Living Pain-Free Life With Osteoarthritis

Priya’s situation is similar to that of many people who suffer from knee osteoarthritis. She had been an active, healthy, professional lady for the majority of her life until she began to have knee joint pain in her fifties.

The pain was first manageable with home remedies and pain relievers, but it gradually worsened to the point where she couldn’t sleep at night or do her normal routine work.

An x-ray of the knee revealed osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis, a degenerative condition in which the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually wears away. When she was told she needed a knee replacement, she came to Shathayu Retreat. She was just 52 years old at the time, and the pain was excruciating, preventing her from participating in outdoor activities, sitting, and other activities.

The post Living Pain-Free Life With Osteoarthritis appeared first on Shathayu Ayurveda Yoga Retreat.

Nandi Hills – Ascent to the top

Nandi hills are a picturesque region just outside the city limits of Bangalore. The surroundings are dotted with sloping green hills and miles of semi forest land inhabited by wildlife and migratory birds. Some of the common birds sighted are Asian Paradise Flycatchers, Bulbuls, Tawny Eagles, Blue Capped Rock Thrush and Puff Throated Babblers. Adventure & Fitness enthusiasts prefer the ascent on sports bikes or by trekking up the hill by the road. The hills are dotted with many temples and forts ideal for a weekend getaway from Bangalore. Watching the sunrise offers a glimpse of the mesmerizing beauty of Nandi hills and can be an exhilarating experience.

Visitors to Nandi hills are greeted with a wide arched entrance, part of an elaborate fort built atop the hill by Tipu Sultan.

• Visiting Hours : 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Entrance Fee – Rs 10 per person
• Parking Fee – Starting from Rs 15 an hour.

Nandi Hills – Elaborate Garden & View from the top

A well-maintained garden atop the hill is an ideal place to spend quality time with family and friends. The elaborate gardens are enclosed within the walls of the Nandi Fort covering an area of 90 acres. Many migratory birds, monkeys and macaques visit the hills regularly. Visitors are requested to be careful with monkeys eager to get a quick bite of fruits or snacks.

Top 10 tourist places in and near Nandi Hills

01. Nandi Hills – Devanahalli Fort

Devanahalli fort found along the Bangalore-Hyderabad National highway can be a first pitstop, if on a day tour to Nandi Hills. Devanahalli dates back to the 15th century when a group of refugees from Kanchipuram settled in the area. Chief among them was Malle Byre Gowda from the Morasu Wokkalu family, who settled in a village named Ahuti, now known as Avathi.

Devanahalli Fort was built by Chieftain Malle Byre Gowda, a mud fort then under the aegis of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Fort switched hands to Hyder Ali, who reconstructed it to an extensive monument in stone. A placard from the Archaeological Survey of India declares the fort to be a protected monument.  The small town is also the birthplace of Tipu Sultan, popularly known as the “Tiger of Mysore”. A small memorial is erected on the southwest side of the Devanahalli fort complex, stating that Tipu Sultan was born here in 1751.

Devanahalli Fort was built over 20 acres, fortified by solid masonry and 12 semi-circular bastions situated at regular intervals. These bastions acted as gun points to protect the fort from enemy attacks.  The homes where Tipu & Hyder Ali lived are also preserved here. It is also home to the Venugopalaswamy temple which is decorated with beautiful statues. The sculptures and intricate carvings are exquisite comparable to the temples of Belur and Halebid.

• Opening Hours : 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Entrance Fee : Free
• Opening Day : All Days

02. Nandi Hills – Grover Zampa Vineyard

The outskirts of Bangalore offer a salubrious climate, fertile land, good rainfall ideal for growing grapes. A visit to the Grover Zampa Vineyards near Nandi hills adds a Mediterranean touch to a day out from Bangalore.  Grover Zampa is spread over 410 acres nestled in the foothills of Nandi hills. The vineyard is 920 meters above sea level is ideal for growing the highest quality grapes for wine production.

A typical tour of the vineyard offers a sneak peek into the fine art of winemaking. An elaborate barrel room showcases the fine art of crushing, filtering, fermenting and barreling the grapes to produce the finest wines in South India.

A guided tour will help visitors better understand the crafting or budding of the grape plants, cultivation, harvesting, processing and harvesting of grapes. The wines produced here age in imported oak barrels to produce premium varieties of wine like La Reserve and the Vijay Amritraj Reserve Collection.

• Tour Timings: 10:30 am and 1:30 pm (can choose from two tours).
• Basic Guided: Tour – Rs 650 + GST per person.
• Days Open : Tuesday to Sunday.

02. Nandi Hills – Muddenahalli Ancestral home of Sir M Vishveshwaraya

The quaint town of Muddenahalli is famous as it is the birthplace of Sir M Vishveshwaraya. The ancestral home and museum built to preserve his legacy attract tourists who will reminiscent the lives and achievements of this distinguished engineer and the architect of modern Karnataka. He was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1955 for his significant contribution to nation-building.

Sir MV as he is fondly remembered lived an inspirational life, having done distinguished public service. Sir MV was known for his sincerity, time management, diligence and dedication to a cause. His love for the Kannada language is well known. Vishveshwaraya most distinguished accomplishment was being the chief architect of the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam. It was the largest reservoir in Asia when it was built. A scale model of the KRS dam can be found at the Sir MV memorial.

Tourists to his modest ancestral home showcase the many awards, titles that were bestowed upon him. Sir MV’s personal belongings like spectacles, cups, dictionaries, pens, visiting cards, and a grand durbar dress is sure to catch the attention of any visitor to Muddenahalli.

• Opening Hours : 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Entrance Fee : Free
• Opening Day : All Days (check local listings before visiting the museum)

Learn more about Bangalore the Silicon Valley of India here

04. Nandi Hills – Bhoganandishwara Temple

Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is a 9th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at the base of the Nandi Hills, the temple comes under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple is known for its intricate carvings, while elaborate sculptures add to the grandeur of the temple complex.

It is a twin temple complex consisting of the Bhoganandishwara and Arunachaleswara temples. The inscriptions and artwork depict aspects of Shaivism and Vaishnavism with sculptures of Durga, Lakshmi, Narasimha and Vishnu found here. An intricately carved sabha-mandapa (assembly hall) adds to the grandeur of the temple complex. Tourists can make a pilgrimage to this unique Dravidian style temple and welcomes tourists from all faiths. 

• Opening Hours : 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
• Entrance Free : Free
• Opening Days : All Days

05. Nandi Hills – Brahmashram

Brahmashram is a cave near the Nandi hills, formed by natural boulders over time. Sage Ramakrishna Paramahamsa performed meditation here as it acted as a perfect place for those seeking silence and solitude. Brahmashram is surrounded by lush greenery; its tranquil surroundings draw visitors in the hundreds every day.

• Opening Hours : 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Entrance Fee : Free
• Opening Day : All Days

06. Nandi Hills – Tipu’s Drop

Tipu’s Drop is one of the many tourist attractions near Nandi Hills. It is located on a hillock 600m from the ground and is close to the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple. The scenic place has a bloody past, as it being a point where Tipu Sultan would order prisoners to be pushed off the cliff for crimes committed. Many people have committed suicide or accidentally fallen from here, adds to the enigma of the tourist place.

Plans are afoot to construct an iron grilled wall 450 m in length to prevent accidental deaths. Tipu’s Drop is being beautified with plants like Cyprus and magnolia to attract more visitors. An exclusive parking area and a sprinkler system are in the works to enhance it as a tourist attraction.

• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 6:30 pm.
• Entry Fee: Rs 10 per adult.
• Opening Days: All Days

07. Nandi Hills – Tipu’s Summer Palace

The dilapidated remains of the Tipu’s summer residence inside the Nandi Fort, offer a rare glimpse of the times of Tipu Sultan. This monument constructed in wood has brilliantly carved arches, pillars, painted walls and ceilings. This princely home is in a state of degradation due to inadequate maintenance. The antiques found here are unique to the architecture of the late 17th century. Tipu’s residence was named “Tashk-e-Jannat” meaning “The Envy of Heaven” by Tipu Sultan himself.

• Opening Hours : 7: 00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entrance Fee : Free
• Opening Days : All Days

07. Nandi Hills – Skandagiri Trek

Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga is a hill town just 70 km from Bangalore in the Chikkaballapur district. Skandagiri is one of the tourist places to visit near Bangalore that can be done on a shoe string budget. It is at an elevation of 1450 meters and is close to the Nandi Hills. Skandagiri is a hangout for trekkers and adventure lovers. A night trek and camping for the night beside a bonfire on the hilltop is a favorite activity among thrill addicts.

The natural landscape on the top of the hill is pleasant and breezy. The best time to plan a trip is from November to March. The 10 km trek is only for the physically and mentally fit and must be attempted, with adequate planning. Tourists should carry sufficient water, comfortable clothes, and shoes to make the ascent easy.

• Opening Hours : 6: 00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entrance Fee : Rs 450 per person (parking fees Rs 50-100)
• Opening Days : All Days

09. Nandi Hills – Amrita Sarovar

Amrita Sarovar in Nandi hills is a beautifully crafted water body and a prime source of drinking water in the area. The perennial springs that feed the lake look spectacular and beautiful in the moonlight. The site is also known as the “Lake of Ambrosia” or the “The Lake of Nectar”. It is ideal because of the calm and serene surroundings.

• Opening Hours : 7: 00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entrance Fee : Free
• Opening Days : All Days

10. Nandi Hills – Shathayu Ayurveda Yoga Retreat

Bangalore has earned a reputation of becoming a hub of innovation in healthcare, biotech and software services. One beneficiary is the booming demand for medical tourism. The city enjoys a salubrious climate with lush greenery, parks and streets lined with trees.

Tourists to Bangalore can also take advantage of the many health care establishments dotting the metropolis. Super-specialty clinics, ayurvedic & naturopathy medical facilities offer travellers effective health care solutions at affordable prices.

Shathayu Ayurveda Retreat is one such premier healthcare resort located away from the hustle and bustle of the Bangalore Metropolis, just 10 km from the Bengaluru International Airport. It provides holistic wellness services that take care of the mental, physical, spiritual, social, and lifestyle aspects of customers staying at the centre.  Our wellness programs are designed with over 120 years of ayurvedic practice passed down through five generations.

The Ayurvedic retreat centre is surrounded by hillocks on three sides with a perennial lake on the other offering side, offering a perfect ambience to recharge, recuperate and reenergize.  We customize our wellness programs to suit the specific needs of the customer.  Shathayu specializes in weight management, detoxification, pain management and de-addiction. Learn more about our parent company Shathayu Ayurveda here

A delightful visit to Bangalore’s own hill station awaits one and all.

The residents of Bangalore will remember the good old days when a day trip to Nandi hills offer some of the most fun-filled, enriching holiday experiences with family and friends. Here are some of the many visual delights a day trip to the Nandi hills can offer.

• A refreshing or challenging ascent up Nandi hills from the base of the mountain.
• Stopover at the vantage points on the way to the top to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the hills.
• Indulge in a nature walk with your loved one to help rekindle the lost love and romance.
• Be awestruck by the magnificent Devanahalli fort; visit its many attractions that include the birthplace of Tipu Sultan.
• Plan a guided tour to the Grover Zampa Vineyards while enjoying a sip of the fine quality wine produced there.
• Take up an engineering pilgrimage to Muddenahalli, the birthplace of Sir M Vishweshwaraiah.
• Pay your obeisance to Lord Shiva at the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
• Enjoy the solitude of the Tipu’s Drop and visit Brahmashram to seek silence.
• Spend quality time at the Tipu’s Summer Residence.

A visit to the Shathayu Ayurveda Retreat will offer tourists a unique opportunity to plan a fantastic holiday for two days and one night near Nandi Hills. A well-planned tour will give the dual benefits of visiting a hill station while taking full advantage of staying at an Ayurveda retreat that offers therapies for the body, mind, and soul.

The post Nandi Hills – Bangalore’s own hill station appeared first on Shathayu Ayurveda Yoga Retreat.

Here are Few Facts

• It is commonly known that being overweight directly affects the fertility rate in women, but now it has been proven that it also affects male fertility.
• Men with increased BMI were significantly more likely to be infertile than normal-weighing men. 20-pound increase in men’s weight will increase the chance of infertility by about 10 percent.
• Being overweight in females can affect their ability to conceive. It is a known risk factor for menstrual dysfunction and anovulation.
• Obesity also contributes to infertility in women who ovulate normally.
• It could also lead to complication during pregnancy like risk of hypertension, gestational diabetes, Cesarean section.
• 30 % to 47% of obese women are said to have irregular menstrual cycles.
• Irregular menstrual cycle is directly proportion to increase in weight.
• Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that weight reduction often leads to resumption of normal menses and increased pregnancy rates.

Obesity is often associated with increased insulin production and insulin resistance, which contributes to hyperandrogenism (increase in male hormones) because insulin is important for the regulation of sex hormone production.

This can be seen in obese women with PCOS, where excess weight gain leads to excessive insulin production, promoting increased androgen secretion and abnormal follicles in the ovary. This results in an overall disruption in ovarian and menstrual activity, causing fertility problems.

Ayurveda, a remedy to treat obesity related Infertility

• First line treatment for obesity-related infertility is weight loss and lifestyle modification.
• Weight loss can dramatically improve fertility in obese people. It is often the first step in fertility treatment for an obese patient.
• Even a loss of 5-10% can significantly improve ovulation and pregnancy rates.
• Weight loss improves fertility in obese people both physiologically and psychologically.
• Psychological state and mood has been found to increase significantly after weight loss, and a reduction in insulin and androgen levels has been found in women which may lead to an 80% improvement in menstrual function and improved pregnancy rates of 29%.

We at Shathayu Ayurveda  focus on natural treatments for  male & female infertility treatment. For those suffering with infertility with obesity, classical detoxification, powder and paste massages along with internal medication & diet counseling can definitely help couples who are depressed of obesity related infertility.

 

Article By

Dr. Anitha Bhat

Senior Ayurveda Physician

The post Wondering How Obesity is linked to Infertility?? appeared first on Shathayu Ayurveda Yoga Retreat.

Any movement that we make relies on the controlling system of the human body- the Brain- be it writing, reading, walking, or talking. But a serious brain disorder like Parkinson’s disease can rob a person of the ability to do everyday tasks that many of us take for granted. There’s no cure, but Ayurvedic treatments for Parkinson’s Disease can help to arrest the degeneration of brain cells enhancing fine and gross motor movements.

Parkinson’s disease sets in gradually over time. The early signs may be barely noticeable. A person’s movements may change slightly. You might notice slowness, rigidity, or difficulty in balancing or walking. Also, their face may lack expression, or their handwriting may become small and cramped. There is profound postural instability, rigidity, and gait abnormalities occurring later, making their daily life tough and dependent. It might become harder to sleep, think, eat, speak, smell, and make decisions. As the disease worsens, symptoms may become difficult to control.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease usually arises after age 50, but can also appear earlier in life. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which means that brain cells gradually malfunction and die. The disease damages brain cells that make a chemical called dopamine. The resulting dopamine shortage causes movement problems that mark Parkinson’s disease.

Shathayu Medical Management for Parkinson’s Disease

1. Shodhana Chikitsa:  Bio-cleansing therapies followed by Palliative therapy should be advocated. (Depends on the strength of the patient and prognosis of the disease)

2. Based on the conditions of the patient, massage/Kayaseka  with medicated oils like Maha Narayana taila, Kshirabala Taila, Sahacharadi taila, Dhanvantara taila, Mahamasha taila for 3-7 days

PANCHAKARMA – (based on the condition)

• Matra Basti -daily for 8- 14 days

• Yapana basti for 8/16/30 days

• Nasya karma for 7 days

3. Shirodhara/Shiro Basti with medicated oils daily for 7/14/21 days

4. Shiro Pichu for 7/14/21 days

5.  Herbal medicines which exclusively work on tremors, use of herbal nerve tonics to relieve rigidity and nourish the nervous system.

6. Dietary advice to improve digestion as it directly contributes to the efficacy of the medicines and treatments given.

7.  Practice yoga or meditation to focus on overcoming symptoms, managing internal energies, and for relaxation and reducing stress or anxiety.

All the Panchakarma procedures (Detoxification Process) will be customized by Physician only after detailed consultation. Treatments may be altered as per the individual strength.

The post 7 Ayurvedic Ways To Manage Parkinson’s Disease appeared first on Shathayu Ayurveda Yoga Retreat.