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Yoga and Ayurveda for a healthy and balanced life
History: Yoga and Ayurveda both arisen from the Vedas, the ancient Indian books of wisdom. Both Yoga and Ayurveda share the same philosophy of creation (Sankhya), this is why they are called “sister sciences”. Later, Charka and Sushruta Samhitas have arisen (around 400-200 BCE). Charka Samhita deals more with medicine, while Sushruta deals more with Surgery (Shalya). Ashtanga Hridayam of Vagbhata and Ashtanga Sangraha were written later (around 4th century AD). Yoga, which was first introduced in Rig Veda (as Ayurveda), and later by Srimad bhagavatam and the Bhagavad Gita, is a bit different from the Yoga as we know it today. Hatha Yoga was first written by Yogi Goraknath, and later Rishi Patanjali introduced “Patanjali Yoga Sutras” which is much known today. More t...
The Ayurvedic View on Blood Cleansing PART I
Ayurvedic Medicine emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy blood and offers a wealth of information about herbs which constitute blood purifying attributes. Charak Samhita: Charak Samhita states that “blood plays a vital role in the sustenance of elan vital.” When blood is pure, one experiences strength, good complexion, happiness and longevity.1 Sushrut Samhita: In Sushrut Samhita, it is said that blood is considered identical with the vital principle of a living organism; blood has properties such as redness, lightness, mobility and a fleshy smell which also characterize the five fundamental elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). Thus blood is considered to contain the five elements in its composition.2 Blood is the origin of the body. It is blood that maintains vitality....
It’s International Yoga Day and Summer Solstice! Stay Cool with Coconut Oil
Happy 1st International Yoga Day! It happens to fall on Summer Solstice. The celebration of Yoga Day usually includes some sun salutations or Surya Namaskar, 108 of them to be exact. With the sun being at its highest arc in the sky, even one Surya Namaskar can set the heart racing. To make this International Yoga Day truly a celebration not a “heatabration”. Take the usual measures to stay cool and hydrated. Make sure you get plenty of electrolytes. Coconut Water is a good way to get hydrated and get some electrolytes while you are taking a break from today’s festivities. Using Coconut Oil internally and externally is also a great way to get the benefits of Coconut’s cooling powers. Here’s a little article we wrote that explains the Ayurvedic perspective of ...
If You Could Give Just One Piece Of Advice …
Health is a state of perfect balance. Āyurveda says that there is an integrative relationship between the body, mind, and consciousness. When the influences of the body, mind and senses are balanced and one begins to experience the sense of bliss and happiness only then is one thought to be in good health. I asked several highly respected individuals in the field of Āyurveda the following question, “If you could give just one piece of “ayurvedic” advice to the world, what would it be?” The responses were intriguing … “Be happy and stay happy.” – Sanjay Pisharodi, M.D., Owner at Purnarogya Holistic Health Care “Know your ‘sva’ (your unique blue print), agni (transformative principle in the body) and the power of prana and manas (mind) – live...
What is Dinacharya ?
What is Dinacaryā ? It’s 8am and the alarm rings. I wake up feeling really groggy and heavy from last night’s party. My stomach still feels funny like there is something going on inside. Oh God I am late! I jump out of bed and grab a cup of coffee to get me going. The newspaper headlines tell me that there is an epidemic of some kind of incurable fever happening on the other side of the world, many people killed.… who has the time to care?… meanwhile the red carpet at Cannes film festival is blazing with beauty and fashion… a new drug discovered for cancer and gives hope to eradicate it soon from the face of the earth….Wow! not bad. I usually use the toilet twice or thrice a week and that’s g...
Why Ice Water Is Harmful To Your Body
It is tempting to drink ice cold beverages in the summer heat, but check out the health hazards you present yourself with when you choose to drink cold beverages. Why you should never drink ice water or other cold beverages: 1. When you drink cold beverages your blood vessels shrink, your digestion becomes restricted and hydration is hindered. 2. Instead of working to digest the food and absorb the nutrients to create energy, your body is expending energy to regulate your temperature. This can lead to water loss. 3. Drinking cold water after a meal creates excess mucus in your body, which can lead to a decrease in immune system function, making it easier to catch colds and illnesses. 4. If you eat food while drinking cold beverages or immediately afte...