Sri Lankan traditional medicine

Sri Lanka has its own indigenous scheme of traditional medicine (Ayurveda).^[1][2] This system has been practised for many centuries in the island nation. The Sri Lankan Ayurvedic tradition is a mixture of the Sinhala traditional medicine, Ayurveda and Siddha systems of India, Unani medicine of Greece through the Arabs, and most importantly, the Desheeya Chikitsa, which is the indigenous medicine of Sri Lanka.

History

Sri Lanka developed its own Ayurvedic system based on a series of prescriptions handed down from generation to generation over a period of 3,000 years. The ancient kings, who were also prominent physicians, sustained its survival and longevity. King Buddhadasa (398 AD), the most influential of these physicians, wrote the Sarartha Sangrahaya, a comprehensive manuscript which Sri Lankan physicians still use today for reference.
Ancient inscriptions on rock surfaces reveal that organized medical services have existed within the country for centuries. In fact, Sri Lanka claims to be the first country in the world to have established dedicated hospitals. The Sri Lankan mountain Mihintale still has the ruins of what many believe to be the first hospital in the world. Old hospital sites now attract tourists, who marvel at the beautiful ruins. These places have come to symbolize a traditional sense of healing and care, which was so prevalent at that time.
Historically the Ayurvedic physicians enjoyed a noble position in the country's social hierarchy due to their royal patronage. From this legacy stems a well-known Sri Lankan saying: "If you can not be a king, become a healer." Along with Buddhism, the interrelationship between Ayurveda and royalty continues to influence politics in Sri Lanka.

Lose weight with Ayurveda

Radhika Vachni and Dr Ruchi Upadhaya tell us how to deal with weight loss and stress with the help of Ayurveda

Weight loss and stress is one of the biggest urban problems these days. And ayurvedic treatments to deal with this is attractive to people who do not want to deal with the side effects of losing weight with laser and surgery.

Radhika Vachni's Yogacara a yoga and Ayurveda healing art studio, in Bandra offers holistic, lifestyle solutions guided by ancient disciplines of Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation and Panchkarma, to suit the needs of the modern world, in a serene location that lets you reconnect and re-energise. What sets Yogacara apart is their approach, which is customised based on each persons wellness / health challenges, lifestyle and needs.

Yogacara which simply means, "One whose practice is Yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "YUJ", and means "to unite" or "to join".

Two Ayurveda Programs titled " Medohar Chikitsa" and "Manaswasthya? Chikitsa" have been developed to address the issues of Weight Management and Stress.

Medohar Chikitsa - Weight loss:

This program involves a complete detoxification of the body to remove toxins on a cellular level, before a sensible weight loss program can begin. Massages with herbal oils and powders help keep the muscles toned, break fat, and release toxins from the outer layers. Herbal juices and medicines, and purification methods readjust the system resulting in the loss of excess fat. Yoga, the right support, eating healthy, and a sensible program enables you to keep the weight off in a healthy and safe manner.

Manaswasthya Chikitsa- Stress:

A combination of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda is used to de-stress the entire body, and attain a complete state of mental and physical relaxation. Massage is used to disperse toxins from tense and knotted muscles while improving blood circulation. Strain is removed from the eyes to nourish the vision. The nervous system is strengthened and relaxed, the different cavities are cleansed, oxygen is increased to improve brain functioning, and premature graying is avoided. ?

??Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical Science? based on the premise that the universe is made up of five elements: air, water, fire, earth and ether. These elements are represented in humans as three "doshas" or energies known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda stresses a balance of these three elemental energies: Vayu/Vata (air and space-"wind"), pitta (fire & water -"bile"), and Kapha (water & earth-"phlegm"). When any of the doshas accumulate in the body beyond the desirable limit, the body loses its balance and disease manifests. Hence balancing these three doshas in our bodies becomes essential.

"Ayurveda and yoga are lifestyle sciences that fully integrate with each other to provide sustainable solutions for wellness and health management. Both sciences emphasize healthy living, and purification and rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit, to achieve youthfulness, longevity and vitality, while also helping treat ailments and chronic diseases. Ayurveda incorporates plant based medicines and panchakarma treatments that work in harmony with nature, and that are all about creating balance in ourselves, and thus these sciences work perfectly with our philosophy at Yogacara ", says Dr Ruchi Upadhyay. At Yogacara we focus on the branch of Ayurveda known as Kayachitikitsa-internal herbal and holistic medicine-which deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and the treatment of diseases; Panchakarma (five actions) which is the cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind and consciousness; and Swasthavritta which deals with the science of good health and good living.

Debarati S Sen, TNN Dec 9, 2013, 12.00AM IST

THE TIMES OF INDIA

Ayurveda approach towards diabetes

Multi-pronged approach to diabetes looks at three doshas and the everyday symptoms in each 

Diabetes in, very simplistic terms, can be defined as excess of glucose in the blood. When you consume food, your blood sugar levels rise. The rising blood sugar levels, the pancreas release the hormone insulin into your bloodstream.

The presence of insulin in your blood is the signal for your muscles, liver and fat cells to take up glucose from your bloodstream, where it is stored as glycogen, a principle source of energy for your body.

However, diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin and because diabetics lack sufficient insulin or are unresponsive to insulin, blood sugar levels remain high. If diabetes is not managed properly, it can lead to complications like heart attacks, strokes, blindness, nerve damage, amputation of limbs, impotence in men and pruritus (itching).

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes occurs due to the autoimmune destruction of the insulin producing cells of the pancreas resulting in increased blood and urine glucose levels. The symptoms for this are frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger and weight loss.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance and deficiency. However, the cause for this is primarily rooted in lifestyle issues like increasing stress, sedentary living and an unhealthy diet, as well as genetics.

The symptoms for this are similar to Type 1’s and also include fatigue, vision changes, slow healing from cuts and wounds and skin changes. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with proper diet and exercise and treatment. 

Ayurveda and diabetes

In Ayurveda, Diabetes is called Prameha. Unlike modern science that divides diabetes into two categories, Ayurveda further divides prameha or diabetes into 20 sub-divisions. These sub-divisions are based on doshas with 4 divisions due to Vata, 6 due to Pitta and 10 rooted in Kapha dosha.

The main and most common sub-division is the one rooted in Kapha dosha. Prameha when not treated leads to Madhumeha or Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2). According to Ayurveda the primary cause of Prameha and Madhumeha are an unhealthy diet that aggravates the Kapha dosha, lack of exercise, excessive sleep and stress. Ayurveda also points out that besides the symptoms mentioned earlier, one must also look out for burning of palms and soles, dryness of mouth and a sweet taste in the mouth. 

In Ayurveda, Prameha and Madhumeha are divided into 20 sub-categories based on the doshas. The three main divisions are the Kaphaja, Pittaja and Vataja. The symptoms experienced by these three divisions if they are suffering from diabetes are as follows;

Kaphaja: Indigestion, loss of appetite, cold with running nose, excessive sleep, vomiting tendency.

Pittaja: Pain in bladder and urinary tract, pain in testes, fever, burning sensation, thirst, acidity. giddiness, loose motion, loss of sleep.

Vataja: Tremors, insomnia, cough, difficulty in breathing, constipation, wasting away. 

Diabetic diet

Ayurvedic practitioners have a multi-pronged approach to diabetes. Ayurveda, too, recommends lifestyle remedies that include limiting foods that are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates, eating smaller portions through the day, eating a variety of whole-grain foods, complex carbohydrates and vegetables every day, less fat and using less salt. It is also important to avoid smoking, reduce intake of alcohol, sleep adequately, check blood sugar levels periodically, check weight periodically and maintain ideal body weight.

Ideally, your food proportion should be 60% vegetables, 30% protein, 10% carbohydrates with half an hour of mild exercise such as walking. The diet should be a Kapha-pacifying diet and should include protein-rich foods like soya bean products and lentils like chickpea, moong, masoor and vegetables like spinach, leafy greens, bottle gourd, turai, bhopla (white pumpkin), snake gourd and bitter gourd and, cereals like green millet, ragi, corn, horse gram and barley.

Intake of protein should, however, be limited as it can strain the kidneys. Similarly, limit the intake of fat as the deficiency of pancreatic enzymes makes digestion of fat difficult. A diabetic should avoid eating rice, potato, sweet fruits, white flour, wheat, red meat and sago. He or she should also avoid sugar, sugar cane, jaggery and juices of sweet fruits. In terms of fruits, oranges and lemon are good. 

Herbs

Herbal remedies, if taken correctly, have a powerful effect on your body but should only be used under the care and guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner. These include Jambhul (Eugenia jambolana) powder from jamun core, Guggul, Amalaki, Triphala, Shilajit, Gurmar (gymnema sylvestre) and Bel (Aegle marmelos) Most of these herbs target elevated blood sugar levels and balance the same. In fact, some herbs like stevia and liquorice, are also used as a sugar substitute. 

Treatment

Besides herbal medication, Ayurveda recommends the Panchakarma as a cleansing treatment program. The Panchakarma begins with an herbal massage and an herbal steam sauna followed by fasting to cleanse the body. This is followed by an herbal purge for the liver, pancreas and spleen and this is further followed by colon therapy which cleanses the digestive tract and reconstitutes the system.

Snehana and shodhana are also the basic treatment methods which are employed dependent on the condition and body type of the patient. The Shamana treatment is given after the above mentioned treatments, and uses combinations of herbal medications. 

Exercise

Daily exercise is necessary to manage diabetes. Yoga is beneficial, especially asanas like Paschimottanasana and Halasana and Pranayama and Vajrasana. 

Binu Sivan is a Dubai-based freelance writer

Fact Box

The ideal diet for a diabetic

60%

vegetables

30%

protein

10%

carbohydrates

DIABETES NUMBERS

366 million

People have diabetes in 2011

552 million

People will have diabetes by 2030.

The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing in every country

40-59 years

The age span with the highest number of people with diabetes.

183 million people (50%)

With diabetes are as yet undiagnosed.

Diabetes caused

4.6 million

The deaths caused in 2011 by diabetes.

78,000

The number of children who develop type 1 diabetes every year.

(According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)).

DID YOU KNOW?

A six-month trial on 63 diabetes patients by a hospital in India (Sassoon General Hospital) showed that Ayurvedic treatment resulted in 46 of them experiencing a significant decrease in their blood sugar levels. One out of 14 Type 1 diabetic patients was able to handle Type 1 diabetes without insulin after getting on the Ayurvedic treatment program. Nine other Type 1 patients have been able to decrease their insulin dosage from 35 units to 21.6 units. The positive results were even more astounding in the case of those suffering from Type 2 diabetes. 19 patients on the trial were able to completely stop their allopathic medications while 14 others could reduce their dosage after 180 days on the Ayurvedic treatment that included the herbal medication Madhusar.

7 Effective Home Remedies for Controlling Sugar

Ayurveda recommends many simple home remedies to keep diabetes under control. Incorporating one or two of these remedies into your daily diet plan can help you prevent or at the least manage your blood glucose levels.

1. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder + 1 teaspoon of amla powder + half a tablespoon of methi seeds powder in half a glass of water and take daily in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Mix honey with barley that is soaked overnight in Triphala decoction (available at Ayurveda stores) and have it several times during the day.

3.Juice of bitter melon or gourd can test the toughest amongst us. But when taken on an empty stomach it works wonders at balancing our blood sugar level.

4.Grind and mix 100gms of fenugreek (methi) seeds, 50gms of turmeric and some white pepper. Take one teaspoon of this powder with a glass of milk twice daily.

5.Soak one teaspoon of fenugreek overnight in water and drink it with water or milk in the morning.

6.A tablespoon of the juice of the Indian gooseberry mixed with a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice is said to enable the pancreas to secrete insulin, if it is taken daily for two months.

7.Drink a glass of water with 10 tulsi leaves, 10 belpatras and fenugreek leaves early in the morning on an empty stomach.

• By Binu Savan, Special to Gulf News
• Published: 10:00 August 8, 2013

Sri Lanka posing a challenge to Kerala ayurveda

Its decades long ethnic conflict over, Sri Lanka is steadily emerging as a major competitor to Kerala's ayurvedic system of medicine, a leading industry expert says.

But officials are quick to point out that as long as Kerala sticks to its pristine form of Ayurveda school, no challenge from anywhere can upset what is clearly the biggest tourist draw to the southern state.

"Sri Lanka has slowly come up as a threat to our market," said Sanjeev Kurup V., Secretary of the influential Kerala Travel Mart Society who also runs the Paithrukam Hospitality Group.

"I was in Sri Lanka only last week, and I estimate they have taken away 30-40 percent of our business," Kurup told IANS at the Perumbayil Ayurveda Mana, an idyllic centre located near the famed Guruvayoor temple.

Ayurveda plays a key role in attracting close to one million foreign and over one crore domestic tourists every year to Kerala. Almost 70 percent of the foreigners and 30-40 percent of Indian tourists come to Kerala for ayurvedic treatment.

Thanks to ayurveda, the average stay of a foreigner in Kerala is 18 days - one of the highest in the world.

According to Kurup and others in the industry, even earlier Sri Lanka was doing well in the business of ayurveda. But the long running conflict between Colombo and the Tamil Tigers did cast a shadow on tourism in general.

"After the war ended in 2009, ayurveda business is picking up rapidly in Sri Lanka," said Kurup, who saw for himself that ayurveda clinics had sprouted along the island nation's southwestern coast, the tourist hub.

For one, as the Sri Lankan rupee is weaker than its Indian counterpart, ayurvedic treatment is cheaper there compared to India.

Another reason, Kurup says, is that in Sri Lanka many clinics allow men to provide ayurvedic massage to women.

"Well, ladies from countries like Germany, even if they are 45 years of age or more, are pretty strong physically, and they somehow don't seem happy with our women," he said.

"But in Kerala we follow the authentic system of ayurveda, and that only permits same-sex treatment including in massage."

Sri Lanka is willing to deviate - if only to woo the Western tourist, mainly from Europe.

"We need to be aware of the emerging trends," Kurup said. "Our costs are going up, but we cannot and do not compromise on quality. Sri Lanka is able to market an entire ayurveda packet for about just 90 euros a day."

In comparison, some clinics in Kerala charge up to 300-400 euros a day.

Kurup said the Kerala government as well as the private industry were both aware of the Sri Lanka threat.

A senior Kerala government official said the Sri Lanka challenge was real but it need not be overstated.

"Yes, Sri Lanka is also making a pitch for ayurveda," Suman Billa, Secretary in Kerala Tourism, said in a telephonic interview.

"But their growth won't be at our expense," he said. "Our ayurveda is so unique. And there is enough space in ayurveda business for more players to get in.

"Sri Lanka will certainly draw tourists. As long as we stick to our quality and play our game well, we will not only be able to protect ourselves but grow too. But we should not get into a situation of price wars."

Times of India-Apr 28, 2013

Ayurveda for sexual health

The three pillars essential for sustaining a healthy human life are food, sleep and sex. Ayurveda, the science of life gives as much importance to sex as to food and sleep.

The ancient sex science book “Kama sutra” also explains the same and also adds the importance of Ayurveda therapies (Vaji Karana – Aphrodisiac therapies) for improvement of sexual life in men and women.

Ayurveda and its emphasis on sex

a. Sex is an integral part of our daily habits (Dina charya)

b. The ideal time for intimacy is at night, about two hours after dinner

c. An absolutely satisfying sexual union, when developed over time, bestows you and your partner with health and vitality.

d. For best results, each of the partners should be physically and emotionally involved with the other.

e. Touch, smell, food, music and ambience play a vital role in developing, increasing and prolonging intimacy.

Perverted or unsatisfying sex has adverse effects on mental and physical health, as it aggravates the functional elements (doshas) and reduces immunity.

Foods such as milk, meat soup and boiled rice along with ghee, oil, meat juice, sugar and honey improves sexual vigour for both men and women.

1. Abhyanga (Ayurveda full body massage) – Stress is relieved through Abhyanga, a unique method of medicated oil massage, which improves blood circulation, tones up the muscles and relaxes the body.
2. Pizchil or King’s Therapy – The whole body is subjected to streams of lukewarm medicated oil with simultaneous soft massage. More than three liters of medicated oil is used in this method. This therapy protects the body from illnesses and builds up immunity for a healthy life. It is very useful for rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis, sexual weakness, neurological disorders, blood pressure, and nervous weakness and helps to slow down the aging process.
3. Navarakizhi - A massage to the body with small cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked Navara rice after a liberal application of medicated oil. The rice is cooked in cow’s milk and herbal decoction. The boluses are dipped in the same mixture of cow’s milk and herbal decoction and applied all over the body to induce sweat. This procedure is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and prepares the individual to bear the stress and strain of a busy life style. It enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nervous system and improves the overall appearance of the skin. This is a strengthening fomentation employed in neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and malnutrition of limbs. This is very effective in improving sexual health.
4. Ksheera dhara - Herbal milk is poured over the forehead or over the whole body. This is a great therapy for people suffering from headaches from Vata and Pitta predominance, insomnia and mental tension. It improves sexual interest in women

5. Kati Vasti – A specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the lower back and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this therapy deeply cleanses and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues, and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. It alleviates lower back conditions like lumbar spondylosis, inter-vertebral disc prolepse, lumbago (low back ache), and sciatica. It improves nervous function and blood circulation to male/female reproductive organs which in turn improves the sexual functions.

Integrated method to treat diabetes

Several campaigns and awareness programs were held during the past few weeks to celebrate the World Diabetes Day which fell on November 14.More than 120 million people worldwide suffer from Diabetes and an estimated 220 million people will be affected by this silent killer by 2020.

Though allopathic medicine has been the favourite method of treating diabetes, attention is now being drawn to integrated medical systems where a combination of Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicine is used to treat this deadly disease. In countries like China there are even universities such as the College of Integrated Medicine where they practise this system.

Anyway, it seems that people are still not quite sure of this treatment and the majority of them still tend to seek the assistance of Western medicine practitioners. But as Traditional Ayurvedic Consultant Physician, Dr. B.A. Rathnapala of Ropa Ayurvedic Hospital, Kottawa, Mattegoda says more and more diabetic patients seek his assistance to get rid of this deadly disease. Over forty percent out of 6196 patients he treated from January 2005 to January 2008 have got completely cured while others take treatment with much improved conditions.

People may think more lightly of diabetes than of cancer, but it is a known fact that diabetes reduces life expectancy. As the name itself suggests Ayurveda is the science of life and longevity. It not only cures dreadful diseases but acts as a preventive measure as well. As Dr. Rathnapala indicated the three main agents called doshas (Vaata Dosha, Pitha Dosha and Kapha Dosha) are the determinants of the health of the human body. If we are to be healthy those three should be in a balanced state. Also 'Dhatus' should be in balanced state. If not, we are likely to contract diseases very easily.

"According to Ayurveda, diabetes is classified as Kapaja Prameha, Pittaja Prameha and Vataja Prameha. Altogether there are 20 types of diabetes -10 types of Kapaja Prameha, 6 types of Pittaja Prameha and 4 types of Vataja Prameha, Kapaja Prameha is completely curable.

Patients who suffer from Pittaja Prameha have to be under medical treatment during their entire life time. Vataja Prameha cannot be cured. "But if the lifespan of a Vataja Prameha patient who takes western medicine is 5 years, I can assure you that integrated medicine could make their lifespan double.

"What people initially get is diabetes. If it is not treated properly it may develop into diabetic mellitus in the long run. That is really what I am worried about. It is mainly the wrong medical practices and diet patterns that help diabetes to develop into diabetes mellitus."

Dr. B.A. Rathnapala

Showing several medical reports of his patients, he explained how prolonged injection of insulin cause several other complications. "Major issue is hyperlipidaemia (Cholesterol level increase) and Hypertension (pressure)."

"Patients develop such types of complications because insulin is a hormone which produces protein as well. It increases albumin.

It also produces fat (i.e. it improves cholesterol). Another complication is when someone is under insulin, sodium reabsorption of the kidney gets high. As Ayurveda states, 50% of diabetes can be cured. Dr. Rathnapala says that there are three theoretical ways of describing and proving this. "Bala Chikithsa, Ayurvedic scientific view and according to modern physiology .

Bala Chikithsa

"Bala Chikithsa is a treatment used to improve the blood count - a way of improving the bio-energy count of the human body. In fact, it is an ancient treatment practised during my father's time. My father too was a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner and in fact here I use the recipe taken from his Ola leaves." As Dr. Rathnapala says it is essential to give insulin to patients if their sugar level has reached Higher Upper Level (more than 300) "in order to prevent them from getting into a coma." "In such situations insulin is essential to save one's life. But if you continue to rely on insulin for a longer period of time it can even 'end' your life!

Citing examples from his patients he showed how he stopped giving insulin to patients who have sought his medical advice.

"They had been under insulin for a long period. When you continue to inject insulin the pancreas gets depressed and would reduce even the low amount of insulin it produces at the moment. What you should keep in mind is that not almost all diabetic patients need insulin. Only 5% of patients need insulin supplement throughout their lives. But unfortunately, it seems that some of the medical practitioners start injecting insulin to patients without having proper understanding of the type of diabetes the patient is having.

For example, if juvenile diabetics are given insulin from a very early age and in the long run they are likely to develop lots of complications." (This will be further discussed in the course of the article.)

When asked about the unique feature of his treatment, Dr. Rathnapala said that his medicine has the power to stimulate the pancreas, and produce more insulin. So our medicine improves the serum insulin level as well. Through diet and medicine the blood sugar level of patients can be reduced. If not there is no other means to stop injecting insulin. Also ayurvedic medicine contain more anti-oxidants and as such cells always get sufficient amounts of oxygen. Our medicine also rejuvenates' blood."

As mentioned earlier, it is not merely Bala Chikithsa and ayurvedic methods that Dr. Rathnapala make use of. He uses western medicine as well. In fact, it is an integrated method of treating diabetes. "For some patients I give only half a tablet( 2.5 mg) of Glibencamide after stopping injecting insulin. It is the only medicine which could stimulate pancreas. But I do not use it for prolonged periods." "We should make use of all types of medicine to ensure optimum efficacy. Even in China they practise an integrated medical system. Here in Sri Lanka we have even better herbs. In fact, what I want is to introduce my way of treatment to others both in local and international arena. The pill I want to introduce to local and international pharmacies is one made out of 2.5mg of glibencamide combined with three types of herbal medicine."

Ayurvedic medicine-Products of Ropa Ayurveda. Pix Chinthaka Kumarasingha

Dr. Rathnapala has even met President Mahinda Rajapaksa along with his suggestions. "In fact it was Prof. Carlo Fonseka who took me to the President as he was highly impressed by my method of treatment.The President was pleased with my suggestions and he has referred them to the Health Ministry." "There are several patients whom I have cured completely. " he continued. In fact, some of them are even ready to be contacted to share their "miraculous success story'" with others. Among them are 4 doctors Speaker, five ministers, six Members of Parliament, four provincial Council Members, two judges and three senior Police officers."

One of the ways he practises is curing diabetes by enhancing immunity.

There are so many complications of diabetes such as Ischaemic heart disease, renal complication, retinopathy and neuropathy." Ayurveda is specially worried about the heart diseases caused by diabetes.

Ischaemic heart disease arises as a result of insufficient blood supply to the heart. Kidney damage too cannot be overlooked. Diabetes retinopathy is one of the ways that affects your eyes. Initially the focusing power of the eye changes due to swelling of the lens because of the accumulation of sugar and water. Secondly, it may lead to two main eye diseases - cataract and glaucoma. There are four types of diabetic neuropathy- peripheral neuropathy (which most commonly affects feet and legs.), autonomic neuropathy (which most often affects digestive system, blood vessels, urinary system and sex organs), proximal neuropathy and focal neuropathy.

Dr. Rathnapala emphasized the need to get the required tests done. If you have any of the following complications, it is highly advisable to get a test done and check whether you have diabetes.

Excessive thirst and dry mouth, passing large volumes of urine several times a day, rapid weight loss, delayed wound healing, impairment of eye sight, excessive tiredness and if you have a family history of diabetes.

You should be always very careful of what you eat. Your diet should include only the required amount of carbohydrate. The three main causes we should treat are digestive power, serum insulin level and intake of carbohydrate level.

For a diabetes patient medicine, diet and exercise matter alike .

"It is not quite necessary to have rice for dinner. We need rice only in the morning and afternoon. The best thing is to have 'steamed vegetables' for dinner. The best selection would be radish, Ladies fingers, cabbage and fresh pumpkin.

As the doctor emphasized the type of food a patient could eat differs from patient to patient. It depends on one's age, sex, weight and amount of work done per day. "In the case of patients using insulin , it is important that meals are taken at the recommended time.

"Diabetes patients should completely avoid any food item containing sugar, syrups, jaggery, honey, soft drinks (jam, toffees, cake, sweets, juices that contain added sugar, ice cream), condensed milk, yoghurt, curd , and alcoholic drinking, ripe fruits except avocado and papaw." You can moderately take 'par boiled rice', red rice, gram, green gram, soya, cowpea and all items made from rice flour including string hoppers, one egg once a week. 'Mallum,' bitter gourd, ladies fingers, tender green beans, string beans, cabbage, fish, dry fish,sprats, bitter tasting food, food rich with fibre, plantains, papaws and vegetable oils could be added to your meals.

It is highly recommended to take bitter gourd, drumstick leaves, like gotukola, sarana, kankun buds, kohila buds, vel kohila, onion leaves.

Beli leaves and flowers, Ranawara leaves and flowers and Kothalahimbutu are suitable as drinks. It is advisable to take Nelli, semi ripe plantains, madham fruits and Amberella.

"My sincere wish is may all beings be healthy. Finally I would like to extend my gratitude to my late parents, my guru Ambewela Sarananda Thera, K. G. P. Jayatileke, former Director of Institute of Indigenous Medicine; S. D. Dayaratna, Jayantha Kumaranayake and G. W. Ariyadasa (former lecturers of Institute of Indigenous Medicine who helped me achieve this status)." He noted.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Sex Problems

Ayurvedic remedies have been used for treatment in India for over 5000 years. Ayurvedic treatment for sex problem are commonly used to treat problems such as

• Premature ejaculation
• Impotence
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of libido

Ayurvedic remedies usually are a combination of various herbs which are known to promote sexual health and general wellbeing of the person.

Ayurveda for Impotence

Impotence in males is comparable to frigidity in females. Some of the symptoms of impotency are inability to perform sex act, or else incomplete performance or failure to reach orgasm while performing sexual act.

Ayurvedic Medicines that are used for treatment to enhance libido/sex desire are known as 'Vajikarma Aushadhis' or aphordisiacs.

• Ayurvedic medicines: Vanari Gutika, Madanananda Modak, Veerya starnbha Vati, Makardhwaja, chandrodaya Rasa, Apatyakar Swaras, Shukra Vallabh Rasa, Kameshwar Modak, Gokhru Pak, Chhoohara hak, Moosali Pak, Badam Pak, Kamadeva chooran, Gokhshurad Chooran, Narsigha Choorna, Madan Prakash chooran, Shatvaryadi choorna, Mritsanjeevani Sura etc are beneficial in impotence.
• Diet Plans: Eat a healthy diet which includes high protein content, eggs, fish ghee, butter, soyabean, green vegetables, fruits, almond and other dry fruits.
• Other useful measures include avoidance of smoking and alcohol consumption, limit the amount of fat and cholesterol in your diet and do regular physical exercise. 

Ayurveda for Loss of Libido

Hectic life style, stress, tension and fatigue are the prime cause for lack of libido and unsatisfactory sexual performance at the present time.

• Various herbal remedies for impotence are Ashwagandharishta, Sri Gopal Taila. 
• Avoid alcohol, smoking and drug addiction, reduce weight, do regular exercise and yoga.
• Get sufficient rest and sleep, reduce stress levels with relaxation techniques and yoga. 

Caution: Several herbal remedies are available for ayurvedic treatment for sex problems. But before taking any of these medicines an Ayurvedic physician must be consulted with regard to dosage, duration, safeguards dietary supplements and the necessary prescription that is requiered before taking any of these ayurvedic medicines to treat sexual problems .