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Ayurveda Blog

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Blog about ayurvedic treatments and common herbal remedies for common ailments, Yoga styles and benefits. Latest news and other research resources.

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This blog is currently rated a 4.00 out of a possible 5 based on 6 comments.

3 stars Ayurvedic Practitioner

I am a qualified ayurvedic practitioner, working in an ayurveda clinic for the past 2 years. Recently my director (a businessman, no background of ayurveda) decided to launch an online consultation. I have expressed my concerns about this as physical examination is critical in differential diagnosis of a condition. However my boss has asked me to compromise on my principles for the benefit of the company which I do not wish to do. Therefore I would like anyone who has had or heard of an experience or incident where an online consultation has not been productive or in fact detrimental.

I want to present a case to my director that this is not a good idea and to keep the practise of ayurveda ethical and uncompromised.

Any guidelines or experiences would be welcome.

AP, UK

Posted: May 9th, 2009 | Report This Comment

3 stars Mooksha Ayrveda

Ayurvedic Massage treatment workshop - May 1st,2nd,3rd 2009

Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine using herbal and mineral products prepared using natural methods. The therapies in it are good elimination methods of toxins and nourish both mind and body with no side effects.
Ayurveda has a history of attending health issues over 5000 years without break and still existing unaltered. As a medical system it has its own method of diagnosing diseases of all kinds and giving remedies.
It is highly efficient in diagnosing even new diseases since means and methods are available to detect any kind of imbalance.At Mooksha ayurveda , a branch of AVP Ayurveda in india, is hosting the following events in the USA

Event 2 : Ayurvedic lifestyle seminar - April - 25th 26th 2009
Santa clara, CAlifornia
The Ayurvedic seminar and the massage therapies are hosted by Mooksha ayurveda, and is conducted
by Dr. P.N. Hari, has had the opportunity to learn Ayurveda, Yoga and Tarka Sasthra with him over a period of 12 years.
After completing his BAMS (Ayurveda Medical Degree) from Ayurveda College, Coimbatore,
he assisted his Guru in his mission and travelled widely in India and Abroad conducting educational programs.
Presently, he is the Deputy Director of Arsha Yoga Vidya Peetam Trust.

For more information on the seminars and training contact
Mooksha Ayurveda
Anitha Mohanasundaram
Email : mookshausa@gmail.com
Phone : 408-982-9113

Posted: April 17th, 2009 | Report This Comment

5 stars bhattathiri

Krishna, Guruvayoorappa ! Dear Bhaktas,

Ayurveda is the spiritual healing science . This *Upa-vedam* (
subsidiary Vedam) was gifted by Sri Dhanvantari- Moorthy , a
manifestation of Bhagavan Maha-Vishnu . At the culmination of
*Amruta-mathanam* ( churning of milk-ocean) , Sri Dhanwantari arose
holding the pot of *Amruth* ( life giving Nectar). Bhagavan also
carried Sri Chakra, and Sankha besides *Jalooka* ( leech for blood
letting) . Sri Dhanwantari taught disciple Sage Susruta, the science of
Ayurvedic medicine and surgery. And this oral tradition continued from
accomplished Rishis to their disciples.

In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means "The Science of Life." It is renowned as
the "Mother of All Healing." Alexander's invasion of BhArat and spread
of Buddhism lend Ayurveda, acclaim abroad .The principles of almost all
the Western medical systems including Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy
have their roots in Ayurveda,.

*Prarabda-karma* is the sum total of an individual's completed
thoughts and actions of previous births and present life . Bad
*Prarabda-karma* automatically results in corresponding bad Individual
constitution, to suffer from illness . Ayurveda is Bhagavan's gift
to His Bhaktas . One who has taken *SaranAgati* in Ishta-deva Sri
Krishna ; and purifies self by constant Nama-Japam and recitation of
Srimad Narayaneeyam ; will definitely benefit from Bhagavan's
Ayurveda .

Ayurveda - Principle of Inner Balance

Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the
maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one's life,
right thinking, Diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs . Knowledge of
Ayurveda enables one to understand how to create the balance of body,
mind and consciousness according to one's own individual constitution
and how to make lifestyle changes to bring about and maintain this
balance.

Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a particular
pattern of energy-an individual combination of physical, mental and
emotional characteristics- which comprises their own constitution. This
constitution is determined at conception by a number of factors and
remains the same throughout one's life.

Many factors, both internal and external, act upon us to disturb this
balance and are reflected as a change in one's constitution from the
balanced state. Examples of these emotional and physical stresses
include one's emotional state, diet and food choices, seasons and
weather, physical trauma, work and family relationships. Once these
factors are understood, one can take appropriate actions to nullify or
minimize their effects or eliminate the causes of imbalance and
re-establish one's original constitution. Balance is the natural order;
imbalance is disorder. Health is order; disease is disorder. Within the
body there is a constant interaction between order and disorder. When
one understands the nature and structure of disorder, one can
re-establish order.

Balancing the Three Principle Energies of the Body Ayurveda identifies
three basic types of energy or functional principles that are present in
everyone and everything. Since there are no single words in English that
convey these concepts, we use the original Sanskrit words Vata, Pitta
and Kapha. These principles can be related to the basic biology of the
body.

Energy is required to create movement so that fluids and nutrients get
to the cells, enabling the body to function. Energy is also required to
metabolize the nutrients in the cells, and is called for to lubricate
and maintain the structure of the cell . Vata is the energy of movement,
Pitta is the energy of digestion or metabolism and Kapha, the energy of
lubrication and structure. All people have the qualities of Vata, Pitta
and Kapha, but one is usually primary, one secondary and the third is
usually least prominent. The cause of disease in Ayurveda is viewed as a
lack of proper cellular function due to an excess or deficiency of Vata,
Pitta or Kapha. Disease can also be caused by the presence of Toxins .

In Ayurveda, body, mind and consciousness work together in maintaining
balance. They are simply viewed as different facets of one's being. To
learn how to balance the body, mind and consciousness requires an
understanding of how Vata, Pitta and Kapha work together. According to
Ayurvedic philosophy the entire cosmos is an interplay of the energies
of the five great elements-Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Vata,
Pitta and Kapha are combinations and permutations of these five elements
that manifest as patterns present in all creation. In the physical body,
Vata is the subtle energy of movement, Pitta the energy of digestion and
metabolism, and Kapha the energy that forms the body's structure.

Vata is the subtle energy associated with movement - composed of Space
and Air. It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement,
pulsation of the heart, and all movements in the cytoplasm and cell
membranes. In balance, Vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of
balance, Vata produces fear and anxiety.

Pitta expresses as the body's metabolic system - made up of Fire and
Water. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition,
metabolism and body temperature. In balance, Pitta promotes
understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, Pitta arouses anger,
hatred and jealousy.

Kapha is the energy that forms the body's structure - bones, muscles,
tendons - and provides the "glue" that holds the cells together,
formed from Earth and Water. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily
parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and
maintains immunity. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and
forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.

Ayurveda as a Complementary System of Healing

The basic difference between Ayurveda and Western allopathic medicine is
important to understand. Western allopathic medicine currently tends to
focus on symptomatology and disease, and primarily uses drugs and
surgery to rid the body of pathogens or diseased tissue. Many lives have
been saved by this approach. In fact, surgery is encompassed by
Ayurveda. However, drugs, because of their toxicity, often weaken the
body. Ayurveda does not focus on disease. Rather, Ayurveda maintains
that all life must be supported by energy in balance. When there is
minimal stress and the flow of energy within a person is balanced, the
body's natural defense systems will be strong and can more easily defend
against disease.

It must be emphasized that Ayurveda is not a substitute for Western
allopathic medicine. There are many instances when the disease process
and acute conditions can best be treated with drugs or surgery. Ayurveda
can be used in conjunction with Western medicine to make a person
stronger and less likely to be afflicted with disease and/or to rebuild
the body after being treated with drugs or surgery.

We all have times when we don't feel well and recognize that we are out
of balance. Sometimes we go to the doctor only to be told there is
nothing wrong. What is actually occurring is that this imbalance has not
yet become recognizable as a disease. Yet it is serious enough to make
us notice our discomfort. We may start to wonder whether it is just our
imagination. We may also begin to consider alternative measures and
actively seek to create balance in our body, mind and consciousness.

Evaluation and Treatment of Imbalances

Ayurveda encompasses various techniques for assessing health. The
practitioner carefully evaluates key signs and symptoms of illness,
especially in relation to the origin and cause of an imbalance. They
also consider the patient's suitability for various treatments. The
Practitioner arrives at diagnosis through direct questioning,
observation and a physical exam, as well as inference. Basic techniques
such taking the pulse, observing the tongue, eyes and physical form ;
and listening to the tone of the voice are employed during an assessment
.

Palliative and cleansing measures, when appropriate, can be used to help
eliminate an imbalance along with suggestions for eliminating or
managing the causes of the imbalance. Recommendations may include the
implementation of lifestyle changes; starting and maintaining a
suggested diet; and the use of herbs. In some cases, participating in a
cleansing program, called panchakarma, is suggested to help the body rid
itself of accumulated toxins to gain more benefit from the various
suggested measures of treatment .

In summary, Ayurveda addresses all aspects of life-the body, mind and
spirit . It recognizes that each of us is unique, each responds
differently to the many aspects of life, each possesses different
strengths and weaknesses . Through insight, understanding and experience
Ayurveda presents a vast wealth of information on the relationships
between causes and their effects, both immediate and subtle, for each
unique individual.

Vata , the Energy of Movement

General Description

Vata provides the essential motion for all bodily processes and is
extremely vital for health. On an annual basis, Vata is most prominent
in the fall and at the change of seasons, and these are the most
important times to be careful of diet and lifestyle. One purpose of
lifestyle considerations is stabilize this motion. Routine is very
useful in assisting the Vata individual to effectively ground all this
moving energy.

A person with Vata predominant is blessed with a quick mind, flexibility
and creativity. Mentally, they usually grasp concepts quickly but then
forget them just as quickly. Alert, restless and very active, Vata
people walk, talk and think fast, but are easily fatigued. They tend to
have less willpower, confidence, boldness and tolerance for fluctuation
than other types and often feel unstable and ungrounded. When
unbalanced, Vata types may become fearful, nervous and anxious. In the
external world, Vata types tend to earn money quickly and spend it
quickly. They are not good planners and as a consequence may suffer
economic hardship.

Vata types have variable appetite and digestion. They are often
attracted to astringent foods like salad and raw vegetables, but their
constitution is balanced by warm, cooked foods and sweet, sour and salty
tastes. With a tendency to produce little urine, their feces are often
hard, dry and small in size and quantity.

Vata resides in the colon, as well as the brain, ears, bones, joints,
skin and thighs. Vata people are more susceptible to diseases involving
the air principle, such as emphysema, pneumonia and arthritis. Other
common Vata disorders include flatulence, tics, twitches, aching joints,
dry skin and hair, nerve disorders, constipation, and mental confusion.
Vata in the body tends to increase with age as is exhibited by the
drying and wrinkling of the skin.

Since the attributes of Vata are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile
and clear, any of these qualities in excess can cause imbalance.
Frequent travel, especially by plane, loud noises, continual
stimulation, drugs, sugar and alcohol all derange Vata, as does exposure
to cold and cold liquids and foods. Like the wind, Vata types have a
hard time becoming and staying grounded. Routine is difficult but
essential if Vata is to be lowered and controlled. It is best for Vata
types to go to bed by 10 pm as they need more rest than the other types.
In general, people with excessive Vata respond most rapidly to warm,
moist, slightly oily, heavy foods. Steam baths, humidifiers and moisture
in general are helpful. Daily oil massage before bath or shower is also
recommended.

Dietary Considerations

General food guidelines for decreasing Vata include warm, well-cooked,
unctuous foods. One should have small meals three or four times a day
and may snack as needed while maintaining a two hour gap between each
meal. Regularity in meal times is important for Vata. Those with
Vata-dominant constitutions do well with one-pot meals such as soups,
stews and casseroles. They can use more oil in cooking their foods than
the other two doshas and experience better digestion if they limit their
intake of raw foods.

Well-cooked oats and rice are good for Vata because they are not too
drying when cooked with plenty of water. While cooked vegetables are
best for Vata, the occasional salad with a good oily or creamy dressing
is all right . Nightshades- tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers-as
well as spinach should be avoided if the Vata person has stiff, aching
joints or muscles. Sweet, ripe and juicy fruits are good for Vata. The
astringent and drying fruits, such as cranberries, pomegranates and raw
apples, should be avoided. Fruit should always be eaten by itself on an
empty stomach.

Many Vata people can satisfy their need for protein by judicious use of
dairy and vegetarian products . Legumes are difficult to digest and
should be consumed in limited quantity by those trying to pacify Vata.
The legumes should be the split type and soaked before cooking. Cooking
them with a little oil and spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander,
ginger, garlic and hing (asafoetida) , will help prevent Vata from being
disturbed.

All nuts and seeds are good for Vata, but are best used as butters or
milks. Ten almonds, soaked in water overnight with skins removed the
next morning, are a satisfying early morning food. Sesame oil is warming
for Vata, but all oils are good. All dairy products are good for Vata
with hard cheese being eaten sparingly. All spices are good, but should
not be overused. Since Vata people tend to be prone to addiction, they
should avoid sugar, caffeine and tobacco. Intensity itself can be
intoxicating to Vata, so one should seek relaxation and meditation to
reduce Vata .

General guidelines for balancing Vata:

* Keep warm . * Eat warm foods and spices . * Avoid cold,
frozen or raw foods . * Keep calm . * Keep
a regular routine . * Get plenty of rest . * Avoid extreme cold .

Pitta , the Energy of Digestion and Metabolism

General Description

Pitta types have many of the qualities of fire . Fire is hot,
penetrating, sharp and agitating. Similarly, Pitta people have warm
bodies, penetrating ideas and sharp intelligence. When out of balance,
they can become very agitated and short-tempered. The Pitta body type is
one of medium height and build, with ruddy or coppery skin. They may
have many moles and freckles. Their skin is warm and less wrinkled than
Vata skin. Their hair tends to be silky and they often experience
premature graying or hair loss. Their eyes are of medium size and the
conjunctiva is moist. The nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Those with Pitta-dominant constitutions have a strong metabolism, good
digestion and strong appetites. They like plenty of food and liquids and
tend to love hot spices and cold drinks. However, their constitution is
balanced by sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. Pitta people's sleep is
sound and of medium duration. They produce large quantities of urine and
feces, which tend to be yellowish, soft and plentiful. They perspire
easily and their hands and feet stay warm. Pitta people have a lower
tolerance for sunlight, heat and hard physical work .

Mentally, Pitta types are alert and intelligent and have good powers of
comprehension. However, they are easily agitated and aggressive and tend
toward hate, anger and jealousy when imbalanced. In the external world,
Pitta people like to be leaders and planners and seek material
prosperity. They like to exhibit their wealth and possessions. Pitta
people tend to have diseases involving the fire principle such as
fevers, inflammatory diseases and jaundice. Common symptoms include skin
rashes, burning sensation, ulceration, fever, inflammations or
irritations such as conjunctivitis, colitis or sore throats.

Since the attributes of Pitta are oily, hot, light, mobile, dispersing
and liquid, an excess of any of these qualities aggravates Pitta. Summer
is a time of heat, the Pitta season. Sunburn, poison ivy, prickly heat
and short tempers are common. These kinds of Pitta disorders tend to
calm down as the weather gets cooler. The diet and lifestyle changes
emphasize coolness-cool foods, avoidance of chilies and spices , and
cool climates. People with excessive Pitta need to exercise at the
coolest part of the day.

Dietary Considerations

General food guidelines for pacifying Pitta include avoiding sour, salty
and pungent foods. Vegetarianism is best for Pitta people and they
should refrain from eating meat, eggs, alcohol and salt. To help calm
their natural aggressiveness and compulsiveness, it is beneficial to
incorporate sweet, cooling and bitter foods and tastes into their diets.

Barley, rice, oats and wheat are good grains for Pitta dominant
individuals and vegetables should form a substantial part of their diet.
Tomatoes, radishes, chilies, garlic and raw onions should all be
avoided. In fact, any vegetable that is too sour or hot will aggravate
Pitta, but most other vegetables will help to calm it . Daikon radishes
are cleansing for the liver when Pitta is in balance but should be
avoided otherwise. Salads and raw vegetables are good for Pitta types in
the spring and summer as are any sweet fruits. Sour fruits should be
avoided with the exception of limes, used sparingly. All legumes except
red and yellow lentils are good in small amounts, with black lentils,
chickpeas and mung beans being the best.

Most nuts and seeds have too much oil and are heating for Pitta.
However, coconut is cooling and sunflower and pumpkin seeds are all
right occasionally. Small amounts of coconut, olive and sunflower oils
are also good for Pitta. Sweet dairy products are good and include milk,
unsalted butter, ghee and soft, unsalted cheeses. Yogurt can be used if
it is blended with spices, a little sweetener and water. In fact, Pitta
people can use a sweetener better than the other two doshas because it
relieves Pitta. However, they should avoid hot spices, using cardamom,
cinnamon, coriander, fennel and turmeric predominantly, with small
amounts of cumin and black pepper.

Coffee, alcohol and tobacco should be completely avoided for a Pitta
person. Black tea may also be used occasionally with a little milk and a
pinch of cardamom.

General guidelines for balancing Pitta :

* Avoid excessive heat . * Eat cooling, non-spicy foods .
* Avoid excessive oil . * Limit salt intake . * Exercise
during the cooler part of the day . * Avoid excessive steam .

Kapha, the Energy of Lubrication

General Description

Kapha types are blessed with strength, endurance and stamina. In
balance, they tend to have sweet, loving dispositions and be stable and
grounded. Their skin is oily and smooth. Physically, Kapha people may
gain weight easily and have a slow metabolism. They tend to shun
exercise. They have thick skin and their bodies and muscles are well
developed. Their eyes are large and attractive with thick, long lashes
and brows. Kapha people evacuate slowly and feces tend to be soft, pale
and oily. Perspiration is moderate. Sleep is deep and prolonged. Kapha
types are attracted to sweet, salty and oily foods, but their
constitutions are most balanced by bitter, astringent and pungent
tastes.

Psychologically, Kapha people tend to be calm, tolerant and forgiving.
However, they may become lethargic. While they may be slow to
comprehend, their long term memory is excellent. When out of balance,
Kaphas tend to experience greed, envy, attachment and possessiveness. In
the external world, Kapha tendencies toward groundedness, stability and
attachment help them to earn and hold onto money.

They are more likely to have diseases connected to the water principle
such as flu, sinus congestion, and other diseases involving mucous.
Sluggishness, excess weight, diabetes, water retention, and headaches
are also common. Kapha can become more aggravated as the moon gets full
because there is a tendency for water retention at that time. Winter is
the time of greatest Kapha accumulation and following the
Kapha-balancing dietary and lifestyle changes are most important during
that season.

Dietary Considerations

Dietary guidelines for Kapha people stress bitter, astringent and
pungent tastes. They actually need foods that will invigorate their
minds while limiting their overall consumption of food. They should
avoid dairy products and fats of any kind, especially fried or greasy
foods and bodies .

Those with Kapha dominant constitutions need less grain than Pitta or
Vata constitutions with buckwheat and millet (more heating) being
optimal grains for them followed by barley, rice and corn. Roasted or
dry cooked grains are best. All vegetables are good for Kapha but one
should emphasize leafy greens and vegetables grown above ground more
than root vegetables while avoiding very sweet, sour or juicy
vegetables. Generally Kapha people can eat raw vegetables although
steamed or stir-fried are easier to digest. Very sweet or sour fruits
should be avoided with the more astringent and drying fruits being
preferable such as apples, apricots, cranberries, mangoes, peaches and
pears.

As their bodies do not require large amounts of protein, Kapha people
should not overeat legumes although these are better for them than meat
because of the lack of fat. Black beans, mung beans, pinto beans and red
lentils are best for Kapha types.

The heavy qualities of nuts and seeds aggravate Kapha as does the oil in
them. Occasional sunflower and pumpkin seeds are all right. Almond,
corn, safflower or sunflower oils can be used in small amounts as well.
The same holds true for dairy products : in general, Kapha people should
avoid the heavy, cooling, sweet qualities of dairy. A little ghee for
cooking and some consumption of goat's milk is good for Kapha types.

Since Kapha people should avoid sweets, the only sweetener they should
use is raw honey, which is heating. However, they can use all spices,
except salt, with ginger and garlic being best for them. A person whose
dominant dosha is Kapha and who has very little influence from the other
two doshas can benefit from the occasional use of stimulants such as
coffee and tea.

General guidelines for balancing Kapha :

* Get plenty of exercise. * Vary your routine. * Avoid
heavy foods. Eat light, dry food. * Avoid fatty, oily foods.
* Avoid iced food or drinks. * Avoid dairy.
* Keep active. * No daytime naps.

Types of Ayurvedic Treatments

The treatments in Ayurveda are basically two types, "Shodhanam" and
"Shamanam". Shodhanam is all about removal of impurities, while Shamanam
involves applying of medicine on the infected parts and thereby curing
the illness.

The Shodhanam Therapy includes five types of procedures. They are Vamana
(forced vomiting), Virechana (forced purging), Basti (medicated enema),
Nasya (nasal administration of substances) and Raktamoksha (blood
letting). Panchakarma belongs to this division.

In Shamana method of treatment, tablets like Kasthuryadi and Vilvadi
(curative tablets), Arishtas (liquid medicines), Lehyas (medicine in
solid form) are given to the patients after complete check up. Pizhichil
(a form of massage), Navarakizhi (massage with 'Navara' rice, milk
etc.), Dhara (Continuous downpour of water over the body) are all part
of the Shamanam treatment .

Bhagavan Sri Krishna says : "O Uddhava, in a dangerous situation an
ordinary person cries, becomes fearful and laments, although such
useless emotions do not change the situation. But activities offered to
Me without personal motivation, even if they are externally useless,
amount to the actual process. "

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya !!!

Posted: March 31st, 2009 | Report This Comment

5 stars Ayurvedic Forums

If you are looking for discussion about ayurveda, please join the best online community forums specialized in ayurveda: http://www.ayurveda-forums.org

Posted: March 30th, 2009 | Report This Comment

5 stars ramnika

Our Ayurvedic spa treatments are based upon centuries-old Ayurvedic therapies that support balance and bliss in your life. The revitalizing and therapeutic treatments offered are customized to your particular needs. Your therapist will use specific oils, herbs, and aromas chosen to provide you with optimal balance and nourishment for your mind-body constitution. All therapies are natural, gentle, and delightfully pleasing.

Learm more about ayurvedic treatments at the chopra.com.

Posted: February 9th, 2009 | Report This Comment

3 stars freeflowingit

I'm new to Ayurvedic health and would like to blog but have never bloged before. I would like to chart my progress and learn from others along the way. is this the right place for that sort of thing?

Namaste

Posted: July 15th, 2008 | Report This Comment

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