Thursday, June 8, 2017
Friday, May 12, 2017
Knoblauch mit gutem Smei
Um von allen Vorzügen des Knoblauchs zu profitieren, ist es sinnvoll, ihn vor dem Kochen zu hacken und etwas ziehen zu lassen, damit Inhaltsstoffe wie das Allicin freigesetzt werden können
Vielleicht hast du auch schon einmal von dem Sprichwort gehört, dass Knoblauch den Arzt fernhält. Nun, manch einer mag glauben, dass das am unangenehmen Atem liegt, aber es gibt doch zahlreiche Studien, die dem Knoblauch eine positive Wirkung auf unsere Gesundheit nachweisen. Und es werden immer neue Wirkungen entdeckt!
Knoblauch wird seit der Antike verwendet, von verschiedenen Zivilisationen und zu unterschiedlichsten Zwecken. Selbst Hippokrates, der Vater der Medizin, dessen Eid noch heute geschworen wird, hat ihn schon verschrieben.
Neuesten Kenntnissen zufolge ist es vorteilhaft, jeden Tag vier Knoblauchzehen zu verzehren. So lässt sich vielen Erkrankungen vorbeugen.
Knoblauch, ein Jahrtausende altes Heilmittel
Jene Zivilisationen, die den Knoblauch in der Antike einsetzten, wussten nur wenig über dessen Zusammensetzung und seine genauen Inhaltsstoffe. Diese Wissenslücken sind heute geschlossen.
Die Pflanze gehört zur Gattung der Lauche, die in der Fachsprache Allium heißt und der auch Zwiebel und Porree angehören.
Von dieser Pflanzengattung erhielt ein Wirkstoff, der im Knoblauch entdeckt wurde, seinen Namen: Allicin. Allicin ist übrigens auch die Substanz, die für den charakteristischen Knoblauchgeruch verantwortlich ist.
Aber die kleinen Zehen liefern viel mehr als Allicin. In ihnen sind auch Proteine, dieVitamine B6 und C, Mineralstoffe wie Mangan und Selen sowie Ballaststoffeenthalten. Dafür aber nur wenige Kalorien.
Eigenschaften des Knoblauchs
Inwiefern unterstützt aber nun der tägliche Konsum mehrerer Knoblauchzehen die Gesundheit?
Prophylaxe von Morbus Alzheimer
Morbus Alzheimer ist eine neurodegenerative Erkrankung, aber nicht die einzige bekannte Form der Demenz.
Knoblauch beugt nicht nur Morbus Alzheimer vor, sondern auch anderen Gedächtnisstörungen. Für diese Wirkung verantwortlich sind die in ihm enthaltenen Antioxidantien, die freie Radikale abfangen und so verhindern, dass diese Schäden an Zellen des Gehirns setzen können.
Gleichzeitig wird durch regelmäßigen Knoblauchkonsum eine Blutreinigungbewirkt, sodass mit dem Blutstrom weniger schädliche Substanzen ins Gehirn befördert werden.
Reduktion des Cholesterinspiegels
Wer an einem erhöhten Cholesterinspiegel leidet, das heißt, bei wem erhöhte Blutspiegel des schlechten LDL-Cholesterins festgestellt wurden, dem wird der regelmäßige Konsum von Knoblauch empfohlen.
Das gilt übrigens auch für diejenigen, die an Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen leiden, denn Knoblauch senkt auch den Blutdruck und trägt so zur Reduktion des Risikos für kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen wie Herzinfarkt und Schlaganfall bei.
Unterstützung der Abwehrkräfte bei viralen Infekten
Die kleinen Knoblauchzehen unterstützen uns in Prophylaxe und Behandlung dieser Erkältungen, mit denen wir besonders in den kälteren Jahreszeiten zu kämpfen haben. Eine verstopfte Nase, ein gereizter Rachen – die Intensität dieser und anderer Symptome kann wesentlich vermindert werden.
Wenn du weißt, dass du empfindlich bist, dann zögere nicht, den Knoblauch zu einem Teil deiner Diät zu machen.
Entgiftung des Körpers
Umweltverschmutzung und Nahrung sind die wichtigsten Quellen für Schwermetalle, die sich in unserem Körper ansammeln und diesen belasten. Die Elimination der Schwermetalle fällt dem Organismus leichter, wenn ihm dazu Schwefel zur Verfügung steht. Und welches Lebensmittel liefert Schwefel?
Es gibt Studien, die an Arbeitern durchgeführt wurden, die über Jahre hohen Bleikonzentrationen ausgesetzt waren. In diesen Studien konnte gezeigt werden, dass der Konsum von Knoblauch zu einer signifikanten Reduktion der Schwermetallkonzentration im Körper führt.
Kurzfristig äußert sich das in selteneren Kopfschmerzen und einem verbesserten Allgemeinbefinden, aber langfristig profitieren unterschiedlichste Gewebe des Körpers von der Entlastung.
Verbesserung der Knochengesundheit
Besonders Frauen in der Menopause kämpfen häufig mit verringerter Knochendichte und erhöhter Frakturgefahr. Knoblauchkonsum kann dazu beitragen, dass derartige Probleme vermindert werden.
Knoblauch beeinflusst den Östrogenhaushalt, was eine mögliche Erklärung für diese Wirkung darstellt.
Verbesserte Leistungsfähigkeit
Seit der Antike werden Knoblauchzehen zur Bekämpfung von Müdigkeit undErschöpfung und zur Steigerung der Leistungsfähigkeit eingesetzt. So haben die Sportler, die sich auf die Olympischen Spiele im antiken Griechenland vorbereitet haben, vor den Wettkämpfen Knoblauch gegessen.
Vom Knoblauchkonsum profitieren körperliche und geistige Leistungsfähigkeit.
Und noch vieles mehr
Wir haben in diesem Artikel wohl nicht genügend Platz, um auf sämtliche Vorzüge des Knoblauchs einzugehen und möchten
Vielleicht hast du auch schon einmal von dem Sprichwort gehört, dass Knoblauch den Arzt fernhält. Nun, manch einer mag glauben, dass das am unangenehmen Atem liegt, aber es gibt doch zahlreiche Studien, die dem Knoblauch eine positive Wirkung auf unsere Gesundheit nachweisen. Und es werden immer neue Wirkungen entdeckt!
Knoblauch wird seit der Antike verwendet, von verschiedenen Zivilisationen und zu unterschiedlichsten Zwecken. Selbst Hippokrates, der Vater der Medizin, dessen Eid noch heute geschworen wird, hat ihn schon verschrieben.
Neuesten Kenntnissen zufolge ist es vorteilhaft, jeden Tag vier Knoblauchzehen zu verzehren. So lässt sich vielen Erkrankungen vorbeugen.
Knoblauch, ein Jahrtausende altes Heilmittel
Jene Zivilisationen, die den Knoblauch in der Antike einsetzten, wussten nur wenig über dessen Zusammensetzung und seine genauen Inhaltsstoffe. Diese Wissenslücken sind heute geschlossen.
Die Pflanze gehört zur Gattung der Lauche, die in der Fachsprache Allium heißt und der auch Zwiebel und Porree angehören.
Von dieser Pflanzengattung erhielt ein Wirkstoff, der im Knoblauch entdeckt wurde, seinen Namen: Allicin. Allicin ist übrigens auch die Substanz, die für den charakteristischen Knoblauchgeruch verantwortlich ist.
Aber die kleinen Zehen liefern viel mehr als Allicin. In ihnen sind auch Proteine, dieVitamine B6 und C, Mineralstoffe wie Mangan und Selen sowie Ballaststoffeenthalten. Dafür aber nur wenige Kalorien.
Eigenschaften des Knoblauchs
Inwiefern unterstützt aber nun der tägliche Konsum mehrerer Knoblauchzehen die Gesundheit?
Prophylaxe von Morbus Alzheimer
Morbus Alzheimer ist eine neurodegenerative Erkrankung, aber nicht die einzige bekannte Form der Demenz.
Knoblauch beugt nicht nur Morbus Alzheimer vor, sondern auch anderen Gedächtnisstörungen. Für diese Wirkung verantwortlich sind die in ihm enthaltenen Antioxidantien, die freie Radikale abfangen und so verhindern, dass diese Schäden an Zellen des Gehirns setzen können.
Gleichzeitig wird durch regelmäßigen Knoblauchkonsum eine Blutreinigungbewirkt, sodass mit dem Blutstrom weniger schädliche Substanzen ins Gehirn befördert werden.
Reduktion des Cholesterinspiegels
Wer an einem erhöhten Cholesterinspiegel leidet, das heißt, bei wem erhöhte Blutspiegel des schlechten LDL-Cholesterins festgestellt wurden, dem wird der regelmäßige Konsum von Knoblauch empfohlen.
Das gilt übrigens auch für diejenigen, die an Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen leiden, denn Knoblauch senkt auch den Blutdruck und trägt so zur Reduktion des Risikos für kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen wie Herzinfarkt und Schlaganfall bei.
Unterstützung der Abwehrkräfte bei viralen Infekten
Die kleinen Knoblauchzehen unterstützen uns in Prophylaxe und Behandlung dieser Erkältungen, mit denen wir besonders in den kälteren Jahreszeiten zu kämpfen haben. Eine verstopfte Nase, ein gereizter Rachen – die Intensität dieser und anderer Symptome kann wesentlich vermindert werden.
Wenn du weißt, dass du empfindlich bist, dann zögere nicht, den Knoblauch zu einem Teil deiner Diät zu machen.
Entgiftung des Körpers
Umweltverschmutzung und Nahrung sind die wichtigsten Quellen für Schwermetalle, die sich in unserem Körper ansammeln und diesen belasten. Die Elimination der Schwermetalle fällt dem Organismus leichter, wenn ihm dazu Schwefel zur Verfügung steht. Und welches Lebensmittel liefert Schwefel?
Es gibt Studien, die an Arbeitern durchgeführt wurden, die über Jahre hohen Bleikonzentrationen ausgesetzt waren. In diesen Studien konnte gezeigt werden, dass der Konsum von Knoblauch zu einer signifikanten Reduktion der Schwermetallkonzentration im Körper führt.
Kurzfristig äußert sich das in selteneren Kopfschmerzen und einem verbesserten Allgemeinbefinden, aber langfristig profitieren unterschiedlichste Gewebe des Körpers von der Entlastung.
Verbesserung der Knochengesundheit
Besonders Frauen in der Menopause kämpfen häufig mit verringerter Knochendichte und erhöhter Frakturgefahr. Knoblauchkonsum kann dazu beitragen, dass derartige Probleme vermindert werden.
Knoblauch beeinflusst den Östrogenhaushalt, was eine mögliche Erklärung für diese Wirkung darstellt.
Verbesserte Leistungsfähigkeit
Seit der Antike werden Knoblauchzehen zur Bekämpfung von Müdigkeit undErschöpfung und zur Steigerung der Leistungsfähigkeit eingesetzt. So haben die Sportler, die sich auf die Olympischen Spiele im antiken Griechenland vorbereitet haben, vor den Wettkämpfen Knoblauch gegessen.
Vom Knoblauchkonsum profitieren körperliche und geistige Leistungsfähigkeit.
Und noch vieles mehr
Wir haben in diesem Artikel wohl nicht genügend Platz, um auf sämtliche Vorzüge des Knoblauchs einzugehen und möchten
Friday, April 28, 2017
AYURVEDA MUSIC THERAPY
‘Gandharva music is universal. It
is at home with every land, with every man, with every society. It is the
language of bliss, the science and art of bliss, the song of Nature....
Gandharva Veda music is that style of melody which matches with the swings of
Nature that control the passage of evolution in waves of bliss, sung
spontaneously on all levels of creation, from the most minute, to the huge
enormous, ever-expanding universe.’
Music Therapy is a branch of
Ayurvedic science where music is used as an effective management for numerous
diseases. With the help of music therapy, it is possible to restore, maintain
and improve the emotional, physiological and psychological well being of person.
This is mainly because of the articulation, tone and arrangement of swar
(notes) of raga (melody) that tend to stimulate, cure and alleviate health
ailment.
The ancient vedic method of sound
therapy, where vedic mantras are recited for specific regions of the body, is
used to promote healing. In the same way the ragas of Indian classical music
can also be used for certain illness and problems. Music therapy follows the
principle that a sound (naad) generates some vibrations that tend to move in
space and in the process produce some healing effects in the human body. Indian
classical music takes the form of Ragas either as folk song, devotional songs,
poetry and the compositions of classical musicians for music therapy. Ragas are
believed to fight aging, pain, insomnia, schizophrenia and epilepsy. It can
even cure a headache, tension and abdominal pain. Ayurvedic music therapy is a
proven method of controlling our blood pressure and function of the liver.
Modern western science and
medicine are discovering that music actually can have healing power. It is
believed that for the healing with music, it is necessary to vibrate the cells
of body, for it is through these vibrations that the diseased person’s
consciousness can be changed effectively to promote health. The right kind of
music helps one relax and refresh. Thus it may be said that Ayurvedic music
therapy is proven method of cure and controlling the numerous diseases.
3 TYPES – VATA , PITTA, KAPHA – FOR THE 3 MAIN DOSHAS
EXPLAINED IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF AYURVEDA WHICH ARE THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF MENTAL
& PHYSICAL COMPOSITION OF ALL BEINGS.
THERE ARE 3 RAGAS FOR EACH OF THESE DOSAS TO PASSIFY AND
BALANCE THEM.
TO LISTEN ESPECIALLY
IN THE EVENING WHICH IS THE VATA TIME OF THE DAY. ALSO CAN BE LISTENED AT ANY
TIME OF THE DAY FOR PACIFYING VATA [MENTAL STRESS/ ANXIETY/ AGITATION /
NERVOUSNESS/INSOMNIA ETC.].
RELAXING OF THE BODY, MIND & SPIRIT AND ENERGIZING VITAL
ENERGY [PRANA].
TO LISTEN ESPECIALLY IN THE NOON/MID DAY WHICH IS THE PITTA
TIME OF DAY. ALSO FOR PITTA AGGRAVATED CONDITIONS [ ANGER/JEALOUSY/HIGH
TEMPER/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE ETC.].
CALMS MIND, BODY & SPIRIT.
TO LISTEN ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING WHICH IS THE KAPHA TIME
OF DAY. ALSO FOR KAPHA AGGRAVATED CONDITIONS [LAZINESS / IMPOTENCE
/SLEEPINESS/LETHARGY/DEPRESSION ETC.].
REJUVENATING.
RECOMMENDED USE –
MASSAGE & OTHER AYURVEDA/TRADITIONAL THERAPIES
YOGA SESSIONS & OTHER EXERCISE SESSIONS
MEDITATION SESSIONS
REFLEXOLOGY & OTHER HEALING THERAPY SESSIONS
GENERAL RELAXATION
Monday, October 3, 2016
Friday, June 24, 2016
Latest on What Is Stevia? Facts & Health Effects
Stevia is a
green, leafy plant that is native to South America.
It has been
used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. The plant has also been bred
for its strong, sweet flavor and used as a sweetener.
Refined
sugar is incredibly harmful.
For this
reason, people are looking for healthy alternatives.
There are
many low-calorie sweeteners on the market, but most of them are artificial.
However,
there are a few natural sweeteners out there that taste just as good.
One of these
is stevia, a sweetener that has become immensely popular in recent
years.
Stevia is a
100% natural, zero calorie sweeteners with a number of health benefits that
have been confirmed in human studies. වැඩි විස්තර සඳහා මෙම සබැඳිය ක්ලික් කරන්න
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Ayurveda Gem Therapy
For Vata body Type
Emerald, jade, peridot, yellow,sapphire, topaz, and citrine set in gold.
For Vata + Pitta body Type
White stones, such as pearl and moonstone set in silver, are recommended for both air and fire. For air, red, yellow, or orange stones set in gold. For fire, green stones set in silver.
For Vata + Kapha body Type
Emerald, jade, peridot, yellow sapphire, topaz, and citrine set in gold are warming,and thus balancing for Váyu and Kapha. Ruby and garnet improve circulation and energy. Stones work best when set to touch the skin.
For Pitta body Type
Emerald, jade, peridot, moonstone and pearl, blue sapphire and amethyst set in silver.
For Pitta + Khapa body Type
Emerald, jade, peridot, moonstone,and pearls set in silver reduce Pitta.. Ruby and garnet, yellow sapphire, topaz and citrine, improve circulation and energy for Kapha.
For Khapa body Type
Ruby, garnet, and cat’s eye set in gold are warming, and therefore, reduce water.Weight-reducing gems: amethyst and lapis, set in gold, and worn with warmer stones. Set rings or pendants to touch the skin for the strongest effect.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Ayurvedic Color Therapy
For vata Body Type
Most colors are uplifting, Particularly white, yellow, gold, orange, and
some Red Lighter and pastel shades are
preferred. Dark Grays, browns and black upset the wind
element.
For vata pitta Body Type
Most colors are uplifting, Particularly white, lighter, and pastel shades.
Dark grays, browns, and black upset air and
fire elements. White shades of green, pink, and blue
(i.e., emerald, sky blue) are also very good colors for
balance. For air, warmer colors like gold, yellow, and
a bit of red are suggested. For fire, bright, cheery greens,
such as emerald, are suggested.
For vata kapha Body Type
Most colors are uplifting, particularly yellow, gold, orange, and some
red. Lighter and pastel shades are preferred.
Dark grays, browns and black upset wind elements.
For Pitta Body Type
Green, sky blue, or white to reduce Pitta. Reds, oranges, yellows, and
bright colors aggravate Pitta. Apply color suggestions
to home and office furnishings and clothing.
For Pitta khapa Body Type
Reds, oranges, yellows, and bright rs will
help Kapha, but will tend to aggravate Pitta.
Green and sky blue are best. White and pink
reduce Pitta but will derange Kapha. Choose colors as
needed for home and office furnishings and in
clothing.
For khapa Body Type
How to Balancing vata pita kapha
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Vata
Balancing
Ayurveda is
a complete science of living that embraces all aspects of our day-to-day
life. It teaches us how each individual can create and maintain a unique
and harmonious lifestyle. The first step in doing this is understanding
the play of the elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) and doshas (vata,
pitta and kapha) within our bodies and the environment.
During the
Fall season, vata dosha is most predominant. Made up of the ether and air
elements, vata is the mobile force of the universe which inspires all activity
and movement inside and outside of the body. Prana, the vital life force,
is the pure essence of vata. Vata governs physical movement, circulation,
communication, mental activity, sensory perception, motor function,
respiration, heart function and all nervous system impulses. Enthusiasm,
joy, clarity and creativity are a few of the psychological roles vata
plays.
The key
qualities of vata and fall alike are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle,
mobile and clear. When these qualities are in a balanced state, the
vata person experiences excellent health, stability, creativity and
freedom. Ruled by the subtle body, the vata person has the greatest
potential for attaining a spiritual life and experiencing love and sensuality
on a spiritual plane. Full of imagination, these individuals tend to
possess an alert, excited and impulsive disposition. Vata is derived from
the root word “to move”, and this is what vata individuals do very well!
They enjoy exercise, adventure, travel and continual stimulation.
They favor professions involving travel, change and flexibility. They
tend to make money quickly but spend it quickly. Vata people are blessed
with the gift of gab. The vata type is naturally light and delicate
with dry eyes and skin. With irregular appetites and thirst, vatas often
experience digestive and absorption problems.
During the
fall season, due to the higher level of air and ether elements in the
environment, vata people become more susceptible to air related ailments.
When the vata qualities accumulate within the body and mind due to wrong diet,
lifestyle and season, vata accumulates and begins to manifest various
imbalances. Vata imbalances may manifest within the body as constipation,
flatulence, dry skin, insomnia, arthritis or sciatica. When out of
balance emotionally, the light quality of vata provokes fear, anxiety,
loneliness and insecurity. Special care must be taken in order for them
to remain grounded, warm and confident. In general, to balance vata, we
learn to apply its opposite qualities to any given imbalance. For
example, if a vata person is experiencing increased dry quality in their body,
we will encourage them to utilize moistening, warming and nourishing foods,
remedies and practices.
Harmonizing
vata during the cool, dry fall season requires observing life from a grounded
and compassionate approach. Here are some practical suggestions for
balancing the vata person during the seasonal changes that occur in fall and
early winter:
Upon
awakening, do some gentle yoga asanas, including the Sun Salutation,
Tree, Cat-Cow, Thunderbolt, Cobra, Rabbit and Yoga Mudra. The emphasis
throughout your practice can be on softening your lower abdominal cavity,
grounding your feet into the earth, building strength and stability and
allowing yourself sufficient rest after your practice.
Observe deep
breathing throughout your yoga practice. Continuous use of Ujjayi
Pranayama as well as Full Yogic Breath will enhance focus and ground you into the
poses. Alternate Nostril breathing can also be practiced.
Follow your
breathing exercises with some peaceful meditation. A regular meditation
practice assists in quieting, centering and grounding the active vata
mind. So-Hum meditation is favorable for the vata individual.
Give
yourself a slow and loving full body massage before taking a shower or
bath. As a base, use sesame oil, which is warming and deeply
nourishing. Essential oils of jatamamsi, ginger, lavender or rosewood can
be added to further enhance healing benefits.
Drink a warm
tea of fresh ginger, cardamom and cinnamon to warm the body and enhance
circulation and digestion.
Wear
clothing that is of soft in texture and warm in color. Excellent choices
would be cotton, linen and wool of red, orange and yellow shades.
Blues, greens and blacks can further increase the vata that is present.
Eat foods
that are warming, grounding, predominately cooked, sweet, salty and sour and in
season. Avocados, bananas, mangoes, peaches, lemons, asparagus,
carrots, beets, pumpkins, quinoa, mung beans, almonds, sesame seeds and ghee
are a few excellent food choices for a vata person. Sipping warm water
and herbal teas throughout the day enhances warmth and hydration. Vatas
love to graze throughout the day. Due to their variable appetite, it is
favorable for them to create a routine around eating.
Enjoy
regular, relaxing and peaceful walks in Nature to calm the mobile body and
active mind so familiar to vatas. Other great activities for vata people
include gardening, creating art and music and journaling. Be sure to
follow all activities with a sufficient rest period.
As we learn
to recognize and welcome the healing gifts from Ayurveda, we can experience
perfect health, bliss and freedom in each moment.
Pitta balancing
For
centuries, healing traditions around the planet have agreed that health is the
foundation of all facets of life. Ayurveda, the ancient science of
self-healing from India, is the art of maintaining balanced health in the
healthy person and alleviating disease and suffering in the afflicted
person. In Ayurveda, it is known that perfect health exists when the
three fundamental energies (doshas: vata, pitta and kapha), digestive
fire and enzymes (agni), waste products (malas), tissues (dhatus), soul (atma)
and mind (manas) are in balance.
Now that the
pitta season is coming upon us, we will explore the active principles of pitta
dosha. It is during summer that pitta dosha, inherently driven by solar force,
is most predominant. It is comprised of the fire and water
elements. Pitta dosha is the expression of radiant energy, both within
our bodies and in the universe. It is this energy that fuels all
biochemical activities, including transformation, digestion, metabolism and
assimilation. Pitta is responsible for enzymatic and endocrine activity,
the regulation of body temperature, pigmentation, vision, intelligence,
vitality, ambition, courage and understanding. The key qualities of pitta
are hot, sharp, light, liquid, spreading, slightly oily and fleshy
smelling. When these attributes build up within the body due to wrong
diet and lifestyle, pitta accumulates and begins to manifest various
imbalances.
When pittas
key qualities are in a balanced state, the pitta person exudes bliss, joy,
truth and robust health. Pitta individuals tend to possess a
strong-willed, passionate and fiery disposition. They are the natural
leaders in society, being ambitious, organized, bright and disciplined.
Pittas favor noble professions and often earn plenty of money to spend on
luxurious items. They are the ones who enjoy staying up late at night,
burning the midnight oil. The pitta body type is naturally athletic and
one of medium height, weight and musculature. Their skin is often
freckled, sensitive, oily and warm. Their hair may be straight, silky and
oily and their eyes are often sensitive to light. Pittas have intense
appetites and thirst. Don't even talk to a pitta person until they have
eaten!
During the
summer season, due to the hot quality, pitta people become more susceptible to
heat related ailments. Signs of increased pitta in the body include
excessive body heat, heartburn, hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, acne, skin rashes,
diarrhea and early graying of the hair. The pitta person is prone to a
low tolerance for heat, sunshine, or hard physical work. When out of
balance emotionally, the sharp quality of pitta arouses aggression,
irritability, anger, hatred, judgement, criticism, and jealousy. Special
care must be taken in order for them to remain cool, calm and peaceful.
In general, to balance pitta, we learn to apply its opposite qualities to any
given imbalance. For example, if a person has eaten chili peppers, making
their mind sharp and agitated we will treat them with cooling foods, remedies
and practices.
Pacifying
pitta during the hot summer season requires living in harmony with the inherent
rhythms of Nature and observing patience and compassion with ourselves, others
and environment. Here are some practical suggestions for balancing the
pitta person during the seasonal changes that occur in summer and early fall:
Upon
awakening, do some yoga asanas, including the Moon Salutation, Tree, Boat, Bow,
Bride, Locust, Triangle and all abdominal twists. The emphasis throughout
your practice can be on surrendering, forgiving, softening and being gentle
with yourself.
Practice
cooling pranayama after your asanas. Either Shitali pranayama or
left-nostril breathing will cool and calm the hot quality of pitta dosha.
Be sure to release any remaining internal heat from within the body before
meditation.
Follow your
breathing exercises with some peaceful meditation. A regular meditation
practice assists in quieting the active pitta mind, releasing anger and
allowing the sense of control to dissipate. Meditation should leave one
feeling cool and calm in both mind and heart.
Give
yourself a slow and loving full body massage before taking a shower. As a
base, use sunflower or coconut oil, which are cooling and nourishing.
Essential oils of rose, sandalwood, jasmine or lavender can be added to further
enhance delight and healing.
Drink a tea
of cumin, coriander, fennel and rose to pacify the hot quality, improve
digestion and calm the mind.
Wear
clothing of light texture and color. Excellent choices would be cotton,
linen and silk of white, blue and green. Red and yellow shades tend to
increase the fire that is already present.
Eat foods
that are cooling and calming, sweet, bitter and astringent.
Coconut, cucumber, watermelon, steamed greens, mung beans and basmati rice are
excellent choices. Sipping cool (not iced) water throughout the day keeps
pittas fires at bay. When the hot and sharp qualities are acute it is
best to avoid spicy, salty, oily and sour foods such as chilis, pickles, french
fries and citrus fruits respectively. Due to pitta's raging appetite, it
is in their best interest that they never miss a meal!
Enjoy
regular, relaxing, peaceful walks in Nature to calm the inherent intensity that
a pitta person may experience. Other activities to please pittas senses
include swimming, gardening and walking in the moonlight.
Kapha
Balancing
According to
Ayurveda, we are all made up of the 5 elements; ether, air, fire, water and
earth. The 5 elements combine to create the three doshas; Vata (air and
ether), Pitta (water and fire) and Kapha (water and earth.) We are each
born with varying quantities and qualities of the doshas, denoting our unique
psychobiological make-up or constitution. One of the three doshas is
usually primary, one secondary, and the third least prominent. Health
depends on maintaining this proportion in balance. When you know your
constitution, and thus your strengths and challenges, you can design your diet,
daily routines and habits to regain and maintain a state of health and balance
throughout the seasons and your life. It is through knowing yourself that
you become your own healer.
Ayurveda
classifies the seasons according to their predominant dosha. Since we are
in the seasons of winter and early spring which have the dark, heavy, damp and
cloudy qualities of kapha, we will discuss the fundamental aspects of kapha
dosha, the kapha individual and how to care for kapha to avoid the colds,
coughs, allergies and sinus congestion common in winter and spring.
Kapha is a
combination of water and earth. It is the energy that forms the body's
structure. Kapha supplies the liquid needed for the life of our cells and
bodily systems. It lubricates our joints and skin, helps to heal wounds
and maintains immunity. Kapha promotes anabolism, the process of building
up the body, growth and creation of new cells. The qualities of kapha and
winter alike are heavy, slow, damp, oily, slimy, soft, static and sweet.
Understanding and recognizing these qualities are important for self healing.
When an imbalance has manifested, successful treatment requires increasing
opposite qualities.
The kapha
individual is the synthesis of grace, calm and sensuality. A kapha type
has a solid, sturdy body with large bones. Kapha is the archetypal Mother
Earth. Kapha individuals are grounded, connected to the physical world
and are known as the best huggers. Due to the presence of water kapha
individuals move with a slow and luxurious progression forward in life. In
balance Kapha is expressed as love, calmness, forgiveness, strength, vigor and
stability.
However,
when out of balance, their waters can become muddied by excessive and
unconscious intake of foods, visuals, sounds, all of the sensual pleasures,
which make them lethargic and can lead to deeper waters of depression,
melancholia, and excess bodily weight. Kapha imbalance can also cause
congestion, fatigue, poor circulation, unexpressed emotions, grief, sadness and
attachment.
Maintaining
good health during the seasons requires living in harmony with the natural
cycles and bringing compassionate awareness to ourselves and our daily
actions. The following are suggestions for adjusting our lifestyle to the
changes in the outer environment that occur in winter and early spring:
In order to
counter heaviness and depression, kapha needs to make a firm commitment to
maintain a non-sedentary life and stay motivated.
Upon
awakening, do some yoga asanas, including the Sun Salutation, Fish, Locust,
Boat, Bow ,Lion and Camel and inversions. These postures help to open the
chest, relieve congestion, stretch the throat and drain the sinuses. Do a
rigorous practice and work up a good sweat.
Follow your
yoga postures with some Pranayama. Bhastrika (breath of fire) will
cleanse kapha dosha. Follow this with a few minutes of Right
Nostril breathing, which promotes circulation and heat.
Follow your
breathing exercises with some quiet meditation. During the vulnerable season of
winter, kapha types need to remain aware of their emotional self and observant
of their nature to turn inward in order to avoid inertia and depression.
Nurture
yourself through invigorating and stimulating body therapies.
Do dry
brushing and give yourself vigorous salt scrub with essential oils such as
grapefruit and cypress, which are uplifting, decrease edema and increase lymph
circulation.
Give
yourself a full body massage before taking a warm shower. Use sesame oil,
which is heating and beneficial for all body types in the winter.
In order to
counter the cold and eliminate mucus from the system.
Wear warm
clothing of bright warming colors such as red or orange. Always wear a
hat during the winter.
When the
slimy mucous quality is high, avoid mucous accumulating foods such as cheese
and ice cream. Eat foods that are warm and stimulating. Steamed
vegetables and well seasoned mushy soup with ghee and crunchy croutons would be
an ideal meal.
Naps are not
recommended during winter because it will increase kapha, slow down metabolism
and reduce the fire necessary for digestion.
Attachment
is a quality that can be very strong for kapha's, so they must practice
detachment from material possessions, comforts and emotional upsets.
Clear excess clutter, acknowledge and then let go of emotional upsets as they
come along.
Through
knowing your true nature and applying compassionate self awareness you can take
charge of your health and healing. When this happens you will really fall
in love with your life!
quality,
which creates poor circulation, drink a warm tea of ginger, cinnamon and a
pinch of clove to increase heat, improve circulation and eliminate mucus from
the system.
Wear warm
clothing of bright warming colors such as red or orange. Always wear a
hat during the winter.
When the
slimy mucous quality is high, avoid mucous accumulating foods such as cheese
and ice cream. Eat foods that are warm and stimulating. Steamed
vegetables and well seasoned mushy soup with ghee and crunchy croutons would be
an ideal meal.
Naps are not
recommended during winter because it will increase kapha, slow down metabolism
and reduce the fire necessary for digestion.
Attachment
is a quality that can be very strong for kapha's, so they must practice
detachment from material possessions, comforts and emotional upsets.
Clear excess clutter, acknowledge and then let go of emotional upsets as they
come along.
Through
knowing your true nature and applying compassionate self awareness you can take
charge of your health and healing. When this happens you will really fall
in love with your life!
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