Last month, we looked at the epidemiology, pathology and diagnosis of celiac disease (CD).  This month we will consider some case histories illustrating the varied and pan-systemic presentation of this condition.

Celiac disease (CD) is an auto-immune gluten sensitive enteropathy and is an important cause of grahani roga or sprue in all parts of the world and among people of all ages. Continuing our discussion of anna vaha srotas, in part one of this article we will consider the epidemiology, pathology and diagnosis of celiac sprue and in part two, next month, we will look at case histories and treatment.

Throughout the developed world, coronary artery disease is the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality, causing over half a million deaths a year in the US alone. To a great extent, the disease is lifestyle-related, and results from a kapha-provoking sedentary lifestyle, coupled with excess consumption of fatty foods, especially trans-fats, and insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables. Pitta factors such as stress and overwork are also known to play a major role.

Amlapitta, known as acid indigestion or dyspepsia, is a common and widespread condition of painful or difficult digestion, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, bloating, belching and stomach discomfort. Madhava describes amlapitta as, "The disease in which the patient has indigestion, exhaustion without any exertion, nausea, belching with bitter or sour taste, feeling of heaviness in the body, burning sensation in the chest and throat and loss of appetite.”

In this article we will give a general overview of arthritis or sandhivat and its relevance in an Ayurvedic practice, saving specialized topics of each specific type of arthritis for later articles. We will particularly consider three major common arthritic conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (ama vata), gout (vatarakta/vatashonita) and osteoarthritis.

As vata season comes into its own, Ayurvedic practitioners may see large numbers of individuals complaining of nervousness, anxiety, panic and sleepless nights. In this article we will take a look at some examples of anxiety disorder and panic disorder and see how Ayurvedic lifestyle and herbs benefited these patients

If taking aspirin might do more harm than good, what methods does Ayurveda recommend for primary heart attack prevention? Ayurveda emphasizes a threefold approach of diet, lifestyle and herbs.

Ayurvedic Doctor Alakananda Ma discusses some of the benefits of Panchakarma.

The texts of Ayurveda discuss hemiplegia or stroke paralysis under vatavyadhi (nervous system disorders due to vata). Specific herbs and therapies are outlined to help in the recovery process. A skilled and experienced Ayurvedic doctor may be able to contribute significantly to the process of stroke recovery.

Humans have always experienced pain and sought to relieve it. Ayurveda offers a range of ways to tackle pain and inflammation. On a home remedy level, here are a few suggestions

In this article, we offer tips and suggestions for breast health from the standpoint of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system with a strong focus on wellness and prevention.

In the Ayurvedic approach to sinus infections, exposure to an infective agent such as pathogenic bacteria is just one factor in the development of the illness. Of far greater significance is the build up of excess doshas in the body, due to incorrect diet and lifestyle.

Nature therapy is an important part of Ayurvedic teachings, but one often under-emphasized because at the time the texts were written, human life was still interwoven with the natural environment. Lets take a few minutes to consider how nature therapy can play a part in our self-care.

The best approach to drinking wine remains the nuanced Ayurvedic view.

Today, let's take a look at some Ayurvedic perspectives on alcohol. How and why might we use alcohol in an Ayurvedic context?

The thyroid is an endocrine gland situated in the neck at the level of the cricoid cartilage at the base of the larynx and extending from the level of the fifth cervical vertebra down to the first thoracic.

Both AD and psoriasis are quite prevalent inflammatory skin conditions which are very responsive to the holistic approach of Ayurveda. By combining topical and systemic herbs, appropriate diet and lifestyle, pancha karma therapies and emotional awareness, these conditions can be effectively cured or brought into remission.

Silent bladder infections, also known as asymptomatic bacteruria, may result in generalized ill health or may lead to acute cystitis or to pyelonephritis, a potentially life-threatening kidney infection. Hence it is important to appreciate the groups affected by silent bladder infection, as well as how to make an Ayurvedic diagnosis of this condition and give appropriate chikitsa.

Alakananda Ma considers candidiasis as a condition of kapha ama, reviewing the epidemiology, diagnosis and Ayurvedic management of this common condition.

By addressing the underlying vata and pitta imbalances and offering shodhan therapies to remove ama from the mamsa dhatu, Ayurveda can offer significant relief to patients with FMS. In particular, FMS sufferers can derive ongoing relief from oleation therapies such as abhyanga and sarvangadhara.