Changes

== Bath (snana) ==

== Bath (snana) ==

Daily bath is advised for preservation of overall health. It not only removes toxins from skin, but also relaxes and rejuvenates mind. It is the foremost measure to reduce fatigue. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40]

Daily bath is advised for preservation of overall health. It not only removes toxins from skin, but also relaxes and rejuvenates mind. It is the foremost measure to reduce fatigue. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40]

The temperature of water for bath shall be suitable according to the climatic conditions in respective seasons. Generally, hot water bath is recommended for promoting the strength of lower body parts. Cold water is suitable for head bath. Using hot water shower over head may adversely affect eyes and other  sense organs. Extremely cold water for bathing during winter season can cause aggravation of [[vata]] and [[kapha]].Similarly use of very hot water during summer season causes aggravation of [[pitta]] and [[rakta]]." [Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/61]  

 

Some studies have shown that people who had a habit of bathing in hot water have good subjective health status, sufficient sleep and rest, low levels of stress, and high subjective happiness. It imparts the psychological benefits of bathing too.  Among the two types of bath, routine immersion bathing appeared more beneficial to mental and physical health than routine shower bathing  without immersion. A randomized controlled trial compared the effects of immersion bathing and shower bathing. Visual analogue scale scores were significantly better for fatigue, stress, pain, and smile, self-reported heath and skin condition in case of  immersion bathing. The study reported that immersion bathing, but not shower bathing, exerted hyper thermic action that induced increase in blood flow and metabolic waste elimination, which may afford physical refreshment.   

The temperature of water for bath shall be suitable according to the climatic conditions in respective seasons. Generally, hot water bath is recommended for promoting the strength of lower body parts. Cold water is suitable for head bath. Using hot water shower over head may adversely affect eyes and other  sense organs. Extremely cold water for bathing during winter season can cause aggravation of [[vata]] and [[kapha]].Similarly use of very hot water during summer season causes aggravation of [[pitta]] and [[rakta]]." [Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/61]  

 

Some studies have shown that people who had a habit of bathing in hot water have good subjective health status, sufficient sleep and rest, low levels of stress, and high subjective happiness. It imparts the psychological benefits of bathing too.   

 

Among the two types of bath, routine immersion bathing appeared more beneficial to mental and physical health than routine shower bathing  without immersion. A randomized controlled trial compared the effects of immersion bathing and shower bathing. Visual analogue scale scores were significantly better for fatigue, stress, pain, and smile, self-reported heath and skin condition in case of  immersion bathing. The study reported that immersion bathing, but not shower bathing, exerted hyper thermic action that induced increase in blood flow and metabolic waste elimination, which may afford physical refreshment.   

 

Japanese researcher evaluated the effects of hot water and bathroom temperatures on human thermoregulatory function and thermal perception during half-body bathing in the winter season. It was concluded that high bathroom temperature is better than half-body bathing at a low water temperature.  

Japanese researcher evaluated the effects of hot water and bathroom temperatures on human thermoregulatory function and thermal perception during half-body bathing in the winter season. It was concluded that high bathroom temperature is better than half-body bathing at a low water temperature.  

Now a days, a variety of commercial products like bathing soaps and shampoos are available. Normal healthy skin has a pH range of 5.4-5.9 and a normal bacterial flora. A study was carried out to evaluate the pH of different brands of bathing soaps and shampoos available in the market. It showed that majority of the soaps have a pH range of 9-10. Use of soap with high pH can cause an increase in dehydrative effect, irritability and alteration in bacterial flora. A soap with low pH might be useful to preserve skin health.  

 

Therefore, in daily regimen, it is recommended to consider pH of bath soap, bathroom tempearature and water temperature as per the body constitution to have maximum health benefits of bath.  

Now a days, a variety of commercial products like bathing soaps and shampoos are available. Normal healthy skin has a pH range of 5.4-5.9 and a normal bacterial flora. A study was carried out to evaluate the pH of different brands of bathing soaps and shampoos available in the market. It showed that majority of the soaps have a pH range of 9-10. Use of soap with high pH can cause an increase in dehydrative effect, irritability and alteration in bacterial flora. A soap with low pH might be useful to preserve skin health.  

 

Therefore, in daily regimen, it is recommended to consider pH of bath soap, bathroom temperature and water temperature as per the body constitution to have maximum health benefits of bath.  

 

===Hair care===

===Hair care===

Daily application of oil on head (shiro abhyanga) promotes the growth of healthy and long hairs. It prevents the disorders of scalp and hairs.[Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/25] Various kinds of hair oils are available for promoting hair growth and also for specific conditions like dandruff, hair fall etc. Research studies are carried out to evaluate the effect of different oils like mineral oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil. These  oils are used as the bases in majority of the commercial hair oils. The observation in research shows that coconut oil reduced the protein loss remarkably when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product, in comparison with other oils.  

Daily application of oil on head (shiro abhyanga) promotes the growth of healthy and long hairs. It prevents the disorders of scalp and hairs.[Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/25] Various kinds of hair oils are available for promoting hair growth and also for specific conditions like dandruff, hair fall etc. Research studies are carried out to evaluate the effect of different oils like mineral oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil. These  oils are used as the bases in majority of the commercial hair oils. The observation in research shows that coconut oil reduced the protein loss remarkably when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product, in comparison with other oils.  

Daily combing of hair (kesha prasadana) and covering of hair with some kind of cloth (ushneesha) is advised to keep the hair healthy and clean. [Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/29, 75]

Daily combing of hair (kesha prasadana) and covering of hair with some kind of cloth (ushneesha) is advised to keep the hair healthy and clean. [Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/29, 75]

   

   

The sequence of massage, exercise and bath is adjusted suitably as per the need of the individual.

The sequence of massage, exercise and bath is adjusted suitably as per the need of the individual.

 

== Importance of diet==

== Importance of diet==

The food shall be taken only when the person is hungry and after complete digestion of previous meals. It should be taken at a frequency of twice a day. Frequent eating is not recommended. [Su. Sa. Uttara Tantra 34/ 75] Specific dietetic rules and eating habits (ahara vidhi) are described for preservation of health. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 1/21-25]

The food shall be taken only when the person is hungry and after complete digestion of previous meals. It should be taken at a frequency of twice a day. Frequent eating is not recommended. [Su. Sa. Uttara Tantra 34/ 75] Specific dietetic rules and eating habits (ahara vidhi) are described for preservation of health. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 1/21-25]