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Archive for the ‘Ayurveda’ Category

Ayurvedic Medicine: The Health Benefits of Cumin Water

Posted on: May 21st, 2024 by TouchStone Health

By Senthil Krishnasamy, Ayurvedic Practitioner

In Ayurveda, cumin water has been shown to have many health benefits including:

1. Aids Digestion: Cumin water stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, improving digestion and reducing bloating and gas.
2. Boosts Immunity: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, cumin water helps strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
3. Promotes Weight Loss: It can boost metabolism and help burn fat, making it a useful addition to a weight loss regimen.
4. Improves Skin Health: The antioxidants in cumin water can help prevent premature aging and improve skin texture.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Cumin water can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes.
6. Enhances Lactation: It is believed to improve milk secretion in lactating mothers due to its high iron content and other essential nutrients.
7. Treats Respiratory Disorders: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.
8. Detoxifies the Body: Cumin water helps in flushing out toxins from the body, promoting overall health.
9. Reduces Inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help in reducing inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis. Incorporating cumin water into your daily routine can be a simple and effective way to enjoy these health benefits.

Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

1 to 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds

2 cups of water

Instructions:

Measure and Boil Water: Pour 2 cups of water into a pot and bring it to a boil.
Add Cumin Seeds: Once the water is boiling, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds.
Boil the Mixture: Let the mixture boil for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the seeds to infuse thoroughly into the water. Strain and Cool: After boiling, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down to a drinkable temperature. Strain the water to remove the seeds.
Serve: Pour the strained cumin water into a cup and drink it warm.
Optional Additions: – Lemon: Add a few drops of lemon juice for additional flavour and vitamin C. Honey: Stir in a teaspoon of honey for sweetness and extra health benefits.

By boiling cumin water, it can enhance its flavour and potential benefits.

“In our Ayurvedic practice, we employ numerous therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders, utilizing various herbal medicines to treat these conditions.”

“If you have any questions, please send an email to sencajal@gmail.com.”

The Healing Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage Oils

Posted on: February 12th, 2024 by TouchStone Health

by Senthil Krishnasamy, Ayurvedic Practitioner

Massage oils can have various effects on the skin depending on their ingredients and properties. Here are some common types of massage oils and their effects on the skin:

Carrier Oils: These are base oils used to dilute essential oils for massage. Common carrier oils include coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil. These oils are generally safe for most skin types and can help moisturize and nourish the skin. However, some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain carrier oils, so it’s essential to do a patch test before using them extensively.

Essential Oils: These are concentrated plant extracts that are often added to carrier oils for massage. Each essential oil has its own unique properties and benefits for the skin. For example, lavender essential oil is known for its calming and soothing effects on the skin, while tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help with acne-prone skin. However, essential oils are potent and should be used sparingly and properly diluted to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Aromatherapy Oils: These are blends of essential oils specifically designed for aromatherapy massage. They are formulated to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mood. Aromatherapy oils can have various effects on the skin depending on their ingredients, but they are generally safe when properly diluted and applied topically.

Specialized Oils: Some massage oils are formulated with specific ingredients to target certain skin concerns, such as dryness, inflammation, or cellulite. These oils may contain ingredients like vitamin E, arnica, or menthol to provide additional benefits for the skin.

When it comes to the scientific understanding of massage oils and their effects on the skin, several studies have investigated the properties and benefits of various oils. Here are some scientific facts based on research:

Moisturizing Properties: Carrier oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil have been shown to have moisturizing properties when applied to the skin. They can help improve skin hydration and prevent moisture loss, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Scientific Evidence: A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that coconut oil has emollient properties, which means it can help soften and smooth the skin by forming a protective barrier to trap moisture.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some oils, such as olive oil and jojoba oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.

Scientific Evidence: Research published in the journal Pharmacognosy Reviews suggests that olive oil contains compounds like oleocanthal and oleuropein, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce inflammation in the skin.

Antioxidant Benefits: Certain oils, such as grapeseed oil and argan oil, are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.

Scientific Evidence: A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated the antioxidant properties of argan oil and found that it has a high content of tocopherols (vitamin E) and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its antioxidant activity.

Wound Healing Properties: Some oils, including lavender oil and tea tree oil, have been studied for their potential wound healing properties and ability to promote skin regeneration.

Scientific Evidence: Research published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that lavender oil may accelerate wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis and enhancing tissue repair processes.

Antimicrobial Effects: Tea tree oil is well-known for its antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens on the skin.

Scientific Evidence: A review published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews discusses the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil and its potential applications in skincare products for treating various skin conditions, such as acne and fungal infections.

Explore the Healing Potential of Ayurvedic Massage Oils at Touchstone: Alleviate Muscular Pain, Promote Hair Growth, and Rejuvenate Your Skin!

Contact us for further information or to schedule an appointment

Regards, Senthil Krishnasamy

Ayurveda: Understanding the Three Doshas and Your Health

Posted on: December 1st, 2023 by TouchStone Health

by Senthil Krishnasamy, Phd Ayurvedic Practitioner

In Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating in India, there are three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are fundamental energies or principles believed to govern various physiological and psychological functions within the body. The balance of these doshas is considered crucial for maintaining optimal health, and imbalances are thought to contribute to illness.

1. Vata:

-Associated with the elements of air and ether.

– Governs movement, including breathing, circulation, and muscle contractions.

– Imbalance may lead to anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues.

2. Pitta:

-Aligned with the elements of fire and water.

– Controls digestion, metabolism, and energy production.

– Excess Pitta can result in conditions like inflammation, heartburn, and irritability.

3. Kapha:

-Linked to the elements of earth and water.

– Governs structure and lubrication in the body.

– Imbalance might manifest as weight gain, lethargy, and respiratory issues.

Individuals are believed to have a unique combination of these doshas, known as their “Prakriti,” which influences their physical and mental characteristics. Factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environmental influences can affect the balance of doshas, and Ayurveda often prescribes personalized approaches to restore equilibrium.

Ayurvedic practices, including herbal remedies, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle recommendations, are aimed at harmonizing the doshas to support overall well-being. The understanding of these doshas is integral to Ayurvedic philosophy and remains a key aspect of traditional medicine in many cultures.

To learn about your unique combination of doshas, book in with Senthil for your own dietary, and lifestyle assessment, and possibly a herbal oil massage treatment!

Ayurvedic Massage- Deep insights

Posted on: August 14th, 2023 by TouchStone Health

By Senthil Krishnasamy, Ayurvedic and Natural Medicine Practitioner

Massage therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on varying conditions including prenatal depression, preterm infants, full-term infants, autism, skin conditions, pain syndromes including arthritis and fibromyalgia, hypertension, autoimmune conditions including asthma and multiple sclerosis, immune conditions including HIV and breast cancer and aging problems including Parkinson’s and dementia.

In Ayurvedic massage, pressure is given in different ways to the pressure points which help to stimulate different energy centers. It helps in getting rid of deep-seated toxins and improves blood circulation of the body.

Oils are fundamental in Ayurveda:
They are used internally and externally to prevent, as well as treat, disease. Used on the skin, or in the body’s orifices like the mouth, nostrils and ears, oil protects our bodies from outside stimulus, impurities and antigens.

For maximum benefits when using base Ayurvedic oils, we often recommend certain oils, or oil combinations to help balance each dosha:

Vata dosha with dry skin—> Heavier oils are used including sesame and almond
Pita dosha with sensitive or overheated skin—->Cooling or neutral oils are used including olive, sunflower, coconut, or castor
Kabha dosha with oily skin—>light oils are used including flaxseed, corn or mustard oil

Foot massage intensively stimulates blood flow in the foot area to increase blood circulation throughout the body, while also providing physical and psychological relaxation, thereby improving sleep and sleep patterns.

Primary uses of massage are to promote relaxation, treat painful muscular conditions, and reduce anxiety.

Book an Appointment with Senthil

Make it an Ayurvedic Summer

Posted on: May 25th, 2023 by TouchStone Health

by Senthil Krishnasamy, PhD Ayurvedic Practitioner

We all wait for summer to enjoy the good weather. According to Ayurveda, the summertime is the time of the pitta dosha (heat) which plays a huge role on our body and mind. By balancing the pitta dosha, we can enjoy summer more. Here are some simple tip to enjoying the summer season according to Ayurveda:

Water Therapy

Dehydration is the most common symptom that occurs in the summer. Drinking at least 8-10 ounces of water helps to maintain the water balance in the body. The drinks that we need to avoid in summer are hot drinks, especially caffeinated ones.

Food Therapy

Eating water-rich vegetables and fruits are really useful to keep our body cool especially cucumber, watermelon, tomato and celery and also a great source of vitamins, fibre and are low calorie. Eating foods like cereal, pasta, milk products like yogurt ghee will help us to retain water in our body.

Aromatherapy

During the summer season, pitta dosha will increase in our body, so our mind and body encounter an imbalance. To keep our mind calm, ayurveda suggests aromatherapy as one of the best ways to bring balance. Sandalwood essential oil induces relaxation, calmness and promotes positive thinking. Applying sandalwood oil in the morning or evening time on the body parts, temples, eyebrow center, and throat pacifies pitta dosha.

If you are interested in learning more about how to be healthier with the seasons or finding ways to be the healthiest according to your Dosha, Senthil is available for in-person appointments BOOK ONLINE

Welcome Senthil Krishnasamy, Ayurvedic Practitioner to TouchStone Health!

Posted on: May 5th, 2023 by TouchStone Health

Senthil has more than 10 years of experience in Ayurvedic / Siddha medicine. He studied at the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in India to gain his Bachelor of Siddha Medicine in India.

Through the use of Natural Medicine, Senthil loves helping people by naturally promoting balance, healing, and rejuvenation to the mind and body. He uses a combination of poly-herbal formulations, nutrition/diet, herbal oils, and simple massage with herbal oils.

Senthil love helping people with:

The Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Joint Pain, Neck, Shoulder, Elbow, Ankle, Wrist and Back Pain

Hair and Scalp Therapy: Hair Growth and health

Stress Relief

Ayurvedic Facial & Skin Treatments

Detox Therapy

Senthil is available for In-Person Appointments on Saturday mornings.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH SENTHIL

564-572 Weber Street North, Unit 3A
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L5C6