Ayurveda. Don't Coddle your Kapha.

Kapha dosha likes its creature comforts.

In Ayurveda, the doshas are protective barriers against disease.  We are a combination of all three doshas:  vata, pitta, and kapha.  If our doshas are aligned with our prakruti (our doshas at birth; our constitution at birth), this is considered perfect health.  If they are misaligned, imbalance results and unless we tip the scales toward balance, disease may manifest.  Ayurveda teaches awareness.  Being aware of the natural order of things will enable us to recognize when things are out of balance.

The kapha dosha is most closely aligned in nature with the water and earth elements.  It is responsible for lubricating the body and giving it  structure and support.  Certain qualities constitute the kapha dosha:  heavy, slow, cool, oily, slimy, dense, soft, liquid and static or dull.  It is most closely associated with the sweet and salty tastes.  If the qualities inherent in kapha are aggravated, then a kapha imbalance may occur.  Some causes may be:  heavy foods, overeating, cold drinks, excessive sleep, lack of exercise, winter and spring seasons, and dairy products.  Emotions such as greed and possessiveness also contribute.

Ayurveda teaches us to first identify and treat the cause.  Treating the cause with its opposite is generally the most effective method of treatment.  For instance, if you eat too much candy, cookies, and ice cream and lead a sedentary life, you may feel sluggish and eventually become overweight.  By opting for lighter whole foods, you will counteract kapha’s heavy quality.  Your energy level will increase and your weight will no longer be a concern.  Ayurveda teaches us to respect our own body’s intelligence.  All we need do is listen.

Ayurveda Lecture, Ayurvedic Studies Program Level 1, Student Manual 2010-2011, The Ayurvedic Press, 2010.

Ayurveda. Don't Push your Pitta.

Pitta dosha is aligned with the fire element.

In Ayurveda, the doshas are protective barriers against disease.  We are a combination of all three doshas:  vata, pitta, and kapha.  If our doshas are aligned with our prakruti (our doshas at birth; our constitution at birth), this is considered perfect health.  If they are misaligned, imbalance results and unless we tip the scales toward balance, disease may manifest.  Ayurveda teaches awareness.  Being aware of the natural order of things enables us to recognize when things are out of balance.

The pitta dosha is most closely aligned in nature with the fire element.  Its primary function in our body is transformation.  Certain qualities constitute the pitta dosha:  oily, sharp, hot, light, spreading, and liquid.  It is most closely associated with the bitter and pungent tastes.  If the qualities inherent in pitta are aggravated, then a pitta imbalance can occur.  Some causes of a pitta imbalance may be:  hot, spicy food; the hot sun; sour citrus fruits; prolonged fasting; aggressiveness; competitiveness; and the summer season.  Emotions such as anger, hate and jealousy also contribute. 

Ayurveda teaches us to first identify and treat the cause.  Treating the cause with its opposite is generally the most effective method of treatment.  For instance, if you eat too much hot, spicy food, you may develop acid-indigestion.  By minimizing the quantity of the hot, spicy foods you consume and opting for more cooling foods and spices such as cilantro and coconut, you will counteract pitta’s hot and sharp qualities.  Your bouts of acid-indigestion should decline or be eliminated entirely.  Ayurveda teaches us to respect our own body’s intelligence.  All we need do is listen.

Ayurveda Lecture, Ayurvedic Studies Program Level 1, Student Manual 2010-2011, The Ayurvedic Press, 2010.

Ayurveda: Don't Vex your Vata.

The vata dosha is aggravated by the wind.

In Ayurveda, the doshas are protective barriers against disease.  We are a combination of the three doshas:  vata, pitta, and kapha.  If our current doshic profile or vikruti is the same as our doshic profile at birth or prakruti, this state is known as health.  If our vikruti is different from our prakruti, however, this is evidence of some imbalance in our body, mind or spirit.  If the cause of the imbalance is prolonged or intense, the imbalanced dosha can affect our bodily tissues and according to Ayurveda, this is the beginning of the disease process.  Being aware of the natural order of things within our body will enable us to recognize when things are out of balance.

The vata dosha is most closely aligned in nature with the air element.  Its primary function in our body is movement.  Certain qualities constitute the vata dosha:  dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile, and clear.  If these qualities are aggravated, then an imbalance in the vata dosha occurs.  Some examples of the causes of a vata imbalance include:  bitter, pungent, and astringent foods; dry, uncooked food; insufficient food intake; rapid eating; over-stimulation; suppression of natural urges; late nights; prolonged loud talk; too many activities; overexertion; prolonged grief, fear, worry, or loneliness; excessive sexual activity; the autumn season; dawn and dusk; 5-6 hours after a meal; and excessive exposure to cold or wind.

Ayurveda teaches us to first identify and treat the cause.  Treating the cause with its opposite is generally the most effective method of treatment.  For instance, if you stay up late for too many nights, you may become anxious and worried and develop insomnia, all of which contribute to an imbalance in your vata dosha.  Treating the cause with its opposite, namely, a reasonable bedtime (10:00 pm) and a regular nighttime routine will restore balance.  The turmoil associated with insomnia, excessive worry and anxiety will begin to dissipate.  Ayurveda considers our body to be the greatest source of intelligence.  We just need to listen.

Source:  Ayurveda Lecture, Ayurvedic Studies Program Level 1, Student Manual 2010-2011, The Ayurvedic Press, 2010.

A Cancer Fighting Duo: Turmeric and Cauliflower.

Turmeric (also known as curcumin) is known as a wonder spice with many health benefits.  A Rutgers University research team found that the curry spice turmeric holds potential for both prevention and treatment of prostrate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States.  When combining a phytochemical (phenethyl isothiocyanate) common in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale and turnips with turmeric in lab studies, the combination was not only effective in reducing tumor growth but also the spreading of cancer cells.  The study appeared in the January 15, 2006, issue of the Journal of Cancer Research.  The research team noted a high level of prostrate cancer in the U.S. as compared to India, which it attributed a larger consumption of plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals such as cauliflower and broccoli along with turmeric.  In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric holds a high place as a “cleanser of the body.” 

For an article written by a man who was diagnosed with prostrate cancer and immediately made health changes to his diet that helped him transform his life, see CNBC's Men's Health Section.  Check out the following link for a simple recipe of sauteed cauliflower with turmeric.

Barley: More than John Barleycorn.

Barley is a winner when it comes to nutrition.  It is a good source of B vitamins (niacin and thiamine), selenium (a powerful antioxidant), iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and copper.  While most whole grains are good sources of soluble fiber, a key to reducing blood cholesterol levels, barley is a powerhouse as soluble fiber is found throughout its entire kernel.  Barley promotes intestinal health, increases disease immunity, and promotes weight loss by reducing insulin resistance.  Hulled barley is eaten after removing the outer hull; once removed it is called dehulled barley or pot or scotch barley.  Dehulled barley is considered a whole grain.  Pearl or pearled barley is dehulled barley that has been steam processed to remove the bran.  While pearl barley is not a whole grain (it has been processed), it is still a significant source of soluble fiber (a cholesterol buster) as well as trace minerals and micronutrients.  Barley is not a gluten-free food.  While its gluten content is less than wheat, it is still unsafe for gluten intolerant individuals to consume.  Incorporating whole grains in your daily diet is an important step toward perfect health.  Barley is terrific in soups, stews, and salads.  Even barley water has been touted for its medicinal benefits.  

Cholesterol Busters.

Garlic has been touted for its many health benefits and some studies purport that it even lowers your blood cholesterol.  Garlic lowers LDL (the bad cholesterol), increases HDL (the good cholesterol) and helps reduce triglyceride levels.  The phytochemicals present in garlic have the same effect on the body as statin drugs.  Garlic is said to be a form of natural statin, without the side effects.  Ayurveda, an ancient system of healing from India suggests boiling a clove of garlic in a cup of hot milk and consuming it daily.  In addition to daily exercise and a diet of fiber rich foods, Ayurveda recommends that you drink lots of water.  For a western holistic approach, radical lifestyle changes may be required.  The Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in olive oil and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish has been touted as a heart-healthy diet.  Whole grain cereals such as oats and soluble fibers such as beans can significantly reduce cholesterol levels.  Eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week can lower LDL levels (the bad cholesterol) as well as blood pressure.  And don’t forget to shop for walnuts; they are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Ayurveda: Fire up your Digestion.

In Ayurveda, good digestion is considered the key to good health.  The digestive fire is called “agni” a Sanskrit word meaning, “fire.”  Ayurveda believes that strong agni will protect you from disease.  If your agni is weak, ama will be produced.  Ama is a sticky substance that clogs the body’s channels and blocks the entry of nutrients into the tissues and the release of toxins.  Built-up ama can result in disease. 

While the quality of the food you eat is important, the best foods in the world won’t do much good if you are unable to digest them properly.  First, eat when you are hungry and stop eating when you are full.  Second, choose your diet according to your constitution (see blog entry on the doshas, Oct. 22, 2010).  For instance, if you are a Vata type you may require heavier foods to feel more grounded.  Your diet will also depend on the strength of your digestion.  Stimulating your digestion is important.  Ayurveda does this through the use of spices in cooking.  Other ways to ensure that your digestive fire is strong include:

(1)  Eat sitting and relax and enjoy your food.

(2)  Eat cooked food, as it is easier to digest than raw.

(3)  Avoid ice-cold foods and drinks as they weaken the digestion.

(4)  Be mindful of the quality and types of foods you eat and how they affect your body and mind.

(5)  Eat with the season. 

Ayurveda. Nasya Oil: It's Super!

Bottle "Nose" Dolphin

Nasya, the administration of medicine through the nose, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. The nose is a direct route to the brain and thus the doorway to consciousness. Prana (life force) rides on the breath so having clear, lubricated nasal passages enhances our assimilation of prana. A daily application of oil (medicated or otherwise) to the nasal passages is part of the Ayurvedic daily routine. This may sound weird to the Western mind but once you understand the benefits and try it out yourself, you'll enjoy it!

Nasya helps relieve symptoms of allergies and colds, post-nasal drip, headaches, muscle tension in the jaw and neck, snoring, inflammation and nasal dryness that comes with cold weather and indoor heat. It enhances mental alertness, prevents upper-respiratory illness and protects against absorption of environmental toxins found in city air.

There are two ways of administering nasya oil:  either tilt your head back, put 2 to 4 drops in each nostril and huff it or apply the oil to the tip of your pinky finger and massage the oil inside your nose.  Whichever method you choose, you’ll do it twice a day, once upon waking and once before bed. 

Ayurveda: The Healing Power of Ghee.

In Ayurvedic cooking, ghee is used in place of olive, canola and other oils (with the exception of safflower oil).  Ghee is clarified butter and is prepared by cooking unsalted butter (preferably organic) at low temperature until the milk solids separate and water evaporates.  You will know that it is ready when you no longer hear a crackling sound (meaning that the water has evaporated). After straining it through a cheesecloth or fine sieve (the milk curds should remain in the pot), you can easily store your liquid gold on the counter in a glass jar.

In Ayurveda, cooking with ghee is considered to be good for your whole body.  Ghee assists your body in absorbing essential nutrients.  It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and it provides powerful disease-fighting antioxidants. It naturally lubricates connective tissues, improving flexibility.  It heals the digestive tract keeping it well-lubricated, thereby alleviating constipation while reducing flatulence and bloating (all symptoms of aggravated vata dosha).  Ghee is said to be helpful for learning as it improves memory retention.  On a more subtle level, its sweet taste promotes satisfaction leading to a feeling of contentment after a meal.  The more beautiful you will also praise ghee for its ability to improve the health of your eyes, skin and hair. 

What about cholesterol? While ghee is a saturated fat, the milk fats are separated during cooking.  It is a lactose free food and should be easily tolerated by individuals with lactose intolerance.  Ayurveda believes that in order to remain healthy, you need both saturated and unsaturated fats in your diet.  While ghee can elevate cholesterol, it elevates the good (HDL) and not the bad cholesterol (LDL).  If you struggle with your weight or have high cholesterol, you should consult with a physician before incorporating ghee into your diet. 

Ayurveda believes that food is medicine and medicine is food.  Do not discount the healing properties of ghee, Ayurveda’s liquid gold.

Ayurveda: Drink from a Copper Cup.

Purify and balance your body every morning by drinking water from a copper cup.  Fill your cup in the evening, let it sit overnight and drink from it the next morning.  The overnight soak allows the water to absorb pure copper, which is an important mineral for your body.  Drinking water after you wake up washes the GI tract, flushes the kidneys, and stimulates peristalsis (bowel movement).  Drinking water with traces of copper can change any tendency to attract respiratory problems including asthma.  It also purifies the blood and promotes a healthy complexion.  Compare this to starting your day with a cup of Joe which drains your kidneys, places stress on your adrenals, can cause constipation and is addictive.  Copper does require regular cleaning.  Clean your copper cup the holistic way with a mixture of flour, salt, and vinegar; lemon or lime juice; or tamarind.  Make simple changes to your morning routine and reap the rewards of perfect health.

Ayurveda: Scrape Your Tongue Daily to Remove Impurities.

Waking up with a white film on your tongue?  The ancient science of Ayurveda sees a build-up of toxins in your body and advocates cleaning your tongue daily before breakfast.  And a toothbrush won’t do.  All a toothbrush does is stir up bacteria; it doesn’t remove it.  And unless you are changing your toothbrush frequently, its wet surface harbors a myriad of bacteria.  In Ayurveda, you scrape your tongue from back to front with a U-shaped tongue scraper (Google Ayurveda and tongue scraper and your choices will be endless) 7-14 times.  Not only does tongue scraping stimulate digestion, your taste buds are ready to go.  If you can’t taste your food, you will tend to overeat as you continually feel unsatisfied.  Cleaning the tongue is also important in Chinese medicine where the tongue’s surface is considered a reflexogenic zone.  As in reflexology, your organs and entire body can be located in specific regions on the tongue.  By cleaning the tongue, you are messaging your internal organs and enhancing the detoxification process.  Tongue bacteria also contribute to periodontal problems including tooth decay, gum recession and eventually tooth loss.  So, freshen your mouth and improve your health by cleaning your tongue today. 

Understanding the Doshas in Ayurveda: No Checklist Required.

In Ayurveda, understanding the doshas is the first step in restoring your equilibrium and ultimately good health.  Ayurveda believes that the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) exist in all living things.  Each dosha consists of a different combination of these elements.  The Vata dosha is composed of ether/air; Pitta is fire/water; and Kapha is earth/water.  It is the dominance of any one, two, or three of these doshas that makes up your Prakruti, your individual constitution established at birth and maintained throughout your life. While the three doshas are always present, one is usually dominant.  Sometimes two are equally present; rarely do all three coexist in equal proportions.  Your doshas are cited numerically in relation to each other.  For example, Vata-3, Pitta-3, and Kapha-1 means that you are equally Vata and Pitta and to a lesser extent Kapha. 

If your doshas are not the same as your Prakruti, there is imbalance.  Ayurveda believes that an imbalance in the doshas is a precursor to disease.  Hence, the doshas act as a protective barrier or a warning signal. Any imbalance is called Vikruti.  You must be aware of the imbalance in order to take steps to restore equilibrium.  Adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle may be the first step in transforming your health and life. 

Hey, My Sweat Doesn't Smell: Deodorant Toxicity.

There has been much controversy over the health risks associated with aluminum in deodorant and antiperspirant products.  A 1998 study linked aluminum containing antiperspirants with Alzheimer’s disease.  Other evidence linked breast cancer with aluminum containing antiperspirants.  Aluminum is usually not present in a non-antiperspirant deodorant.  It is established that aluminum is considered a neurotoxin in high doses.  The Alzheimer’s Association views the evidence as circumstantial and does not recognize a causal relationship between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease.  Aluminum in underarm deodorants and antiperspirants has also been linked to breast cancer, but both the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute find the evidence to inconclusive.  Of course, the absence of evidence is not evidence of the absence of a harmful effect.  Instead of doing research, many individuals have opted to avoid antiperspirants entirely and have sought aluminum-free deodorants.  Until the debate is settled, there is no harm in avoiding aluminum. 

Essential Oils: The Power of Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy teaches us that essential oils have therapeutic properties.  Essential oils are extracted from plants.  Depending on the oil, different parts of the plant are used.   Essential oils are most commonly inhaled or applied topically to the skin diluted in a carrier or base oil.  When inhaled, they enter the circulatory system via the lungs and the limbic system via the nose.  Due to their molecular weight (essential oils are very volatile and evaporate easily), they can penetrate the skin and enter the circulatory system.  Essential oils are very powerful and if not used properly, can have a toxic effect.  Each essential oil has certain properties that can be used for a variety of conditions.  For example, the essential oil of peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat various skin conditions including acne.  Most essential oils require dilution in carrier or base oil before applying to the skin.  The most commonly used carrier oil is sweet almond oil, a light oil that is used for its nourishing properties; it is ideal for dehydrated, chapped skin.  Apricot kernel oil is also very light and is easily absorbed into the skin.  It is excellent for treating inflammation, mature, dry, and sensitive skins.  More than one essential oil can be blended with a carrier oil.  This blending of essential oils is both a science and an art, a science because knowledge of the chemical composition is required before combining oils and an art because the effect of the blend must not only be therapeutic but pleasant.   Aromatherapy is not for the unitiated or the untrained.  To locate a qualified aromatherapist, check out the following website: www.aromatherapycouncil.org

Right Living with Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning “the science of life.”  It is also referred to as “the mother of all healing,” “knowledge of life,” or “right living.”  It is an ancient art of healing that has been practiced in India for thousands of years.  It includes yoga philosophy and is considered a holistic approach to healing as it integrates the body, mind and consciousness.  Unlike our Western approach to medicine,  Ayurveda teaches us that what is needed to heal our body, mind, and spirit is around us all the time.  It is just a matter of tuning in and paying attention.  According to Ayurveda, disease is caused by an imbalance in the energy of an individual’s body or in the three Doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.  The word “Dosha” is like the prefix “dys,” meaning fault, mistake, error.  Many things happen to disturb an individual’s energy balance.  Some examples include:  emotions; diet; weather; work and relationships.  In Ayurveda, the aim is always balance as this is the natural order and is necessary to maintain good health while imbalance is associated with disorder and the development of disease.  Today, we can see the influence of Ayurveda in the West as more and more individuals are looking for alternative approaches to our system of allopathic medicine.  More spas and skin care centers are offering Ayurveda and some are dedicated entirely to Ayurveda.  When seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner, your goal is an individualized treatment that contributes to your physical and emotional balance.  Remember, your well-being keeps you looking and feeling good on the inside and out. 

Hey, My Sweat Doesn't Smell: Eliminate Body Odor Naturally.

Sweating is an important part of optimal health.  We sweat to regulate our body temperature (to cool down) and also to eliminate toxins.  What causes body odor?  Some believe bacteria that feed on the oil in our sweat glands cause body odor.  To others, this is nonsense.  They believe that the odor is actually produced by the body’s release of harmful toxins.  Further, deodorant and antiperspirant inhibit the body’s ability to sweat, and thus can contribute to our toxin load.  In most cases, you can prevent body odor by changing your diet.  Red meat, processed foods (i.e. white flower; hydrogenated oils; sugar) and caffeine all contribute to body odor.  Caffeine stimulates the apocrine glands, the glands responsible for producing oily smelly sweat.  Moving toward a diet that consists primarily of whole grains, leafy green vegetables, fresh herbs and fruits, soy products, raw nuts and seeds can eliminate body odor.  Dark leafy green vegetables in particular are high in chlorophyll, a natural body deodorizer.  Vegetables like spinach, kale, swiss chard, and mustard greens are all good choices.  Drinking lots of water is important as water can eliminate waste products and toxins from the body.  Drink water with a squeeze of fresh lemon and you have created one of nature’s best purifiers and deodorizers.  Regularly exfoliating your skin with a dry soft natural bristle brush or a dry wash cloth reduces dead skin cells as well as toxins resting on the skin’s surface.  Exfoliate your entire body and brush toward the heart.  Repeat the mantra, “Diet and Lifestyle,” and incorporate a few simple changes and you will soon have a new mantra.  It will be:  “Hey, my sweat doesn’t smell.”