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Video Editor: Prashant Chauhan
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.
Alzheimer’s cannot be cured. It only gets worse with time.
But can Ayurveda help protect us from Alzheimer's?
FIT spoke with Jiva’s director and Ayurveda expert Dr Partap Chauhan about the role this ancient Indian medicine can play in dealing with Alzheimer's and brain health.
Why Are Cases of Alzheimer's on the Rise?
Dr Chauhan says that cases of Alzheimer’s are on the rise worldwide and he links this to changing lifestyle and eating habits.
It’s not just the junk food, but also the way we are living now. We have become lonelier. People are living in nuclear families. There is no support system, there is a lot of stress. All this damages our nervous system.Dr Partap Chauhan
In Ayurvedic terminology we can say that it's an aggravation of Vata. Vata and primarily Prana Vata which is working inside our brain areas. So when Vata is aggravated, there is dryness.
Managing Alzheimer's with Ayurveda
In order to combat this situation we primarily suggest a group of herbs which are called Medhya Rasayana.
Medhya means those herbs which enhance intellect, memory and mind power.
Herbs under Medhya Rasayana
- Brahmi
- Sankhpushpi
- Ashwagandha
- Jatamansi
- Vacha
In addition we can give oil massages in the head. Shiro Abhyanga and Shirodhara are very good. We can also do nasya by putting some oil or ghee in the nose.Dr Partap Chauhan
In addition to the medicine and Panchakarma counselling is also done in Ayurveda which is called Satvavajaya Chikitsa (psychotherapy).
Emotional Nourishment
Dr Chauhan said that the most important thing is a life full of love and support.
These days I find people suffering more and more at an emotional level. So we all need emotional nourishment. We should try and create a family system where there is a lot of support.Dr Partap Chauhan
If you have some specific problem that can also be dealt with by consulting Ayurvedic doctors.
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