The Role Of The Ayurvedic Professional
The Role Of The Ayurvedic Professional
To some degree, we all are in need of healing. Similarly, to some degree - we all suffer. That said, the living and breathing science of Ayurveda acknowledges that the human body has an incredible ability to heal. Of course, there are times when healing is not possible. Of importance, the science of Ayurveda evolved from the contemplative minds of ancient seers for the intention to heal all of humanity. For thousands of years, these teachings were passed down from teacher to disciple. Fortunately, Ayurveda remains alive today and is more relevant now than ever before. Ultimately, Ayurveda helps to facilitate the inborn intelligence of the body so that the body may heal itself and once again become whole; i.e. wholesome & holy.
“Be Realistic; plan for a miracle.” - Osho
Ayurvedic Professionals
Miracles occur all the time. In fact, all of life is a miracle. When the body and mind are aligned in accordance to the power of nature, healing occurs spontaneously. The role of the Ayurvedic professional is to help guide you on your journey of life and to help lay the foundation for healthy living. More importantly, the role of a qualified Ayurvedic professional is to help bring you more in tune with nature by following a daily routine [“dinacharya”] which is essential for establishing health, vitality, and the overall sense of wellbeing. For example, a proper morning routine can help generate the sense of peace which can then be carried throughout your day even despite the disarray of modern living. Likewise, it’s important to assess any imbalances in consideration to your natural constitution before initiating a daily routine; hence the importance of a qualified Ayurvedic professional.
What To Expect During An Ayurvedic Consultation
The Ayurvedic Consultation
The initial consultation involves a thorough examination allowing the consultant to identify key symptoms and potential causes of imbalance and to eventually determine suitable food and lifestyle recommendations.
Observation [Darshan]:
An Ayurvedic practitioner is able to evaluate the state of health simply by looking at the patient and observing his/her movements, body contour, color of the skin and eyes, facial lines and ridges, shape of the nose, and various other features of the lips, hair, and nails.
Touch [Sparsha]:
The practitioner then employs touch, including palpation called sparshanam in Ayurveda, auscultation, which implies listening for sounds of the internal organs (shrvanaa), and percussion or tapping (akotana). There is also special attention on evaluating the patient’s pulse, tongue, nails, and speech. Laboratory testing may also be included under this category.
Questions [Prashna]:
The practitioner will then ask the patient about presenting signs and symptoms, as well as the duration of discomfort as well as any other associations related to the disease progression. The practitioner will also inquire further into the overall lifestyle of the patient.
Pulse.
Taking the pulse is a way to determine one’s constitution and current state of real-time imbalances. The Ayurvedic consultant feels for the strength of vata, pitta, and kapha in the pulse. The practitioner looks for the overall qualities of the pulse.
– vata is felt under the index finger with dry, light, and cold qualities
– pitta in the middle finger with hot, sharp, and bounding qualities
– kapha under the ring finger with slow, soft, and steady qualities
Tongue.
When examining the tongue, the consultant looks at the color and shape of the tongue while checking the presence of scallops on the sides of the tongue, any excessive movement, the presence of coating and/or cracking of the tongue, etc.
Coating on the tongue often indicates the presence of “ama”, or poorly digested food, still present in the digestive system. The location [i.e. anterior 1/3, middle 1/3, posterior 1/3] and color of the coating on the tongue provides information on the type and location of ama within the digestive system; i.e. stomach, small intestine, colon.
Simple Tips To Improve Digestion
Ayurvedic Remedies To Improve Digestion
Size, Shape, & Color
Generally, a thin, pointed tongue is more prevalent in vata dosha. Pitta often has more redness to the tongue and kapha generally has a large, round-tipped tongue. Scalloped edges on the sides of the tongue (teeth impressions) may indicate possible malabsorption or malnutrition.
Tongue Self-Assessment
First thing in the morning stick out your tongue and consider performing an Ayurvedic self-assessment. Question whether there is coating on the tongue and, if so – what color is the coating? Generally, white is an indication of kapha imbalance in the digestive system, yellow or green implies pitta imbalance, and brown being a vata imbalance. It‘s important to remove this coating every morning by gently scraping from the back to the front of the tongue, three to five times. By gently scraping the tongue this helps to stimulate the digestive system and help to remove digestive waste.
Feces.
Although uncomfortable to discuss, discussing characteristics of stool and one’s bowel movements reveals important information about digestive health. Generally, we should eliminate every morning often upon waking or even within one hour of waking. Ideally, the bowel movement should have no strain nor discomfort and be the consistency of a banana.
– constipation likely indicates the dry qualities of vata.
– loose stools likely indicates the oily nature of pitta
– sticky and sludgy stools may indicate the heavy qualities of kapha.
Simple Recommendation
To help stimulate and cleanse the digestive system, begin the day by sipping warm water with lemon.
To Learn The Benefits Of Sipping Hot Water & Preventing ‘Metabolic Syndrome’
Urine.
The color, volume, and frequency of urine can also indicate whether one is properly hydrated.
– scanty urine may reveal the presence of dry qualities of vata dosha
– hot and increased odor of urine may reveal the presence of pitta dosha
– cloudy urine may indicate excess kapha dosha
– pain or discomfort could indicate a more complicated concern
Ayurvedic management may include, but is not limited to: dietary changes, exercise program [i.e. yoga], lifestyle changes, herbs, and stress prevention [i.e. meditation]. The personalized strategy aims to help simplify, harmonize and energize one’s life in order to regain balance – in essence, reduce stress, balance weight, support moods, crave healthier foods, promote immunity, calm the mind, and enjoy more vitality.
Disclaimer:
This is strictly for educational purpose only. Always first discuss with your primary care physician before considering any new health regimen. Healthy Ayurveda acts as a third party healthcare advocate by providing education centered around basic principles of healthy living. Our sole purpose is to help provide greater awareness about the ancient science of Ayurveda and does not take any responsibility regarding recommendations provided by Ayurvedic professionals.
Nature's Greatest Antioxidant
Nature’s Greatest Antioxidant
The continuous production of free radicals in the body is inescapable and living in the modern world is a recipe for free radicals. Free radicals are molecules [i.e. oxygen] that have lost an electron and therefore become very reactive, unstable, and damaging. Being reactive and unstable, free radicals attempt to steal electrons from neighboring cells which can disrupt normal cellular activity. For example, if free radicals attack the cell membrane, enzymes, or even DNA this can produce a chain reaction of cellular destruction. Even worse, if DNA is altered this can lead to cellular dysfunction, mutations, and even cancer.
Antioxidants - Your Defense Against Free Radicals
According to the NIH [National Institute Of Health], antioxidants are substances which can prevent or delay certain types of cell damage. Interestingly, antioxidants are not really a substance but rather a “behavior” of donating an electron to the damaging free radical. More simply, misbehaving free radicals are the bad guys while antioxidants are the good guys, behaving nicely. Likewise, “oxidative stress” from free radicals increases the aging process and has been linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
What Are Antioxidants And Free Radicals Anyways?
The Ancient Wisdom Of Ayurveda
“Ayurveda” literally means ‘knowledge’ or ‘the science of life’. Although the exact age of Ayurveda is unknown, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda is thought to date back several millennia; being eternal and timeless. The recipes for many Ayurvedic formulas were first discovered thousands of years ago and over the course of time, much of the knowledge of these herbal formulas was lost to the general public. However, some of these formulations were guarded and handed down though the generations. Lucky for us, one of nature’s greatest antioxidant is described below.
“Rasayanas promote longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from disorders, youthfulness, excellence of luster and complexion, optimum strength of physique and sense organs.” - Ancient Wisdom Of Ayurveda
“Rasayanas” - Nature’s Greatest Antioxidant
Rasayanas are powerful free radical scavengers and generally contain a variety polyphenols, bioflavonoids, catechins, carotenoids, as well as vitamin C and vitamin E. Interestingly, out of the main branches of Ayurveda, the study of “Rasayanas” is primarily concerned with strengthening the immune system. In fact, “Rasayana” means “that which supports rasa” - rasa being equivalent to plasma and chyle and said to nourish all bodily tissue. According to Ayurveda, Amalaki is considered one of the most nourishing and rejuvenating herbs. In fact, Charak – the ancient scholar of Ayurveda states “of all the Rasayanas, Amalaki is revered as one of the most potent and nourishing; Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs.” Amalaki is a strong natural antioxidant containing high levels of vitamin C and acts as a powerful immune strengthener. Amalaki is one of the best sources of natural vitamin C and contains 20 times more vitamin C than an orange. Amalaki is commonly known as Indian gooseberry or amla, and the Sanskrit name “Amalika” means ‘sour juice of the fruit’. Interestingly, despite all the health benefits, Amalaki is also commonly known as the “poor man’s apple”.
Amrit Kalash Ambrosia
Traditional ayurvedic formula of 13 herbs that supports the health of mind, brain, and nerves; increases vitality and inner strength; powerful antioxidant — research shows it to be up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamins C and E.
Amrit Kalash: Full-spectrum antioxidant:
- 1000x more effective in eliminating free radicals (the root cause of aging) than vitamins C or E1
- powerful food for the brain
- significantly boosts immunity & vitality
- best taken with Amrit Nectar
- vata, pitta, kapha balancing (vpk®)
PROMO CODE: HealthyAyurveda For 10% Discount On Your First Order!!
Premium Amla Berry
Works as a powerful antioxidant for people of all ages which supports the mind, eyes, heart, skin, and digestion; helps growth of muscle tissue by promoting nitrogen balance; promotes cellular generation; supports lungs and natural immunity.
Bio-Immune
Supports natural immunity; helps detoxify blood and promotes cellular regeneration.
Another way to consume Amalaki is by taking Chyawanprash. Chyawanprash is an herbal jam made from a base of Amalaki and also contains sugar, honey, ghee, sesame oil, berries, and a variety of spices. Chyawanprash can be taken a variety of ways. For example, Chyawanprash can be taken alone, stirred into milk, or even spread onto toast. Generally, 1 to 2 teaspoons of Chyawanprash is taken once or twice daily; under the direction of a qualified professional.
Healthy Lifestyle. Healthy Immunity.
Eating Healthy.
In order to be healthy, the microbial ecosystem in the gut must be healthy. If the gut flora becomes imbalanced this can weaken the immune response. The gut flora promotes optimal digestive function, provides a robust immune response, regulates metabolism and even compromises more than 75% of our immune system.
Spices To Improve Digestion
Ready-to-use spice mixtures satisfy the six ayurvedic tastes considered essential for balance.
Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus)
Organic Digest Tone contains three remarkable fruits — amla, chebulic myrobalan and belleric myrobalan — and each possesses the superior rejuvenative and health-giving qualities known as a "Rasayana" which supports digestion and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrients; high-quality antioxidant; wide range of benefits.
Herbal Di-Gest
The herbs in Herbal Di-Gest are combined in precise proportions and prepared in the traditional ayurvedic way. This aids the bioavailability and assimilation of vital nutrients. It also creates synergy — the collective benefit is much greater than that of isolated, individual herbs.
Deep Rest & Blissful Sleep.
It’s nearly impossible to be healthy without adequate sleep. Sleep is essential for the maintenance and repair of the neurological, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal and digestive systems. Rather, sleep is necessary for all systems of the body. Period.
Deep Rest
Deep Rest helps support sleeping deeply through the night. This herbal formula is especially targeted for those who have difficulty staying asleep, waking up in the middle of the night. But it also helps those who have difficulty falling asleep and those who awaken early in the morning after less than six hours of sleep.
Blissful Sleep
The herbs in the Blissful Sleep formula produce a calming, balancing effect on the body, mind and emotions. You’ll find sleep becoming deeper and more restful. And you’ll wake up recharged, vitally alive, ready to take on the challenges of the day ahead.
Managing Stress.
Stress management is perhaps the most important factor regarding health because no matter what diet you follow, how much you exercise and what supplements you take, if you’re not managing your stress you will still be at risk for modern degenerative conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism and autoimmunity.
Stress Free Mind
Stress Free Mind supports natural resistance to daily mental stress and fatigue. This potent blend of whole herbal extracts, powders, and minerals nourishes and supports the immune system, which is often taxed by everyday mental stress.
Stress Free Emotions
For natural resistance to emotional stress and fatigue; promotes emotional balance, positive feelings, and feelings of fulfillment.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
Is Arthritis Due To Gut Disturbance?
Is Arthritis Due To Gut Disturbance?
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis and according to the CDC, over 52 million Americans have been told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or fibromyalgia. Interestingly, the ancient science of Ayurveda has long described three basic types of musculoskeletal joint diseases, namely sandhivata [osteoarthritis], amavata [rheumatoid arthritis], and vata rakta [gout], that are characterized by pain and swelling of the joints. Management for each type of arthritis is unique, as we shall discuss below, but for nearly all cases, it’s important to acknowledge that arthritis begins in the colon.
“All disease begins in the gut.” - Hippocrates
According to Ayurveda, there are 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. Ayurvedic literature states that vata dosha and asthi dhatu [bone tissue] are intimately associated and that the colon houses vata dosha. Therefore, the colon - being the home of vata dosha is primarily responsible for the development of vata disorders [i.e. osteoarthritis]. Similarly, the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis [“ama vata”] is considered to be due to the formation of metabolic waste products ["ama"] in the intestine caused by impaired digestive power [“agni”]. Finally, the origin of gout [“rakta vata”] is believed to be in blood. More specifically, when vata leaves the colon and invades both blood and joints, it produces gout.
Calcium Support
Calcium Support provides natural calcium and increases calcium absorption; supports healthy nerves and joints; nourishes bones. Natural calcium assimilation = healthy digestion & metabolism.
Osteo Relief
Nutritional support for healthy joints and bone tissue; assists in healthy renewal of cartilage; provides an absorbable source of calcium to aid bone-building.
Janu Basti - Ayurvedic Management For Osteoarthritis
Simple Ayurvedic Considerations:
- vata imbalance in the skeletal system [“asthi dhatu”] creates osteoarthritis
- vata imbalance with toxins [“ama”] entering bone creates rheumatoid arthritis
- vata imbalance in blood [“rakta dhatu”] entering into boney tissue leads to gout
- vata imbalance in muscular tissue [mamsa dhatu] creates fibromyalgia
Healthy Digestion - Healthy Bones:
Enjoying a balancing diet and lifestyle can help maintain optimum health. Some key points to remember in addition to the above causes include:
- Avoid ice drinks and cold foods. This will weaken the digestive fire.
- Eat the largest meal between the hours of 11am and 1pm when digestive fire is strong.
- Eat a light meal for dinner to avoid overtaxing the stomach.
- Avoid overeating and emotional eating. This can make it hard for the stomach to properly digest the overloaded food.
- Get moving! Taking a walk after meals can aid in digestion and increase digestive fire.
- Certain yoga poses and pranayama (breathing exercises) are also particularly beneficial to improve digestion.
- Following a daily routine of meditation, oil massages and self-care will bring overall balance and contentment.
Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus)
Supports digestive system and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrients; high-quality antioxidant; wide range of benefits. Good health depends on strong, efficient digestion.
Herbal Di-Gest
Supports improved digestion and balanced appetite; helps with gas, bloating, and discomfort.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis from an Ayurvedic perspective is a vata imbalance which settles into bone tissue and creates symptoms of pain and stiffness in joints. Often, osteoarthritis begins with pain in one joint but subsequently spreads to other joints. Vata, the main acting dosha, has the ability to bring toxins [“ama”] from the colon and travel throughout the body, lodge in bone tissue, and give rise to pain and stiffness characteristic of arthritis. Therefore, it is important to discuss causative factors which can further worsen vata imbalances and therefore create symptoms of arthritis.
Factors which may worsen vata dosha; therefore avoid:
- cold foods such as salads
- avoid cold and iced drinks
- beans, drying grains such as barley and corn
- nightshades such as tomato, potato, and eggplant
Improve Digestion
Vata dosha can create a “hard” digestive tract and therefore may create symptoms of constipation, abdominal distention, flatulence, and even develop a nervous appetite. Instead, we should consider a vata pacifying diet which is centered around warm and nourishing meals.
"Leaky Gut" - The Root Cause Of All Disease?
Organic Spice Mix - To Improve Digestion
Ready-to-use spice mixtures satisfy the six ayurvedic tastes considered essential for balance.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered the formation of “ama” which are by-products of poor digestion within the intestines and generally caused by diminished digestive power [“impaired Agni”]. Interestingly, “ama” resembles kapha, thus it tends to deposit in kapha locations, primarily the joints. Therefore, the management for Rheumatoid Arthritis first begins by breaking the chain of toxins [“ama”] within the colon by simply fasting or eating light foods. This again, acknowledges and stresses the importance that the root cause of rheumatoid arthritis may very well be gut disturbance and impaired digestion. The management of rheumatoid arthritis may be rather complex and often requires “Panchakarma” under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic professional.
Joint Soothe II
The perfect companion to therapeutic massage, which supports natural circulation around the joints. Circulation is essential for lubricating the joints, eliminating impurities and delivering vital nutrients to the joints.
Veda 2240
Supports a healthy inflammatory response; traditionally used for occasional joint discomfort and muscle aches; supports detoxification and healthy flexibility.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the oldest, most important spices known to humankind. Turmeric helps purify the blood and acts as an antioxidant; supports healthy heart, liver, lungs, circulation and nervous system.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a an Ayurvedic Detox & Rejuvenation Process. Ayurveda gives priority not only to preventive and therapeutic procedures but also to purification and rejuvenation therapies. Panchakarma or five therapeutic procedures are part of ‘sodhana’ treatments. Ayurveda also described ‘shamana’ which are considered less intense procedures for prevention and curing of diseases.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
The Ayurvedic Consultation
The Ayurvedic Consultation
Health is not simply the absence of disease, but is a state of balance that provides for wellbeing, clarity, and joy. Ayurveda - “The Science Of Life” is considered to be the longest continuously practiced system of traditional medicine and emphasizes on creating balance in all areas of life. Not only does Ayurveda examine the body but inquires further about daily diet, lifestyle, relationships, stress, and overall sense of well-being.
THE INITIAL CONSULTATION
The initial consultation involves a thorough examination allowing the consultant to identify key symptoms and potential causes of imbalance and to eventually determine suitable food and lifestyle recommendations.
Observation [Darshan]:
An Ayurvedic practitioner is able to evaluate the state of health simply by looking at the patient and observing his/her movements, body contour, color of the skin and eyes, facial lines and ridges, shape of the nose, and various other features of the lips, hair, and nails.
Touch [Sparsha]:
The practitioner then employs touch, including palpation called sparshanam in Ayurveda, auscultation, which implies listening for sounds of the internal organs (shrvanaa), and percussion or tapping (akotana). There is also special attention on evaluating the patient's pulse, tongue, nails, and speech. Laboratory testing may also be included under this category.
Questions [Prashna]:
The practitioner will then ask the patient about presenting signs and symptoms, as well as the duration of discomfort as well as any other associations related to the disease progression. The practitioner will also inquire further into the overall lifestyle of the patient.
Great Video: The Ayurvedic Consultation
Pulse.
Taking the pulse is a way to determine one’s constitution and current state of real-time imbalances. The Ayurvedic consultant feels for the strength of vata, pitta, and kapha in the pulse. The practitioner looks for the overall qualities of the pulse.
- vata is felt under the index finger with dry, light, and cold qualities
- pitta in the middle finger with hot, sharp, and bounding qualities
- kapha under the ring finger with slow, soft, and steady qualities
Tongue.
When examining the tongue, the consultant looks at the color and shape of the tongue while checking the presence of scallops on the sides of the tongue, any excessive movement, the presence of coating and/or cracking of the tongue, etc.
Coating on the tongue often indicates the presence of “ama”, or poorly digested food, still present in the digestive system. The location [i.e. anterior 1/3, middle 1/3, posterior 1/3] and color of the coating on the tongue provides information on the type and location of ama within the digestive system; i.e. stomach, small intestine, colon.
Click Here: For Simple Tips To Improve Digestion
Click Here: Ayurvedic Remedies To Improve Digestion
Size, Shape, & Color
Generally, a thin, pointed tongue is more prevalent in vata dosha. Pitta often has more redness to the tongue and kapha generally has a large, round-tipped tongue. Scalloped edges on the sides of the tongue (teeth impressions) may indicate possible malabsorption or malnutrition.
Tongue Self-Assessment
First thing in the morning stick out your tongue and consider performing an Ayurvedic self-assessment. Question whether there is coating on the tongue and, if so - what color is the coating? Generally, white is an indication of kapha imbalance in the digestive system, yellow or green implies pitta imbalance, and brown being a vata imbalance. It‘s important to remove this coating every morning by gently scraping from the back to the front of the tongue, three to five times. By gently scraping the tongue this helps to stimulate the digestive system and help to remove digestive waste.
Feces.
Although uncomfortable to discuss, discussing characteristics of stool and one’s bowel movements reveals important information about digestive health. Generally, we should eliminate every morning often upon waking or even within one hour of waking. Ideally, the bowel movement should have no strain nor discomfort and be the consistency of a banana.
- constipation likely indicates the dry qualities of vata.
- loose stools likely indicates the oily nature of pitta
- sticky and sludgy stools may indicate the heavy qualities of kapha.
Simple Recommendation
To help stimulate and cleanse the digestive system, begin the day by sipping warm water with lemon.
Click Here - To Learn The Benefits Of Sipping Hot Water & Preventing 'Metabolic Syndrome'
Urine.
The color, volume, and frequency of urine can also indicate whether one is properly hydrated.
- scanty urine may reveal the presence of dry qualities of vata dosha
- hot and increased odor of urine may reveal the presence of pitta dosha
- cloudy urine may indicate excess kapha dosha
- pain or discomfort could indicate a more complicated concern
Ayurvedic management may include, but is not limited to: dietary changes, exercise program [i.e. yoga], lifestyle changes, herbs, and stress prevention [i.e. meditation]. The personalized strategy aims to help simplify, harmonize and energize one’s life in order to regain balance - in essence, reduce stress, balance weight, support moods, crave healthier foods, promote immunity, calm the mind, and enjoy more vitality.
DISCLAIMER:
This is strictly for educational purpose only. Always first discuss with your primary care physician before considering any new health regimen.