Ayurvedha - The science of life

22/07/2025

🌿 What is Griva Vasti?

Griva Vasti (sometimes spelled Greeva Vasti) is a classical Ayurvedic external therapy that focuses on the neck region.
• Griva means neck in Sanskrit.
• Vasti means to hold or to contain.

So, Griva Vasti is a localized treatment where warm medicated oil is retained over the cervical (neck) area inside a leakproof reservoir made from black gram dough or wheat flour dough.

🧘 How is Griva Vasti done?

1️⃣ A dough ring (like a small dam) is made and fixed over the back of the neck (cervical spine area).
2️⃣ Warm herbal medicated oil is poured into this reservoir and kept at a constant warm temperature for 20 - 30 minutes.
3️⃣ After retaining the oil for the prescribed time, gentle massage and sometimes mild fomentation (steam) follow.

✅ Benefits of Griva Vasti

Griva Vasti is mainly used for neck-related musculoskeletal and neurological issues. Its potential benefits include:
• Relieves neck stiffness, pain, and inflammation.
• Improves circulation and flexibility of the cervical spine.
• Nourishes the deep tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments).
• Eases cervical spondylosis and spondylitis.
• Helps manage degenerative disc problems.
• Supports the healing of whiplash injuries or chronic neck strain.
• May relieve radiating pain or numbness due to nerve compression.
• Reduces stress and muscular tension around the neck and shoulders.

📚 Research on Griva Vasti

Though more large-scale clinical studies are needed, several smaller studies and case reports support Griva Vasti’s effectiveness:

1️⃣ Cervical Spondylosis:
• Studies have shown Griva Vasti combined with internal Ayurvedic medicines (like Guggulu, Rasnasaptaka Kwatha) can significantly reduce neck pain, stiffness, and restricted movements.
• Example: A comparative clinical study on Griva Vasti and Shirovasti for cervical spondylosis showed good relief in pain and stiffness. (Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine)

2️⃣ Myofascial Neck Pain:
• Some research found that patients with myofascial neck pain syndrome got better relief when Griva Vasti was combined with gentle neck exercises and lifestyle advice.

3️⃣ Cervical Radiculopathy:
• Griva Vasti, along with Abhyanga (oil massage) and Nasya (nasal drops), is reported to help reduce nerve-related symptoms like tingling or radiating pain.

4️⃣ Mechanism:
• Studies note the warm oil penetrates deeper tissues, increasing circulation, relaxing muscles, and providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects due to herbs like Dashamoola, Ksheerabala, or Mahanarayana Taila.

Reference Examples:
• AYU Journal (published by Gujarat Ayurved University)
• International Ayurvedic Medical Journal (IAMJ)
• Various theses in Ayurveda colleges in India and Sri Lanka

🗝️ Key Point

Griva Vasti is best when done by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner after proper diagnosis. The choice of oil and duration depends on your prakriti (body type) and the condition being treated.

18/07/2025

🌿 Understanding Different Types of Neck Pain — And the Wisdom of Ayurveda 🌿

Neck pain is one of the most common discomforts people experience today — from office workers glued to screens to parents lifting children or even sleeping in awkward positions.

🔹 Types of Neck Pain:
1️⃣ Muscle Pain (Myalgia): Caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or overuse — often felt as stiffness and tenderness.
2️⃣ Nerve Pain (Radicular Pain): A pinched nerve can cause sharp, shooting pain that may radiate to shoulders, arms, or even fingers.
3️⃣ Joint Pain (Facet Joint Pain): The small joints in the neck can become inflamed due to wear and tear, leading to aching or reduced movement.
4️⃣ Headache-Related Neck Pain: Tension headaches often start with tight neck and shoulder muscles.
5️⃣ Injury-Related Pain: Sudden jerks (like whiplash) or accidents can damage muscles, ligaments, or discs.
6️⃣ Chronic Neck Pain: Persistent pain lasting more than three months often involves both physical and emotional stress factors.

🌱 Ayurveda’s Perspective:
In Ayurveda, neck pain is often linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha — responsible for movement and nerve impulses. Poor posture, excessive stress, cold weather, or dryness can aggravate Vata, causing stiffness, pain, or nerve issues.
Sometimes Kapha or Ama (toxins) accumulation blocks energy channels (Srotas), leading to swelling or heaviness.

Ayurvedic treatments may include:
✔️ Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage) — to lubricate and relax stiff muscles.
✔️ Greeva Basti (Oil Pooling Therapy) — warm medicated oil is pooled over the neck to nourish deeper tissues.
✔️ Herbal Remedies — like Rasna, Shallaki, Guggulu for inflammation.
✔️ Posture Correction & Yoga — gentle stretches, mindful sitting, and stress relief techniques.

⚠️ What Happens When You Neglect Neck Pain?
Ignoring neck pain can lead to chronic problems:
• Permanent muscle tightness and limited mobility.
• Nerve compression, causing tingling or numbness in arms and fingers.
• Poor sleep and tension headaches.
• Stress and fatigue from constant discomfort.
• Disc problems or degeneration that may require surgery in severe cases.

🚗 Service Your Body Like Your Car 🕉️
You regularly service your car to keep it running smoothly — your body deserves the same care!
Regular oil changes for your car are like warm oil massages for your neck. Routine check-ups and mindful movements help prevent breakdowns.
So, don’t wait for pain to become a problem — tune up your neck and body regularly with Ayurveda and self-care.

Stay balanced. Stay healthy. Stay mobile. 💛✨

08/07/2025

24/06/2025

10/06/2025

🌿 Managing Hot Flashes After Menopause – An Ayurvedic Approach

As I’ve been seeing many clients recently experiencing hot flashes after menopause, I thought it would be helpful to share how Ayurveda can support women through this stage of life in a natural and balanced way.

🔥 Understanding Hot Flashes in Ayurveda:
• Hot flashes are seen as a Pitta imbalance, often combined with Vata due to hormonal changes and aging.
• After menopause, the body’s natural cooling and hormonal regulation decline, making Pitta (heat) symptoms more dominant—causing sweating, flushing, and discomfort.

🌸 Ayurvedic Strategies to Support Women:

1. Herbal Remedies:
• Shatavari – Cooling, nourishing, and hormone-balancing.
• Ashoka – Supports the uterus and balances hormones.
• Lodhra – Helps regulate Pitta and reduce inflammation.
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – A cooling herb for heat balance and immunity.
• Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – High in antioxidants and very cooling for Pitta.
• Licorice – Calms the nervous system and helps regulate hormones.

⚠️ These herbs should be taken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner, especially for menopausal women with other health conditions.

2. Diet & Lifestyle:
• Eat cooling, light, and hydrating foods: cucumber, watermelon, ghee, coconut water, mint, coriander.
• Avoid spicy, fried, and fermented foods, which aggravate Pitta.
• Stay well-hydrated and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and red meat.
• Maintain a regular sleep routine—preferably early to bed.
• Gentle walking, yoga, and meditation help regulate Vata and Pitta.

3. Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage):
• Regular self-massage with cooling oils (like Brahmi or coconut oil) can help calm the nervous system and reduce internal heat.

4. Cooling Therapies (Sheetali practices):
• Sheetali pranayama (cooling breath)
• Applying sandalwood paste or rose water to pulse points
• Using natural cooling teas, like coriander, fennel, or vetiver root

🧘‍♀️ The Ayurvedic Goal:

To balance the doshas, support Agni (digestive fire), and bring calm and stability to the body and mind during this life transition.

Dr Layangi Liyanage ( Ayurveda - BAMS /SL)

Accedited Ayurvedic Practitioner - AAA

22/05/2025

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Ayurveda Sri Lanka...ADA DERANA....
Dr Gayani Hewavitharana

ආයුර්වේද ශ්‍රී ලංකා තුළින් ඔබව මෙවර දැනුවත් කරන්නෙ ආතරයිටීස් රෝගය සඳහා සුදුසු නිවැරදිම ආහාර රාටාව පිළිබඳවයි. මේ ...