Herbal plant of Sri lanla
Tinospora cordifolia – The Divine Herb of Ayurveda
Supports natural im Helps detoxify the body Promotes energy & overall wellness
Intermittent fasting (IF) isn't a diet—it’s an eating schedule. You alternate between periods of eating and fasting, such as:
16/8 (fast 16 hours, eat within 8),
5:2 diet (two very low-calorie days per week),
Alternate-day fasting
Calorie Deficit Made Simpler
By limiting your eating window, you're naturally likely to eat fewer calories—without tracking every bite.
Hormonal Shift for Fat Burning
Lower insulin levels make fat stores more accessible.
Increased norepinephrine boosts metabolism.
Higher human growth hormone (HGH) supports fat loss and preserves muscle.
Metabolic and Cellular Benefits
Intermittent fasting stimulates autophagy, the body’s cellular “cleanup,” and helps improve insulin sensitivity. Both are vital for sustained fat loss and health.Real-World Efficacy over Time
A 12-month trial showed participants using a 4:3 intermittent fasting method (three low-calorie days per week) lost ~7.6% body weight, compared to ~5% in the calorie-restriction group—with lower dropout rates.
** Additional Benefits:**
Better blood sugar control, blood pressure, and lipid levels.
Improved heart and cognitive health.
** Potential Downsides:**
Headaches, low energy, mood swings, digestive issues, and disrupted cycles—especially in women
Emerging evidence linking strict time-restricted IF with increased cardiovascular risk.
Short-term trials suggest some forms of IF might not outperform traditional calorie restriction in fat loss.
“Fat is lost mostly as exhaled CO₂… I lost 13 kg in 6 months at a sustainable pace.”
“I lost 55 lb with IF—no more knee pain—couldn't do that with calorie restriction.”
“Intermittent fasting helps control calories without counting them—easier habit maintenance.”
Choose a sustainable method: 16/8, 5:2, or 4:3 fasting—find what fits your lifestyle and energy needs.
Eat well during your window: Load up on protein, whole foods, healthy fats, and fiber.
Stay hydrated, particularly during fasts.
Monitor your body: IF may not be suitable for pregnant/nursing individuals, teens, athletes, or those with medical conditions.
Seek medical guidance: Especially if you’re managing diabetes, have cardiovascular concerns, or other health conditions.
| Factor | Benefit | Caveat / Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Calorie control | Easier to manage intake | Overeating during windows can negate benefits |
| Hormonal function | Promotes fat burn, preserves muscle | HGH increase may delay metabolism in some scenarios |
| Metabolic health | Improves insulin, cholesterol | Some IF patterns may raise cardiovascular risk |
| Sustainability | Flexible, less tracking | Some individuals struggle with hunger or stress |
| Evidence base | Supported by human trials and trials | Long-term effects remain under review |
Introduction
Spinal issues—from disc herniation and spinal compression to spinal cord injuries (SCI)—affect mobility, sensation, and overall quality of life. While Western medicine addresses such problems with surgery, pharmaceuticals, and rehabilitation, Ayurveda offers a holistic, natural roadmap focusing on body balance and long-term healing.
Ayurveda & SCI: Rehabilitation Potential
A systematic review from J Ayurveda Integr Med (2023) found that combining Ayurveda, Yoga, and acupuncture significantly improved motor function, range of motion, quality of life, and lowered pain and stress in SCI patients
Case Study: Post-Tuberculosis Vertebral Fracture
A case report from Sri Lanka detailed a patient with healed vertebral fractures and spine degeneration after long-term failure of standard treatments—who showed notable recovery following Ayurveda, particularly when using herbal therapies with immobilization and physiotherapy
Spinal Cord Injury & Panchakarma Recovery
A striking case involved a patient with paraplegia after a burst fracture. Following Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments, including Udwartana, Virechana, and Yapana Basti, the patient regained mobility and independence in daily activities, with SCIM scores improving from 51/100 to 88/100
Neurological Improvement via Herbal and Panchakarma Combo
A 2025 case study reported neurological recovery in a patient with a cervical-level SCI after 2 months of Ayurvedic treatment combining oral herbs and procedures like Shaliṣaṣṭika Piṇḍasveda and Basti therapies
Herbal Formulations: Ashwagandha, Guggul, Shatavari, Bala, Tinospora cordifolia—used for their anti-inflammatory and nerve-supporting properties
Panchakarma Therapies: Detox procedures like Basti (medicated enema), Virechana (purgation), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting); and local therapies like Abhyanga (oil massage), Kati Basti, Shirodhara, and Swedana for pain relief and tissue rejuvenation
Yoga, Meditation & Lifestyle: Gentle yoga improves spinal flexibility and strength; meditation and diet/lifestyle modifications support healing and stress reduction
Targeted Relief: Surgery (e.g., decompression, fusion), pain medications, antibiotics (for infections), and structured physiotherapy help restore structure and function.
Evidence-Based: Research-backed protocols and clear mechanisms.
Challenges: Limited in addressing holistic recovery, long-term wellness, and secondary effects like inflammation, stress, or depression.
| Aspect | Ayurvedic Approach | Western Medicine Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Holistic healing, dosha balancing, deep rehabilitation | Structural correction, symptom control, immediate relief |
| Treatment Methods | Herbs, Panchakarma, yoga, diet, detox, lifestyle optimization | Surgery, drugs, imaging, physiotherapy, assistive devices |
| Evidence Base | Promising case reports and integrative studies | Extensive clinical and trial-based evidence |
| Side Effects | Usually mild; caution about heavy-metal contamination | Known drug/surgery risks; closely monitored |
| Best For | Chronic degeneration, inflammation, rehabilitation, overall well-being | Acute injuries or structural interventions |
Integrative Care: Combine Ayurveda with Western treatments—Ayurveda can support healing and longevity, while Western medicine addresses immediate structural needs.
Qualified Supervision: Work with licensed Ayurvedic practitioners and medical doctors to coordinate safe, personalized plans.
Quality Assurance: Use verified herbal products and trusted clinics to avoid contamination risks
Holistic Focus: Adopt supportive lifestyle habits—regular diet, stress management, gentle movement, and mental well-being.