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WELLNESS GURU: Can Yoga Keep Us Cool?

May 24, 2022 16:54 IST

Wellness expert Roopashree Sharma answers your health queries.

Yoga in the open air

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has only been posted for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels.com

Dear Reader,

We all take our health for granted. Aren't we always sure we are healthy? But then one day, we get a rude wake-up call and find that we can no longer do so.

Does your health bother you?

Do you want to strengthen your body or your immunity?

Do you have bad skin? Or hair issues?

Is your digestive system giving you trouble?

Or is belly fat your problem?

Mail your queries to wellness expert Roopashree Sharma at getahead@rediff.co.in (SUBJECT: Roopashree, can you help?) for her advice.

 

Dear Roopashree,
I would like to keep my question anonymous.
I have menopaused recently. I walk for 30 minutes every day.
What changes would you suggest in my diet and exercise routine?
Thank you.

A woman’s body undergoes many changes during menopause.

A healthy body can cope with this change smoothly if one takes care of the nutrition intake and mind and body wellness.

An exact diet and exercise plan will depend on your age group and after considering any other wellness issues.

In general, I suggest both physical exercise and meditation along with a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables to manage the hormonal changes taking place in your body.

 

Dear Roopashree,
Is there any solution for hairfall? Since a long time I am facing this problem and I want it, especially on forehead at least, to end.
Presently I am using Baba Ram Dev Oil 'Expert’ on hair at the sleeping time.
Please get solution for me or help me.
Govind

Hairfall could be a result of many factors -- weakness, season change, root problems like dandruff or, if it’s around the hairline, it could be a sign of balding that could be hereditary as well.

While using good hair care products is helpful, you should take care of your diet intake as well.

Also, try observing if the hair fall started after some illness or it increases when the season changes.

Visit a nutritionist or a naturopath for a holistic treatment.

 

Dear Roopashree,
What kind of diet will you advise in this excessive heat?
Also, are there yoga asanas that can keep us cool?
Thank you.
Kaushiki

That’s a great question!

Nature always has a way of keeping us healthy and safe. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are the proof of the same.

However, we have moved away from all things natural and most of our diet includes either grains or packaged foods.

The simplest way is to consume all fruits -- whether its mangoes or watermelon -- and vegetables that come during the season in moderate amounts.

In vegetables, bottle gourd, cucumber, pumpkin, coconut all have a cooling effect on your stomach.

In greens, mint and coriander are your best friends to deal with the hot season.

Make home-made aam panna. Have a sattu drink in the morning and chaas in the afternoon to beat the heat!

You can practice Sheetali pranayam in the morning/evening for its cooling effect.

 

Dear Roopashree,
Please keep my question anonymous.
I am a woman and, once a year, in summer (mostly May), I get a bad boil inside my private parts.
It is very painful until it bursts which takes about a week. It is difficult to walk, sit or sleep.
What can I do to prevent this from happening?
Thank you.

It is a clear sign of excess heat in the body which could again be a result of many factors -- high acidity, increased pitta levels, heavy intake of packaged foods leading to toxins that create a hormonal imbalance…

Please meet an ayurvedic doctor who will give you a proper diet plan based on your body type.

Meanwhile, have more of alkaline food. Have curd and buttermilk. Try water or juice fasting if you can, once a week.

 

Hello Roopashree.
I have recently developed spondylosis and have a hunch at the back of my neck.
Can you please suggest corrective exercises?
Thank you,
Raema

Hi Raema.

Spondylosis is a delicate condition, therefore treatment can be suggested after reviewing medical history, age, etc.

I suggest you consult a certified yoga practitioner to initiate exercises and also meet an ayurvedic professional who will help you understand the reason behind the spondylosis and recommend a proper diet/medicinal plan. 


Roopashree Sharma, a qualified yoga trainer and naturopathy enthusiast, is the founder of Atharvanlife (external link).

You can send in your health queries to Roopashree at getahead@rediff.co.in (SUBJECT: Roopashree, can you help?). Do remember to include your age, height, weight, where you stay, health issues and any other details that will help. If you wish to remain anonymous, please let us know.

Please note: All content and media herein is written and published online for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be relied on as your only source for advice.

Please always seek the guidance of your doctor or a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Do not ever disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read herein.

If you believe you may have a medical or mental health emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call emergency services or emergency helplines immediately. If you choose to rely on any information provided herein, you do so solely at your own risk.

Opinions expressed herein cannot necessarily provide advice to fit the exact specifics of the issues of the person requesting advice.

ROOPASHREE SHARMA