Reflexology - Treat Yourself with Ayurvedic Foot Massage - Benefits for the Whole Body, Toe to Head

Ayurveda is an ancient medicine which believes in taking care of the healthy individual and also focuses on treating the patients suffering from various ailments. Ayurveda works on the basic principle i.e. Correcting the imbalance of the three vital energies of the body (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). We can correlate marma therapy with reflexology. Marma (Vital points) are those pressure points through which the energy of these three elements flows. This therapy is done by stimulating the pressure or vital points gently. In today's article, we will discuss how to treat many of our health issues with reflexology, foot massage and the benefits of both.

Let’s discuss! Reflexology i.e., Marma chikitsa. Acharya Sushruta explained the Definition of Marma as Maryanti iti Marmani i.e., Marma are those anatomical points in the body injury to which causes death of the individual. Stimulation to these three points helps in calming the mind and Sustaining Normal Physical or Mental Health. In Ayurveda, Acharya Sushrut mentioned 107 marma in our whole body. The main principle of marma therapy is improving or correcting the biochemistry of the body with the energy releasing at the time of applying pressure. Now, we will discuss marma or pressure points of the foot.

PRESSURE POINTS OF THE FOOT

There are only 5 marma present in the feet of an individual that are:-

1. Kshipra marma
2. Tala Hridaya marma
3. Kurcha marma
4. Kurchashira marma
5. Gulpha marma

Now, I am going to explain the benefits of these 5 marmas as explained thousands of years ago by our Acharyas in Our Ancient Literatures.

1. Kshipra Marma

This is a type of snayu marma (ligament marma), with a size of ardhangual (approx. half finger or 0.88 cm). It is situated in between the big and first toe. Kshipra marma controls the functioning of the cardiovascular system and lungs. It also sways the rasa vaha (Lymphatic system) and pranavaha srotas (Respiratory system) along with the lubrication of respiratory and cardiac systems.

2. Tala Hridaya

This is a type of mamsa marma (muscular marma), having the size of an ardhaangula (approx. 0.88cm or half finger). It is mainly located in the centre of the foot or in the middle of the foot sole. The primary function of this marma is to control respiration and blood circulation. It also enhances the immunity and controls the circulation in the right or left foot by maintaining the balance of vyana and apana vayu.This in turn, improves the heat reception on skin and feet as well.

3. Kurcha Marma

This is a type of snayu marma (Ligament or tendon marma), that has a size of a paanital (centre of the palm). Kurcha marma is located two fingers above or on both sides of the kshipra marma. This is coupled with the function of prana vayu and the digestive system. It also helps in improving the eyesight as it controls the alochaka pitta. This further helps in improving the sensory activity by improving the vital forces.

4. Kurchashira Marma

Kurchashira is a type of Snayu marma (ligament marma) with a size of ekangula (approx. 1.76 cm or 1 finger). It is located below the joint of the ankle. This is interconnected with mamsa vaha srotas (muscular system). Particularly, it sustains the body posture and improves the coordination between the muscles of both the legs. It also nurtures visual activity, stimulates the reproductive system, and improves the digestive fire as well.

5. Gulpha Marma

This is a type of sandhi marma (Bony joint marma), the size is equal to dwiangula (approx. 2 fingers or 3.52cm). It is situated at the junction of the ankle joint. It mainly regulates the medavaha (fat tissue and bone marrow), asthi vaha srotas (bones and joints) and shukra vaha srotas (reproductive system). It assists in managing the pain, injury, muscular sprain, and different movements of the body by improving coordination. This marma also regulates the vyana vayu and Shleshak kapha (lubrication of joints).

HOW TO DO MARMA THERAPY?

It's A Big Question!

Yes, it's very important to know the procedure of reflexology or marma therapy. The next question is Do I need an assistant?

No, you can do marma therapy on your own. The procedure is well explained below.

For the stimulation of marma just apply gentle pressure on the said points using the tips of the fingers. Massage them in circular motion for at least 5 minutes. You can also apply oil for massaging the pressure points.

Foot Massage (Pada Abhyanga)

After learning about the marma (vital points) of the feet and the procedure as per ancient Ayurvedic Literature, Lets discuss the foot massage which is known as Pada Abhyanga in Ayurveda.

Foot massage is a therapy that needs to be part of our daily lifestyle as it possesses lots of health benefits. In this, Massage is done gently over the feet with Medicated Oils. These medicated oils have their unique properties which aid in relaxing the body and soothing the mind.

Massage should be done for at least 5 to 10 minutes with the medicated herbal oils as per the indication of the disease.

Shloka Reference- Charaka Sutrasthana (5/90-92)

As per the above Shloka, Acharya Charaka mentioned the benefits of padabhaya (foot massage) in Charaka, Sutrasthana that it aids in removing the dryness, stiffness, roughness, tiredness, and numbness in the feets. It also provides luster to the skin, strength to the body and stability to the feet. This mainly pacifies Vata Dosha and also assists in improving the vision. This also prevents the occurrence of Vata Disorders such as Gridrasi (sciatica), cracking of ankles, etc.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY AND FOOT MASSAGE

Now, after knowing about the procedure and description about the therapies, let us know the various Health Benefits of Reflexology and Foot massage

1. Encourages Good Sleep 
2. Improves the Cardiovascular circulation and strengthens the heart.
3. Soothes the CNS
4. Aids in relieving pain and body aches
5. Eliminates edema from the body
6. Lowers Blood pressure
7. Ease Menstrual symptoms
8. Makes you healthy and fit

Conclusion

Thus, coming to an end we can say that Ayurveda is an ancient medicine which has a solution to every ailment as this foot massage or Reflexology is also already mentioned in our Ancient Texts by the name of Marma Chikitsa or Padabhyanga. I hope this information will help you in sustaining your normal health naturally just by sparing 10-15 minutes daily out of your Busy schedules. The above provided information is true and presented to you in an effective or innovative way.

Herbal Remedies For Astheno Teratozoospermia Treatment in Ayurveda

Astheno-teratozoospermia is the condition in males characterized by low sperm motility along with abnormal sperm morphology. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in males. This is something about which, no general or open discussions can be done by anyone, but neglecting it can make you depressed or even make you away from your loved ones as well as the society in the long run. So, it's better to find the reason behind your infertility, and if it is anything including Astheno teratozoospermia, then the need is to get the proper medications timely. However, the advancement of modern medicine has solutions for almost everything but most of them are temporary with many adverse effects. So, here, the system of medicine that can help you more effectively is Ayurveda, the potential herbs and herbal formulations will not only help you manage the condition but also provide many other health benefits for life. So, let us first know about the Problem, its causes and then its Natural Solution with Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION

As briefly mentioned above, Astheno teratozoospermia is an abnormality related to the sperm's shape and motility. In this condition, the shape and size of the sperms becomes abnormal along with low motility which makes them difficult to survive and contribute to fertilization. The sperms in this condition are unable to move properly and have distorted morphology like curled back head, round shaped head, symplast or elongated spermatids. All these factors make sperm movement very slow or nil due to which they cannot travel, directly affecting the fertility in males. For the sperms to be active and healthy, they should be in correct shape and size with normal count and motility, only then they can be a part of fertilization.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

There is one and only marked sign and symptom of Astheno teratozoospermia, i.e., Infertility. Abnormally shaped and low motile sperms in a male decreases the chances of achieving pregnancy in the partner as the disability of the sperms to move prevents sperm to adhere on ovum and fertilize.

In this condition, the sperms when looked under a microscope appear to be larger, smaller or tapered head and tail is small or pyriform. All of these features are abnormal.

CAUSES

The exact cause behind the Astheno teratozoospermia is not known. However there are many internal and external factors which are considered to play a role in its occurrence. Some of them are:

• Varicocele
• Diabetes mellitus
• Problems in testes
• Infection in seminal fluid
• Injuries to the genitals
• Inadequate or malnutrition
• Smoking
• Excessive indulgence in alcoholism or other drug abuse like marijuana or cocaine
• Prolonged exposure to chemicals like pesticides
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment for cancer
• Fever on and off
• Age exceeding 45 years in male increases the chances of having abnormal sperms
• Prolonged heat exposure in hot tubs, automobiles or saunas
• Infections like prostatitis
• Testicular tumors
• Developmental or structural defect of sperm or testis sometimes due to genetic causes
• Hormonal issues like androgen resistance syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, etc.
• Sexual dysfunction

DIAGNOSIS

Astheno teratozoospermia can be diagnosed by semen analysis or spermiogram. This is the specific test for confirming its diagnosis, if your doctor is suspecting it. This test should be performed after 3-5 days or sexual abstinence (no sexual intercourse). According to WHO (World health organization), there is a certain criteria for healthy sperm morphology:

• A normal sample must include at least 4% of sperms having normal morphology
• Sample having less than 4% of sperms with normal morphology suggests severe teratozoospermia

Along with this, the microscopic study of sperms suggests the low motility of sperms, with an indication of Astheno teratozoospermia.

TREATMENT

Conventionally to treat Astheno Teratozoospermia the antiestrogens are given which have shown adverse effects in many cases. Along with it, injections of Intracytoplasmic sperm are also given which means injecting sperm into the egg directly. As after fertilization the abnormal morphology does not affect the further process of conception and growth of zygote.

However, these treatments cannot be successful enough in many of the cases and also are too expensive for everyone to afford it. In such cases, Ayurveda is known to work very well. It has been used to treat various cases of infertility in males and females, being it of any cause since ancient times. The natural herbs and herbal combinations that are potential to treat and manage the cases of infertility and help in conception are perfectly and purely being served by Planet Ayurveda. Let us know about them.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ASTHENO TERATOZOOSPERMIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is one of the best known brands for authentic, organic, vegetarian and purely herbal products and medicines. Authenticity and quality of products of this herbal pharmaceutical can be promised as all the products manufactured here passes through many quality checkS and standardization processes. No use of chemicals, and other preservatives makes them more effective and safe than other similar products available in the market. For Astheno Teratozoospermia, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of below herbal remedies which help in treating and managing such cases naturally.

PRODUCTS LIST

1. Male Support Formula
2. Atirasadi Churna
3. Musli Strength
4. Pitta Balance

Herbal Remedies For Astheno Teratozoospermia

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Male Support Formula

These are the multi herbal capsules prepared from medicinal herbs like Shilajit (Asphaltum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Male Support Capsules support the male reproductive health as a whole including the healthy motility, numbers and morphology of sperms.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Atirasadi Churna

This is the Ayurvedic herbal blend of various herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Semal musli (Salmalia malabarica), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Varahi kand (Dioscorea tuberosa), Safed behmen (Centaurea behmen), Kesar (Crocus sativus), etc. Atirasadi Churna boosts libido in males, balances the hormones, and maintains healthy sperm quantity and quality.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Musli Strength

Two therapeutic herbs, i.e. Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) are used in these capsules. Musli strength capsules maintain male reproductive health, help in treatment of any kind of abnormality in the morphology or quantity of sperms and seminal fluid. It also helps in healthy fertilization of egg and conception.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Pitta Balance

As the vitiated Pitta dosha is responsible for the distorted shape and size of the sperms. Hence, Pitta balance, the formulation available in capsule form, helps in bringing back the balance of Pitta dosha and eradicating the cause of the disease. These capsules are prepared using certain Ayurvedic compounds, i.e. Kamdudha ras, Giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia), Praval pishti (Coral calcium), Akik pishti (Agate calcium), Mukta pishti (Pearl calcium), etc.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

CONCLUSION

We have tried our best to explain the possible reasons behind this disease named as Astheno Teratozoospermia, and also the signs, symptoms and its Natural treatment with the Best available Herbal Supplements. So, anyone facing this issue can easily start with the above medication by consulting once with Our Ayurveda Experts, as the dosage varies for persons as per their associated health conditions. So, don’t delay, have the best treatment on your finger tips with Planet Ayurveda.