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Marma Therapy – An Ancient Healing Science Of Ayurveda

  Marma Therapy – An Ancient Healing Science Of Ayurveda The word “Marma” literally means a tender full vital point, which is a conjugation of muscle, nerve, joint, bone, tendon, artery and vein either in combination of two, three etc., or all the above structures. The father of Surgery – Sushruthacharya, defines Marma as “Marayanthi ithi marma” – which means, that certain vital anatomical locations in the body, when injured shall become painful and cause malfunctioning of the local organs or even cause sudden death (marayanthi) of the individual.   “Vital Life Force” The actions of Marma are controlled by the Pranic Vayu (cosmic energy principle in human body). This Prana Vayu is essential to maintain the life or longevity of a person. Sushruthacharya in his tr...

Ayurveda: Honey – The Natural Healer

The ancients have long considered honey as one of nature’s most remarkable gifts to mankind. Not only is honey considered a sweetener but instead is revered as a natural product with high nutritional and medicinal value. Honey contains sugars like fructose, glucose, maltose along with proteins, fats, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. “It promotes the healing process.”    The Natural Healer… According to Charaka – a prolific author of the classical texts of Ayurveda, honey is one of those ingredients which can be taken on a daily basis. These classical texts go on to state that all the organs in the body respond favorably when honey is eaten as indicated.  For example, honey is thought to possess a special quality called “yogavahi” which allows honey to penetrate into the ...

Nourishing The Body, Mind, & Soul – An Ayurvedic Perspective

  Nourishing The Body, Mind, & Soul Ayurveda is considered the world’s oldest and most complete system of natural healing. It’s said that the knowledge of Ayurveda is eternal and is revealed in order to help relieve the suffering of humanity. Perhaps the most universal aspect of Ayurveda is to establish balance, peace of mind, and happiness. “The natural force within each of us is that perfect healer of all.” – Hippocrates According to the classic texts, three aspects of the mind include: Dhi, the ability to learn and acquire knowledge Dhriti, the ability to process and retain information Smriti, the ability to recall, memory   Recalling Our True Nature In nearly all ancient cultures, nature has often been considered the greatest healer. Interestingly, in Ayurveda “praj...

Ayurveda – The Movement Of Vata Dosha

  Ayurveda – The Movement Of Vata Dosha Ayurveda is the science of life. The science of Ayurveda explains that the human body is a replica of the vast external universe recognizing each individual to be an integral part of the entire cosmos. A unique aspect of Ayurveda is the explanation of three doshas called vata, pitta, and kapha. We can think of these three doshas as the guiding principles that keep all our bodily functions balanced and healthy. Not only do the doshas govern our bodily functions but from a more truer perspective – they are the governing principles of nature. For now, we shall consider vata dosha. “That which moves things.” Vata Dosha The concept of vata originates from the Sanskrit word “vyv” [vaya] which implies ‘that which moves things’. Eventually, vata b...

Ayurvedic Daily Routine: Oleation + Self Massage [Abhyanga]

  Ayurvedic Daily Routine – Oleation & Abhyanga Ayurveda takes pride in oleation therapy where we can apply oil to every part of our body, inside and out. As we enter into Vata Season we enter into a period of dryness and coldness. The quality is light and we can feel ungrounded. Due to the dryness and coldness the orifices, especially those that are exposed to the elements are susceptible to these qualities and become compromised causing various conditions and creating a forum for disease to start. The first line of defense of the body is the skin. It covers us from head to toe and lines all the orifices; eye, ears, nose, digestive tract from mouth to rectum.  Ayurveda suggests that we keep these areas lubricated throughout the winter for our protection and immunity. Regula...

Autoimmune Conditions [Rheumatoid Arthritis]: An Ayurvedic Perspective + Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Sun Dressing Recipe

Autoimmune Conditions In essence, autoimmunity is when the body attacks itself. The function of the immune system is to help protect you from disease. However, when the immune system doesn’t function properly it can mistakenly identify your own bodily tissue as an invader and therefore mount an attack – the immune response! Main Factors Of Health … The concept of health according to the ancient science of Ayurveda is explained in terms of healthy digestion [agni], balanced doshas [vata–pitta–kapha], preventing ama [toxins], and preserving ojas [vital essense of life]. When all these factors are balanced then it’s said that the person will be strong, healthy, and live a long and happy life. “Let food by thy medicine and medicine thy food.”– Hippocrates    Health...

Simple Tips For Healthy Digestion

Simple Tips For Healthy Digestion In Ayurveda, the oldest system of holistic medicine, perfect health begins with perfect digestion. Ayurveda speaks of Jatharagni (digestive fire), located in the stomach, as being the primary location where either health begins or disease. According to Ayurveda mostly all diseases start in the digestive system; this includes mind since the mind is transforming information by nature. The digestive fire is like the furnace in a house. If it’s not properly working then the house will suffer its consequences. Linked to digestion, according to Ayurveda, are all the other organs that are part of a sequential process that digests food and takes in the essence of food that nurtures every cell on every level, not just physical. 11 Simple Tips: 1. Eat 2-3 meals a da...

An Ayurvedic Purification Purge [Virechana]

  An Ayurvedic Purification Purge  According to the ancient teachings of Ayurveda, there are three doshas called vata, pitta, and kapha. These three doshas act as the guiding principles that keep all our bodily functions balanced and healthy. “Health results from the natural, balanced state of the doshas. Therefore, the wise try to keep them in their balanced state.” – Charak Samhita Imbalanced Doshas Each of the three doshas are present throughout the body. They govern our physiology and all activities of the body, mind, and emotions. Ayurveda is a holistic science and recognizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That said, when the doshas become imbalanced it affects the whole body. Likewise, when the doshas become aggravated by various factors such as poor diet, ...

Healthy Ayurvedic Recipes For The Holidays

  Healthy Ayurvedic Recipes With all the winter holidays coming up, there is much temptation in the way of food and drink! Every supermarket and store is displaying holiday treats and the delicious aromas are enough to invite one to splurge. However, the following recipes will lessen the guilt that comes with indulgence. After all, using organic and doshic friendly ingredients will bring joy and contentment instead of the guilt of festive sweets. Enjoy! Ayurvedic Sooji Halwa  All ingredients should be organic. Ingredients ½ cup of coconut oil or ghee 1 cup of semolina flour ½ teaspoon of cinnamon ½ teaspoon of cardamom 1 cup of whole milk 2 cups of filtered spring water ½ cup of raisins ¼ cup of sunflower seeds ¼ cup of pumpkin seeds ¼ cup of turbinado sugar   In a saucepan boil ...

Hey Kapha – Get Up.

More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life. Ayurveda offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay balanced and healthy. Ayurveda reminds us that health is the dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.   Hey Kapha – “Get Up.” Kapha individuals are often the most compassionate people with much love, devotion, and loyalty. Kapha types seldom rebel and more often reflect the conservative, traditional, or conventional attitude in their behavior and beliefs. However, when kapha becomes imbalanced this can lead to attachment, laziness, and even depression.   The Kapha Body Kapha individuals are usually shorter and more heavy or stocky in build. Kaphas have abundant thick hair with large white attractive teeth...

Hey Pitta – Chill Out.

  Ayurveda recognizes that each human being is born with a unique balance and that this natural balance is responsible for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By recognizing and maintaining this unique balance, Ayurveda provides simple guidelines to help each person create his or her own state of ideal health. For now, we will discuss the fiery nature of Pitta.   Hey Pitta – “Chill Out.” The first thing which comes to mind when thinking of pitta is the brilliant blaze of fire. The primary function of pitta is transformation and controls digestion, metabolism, and energy production. The fire aspect makes pitta types bright, illuminating, fiery and even hot-tempered.   A Dose Of Loving Compassion One of the best ways to pacify the fiery and hot-tempered nat...

Hey Vata – Slow Down!

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old medical philosophy predicated on the idea that we are influenced by three main doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha. These three doshas in Ayurveda, describe our state of mind and all functions of the body. While all three doshas are present in everyone, Ayurveda states that we often have a dosha that’s predominant from birth. When the doshas are balanced, we are healthy; when they are unbalanced, we become increasingly vulnerable to disease. Let us now focus on vata dosha. Hey Vata – “Slow Down” Being a vata type you undoubtedly are an active and energetic person. If there were ever a need for speed it’s specific for vata individuals. Plain and simple, vata types love moving – running, jumping, tumbling, twirling, flying, and movement ...