AYURVEDA: Learn one new thing about this amazing yogic science and let it help to balance your life!
EXCERPT:
AYURVEDA: Product or Paradigm?
Dr. Thomas R. Yarema M.D
L.A YOGA issue Dec. 08/Jan. 09 www.layoga.com
www.ayurvedaonline.com
As Ayurveda has increased in popularity, so too have misunderstandings surrounding it. What is Ayurveda? Is is a diet, a product, or a new elixer? Is it Indian or Hindu medicine? The answer to all of the above questions is no.
Ayurveda is a paradigm. It cannot be found in an herb or special food. Ayurveda is a complet system of medicine that offers healing to all people throughout the world. The paradigm of Ayurveda is a simple one: Where there is harmony, there is health and where there is disharmony, there is disease. Healing is the process of returning to harmony. Ayurveda recognizes that each person is an individua; therefore what is harmonious for one person is not necessarily harmonious for another person. As a result, Ayurvedic medicine is individualized. It is based upon the nature of a person (what is called their prakruti in Sanskrit) and the nature of his or her disease (vikruti). When supporting the healing process with medicines, the nature of the medicine must also be known.
In order for anything to be Ayurvedic, its use must be based on knowledge of the person, the nature of the imbalance or disease and the nature of the medicine. When it is not matched up properly, the medicine will not work and may even be harmful. For example, an herb from India called amalaki can bring healing to some people while making others sick. Used properly, it can benefit the immune system. Used improperly it can lead to diarrhea or toxicity.
Ayurveda, translates as "knowledge of life"
Ayurveda is a science of Self-healing targeted at eliminating and relieving disease in the body and mind. The driving force of Ayurveda is to return one to their natural state, wholeness. Ayurveda works with relieving both physical and mental disease. Ayurveda is the scientific side of yoga. A special system of natural medicine. Physical as well as psychological well-being are both investigated The classical ultimate goal of Ayurveda is Self-realization, just as it is in our yoga practice.
WE ARE LIKE THE UNIVERSE...What is your DOSHA?
Dosha’s are the "types" that Ayurveda divides individuals into according to their basic physical features and personality traits. Based on these Dosha’s, one can get a glimpse into the who, what, why and how of what makes us react, respond and tick.
According to Ayurveda, we are governed by the five elements; Air, space, fire, water and earth.
THERE ARE 3 DOSHAS that are combinations of these elements:
Vatta: Air & Space
Pitta: Fire and Water
Kapha: Earth and Water
"Every activity and function of our minds and bodies is dependent upon the balanced or unbalanced state of our doshas. Because we all have all of the elements in our bodies, we all have each of the doshas, as well. But everyone of us is born with a unique, individual balance of these doshas. So, no two of us are alike! The idea is to find what your own special combination of doshas is and to work to keep them in balance so that you stay in radiant health, mentally, emotionally, and physically." Lisa Marie Coffey
To learn how to determine what your dosha is, and more on Ayurveda, check out...
Yoga Journal Magazine
What’s YourDOSHA, Baby; Discover the VEDIC WAY for Compatibility in Life and Love, By: Lisa Marie Coffey
Yoga & Ayurveda; Self-Healing and Self-Realization by David Frawley
Solutions for EXCESS FAT
Information from James Bailey, L.Ac., M.P.H
Body fat is a product of the kapha dosha, which comprises the elements earth and water and generates the physical substances and structures of the body. By virtue, kapha is grounding in nature and stabilizes your being; however, an excess of kapha in the form of fat can be obstructive and weigh you down in your life and your practice.
The challenge of excessive kapha, like fat, is that the more you have, the more difficult it is to eliminate. Excess kapha impairs basic metabolism, restricts circulation, and adds unnecessary weight to your practice.
Strong practices such as Ashtanga and vinyasa (flow) styles generate the needed tapas( heat) and sweat necessary to counteract kapha accumulation.
In addition to practicing stronger forms of yoga, you can safely use several herbs in conjunction with your practice to support the process of weight loss.
One such class of herbs is known as thermogenics. These herbs induce themogenesis and increase the conversion of fat into heat.
BITTER ORANGE (citrus aurantium)
The mature fruit of the green orange, is one of the safest and works by increasing the metabolic rate, generating heat, and stimulating the breakdown of fat (lipolysis). Plus it has none of the unwanted side effects; high blood pressure, insomnia, and nervous agitation of some of the inferior herbs that have thermogenic properties.
GYMEMA SYLVESTRE
Hindu name Gurmar, means, "sugar destroying", and it has the ability to reduce blood sugar levels and even anaesthetize the sweet-sensing taste buds, thus reducing sweet cravings and appetite. Long term use results in a higher ratio of muscle mass to body fat due to increased insulin supply.
GUGGUL
Highly recommended by Ayurvedic practioners to purify and rejuvenate the body. Its weigh reducing properties stem from its ability to lower high blood pressure cholesterol and triglycerides through a thyroid-stimulating effect.
SIBERIAN GINSENG
Has the unique ability to convert fat tissue back into carbohydrate in the blood. This effect is twofold: It reduces fat reserves and provides needed fuel in muscle tissue for both immediate energy and endurance during yoga.
James Bailey, L.A.c, M.P.H., Herbalist AHG, practices Ayurveda, Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, herbal medicine in Santa Monica.
I found two of the herbs, Gymnema and Bitter Orange through my favorite herb company.
Go to: www.mountainroseherbs.com
If you spend anytime reading about Ayurveda, you will eventually come across the word "GHEE". Ghee is at the top of Ayurveda oily foods list. Ghee is an amazing "food" that nourishes your body on the inside and out. Ghee is what is called clarified butter. Clarified butter is butter that has been heated and melted. The butter is then allowed to cool. In the cooling process, the milk solids and fat rise to the top. This milk fat is then scraped away, leaving the Ghee. You can make this easily at home! Be sure to use unsalted butter. Use a heavy pot and watch carefully so that you don't burn the butter. The resulting taste of ghee has a pleasant nutty like flavor. You can also find ghee at the health food store.
A BIT OF GHEE A DAY, GIVES FLEXIBILITY THE WAY...
Take two teaspoons of ghee per day or use in food instead of butter
Ayurveda, the Ancient Indian system of healing, touts ghee, or clarified butter, for its healing benefits. The Sushruta Sambita, an Ayurvedic text, claims ghee is beneficial for the whole body and recommends it as the ultimate anti-inflammatory.
BENEFITS OF GHEE
Boosts memory intelligence
Lubricates connective tissue
Promotes flexibility
Soothes blisters
Heals wounds
Calms irritated skin
Harbors phenolic anti-oxidants which bolster immune system
Promotes quality and quantity of semen
HEALING GHEE (ghrita)
Combine ghee with healing herbs
Combine with honey for wounds, blisters and inflammation
