. Fish  & milk: fish &sugarcane juice; jaggery & pork; honey & pork; milk & mango; banana & milk; are opposite foods.

The Transmission Of genital Herpes

A person can get genital herpes in following conditions

1. If he is sexual active and when he performs sex (oral or genital) with infected partners.

2. A person who has oral herpes transmits herpes to genital organs of a partner during oral sex and a person who has genital herpes transmits this to his partner during coitus when they have a genital contact.

3. The disease gets transmitted when mucous membrane comes in contact with infected area.

The disease gets transmitted mostly during active phase. But it may spread even during asymptomatic  (when person is free of symptoms for a particular duration) phase. The virus needs a fluid media for its transportation. The body fluids like saliva, semen, vaginal tract secretions etc. Mucous membranes in mouth, vagina, urethra or open wounds facilitate the virus invasion due to their moistness.

In Genital herpes there is an imbalance of all three doshas  (VATA, PITTA, KAPHA), which in turn vitiate lasika (lymph), blood (rakta), muscle (mamsa) and skin (twacha).The imbalanced doshas vitiate skin and the immunity of skin cells is lowered. The virus attacks these weak cells and starts exhibiting symptoms on affected area.

Local symptoms

1. Pricking sensation

2. Edema

3. Pain

4. Feeling of constriction

5. A sensation of ant creeping

6. Many small eruptions gathering in a small area.

7. These eruptions or blisters burst soon with exudates.

8. These blisters will have different colors according to involvement of doshas.

  (Blackish red or blue in vata, red, yellow, copper colored in pitta, shades of white in kapha).
The weakened body immune system tries to resist the virus invasion but fails to achieve the goal. In this futile attempt the following systemic symptoms are exhibited.

Systemic symptoms

1. Fever

2. Weakness

3. Indigestion

4. Impaired bowels

5. Increased frequency of urination.

6. Body pain.

7. Increased thirst.

Imbalanced vata causes the symptoms like pain, swelling and body ache

The imbalanced pitta and vitiated blood and skin cause
1. Blisters,

2. Change the color of skin,

3. Cause burning sensation, and fever.

The imbalanced kapha and vitiated lymph cause itching, tingling sensation.

After the first attack the virus moves from skin through the nerve paths to base of the nerve and becomes inactive. Now the herpes infected person will be devoid of all symptoms. But the imbalance of doshas still persists.

Reactivation of Virus to cause outbreaks

At unpredictable times, the virus becomes active. It multiplies and resurfaces on skin by traveling through the nerve path and exhibits the symptoms locally. The severity of symptoms of out break depends on the strength of body immunity.

The pelvis or shroni, nerves and skin are dominated by vata. When vata gets vitiated due to precipitating factors, it reactivates the virus dormant in base of nerve end and the virus travel through nerve paths to reach the skin surface.

Precipitating Factors

As we know the outbreaks have few precipitating factors like

1. Excessive exposure to sun.

2. Illness,

3. Poor diet,

4. Emotional stress

5. Physical stress,

6. Friction,

7. Steroids

8. Menstruation.

9. Emotional stress.

10. Genital trauma and intercourse.

11. Repeated infections such as a cold or pneumonia.

These factors increase vata and increased vata activates the virus, which is dormant.
Low Immunity The systemically imbalanced doshas interfere with the body metabolism by vitiating the body fire (agni). This leads to indigestion and malassimilation of nutrients, which in turn causes poor immunity. Due to decreased immunity the body fails to offer resistance to outbreaks.

Ayurveda Tips to avoid outbreaks
Avoid

1. Spicy, sour, fried and junk food, which aggravates vata.

2. Precipitating factors.

3. Sleeping in afternoon.

4. Meat products over fried or deep fried in oil or fat.

5.  Charred and overcooked food.

6.  Consuming opposite food like fish and milk etc

7.  Physical exertion after a meal

8.  Taking bath immediately after exercise or heavy outdoor work.

Include honey, pomegranate, and fruits of Emblica officinalis, legumes, dates and raisins in your diet.

Practice Yoga and Meditation to control emotional disturbances

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of   http://www.ayurhelp.com
Read more at http://www.ayurhelp.com/genitalherpes_and_ayurveda.htm

Definition of Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes called as “impotence”.

The term “erectile dysfunction” can mean the inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or the ability to achieve only brief erections.

Ayurveda defines Erectile dysfunction or ED as follows.

Sankalpapravano nityam priyaam vashyaamapi sthreeyam ||
na yaathi lingashaithilyaath kadaachidyaathi vaa yadi |
Shwaasaarthaha swinnagaatrshcha moghasankalpacheshtitaha ||
mlaanashishnashcha nirbeejaha syodetat klaibyalaxanam |

This means even though a man has a strong desire to perform sexual act with a cooperative partner , he can not perform sexual act because of looseness (absence of erection ) of his phallus ( penis). Even if he performs sexual act with his determined efforts he does not get erection and gets afflicted with tiredness, perspiration and frustration to perform sex

Physiology of erection

The two chambers of penis (corpora cavernosa,) which run throught the organ are filled with spongy tissue. The corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a membrane, called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra, which is the channel for urine and semen runs along underside of the corpora cavernosa..

Due to sensory or mental stimulation, or both, the erection begins. Due to impulses from brain and local nerves the muscles of corpora cavernosa relax and allow blood to flow in and fill the spaces of spongy tissue.

The flow of blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the chambers, thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow channels, erection recedes.

In ayurveda physiology of erection and ejaculation is described as follows

Vrishunow basthimedram cha naabhyuuru vankshnow gudam|
Apaanasthaanamantrasthaha shukra mootra shakrunti cha||

The “apaanavayu” one of the five types of vayu is located in the testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groin, anus and colon. Its functions are ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine and stools”.

Shushruta explains the process of erection and ejaculation as “ When a man has desire (iccha) to have sex, his response to touch increases ( Vayu located in skin causes flow of signals from skin to brain, thus causing sensation of touch). This causes arousal or “harsha” .  Arousal or Harsha intensifies actions of vayu and at this moment highly active vayu liberates the “teja “or heat of pitta. Thus tejas and vayu increase body temperature , heart beat and blood flow causing erection. “

Causes of ED

Erection requires a sequence of events. Erectile dysfunction can occur when any of the events is disturbed. Nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, around the penis and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and around the corpora cavernosa constitute this sequence of events. Injury to any of these parts which are part of this sequence ( nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, fibrous tissue ) can cause ED.

Lowered level of testosterone hormone:  The primary male hormone is testosterone. After age 40, a man’s testosterone level gradually declines. About 5% of men that doctors see for erectile dysfunction have low testosterone levels. In many of these cases, low testosterone causes lower sexual interest, not erectile dysfunction.

The whole male body responds to testosterone.
Even sushruta has illustrated about this response of body to the element “Shukra” . He has said

“yatha payasi sarpistu goodashchekshow raso yatha shareereshu tatha shukram nrinaam vidyaadhbishagwara” 

This means ” The shukra ( the element which helps in reproduction) is present all over the body .

This can be explained with the following examples.

1. The ghee is present in milk in an invisible form. This is extracted from milk using many processes.

2. The sugar is present all over the sugarcane. It is extracted by subjecting the sugarcane to number of processes.

Same way shukra is present all over the body. But the cream of shukra (semen) comes out of the body only during the process of ejaculation. But this process of ejaculation needs a joyful union of mind and body.

Decrease in production of “Shukra” causes erectile dysfunction.

Over exertion - physically and mentally : Working for long hours in office, mental stress at office and home, short temperedness ,insufficient sleep cause erectile dysfunction.

These causes are explained in ayurveda as  “shoka  chintaa, bhaya, traasaat …. ” which means that erectile dysfunction or Impotence occurs due to grief, fear, anxiety and terror.

Strained relationship with sexual partner: Erectile dysfunction also occurs when there is a disliking towards sexual partner.

 Ayurveda describes this as “naarinaamarasamjnatwaat…”  means disliking for women.

Diseases that cause Erectile dysfunction: Neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, anemia, depression, arthritis, endocrine disorders,diabetes, diseases related to cardiovascular system also become reasons for erectile dysfunction..

According to ayurveda the diseases which cause erectile dysfunction are “Hritpaandurogatamakakaamalashrama…” - Heart diseases , anemia , asthma , liver disorders , tiredness .Apart from these the imbalance in tridoshas also cause impotence or erectile dysfunction.

Consumption of medicines, drugs and tobacco:  Using antidepressants, tranquilizers and antihypertensive medicines for a long time, addiction to tobacco especially smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, addiction to cocaine, heroin and marijuana cause erectile dysfunction.

In ayurveda texts these causes have been said in brief as “rukshamannapaanam tathoushadham”  - “dry food , drinks and medicines” cause impotence or erectile dysfunction.

Trauma to pelvic region:  accidental injury to pelvic region and surgeries for the conditions of  prostate, bladder, colon, or rectal area may lead to erectile dysfunction.

These causes are mentioned as abhighata (trauma), shastradantanakhakshataha (injury from weapons, teeth and nail.) in ayurveda.

Other reasons: Obesity, prolonged bicycle riding, past history of sexual abuse and old age also cause  Erectile dysfunction.

Ayurveda describes the cause of impotence or erectile dysfunction due to old age as follows. ” diminution of -  tissue elements, strength, energy, span of life, inability to take nourishing food, physical and mental fatigue lead to impotence”

Remedies for ED

ED is treatable at any age. The total treatment in for impotence is called as  “ Vajikarana therapy” in ayurveda. As this therapy increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act, like a horse, it is called ‘Vaajikarana’. ( ‘ Vaaji’=Horse.)

Vaajikarana therapy leads to

• Happiness.

• Good strength.

• Potency to produce healthy offspring.

• Increased span of erection.

Eligibility for vajikarana therapy.

1. The vajikarana therapy should be administered to persons who are between 18 to 70 years of age.

2. These therapies should be administered only to a self controlled person. If this therapy is administered to a person who does not have self control, he becomes nuisance to society through his illegitimate sex acts.

Psychotherapy

Decreasing anxiety associated with intercourse, with psychologically based treatment helps to cure ED. The patient’s partner can help with the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes is being treated.

Same treatment is illustrated in ayurveda. It has been said “A woman who understands a man and is liked by him, along with erotic environment act as best aphrodisiac. “

Drug Therapy

Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or impotence. It has been said that people who have strong sexual urge, who want to enjoy sex regularly have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy, vigor, stamina and strength. These preparations also supply the nutrients which are necessary for production of semen.

Ayurveda tips to overcome ED

1. Consuming herbal preparations to rejuvenate the reproductive organs.

2. Massaging the body with a herbal oil which gives a relief from physical exertion and also acts as aphrodisiac.

3. Practicing Yoga and Meditation to overcome mental exertion and to cope up with stress.

4. Sleep at least for 8 hours a day.

5. Avoiding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, heroin etc.

6. Exercise regularly.

7. Avoid hot, spicy and bitter foods.

8. Favor sweets, milk products, nuts and urad dal.
 
9. Add little ghee in your diet.

10. Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of   http://www.ayurhelp.com
Read more at http://www.ayurhelp.com/Increase_erection.htm

Low sperm count, reduced sperm motility and malformed sperms are main causes for male infertility. There are various biological and environmental factors which affect sperm count, motility and morphology.  Many of these factors have been mentioned in ayurvedic texts. The causes of low sperm count are briefly explained below.

Age :
 
Innumerable researches have been conducted to determine the effect of ageing process on male fertility. A decrease in male fertility has been noted as age progresses. Maintenance of good health by following healthy lifestyle and diet retards ageing process. The rate of fertilization starts falling down for men who are above 40.

Hence “ Vajikarana Therapy” is recommended in ayurveda for men who are above 20 and below 70 to maintain optimum sexual activity and number of healthy sperms. Vajikarana Therapy recommends herbal preparations which are aphrodisiac. Vajikarana therapy increases sperm count, sperm motility and quantity of semen. This therapy is helpful in erectile dysfunction.

Overheating of testicles:

Overheating of testicles due to high fever, hot water bath, saunas, tight pants or under garments can cause low sperm count.  The Testes (two egg-shaped structures) remain in the Scrotum, outside the body, where the temperature is about 3 degrees C, cooler than the body internal temperature (27 degrees C. Sperm development in the Testes Requires the Lower Temperature.). Hence any factor which increases the temperature of testicles causes low sperm count.

According to Sushrutacharya Testicles are made of Kapha and Medha (fat). Increased heat imbalances kapha and medha , thus affecting sperm production. 

Addictions

• Cocaine and Marijuana reduce sperm motility and sperm count by as much as 50%. 
• Smoking reduces sperm count, sperm motility and also causes genetic changes. Smoking causes low sex drive, erectile dysfunction or impotence.
• Alcohol can damage sperms. Hence alcohol intake should be reduced to increase fertility.

Diet and Life Styles:

• Stress at work place or in family, strained relation ship, lubricants or spermicides used in condoms and physical stress can temporarily cause low sperm count.
• Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies cause low sperm count.  Deficiency of Vitamin C, Zinc, selenium etc can reduce sperm count.
• Bicycling can cause low sperm count, as testicles and scrotum may get injured during riding.
• Some studies have revealed that obesity may be a cause for low sperm count.

Genetic factors :

1. Malformed organs or tissues in male reproductive system.
2. Obstruction of semen carrying tubes.
3. Persons with 1 extra X chromosome (Normal chromosome in man is 1 X and 1 Y chromosome)

Environmental factors :

1. Overexposure to toxins, chemicals and infections. Pesticides, hydrocarbons and mumps in adult hood can cause low sperm count.
2. Chronic exposure to heavy metals like lead, arsenic or cadmium can cause low sperm count.
3. Radiations and X-rays affect sperm producing cells.

Varicocele :

Vericose vein in the cord of the testicle can cause low sperm count.

Acharya Charaka in his ayurvedic text, mentions the following factors as causes for low quality of semen.

Jaraayaa  Chintaaya shukram vyadhibhihi karmakarshanaat |
Kshayam gacchatyanashanaat sthreenaam chaatinishevanaath ||
• Old age
• Worry
• Diseases
• Exertion
• Fasting
• Over indulgence in sexual act
• Grief
• Strained relationship.

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of   http://www.ayurhelp.com
Read article at http://www.ayurhelp.com/lowspermcount.htm  drsavithasuri@gmail.com

Acne is a very common skin problem which affects young people at their puberty and few adults till they reach 45. Acne are referred as Youvana pitikas (which means the eruptions of youth) in ayurveda. This shows the prevalence of acne from ages. Ayurveda has described the causes of acne and recommends the best natural herbal acne remedies too.

What causes acne?

A large number of oil producing glands called “sebaceous glands” are present under the skin ( see figure  (http://www.ayurhelp.com/Normal_skin.htm) - skin cross section) on face, back, chest and shoulders. During puberty or menopause due to the influence of the sex hormones, which are produced in male and female, these glands become more active and produce an oily secretion called “sebum”. The sebum makes the skin more oily .The excessive sebum clogs the skin pore or the pit of the hair follicle forming acne.

The blocked pore or acne acts as an excellent habitat for bacteria. The bacterial infection causes inflammation (red, painful swelling of the infected area) of the clogged pore or hair follicle leading to eruption of pimples.
Vata and Kapha are two main doshas, which are involved in eruption of acne and pimples. Rakta dhatu or blood also plays an important role in formation of acne.

Vata when gets vitiated due to unhealthy diet and lifestyles affects other two doshas (kapha and pitta) to aggravate them. Aggravated pitta affects rakta dhatu or blood. The vitiated blood affects the skin and causes excess secretion of oil from sebaceous glands. Kapha has sticky property. The aggravated kapha imparts the stickiness to the oil produced by sebaceous glands of skin. Thus the  thick sebaceous plugs are formed in skin pores and hair follicles leading to eruption of acne.

Acne worsens when

1. grease, dirt or other harsh chemicals accumulate on skin.

2. you have Increased stress levels.

3. you indulge in Squeezing or pinching of acne.

4. when there are hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycle, menopause and puberty.

5. you are under medications like steroids or hormonal therapy.

Precautions to be taken to avoid exaggeration of acne eruptions: 

• Avoid foods which are spicy, dry and oily. These may cause indigestion and lead to vitiation of vata.

• Keep a habit of emptying bowels regularly this always normalizes vata.

• Avoid fast foods and soft drinks.

• Wash your face twice daily with mild cleanser.

• Put a hair band to avoid falling of hair on face. The sweat and dirt accumulated on hair may fall on facial skin through hair strands

• Avoid application of scrubs.

• Wash your hair regularly with mild shampoo to keep it clean and avoid dandruff.

• Squeezing and pricking of pimples cause scaring. Hence avoid this

• Avoid exposure of skin to severe climatic conditions.

• Avoid oil based moisturizers. Water based moisturizers are always beneficial.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Practice a regular exercise regimen

Natural Herbal acne Home remedies :

• Wash your face with lukewarm water and mild soap twice a day.
 
• Wash fresh methi leaves (fenu greek leaves) and grind it to make a paste. Apply it on face and wash it off with lukewarm water after 10  minutes.

• Grind juicy tender neem leaves with turmeric to a consistency of paste. Apply this paste on acne and pimples. Wash this off after it dries.

• Apply a face pack of ripe tomato pulp and wash it off as soon as it dries naturally (preferably after 45 minutes) .

• Do not keep the make up while sleeping. Cleanse it with a mild herbal cleanser.

• Mix besan flour (gram flour) with rose water and apply a face pack.

• Consuming fresh vegetable salads and fresh fruits keeps the skin healthy and resistant to blemishes.

• Drink plenty of water (15 glasses a day)

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of   http://www.ayurhelp.com
Read more about acne remedy on http://www.ayurhelp.com/acne_pimples.htm

Erectile dysfunction which is a very common complaint can be generally rectified by following few simple steps. Here goes the list of  simple but effective tips to rectify erectile dysfunction.

Avoid consumption of alcohol. If you are addicted to alcohol restrict the intake. Alcohol acts on central nervous system and causes erectile dysfunction.

Keep away from smoking. Men who smoke suffer from erectile dysfunction than men who do not. It is evident from researches. Smoking causes formation of plaques in arteries (atherosclerosis) which obstruct the blood flow.

Avoid working for long hours. Take a break from regular routine at week ends and spend time with your partner.

Practice Yoga and meditation regularly to keep away anxiety, depression and stress. Meditation and Yoga are best stress busters.

Do not have the fear of not getting hard erections or do not doubt your ability to satisfy your partner. It will lead to psychological ED.

Happy and comfortable atmosphere at home is very essential to stimulate sexual desire and keep sexually healthy.

Exercise regularly and daily.  Brisk walk for 45 minutes is the best exercise which keeps the cardiovascular system healthy. Researches have shown that the incidences of erectile dysfunction are less in men who regularly exercise.

Weight reduction helps to increase testosterone level and increases sexual energy and stamina. Weight reduction helps to keep hypertension and diabetes in control. Diabetes causes erectile dysfunction and anti hypertensive medications may cause erectile dysfunction.

Marijuana, heroin, cocaine etc cause erectile dysfunction. Withdrawing from addiction to the above mentioned substances really helps in increasing erections and sexual stamina.

Reduce the frequency of masturbation. Masturbating twice in a week is ideal. .

Massage whole body with herbal oil at least once in a week. This increases sexual energy and stamina. Body massage (abhyanga) is mentioned as the best aphrodisiac in ayurveda.

Sleep at least for 8 hours a day. Body gets energized with good sleep.

Do not control natural urges. Empty your bladder before going to bed with your partner.

Take all steps to prevent indigestion and constipation. Indigestion and constipation vitiate doshas and cause diseases. Hard erections will not occur when body is not healthy.

Avoid hot, spicy and bitter foods which imbalance vata . According to ayurveda imbalanced vata causes erectile dysfunction.

Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses.

Regularly consume Vajikarana Preparations. Vajikarana preparations always keep men sexually healthy.

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of 
 http://www.ayurhelp.com.  Read complete article at http://www.ayurhelp.com/tips_Increase_erection.htm 

Home remedies using water

• Drinking 8 – 10 glasses of water per day flushes the toxins from body, hydrates the skin well and reduces wrinkles, makes dry skin soft and prevents acne and pimples.
• Spraying water frequently on face and body helps to keep dry skin soft and smooth.
• Drinking a glass of water before every meal helps in weight reduction.
• Drinking plenty of water help to reduce dark circles.
• Good water intake keeps headaches at bay.
• Warm water consumption eases discomforts caused due to bronchitis and arthritis.
• Drinking ½ glass of warm water once in 2 hours helps in indigestion.
• Consuming water in between meals help in good digestion.

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of http://www.ayurhelp.com  Read more about benefits of  at   http://www.ayurhelp.com/plants/water-health_benifits.htm
 

1. Applying juice of neem or margosa  leaves to scalp prevent dandruff and hair loss caused by it.

2. Washing hair and scalp with decoction of neem leaves helps to prevent hair loss and stabilizes color.

3. Boil few pieces of amla, curry leaves and neem leaves in pure coconut oil till it becomes crisp. Massage this oil on scalp. This is best tonic for hair growth.

4. Rubbing scalp with equal quantity of amla juice and lime juice after washing hair help in hair loss and increases the luster.

5. Consuming fresh lettuce leaves or lettuce juice helps in growth of hair.

6. After washing hair with cold water, rub the scalp vigorously  with finger tips till you feel the heat. This effectively controls hair loss.

7. Applying a pack of soaked and ground fenugreek seeds for half an hour help to prevent dandruff.