Ayurveda@Dhyanfoundation

Understanding Stress; the number one killer!

2012-01-31T22:37:00.001-08:00

Understanding Stress; the number one killer!
Sonia Sharma
Herbalist & Co-founder of Quinta Essentia Organic

We live in a crazy world of technology and gizmos, with mobiles, internet and mobile internet! We want it all and we want it now! Dealing with the sheer volume of information, work load, meeting people with their varying levels of energies each day, it is little or no wonder that so many of us feel stressed and overwhelmed. In a recent study by the Mental Health Foundation in UK, 7 million people suffer from anxiety related problems. This is more than 10% of the UK population. In USA, 85% of the adult population is reported to be on some form of Anti-depressants!

From a biological perspective, it is important to first understand the word “Stress” and the chemical reactions it causes in the body. The term “stress” was introduced by the endocrinologist, Dr Hans Selye from Canada in 1930s. In his terminology, “stress is the reaction of an organism to a “stressor” - or a perceived threat. Stressors can be emotional or physical, real or imagined”. In this respect there are two fundamental aspects to the subjective experience of stress - the individual’s ‘perception’ of the stressor and his/ her ‘response’ to the stressor. These two aspects are determined by a multitude of influences e.g. personality, social and cultural background, upbringing, self-image, physical and mental health, level of fulfillment and security, locus of control, stage of life etc. Basically, we all respond to stressful situations in a predictable, machine like manner, however, ultimately, it is our ability to adapt to the stressors that enables us to carry on in life.

Dr Selye developed a model termed as ‘General Adaptation Syndrome’ (GAS) which supported his view that Chronic stress is a major cause of diseases because it causes long term chemical changes within the body.

He stated that the body’s ability to cope with stress is not infinite but an exhaustible resource. There are three key stages to GAS - a) alarm stage i.e. the fight or flight response to a stressor. Chemically in this stage, there is an acute release of adrenalin and cortisol from the adrenal gland (b) resistance stage - If the stressor persists over time, cortisol output increases on a more continuous basis (c) Exhaustion stage - over time Cortisol is depleted leading to fatigue, anxiety and depression.

Cortisol is the most important stress hormone in the body. It is the level of cortisol in the blood that supports Glucose metabolism, blood pressure regulation, insulin release, immune function, support in general metabolism, appetite control and mental function. For example, in the alarm stage when there is a quick release of Cortisol in the blood stream, a person gets a burst of energy for survival, heightened memory function, reduced pain and a rapid increase in immune function. However, if there is a more regular release of Cortisol, it leads to adrenal depletion characterized by fatigue, anxiety, depression, increased inflammation and increased hypoglycemic episodes.

The harmful effects of stress do not just end with the above list of affective disorders. Overtime, it leads to several functional disorders such as Hypertension, TB, Asthma, Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Skin eczema and various disorders of the Nervous system.

This gives a high level view of the chemical make-up of stress, as explained by medical science. However, millions of people worldwide today believe holistic solutions can help cope with stress and its related ailments.

Meditation, Yoga and herbal solutions are fast becoming a way of life for people across the board. Yoga, however, has been badly interpreted, limiting its objective only as a form of Exercise. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Yog is the final frontier and it is only through Yog that we can achieve higher consciousness.

As is commonly understood, western medicine approach is to treat the effect e.g. ailments caused due to stress. Holistic approaches like Yog and Ayurveda target the cause of imbalances rather than treating the effect. The level of health and vitality in a person is directly related to the frequency of ‘Prana’ (life force) in the being. Emotional congestions, anger, anxiety etc all lead to the depletion of prana, eventually leading to physical manifestation of ailments in the body.

For a Yogic solution to managing Stress related disorders, visit www.dhyanfoundation.com.

Below are simple holistic remedies to beat the Stress blues:

1. Yog, Pranayam, chant of Aum or Shanti path
2. Aromatherapy - for mild stress make a synergestic blend of 10 drops of Eucalyptus Citriodora, 15 drops of Geranium and 5 drops of Lavender. Use this blend in your oil burner or add this to 30 ml Sweet Almond oil for regular deep tissue massages.
3. Herbal teas - German Chamomile, passion flower, Valerian or St. Johns Wort
4. Regular long walks in open air is one of the best remedy for stress management
5. A sattvic diet and a healthy lifestyle

As a final note, below are two Himalayan herbs which are known to help relax the nerves:

Brahmi
Brahmi (which gives knowledge of Brahman or supreme reality), is perhaps the most important nervine herb used in Ayurveda. It revitalizes the brain cells, removing toxins and blockages within the nervous system, while at the same time having a nurturing effect. Himalayan Brahmi is an important food for yogis as it improves meditation and helps awaken the crown chakra. It calms the heart and helps guard against heart attacks.

Shankha Pushpi
Shankha Pushpi is another Ayurvedic nervine along with Brahmi, Calamus and Jatamansi. It is excellent for nerve pain, improves memory, concentration and perception, and aids in the rejuvenation of the mind. It increases blood circulation to the brain and stimulates higher cerebral functions.

You can get a Traditional ayurvedic hair oil with the above herbs from Quinta Essentia Orgnaic

Caution: If you are on medication for any nerve related disorder, please do not stop your treatment without consulting your doctor. Also the above remedies are suggestions only - for a herbal cure, consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Use Ayurveda To Your Benefit

2012-01-27T02:30:00.000-08:00

YOGI ASHWINI

A person falls prey to various kinds of diseases if he over indulges in, underutilises or stops exercising his senses
and their desires while ignoring the body constitution, says Yogi Ashwini Ji

Ayurved lays more emphasis on prevention than cure. A person falls prey to various kinds of diseases if he over indulges in, underutilises or stops exercising his senses and their desires while ignoring the body constitution. Excessive nourishment also blocks the channels through which prana flows and results in an imbalance causing diseases. In either case, there is no replenishment to dhatus and the body’s ability to fight infections and other harmful external influences decreases and disease manifests. Rasa dhatu is the most important of body fluids and provides nourishment to every part of the body by circulating through various channels to provide essential nutrients required for the healthy functioning of all systems and organs. It also nourishes the remaining six dhatus in the body. Herbs or preparations that are in the Rasayana category of various ayurvedic preparations nourish Rasa dhatu. Shatavri (asparagus racemosus) is an excellent tonic especially for women. As a general rule remember to discard any powdered herb or churan after six months as it loses efficacy.

One tsp shatavari, 1dry date, 1/2 tsp dry ginger, and 1-cup milk cooked over a low flame. When it cools down add 1 tsp honey to it. Remember honey should never be heated as it produces toxins when heated. (People with excess pitta may reduce the quantity of ginger.) This preparation helps in nourishing the female reproductive organs. For optimal utilisation and absorption of any food or ayurvedic preparation, the digestive organ should be in a healthy condition. To strengthen the mucous membrane of the stomach, take a mixture of 1tsp licorice (mulhathi), 1 tbsp honey and a few leaves of tulsi ground into a paste and have with warm water. (Licorice is not recommended for people with heart ailments and high blood pressure). Before taking any ayurvedic treatment get yourself evaluated by an expert.

THE PRINCIPLE OF BALANCE by Arti Gaur

2012-01-21T04:20:00.000-08:00

The alarming rate at which the number of flu cases are rising just shows how careless people have become when it comes to personal hygiene. The science of Ayurveda is not a disease-targeting medicine-therapy as it works on the principal of balance (prakriti) and prevention of ailments, simultaneously strengthening the immunity of the body. In Ayurveda a virus cannot be killed but it can be made nishkriya and its spread in the body can be arrested. By following these simple cleansing techniques you can make sure that any virus even if it enters is flushed out of the body. Ideally, these should be done every time one returns home.
JAL NETI: (Nasal cleansing) Take 500ml bearably warm water in a neti pot, add ½ tsp black/rock salt and a pinch of turmeric. Stand evenly and bending slightly forward tilt the head at 45degrees angle towards left. Insert the nozzle of the pot into the right nostril. While breathing normally from the mouth, tilt the pot so that the water runs into the right nostril and flows out from the left. Repeat on the other side. Breathe normally afterwards. Saline water is the best cleansing medium, which absorbs and scrapes away infectious pathogens accumulated in the nasal passage. Turmeric is disinfectant, antiseptic and scouring agent.
PUTTING COW’S GHEE IN NOSTRILS: Warm pure cow’s ghee to a bearable temperature. Lie down flat on your back and let the head hang down, bending the neck backwards. Using a dropper or a spoon pour about 5 drops of ghee in each nostril turn by turn, in such a way so as it does not flow down towards the throat but flows backwards towards the head. Keep lying in the same position for 5 minutes afterwards. Cow’s ghee lubricates the nasal passage and strengthens the mucous membranes to fight against infections.
MASSAGING THE FEET WITH MUSTARD OIL: Heat mildly some mustard oil and massage the soles of the feet before retiring. Loose cotton socks can be worn later. Mustard oil is hot and massaging generates heat in the body to fight any symptoms of cold and infection.
Tulsi (holy basil) is one of the most easily available rasayana herb in our country and also happens to be one of the best immunity builders. It’s good for all prakriti types, but excess use is not advised for those with pitta constitution. Rasayanas (rejuvenators) are extremely beneficial to patients who are suffering from diseases and ailments as these compounds carry powerful agents responsible for maintaining equilibrium of dhatus and doshas in the body. All rasayans have some effect on improving the functional capacity of the brain also. The same goes for honey. Honey, for preparation of ayurvedic formulae should be preferably at least one year old. Take a teaspoon of tulsi juice mixed with a tea spoon of honey everyday. This formula is potent enough to fight almost all kinds of viral infections and weaknesses.

AS IS THE SEASON SO BE THE DIET

2011-12-25T00:37:00.000-08:00

Diet and regimen for spring
As the rays of the sun gain strength in spring, the kapha accumulated over the winter season is liquefied by the heat of the sun and disturbs the power of digestion causing imbalance. It's advisable to avoid heavy, unctuous, sour and sweet diets as they increase kapha in the body. Your diet at this time should entail largely of green vegetables, citrus fruits and pulses. Go slow on fried and processed foods.
Also sleeping during the day is to be avoided as it aggravates kapha in the body. The diet should be light and so should physical activities. The emphasis is on cleansing the body internally as well as externally. In earlier times, elimination therapies like purgation and emesis used to be administered this time of the year, as the weather is pleasant and body has gained enough strength during the winter. The excretory orifices should be regularly washed with lukewarm water.

Diet and regimen for summers
This is the period of extreme dryness/dehydration as the rays of the sun are strongest and suck the moisture from the earth. In summer intake of sweet, cold, liquid and unctuous diets is prescribed. Coconut water, sandalwood preparations, rose and khas-infused sherbets are ideal as they're cooling and hydrating in nature. Alcohol is to be avoided or should be taken in very little quantity and that too with plenty of water. Salty, hot, sour and pungent foods are to be avoided completely. Physical labour and indulgence in sexual activities should be drastically reduced in this season. Ayurveda proscribes sleeping during day time in this season only as it increases kapha in the body. As pitta increases in summer and because of dryness vata also increases, one should balance that by taking cold, sweet, liquid and unctuous foods. This increases kapha and maintains equilibrium in the body.

Diet and regimen for rainy season
During the rainy season the body is most susceptible to diseases as dehydration leads to a weakened digestive system. It gets further weakened because of disturbed vata and other doshas during the rains. The power of digestion also gets affected by the gas coming out of the earth, rainfall and increase of acidity in water. Moderation in diet and regimen is advisable. One should abstain from day sleep, excessive exercise, moving about in the sun and excessive sexual activities.
The effect of vata is most in this season, that is why most people, especially older people, experience joint pains. One should take old barley. Massage or application of oils is advisable as it brings down aggravated vata. Intake of honey in small quantities helps overcome effect of dampness in rainy season.

Diet and regimen for autumn
The body, used to the rain and cold is suddenly exposed to the heat of the sun with the beginning of autumn so the pitta accumulated during the rains gets generally vitiated. In this season sweet, light, cold and bitter foods are to be taken in proper quantity when there is good appetite. Intake of ghee prepared with bitter medicines and purgation is also prescribed during this season.
One should also avoid fat oil and meat of aquatic and marshy animals and alkaline salt preparations and curd. Sleeping during the day is not advisable. Wearing of garlands made of autumnal flowers and clean apparel and the rays of the moon in the evenings are exceedingly beneficial in this season.

The Strength Factor

2011-12-25T00:35:00.001-08:00

By now we all know that the cause of all the bodily diseases is the disturbance of the equilibrium of doshas. Vat which is the most dominant and important constitutes the very life of a being, for it is responsible for all activities of the body. Pitt helps in digestion and metabolism and kaph is the promoter of strength in the form of ojas. We will discuss later what ojas is when we discuss tissue elements of the body. For the moment we can understand kaph as something that which binds the body together, also known as sleshma. Whiteness, coolness, stability, viscosity, heaviness, unctuousness, sliminess, numbness, obstruction, sweetness and delay in manifestation are some of its qualities. Chest, neck head, joints and stomach are the points where sleshma is generally found.

It is almost impossible to maintain an equilibrium at all points of time in the body as the doshas keep increasing or decreasing according to the time of the day, season, and age of the person. But Kaph prakriti is supposed to be the best constitution as Kaph is the causative factor of least number of diseases in the body. A person with a Kaph prakriti has strong physical body, with strength like that of a bull, fair complexion, heavy and soft hair, having a pleasant disposition, patient, fond of sweets and is generally mentally, emotionally and financial stable. They are compared to Brahma, Shiva, devtas, horse, bull, or swan.

To cover diseases, they are caused by any kind of imbalance in the state of equilibrium of these three doshas (vat, pitt, and kaph). Hence diseases are diagnosed on the basis of the state of each of these doshas in a body and all treatments are given according to the constitution of the person and the dosha which goes into a disturbed state.

The diseases caused by kaph are treated with drugs having pungent, bitter, astringent, sharp, hot, and unctuous qualities, as characteristics of kaph are sweetness, coolness and heaviness. The main causes of disturbance of kaph are sleeping in daytime, laziness, lack of exercises, excessive intake of food that is sweet, sour, saline, oily, and heavy in nature. Kaph is seen to be more dominating in the first part of the day, childhood, winter, and immediately after eating a meal. Hence people of kaph prakriti are advised not to sleep in daytime as it results in an increase in kaph dosha.

Dietary habits and daily routine or lifestyle that one follows have a great bearing on the state of any dosha. The diet and routine aid the functioning of the physical body. This routine is further subdivided into the day, the night, and the seasonal routine where certain specific useful and detrimental diets and habits are given by the ancients. Just like vat, pitt, and kaph are the pillars on which the body stands; the three supports or aids for attainment of good health are ahara, or diet, swapna, or rest/sleep and brahmacharya or control of sexual activities. Observation of these three upasthambha (supports) in moderation can help an individual in attaining not only complete health but also a longer life.

Getting Your Digestion Going

2011-12-25T00:32:00.000-08:00

Last time we had discussed in detail vat, one of the three factors that are responsible for maintaining balance in the body. http://dhyanfoundation-ayurveda.blogspot.com/2011/12/dealing-with-doshas.html

This time we’ll discuss pitt, the factor responsible for digestion or metabolism (primarily) in the body. Pitt can also be translated as heat or fire in the present context. Pitt is also said to cause as much as 40 kinds of diseases in the body and many more when it combines with the other two doshas.

Pitt is sharp by nature; hence the imbalances caused by it are also sharp and intense in nature. Therefore, a person of pitt prakriti can be identified by observing the characteristics of pitt dosha. The natural characteristics of pitt being sharpness, slight unctuousness, heat, fluidity, sourness, and bitterness, and it is of all colours except white and red, fishy smell and acrid taste. Therefore, it has to be reconciled by drugs having opposite qualities. A person of pitt prakriti is generally fond of sweets, cold foods, and cold things in general, dreams of fire or light and more of red colours, and has glowing skin. He/she is sharp minded, active, quarrelsome, short temper, sweats more, greys prematurely, has a radiant complexion, strong power of digestion, and proper metabolism, therefore, with a good appetite.

Pitt primarily aids sight, digestion, appetite, thirst, and proper metabolism, maintaining radiance and unctuousness in the body. Foods that are pungent, hot, sour and saline in nature aggravate pitt and foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent in nature alleviate pitt. The natural actions of pitt are fluidity causing burning sensation, heat, suppuration, perspiration, sloughing, itching, discharge, redness and exhibition of its inherent smell, colour and taste. These actions are the indications for a competent physician to diagnose the paittika type of diseases.

It is pitt that is mainly responsible for transformation of food into tissue elements in the body. The other factors being vat, moisture, unctuousness (in the food), the time of digestion, and proper administration of food.

Vat transports the food to the place where pitt resides, the moisture loosens and unctuousness softens the food particles, time brings about maturity of the process of digestion called pachak pitt or pachakagni. After digestion, food gets divided into two parts called the prasad bhag (containing the nutrients) which is absorbed by the body, and mala bhag, which is thrown out.

In seasons it is summer, and in a day it is the primarily the afternoon that is dominated by pitt. Therefore, it’s advisable to sleep in the day time in summer, as kaph dosha increases in the body when one sleeps, preventing aggravation of pitt in the summer.

A person of pitt prakriti should resort to diets that are cool, sweet, and less spicy in nature. Hot, spicy food, excessive intake of tea, coffee, and hot drinks should be avoided. As the digestive fire is very strong in persons with pitt prakriti, light meals at small intervals are beneficial.

DEALING WITH DOSHAS

2011-12-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

In the last column we discussed how the ayurved system imbalance causes disease in our bodies. http://dhyanfoundation-ayurveda.blogspot.com/2011/03/balance-is-key-by-arti-gaur.html

Let us now take a look at the three factors, the Tridoshas, which maintain this balance. These are, vat, pitt, and kaph. These are present in each and every person though the ratio will be specific to each individual. In a healthy body they are said to be in a state of equilibrium or samyavastha. This state of balance varies from individual to individual depending on the prakriti or constitution of that person. To understand the prakriti of a person we first need to understand the characteristics pertaining to each dosha.

Remedy for removing acidity: Soak coriander seeds overnight in a glass of water. Mash the seeds with your hands in the same water in the morning, seive it through a muslin cloth and drink it.

Vat occupies the most prominent place out of the three doshas as the diseases caused by vat are more serious and acute in nature. Said to cause the maximum number of diseases in the body, this is the carrier of imbalance because of its mobile nature. The other two doshas, pitt and kaph are unable to move from their positions without the aid of vat.

Vat or vayu as the name indicates is by nature dry, cold, light, subtle, mobile, expansive, and coarse. It is vat which enables to feel and perform all activities of the body, internal as well external. It is the cause of all physical movements in the body. It enables, commands and performs all the physical functions of any organ in the body. It is said, there can be no pain in the body for which vat is not responsible because for the mind to perceive any sensation of pain, vat has to carry it also. Pain can be because of imbalanced pitt and kaph also, but without the contribution of vat it cannot be perceived or felt. To distinguish the pain caused by vat from pitt and kaph the position of the pain is observed. If the pain keeps shifting, it is definitely because of a disturbed vat. A person of vat prakriti can be recognised by the characteristics associated with vat. His or her habits, looks and likings for specific objects indicate the dosha dominant in them. He or she will be hyperactive, talkative, will have dry skin, thin frame, light, rough and lustreless hair, irritable in nature, there is trembling in their body and very often they dream about flying.

Diseases caused by any dosha are cured by drugs of opposite qualities. As vat by nature is cold rough, dry, light, non-slimy, it is reconciled by medicines which are hot, sharp, liquid in nature. Vat is said to have a cool tactile sensation, is aggravated by the use of cool substances and is alleviated by the use of hot ones.

Most important quality of vat is mobility. Its main function is activity without which no other phenomenon is possible in the body. Though a healthy body is said to be in a state of equilibrium doshas are always increasing or decreasing at various points of time. The first part of the day is dominated by kaph, the afternoon by pitt and latter by vat. Therefore the daily intake of food should be planned keeping the dominance of doshas in mind. Things which increase kaph should not be taken early in the morning and same goes for pitt and vat. Similarly, there is dominance of kaph in childhood, pitt in middle age, and vat in old age. As the key to health is balance, the diets and regimens should be planned keeping the state of doshas in mind at specific time and age. One who resorts to balanced diet and regimen in accordance with nature and his or her own prakriti can rarely fall sick.

SEASON YOUR FOOD

2011-12-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

As soon as the winter winds sets in, its time to start seasoning your food with black pepper. Black pepper is an important spice with powerful healing properties and used in treatment of ailments of stomach and throat, considered to have anti-aging properties, good digestive and a detoxifier too. One of the best home remedies for cold and flu is drinking tea made of pepper corns and ginger. You can also grind equal parts of dates, raisins, black pepper, and long pepper and mix them together and make a paste. Then take one tsp of this paste and mix in one tsp of honey. Take it 2 or 3 times a day to avoid cold and cough during winter.

Here is a simple recipe to include this spice in your meals and enjoy your winter.

Pepper Flavoured Rice
Ingredients: 3 cups of cooked white rice (each grain should be separate), 1 1/2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 3/4 tsp mustard seeds, 1 1/2 tbsp black pepper corns, 1 1/2 tbsp seasame seeds, 10-12 curry leaves (fresh leaves only), salt to taste.
Dry roast the black pepper corns, sesame seeds and curry leaves in a pan for a few minutes on medium heat tossing them around till you find a nice aroma emanating the kitchen. Once the sesame seeds change color you can turn off the heat and make a coarse powder.
Heat ghee in a pan and add the mustard seeds and let them pop. Add the cumin seeds and let them brown. Add the cooked rice and combine it with the tempering. Now add the grounded spices and salt and combine the rice with it such that the spices coat the rice well. The full flavor of the pepper is obtained only with freshly ground pepper corns which enhance the taste of the rice giving it a sharper, livelier flavor than the pre-ground pepper powder and also by adding it towards the end of the cooking process which further enhances its taste.
Serve hot with any gravy curry.

Get Glowing!

2011-11-25T01:19:00.000-08:00

Oily and acne prone skin needs special care. This festive season, herbalist Sonia Sharma of Quinta Essentia Organic gives simple and easy-to-follow tips for a blemish-free, radiant look

The rishis of yesteryear knew that modern man will need help in staying healthy, fit and radiant, so they gave us ayurveda, which elucidates simple ways to make the skin healthy with inner and outer purifications. In ayurveda, the focus is not just on cleansing and protecting the skin but an all encompassing approach; mainly stimulating and cleansing the blood and the lymph, the two primary fluids that directly feed the skin. You must bear in mind that each person is unique in their prakriti and hence if your skin is feeling unhealthy or showing signs of imbalance search for natural treatments that target the problem based on your dosha aggravation/vitiation. Given below are a few beauty tips for oily and acne prone skin:

Cystic acne characterised by very oily skin, large pores, blackheads, large pussy pimples are an imbalance of pitta or kapha. This condition is generally aggravated by over consumption of sweets, fats, oils, red meat, coffee, emotional stress and attachments. A few simple tropical home remedies will ease the condition, however, a complete cure demands a lot more from the being including a change in lifestyle and more importantly in mental disposition.

Take weekly detoxifying baths using Epsom salts or ginger + rock salt.
Steam face once/ twice every week using 2-3 drops of rosemary or eucalyptus essential oils
Use a simple mask once or twice a week. To make, mix 1/2 tsp crushed cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds with a few drops of water. Apply the paste over pimples and leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and follow with good quality rose water.
For stubborn large cysts, apply piece of warm onion 2-3 times a day to break it, but do not squeeze.

Remember, acne vulgaris requires deep internal detoxification of the blood, liver and other digestive organs. Regular practice of Sanatan Kriya cleanses the mind and your aura, which is the first step for bringing your health in balance.

Nourishing Foods

2011-09-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

Nourishing Foods
Ayurveda expert from Quinta Essentia, Arti Gaur shares a few ancient secrets

Dhatus remain in the state of balance and excellence when proper nourishment is provided, by maintaining a health regimen and a nourishing diet. The article describes the foods which promote excellence in dhatus.

Milk and milk products: Milk is considered as a complete diet that provides strength, improves complexion and offers nourishment to all seven dhatus as it exhibits properties of Ojas - the essence of all the dhatus. Out of all the varieties of milk, cow's milk is considered to be the best. Milk is usually good for people who have powerful digestion, especially who indulge in a lot of sexual activity, physical and mental labour.

Milk has a cool potency and is unctuous, heavy, sweet and dense and when had cold, compounds the heaviness and coldness. Though cold milk is only good for people suffering from high pitta, it is most beneficial when had warm with ghee, honey and some spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon or honey to reduce the effect of kapha and make it easily digestible.

People suffering from symptoms of aggravated vata should avoid milk or add the above mentioned spices and drink it hot or cooked with food grains like dalia (broken wheat), oats or with besan (gram flour). Milk of buffalo is heavier and colder than cow's milk and is good for people suffering from insomnia and rapid digestion.

Butter/ghee: The most essential nutrient in a healthy diet, it is a general tonic for brain, skin, and bones. It kindles digestive fire without disturbing the pitta. As a rule, anna should never be eaten without ghee or some kind of fat.

Curd: Curd is an appetiser, and extremely beneficial in anorexia. It is very nourishing to people emaciated due to diseases. It is unctuous, strong and hot in potency. It is also useful for anyone suffering from diarrhoea or dysuria and generally harmful during extreme summer, spring, rains and autumn, and for diseases caused by vitiation of blood, pitta and kapha. Immature curd aggravates all three doshas. Cream of curd produces semen in large quantities.

Buttermilk: In western Asia it is a belief that there is no abdominal disease which cannot be cured by buttermilk taken with appropriate condiments and spices.

Herbs For Reducing Fat

2011-08-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

A well balanced and beautiful body is there because the tridoshas (vata, pitta, kapha) are in balance and in harmony with the elemental composition of the body. It is when one dosha imbalanced that physical abnormalities begin to manifest. In this series of articles I shall be highlighting certain remedies for specific dosha imbalance vis a vis’ an increase in body fat, in other words obesity and excess weight. In ayurvedic terminology fat means excess kapha and its imbalance (that is aggravation) causes obesity. There can be many factors that cause its aggravation. As kapha is heavy, cold and sticky in nature it requires a lot of heat to expel the ama which collects and gets deposited in the system, which we see as fat.For a kapha predominant person sleeping in day is prohibited, as it aggravates kapha in the body. In fact a kapha person should try and wake up at least an hour before sunrise. A diet which is light and nourishing is best for effecting fat loss. It is important to scrape away collected ama from the system first, for that purpose triphala can be taken. Herbs and spices which are digestives, carminative and hot can be added to regular diet so that agni is strengthened and food is properly digested some examples are freshly grounded black pepper, cayenne pepper (lal mirch), dry ginger. Persons with pitta prakriti can have fennel (saunf) as this does not disturb pitta. Honey with its special mucous removing properties is also effective. I have seen people prescribe honey for fat loss and people adding spoonfuls of honey to their morning teas and nimbu pani. But it is important to note here that it is actually at least a year old honey that is effective in aiding fat loss as its changes its qualities over a period of time. Another important fact about the consumption of honey is that it should never be heated. In all ayurvedic preparations honey is added only after cooling the preparations as it develops toxins when it is heated. Honey can be taken in the morning added to a glass to tepid water, lemon juice can be added. Honey also has a laxative effect on the digestive system. This can be taken even after meals.

ORAL CLEANSING

2011-06-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

These days we spend thousands, even lakhs of rupees to look good and attractive. Well, this desire has also made us understand the value of good health because you can look good only if you have good health. Keeping your body clean from inside is also as important as taking a bath. Here is a tip to keep your mouth and teeth clean.

First one has to remove the used up prana or wastes from the system and prepare the body for absorption of fresh prana, required for the day. Every morning, after emptying the bowels, check the tongue. A coated tongue indicates the presence of toxins (ama) in the body. The colour of the coating indicates disturbed dosha in the body. Clean the mouth and teeth thoroughly. The age-old practice of chewing and flossing teeth with neem twigs is the most effective method for strengthening and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. We all know that bad breath is indicative of decay, either in tooth cavities, gums or in the digestive organs. An effective remedy is to do frequent rinsing and gargling with mint tea. This can be brewed by boiling some mint leaves in water or steeping the leaves for 5 minutes in hot water. Dried and powdered mint leaves with some rock salt can also be used as a toothpowder. The tongue should also be scraped everyday. One can do this by using a neem twig, a wooden tongue cleaner or a silver spoon. This removes toxins and is also effective in improving digestion.

For the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums and prevention of tooth decay, gargling and massaging the gums with sesame seed oil is very beneficial. Regular practice is good not only for the teeth and gums but also for the face, head and hair. Gargling with sesame seed oil promotes hair growth and shine and retards premature graying and hair fall. It also strengthens sense organs and prevents cough and throat infections. Regular gargling nourishes the skin and prevents early advent of wrinkles and imparts a glow and suppleness to the face.

BALANCE IS THE KEY

2011-03-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Ayurved is about using the benefits of our ancient wisdom to maintain the balance in the physical body. Here’s a run down on this practice and its benefits

Ayurved is the science of life that deals with the physical body. It talks in detail about those elements that benefit the body, or can reach it harm, their measures, and the happy and unhappy states of life. Life is a balance and balance is nature or Prakriti. A healthy body is said to be one which is in a state of balance or equilibrium. The entire science of Ayurved is based upon achieving and maintaining this state of balance.

“No gift can surpass the gift of life”, says Charak. The gift of Ayurved was given to mankind at a time when disease had not yet manifested itself in the physical world. So selfless was the state of the Rishis of the earlier Yugas that even when there was no need for a science like this, for their own self, they asked Lord Indra to expound the knowledge of Ayurved, all in anticipation of the onslaught of diseases, and manifestation of heavier karmas of people, in the coming Yugas.

Ayurved is not a science of treatment. It is a science of creating balance. A disease-free body is one that is able to keep the imbalances away

In Satyug the level of selflessness and purification of beings in existence was so high that the atmosphere wasn't conductive for diseases to exist in that kind of environment. A disease, to manifest, needs an environment conducive for its existence. Just like ice cannot remain ice at any temperature higher than 0°, similarly, disease which is considered as heaviness or imbalance cannot exist in a pure environment. As the level of selfishness increased in every yug as the result of the heavy thinking patterns of people, the environment became conducive for diseases to flourish. That is when Ayurved was needed and towards this end, for the very first time, Dwapar Rishi Vyas began documenting the sciences which had until then passed on to the Shishya by the Guru through word of mouth.

A body falls sick only when it moves from its state of balance into a state of imbalance (vikriti). The state of balance differs from individual to individual since it depends on the basic constitution of a person. The factors on which this balance is maintained in the physical body are Vata, Pitta and Kapna, called the Tridoshas.

In a healthy body these three doshas are said to be in a state of equilibrium. When any one of these three doshas increases or decreases from its state of balance they cause disease in the body. Ayurved is not a science of treatment but is a science of balance. It talks about the diets and regimens which aid the maintenance of balance in the body and the resorts to bring this balance back whenever there is an imbalance.

Ayurved takes into account the immediate and distant causes of diseases, and prescribes the regimens and diets to avoid such conditions, it talks about the entire signs which indicate health or disease and similarly the treatments if required, according to the dosha which has increased or decreased from its state of equilibrium.

The diets, regimens and drugs, all are classified into three categories. Some alleviate doshas, some vitiate them and some are good for the maintenance of health. Ayurvedic treatment is strictly individualistic, that is to say, as the constitution of every person differs from the other, the treatment also has to be in accordance with the constitution.

A disease-free body is one that is able to keep the imbalances away. The key to maintaining this balance is to follow a disciplined and a healthy diet which results in increased immunity.

Here is given a recipe which helps build immunity in the system and maintain the state of balance. It is always to be kept in mind that Ayurved is individual specific, there are no general treatment or tonics, always get yourself evaluated and take the prescribed drugs, tonics only. General tonics are exception to this rule. Impregnate 1kg of Amla powder with Amla juice for 21 nights. To this add 1kg of honey and ghee each. Add 1/8th and 1/4th of the whole quantity of the preparation above, powder of pippal and powder to desi sugar and mix well. Store in a ghee-smeared glass jar and put it under a heap of ashes throughout the rainy season. After rains it should be consumed keeping in mind the diet and power of digestion.

THE JUICE FACTOR

2010-08-08T07:53:00.000-07:00



A glass of juice a day keeps the doctor away and diseases at bay. But before you gulp down that old carton lying in your fridge, here is what the science of ayurveda has to say. Firstly, it is important (read imperative) to drink the juice fresh and not that which has been lying in your fridge. It is also a bad idea to mix fruits of opposite qualities and to keep a gap between drinking the juice and your meals. The best way to drink it, recommends ayurveda, is in a glass or ceramic tumbler. • Apple juice with ginger and honey is a tonic for the heart. Do bear in mind those with a predominant pitta dosha should avoid or reduce ginger. For vattapredominant people ginger balances the flatulence caused by apples. Honey (one year old) balances kapha factor. • When taken in an empty stomach, carrot juice very good for the stomach. Regular intake for two months clears the intestines, aids digestion and the peristaltic movement and is good for immunity. You can also add beetroot, which helps those with anaemia, boosts energy level, and is also good for those who suffer from constipation and piles. • Drinking coconut water is good for those who have acidity. The best part is that it is cooling (this also makes it excellent for those who have a dominant pitta dosha). Its other benefits include nourishing of skin and hair. • Grape juice is cleanses the blood. Thus, drinking this clears skin and adds glow, improves digestion and boosts immunity. It also nourishes rasa dhatu, which nourishes all the dhatus. • Take a handful of pudina leaves add juice of two amlas and two cucumbers. It is a cooling and refreshing drink. Add roasted jeera, imli pulp and a bit of black salt for a tasty-yet-refreshing drink. If you like it sweet ‘n sour you can add palm jaggery or shakkar. This concoctions is very for those who suffer from anaemia. It also aids digestion.

Follow The Path To Wellness by Yogi Ashwini

2010-07-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Tune yourself physically, mentally and emotionally to nature, that is the best way to keep away with negativities and gain optimum health.

Human beings are a part of nature; our physical bodies are as much a part of nature as anything else. Tuning yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally to nature is the only path to wellness and optimum health. No two bodies are the same and there is always a dominance of one or two doshas. The first step is to recognise this inherent nature of our bodies, identify form of accumulation and negate the causes. Starving yourself is absolutely redundant, just as undue attachment to objects and fellow beings is also not natural and must be done away with. The key is taking in only what is required whether its material things or emotions. At the emotional level, letting go of your attachments and taking more and more responsibility, not just of your immediate family and friends but of society and humankind results in sweeping away negative thoughts and purifying the being.

Herbs have maximum effect on people who follow this model. In a kapha dominant person, when negative and selfish thoughts start accumulating the result is excess fat. Kapha is heavy in nature, the heavier the thoughts one collects, the heavier one becomes. Then slowly this imbalance starts manifesting as disease. No matter how hard you try to achieve physical change by applying physical means, the effort will be futile. You must understand that it is something else which controls the physical; you have to reach there to be capable of bringing a change. Vata dominant people get affected by imbalances like arthritis, asthma, indigestion and hypertension affecting the heart. All these are effects of obesity of thoughts, actions, and the body. Pitta dominant people encounter stomach ulcers, hyperacidity, gastritis etc. Herbs, asanas or exercises are not so effective for these people and they have the tendency to get exposed to life threatening diseases. All three types of people need to bring themselves to a balanced state. Tune yourself physically, mentally and emotionally to nature, that is the best way to keep away with negativities and gain optimum health.
Human beings are a part of nature; our physical bodies are as much a part of nature as anything else. Tuning yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally to nature is the only path to wellness and optimum health. No two bodies are the same and there is always a dominance of one or two doshas. The first step is to recognise this inherent nature of our bodies, identify form of accumulation and negate the causes. Starving yourself is absolutely redundant, just as undue attachment to objects and fellow beings is also not natural and must be done away with. The key is taking in only what is required whether its material things or emotions. At the emotional level, letting go of your attachments and taking more and more responsibility, not just of your immediate family and friends but of society and humankind results in sweeping away negative thoughts and purifying the being.

Herbs have maximum effect on people who follow this model. In a kapha dominant person, when negative and selfish thoughts start accumulating the result is excess fat. Kapha is heavy in nature, the heavier the thoughts one collects, the heavier one becomes. Then slowly this imbalance starts manifesting as disease. No matter how hard you try to achieve physical change by applying physical means, the effort will be futile. You must understand that it is something else which controls the physical; you have to reach there to be capable of bringing a change. Vata dominant people get affected by imbalances like arthritis, asthma, indigestion and hypertension affecting the heart. All these are effects of obesity of thoughts, actions, and the body. Pitta dominant people encounter stomach ulcers, hyperacidity, gastritis etc. Herbs, asanas or exercises are not so effective for these people and they have the tendency to get exposed to life threatening diseases. All three types of people need to bring themselves to a balanced state.

Rejuvenating The Body by Yogi Ashwini

2010-05-27T03:22:00.000-07:00

The body can soak in the fresh prana more readily once we get rid of all doshas or imbalances.

Ayurveda has eight specialised branches and is often referred to as ashtanga ayurveda. One of these branches is called rasayana tantra, which deals with maintenance and promotion of good health, but is beneficial only if the body is free of ailments. Therefore, the requirement of elimination of toxins was prescribed first. After elimination of disturbed doshas, the body becomes more efficient in assimilation of fresh prana and is ready for rejuvenation.

Besides other sources, the body also derives prana from the food we eat. During the process of digestion, the food gets transformed into various forms, the prasad (nutrients) is utilised by the body and the mala (waste) is thrown out. Rasa (the nourishing fluid) is the first manifestation or dhatu produced from the prasad part of the digested food. Rasayanas are those preparations that produce excellence in rasa dhatu, which in turn nourishes all other dhatus. The main function of rasa is to nourish the body. Thus nourishing the rasa dhatu brings longevity, good memory, strength, clear skin and complexion. Here are two easy therapies for rejuvenation:
Tulsi (holy basil) is one of the best immunity builders and rasayana herbs available in our country. It is good for all body types, but excess use is not advised for pitta types. So is honey. A teaspoon each of tulsi juice and honey provides abundant pranic energy and fights almost all kind of infections and weaknesses. Honey for preparation of ayurvedic potions should preferably be at least a year old.
Mulethi or powdered licorice root mixed with warm milk is also said to strengthen jatharagni (digestive fire), clear complexion and build immunity.
The effects of rasayana therapies start showing after regular use for at least six months. Mulethi strengthens the stomach and sexual organs but should be avoided by people suffering from heart ailments, especially high blood pressure.

THE PURITY OF SESAME OIL AND GHEE

2010-04-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda advises that everything is useful provided it is used in the right way and at the right time. Something that is wholesome for some people may be unwholesome for others. Yet there certains substances like ghee which are considered wholesome for all. In this issue we will discuss the properties of sesame oil.

Gandoosh or gargling with oil is a great way to start your day. For this sesame oil is ideal. Sesame oil is exceptionally rich in iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, and calcium and contains vitamin B1 and vitamin E. Among edible oils from plants, sesame oil has one of the highest antioxidant content. Oil soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A, C, D and E prevent and protect the cell membranes from oxidation (aging)

Gargling with sesame seed oil promotes hair growth and shine and retards premature graying and hair fall. It also strengthens sense organs, prevents tooth decay and maintains healthy gums and teeth and prevents cough and other throat infections. With regular gargling the skin also gets nourished bringing about a glow and preventing wrinkles. For this, take a teaspoon of sesame oil and squish it around the mouth vigorously for 5-10 minutes and then spit it out. Then gently message the gums with finger.

Gargling also stimulates the tastes buds, smearing dryness out of the tongue. The reason this works is because different areas of the tongue are indicators of different organs such as kidneys, lungs, spleen, liver, heart, pancreas, small intestines, stomach, colon, and spine. (See diagram) Any discoloration and /or sensitivity of a particular area of the tongue point to a disorder in the organ corresponding to that area. Generally, a white coat on the tongue indicates kapha imbalance, brownish-pale tinge indicates imbalance in vatic dosha, and redness of the tongues implies pitta derangement.

In earlier times sesame oil or ghee was applied in the ears, navel and nostrils and hair, after bath. Application of oil on the navel helps the stomach and internal organs deal with harmful effects of vata. Oil in ears and nostrils protects from dust and pollution. Conditions such as ringing in the ears, excess ear wax, poor hearing, lockjaw, etc, are all due to vata in the ears. Putting 5 drops of warm sesame oil in each ear can help these. One can also use olive oil for this.

Putting ghee or sesame oil in nostrils after cleansing the nose cleans the sinuses, lubricates the nose and increases immunity, improves voice and vision, and brings about mental lucidity. For this warm pure cow’s ghee to a bearable temperature. Lie down flat on your back and let the head hang down, bending the neck backwards. Using a dropper or a spoon pour about 5 drops of ghee in each nostril turn by turn, in such a way so as it does not flow down towards the throat but flows backwards towards the head. Keep lying in the same position for 5 minutes afterwards.

METAL MATTERS by Yogi Ashwini

2010-02-12T23:55:00.000-08:00

Surya prana is a very strong and potent source of prana and minor variations in the colours of bottles and the metals being used when combined with Surya prana translate into miraculous effects on the being. Moving on to less expensive dhatus from gold and silver this month I will discuss about the effects of water kept in the sun in a copper (taamra) utensil.

Before going ahead with the process it is important to get an insight about the dhatu in question, its appearance, its properties and the most important aspect, its purity. Copper is a reddish coloured, shiny mental. After silver, copper is good electricity and heat conductor hence the importance of its purity.

As per our ancient sciences copper is of two types: Nepali copper and Malechh copper of which Nepali copper is pure which is smooth (snigdh), soft (mridu), shiny red coloured, non-breakable, heavy and pure (milavat rahit), has moisture and the one which does not get dark or blackish when it comes in contact with air. Opposite to this Malechh copper is whitish in colour, breakable, impure with other metals mixed in it and gets affected by contact with water and air.

So for our usage we will be using only Nepali copper which is pure as purity has a lot of significance in the healing techniques.

Taking a pure copper (Nepali taamra) utensil we fill it with fresh water and keep it in the sun for 1 to 2 hours, giving it enough time to absorb the Surya prana. The dhatu is responsible for determining the frequency of prana passing through it; hence in this case the prana filtering through a copper utensil will have the properties of the dhatu — taamra. Copper is bitter, astringent and pungent in taste; and sweet (madhur) in after taste, cool in potency, one that increases blood. It has properties of being able to heal wounds, balance all the three doshas, anti-toxic, beneficial in piles, skin diseases, swelling, respiratory disorders, acute pain, spleen and gynecological disorders and stomach disorders. Drink this water and feel the difference as whatever we talk about is purely experiential.

Copper utensils are widely available today but please ensure that it is procured from a shop of repute even if it means putting in a little extra money..

HERBS FOR REDUCING FAT

2010-02-10T00:03:00.000-08:00

In ayurvedic terminology fat means excess kapha and its imbalance (that is aggravation) causes obesity. There can be many factors that cause its aggravation. As kapha is heavy, cold and sticky in nature it requires a lot of heat to expel the ama which collects and gets deposited in the system, which we see as fat.

For a kapha predominant person sleeping in day is prohibited, as it aggravates kapha in the body. In fact a kapha person should try and wake up at least an hour before sunrise. A diet which is light and nourishing is best for effecting fat loss. It is important to scrape away collected ama from the system first, for that purpose triphala can be taken. Herbs and spices which are digestives, carminative and hot can be added to regular diet so that agni is strengthened and food is properly digested some examples are freshly grounded black pepper, cayenne pepper (lal mirch), dry ginger. Persons with pitta prakriti can have fennel (saunf) as this does not disturb pitta.

Honey with its special mucous removing properties is also effective. I have seen people prescribe honey for fat loss and people adding spoonfuls of honey to their morning teas and nimbu pani. But it is important to note here that it is actually at least a year old honey that is effective in aiding fat loss as its changes its qualities over a period of time. Another important fact about the consumption of honey is that it should never be heated. In all ayurvedic preparations honey is added only after cooling the preparations as it develops toxins when it is heated. Honey can be taken in the morning added to a glass to tepid water, lemon juice can be added. Honey also has a laxative effect on the digestive system. This can be taken even after meals.

THE MEDICINAL VALUE OF TEA

2010-02-09T23:58:00.000-08:00

When one season changes into another our bodies become more suscepticble to colds, coughs and allergies. Lets look at some tonics that can he made from easily available natural herbs that help in maintaining the balance in our energy body vis a vis the physical self, in the form of teas.

These teas are not to be confused with medicines and neither are medicines to be discontinued while having these teas. It is advisable to have your constitution evaluated when you choose to follow an ayurvedic treatment for your problem. These teas are not a treatment if had in isolation but they definitely are very effective preventives and complement all forms of treatments and medical advice.

A very effective tea for respiratory allergies that Dhyan Foundation practitioners use is a mixture of herbs found in our kitchens. Take 250 gms of green tea leaves, 50 gms Banapsha, 25 gms Mulethi (licorice), 12.5 gms Black pepper, 12.5 gms Cinnamon, 25 gms green tulsi leaves, 12.5 gms saunth (dry ginger powder). Mix all of the above in a copper or earthen utensil ensuring that there is no concentration of a specific herb in one part ie the mixture should be well mixed and an even distribution is essential. Store this in a glass jar, take one teaspoon of this mixture in a ceramic or glass cup and pour boiling hot water on it. Keep this covered for five minutes then sip it without sugar or milk. This mixture remains effective for sixty days.

Thyme tea: This is also a very effective immunity booster especially for viral, fungal and bacterial infections and can be had at any time of the day. Take eight to ten leaves of fresh thyme plant and steep as given above, no additives are to be added. You can use the dry herb also but then the quantity should be doubled.

If there is an aggravation of the Kapha dosha with symptoms of lots of mucous then take half teaspoon of ginger powder, 1/4 teaspoon clove powder, 1/2 teaspoon of powdered cardamom seeds and a pinch of cinnamon. To this mixture add a cup of boiling hot water. Cover and filter after five minutes. You can sweeten this with honey or misri and drink it three to four times a day.

SWINE FLU:INCREASE YOUR IMMUNITY by Yogi Ashwini

2010-02-09T23:36:00.000-08:00

First I must warn the readers not to take Ayurvedic potions if the H1N1 Virus has already affected them. You should get yourself examined by a medical doctor and follow the course of treatment.
I would have recommended Ayurvedic treatment if I had gathered empirical proof of treating those affected by the flu; in its absence it’s not right to make tall claims. Besides, in Ayurveda, not every herb is meant for everyone, not even neem and tulsi leaves; a person’s doshas have to be assessed carefully before the start of treatment.

Yoga and Ayurveda are basically both immunity-building preventive ways, not curative. There is no disease in Ayurveda; how can there be a cure? There is a preventive method in ayurveda (ref Arti Gaur’s article in this issue). Here I’m recommending kriya and asan that will help you build immunity.

Certain yogic kriyas and asanas boost the immunity system of the body immensely. A kriya is an action, which is directed towards the complete being, inducing energy where it is required and deducing it from where it is not. The kriyas should always be done on an empty stomach.

Maximum imbalances in the body start with congestion in the stomach, especially considering the unhealthy eating habits of people today. When the agni or digestive fire is feeble, a person is not able to digest the food properly, the result of which is excess of toxins or ama. Hence, it is pertinent to have a strong digestive system in order to increase the immunity levels and strengthen the body. Agnisaar kriya as the name suggests is aimed at rekindling the digestive fire, which results in proper elimination of waste from the stomach and intestine. For this:

1 Sit in Siddha asana with your back absolutely straight.
2 Hold your knees with your palms.
3 Then slowly exhaling completely make a chin lock doing Jalandhar Bandha. (Sitting in Siddha asana and keeping the back erect slowly push your chin down towards the throat pit forming a lock without putting pressure on the nape and without curving the spine.)
4 Then holding the position and the breath move your stomach in and out 5 times and then slowly inhaling release the Bandha.
5 Slowly, depending on your comfort you may progress to 14 sets.

Agnisaar kriya should not be done by women who are more than three months pregnant. However it can be practiced in the postnatal period as this kriya strengthens and develops the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. Those suffering from high blood pressure, overactive (hyper) thyroid gland, acute duodenal or peptic ulcers should, chronic diarrhea should not perform this kriya.
We exist in various layers (kosha) at the physical and etheric level. The physical body or the Annamaya kosha is the densest of all the layers and is inextricably dependent on the etheric layers in order to function. Hence, balance between various energy gradations is important for emotional, physical and spiritual well being. A simple asana like Vrikshasana would bring about complete stability, strength and vitality whereby the equilibrium of your physical body would not be deranged easily, retaining its high immunity levels. For this,

1 Stand straight. Start breathing in ujjai (Inhale deeply making a hissing sound from your throat. As you inhale your stomach comes out and as you exhale your stomach goes in)
2 Fold the right leg and place the right heel next to left thigh as high as possible.
3 Fold your hands in above the head. Hold. Repeat on the other side.

RAAG & DVESH CREATES POLLUTION IN BODY

2010-01-25T23:57:00.000-08:00

Around 4000 years back Ayurveda talked about imbalances in human body named ‘Raag’ & ‘Dvesh’which modern man has interpreted as diseases in today’s world. These diseases are caused by pollution, be it internal pollution created by our thoughts or environmental pollution created by external factors which affect us directly or indirectly.
Human body is made up of cells which are interlinked to form various organs in our body. These cells communicate with one another but when they get polluted a covering envelopes these cells which disables the communication between the cells leading to imbalances.
Both the imbalances called ‘Raag’ &’ Dvesh’ are caused by Human beings. Raag is the desire of getting something or attachment with something; Dvesh is the thought of not being happy seeing others grow or we can say jealousy. All the imbalances are the consequences of the selfishness of human beings.

Prevent infections

2010-01-11T03:57:00.000-08:00

The alarming rate at which a number of infections such as swine flu, viral fever etc. are rising just shows how careless people have become when it comes to personal hygiene. The science of Ayurveda is not a disease-targeting medicine-therapy as it works on the principal of balance (prakriti) and prevention of ailments, simultaneously strengthening the immunity of the body. In Ayurveda a virus cannot be killed but it can be made nishkriya and its spread in the body can be arrested. By following these simple cleansing techniques you can make sure that any virus even if it enters is flushed out of the body. Ideally, these should be done every time one returns home.

1. JAL NETI: (Nasal cleansing) Take 500ml bearably warm water in a neti pot, add ½ tsp black/rock salt and a pinch of turmeric. Stand evenly and bending slightly forward tilt the head at 45degrees angle towards left. Insert the nozzle of the pot into the right nostril. While breathing normally from the mouth, tilt the pot so that the water runs into the right nostril and flows out from the left. Repeat on the other side. Breathe normally afterwards. Saline water is the best cleansing medium, which absorbs and scrapes away infectious pathogens accumulated in the nasal passage. Turmeric is disinfectant, antiseptic and scouring agent.

2. PUTTING COW’S GHEE IN NOSTRILS: warm pure cow’s ghee to a bearable temperature. Lie down flat on your back and let the head hang down, bending the neck backwards. Using a dropper or a spoon pour about 5 drops of ghee in each nostril turn by turn, in such a way so as it does not flow down towards the throat but flows backwards towards the head. Keep lying in the same position for 5 minutes afterwards. Cow’s ghee lubricates the nasal passage and strengthens the mucous membranes to fight against infections.

3. MASSAGING THE FEET WITH MUSTARD OIL: Heat mildly some mustard oil and massage the soles of the feet before retiring. Loose cotton socks can be worn later. Mustard oil is hot and massaging generates heat in the body to fight any symptoms of cold and infection.

Tulsi (holy basil) is one of the most easily available rasayana herb in our country and also happens to be one of the best immunity builders. It’s good for all prakriti types, but excess use is not advised for those with pitta constitution. Rasayanas (rejuvenators) are extremely beneficial to patients who are suffering from diseases and ailments as these compounds carry powerful agents responsible for maintaining equilibrium of dhatus and doshas in the body. All rasayans have some effect on improving the functional capacity of the brain also. The same goes for honey. Honey, for preparation of ayurvedic formulae should be preferably at least one year old. Take a teaspoon of tulsi juice mixed with a tea spoon of honey everyday. This formula is potent enough to fight almost all kinds of viral infections and weaknesses. In case a person is already unwell it helps in speedy recovery.

Prolonged use of anti-allergic medicines can cause serious psychosomatic disorders, says Yogi Ashwin

2010-01-11T03:54:00.000-08:00

Human body is designed to perfection and hence, when a person adheres to principles of nature, all the physical systems perform their duties perfectly, knowing what is good and what is not. One should observe the reactions of the body and try to eliminate the cause rather than suppress the effect!

An allergy is caused when the body is exposed to a nonconforming pranic force (energy). The response of the body to this foreign non-conforming prana is in the form of a violent reaction like a cold, swelling of the pleura (lung covering) membranes, a rise in body temperature, eruptions on the skin etc. When we take an anti-allergy tablet we actually confuse the brain - on one hand, the brain knows that the invading prana is nonconforming and dangerous while on the other hand, the medicine that we take blocks its reaction and suppresses it. This does not allow the body to react to the presence of a foreign body and gives a false sense of well being. Prolonged use of such suppressing medicines can cause serious psychosomatic disorders.

Ayurvedic science is not a symptom based, medicinal therapy as it works on the principal of balance and prevention of ailments, simultaneously strengthening the immunity of the body. The only way to avoid allergic reactions is by maintaining a hygienic lifestyle and strengthening the body enabling it to fight of dangerous and foreign prana. Synchronizing the body clock with the rhythm of the sun is essential to bring about balance. This means that one should wake up early in the morning and get rest by sleeping in the night. Apart from this the food that we eat should be fresh and clean, and natural products should be used for specific needs of the body.

In this regard, Herbal teas serve a dual purpose: Firstly, they protect against allergies and secondly they rejuvenate by releasing prana which is easily absorbed by the body. Here are some very effective herbal teas to fight off allergies.

Rose petals when boiled, strained and mixed with khand (unrefined sugar), and taken as a sherbet strengthen the immunity levels of the body. This sherbet also acts as a tonic for the heart. Rose hip (the bottom part of a rose which is green in colour) tea is very beneficial. Steep 3 to 5 rose hips in warm water with honey (that is at least a year old). This can be taken 3-4 times a day. Regular intake will strengthen the body’s immunity and develop the body's ability to absorb more prana.

A very effective tea for respiratory allergies that Dhyan Foundation practitioners use is a mixture of herbs found in our kitchens. Take 250 gms of green tea leaves, 50 gms Banapsha, 25 gms Mulethi (licorice), 12.5 gms Black pepper, 12.5 gms Cinnamon, 25 gms green tulsi leaves, 12.5 gms saunth (dry ginger powder). Mix all of the above in a copper or earthen utensil ensuring that there is no concentration of a specific herb in one part i.e the mixture should be well mixed and an even distribution is essential. Store this in a glass jar, take one teaspoon of this mixture in a ceramic or glass cup and pour boiling hot water on it. Keep this covered for five minutes then sip it without sugar or milk. This mixture remains effective for sixty days.

Thyme tea is also a very effective immunity booster especially for viral, fungal and bacterial infections and can be taken at any time of the day. Take eight to ten leaves of fresh thyme plant and steep as given above, no additives are to be added. You can use the dry herb also but then the quantity should be doubled.

Avoid the winter blues!

2010-01-11T03:48:00.000-08:00

Come winters and the vata dosha (air and ether) becomes dominant causing low immunity, melancholy and dryness. Here are some simple Ayurvedic tips to calm the aggravated Vata dosha and keep the winter blues away!

Regularity in lifestyle is must as Vata is characterized by restlessness, mobility and randomness. This includes working at fixed times of the day, clearing the bowls in the morning, rising and sleeping at similar hours of the day and eating on time.

The principle on which ayurvedic diet is based is “samanya vridhi karanam” so include foods that are unctuous to balance dryness, some "heavy" foods to offer substance and sustained nourishment, smooth textured foods to offset roughness and warm foods to balance the cool nature of Vata in your diet. This means including sweet, salty and sour testes in your diet. Cow ghee is absolutely essential! It is a tonic for brain, skin, and bones; and kindles the digestive fire without disturbing the pitta. Other foods such as honey, nuts and seeds, milk, potatoes, grains such as rice and wheat, spices such as turmeric and black pepper, mung beans are ideal for a vata-balancing diet.

Abhyanga simply put, means oiling your body. In order to keep your skin soft and healthy one should massage the body according to the oil which suits your constitution. Self-massage also aids in increasing self-esteem and confidence. Warm oils such as sesame and almond are most appropriate to pacify vata. If one has trouble sleeping then massaging the soles of the feet before sleeping and having a warm, aromatic bath helps calm the nerves and increase circulation.

Lastly, protect yourself from the cold wind by keeping your ears and throat covered when you go out. A walk and/or asanas in the morning to jump start your day on an active note. Practicing the Sanatan Kriya daily will enhance the mind-body coordination and take care of the rest!

Right Ahar

2009-08-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

In the earlier issues we discussed the three doshas in detail and understood the role each played in maintaining the balance in the body, which is the primary aim of ayurved. Taking this further we can say that a healthy body is one in which vat, pitt, and kaph are in a state of balance, the digestive fire, and all other fires which perform chemical activity in our body are balanced, and the actions of tissue elements (dhatus), and excretory organs are also in harmony.

When the soul, the senses and mind are satisfied and happy only then the individual is considered to be healthy. Physical body derives energy from the food that we eat. The nutrients (prasad) which are required for the functioning of the body are separated from the waste (mala) which is thrown out of the body by the excretory system. The nutrients are converted into seven tissue elements or dhatus called rasa (lymph), rakta (blood), mansa (muscles), meda (fat), asthi (bones), majja (marrow), and sukra (semen). In a healthy body these seven dhatus are also in a state of equilibrium.

Also the proper functioning of the excretory system plays an important role in keeping the body in balance, as, if the waste that needs to be expelled out of the body, if not eliminated in proper time starts rotting in the colon and generates ama, which creates imbalance in the entire system. Therefore, according to ayurved if the doshas, dhatus and excretory system are functioning properly, the senses and the mind are satisfied, one is considered to be a healthy individual.

Preservation of energy and maintaining stability in the body are the two means of achieving a healthy state. Ayurved prescribes daily routine (dincharya), night routine (ratricharya), and seasonal routine (ritucharya) to aid the conservation of energy and health.

Ayurved talks about diets, regimens and habits advantageous and detrimental to health in detail.

Just as vat, pitt and kaph are three pillars on which the body stands; Ayurved has enunciated three basic supports or aids for attainment of complete health. These basic supports are

Ahar or a balanced diet
Nidra or complete rest and
Brahmacharya i.e. celibacy

In our daily routine the energy consumed as well as compensation for wear and tear of the tissues primarily comes from the food that we eat. Food, water, and air are the three main sources of prana in the body and come under ahar.

The food that we eat gives us life, radiance, memory, ojas and is also primarily responsible for digestive and metabolic activity of our system.

In Shreemad Bhagvad Geeta Lord Krishna describes sattvik bhojan as that food which contains rasa, or is juicy and palatable, unctuous (containing some amount of fat), which brings stability, is a tonic to the heart, easily digestible and is liked by the individual. This type of ahar can be called as a balanced diet.

The principle on which ayurvedic diet is based is "samanya vridhi karanam" i.e. articles of identical quality enhance the tissue elements (dhatus) e.g. rasa increases rasa dhatu in the body, meat increases mansa dhatu, and fats increase fat in the body.

Taking this fact we can classify food into 4 categories:

Those which compensate for the wear and tear of the body and increase the tissue elements. Also the ligaments and tendons e.g. Milk, eggs, meat, and pulses.
Foods which provide necessary heat to our body e.g. cereals(anna), sugar, potatoes etc
Food which gives vitality and glow to the body and aids the conservation of ojas e.g. ghee (from cow’s milk), butter, oil etc
Food which helps or aids digestion, absorption, and elimination e.g. water and other liquids, enzymes, spices

Sleep For Good Health - by Arti Gaur

2009-08-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

Out of the three supports of life and good health talked about, sleep occupies second place. Sleep is the state of complete rest. When we talk about sleep in relation to health, we refer to that state in which all the organs of the body including mind, which becomes tired by work, are in a completely relaxed state.

Sleep is very essential for brain and is even considered a tonic for the brain. Charak Samitha says only when one has dissociated from the objects of senses and motor organs can one get into the state to of sleep. And this is the most natural means of rest. Charak has even compared the state of sleep to pleasure, peace, and happiness when he said "Nidrayatam Sukham", which indicate that only when body and mind are disease free and at peace, the pleasures of life can be experienced. This state of mind and body cannot be achieved without giving them adequate amount of rest.

Sleep and rest play a major role in development of child, healthy infants sleep peacefully for long hours and their development happens at rapid pace. Disturbed sleep is indicative of sickness. Sleep also provides natural immunity to the one suffering from any disease. That is why rest is recommended to the ailing.

It was also observed during the European war that sleep increases muscular tissues of the body and as a result is effective in healing wounds. Ayurved recommends diet which includes considerable amount of fat and excessive sleep for lean and thin individuals.

Ayurved describes seven kinds of sleep -

Tamasik sleep: excessive sleep due to lethargy
Sleshma samudbhawa: due to aggravated kapha
Manas shramjanya: due to tired mind
Shareer sharmjanya: due to tired mind (hard labour)
Aagantuki sleep: indicative of disease
Vyaadhyanuvartini: sleep because of weakness due to disease
Ratri Swabhav or natural night sleep: also called Bhoot Dhatri i.e. that sleep which protects the health of the individual.

Natural sleep causes the following changes in the body. The heart beats slow down as a result blood pressure reduces to some extent. Breathing is slow as result the metabolic activity of the body is reduced and body achieves as state of relaxation and is in harmony with nature. Nature is balance and the division between day and night provides the right environment for the being to tune in with this balance. Days are meant for work and night for sleep or rest. According to ayurved sleep is related to tamas, so is night. Therefore restoration of one's energy is done at night.

Sleep in adequate amount nourishes the body. What is adequate for one may not be for the other. The amount of sleep required by an individual depends on the mental and physical labour he or she is doing. Generally eight hours of sleep is sufficient for people who do average physical and mental work. For brain workers or older people six hours is enough. Growing children and people who do more physical labour need more sleep.

Those suffering from insomnia or sleep disorders need to look into their lifestyle, dietary habits and identify the cause of their problem. 'Unnatural mode of living' is the primary causative factor of insomnia or sleeping disorders. Ayurvedic texts describe the following causes for insomnia.

Fear or timidity, anxiety, fury, smoking, excessive physical work or exercises, blood letting, anaemia, fasting, purgation, under nourishment, unsuitable bedding and polluted environment, old age, any physical or mental disease causing provocation of vayu, sleeping during the day (except for those who have dominating pitt, kids, ailing, and people into physical labour.

To induce natural sleep your daily routine should be made simple and regular including time for sleep, awakening, bathing , working, etc. meals should be taken between 11/2 -2 hours before going to bed. Mind should be kept free and unoccupied. Massaging the soles of the feet induces sleep. Some amount of mental work is important for good sleep. Complete Relaxation of every part of the body is the most effective way to induce sleep.