Digestive Health

Shatapavali: The 100 Steps to a Healthier Digestive System

Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine that has been practiced in India for thousands of years, offers a wealth of wisdom and guidance on maintaining a healthy and balanced life. One such practice, known as Shatapavali or taking 100 steps after a meal, holds great significance in Ayurvedic tradition. While this practice is not intended for fat burning, it plays a crucial role in promoting good digestion and overall well-being.

The primary intention behind Shatapavali is not to shed extra pounds but to ensure that the food we consume moves through the digestive system efficiently. Walking briskly or engaging in strenuous physical activity immediately after eating can have adverse effects, as it can exacerbate all three doshas in the body. This could be particularly concerning for individuals with hypertension or cardiac disorders, potentially leading to emergency situations. Therefore, the emphasis is on gentle, leisurely walking rather than intense exercise.

One of the key benefits of Shatapavali is that it aids in the proper movement and direction of the ingested food. When we walk after a meal, it facilitates the downward movement of food through the digestive tract. This can help prevent issues like indigestion and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach, neck, thighs, and lumbar region. It also promotes relaxation in these areas, reducing the likelihood of bloating or discomfort.

One common post-meal pitfall is the temptation to settle down for a nap. Many people find themselves feeling drowsy after eating and succumb to the urge to sleep. However, Ayurveda warns against this practice. Post-meal sleep can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, obesity, and related disorders. Instead of surrendering to sleep, it is advisable to incorporate the practice of Shatapavali into your daily routine.

Some individuals, particularly women, may claim back pain as a reason for wanting to nap after a meal. For them, the recommendation is to perform Shatapavali and then rest on an Aaram Khurchi, a special chair designed for relaxation, equipped with an inclining feature and lower back support provided by a pillow. This can alleviate back pain and promote comfortable relaxation.

As for those who believe it’s impossible to avoid post-meal sleep, a closer examination often reveals a common mistake – drinking water. Many people avoid drinking water during their meal and consume it only after they finish eating, often in large quantities. According to Ayurveda, the stomach should be divided into four parts: two for food, one for water, and one left empty for healthy movement of Vayu, or air, which is essential to keep the digestive fire ignited. Drinking water right after eating can overload the stomach, making it difficult to resist drowsiness.

In conclusion, the scientific application of Shatapavali is not just an age-old tradition but a practice that promotes good digestion and enhances the overall quality of life. It is a gentle and effective way to facilitate the smooth movement of food through the digestive system and prevent post-meal sleepiness. By embracing this tradition, we can maintain a healthier and more balanced life, free from digestive discomfort and its associated health issues. So, the next time you finish a meal, consider taking a leisurely stroll of 100 steps to embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda and ensure your well-being.

Authors-
Dr. Mangesh Desai
Ayurvedacharya
Yoga & Hypnotherapy Consultant
Pimple Saudagar, Pune.

Basti – Your Body’s AC in Monsoon

Basti - AC in Monsoon

The air conditioner has become a need especially in summer and is no more a luxury. AC adjusts the temperature of the surrounding air to make you feel comfortable. Now the questions are Does AC equally essential in once the temperature becomes quietly manageable during Monsoon? Those who are saying ‘NO’ Hang on. We have got something interesting for you.

Ayurveda advocates that human body is a small version of the universe. The universe is made up of five basic elements (Panch Mahabhuta) so as a human body. Vata is considered as representative of Air in a human body. Respiration, Heartbeat, Movements of joints, Excretion of waste material from the body are some of the noteworthy functions of Vata. Even our nervous system is governed by Vata only.This Vata gets disturbed due to atmospheric changes in rainy season.
This disturbed Vata causes various illness of digestive and musculoskeletal system. Following diseases are seen due to disturbed Vata

  • Digestive diseases like Gases, Abdominal bloating, Reduced Appetite, Constipation
  • Bone & joint diseases like
  • Knee pain (Osteoarthritis, RA)
  • Low back pain (Lumbar Spondylosis, PID, Sciatic Pain)
  • Neck pain (Cervical Spondylitis)
  • Irregular menstruation due to PCOD, Dysmenorrhea, Fibroid, Menopausal Syndrome
  • Obesity
  • Paralysis
  • Certain heart diseases
  • Anorectal diseases like Piles, Fissure
  • Kidney stone

Monsoon is an ideal time to condition the air inside your body i.e. Vata. The best Air conditioner for Vata is known as Basti. Basti is nothing but a medicated enema. But it is not like an ordinary soap water or glycerin enema to flush out a stool and waste material from a body. Basti is a panchakarma procedure in which medicated oil, ghee or decoction is administered through anal route.
As per Ayurveda large intestine is a head office of Vata which controls the functions of Vata all over the body. So Basti administered in large intestine acts as a corrective measure against the disturbed Vata during monsoon. So Basti is nothing but AC to condition Vata in your body. There are many types of Basti. But generally, two main types are observed.

Anuvasan Basti – Medicated oil enema.
Niruha Basti – Decoction enema.
These Anuvasan and Niruha are administered in an alternate fashion. There are various courses of Basti. Your physician decides the suitable course for you as per your constitution (Prakruti) and nature of the illness.
Yog Basti – It’s an 8 days course with 5 Anuvasan (Oil) enema and 3 Niruha (Decoction) enema.
Kala Basti – 16 days course with 10 Anuvasan (Oil) enema and 6 Niruha ( Decoction) enema.
Karma Basti – 30 days course with 18 Anuvasan and 12 Niruha Basti.

Monsoon is here.
So, guys, it’s time to switch on the AC to condition your VATA.

Dr. Pushkar Purushottam Wagh
Ayush Ayurveda Clinic
A – 5, Palm view,
RX – 37, MIDC,
Dombivli (E)

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Benefits and Drawbacks of Sitting and Walking – Aarogyarahasya Lekhmala 2

Reader’s let us discuss today the merits and demerits of sitting and walking!!

problem of sitting in a place

The person who spends most of the time indoor by sitting in a place maintains a good complexion. It’s because he seldom has to face, sunrays, dust, vehicle smoke & fast air.
Sitting for a long time without exercise decreases metabolic rate & produces excessive kapha which promotes diseases like cold & asthma. As kapha and meda are of same nature, meda dhatu also gets increased.

As kapha and meda are of same nature, meda dhatu also gets increased. It causes fat deposition at buttock, thigh, chest and abdominal region. Existing fat is not utilized and new fat goes on depositing due to lack of movement. Excessive abdominal fat causes lumbar pain. Obesity is further responsible for Hypertension and Diabetes.

Long-term sitting schedule or habit imparts laziness. Laziness causes lack of exercise, which induces hardly any muscular movement and hence muscles are provided with less blood circulation. Ultimately muscles are not nourished significantly. These people are mostly sluggish. They can not accustom with changes such as sunrays, wind, rain & traveling, hence they are called as Sukumar.

If we take slight rest after an exertion it gives immense pleasure.
Kapha, obesity & Sukumarata vanishes due to extensive walking. Complexion gets darker than usual.aaa

Daily walking increases metabolic rate. Intake, Absorption & Excretion improves. Blood circulation gets enhanced. Muscular power is gained. A brain is nourished well, which increases intellectual power. Proper digestion & excretion ultimately improves appetite. Sense organs perform at it’s best.

Vaamkukshi Vichar sleeping practices

That’s why instead of being relaxed by
consuming anti-coagulants & anti-cholesterol drugs, let’s wake up & walk from today itself.
And enjoy the healthy life!!

Ref. –
Dr. Mangesh Desai
Ayurvedacharya
Yoga & Hypnotherapy Consultant
Pimple Saudagar, Pune.

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