By John Douillard, DC, PhD
Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver as a result of a viral infection. This is more common with a pitta body type or one with a severe pitta imbalance in the ranjaka subdosha. This disorder because it is an inflammatory disease in the seat of pitta, it is almost always a pitta concern. When the liver becomes depleted enough to become infected then specific therapies must be directed at the liver itself.
There can very often be underlying causative factors from the apana vata in the intestinal tract that must be dealt with to take the stress of the liver. The enteric cycle will direct the impure blood ama from the intestines into the portal system and shunt it directly to the liver. If this kind of bio-chemical stress is long standing then the liver prana can be depleted making for the susceptibility of a viral type hepatitis.
Contributing factors like excessive stress, hot, spicy, salty, or sour foods, and alcohol over an extended period of time can weaken the liver making it susceptible.
Turmeric - studies show it very beneficial in viral hepatitis (I can send references if you need them) 1/2 tsp. 5x/day . Mahasudarshan and gudduchi (1/2 tsp. 3x/day) Avoid any oily and greasy foods and decrease the amount of red meat. Neem tea 5x/ day
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=42
Showing posts with label sick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sick. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
PMS
By John Douillard, DC, PhD
Introduction
Premenstrual syndrome falls under the general Ayurvedic heading of Yonivyad: diseases of the female genital tact. PMS is usually associated with mood swings, nervous tension, and emotional disturbances, and it often is accompanied by a set of physical complaints. The symptomatic presentation will be determined in part by the prakriti, or body type, of the individual. The remaining factors predicting associated symptoms will be the vikriti, or imbalance of the individual. Because the imbalance has to be determined by a pulse diagnosis and on physical exam, this discussion necessarily must concern body type only.
The premise of Ayurveda is not based on the removal of symptoms; rather, it empowers the body’s ability to heal itself. In this regard, the focus of the treatment identifies and addresses the initial cause of PMS. The root cause of most cases of PMS starts early in the lifestyle of a menstruating young woman. Caraka and the other Ayurvedic authorities state that the suppression of natural urges, excessive sex and excessive physical exercise, along with an improper diet, are linked to the cause of female reproductive disorder. But here in the West the average female strays from following some of the major feminine health guidelines that are taken for granted in the culture of India’s Ayurveda. The causes of some of our modern diseases which did not exist as such in Vedic times have to be reinvestigated from a modern perspective of lifestyle and behavior.
Understanding the Cleansing Cycle
There is a general consensus among Ayurvedic physicians, who come from India to tour the country, as to why the excessive amount of female disorders plague the West and not the East, and it has much to do with honoring the cycle itself. In India, the menstrual cycle is a highly respected cycle that is an expression of the female connectedness to the cycles of the moon. This cycle regulates the tides, migrations, mating times, and, of course, the twenty-eight day cycle of menstruation. Menses is a time when the female body is providing extra energy to insure an effective and complete sloughing of waste products. It is a natural time of cleansing and rejuvenation, traditionally accompanied by a time of rest or light duty. It is understood that in traditional cultures there were extended families which supported women during their monthly cycle and through menstruation. Here in the West, this is not the case. However, this does not mean that modern working women cannot respect this time of the month, taking a lighter load or scheduling around their time of the month.Basically, the Ayurvedic recommendation is to act in accord with how one feels. Ignoring this cycle is often at the root of the premenstrual syndrome. If there is some desire to rest during menstruation and this is not provided, then symptoms of some sort are sure to come. This resting is not a sign of weakness: it is a time of pulling back the bow so that one can later engage in more dynamic activity. Some of the Ayurvedic doctors comment that the menstrual cycle and monthly cleansing is one of the factors that leads to the generally longer life span of women [vs. men].
The Apana and Prana Vatas
The controlling dosha in premenstrual syndrome is vata. More specifically, it is the Apana vata that governs the flow of Prana (life force) into the reproductive organs; this Apana vata provides the energy for the birthing process and the monthly cycle of menstruation. For the Apana Vata to do its job effectively it is necessary for the Apana (downward force of energy) to do so without distractions. If the lifestyle of the women is such that there is no change in one’s hectic lifestyle, particularly during the menstrual cycle, then the Apana will not have available all the energy necessary to perform a complete menstruation. Often times the physical and mental workload during this time is so great that the Apana vata downward flow of energy turns upwards in an attempt to support the Prana vata in accomplishing the task at hand. This lifestyle stress on a monthly basis for ten to twenty years can create a formidable depletion of the integrity of the Apana vata.The next stage in the PMS symptom picture happens when the depleted Apana vata is called upon to menstruate and there is not enough vitality available to support this process. Now it is the Prana vata (mental energy) which is called upon to support the Apana vata in order to complete menses. The Prana vata is the main vital upward force of energy that stabilizes moods, emotions, and energy. When Prana vata is imbalanced, severe psychological or neurological disorders result. When this kind of drain in the Prana vata continues for ten to twenty years, there occurs with ovulation the demand for Apana downward vata support. This brings the upward moving Prana down to the pelvis, leaving the mind and its emotional stability to suffer. Premenstrual syndrome results. The litany of physical symptoms associated with PMS, discussed in the pages that follow, is also the result of insult to both the Prana and Apana vata.
Beware of the common cures of PMS, such as the recommendation for exercise. Although it is a proven asset in removing the PMS symptoms, it will often further aggravate the cause. For example, if the cause of PMS is in fact a depletion in the Apana vata, which then drains Prana vata from the head, exercise will clearly drive the Prana back up into the head because now the Prana is needed there in order to perform the actual activity of exercise. This will result in symptoms typically categorized as “of the mind,” i.e., tiredness, mood swings, and emotional sensitivity, and these symptoms will further deplete the Apana vata, making the cause of the problem even worse. In an attempt to remove the symptoms, the cause is driven deeper and more permanently into the body.
Treatment According to Doshas
PMS - Vata Type
Symptoms of vata imbalance as they manifest in relation to the menstrual cycle include:
Premenstrual
Nervous tension
Mood swings
Anxiety/Depression
Insomnia
Forgetfulness/confusion
Constipation
Light amount of flowMenstrual
Pain/Cramps/Backache
Extended length of period with dark, clotted flow
Irregularity of periods or flow
General Treatments
• Diet
• Vata-Pacifying Diet (below)
• Avoid coffee, tea, tobacco, drugs, and extremely spicy foods
Vata-Pacifying Diet (simplified)
Favor foods that are warm, heavy, and oily. Minimize foods that are cold, dry, and light.
Favor foods that are sweet (e.g., wheat, milk, rice), sour (e.g., yogurt, tomatoes, citrus fruit), and salty. Minimize foods that are spicy, bitter (e.g., green leafy vegetables), and astringent (e.g., apples, beans).
Eat larger quantities of food, but not more than you can digest easily.
Dairy: All dairy products pacify vata. Always boil milk before you drink it, and drink it warm. Don’t take milk with a full meal.
Sweeteners: All are good for pacifying vata (but don’t overdo).
Oils: All oils reduce vata.
Grains: Rice and wheat are very good. Reduce intake of barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, rye, and oats.
Fruits: Favor sweet, sour, or heavy fruits, such as oranges, bananas, avocados, grapes, cherries, peaches, melons, berries, plums, pineapples, mangoes, and papayas. Avoid or reduce dry or light fruits, such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and dried fruits.
Vegetables: Beets, cucumbers, carrots, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are good. They should be cooked, not raw. The following vegetables are acceptable in moderate quantities if they’re cooked, especially with ghee or oil and vata-reducing spices: peas, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, and potatoes. It’s better to avoid sprouts and cabbage.
Spices: Cardamom, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, salt, cloves, mustard seed, and small quantities of black pepper all help reduce vata.
Nuts: All nuts are good.Beans: Avoid all beans, except for tofu and mung dhal.
Meat and Fish (for non-vegetarians): Chicken, turkey, and seafoods are fine; beef should be avoided.
Food Supplements
1. Take 1 teaspoon castor oil (Ricinus communis) every night for one month. Take less if there is a laxative effect.
2. Take 2 tablespoons pure (no preservatives) aloe juice (Aloe littoralis) after meals b.i.d., but not within three days of the end of menstrual flow.
3. Take fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) tea, as desired.
Specific Herbal Supplements
1. For Apana vata, combine:2 parts shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)2 parts musta (Cyperus rotundus)1 part licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)1 part punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)Mix 1 teaspoon of the resulting combination with sugar and ghee and take t.i.d., anytime.
2. For Prana vata, combine equal parts:brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)jatamansi (Nardostacys grandiflora)ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)gudduchi (Tinosporia cordifolia)Mix 1 teaspoon of the resulting combination with water and take t.i.d.ActivityEmphasize the importance of maintaining the proper balance of rest and activity throughout the month. Rest during the period, and practice daily abhyanga (see below) and exercise.Specific Home Treatments1. Daily abhyanga (see below) with sesame oil.2. 7 to 10 days before your period, one hour after your abhyanga, take a hot tub bath. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion during the bath.
3. 7 to 10 days before your period, follow your abhayanga and bath with the following laxative therapy: On an empty stomach, take four tablespoons castor oil mixed with 1⁄2 cup juice (any juice except grape juice). Do not eat until the majority of the laxative action has occurred (4 to 6 hours). Usually this procedure results in 2 to 3 bowel movements. You may repeat this monthly for up to 6 months.
4. Pitu: soak a 1"x3" clean cotton cloth in sesame oil and place in the vagina overnight or for a few hours each day for 3-5 days before your period begins. Do not do pitu during the period of if you are prone to vaginal infections or have a vaginal infection, or if you have a kapha imbalance. Be sure to remember to remove the pitu in the morning.
5. For pain experienced during the period, application of heat externally to the lower abdomen is advised. This may be accomplished by rubbing ripened sesame oil on the abdomen followed by the application of a hot water bottle directly to the oiled skin or placed on tip of a cotton cloth soaked in fresh ginger juice or on top of a paste made from ginger powder and warm water.For persistent or severe cases take an extended panchakarma treatment (5 to 7 days) as soon as possible.
PMS - Pitta Type
Symptoms of pitta imbalance as they manifest in relation to the menstrual cycle include:
Premenstrual and menopausal
Irritability/anger
Increased appetite
Headache (especially migraine)
Excessive body heat or sweating
Diarrhea or increased bowel movements
Skin rashes/acneMenstrual
Excessive bleeding
Increased frequency of periods
Bright red flow
General Treatments
Diet
• Pitta-pacifying diet (see below)
• Ghee (clarified butter) and raisins daily
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, cheese, yoghurt, and animal products
• Avoid delaying or skipping meals when you are hungry
• Avoid sour, salty, and pungent foodsPitta-Pacifying Diet (simplified)
Favor foods that are cool and liquid. Minimize foods that are hot.
Favor foods that are sweet, bitter, or astringent. Minimize foods that are spicy, salty or sour.
Dairy: Milk, butter, and ghee are good for pacifying pitta. Avoid yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and cultured buttermilk; these sour tastes aggravate pitta.
Sweeteners: All sweeteners are good except for honey and molasses.
Oils: Olive, sunflower, and coconut oils are best. Reduce sesame, almond, and corn oil, all of which increase pitta.
Grains: Wheat, white rice, barley. Reduce corn, rye, millet, and brown rice.
Fruits: Favor sweet fruits such as grapes, cherries, melons, avocado, coconut, pomegranates, mangoes, sweet, fully-ripened oranges, pineapples, and plums. Reduce sour fruits such as grapefruits, olives, papayas and persimmons, and sour, not-yet-ripened oranges, pineapples, and plums.
Vegetables: Favor asparagus, cucumber, potato, sweet potato, green leafy vegetables, pumpkins, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, okra, lettuce, beans, green beans, zucchini. Avoid hot peppers, tomatoes, carrots, beets, onions, garlic, radishes, and spinach.
Beans: Avoid all beans except for tofu and mung dhal.
Spices: Cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel, and small amounts of black pepper are good, but the following spices strongly increase pitta and should be taken in moderation: ginger, cumin, fenugreek, clove, celery seed, salt, and mustard seed. Chili peppers and cayenne should be avoided.
Meat and Fish (for non-vegetarians): Chicken, pheasant, and turkey are preferable; but beef, seafood, and egg yolk increase pitta.
Food Supplements
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and/or coriander (Coriandrum sativum) tea
Pure aloe vera (Aloe littoralis) juice (no preservatives). Take 2 tablespoons after meals twice a day, but not during or within 3 days of the end of menstrual flow.
Specific Herbal Supplements
1. For both Prana and Apana vata, combine:2 parts shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)1 part tumeric (Curcuma longa)1 part brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)Take 1 teaspoon, with water, t.i.d.
2. To decrease pitta and Apana vata, take 2 tablets manjistha t.i.d. after meals.
3. As a uterine tonic and for the Apana vata, make tea from kumari (aloe barbadensis) leaves and drink 3 cups per day.ExerciseThose experiencing pitta-type PMS symptoms should be encouraged to stay active and focused during the premenstrual phase. Overheating, however, should be carefully avoided.Specific Home Treatments1. Daily abhyanga (see below) with coconut oil.2. Each day for seven days before the period begins dabhyanga with coconut oil, followed by a hot tub bath one hour later. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion during the bath.
3. 7 to 10 days before your period, follow your abhyanga and bath with the following laxative therapy: On an empty stomach, take 4 teaspoons of castor oil mixed with 1⁄2 cup of any juice (except grape). Ideally, you should also take a tea - HP 908 - 15 to 30 minutes before taking the castor oil. Do not eat until the majority of the laxative action has occurred (4 to 6 hours). Usually, this procedure results in 2 to 3 bowel movements. You may repeat this monthly for up to 6 months.
4. Pitu. Soak a 1"x3" clean cotton cloth in coconut oil and place in the vagina over night or for a few hours daily each day for 3 to 5 days before your period begins. Do not do pitu during the period if you are prone to vaginal infections or have a vaginal infection, or if you have a kapha imbalance. Be sure to remember to remove the pitu in the morning.
Other Specific Recommendations
1. Rinse the external genital area twice daily with cool water. You also may splash cool water on the eyes twice daily.
2. Apply coconut oil to the head and feet at bedtime for more restful sleep and headache prevention.
3. Sniff ghee daily for one week before the period.
4. Avoid overheating, hot water on the head, and overexposure to sunlight.
5. When irritable or out of sorts, it is important to ensure that you are getting adequate rest. Also, try to stay focused on specific projects.
6. Be sure not to take long hot showers or hot baths during your heavy flow days, as these tend to increase flow. Take a short shower or sponge bath instead.
For persistent or severe cases, take an extended panchakarma treatment
PMS - Kapha Type
Symptoms of Kapha imbalance as they manifest in relation to the menstrual cycle include:
Premenstrual
Weight gain
Fluid retention
Breast enlargement
Abdominal bloating
Acne
Menstrual
Stiffness in back, joints, etc.
Pale, mucousy menstrual flow
General Treatments
• Diet
• Kapha-pacifying diet (see below)
• Avoid salt, cheese, yogurt, chocolate, and refined sugars and flours for one week before and during the period.
• Lassi (1⁄2 cup yogurt, 1⁄2 cup water) and hot boiled milk are okay.
• Avoid overeating, especially at night.
• Do not eat when you are not hungry.
• A primarily vegetarian diet is highly recommended.
• Include ginger in your daily diet: take a pinch of fresh ginger root with a few drops of lemon juice before each meal.
Kapha-Pacifying Diet (simplified)
Favor foods that are light, dry, and warm. Minimize foods that are heavy, oily, and cold.
Favor foods that are spicy, bitter, and astringent. Minimize foods that are sweet, salty, and sour.
Dairy: Low-fat milk is better. Always boil milk before you drink it (making it easier to digest) and take it warm. Do not take milk with a full meal, or with sour or salty food. You might add one or two pinches of turmeric or ginger to whole milk before boiling it to help reduce any kapha-creating properties in the milk.
Fruits: Lighter fruits, such as apples and pears, are better. Reduce heavy or sour fruits such as oranges, bananas, pineapples, figs, dates, avocados, coconuts, and melons, as these fruits increase kapha.
Sweeteners: Honey is excellent for reducing kapha. Reduce sugar products, as these increase kapha.
Beans: All beans are fine, except tofu.
Nuts: Reduce all nuts.
Grains: Most grains are fine, especially barley and millet. Do not take too much wheat, rice, or oats, as they increase kapha.
Spices: All are fine, except for salt. Salt increases kapha.
Vegetables: All are fine, except tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and zucchini, all of which increase kapha.
Meat and Fish (for non-vegetarians): White meat from chicken or turkey is fine, as is seafood. Avoid or reduce red meat.
Food Supplements
1. Spice food with turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon.
2. Take 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera juice (no preservatives) after meals b.i.d., but not during or within 3 days of the end of the menstrual flow.
Specific Herbal Supplements
1. For Apana vata, combine equal parts:shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)trikatu (Zingiber officinalis,Piper longum, Piper nigrum)Mix with honey into a paste and take 1 teaspoon t.i.d.
2. For Prana vata, prepare a calamus nasya:Combine 1⁄2 teaspoon calamus with 1 ounce sesame oil. Sniff 10-15 drops into each nostril, t.i.d.
3. For Apana and Prana vata:Mix 1 teaspoon dashmula in 2 cups water and boil down to 1⁄2 cup; drink 1⁄2 cup b.i.d. Dashmula, a.k.a. dashamoola, or ten roots, is a compounded formula containing the following, although this formula may be modified by some practitioners: salaparni (Gmelina arborea), agnimantha (Premna obtusifolia), brhati (Solanum indicum), kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), praniparni, gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), patala (Clerodendron phlomoides), syvnajka, bilua (Aegle marmelos), gambarai.
Exercise
It is especially important to get daily exercise. A brisk walk for 30 minutes is the minimum exercise required. Perform deep nasal breathing during exercise.
Rest
Do not sleep during the day unless illness or unusual circumstances cause exhaustion. Always try to avoid sleeping within 2 hours after a meal.
Specific Home Treatments
1. Daily abhyanga with sesame oil.
2. 7 to 10 days before your period follow your abhyanga with a hot tub bath one hour later. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion during the bath.
3. 7 to 10 days before your period, follow your abhyanga and bath with the following laxative therapy: on an empty stomach, take 4 teaspoons castor oil mixed with 1⁄2 cup any juice except grape juice. Do not eat until the majority of the laxative action has occurred (4 to 6 hours). Usually this procedure results in 2 to 3 bowel movements. You may repeat this monthly for up to 6 months.For persistent or severe cases take an extended panchakarma treatment (5 to 7 days) as soon as possible.
Abhyanga:Ayurvedic Oil Massage
Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It weights about 6 to 10 pounds and is about 16% of our body weight. Biologically it is a very active organ: it is alive, it breathes, it self-repairs, and it gets rid of toxins. But most important, what scientists are finding out is that the skin is the riches source of all hormones that we can find anywhere, including the hypothalamus in the brain. Also, when we stimulate the skin we can literally cause a shower of healing chemicals into our bloodstream. The most important of these are growth factors or growth hormones. If our skin is the riches source of growth factors, then we can cause these growth factors to be released into our bloodstream by simply stimulating the skin.It is important to realize that touch is about ten times stronger than verbal or emotional contact. Like the other organs, the skin is also a seat of emotions. We can influence emotions, feelings, and desires through our skin as a result of the release of these hormones. A 5-minute oil massage from head to toe harmonizes mind and body and creates a sense of energy and buoyancy throughout the day.A scientific study on post-coronary patients (patients who have had heart-attacks) is indicating that if after the heart attack they receive a massage in the coronary care unit, then growth factors are released into the bloodstream. This release opens up coronary vessels and also opens up collateral blood vessels, increasing the blood supply to the heart. You can cause the same release of these growth factors through you skin by giving yourself a massage. The Ayurvedic oil massage is said to strengthen and balance the whole physiology, improve circulation and vitality, and rejuvenate the skin.We recommend to all our patients that they give themselves a daily oil massage before bathing in the morning. When we sleep at night, fatigue is dissolved and toxins are produced which are deposited in the colon and skin. That is why the first thing we do in the morning for personal hygiene is eliminate and bathe, preventing these toxins from backing up into the system. The instructions for how to do the massage are listed below.Sesame oil is the recommended oil because it doesn’t allow bacteria to grow and it gets absorbed through the skin. Current research indicates that sesame oil decreases free-radical and thereby prevents aging. Sesame oil can be purchased at any grocery store. It is recommended to use unprocessed, cold-pressed sesame oil. If sesame oil is unsuitable, you can use olive oil or coconut oil. Coconut oil doesn’t have to be cured or heated because it is used for its cooling properties.Instructions1. Use comfortably warm sesame oil that has been cured. Keep a portion of your oil in a plastic flip-top bottle, and warm it each day.Curing oil, a one-time process, causes the molecular structure of the oil to alter just enough so that the oil is better absorbed by the skin. Curing is done with heat.
One is cautioned never to burn the oil: curing is finished when a drop of water, dripped onto the hot oil, jumps.
2. Once you are undressed, apply a small amount (to 1⁄2 cup) of warm oil to your entire body, allowing the oil to have maximum time of contact (10 minutes is good).
3. Using the flat of the hand, do a brisk massage. It is not a deep, kneading massage. Apply moderate pressure over most of the body and light pressure over abdomen and heart.
4. Use circular motions over rounded areas (joints, head) and straight strokes up and down over straight areas (arms and legs).
5. Follow the oil massage with a 10- or 15-minute warm bath or shower.
6. If you don’t have time to do the whole massage, at least put the oil on and get in the shower and wash it off. A little bit every day is better than a whole lot every other day.
References
-Sharma, P.V. Cakradatta, Chaukhambha Orientalia. New Delhi, India. 1994.
-Atha Vale, V.B. Basic Principles of Ayurveda. Bombay, India Town Pinery. 1980.
-Bhishagratna, K.L. Shushruta Samhita, Vol 1 and 2. Varanasi, India. Chowkhamba Sanscrit series. 1981.
-Sharma, P.V. Caraka Samhita, Vols. 1 and 2. Varanasi, India. Chaukhanbha. 1981.
-Devaraj, T.L. The Panchakarma Treatment of Ayurveda. Dwanwantari Orientalia Publications, Bangalore India. 1986.
Introduction
Premenstrual syndrome falls under the general Ayurvedic heading of Yonivyad: diseases of the female genital tact. PMS is usually associated with mood swings, nervous tension, and emotional disturbances, and it often is accompanied by a set of physical complaints. The symptomatic presentation will be determined in part by the prakriti, or body type, of the individual. The remaining factors predicting associated symptoms will be the vikriti, or imbalance of the individual. Because the imbalance has to be determined by a pulse diagnosis and on physical exam, this discussion necessarily must concern body type only.
The premise of Ayurveda is not based on the removal of symptoms; rather, it empowers the body’s ability to heal itself. In this regard, the focus of the treatment identifies and addresses the initial cause of PMS. The root cause of most cases of PMS starts early in the lifestyle of a menstruating young woman. Caraka and the other Ayurvedic authorities state that the suppression of natural urges, excessive sex and excessive physical exercise, along with an improper diet, are linked to the cause of female reproductive disorder. But here in the West the average female strays from following some of the major feminine health guidelines that are taken for granted in the culture of India’s Ayurveda. The causes of some of our modern diseases which did not exist as such in Vedic times have to be reinvestigated from a modern perspective of lifestyle and behavior.
Understanding the Cleansing Cycle
There is a general consensus among Ayurvedic physicians, who come from India to tour the country, as to why the excessive amount of female disorders plague the West and not the East, and it has much to do with honoring the cycle itself. In India, the menstrual cycle is a highly respected cycle that is an expression of the female connectedness to the cycles of the moon. This cycle regulates the tides, migrations, mating times, and, of course, the twenty-eight day cycle of menstruation. Menses is a time when the female body is providing extra energy to insure an effective and complete sloughing of waste products. It is a natural time of cleansing and rejuvenation, traditionally accompanied by a time of rest or light duty. It is understood that in traditional cultures there were extended families which supported women during their monthly cycle and through menstruation. Here in the West, this is not the case. However, this does not mean that modern working women cannot respect this time of the month, taking a lighter load or scheduling around their time of the month.Basically, the Ayurvedic recommendation is to act in accord with how one feels. Ignoring this cycle is often at the root of the premenstrual syndrome. If there is some desire to rest during menstruation and this is not provided, then symptoms of some sort are sure to come. This resting is not a sign of weakness: it is a time of pulling back the bow so that one can later engage in more dynamic activity. Some of the Ayurvedic doctors comment that the menstrual cycle and monthly cleansing is one of the factors that leads to the generally longer life span of women [vs. men].
The Apana and Prana Vatas
The controlling dosha in premenstrual syndrome is vata. More specifically, it is the Apana vata that governs the flow of Prana (life force) into the reproductive organs; this Apana vata provides the energy for the birthing process and the monthly cycle of menstruation. For the Apana Vata to do its job effectively it is necessary for the Apana (downward force of energy) to do so without distractions. If the lifestyle of the women is such that there is no change in one’s hectic lifestyle, particularly during the menstrual cycle, then the Apana will not have available all the energy necessary to perform a complete menstruation. Often times the physical and mental workload during this time is so great that the Apana vata downward flow of energy turns upwards in an attempt to support the Prana vata in accomplishing the task at hand. This lifestyle stress on a monthly basis for ten to twenty years can create a formidable depletion of the integrity of the Apana vata.The next stage in the PMS symptom picture happens when the depleted Apana vata is called upon to menstruate and there is not enough vitality available to support this process. Now it is the Prana vata (mental energy) which is called upon to support the Apana vata in order to complete menses. The Prana vata is the main vital upward force of energy that stabilizes moods, emotions, and energy. When Prana vata is imbalanced, severe psychological or neurological disorders result. When this kind of drain in the Prana vata continues for ten to twenty years, there occurs with ovulation the demand for Apana downward vata support. This brings the upward moving Prana down to the pelvis, leaving the mind and its emotional stability to suffer. Premenstrual syndrome results. The litany of physical symptoms associated with PMS, discussed in the pages that follow, is also the result of insult to both the Prana and Apana vata.
Beware of the common cures of PMS, such as the recommendation for exercise. Although it is a proven asset in removing the PMS symptoms, it will often further aggravate the cause. For example, if the cause of PMS is in fact a depletion in the Apana vata, which then drains Prana vata from the head, exercise will clearly drive the Prana back up into the head because now the Prana is needed there in order to perform the actual activity of exercise. This will result in symptoms typically categorized as “of the mind,” i.e., tiredness, mood swings, and emotional sensitivity, and these symptoms will further deplete the Apana vata, making the cause of the problem even worse. In an attempt to remove the symptoms, the cause is driven deeper and more permanently into the body.
Treatment According to Doshas
PMS - Vata Type
Symptoms of vata imbalance as they manifest in relation to the menstrual cycle include:
Premenstrual
Nervous tension
Mood swings
Anxiety/Depression
Insomnia
Forgetfulness/confusion
Constipation
Light amount of flowMenstrual
Pain/Cramps/Backache
Extended length of period with dark, clotted flow
Irregularity of periods or flow
General Treatments
• Diet
• Vata-Pacifying Diet (below)
• Avoid coffee, tea, tobacco, drugs, and extremely spicy foods
Vata-Pacifying Diet (simplified)
Favor foods that are warm, heavy, and oily. Minimize foods that are cold, dry, and light.
Favor foods that are sweet (e.g., wheat, milk, rice), sour (e.g., yogurt, tomatoes, citrus fruit), and salty. Minimize foods that are spicy, bitter (e.g., green leafy vegetables), and astringent (e.g., apples, beans).
Eat larger quantities of food, but not more than you can digest easily.
Dairy: All dairy products pacify vata. Always boil milk before you drink it, and drink it warm. Don’t take milk with a full meal.
Sweeteners: All are good for pacifying vata (but don’t overdo).
Oils: All oils reduce vata.
Grains: Rice and wheat are very good. Reduce intake of barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, rye, and oats.
Fruits: Favor sweet, sour, or heavy fruits, such as oranges, bananas, avocados, grapes, cherries, peaches, melons, berries, plums, pineapples, mangoes, and papayas. Avoid or reduce dry or light fruits, such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and dried fruits.
Vegetables: Beets, cucumbers, carrots, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are good. They should be cooked, not raw. The following vegetables are acceptable in moderate quantities if they’re cooked, especially with ghee or oil and vata-reducing spices: peas, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, and potatoes. It’s better to avoid sprouts and cabbage.
Spices: Cardamom, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, salt, cloves, mustard seed, and small quantities of black pepper all help reduce vata.
Nuts: All nuts are good.Beans: Avoid all beans, except for tofu and mung dhal.
Meat and Fish (for non-vegetarians): Chicken, turkey, and seafoods are fine; beef should be avoided.
Food Supplements
1. Take 1 teaspoon castor oil (Ricinus communis) every night for one month. Take less if there is a laxative effect.
2. Take 2 tablespoons pure (no preservatives) aloe juice (Aloe littoralis) after meals b.i.d., but not within three days of the end of menstrual flow.
3. Take fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) tea, as desired.
Specific Herbal Supplements
1. For Apana vata, combine:2 parts shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)2 parts musta (Cyperus rotundus)1 part licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)1 part punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)Mix 1 teaspoon of the resulting combination with sugar and ghee and take t.i.d., anytime.
2. For Prana vata, combine equal parts:brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)jatamansi (Nardostacys grandiflora)ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)gudduchi (Tinosporia cordifolia)Mix 1 teaspoon of the resulting combination with water and take t.i.d.ActivityEmphasize the importance of maintaining the proper balance of rest and activity throughout the month. Rest during the period, and practice daily abhyanga (see below) and exercise.Specific Home Treatments1. Daily abhyanga (see below) with sesame oil.2. 7 to 10 days before your period, one hour after your abhyanga, take a hot tub bath. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion during the bath.
3. 7 to 10 days before your period, follow your abhayanga and bath with the following laxative therapy: On an empty stomach, take four tablespoons castor oil mixed with 1⁄2 cup juice (any juice except grape juice). Do not eat until the majority of the laxative action has occurred (4 to 6 hours). Usually this procedure results in 2 to 3 bowel movements. You may repeat this monthly for up to 6 months.
4. Pitu: soak a 1"x3" clean cotton cloth in sesame oil and place in the vagina overnight or for a few hours each day for 3-5 days before your period begins. Do not do pitu during the period of if you are prone to vaginal infections or have a vaginal infection, or if you have a kapha imbalance. Be sure to remember to remove the pitu in the morning.
5. For pain experienced during the period, application of heat externally to the lower abdomen is advised. This may be accomplished by rubbing ripened sesame oil on the abdomen followed by the application of a hot water bottle directly to the oiled skin or placed on tip of a cotton cloth soaked in fresh ginger juice or on top of a paste made from ginger powder and warm water.For persistent or severe cases take an extended panchakarma treatment (5 to 7 days) as soon as possible.
PMS - Pitta Type
Symptoms of pitta imbalance as they manifest in relation to the menstrual cycle include:
Premenstrual and menopausal
Irritability/anger
Increased appetite
Headache (especially migraine)
Excessive body heat or sweating
Diarrhea or increased bowel movements
Skin rashes/acneMenstrual
Excessive bleeding
Increased frequency of periods
Bright red flow
General Treatments
Diet
• Pitta-pacifying diet (see below)
• Ghee (clarified butter) and raisins daily
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, cheese, yoghurt, and animal products
• Avoid delaying or skipping meals when you are hungry
• Avoid sour, salty, and pungent foodsPitta-Pacifying Diet (simplified)
Favor foods that are cool and liquid. Minimize foods that are hot.
Favor foods that are sweet, bitter, or astringent. Minimize foods that are spicy, salty or sour.
Dairy: Milk, butter, and ghee are good for pacifying pitta. Avoid yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and cultured buttermilk; these sour tastes aggravate pitta.
Sweeteners: All sweeteners are good except for honey and molasses.
Oils: Olive, sunflower, and coconut oils are best. Reduce sesame, almond, and corn oil, all of which increase pitta.
Grains: Wheat, white rice, barley. Reduce corn, rye, millet, and brown rice.
Fruits: Favor sweet fruits such as grapes, cherries, melons, avocado, coconut, pomegranates, mangoes, sweet, fully-ripened oranges, pineapples, and plums. Reduce sour fruits such as grapefruits, olives, papayas and persimmons, and sour, not-yet-ripened oranges, pineapples, and plums.
Vegetables: Favor asparagus, cucumber, potato, sweet potato, green leafy vegetables, pumpkins, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, okra, lettuce, beans, green beans, zucchini. Avoid hot peppers, tomatoes, carrots, beets, onions, garlic, radishes, and spinach.
Beans: Avoid all beans except for tofu and mung dhal.
Spices: Cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel, and small amounts of black pepper are good, but the following spices strongly increase pitta and should be taken in moderation: ginger, cumin, fenugreek, clove, celery seed, salt, and mustard seed. Chili peppers and cayenne should be avoided.
Meat and Fish (for non-vegetarians): Chicken, pheasant, and turkey are preferable; but beef, seafood, and egg yolk increase pitta.
Food Supplements
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and/or coriander (Coriandrum sativum) tea
Pure aloe vera (Aloe littoralis) juice (no preservatives). Take 2 tablespoons after meals twice a day, but not during or within 3 days of the end of menstrual flow.
Specific Herbal Supplements
1. For both Prana and Apana vata, combine:2 parts shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)1 part tumeric (Curcuma longa)1 part brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)Take 1 teaspoon, with water, t.i.d.
2. To decrease pitta and Apana vata, take 2 tablets manjistha t.i.d. after meals.
3. As a uterine tonic and for the Apana vata, make tea from kumari (aloe barbadensis) leaves and drink 3 cups per day.ExerciseThose experiencing pitta-type PMS symptoms should be encouraged to stay active and focused during the premenstrual phase. Overheating, however, should be carefully avoided.Specific Home Treatments1. Daily abhyanga (see below) with coconut oil.2. Each day for seven days before the period begins dabhyanga with coconut oil, followed by a hot tub bath one hour later. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion during the bath.
3. 7 to 10 days before your period, follow your abhyanga and bath with the following laxative therapy: On an empty stomach, take 4 teaspoons of castor oil mixed with 1⁄2 cup of any juice (except grape). Ideally, you should also take a tea - HP 908 - 15 to 30 minutes before taking the castor oil. Do not eat until the majority of the laxative action has occurred (4 to 6 hours). Usually, this procedure results in 2 to 3 bowel movements. You may repeat this monthly for up to 6 months.
4. Pitu. Soak a 1"x3" clean cotton cloth in coconut oil and place in the vagina over night or for a few hours daily each day for 3 to 5 days before your period begins. Do not do pitu during the period if you are prone to vaginal infections or have a vaginal infection, or if you have a kapha imbalance. Be sure to remember to remove the pitu in the morning.
Other Specific Recommendations
1. Rinse the external genital area twice daily with cool water. You also may splash cool water on the eyes twice daily.
2. Apply coconut oil to the head and feet at bedtime for more restful sleep and headache prevention.
3. Sniff ghee daily for one week before the period.
4. Avoid overheating, hot water on the head, and overexposure to sunlight.
5. When irritable or out of sorts, it is important to ensure that you are getting adequate rest. Also, try to stay focused on specific projects.
6. Be sure not to take long hot showers or hot baths during your heavy flow days, as these tend to increase flow. Take a short shower or sponge bath instead.
For persistent or severe cases, take an extended panchakarma treatment
PMS - Kapha Type
Symptoms of Kapha imbalance as they manifest in relation to the menstrual cycle include:
Premenstrual
Weight gain
Fluid retention
Breast enlargement
Abdominal bloating
Acne
Menstrual
Stiffness in back, joints, etc.
Pale, mucousy menstrual flow
General Treatments
• Diet
• Kapha-pacifying diet (see below)
• Avoid salt, cheese, yogurt, chocolate, and refined sugars and flours for one week before and during the period.
• Lassi (1⁄2 cup yogurt, 1⁄2 cup water) and hot boiled milk are okay.
• Avoid overeating, especially at night.
• Do not eat when you are not hungry.
• A primarily vegetarian diet is highly recommended.
• Include ginger in your daily diet: take a pinch of fresh ginger root with a few drops of lemon juice before each meal.
Kapha-Pacifying Diet (simplified)
Favor foods that are light, dry, and warm. Minimize foods that are heavy, oily, and cold.
Favor foods that are spicy, bitter, and astringent. Minimize foods that are sweet, salty, and sour.
Dairy: Low-fat milk is better. Always boil milk before you drink it (making it easier to digest) and take it warm. Do not take milk with a full meal, or with sour or salty food. You might add one or two pinches of turmeric or ginger to whole milk before boiling it to help reduce any kapha-creating properties in the milk.
Fruits: Lighter fruits, such as apples and pears, are better. Reduce heavy or sour fruits such as oranges, bananas, pineapples, figs, dates, avocados, coconuts, and melons, as these fruits increase kapha.
Sweeteners: Honey is excellent for reducing kapha. Reduce sugar products, as these increase kapha.
Beans: All beans are fine, except tofu.
Nuts: Reduce all nuts.
Grains: Most grains are fine, especially barley and millet. Do not take too much wheat, rice, or oats, as they increase kapha.
Spices: All are fine, except for salt. Salt increases kapha.
Vegetables: All are fine, except tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and zucchini, all of which increase kapha.
Meat and Fish (for non-vegetarians): White meat from chicken or turkey is fine, as is seafood. Avoid or reduce red meat.
Food Supplements
1. Spice food with turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon.
2. Take 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera juice (no preservatives) after meals b.i.d., but not during or within 3 days of the end of the menstrual flow.
Specific Herbal Supplements
1. For Apana vata, combine equal parts:shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)trikatu (Zingiber officinalis,Piper longum, Piper nigrum)Mix with honey into a paste and take 1 teaspoon t.i.d.
2. For Prana vata, prepare a calamus nasya:Combine 1⁄2 teaspoon calamus with 1 ounce sesame oil. Sniff 10-15 drops into each nostril, t.i.d.
3. For Apana and Prana vata:Mix 1 teaspoon dashmula in 2 cups water and boil down to 1⁄2 cup; drink 1⁄2 cup b.i.d. Dashmula, a.k.a. dashamoola, or ten roots, is a compounded formula containing the following, although this formula may be modified by some practitioners: salaparni (Gmelina arborea), agnimantha (Premna obtusifolia), brhati (Solanum indicum), kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), praniparni, gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), patala (Clerodendron phlomoides), syvnajka, bilua (Aegle marmelos), gambarai.
Exercise
It is especially important to get daily exercise. A brisk walk for 30 minutes is the minimum exercise required. Perform deep nasal breathing during exercise.
Rest
Do not sleep during the day unless illness or unusual circumstances cause exhaustion. Always try to avoid sleeping within 2 hours after a meal.
Specific Home Treatments
1. Daily abhyanga with sesame oil.
2. 7 to 10 days before your period follow your abhyanga with a hot tub bath one hour later. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion during the bath.
3. 7 to 10 days before your period, follow your abhyanga and bath with the following laxative therapy: on an empty stomach, take 4 teaspoons castor oil mixed with 1⁄2 cup any juice except grape juice. Do not eat until the majority of the laxative action has occurred (4 to 6 hours). Usually this procedure results in 2 to 3 bowel movements. You may repeat this monthly for up to 6 months.For persistent or severe cases take an extended panchakarma treatment (5 to 7 days) as soon as possible.
Abhyanga:Ayurvedic Oil Massage
Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It weights about 6 to 10 pounds and is about 16% of our body weight. Biologically it is a very active organ: it is alive, it breathes, it self-repairs, and it gets rid of toxins. But most important, what scientists are finding out is that the skin is the riches source of all hormones that we can find anywhere, including the hypothalamus in the brain. Also, when we stimulate the skin we can literally cause a shower of healing chemicals into our bloodstream. The most important of these are growth factors or growth hormones. If our skin is the riches source of growth factors, then we can cause these growth factors to be released into our bloodstream by simply stimulating the skin.It is important to realize that touch is about ten times stronger than verbal or emotional contact. Like the other organs, the skin is also a seat of emotions. We can influence emotions, feelings, and desires through our skin as a result of the release of these hormones. A 5-minute oil massage from head to toe harmonizes mind and body and creates a sense of energy and buoyancy throughout the day.A scientific study on post-coronary patients (patients who have had heart-attacks) is indicating that if after the heart attack they receive a massage in the coronary care unit, then growth factors are released into the bloodstream. This release opens up coronary vessels and also opens up collateral blood vessels, increasing the blood supply to the heart. You can cause the same release of these growth factors through you skin by giving yourself a massage. The Ayurvedic oil massage is said to strengthen and balance the whole physiology, improve circulation and vitality, and rejuvenate the skin.We recommend to all our patients that they give themselves a daily oil massage before bathing in the morning. When we sleep at night, fatigue is dissolved and toxins are produced which are deposited in the colon and skin. That is why the first thing we do in the morning for personal hygiene is eliminate and bathe, preventing these toxins from backing up into the system. The instructions for how to do the massage are listed below.Sesame oil is the recommended oil because it doesn’t allow bacteria to grow and it gets absorbed through the skin. Current research indicates that sesame oil decreases free-radical and thereby prevents aging. Sesame oil can be purchased at any grocery store. It is recommended to use unprocessed, cold-pressed sesame oil. If sesame oil is unsuitable, you can use olive oil or coconut oil. Coconut oil doesn’t have to be cured or heated because it is used for its cooling properties.Instructions1. Use comfortably warm sesame oil that has been cured. Keep a portion of your oil in a plastic flip-top bottle, and warm it each day.Curing oil, a one-time process, causes the molecular structure of the oil to alter just enough so that the oil is better absorbed by the skin. Curing is done with heat.
One is cautioned never to burn the oil: curing is finished when a drop of water, dripped onto the hot oil, jumps.
2. Once you are undressed, apply a small amount (to 1⁄2 cup) of warm oil to your entire body, allowing the oil to have maximum time of contact (10 minutes is good).
3. Using the flat of the hand, do a brisk massage. It is not a deep, kneading massage. Apply moderate pressure over most of the body and light pressure over abdomen and heart.
4. Use circular motions over rounded areas (joints, head) and straight strokes up and down over straight areas (arms and legs).
5. Follow the oil massage with a 10- or 15-minute warm bath or shower.
6. If you don’t have time to do the whole massage, at least put the oil on and get in the shower and wash it off. A little bit every day is better than a whole lot every other day.
References
-Sharma, P.V. Cakradatta, Chaukhambha Orientalia. New Delhi, India. 1994.
-Atha Vale, V.B. Basic Principles of Ayurveda. Bombay, India Town Pinery. 1980.
-Bhishagratna, K.L. Shushruta Samhita, Vol 1 and 2. Varanasi, India. Chowkhamba Sanscrit series. 1981.
-Sharma, P.V. Caraka Samhita, Vols. 1 and 2. Varanasi, India. Chaukhanbha. 1981.
-Devaraj, T.L. The Panchakarma Treatment of Ayurveda. Dwanwantari Orientalia Publications, Bangalore India. 1986.
Peptic Ulcer
By John Douillard, DC, PhD
Peptic ulcer in Ayurveda is considered a type of acid gastritis or Amla pitta. This disorder is more generally classified as a grahani disorder which is a disorder in the seat of agni is the stomach. Caraka Samhita describes some of the common causes for such a deranged agni (or digestive fire). Fasting, eating when one has indigestion, over-eating, irregular eating habits, eating unsuitable foods, eating in a negative atmosphere, or at the wrong time, or eating foods that have been ill-prepared; all these will produce acid indigestion even with the lightest of fare.
The actual ulceration of the stomach wall which is the classic description of a peptic ulcer is clearly due to an excessive amount of heat or pitta in the body. The question to ask before treating the increased pitta is, why is the pitta excessive? In the West we often relate gastric ulcers with stress and anxiety. This factor is not overlooked in Ayurveda and is properly handled with the eating and lifestyle changes mentioned above. With regard to the treatment of peptic ulcer, it is not necessary to take Ayurvedic medicines if these lifestyle eating changes are not made. No medicine will work unless the cause is appropriately addressed. There are typically three factors that are essential for good and balanced digestion.
What you eat:
Food must be fresh and grown locally, or at least seasonally, and prepared with a caring and loving attitude.
How you eat:
Food must be eaten with attention and awarenness. Our sense of taste both prepares and ignites digestive process before food ever reaches the stomach, as does our sense of composure and calm. Being distracted with books, driving, computers, and phones during a meal negates any hope of a balanced digestive process.
When you eat:
Eat is best done during pitta kala, between 10 AM and 2 PM; this is when the agnis are the strongest and digestion will be the most effective. Eating at other times will eventually compromise the body’s ability to digest and assimilate nutrition and give energy over a long period of time. This is, in part, the cause for the increased incidence of hypoglycemia and the need for a grazing approach to eating which has become vogue here in the west. In the west we are too busy to stop and take the time to eat. This one aspect of modern life has a devastating effect on the health, longevity, and quality of one’s life.
Peptic ulcer may also be an expression of excessive digestive pitta due to an aggravated vata. A form of wind, this aggravated vata can blow on the digestive fire (agni) like a bellows, creating excessive heat. This heat will dry out the kaphic mucous lining of the stomach, leading to irritation and eventually to ulceration. There are two common causes of this type of vata aggravation:
1. Samana vata, which normally fans the digestive fire, much like a carburetor provides air to the spark plugs of a car engine, is the vata aspect of digestion, and relates the state of mind one is in when one is eating. Remember that vata controls the nervous system, so the quality of the nervous system is directly related to the proper functioning of the samana vata. If one is stressed and hurried during a meal, or skips a meal, or eats fast, non-digestible food, then these stressors will affect the quality of digestion.
2. Apana vata in the intestinal tract is often siphoned upwards through the enteric cycle into the liver and digestive organs. This reversed flow of the apana vata can excessively fan the pachaka pitta in the stomach and irritate the stomach lining. Apana vata can then be pulled upwards from an already aggravated pitta which will need more air to burn the fire. Or, apana vata may rise as a result of nervous system vata stress, wherein the nervous system is under such extreme stress that apana vata is drawn upwards for nervous system support. Along the way the apana would fan the pachaka pitta and leave the seat of vata in the intestines depleted.Pitta can also be at the root of such a disorder. this is typically seen in a pitta constitution with a pitta imbalance. Classically, pitta types are the ones who eat fast without awareness and have a very hectic lifestyle. Their competitive nature can drive them excessively and aggravate the pitta in both the stomach (pachaka) and the liver and small intestine (ranjaka). This pitta imbalance will irritate and eventually ulcerate the wall of the stomach.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of this condition is made by a combination of signs and symptoms. The classic symptoms are burning (during, after, and in-between meals), gastric reflux, fatigue, increased stress, loose stools, constipation. In vata-conditions, symptoms are associated with a dry throat and mouth, blurred vision, tinnitus, cardiac pain, excessive hunger, and an abnormal taste in the mouth. A pitta-type will have stools that are more liquid and yellow and will probably complain of a chronic burning in the cardiac region and throat. The pulse will reveal excessive pitta along with a deep causative vata aggravation if vata is involved.
The tongue will usually have a crack in the midline of the anterior 2⁄3rds of the tongue. This indicates an imbalance in the Annavaha srota. The annavaha srota regulates digestion and is responsible for gastritis, heartburn, and peptic ulcer when out of balance. Nails are usually thin, soft, and bending.
Treatment
Behavioral modification: See above.
Dietary Guidelines
When condition is acute, patient should be given a diet of liquefied cooked vegetables and kitchery (a soupy mixture of rice and dahl).Barley water can be taken throughout the day (boil one cup of barley with three cups of water and down to two cups of water. Drink as tea three times per day).
Avoid onions, garlic and pungent, salt, and sour foods.
Increase consumption of bitter foods (cooked leafy green vegetables and sweet fruits are mostly good) (See light pitta pacifying diet)
Herbs
Mostly bitter herbs are good.
Mahasurdarshan churna (combine triphala (Emblica offcinialis, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula); gudduci (Tinospora cordifolia); katuka (Picrorrhiza kurroa); patrpat; nimb (lime), suddha surastraja, bamshalochan; kairat): take 1⁄2 teaspoon 3 times a day after meals (if apana vata involved)
Avipittkar churna (ginger (Zingiber officinalis), black pepper (Piper longum), trifala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula), nut grass (Cyperus rotundus), vidanga (Embelia ribes), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), sugar): this is the medicine of choice in treating peptic ulcer. Take one teaspoon before meals 3 times a day with lemon juice.
Aloe vera (Aloe littoralis): 1 tablespoon fresh gel from plant, 3 times a day.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) tea.
Psyllium (Plantago ovata); snigdhajira: 1 teaspoon husk, 1 hour after meals with 8 ounces warm water.
Milk decoction: 1 teaspoon amalaki (Emblica officinalis) with 1 teaspoon raw sugar, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup water. Boil to 1 cup. Drink as tea with meals or anytime, 3 times a day.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum); madhu: 1⁄2 teaspoon powder with 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric on an empty stomach, with warm water or warm milk.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) ghee: make licorice decoction with 1 teaspoon licorice in 2 cups of water. Boil to 1 cup. Add 1 cup ghee and 1 cup water; boil off water. Take 1⁄2 teaspoon 3 times a day on an empty stomach with hot water. Can be used in cooking.
Light Pitta Pacifying Diet
This diet is indicated when there is low agni (weak digestive power) combined with a Pitta constitutional type or a Pitta imbalance.Food should be fresh, well-cooked, tasty, and satisfying. It is important to eat only when hungry and to take meals according to a regular schedule. Eat in a settled environment, without distractions. Do not overeat.
Grains
Wheat, rice, and barley, prepared as follows:
Wheat: Finely ground whole wheat flour, in foods such as crackers, biscuits with low fat and low sugar, toasted light bread, unleavened flat breads (chapati, pita bread, tortillas), couscous, semolina, cream of wheat.
Rice: Basmati rice (or other white rice), rice flour, puffed rice, cream of rice. You can fry the rice in a pan without oil, then steam or boil it into a soup.
Barley: Light preparations such as in soup, crackers, unleavened bread, etc.
Legumes
Adding a pinch of hing (Ferula asafoetida) to lentils increases their digestibility. Green or yellow mung beans or red lentils (dal), which are available in health food stores, Indian shops or by mail order. To prepare, boil one part legumes in 2 to 3 parts water. You can also boil it with rice and a lot of water to make a thin soup.
Vegetables
Vegetables should be well-cooked and prepared in soups, stews, and casseroles with a lot of water. Asparagus, artichokes, white pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber, spinach, cabbage, eggplant (peeled), celery (not the root), spinach, chicory, tender white radish (prepared in oil), green and papaya.
Dairy ProductsLow-fat milk, goat’s milk, buttermilk, yoghurt mixed with water 1:1 (called lassi or ayurvedic buttermilk), small amounts of clarified butter (ghee).
Sweeteners: Sugar or Sucanat, in small amounts. Sucanat is dried whole sugar cane juice, available in health food stores.
Oils
Ghee, sunflower oil, and olive oil, in very small amounts for cooking only.
Spices and Condiments
Coriander, cumin, ginger (small amounts), turmeric, fennel, cinnamon, cardamon, lemon juice.
Fruits
Fruits should be sweet, ripe, and in season.
Grapes, pomegranates, papayas (small amounts), pineapple (only if very sweet), figs, persimmons, and fresh apricots. The juice of these fruits is also good. Raisins are fine in small amounts, if pre-soaked and chewed well.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=37
Peptic ulcer in Ayurveda is considered a type of acid gastritis or Amla pitta. This disorder is more generally classified as a grahani disorder which is a disorder in the seat of agni is the stomach. Caraka Samhita describes some of the common causes for such a deranged agni (or digestive fire). Fasting, eating when one has indigestion, over-eating, irregular eating habits, eating unsuitable foods, eating in a negative atmosphere, or at the wrong time, or eating foods that have been ill-prepared; all these will produce acid indigestion even with the lightest of fare.
The actual ulceration of the stomach wall which is the classic description of a peptic ulcer is clearly due to an excessive amount of heat or pitta in the body. The question to ask before treating the increased pitta is, why is the pitta excessive? In the West we often relate gastric ulcers with stress and anxiety. This factor is not overlooked in Ayurveda and is properly handled with the eating and lifestyle changes mentioned above. With regard to the treatment of peptic ulcer, it is not necessary to take Ayurvedic medicines if these lifestyle eating changes are not made. No medicine will work unless the cause is appropriately addressed. There are typically three factors that are essential for good and balanced digestion.
What you eat:
Food must be fresh and grown locally, or at least seasonally, and prepared with a caring and loving attitude.
How you eat:
Food must be eaten with attention and awarenness. Our sense of taste both prepares and ignites digestive process before food ever reaches the stomach, as does our sense of composure and calm. Being distracted with books, driving, computers, and phones during a meal negates any hope of a balanced digestive process.
When you eat:
Eat is best done during pitta kala, between 10 AM and 2 PM; this is when the agnis are the strongest and digestion will be the most effective. Eating at other times will eventually compromise the body’s ability to digest and assimilate nutrition and give energy over a long period of time. This is, in part, the cause for the increased incidence of hypoglycemia and the need for a grazing approach to eating which has become vogue here in the west. In the west we are too busy to stop and take the time to eat. This one aspect of modern life has a devastating effect on the health, longevity, and quality of one’s life.
Peptic ulcer may also be an expression of excessive digestive pitta due to an aggravated vata. A form of wind, this aggravated vata can blow on the digestive fire (agni) like a bellows, creating excessive heat. This heat will dry out the kaphic mucous lining of the stomach, leading to irritation and eventually to ulceration. There are two common causes of this type of vata aggravation:
1. Samana vata, which normally fans the digestive fire, much like a carburetor provides air to the spark plugs of a car engine, is the vata aspect of digestion, and relates the state of mind one is in when one is eating. Remember that vata controls the nervous system, so the quality of the nervous system is directly related to the proper functioning of the samana vata. If one is stressed and hurried during a meal, or skips a meal, or eats fast, non-digestible food, then these stressors will affect the quality of digestion.
2. Apana vata in the intestinal tract is often siphoned upwards through the enteric cycle into the liver and digestive organs. This reversed flow of the apana vata can excessively fan the pachaka pitta in the stomach and irritate the stomach lining. Apana vata can then be pulled upwards from an already aggravated pitta which will need more air to burn the fire. Or, apana vata may rise as a result of nervous system vata stress, wherein the nervous system is under such extreme stress that apana vata is drawn upwards for nervous system support. Along the way the apana would fan the pachaka pitta and leave the seat of vata in the intestines depleted.Pitta can also be at the root of such a disorder. this is typically seen in a pitta constitution with a pitta imbalance. Classically, pitta types are the ones who eat fast without awareness and have a very hectic lifestyle. Their competitive nature can drive them excessively and aggravate the pitta in both the stomach (pachaka) and the liver and small intestine (ranjaka). This pitta imbalance will irritate and eventually ulcerate the wall of the stomach.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of this condition is made by a combination of signs and symptoms. The classic symptoms are burning (during, after, and in-between meals), gastric reflux, fatigue, increased stress, loose stools, constipation. In vata-conditions, symptoms are associated with a dry throat and mouth, blurred vision, tinnitus, cardiac pain, excessive hunger, and an abnormal taste in the mouth. A pitta-type will have stools that are more liquid and yellow and will probably complain of a chronic burning in the cardiac region and throat. The pulse will reveal excessive pitta along with a deep causative vata aggravation if vata is involved.
The tongue will usually have a crack in the midline of the anterior 2⁄3rds of the tongue. This indicates an imbalance in the Annavaha srota. The annavaha srota regulates digestion and is responsible for gastritis, heartburn, and peptic ulcer when out of balance. Nails are usually thin, soft, and bending.
Treatment
Behavioral modification: See above.
Dietary Guidelines
When condition is acute, patient should be given a diet of liquefied cooked vegetables and kitchery (a soupy mixture of rice and dahl).Barley water can be taken throughout the day (boil one cup of barley with three cups of water and down to two cups of water. Drink as tea three times per day).
Avoid onions, garlic and pungent, salt, and sour foods.
Increase consumption of bitter foods (cooked leafy green vegetables and sweet fruits are mostly good) (See light pitta pacifying diet)
Herbs
Mostly bitter herbs are good.
Mahasurdarshan churna (combine triphala (Emblica offcinialis, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula); gudduci (Tinospora cordifolia); katuka (Picrorrhiza kurroa); patrpat; nimb (lime), suddha surastraja, bamshalochan; kairat): take 1⁄2 teaspoon 3 times a day after meals (if apana vata involved)
Avipittkar churna (ginger (Zingiber officinalis), black pepper (Piper longum), trifala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula), nut grass (Cyperus rotundus), vidanga (Embelia ribes), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), sugar): this is the medicine of choice in treating peptic ulcer. Take one teaspoon before meals 3 times a day with lemon juice.
Aloe vera (Aloe littoralis): 1 tablespoon fresh gel from plant, 3 times a day.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) tea.
Psyllium (Plantago ovata); snigdhajira: 1 teaspoon husk, 1 hour after meals with 8 ounces warm water.
Milk decoction: 1 teaspoon amalaki (Emblica officinalis) with 1 teaspoon raw sugar, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup water. Boil to 1 cup. Drink as tea with meals or anytime, 3 times a day.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum); madhu: 1⁄2 teaspoon powder with 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric on an empty stomach, with warm water or warm milk.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) ghee: make licorice decoction with 1 teaspoon licorice in 2 cups of water. Boil to 1 cup. Add 1 cup ghee and 1 cup water; boil off water. Take 1⁄2 teaspoon 3 times a day on an empty stomach with hot water. Can be used in cooking.
Light Pitta Pacifying Diet
This diet is indicated when there is low agni (weak digestive power) combined with a Pitta constitutional type or a Pitta imbalance.Food should be fresh, well-cooked, tasty, and satisfying. It is important to eat only when hungry and to take meals according to a regular schedule. Eat in a settled environment, without distractions. Do not overeat.
Grains
Wheat, rice, and barley, prepared as follows:
Wheat: Finely ground whole wheat flour, in foods such as crackers, biscuits with low fat and low sugar, toasted light bread, unleavened flat breads (chapati, pita bread, tortillas), couscous, semolina, cream of wheat.
Rice: Basmati rice (or other white rice), rice flour, puffed rice, cream of rice. You can fry the rice in a pan without oil, then steam or boil it into a soup.
Barley: Light preparations such as in soup, crackers, unleavened bread, etc.
Legumes
Adding a pinch of hing (Ferula asafoetida) to lentils increases their digestibility. Green or yellow mung beans or red lentils (dal), which are available in health food stores, Indian shops or by mail order. To prepare, boil one part legumes in 2 to 3 parts water. You can also boil it with rice and a lot of water to make a thin soup.
Vegetables
Vegetables should be well-cooked and prepared in soups, stews, and casseroles with a lot of water. Asparagus, artichokes, white pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber, spinach, cabbage, eggplant (peeled), celery (not the root), spinach, chicory, tender white radish (prepared in oil), green and papaya.
Dairy ProductsLow-fat milk, goat’s milk, buttermilk, yoghurt mixed with water 1:1 (called lassi or ayurvedic buttermilk), small amounts of clarified butter (ghee).
Sweeteners: Sugar or Sucanat, in small amounts. Sucanat is dried whole sugar cane juice, available in health food stores.
Oils
Ghee, sunflower oil, and olive oil, in very small amounts for cooking only.
Spices and Condiments
Coriander, cumin, ginger (small amounts), turmeric, fennel, cinnamon, cardamon, lemon juice.
Fruits
Fruits should be sweet, ripe, and in season.
Grapes, pomegranates, papayas (small amounts), pineapple (only if very sweet), figs, persimmons, and fresh apricots. The juice of these fruits is also good. Raisins are fine in small amounts, if pre-soaked and chewed well.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=37
Mastitis
By John Douillard, DC, PhD
Mastitis, or inflammation of the breast, is caused by a blockage of one of the thirteen srotas or channels of the body. These channels move nutrition and energy, both subtle and non-subtle, throughout the body. In the case of mastitis, the rasa vaha srotas, plasma- and lymph-carrying channels, become blocked. The cause of these blockages is often due to the improper formation of the dhatus or tissues of the body. There are seven tissues or dhatus in the body that are converted by dhatu-agnis (enzymes) from more basic to more complex bodily tissues. This process begins with rasa (plasma, lymph) to rakta (blood) to mamsa (muscle) to meda (fat) to ashti (bone) to majja (bone marrow) to the final dhatu of shukra (reproductive tissue). If this process is interfered with anywhere along the way, then the shukara dhatu is not formed and procreation is halted.
In the case of mastitis, the interruption of this process is at the level of rasa agni, which converts rasa dharau into rakta dhatu. In the transformation process of the dhatus, there are waste products produced along the way. Kapha (ama) which is heavy, sticky, slow-moving and cohesive, is the mala, or waste product, of rasa dhatu. Each of these seven dhatus have a set of upadhatus, or subordinate dhatus, which are nourished by the major dhatus. In the case of rasa, there are two upadhatus: stanya, or breast milk, and artava, or menstrual blood.
When the dhatus are not properly formed, an excessive amount of waste product will be produced and the upadhatus will not be nourished. In the case of a lactating mother, the breast milk would be imbalanced and most likely an inadequate supply for the infant would be produced. The rasa vaha srotas would become blocked by the excessive mala of kapha (ama), and the updhatu would be inadequately nourished. In the case of a non-lactating woman, the same srotas would be blocked. The result would be that the lymph or waste-carrying vessels in the body would be blocked by the rasa dhatu mala of kapha (ama), and the natural cycle of nutrition in waste out , would cease. This lack of circulation and build up of ama (impurities) would irritate breast tissue and, over time, inflame it and render the breast swollen, hard, and tender.
General Etiology
Although this condition may appear acute, it is always a result of an underlying chronic imbalance. Vata is usually the cause of rasa vaha srota blockage. The production of ama (mala of rasa dhatu) will aggravate kapha and soon both vata and kapha are unbalanced. Whenever there is a vata-kapha imbalance, there will always be an underlying chronic condition.Vata and kapha are opposites and as the body tries to correct one, it will imbalance the other, finding it very difficult to correct itself. More specifically, it is the samana vata subdosha of vata that is at the root of the rasa vaha srota blockage. Samana vata is the vata aspect of digestion which means it relates to the quality of the nervous system during digestion that will determine proper function. Any nervous system tension or stress during the meals will aggravate the samana vata and initiate the manufacturing process of ama. This ama moves specifically into the lymphatic system, making the rasa vaha srotas susceptible to blockage. The breast, which is a major site for lymphatic vessels, is often a target for such a lymph stasis and resultant inflammation or mastitis.
General Treatment
In the case of a samana vata imbalance, the first line of treatment must be behavioral: if the vata continues to be aggravated in relation to digestion then ama will continue to be produced and the cause of the problem will not be addressed. Because samana vata has to do with the vata aspect of digestion then what the nervous system is doing during digestion will play an important role in this treatment. There are three aspects of eating that must be addressed for samana vata to be balanced. These three factors are: how, when, and what you eat. Each of these are equally important and must be taken seriously. In the West, we put an excessive amount of attention on what we eat, but rarely are we concerned with how and when.
When To Eat
The Ayurvedic clock tells us that between 10 AM and 2 PM is the pitta time of day. This is the hottest part of the day and has traditionally been when families gather to eat their biggest meal. This is the time of day when digestion is the strongest and is the only time that the body can properly nourish itself to get enough energy to carry it through a long, hectic day. If meals are not taken at this time, then vata gets aggravated and the body often craves sweets, caffeine, or rest, in the late afternoon. Food eaten after the sun goes down is very difficult to digest, and will produce ama and aggravate the rasa vaha srotas in the case of mastitis.
How To Eat
In Western societies, eating in front of the TV, while opening mail, or while reading the newspaper has become accepted as the norm. In Ayurvedic medicine, this is an extreme violation and can lead to a litany of imbalances and diseases. Eating is a sacred time when we nourish our minds, bodies, and emotion. It is not a time to rid ourselves of a hunger pain and move onto the next activity. Here are some eating habit reminders:
• Eat in a settled atmosphere.
• Never eat when upset.
• Always sit down to eat.
• Eat only when hungry.
• Don’t talk while chewing.
• Don’t eat too slowly or too quickly.
• Eat only if previous meal is digested.
• Take a few sips of water with meal.
• Sit quietly for a few minutes after eating.
• Food should please all five senses.
• Put your fork down between bites.
What To Eat
In the case of mastitis, the diet has to be somewhat restricted in order to reduce the ama and move the lymphatic system and rasa vaha srotas. In this case, a light vata diet is recommended because the cause is samana vata and due to the heaviness of the ama the diet must be lightened.
Light Vata-Pacifying Diet
This diet pacifies vata with less of the oily, sweet, and rich foods that are recommended in the regular vata diet. Food should be fresh, well-cooked, tasty, and satisfying. Do not overeat.
Grains: Wheat, rice, and oats, prepared as follows:
Wheat: Finely-ground whole wheat flour, in foods such as crackers, biscuits with low-fat and sugar, toasted light bread, unleavened flat breads (chapati, pita bread, tortillas), cous¬cous, semolina, and cream of wheat.
Rice: Basmati rice (or other white rice), rice flour, puffed rice, and cream of rice. You can fry the rice in a pan without oil, then steam or boil it into a soup.
Oats: Cook with water to make a light porridge.
Legumes: Green or yellow mung beans or lentils (available in health food stores and Indian shops).
To prepare: boil 1 part legumes in 3 - 5 parts water. You can also boil beans with rice and a lot of water to make a thin soup. Adding a pinch of hing (asafoetida) while cooking will increase the digestibility of the beans.
Vegetables: Vegetables should be well-cooked, and prepared in soups, stews, and casseroles, with a high water content. Adding a pinch of hing (asafoetida) to vegetables increases their digestibility. Eggplant (peeled), zucchini, cucumber, asparagus, artichoke, tomato (peeled), celery (not the root), carrots, spinach, and tender white radish (prepared in oil). Almost all vegetables are acceptable.
Dairy Products: Low-fat milk, goat’s milk, buttermilk, lassi (2-3 parts warm water blended with 1 part yoghurt, taken after the meal), and ghee (clarified butter).
Sweeteners: All are acceptable in small amounts, but do not heat or cook with honey.Oils: All are acceptable in small amounts, except coconut oil.
Spices and Condiments: Cumin, ginger, fenugreek, hing (asafoetida), mustard seeds, black pepper (in small amounts), cinnamon, cardamom, anise, fennel, cloves, salt, lemon juice, tamarind. Small amounts of all other spices.
Fruits: Fruits should be sweet, ripe, and in season. Grapes, pomegranates, papayas, pineapples, figs, oranges, and fresh apricots. The juice of these fruits is also good. Raisins are fine in small amounts, if pre-soaked and chewed well.
Cleansing Diet for Rasa Vaha Srotas
This traditional Ayurvedic programs helps to eliminate impurities (ama) which result from inefficient digestion and metabolism, and strengthens the digestive and metabolic fires (agni). It also corrects improper dietary habits which can lead to imbalances. Those with severe weakness of agni, or excessive ama, should follow these guidelines closely for three months and then continue on a more relaxed basis. Others should simply follow the major guidelines, whenever possible. However, the first rule of Ayurveda is to follow your own inner sense, and do what feels right for you.
Major Guidelines
1. Follow a regular daily routine of waking, eating, and sleeping.Wake between 5 and 7 AMLunch between 12 and 2 PMDinner between 5 and 7 PMBedtime between 9 and 10 PM
2. Lunch should be the main meal of the day, and dinner should be light. Breakfast should be very light, and is optional. Favor food that is freshly prepared, avoid leftovers and frozen, canned, or processed foods. Include fresh fruit and freshly made fruit juice or vegetable juice in your diet.
3. Do a sesame oil massage in the morning and follow with a warm bath or shower.
4. Sip hot water frequently throughout the day (every 1⁄2 hour, or as often as desired). This keeps the agni alive and flushes ama from the system. Sipping hot water also settles the nervous system when you feel anxious.
5. Get fresh air and regular exercise or physical activity (by taking a morning and/or evening walk, or by doing the sun salutation and other yoga asanas).
6. Practice meditation and pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) daily.
7. Take a liquid diet for one day a week. Soup, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, fresh carrot, beet, or celery vegetable juice, and hot water are considerations.
Dinacharya (Daily Routine)
In the morning: Wake up at or before sunrise.Take warm water with a few drops of lemon juice and/or 1⁄2 teaspoon raw honey after rising.Promote regular elimination by sitting on the toilet at the same time each morning, after rising.Do skin brushing, oil massage, bath or shower, yoga, pranayama, and meditation before eating.
At mealtimes: Take lassi (yoghurt mixed with water – 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4) during lunch and between lunch and dinner, as needed to promote digestion. It is best to make lassi with freshly made yoghurt. Lassi can be sweet or seasoned, using:Honey, ginger, and cardamom, or Salt, ginger, and cumin. Avoid cold foods or drinks, especially foods and drinks taken directly from the refrigerator.Avoid heavy food at the evening meal, including heavy desserts, yogurt, cheese, oily food, fried food, root vegetables (carrots, beets, and radishes are alright).Take raisins, figs, dates, and almonds regularly (with warm milk, if desired).Raisins and almonds can be soaked overnight. Season your food to taste with any of the following:Cumin, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, mustard, seeds, asafoetida (hing), black pepper, rock salt, crystal or rock sugar, brown sugar.At lunchtime, you can include the following salad with your meal:Sprouts, grated carrot or beet, parsley, fresh basil, freshly-grated ginger, lemon juice and rock salt. Add seasoning to taste. If you have a weak digestion stemming from a vata imbalance, take a small amount and chew well.
Ayurvedic Food Combining
When there are several courses, meals can be eaten from heavier to lighter food, because the digestive fire is strongest at the beginning of the meal:Dessert (heavy sweets)Salad/raw vegetablesSoup/dal (lentils)/pasta/breadCooked vegetablesRice/lassiFresh fruit (sweet and ripe)
In the evening:Go to bed early when you naturally feel sleepy, between 6 and 10 PM.
Specific Herbal Combinations1. Trikatu (Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinalis). Mix 1⁄4 teaspoon combination with 1 teaspoon honey into paste before meals, to inhibit ama production during digestion.2. Avipattikar churna. Take 1⁄2 teaspoon during meals to inhibit ama production during digestion.3. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). Take 1⁄2 teaspoon after meals with water to destagnate blood and lymph.4. As an antioxidant, take equal parts ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), gud¬du¬chi (Tinosporia cordifolia) and brahmi (Bacopa monniera).5. Equal parts mahasudarshan, manjis¬tha, purnarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), 1⁄2 teaspoon t.i.d. with hot water, as a lymphatic cleanser.6. Soak wool cloth with castor oil and apply to breast 30 minutes t.i.d. with moist heat.7. Drink 3-5 cups fennel tea per day.8. Soak 1 teaspoon haritaki (Termina¬lia chebula) in 8 oz. water overnight. Strain off sediment and discard. Add 1 teaspoon honey to haritaki water, and drink in the morning. Do this once a day for one month. If a laxative effect occurs, cut back to 1⁄2 teaspoon haritaki or less.
References
-Sharma, P. Cakradatat. Chaukhambha Orientalia, New Delhi, India. 1994.
-Atha Vale, V. Basic Principles of Ayurveda. Town Pinery: Bombay, India. 1980.
-Bhishagratna, K. Shushruta Samhita, Vols. 1 and 2. Chowkhamba Sanscrit Series: Varanasi, India. 1981.
-Sharma, P. Caraka Samhita, Vols. 1 and 2. Chaukhambha Orientalia, New Delhi, India. 1981.
-Devaraj, T. The Panchakarma Treatment of Ayurveda. Dwanwantari Orientalia Publications. Bangalore: India. 1986.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=25
Mastitis, or inflammation of the breast, is caused by a blockage of one of the thirteen srotas or channels of the body. These channels move nutrition and energy, both subtle and non-subtle, throughout the body. In the case of mastitis, the rasa vaha srotas, plasma- and lymph-carrying channels, become blocked. The cause of these blockages is often due to the improper formation of the dhatus or tissues of the body. There are seven tissues or dhatus in the body that are converted by dhatu-agnis (enzymes) from more basic to more complex bodily tissues. This process begins with rasa (plasma, lymph) to rakta (blood) to mamsa (muscle) to meda (fat) to ashti (bone) to majja (bone marrow) to the final dhatu of shukra (reproductive tissue). If this process is interfered with anywhere along the way, then the shukara dhatu is not formed and procreation is halted.
In the case of mastitis, the interruption of this process is at the level of rasa agni, which converts rasa dharau into rakta dhatu. In the transformation process of the dhatus, there are waste products produced along the way. Kapha (ama) which is heavy, sticky, slow-moving and cohesive, is the mala, or waste product, of rasa dhatu. Each of these seven dhatus have a set of upadhatus, or subordinate dhatus, which are nourished by the major dhatus. In the case of rasa, there are two upadhatus: stanya, or breast milk, and artava, or menstrual blood.
When the dhatus are not properly formed, an excessive amount of waste product will be produced and the upadhatus will not be nourished. In the case of a lactating mother, the breast milk would be imbalanced and most likely an inadequate supply for the infant would be produced. The rasa vaha srotas would become blocked by the excessive mala of kapha (ama), and the updhatu would be inadequately nourished. In the case of a non-lactating woman, the same srotas would be blocked. The result would be that the lymph or waste-carrying vessels in the body would be blocked by the rasa dhatu mala of kapha (ama), and the natural cycle of nutrition in waste out , would cease. This lack of circulation and build up of ama (impurities) would irritate breast tissue and, over time, inflame it and render the breast swollen, hard, and tender.
General Etiology
Although this condition may appear acute, it is always a result of an underlying chronic imbalance. Vata is usually the cause of rasa vaha srota blockage. The production of ama (mala of rasa dhatu) will aggravate kapha and soon both vata and kapha are unbalanced. Whenever there is a vata-kapha imbalance, there will always be an underlying chronic condition.Vata and kapha are opposites and as the body tries to correct one, it will imbalance the other, finding it very difficult to correct itself. More specifically, it is the samana vata subdosha of vata that is at the root of the rasa vaha srota blockage. Samana vata is the vata aspect of digestion which means it relates to the quality of the nervous system during digestion that will determine proper function. Any nervous system tension or stress during the meals will aggravate the samana vata and initiate the manufacturing process of ama. This ama moves specifically into the lymphatic system, making the rasa vaha srotas susceptible to blockage. The breast, which is a major site for lymphatic vessels, is often a target for such a lymph stasis and resultant inflammation or mastitis.
General Treatment
In the case of a samana vata imbalance, the first line of treatment must be behavioral: if the vata continues to be aggravated in relation to digestion then ama will continue to be produced and the cause of the problem will not be addressed. Because samana vata has to do with the vata aspect of digestion then what the nervous system is doing during digestion will play an important role in this treatment. There are three aspects of eating that must be addressed for samana vata to be balanced. These three factors are: how, when, and what you eat. Each of these are equally important and must be taken seriously. In the West, we put an excessive amount of attention on what we eat, but rarely are we concerned with how and when.
When To Eat
The Ayurvedic clock tells us that between 10 AM and 2 PM is the pitta time of day. This is the hottest part of the day and has traditionally been when families gather to eat their biggest meal. This is the time of day when digestion is the strongest and is the only time that the body can properly nourish itself to get enough energy to carry it through a long, hectic day. If meals are not taken at this time, then vata gets aggravated and the body often craves sweets, caffeine, or rest, in the late afternoon. Food eaten after the sun goes down is very difficult to digest, and will produce ama and aggravate the rasa vaha srotas in the case of mastitis.
How To Eat
In Western societies, eating in front of the TV, while opening mail, or while reading the newspaper has become accepted as the norm. In Ayurvedic medicine, this is an extreme violation and can lead to a litany of imbalances and diseases. Eating is a sacred time when we nourish our minds, bodies, and emotion. It is not a time to rid ourselves of a hunger pain and move onto the next activity. Here are some eating habit reminders:
• Eat in a settled atmosphere.
• Never eat when upset.
• Always sit down to eat.
• Eat only when hungry.
• Don’t talk while chewing.
• Don’t eat too slowly or too quickly.
• Eat only if previous meal is digested.
• Take a few sips of water with meal.
• Sit quietly for a few minutes after eating.
• Food should please all five senses.
• Put your fork down between bites.
What To Eat
In the case of mastitis, the diet has to be somewhat restricted in order to reduce the ama and move the lymphatic system and rasa vaha srotas. In this case, a light vata diet is recommended because the cause is samana vata and due to the heaviness of the ama the diet must be lightened.
Light Vata-Pacifying Diet
This diet pacifies vata with less of the oily, sweet, and rich foods that are recommended in the regular vata diet. Food should be fresh, well-cooked, tasty, and satisfying. Do not overeat.
Grains: Wheat, rice, and oats, prepared as follows:
Wheat: Finely-ground whole wheat flour, in foods such as crackers, biscuits with low-fat and sugar, toasted light bread, unleavened flat breads (chapati, pita bread, tortillas), cous¬cous, semolina, and cream of wheat.
Rice: Basmati rice (or other white rice), rice flour, puffed rice, and cream of rice. You can fry the rice in a pan without oil, then steam or boil it into a soup.
Oats: Cook with water to make a light porridge.
Legumes: Green or yellow mung beans or lentils (available in health food stores and Indian shops).
To prepare: boil 1 part legumes in 3 - 5 parts water. You can also boil beans with rice and a lot of water to make a thin soup. Adding a pinch of hing (asafoetida) while cooking will increase the digestibility of the beans.
Vegetables: Vegetables should be well-cooked, and prepared in soups, stews, and casseroles, with a high water content. Adding a pinch of hing (asafoetida) to vegetables increases their digestibility. Eggplant (peeled), zucchini, cucumber, asparagus, artichoke, tomato (peeled), celery (not the root), carrots, spinach, and tender white radish (prepared in oil). Almost all vegetables are acceptable.
Dairy Products: Low-fat milk, goat’s milk, buttermilk, lassi (2-3 parts warm water blended with 1 part yoghurt, taken after the meal), and ghee (clarified butter).
Sweeteners: All are acceptable in small amounts, but do not heat or cook with honey.Oils: All are acceptable in small amounts, except coconut oil.
Spices and Condiments: Cumin, ginger, fenugreek, hing (asafoetida), mustard seeds, black pepper (in small amounts), cinnamon, cardamom, anise, fennel, cloves, salt, lemon juice, tamarind. Small amounts of all other spices.
Fruits: Fruits should be sweet, ripe, and in season. Grapes, pomegranates, papayas, pineapples, figs, oranges, and fresh apricots. The juice of these fruits is also good. Raisins are fine in small amounts, if pre-soaked and chewed well.
Cleansing Diet for Rasa Vaha Srotas
This traditional Ayurvedic programs helps to eliminate impurities (ama) which result from inefficient digestion and metabolism, and strengthens the digestive and metabolic fires (agni). It also corrects improper dietary habits which can lead to imbalances. Those with severe weakness of agni, or excessive ama, should follow these guidelines closely for three months and then continue on a more relaxed basis. Others should simply follow the major guidelines, whenever possible. However, the first rule of Ayurveda is to follow your own inner sense, and do what feels right for you.
Major Guidelines
1. Follow a regular daily routine of waking, eating, and sleeping.Wake between 5 and 7 AMLunch between 12 and 2 PMDinner between 5 and 7 PMBedtime between 9 and 10 PM
2. Lunch should be the main meal of the day, and dinner should be light. Breakfast should be very light, and is optional. Favor food that is freshly prepared, avoid leftovers and frozen, canned, or processed foods. Include fresh fruit and freshly made fruit juice or vegetable juice in your diet.
3. Do a sesame oil massage in the morning and follow with a warm bath or shower.
4. Sip hot water frequently throughout the day (every 1⁄2 hour, or as often as desired). This keeps the agni alive and flushes ama from the system. Sipping hot water also settles the nervous system when you feel anxious.
5. Get fresh air and regular exercise or physical activity (by taking a morning and/or evening walk, or by doing the sun salutation and other yoga asanas).
6. Practice meditation and pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) daily.
7. Take a liquid diet for one day a week. Soup, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, fresh carrot, beet, or celery vegetable juice, and hot water are considerations.
Dinacharya (Daily Routine)
In the morning: Wake up at or before sunrise.Take warm water with a few drops of lemon juice and/or 1⁄2 teaspoon raw honey after rising.Promote regular elimination by sitting on the toilet at the same time each morning, after rising.Do skin brushing, oil massage, bath or shower, yoga, pranayama, and meditation before eating.
At mealtimes: Take lassi (yoghurt mixed with water – 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4) during lunch and between lunch and dinner, as needed to promote digestion. It is best to make lassi with freshly made yoghurt. Lassi can be sweet or seasoned, using:Honey, ginger, and cardamom, or Salt, ginger, and cumin. Avoid cold foods or drinks, especially foods and drinks taken directly from the refrigerator.Avoid heavy food at the evening meal, including heavy desserts, yogurt, cheese, oily food, fried food, root vegetables (carrots, beets, and radishes are alright).Take raisins, figs, dates, and almonds regularly (with warm milk, if desired).Raisins and almonds can be soaked overnight. Season your food to taste with any of the following:Cumin, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, mustard, seeds, asafoetida (hing), black pepper, rock salt, crystal or rock sugar, brown sugar.At lunchtime, you can include the following salad with your meal:Sprouts, grated carrot or beet, parsley, fresh basil, freshly-grated ginger, lemon juice and rock salt. Add seasoning to taste. If you have a weak digestion stemming from a vata imbalance, take a small amount and chew well.
Ayurvedic Food Combining
When there are several courses, meals can be eaten from heavier to lighter food, because the digestive fire is strongest at the beginning of the meal:Dessert (heavy sweets)Salad/raw vegetablesSoup/dal (lentils)/pasta/breadCooked vegetablesRice/lassiFresh fruit (sweet and ripe)
In the evening:Go to bed early when you naturally feel sleepy, between 6 and 10 PM.
Specific Herbal Combinations1. Trikatu (Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinalis). Mix 1⁄4 teaspoon combination with 1 teaspoon honey into paste before meals, to inhibit ama production during digestion.2. Avipattikar churna. Take 1⁄2 teaspoon during meals to inhibit ama production during digestion.3. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). Take 1⁄2 teaspoon after meals with water to destagnate blood and lymph.4. As an antioxidant, take equal parts ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), gud¬du¬chi (Tinosporia cordifolia) and brahmi (Bacopa monniera).5. Equal parts mahasudarshan, manjis¬tha, purnarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), 1⁄2 teaspoon t.i.d. with hot water, as a lymphatic cleanser.6. Soak wool cloth with castor oil and apply to breast 30 minutes t.i.d. with moist heat.7. Drink 3-5 cups fennel tea per day.8. Soak 1 teaspoon haritaki (Termina¬lia chebula) in 8 oz. water overnight. Strain off sediment and discard. Add 1 teaspoon honey to haritaki water, and drink in the morning. Do this once a day for one month. If a laxative effect occurs, cut back to 1⁄2 teaspoon haritaki or less.
References
-Sharma, P. Cakradatat. Chaukhambha Orientalia, New Delhi, India. 1994.
-Atha Vale, V. Basic Principles of Ayurveda. Town Pinery: Bombay, India. 1980.
-Bhishagratna, K. Shushruta Samhita, Vols. 1 and 2. Chowkhamba Sanscrit Series: Varanasi, India. 1981.
-Sharma, P. Caraka Samhita, Vols. 1 and 2. Chaukhambha Orientalia, New Delhi, India. 1981.
-Devaraj, T. The Panchakarma Treatment of Ayurveda. Dwanwantari Orientalia Publications. Bangalore: India. 1986.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=25
Hypertension
By John Douillard, DC, PhD
The most common cause of hypertension is related to lifestyle. Some of the rasayanas or behavioral intelligence techniques apply here with regards to both prevention and treatment.
The occurrence of hypertension will depend primarily on body type and genetic susceptibility (or likely imbalances). Lifestyle stress is usually the first factor to trigger onset.
A frantic daily pace, staying up late, eating large evening meals and skipping or missing meals is probably the most serious offense with regards to blood pressure. Overexercise, and excessive intake of pungent, sour, and salty foods, or dehydration, or rushed meals, are also common offenders.
Such lifestyle stress puts extreme pressure on the sympathetic nervous system to illicit an anti-stress response. This response triggers stress-fighting adrenal hormones, which are both catabolic and emergogenic. This emergency effect, when in excess and as a result of a daily routine, will produce higher heart rates, and pressure on both the nervous system and circulatory system. This pressure aggravates both vata and pitta (specifically, the ranjaka pitta, which controls the quality of the blood, and the yana vata, which controls nerves, arteries, and veins). Vyana vata is typically seen in hypertension, as all three aspects are involved.
Botanical treatments will often have little effect on hypertension unless such behavioral modifications are made. These lifestyle changes provide prevention first in order for a permanent cure (see: achara rasayana and BITs sheets).
Vata
Vata-caused hypertension will be directly related to an excess amount of lifestyle and nervous system stress. In this case, the blood pressure comes and goes for many years, until it begins to aggravate pitta and kapha, respectively, and becomes increasingly more constant and more difficult to treat.
Treatment
Treatment for vata-caused hypertension will provide support to the nervous system with herbs such as ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) and brahmi (Bacopa monniera). It is generally recommended that the individual take 1⁄2 teaspoon of both, 3 times per day. Garlic (Allium sativa) also calms and strengthens the nervous system and cleans the blood with antiseptic and antioxidant properties, as well (1 clove, 3 times per day). Calamus (Acorus calamus) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are both nervines and work well in all types of hypertension (recommended dosage: 1⁄2 teaspoon 3 times per day).
Pitta
Pitta-caused hypertension is most common in the classic pitta body type (sometimes demonstrated through a red face and bloodshot eyes). They may have a temper with an aggressive and competitive nature that incessantly drives them. A vata type hypertension can become a pitta type as the body tries to shunt the nervous system stress or pressure to the circulatory system. Headaches are common with this type and usually come late in the day after stress or overheating.
Treatment
Vata treatments will work for pitta-type hypertension as well. Some cooling, bitter herbs must be added to cleanse the blood and vessels as well as cool the circulatory system. Manjistha and gudduchi (1⁄2 teaspoon with meals, 3 times per day), are great blood purifiers along with strong bitter herbs, like haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and muhasudearhan. Both can be taken after meals, 1⁄2 teaspoon per day, 3 times per day.
Kapha
Kapha hypertension is often associated with obesity and edema. This imbalance is usually long-standing and chronic. The dosha of kapha can act as a storage site for all the circulatory ama created in the doshas of vata and pitta.
Treatment
The herbs for vata and pitta are necessary as needed, and some pungent and astringent herbs to detoxify accumulated ama are important. Garlic, cayenne (Capsicum frutescens), and pippili (Piper longum) or trikatu (a combination of Piper longum, Piper nigrum, and Zingiber officinalis), are useful here.
Behavioral Rasayanas: Achara Rasayanas
A most important key for long life according to Ayurveda, is to follow Achara Rasayanas, which means code of behavior or code of ethics. According to Charaka, the ancient authority on Ayurveda, one who follows very optimistically all codes of conduct need not take other rasayanas, and those who take other rasayanas without following this code of conduct do not receive the optimum benefits.
This is a list of traditional behavioral rasayanas that help create a harmonizing effect in the physiology and increase the production of ojas. Ojas is the finest material aspect of the physiology which is produced when digestion is functioning flawlessly. Ojas is the link between consciousness and matter, and is responsible for establishing and maintaining balance among vata, pitta, and kapha. The more ojas your body produces, the greater your health, immunity from disease, and happiness.
Achara Rasayana, as spoken of by Charaka, is as follows. Review this list on a regular basis to keep the points lively in your awareness. Do not strain to remember or follow these points.
• Always speak the truth.
• Do not be angry.
• Do not indulge in alcoholic drinks.
• Observe celibacy and the sexual act according to the code.
• Do not be violent.
• Avoid over-exertion.
• Be calm and peaceful in mind.
• Do not hurt others with your speech; speak pleasantly.
• Clean the body by bathing and regular washing.
• Be courageous and do not lose patience in any situation.
• Donate always to others.
• Follow religious and virtuous acts according to your own beliefs.
• Respect your teachers, priests, elders, guru, and all animals.
• Do not be cruel to anyone.
• Be merciful to all who are in need of your help.
• Maintain balance in waking and sleeping in the night; do not stay awake long in the night and do not sleep in the daytime.
• Take milk and ghee in moderation in your diet.
• Be a knower of place, time, and measures of activities.
• Be a knower of planning; always do everything according to a plan. It is said that failing to plan is planning to fail.
• Avoid super-egoism.
• Maintain good behavior established by the great sages and saints of society.
• Do not be mean-spirited; be generous and sharing.
• Engage yourself all the time in the achievement of pure consciousness.
• Respect and serve your elders.
• Respect and serve priests, sages, and saints who serve your religion and God.
• Respect and serve the people who have conquered their senses.
• Keep your self busy in religious activities.
• Continually study new science, advances, research, and philosophies, and utilize them for the benefit of all human beings.
Body Intelligence Techniques
• Eat in a settled atmosphere.
• Never eat when upset.
• Always sit down to eat.
• Eat only when hungry.
• Avoid ice-cold food and drink.
• Don’t talk while chewing.
• Don’t eat too slowly or too quickly.
• Eat only if previous meal is digested.
• Take a few sips of water with meals.
• Favor freshly prepared foods.
• Cooked foods are easier to digest.
• Don’t heat or cook with honey.
• Don’t take milk with your meal.
• Sit quietly for a few minutes after eating.
• Food should please all five senses.
• Put your fork down between bites.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=44
The most common cause of hypertension is related to lifestyle. Some of the rasayanas or behavioral intelligence techniques apply here with regards to both prevention and treatment.
The occurrence of hypertension will depend primarily on body type and genetic susceptibility (or likely imbalances). Lifestyle stress is usually the first factor to trigger onset.
A frantic daily pace, staying up late, eating large evening meals and skipping or missing meals is probably the most serious offense with regards to blood pressure. Overexercise, and excessive intake of pungent, sour, and salty foods, or dehydration, or rushed meals, are also common offenders.
Such lifestyle stress puts extreme pressure on the sympathetic nervous system to illicit an anti-stress response. This response triggers stress-fighting adrenal hormones, which are both catabolic and emergogenic. This emergency effect, when in excess and as a result of a daily routine, will produce higher heart rates, and pressure on both the nervous system and circulatory system. This pressure aggravates both vata and pitta (specifically, the ranjaka pitta, which controls the quality of the blood, and the yana vata, which controls nerves, arteries, and veins). Vyana vata is typically seen in hypertension, as all three aspects are involved.
Botanical treatments will often have little effect on hypertension unless such behavioral modifications are made. These lifestyle changes provide prevention first in order for a permanent cure (see: achara rasayana and BITs sheets).
Vata
Vata-caused hypertension will be directly related to an excess amount of lifestyle and nervous system stress. In this case, the blood pressure comes and goes for many years, until it begins to aggravate pitta and kapha, respectively, and becomes increasingly more constant and more difficult to treat.
Treatment
Treatment for vata-caused hypertension will provide support to the nervous system with herbs such as ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) and brahmi (Bacopa monniera). It is generally recommended that the individual take 1⁄2 teaspoon of both, 3 times per day. Garlic (Allium sativa) also calms and strengthens the nervous system and cleans the blood with antiseptic and antioxidant properties, as well (1 clove, 3 times per day). Calamus (Acorus calamus) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are both nervines and work well in all types of hypertension (recommended dosage: 1⁄2 teaspoon 3 times per day).
Pitta
Pitta-caused hypertension is most common in the classic pitta body type (sometimes demonstrated through a red face and bloodshot eyes). They may have a temper with an aggressive and competitive nature that incessantly drives them. A vata type hypertension can become a pitta type as the body tries to shunt the nervous system stress or pressure to the circulatory system. Headaches are common with this type and usually come late in the day after stress or overheating.
Treatment
Vata treatments will work for pitta-type hypertension as well. Some cooling, bitter herbs must be added to cleanse the blood and vessels as well as cool the circulatory system. Manjistha and gudduchi (1⁄2 teaspoon with meals, 3 times per day), are great blood purifiers along with strong bitter herbs, like haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and muhasudearhan. Both can be taken after meals, 1⁄2 teaspoon per day, 3 times per day.
Kapha
Kapha hypertension is often associated with obesity and edema. This imbalance is usually long-standing and chronic. The dosha of kapha can act as a storage site for all the circulatory ama created in the doshas of vata and pitta.
Treatment
The herbs for vata and pitta are necessary as needed, and some pungent and astringent herbs to detoxify accumulated ama are important. Garlic, cayenne (Capsicum frutescens), and pippili (Piper longum) or trikatu (a combination of Piper longum, Piper nigrum, and Zingiber officinalis), are useful here.
Behavioral Rasayanas: Achara Rasayanas
A most important key for long life according to Ayurveda, is to follow Achara Rasayanas, which means code of behavior or code of ethics. According to Charaka, the ancient authority on Ayurveda, one who follows very optimistically all codes of conduct need not take other rasayanas, and those who take other rasayanas without following this code of conduct do not receive the optimum benefits.
This is a list of traditional behavioral rasayanas that help create a harmonizing effect in the physiology and increase the production of ojas. Ojas is the finest material aspect of the physiology which is produced when digestion is functioning flawlessly. Ojas is the link between consciousness and matter, and is responsible for establishing and maintaining balance among vata, pitta, and kapha. The more ojas your body produces, the greater your health, immunity from disease, and happiness.
Achara Rasayana, as spoken of by Charaka, is as follows. Review this list on a regular basis to keep the points lively in your awareness. Do not strain to remember or follow these points.
• Always speak the truth.
• Do not be angry.
• Do not indulge in alcoholic drinks.
• Observe celibacy and the sexual act according to the code.
• Do not be violent.
• Avoid over-exertion.
• Be calm and peaceful in mind.
• Do not hurt others with your speech; speak pleasantly.
• Clean the body by bathing and regular washing.
• Be courageous and do not lose patience in any situation.
• Donate always to others.
• Follow religious and virtuous acts according to your own beliefs.
• Respect your teachers, priests, elders, guru, and all animals.
• Do not be cruel to anyone.
• Be merciful to all who are in need of your help.
• Maintain balance in waking and sleeping in the night; do not stay awake long in the night and do not sleep in the daytime.
• Take milk and ghee in moderation in your diet.
• Be a knower of place, time, and measures of activities.
• Be a knower of planning; always do everything according to a plan. It is said that failing to plan is planning to fail.
• Avoid super-egoism.
• Maintain good behavior established by the great sages and saints of society.
• Do not be mean-spirited; be generous and sharing.
• Engage yourself all the time in the achievement of pure consciousness.
• Respect and serve your elders.
• Respect and serve priests, sages, and saints who serve your religion and God.
• Respect and serve the people who have conquered their senses.
• Keep your self busy in religious activities.
• Continually study new science, advances, research, and philosophies, and utilize them for the benefit of all human beings.
Body Intelligence Techniques
• Eat in a settled atmosphere.
• Never eat when upset.
• Always sit down to eat.
• Eat only when hungry.
• Avoid ice-cold food and drink.
• Don’t talk while chewing.
• Don’t eat too slowly or too quickly.
• Eat only if previous meal is digested.
• Take a few sips of water with meals.
• Favor freshly prepared foods.
• Cooked foods are easier to digest.
• Don’t heat or cook with honey.
• Don’t take milk with your meal.
• Sit quietly for a few minutes after eating.
• Food should please all five senses.
• Put your fork down between bites.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=44
Constipation
By John Douillard, DC, PhD
Probably the most important imbalance commonly found in the human body falls into the category of constipation. It is not just the lack of, or difficulty in, elimination that supports the diagnosis of constipation, as many patients will report good elimination when they are in fact constipated. According to the classic Ayurvedic definition, constipation occurs when elimination does not take place naturally, first thing upon rising. The stool should be fully-formed and floating. Upon flushing, the stool should break apart. One to three bowel movements each day (depending on the body type) is considered normal.
Most people develop constipation after years of either an imbalanced lifestyle or diet. In general there are a few contributing factors. The most common is the suppression of natural urges resulting in the subsequent disappearance of the normal eliminative urges. For example, first thing in the morning, typically at or before dawn there should be a natural urge to eliminate. Our pets, for example, are let out first thing in the morning as an understood respect for this natural urge. We often find this natural urge inappropriate or inconvenient at certain times and force ourselves to suppress them. This habitual suppression can lead to a kind of psycho-social form of constipation whereby elimination may be regular but is not complete. If elimination does not naturally conform to the Ayurvedic definition of normal, then the elimination cannot be complete and the colon is therefore constipated.
Diet can also be a leading factor. First and foremost is the lack of water consumption. Americans drink soft drinks, juices, and other beverages which may quench the thirst but do not properly nourish and lubricate the intestinal tract. Without enough water in the diet, ama, or toxins, will accumulate in the colon, creating a toxicity that is absorbed into the blood via the enteric cycle. This lack of water will also allow toxins to dry out and constipate the colon. This dryness encourages toxins to adhere to the intestinal wall, supporting further constipation and malabsorption.
The American diet is typically very mucous-forming and difficult to digest; both can slow down elimination. Stimulants such as tea and coffee may enhance peristalsis, presenting the illusion of better elimination – when in fact they progressively dry out the digestive tract, leaving the colon unable to properly eliminate.
Exercise is one of the simplest cures for a non-complicated constipation. Eighty percent of Americans do not exercise regularly. This sedentary lifestyle can be a primary factor in the etiology of constipation. From the Ayurvedic perspective, exercise is primarily an activity to pump prana into every cell of the body. Deep nasal breathing during a brisk walk will provide the predicted benefits.
Vata Constipation
In Ayurveda elimination is controlled by vata, the principle that governs movement in the body. The particular aspect of vata (or sub-dosha) is called apana vata. This is one of the five pranas or energies in the body which control normal function. Apana vata controls the vital force moving into the pelvis and controlling elimination and reproduction. Typically when apana vata gets out of balance it will first become dry. This dryness can cause the classic vata-based constipation where the colon is too dry and the stool can become hard and impacted. Treatment for this condition will be focused in removing the dryness by re-establishing the naturally moist and unctuous environment of the colon with demulcent and laxative herbs and tonics.
Pitta Constipation
The next general form of constipation is caused by excess pitta, or too much heat. An over-abundance of heat in the colon can also dry out the colon, aggravating apana vata and lead to constipation. The body’s natural response to the dryness may be to form mucous and ultimately a kapha or mucous-based constipation. The digestive functioning of the stomach, liver and small intestine can also generate an excess amount of heat. The apana vata can provide additional air, or vata, to this fire of digestion, making the fire hotter and the apana vata weak and dry. The result is a pitta-caused constipation. Treatments for the pitta based constipation will first cool as well as lubricate both the upper and lower digestive tracts with demulcent, alternative, and aperient herbs.
When there is excess vata or dryness in the colon, the body will defend itself by producing more colonic mucous to combat the dryness. When this happens in excess, then the colon can get clogged with mucous and cause a kapha-based constipation, the last general form of constipation. When this imbalance is combined with a mucous-forming diet, this condition could become chronic. Treatment for the kapha-based constipation will be geared to removing the mucous with drying, astringent, and pungent herbs – the exact opposite cure than the vata-based version.How the constipation will manifest, whether it be vata, pitta or kapha will have a lot to do with the individual’s body type, the season, the geographical location, and of course the specific imbalances determined through a traditional Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis.The treatments of these three more common constipation types will vary from one individual to another. Laxatives and colonics are oftentimes recommended across the board, leaving the colon clean but weakened with aggravated vata. This kind of aggressive therapy, when regularly employed, will drain the integrity of the apana and if not corrected will begin to drain the prana vata which supports vital neurological and mental functions. When this happens constipation can grow into lower back pain, headaches, dizziness, chronic fatigue, anxiety, worry, insomnia, and depression. Before recommending aggressive laxative and colonic therapies, one should examine the strength of the individual and the kind of constipation he or she has.
Administering a laxative to stimulate elimination for the constipated patient will provide symptomatic relief at best. It is the goal of the Ayurvedic approach, however, to establish why and how the constipation manifested and to restore balance specifically while enlivening the body’s natural ability to sustain normal elimination. With the proper diagnosis established, the treatment for constipation is relatively simple.
Recommendations: Vata Constipation
Diet:Avoid cold and dry foods. Eat heavier warm foods, emphasizing more oily foods like nuts, oils, and cooked grains.
Oleation and Purgation:A monthly oleation with ghee (clarified butter) followed by a castor oil purgation will provide an eliminative support as well as cumulatively reinstate a more unctuous environment in the colon. To insure such an effect, moistening and vata-balancing herbs must be administered between oleations and purgations. This kind of therapy should not continue beyond three months.1. While eating lightly for days, start each day with progressively increasing amounts of liquid ghee (2-4-6 teaspoons), taken orally (Note: avoid this procedure if fat intolerant).2. On the eve of the third day, take a warm bath before retiring and drink 6 teaspoons of castor oil as a purgative.3. If there is any sign of weakness or fatigue then avoid the procedure above and simply take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of castor oil every night for one month. This should not produce a laxative effect. If it does, then take less castor oil, as a continuous laxative effect can be depleting.
Spices and Herbs:1. Fennel and licorice tea provide a lubricating and downward-balancing effect.2. Ghee with warm milk before bed.3. The juice of raisins and prunes soaked in water overnight will also provide both a mild eliminative and unctuous effect.4. One teaspoon of triphala taken three times per day is beneficial for vata-type constipation when taken in combination with castor or flaxseed oil, making sure not to promote a laxative effect.5. Lavanbhaskar powder is a combination of Ayurvedic salts to promote a mild laxative and carminative effect. Take 1 to 2 grams, 3 times per day.6. Hing or asafoetida can also be used as a spice with meals or during cooking.
Recommendations Pitta Constipation Diet:
Favor foods that are slightly oily and cooked, and avoid hot-spicy and pungent foods.
Oleation and Purgation:Purgation therapies will provide both a cooling, moistening, and eliminative effect, thus making it the treatment of choice for this type. Follow instructions for Vata Oleation and Purgation.
Herbs:1. 1 to 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel, 3 times per day.2. 1 teaspoon triphala mixed with ghee to make a paste, 3 times per day.3. Licorice, fennel, and coriander tea, 3 times per day.4. 1 teaspoon psyllium husk with 8 oz. water before bed.5. For severe cases, rhubarb root, senna leaf, and cascara sagrada can be taken individually or together as needed.
Recommendations: Kapha Constipation
Diet:Avoid mucus-producing foods including cheese, sugar, yogurt, bread, and pastries. These foods should be particularly avoided at night. Foods rich in hot and more pungent spices are good, such as ginger, black pepper, and cayenne.
Oleation and Purgation:This therapy may be administered as above with the following additions. (Note: These additions should be taken during and between purgations.)
Herbs1. 1 to 2 teaspoons psyllium husk taken with 8 oz. water, 3 times per day.2. 8 to 10 glasses of warm honey water each day.3. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon triphala (a combination of Emblica officinalis, see page 113, Terminalia belerica, and Terminalia chebula, see page 118) taken with honey, 3 times per day.5. Aloe vera, rhubarb, and senna are bitter laxatives that will combat the intestinal kapha (kledaka) as well as provide an eliminative effect.Special NoteIn all therapies for Vata, Pitta, or Kapha constipation there should not be a continuous laxative effect. If there is such an effect, then take less of the recommended therapy. If after two weeks of the therapy there is no natural improvement then the dosages can be increased.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=34
Probably the most important imbalance commonly found in the human body falls into the category of constipation. It is not just the lack of, or difficulty in, elimination that supports the diagnosis of constipation, as many patients will report good elimination when they are in fact constipated. According to the classic Ayurvedic definition, constipation occurs when elimination does not take place naturally, first thing upon rising. The stool should be fully-formed and floating. Upon flushing, the stool should break apart. One to three bowel movements each day (depending on the body type) is considered normal.
Most people develop constipation after years of either an imbalanced lifestyle or diet. In general there are a few contributing factors. The most common is the suppression of natural urges resulting in the subsequent disappearance of the normal eliminative urges. For example, first thing in the morning, typically at or before dawn there should be a natural urge to eliminate. Our pets, for example, are let out first thing in the morning as an understood respect for this natural urge. We often find this natural urge inappropriate or inconvenient at certain times and force ourselves to suppress them. This habitual suppression can lead to a kind of psycho-social form of constipation whereby elimination may be regular but is not complete. If elimination does not naturally conform to the Ayurvedic definition of normal, then the elimination cannot be complete and the colon is therefore constipated.
Diet can also be a leading factor. First and foremost is the lack of water consumption. Americans drink soft drinks, juices, and other beverages which may quench the thirst but do not properly nourish and lubricate the intestinal tract. Without enough water in the diet, ama, or toxins, will accumulate in the colon, creating a toxicity that is absorbed into the blood via the enteric cycle. This lack of water will also allow toxins to dry out and constipate the colon. This dryness encourages toxins to adhere to the intestinal wall, supporting further constipation and malabsorption.
The American diet is typically very mucous-forming and difficult to digest; both can slow down elimination. Stimulants such as tea and coffee may enhance peristalsis, presenting the illusion of better elimination – when in fact they progressively dry out the digestive tract, leaving the colon unable to properly eliminate.
Exercise is one of the simplest cures for a non-complicated constipation. Eighty percent of Americans do not exercise regularly. This sedentary lifestyle can be a primary factor in the etiology of constipation. From the Ayurvedic perspective, exercise is primarily an activity to pump prana into every cell of the body. Deep nasal breathing during a brisk walk will provide the predicted benefits.
Vata Constipation
In Ayurveda elimination is controlled by vata, the principle that governs movement in the body. The particular aspect of vata (or sub-dosha) is called apana vata. This is one of the five pranas or energies in the body which control normal function. Apana vata controls the vital force moving into the pelvis and controlling elimination and reproduction. Typically when apana vata gets out of balance it will first become dry. This dryness can cause the classic vata-based constipation where the colon is too dry and the stool can become hard and impacted. Treatment for this condition will be focused in removing the dryness by re-establishing the naturally moist and unctuous environment of the colon with demulcent and laxative herbs and tonics.
Pitta Constipation
The next general form of constipation is caused by excess pitta, or too much heat. An over-abundance of heat in the colon can also dry out the colon, aggravating apana vata and lead to constipation. The body’s natural response to the dryness may be to form mucous and ultimately a kapha or mucous-based constipation. The digestive functioning of the stomach, liver and small intestine can also generate an excess amount of heat. The apana vata can provide additional air, or vata, to this fire of digestion, making the fire hotter and the apana vata weak and dry. The result is a pitta-caused constipation. Treatments for the pitta based constipation will first cool as well as lubricate both the upper and lower digestive tracts with demulcent, alternative, and aperient herbs.
When there is excess vata or dryness in the colon, the body will defend itself by producing more colonic mucous to combat the dryness. When this happens in excess, then the colon can get clogged with mucous and cause a kapha-based constipation, the last general form of constipation. When this imbalance is combined with a mucous-forming diet, this condition could become chronic. Treatment for the kapha-based constipation will be geared to removing the mucous with drying, astringent, and pungent herbs – the exact opposite cure than the vata-based version.How the constipation will manifest, whether it be vata, pitta or kapha will have a lot to do with the individual’s body type, the season, the geographical location, and of course the specific imbalances determined through a traditional Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis.The treatments of these three more common constipation types will vary from one individual to another. Laxatives and colonics are oftentimes recommended across the board, leaving the colon clean but weakened with aggravated vata. This kind of aggressive therapy, when regularly employed, will drain the integrity of the apana and if not corrected will begin to drain the prana vata which supports vital neurological and mental functions. When this happens constipation can grow into lower back pain, headaches, dizziness, chronic fatigue, anxiety, worry, insomnia, and depression. Before recommending aggressive laxative and colonic therapies, one should examine the strength of the individual and the kind of constipation he or she has.
Administering a laxative to stimulate elimination for the constipated patient will provide symptomatic relief at best. It is the goal of the Ayurvedic approach, however, to establish why and how the constipation manifested and to restore balance specifically while enlivening the body’s natural ability to sustain normal elimination. With the proper diagnosis established, the treatment for constipation is relatively simple.
Recommendations: Vata Constipation
Diet:Avoid cold and dry foods. Eat heavier warm foods, emphasizing more oily foods like nuts, oils, and cooked grains.
Oleation and Purgation:A monthly oleation with ghee (clarified butter) followed by a castor oil purgation will provide an eliminative support as well as cumulatively reinstate a more unctuous environment in the colon. To insure such an effect, moistening and vata-balancing herbs must be administered between oleations and purgations. This kind of therapy should not continue beyond three months.1. While eating lightly for days, start each day with progressively increasing amounts of liquid ghee (2-4-6 teaspoons), taken orally (Note: avoid this procedure if fat intolerant).2. On the eve of the third day, take a warm bath before retiring and drink 6 teaspoons of castor oil as a purgative.3. If there is any sign of weakness or fatigue then avoid the procedure above and simply take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of castor oil every night for one month. This should not produce a laxative effect. If it does, then take less castor oil, as a continuous laxative effect can be depleting.
Spices and Herbs:1. Fennel and licorice tea provide a lubricating and downward-balancing effect.2. Ghee with warm milk before bed.3. The juice of raisins and prunes soaked in water overnight will also provide both a mild eliminative and unctuous effect.4. One teaspoon of triphala taken three times per day is beneficial for vata-type constipation when taken in combination with castor or flaxseed oil, making sure not to promote a laxative effect.5. Lavanbhaskar powder is a combination of Ayurvedic salts to promote a mild laxative and carminative effect. Take 1 to 2 grams, 3 times per day.6. Hing or asafoetida can also be used as a spice with meals or during cooking.
Recommendations Pitta Constipation Diet:
Favor foods that are slightly oily and cooked, and avoid hot-spicy and pungent foods.
Oleation and Purgation:Purgation therapies will provide both a cooling, moistening, and eliminative effect, thus making it the treatment of choice for this type. Follow instructions for Vata Oleation and Purgation.
Herbs:1. 1 to 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel, 3 times per day.2. 1 teaspoon triphala mixed with ghee to make a paste, 3 times per day.3. Licorice, fennel, and coriander tea, 3 times per day.4. 1 teaspoon psyllium husk with 8 oz. water before bed.5. For severe cases, rhubarb root, senna leaf, and cascara sagrada can be taken individually or together as needed.
Recommendations: Kapha Constipation
Diet:Avoid mucus-producing foods including cheese, sugar, yogurt, bread, and pastries. These foods should be particularly avoided at night. Foods rich in hot and more pungent spices are good, such as ginger, black pepper, and cayenne.
Oleation and Purgation:This therapy may be administered as above with the following additions. (Note: These additions should be taken during and between purgations.)
Herbs1. 1 to 2 teaspoons psyllium husk taken with 8 oz. water, 3 times per day.2. 8 to 10 glasses of warm honey water each day.3. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon triphala (a combination of Emblica officinalis, see page 113, Terminalia belerica, and Terminalia chebula, see page 118) taken with honey, 3 times per day.5. Aloe vera, rhubarb, and senna are bitter laxatives that will combat the intestinal kapha (kledaka) as well as provide an eliminative effect.Special NoteIn all therapies for Vata, Pitta, or Kapha constipation there should not be a continuous laxative effect. If there is such an effect, then take less of the recommended therapy. If after two weeks of the therapy there is no natural improvement then the dosages can be increased.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=34
Colorectal Cancer
By John Douillard, DC, PhD
Colorectal cancer affects the distal ten inches of the digestive tract in both the colon and rectum. It affects one out of every twenty Americans, causing more than 155,000 new cases of colorectal cancer yearly, and resulting in 66,000 annual deaths. Ninety percent of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed in persons over the age of 50, but there is much to be done to prevent colon cancer early in one’s life.
In Western medicine, the focus is the eradication of the cancers cells once they have been diagnosed. Ayurveda is not a replacement for Western medicine. Once cancer has been diagnosed, all avenues of treatment, including conservative (allopathic) and complimentary approaches should be thoroughly investigated. Ayurveda will address prevention and underlying causative factors, while Western medicine will deal with the symptoms, which in some cases can be life-threatening. This article will discuss the cause, treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer exclusively from the Ayurvedic perspective.
In Ayurveda, cancers are not treated solely as a physical condition. The relationship between mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual factors are all identified when treating cancer. The general definition of cancer in Ayurveda is when the cells have forgotten their memory of normal and proper function. They have lost the smirti value (cellular memory). Without the memory of proper function the cells have no rules.
In Ayurveda, the cause of all disease is termed pragya paradh, which, when translated, means the mistake of the intellect: the intellect decides to see itself as separate from the underlying field of consciousness from which we all come. Quantum physics recognizes the existence of such a unifying field and Ayurveda recognizes that field as our own consciousness. It is the goal of Ayurveda to re-establish the experience of consciousness or silence in every cell in the body. Stress, pollution, lifestyle, chemotoxins, and fear are major factors that strip the silence of consciousness from our experience. When the silence is lost on a cellular level the cells become disconnected from their roots in consciousness. They lose their memory and begin to function at random in a survival fashion just to stay alive.
With a cancer diagnosis, a common treatment approach response is to attack the cancer as the enemy, visualizing cancer cells exploding, or killing them with radiation or chemotherapy. This approach does have its place and certainly should be investigated. But in Ayurveda the approach works on the basis of peace, not war. History has proven that for every war that has ever been fought, there comes a time to make peace and shake hands. The cancer cells are a part of the body that have lost their memory. They are not necessarily bad cells that must be destroyed, they are cells that have lost their way and need to be reconnected to their roots of consciousness. Overuse of antibiotics in the past 40 years is proof of what happens to cells when you try to kill them. Bacteria, in the name of survival, have become resistant to the once very lethal antibiotics. Cancer cells that are relentlessly sought after to be destroyed will also find ways to resist the attackers, and in many cases become stronger and more committed to their cause of survival. This is not to say there is never a need for chemotherapies. In fact, in Ayurveda, radical surgical procedures were described some 3,000 years ago in Shushruta Samhita. When a cancer has become so prevalent, then there is no question that the body needs help in restoring balance: if a garden is never weeded, then soon it ceases to be a garden. At that point, chemotherapies should be considered. But it is important to begin the process of making peace and restoring the memory of consciousness to every cell as soon as possible, preferably before the cancer diagnosis.
The next expression of the mistake of the intellect is triggered by emotional constrictions that separate the mind and body in the name of survival. Fear is the first emotion we feel when we lose the experience of consciousness on a physical level. Consciousness, which of course is lively in every cell, is stored in the heart as a substance called ojas. Ojas is considered to be the physical expression of consciousness. This experience of consciousness is the only source of true happiness. When we lose it because of fear of getting hurt, the body employs the sympathetic nervous system’s fight-or-flight response to protect the delicate feelings of the heart. When these feelings are blocked, we look to replace happiness with more sensual means. Some get addicted to drugs, alcohol, money, fame, and power; and some get sick. The desire to live or heal can be lost due to a deep lack of fulfillment. These emotional constrictions manifest in the body physically by separating the consciousness (ojas) in the heart from the memory (smirti) of the cells. Again the cells begin to function at random. Depending on the kinds of stress, chemical exposure, and/or genetic susceptibility, colorectal cancer can be the result.
Stress is probably the biggest factor in the loss of cellular memory. Stress has a powerful effect on physical and mental responses in the body and has recently been traced to be the cause of 80% of all disease, including cancer. Stress triggers stress-fighting hormones that can be produced 24 hours a day depending on the severity and duration of the stress. These stress-fighting hormones are degenerative and produce free radicals as waste products, which are believed to be the leading cause of aging, disease, cancer, and death. Stress also creates mental and muscular tension, a compromised blood supply, and an increase in waste production. All these factors curtail circulation and communication on a cellular level. If cells cannot get blood in and waste out effectively, then the communication to and from cells breaks down. Soon, the cells will lose their memory of normal function and will have to alter their programming in the name of survival. If gross cellular circulation is decreased, cells will begin to reproduce in an alternative method. If the genetic predisposition is cancer, or if exposure to environmental pollutants has been excessive, then cancer can be how an individual breaks down. In Ayurveda, this same cause can trigger a variety of symptoms, depending on individual genetic susceptibility.
In Caraka Samhita, Chapter XIII in Chikitsasthanam, eight types of abdominal disease or udara-roga are described. Typically colorectal cancers are caused by the accumulation of doshas (either vata, pitta, or kapha), or by intestinal obstruction (which is how four of the eight are described). It is clearly stated that abdominal disease arises from a weak digestive agni (power of digestion) and a resultant increase of malas (waste products). If food is unwholesome, as are processed, frozen, rancid, or improperly cooked foods, doshas accumulate, affecting prana (life force), apana (downward force), and agni (digestive force). Waste products build up, energy becomes depleted, and the passages of prana going up and malas (waste) going down and out becomes obstructed.
In Caraka, Chapter V, Chikitsasthanum, the treatment of gulma (abdominal lump) is described. These abdominal lumps are caused by an aggravated vata (apana) in the colon due to faulty evacuation, grief, improper food. The vitiated vata aggravates pitta and kapha, obstructing passages in the abdomen. The colon (pakvasaya) becomes blocked, and vata, pitta, or kapha accumulates into a lump termed gulma. If the growths are nodular in nature and situated in the muscle and lymph they are termed arbuda, or tumor (Ca. Chi. Ch XII, 87).
Treatments
Colorectal cancer requires a comprehensive package of therapeutic modalities. A meditative practice is paramount when reversing pragya paradh. The mind, due to stress and fear, has been disconnected from the body. Without this awareness the healing process remains blocked. Meditation slows the mind, enabling it to transcend its own thoughts and become aware of itself. It is a process of reconnecting the mind with an awareness of the body. Metabolic activity decreases, and stress is replaced with a calm nervous system and heightened body awareness.
Physically, there are many herbs and therapies that will help to decrease the tumors, increase digestive agni and restore normal eliminative processes.
Herbs to Reduce Tumors
Dashamula (Ten Roots): 1 Tablespoon in 11⁄2 cups water that has been reduced by boiling to yield 3⁄4 cup. Drink as tea 4 time a day. Ten Roots is a combination of the roots of hrasvapancha mula and vrihat pancha mula (Nadkarni, 612): Hrasvapancha mula:
1. Hedysarum gangeticum (Shalaparni),
2. Uraria lagopoides (Prasniparni),
3. Solanum jacquinii, S. xanthocarpum (Kantakari),
4. Solanum indicum (Brahati),
5. Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura).
Vrihat pancha mula:
1. Aegle marmelos (Bilva),
2. Colosanthes indica,
3. Gmelina arborea (Gambarai),
4. Stereosperma suaveolens,
5. Premna obtusifolia, P. spinosas (Agnimantha).
Shilajit (bitumen): 1 teaspoon in capsules, 4 times a day with food.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula; Chebulic myrobalan): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day with hot water
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day
Pippali (Piper longum; Long Pepper): 4 pippali sticks in 1⁄2 cup water and 1⁄2 cup milk. Boil down to 1⁄2 cup and drink as tea 3-4 times a day.
Herbs to Improve Agni
Trikatu (Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinalis) – 1⁄4 teaspoon with honey before meals.
Ginger juice with 2 parts honey and pinch of salt before meals.
Avipattikar churna: in teaspoon before meals.
Herbs for Elimination
Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia belerica), 2 parts Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), 1 partPsyllium (Plantago psyllium), 2 partsBala (Sida cordifolia), 1 partAmalaki (Emblica officinalis), 1 partCombine. Take 11⁄2 teaspoonsful with 8 ounces water, 3 times a day.
General Cancer Herbs
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day.Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day.Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) (See above; do not double dose.)Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day.
Panchakarma
For any serious condition, herbal therapies alone should not be relied on. For cancer of any kind, a series of panchakarma rejuvenative therapies are recommended. Many forms of panchakarma exist in different parts of India. Some are very aggressive and powerful forms of detoxification. These therapies, however, should be used with caution because they can be debilitating and are often restricted to healthy people. Other forms of panchakarma, with which I am more familiar and practice, are more rejuvenating and treat pragya paradh (loss of cellular memory of the level of consciousness) directly; they resemble therapies more commonly known in India as kya kalpa, which are therapies that transform the cells on the level of consciousness.Stress, fear, chemical toxicity, and improper lifestyle and food, create mental, physical, and emotional blockages in the body. These blockages not only block circulatory processes, they block the flow of prana (life force) and consciousness. These stress- and fear-related toxins (ama) lodge deeply within the tissues of the body. They are difficult to detoxify as they are protected by a fight-or-flight nervous system response. Panchakarma is designed to disarm this protective nervous system response and infiltrate and detoxify the deep tissues of the body. If the therapies are in any way too aggressive or depleting, the body will respond to the treatment as an emergency and protect its deep tissues. For this reason, many forms of body work and cleansings detoxify only, and have little access to the deeper causative stress that holds the cellular memory hostage.
The therapies should last a minimum of 7 days, each treatment lasting 1-3 hours in length with one or two Ayurvedic therapists at a time. As the metabolic activity is lowered with each successive therapy, the access to deeper, protected layers of stress are accessed and eliminated. The bastis, or herbal enemas, administered after each therapy are absorbed directly into the blood stream and are the medicines that will transform the toxic cells into live and more vital cells once again. With the lowered metabolic activity, the body’s awareness is heightened and consciousness can now be infused back into the newly-accessed, deeply seated tissues, which had lost their memory of normal function due to toxic stress and pragya paradh. This full cycle of detoxification, rejuvenation, and consciousness restoration must be performed on the deepest tissues of the body in order to totally transform the emotional hold of the cancer cells. There are many in a series of the Ayurvedic panchakarma treatments. The following descriptions are the actual treatments I use in panchakarma. Many of them are performed by two Ayurvedic therapists working in perfect synchrony. Two, three, and sometimes four of these therapies are linked together during the course of one days’ treatment.
Garshana treatments consist of a dry lymphatic skin brushing with either a wool or a silk glove. This enhances circulation and cleans the skin so subsequent oil and herbal treatments can penetrate deeply into freshly cleaned pores of the skin.
Abhyanga is an individually prepared herbal-oil massage designed to deeply penetrate the skin, relax the mind-body, break up impurities, and stimulate both arterial and lymphatic circulation. This effect enhances the ability for nutrients to reach starved cells and for the removal of stagnant waste. The desired result is a heightened state of awareness that will direct the internal healing system of the body.
Vishesh is a deep muscular Ayurvedic massage that breaks up adhesions and compromised circulation deep within the muscle spindles. When certain channels are blocked, neither awareness nor blood can access deeply seated tissues. For certain body types and imbalances, this is an essential therapeutic approach.
Swedana is an individually herbalized steam bath. The Ayurvedic swedana is unique because the head and the heart are kept very cool during the steam bath while the body is heated to remove mental, emotional, and physical toxins lodged deeply within the tissues. The cool head and heart provide a sense of calm and openness, while therapeutic steam over the entire body penetrates and cleanses deeply without overheating or stressing the body.
Shirodhara is administered by gently and methodically pouring warm herbalized oil over the forehead. This procedure synchronizes brain waves and profoundly coordinates and calms the mind, body, and spirit.
Pizichili is a continuous stream of warm herbalized oil soothingly poured over the body by two
Ayurvedic therapists as they massage the body in perfect unison. The warmth of the oil and synchronicity of the massage combine for a deep tissue cleansing while supporting a heightened state of awareness hard to described until you’ve had the experience.
Udvartana is a deeply penetrating herbal paste lymphatic massage. This powerful exfoliating treatment magically conditions the skin while pressing stagnant lymphatic toxins out of the body.
Nasya consists of individually prescribed herbs and oil drops which are inhaled through the nose and clear the sinuses of excessive mucous. It is also a very important therapy when medicating the central nervous system. This treatment combats the deep dryness that exists at the root of many respiratory and allergic conditions.
Shiro-Abhyanga-Nasya is a luxurious combination of deep head, neck, and shoulder massage and facial lymphatic massage, followed by deep inhalation of therapeutic aromatic steam and nasal and sinus nasya with herbalized nose drops. This popular treatment is an invaluable tool balancing most head, neck, and respiratory disorders.
Pinda Swedana is a deep cleansing treatment where rice boiled in milk and herbs is massaged deeply into the tissues and joints. The treatment is deeply relaxing and rejuvenating as well as powerfully detoxing.
Vamana (emesis therapy) and Rakta Mokshana (blood letting) are traditional aspects of panchakarma and are used as a part of the more aggressive detoxifying panchakarma treatments.
Five Senses Therapy combines the therapeutic effect of all five senses working in concert. Sound therapy uses specific Vedic hymns and mantras recommended for each imbalance. Touch therapy enlivens specific vital points on the body called marma points. Taste therapy uses certain herbal medicines. Sight uses Ayurvedic color therapy, and smell utilizes combinations of rare aromatics. The effect of using the senses in concert is to bring one’s awareness to the source of thought and feeing in the heart.
Basti is an herbal enema specially prepared to pull toxins out of the colon. This is the final stage of each daily panchakarma treatment The freshly loosened impurities from each day of treatment are flushed out of the body via the effects of basti. Basti is also utilized to transport into the blood and tissues the Ayurvedic medicines needed to transform the memory of damaged and toxic cells. Basti is considered one of the most important and most powerful aspects of the treatment. It can be one of the most valuable tools in treating colorectal cancer. In this case, however, it must be prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
Home Panchakarma
Classically, certain times of the year are better for panchakarma than others. In the case of a disease process, panchakarma is highly recommended at any time that is convenient. It is often wise to do panchakarma before and after chemotherapy or surgery. The process should be repeated regularly.
Every change of season provides an opportune time to cleanse the body and anytime during the winter is said to be good. At the end of each season there is a natural accumulation of the qualities of that season. For example, towards the end of winter there is an accumulation of cold and dry in the body, while at the end of summer there is an accumulation of heat At the end of spring, the wet and dampness of spring accumulates. If these seasonal accumulations are properly dealt with, then disease prevention and wellness are said to be the natural result.This idea of seasonal cleansing has been lost in the West as a means for prevention. In Ayurveda there are very practical recommendations for such a cleansing, which can be done at home: the combination therapy, oleation, and virechana.
Oleation is the drinking of ghee (clarified butter) on 4 sequential days first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, as a means of loosening up impurities from the deeply seated tissues and toxic storehouses. At the end of these 4 days, a laxative purgation (virechana) is recommended, to flush all the loosened impurities out of the body. The combination therapy is simple and effective and generally recommended for everyone unless there is a fat handling intolerance or debility. During these 5 days, a light diet with liquids (soup) in the evening and 8-10 cups of plain hot water throughout the day is recommended.
Step 1: OleationDay 1: 2 teaspoons gheeDay 2: 4 teaspoons gheeDay 3: 6 teaspoons gheeDay 4: 8 teaspoons gheeDrink the ghee with hot water and do not eat for 1 hour afterwards.
Step 2: VirechanaOn the evening of Day 4, after a hot bath, take 6 teaspoons of castor oil.There should be a laxative effect 1-3 hours after ingesting the castor oil. Sucking on a lemon is very effective at masking the taste of the castor oil. This procedure is advised as a means of prevention at each change of season. Classically, this is sometime in March, June, and September.
References
-Atha Vale, V.B. Basic Principles of Ayurveda. Bombay India Town Pinery. 1980.
-Bhishagratna, K.L. Shusshruta Samhita, Vol 1, 2. Varanasi, India.Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series. 1981.
-Chaukhambha Orientalia . Devaraj, T.L. The Panchakarma Treatment of Ayurveda. Dwanwantari Orientalia Publications, Bangalore, India. 1986.
-Frawley, D., Lad, V. The Yoga of Herbs. Lotus Press: Santa Fe New Mexico. 1986.
-Kapoor, L.D. Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. CRC Press: Boca Raton. FL. 1989.
-Sharma, P.V. Cakradatta, Chaukhambha Orientalia New Delhi, India. 1994.
-Sharma, P.V. Caraka Samhita, Vol 1, 2. Varanasi, India. 1981.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=33
Colorectal cancer affects the distal ten inches of the digestive tract in both the colon and rectum. It affects one out of every twenty Americans, causing more than 155,000 new cases of colorectal cancer yearly, and resulting in 66,000 annual deaths. Ninety percent of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed in persons over the age of 50, but there is much to be done to prevent colon cancer early in one’s life.
In Western medicine, the focus is the eradication of the cancers cells once they have been diagnosed. Ayurveda is not a replacement for Western medicine. Once cancer has been diagnosed, all avenues of treatment, including conservative (allopathic) and complimentary approaches should be thoroughly investigated. Ayurveda will address prevention and underlying causative factors, while Western medicine will deal with the symptoms, which in some cases can be life-threatening. This article will discuss the cause, treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer exclusively from the Ayurvedic perspective.
In Ayurveda, cancers are not treated solely as a physical condition. The relationship between mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual factors are all identified when treating cancer. The general definition of cancer in Ayurveda is when the cells have forgotten their memory of normal and proper function. They have lost the smirti value (cellular memory). Without the memory of proper function the cells have no rules.
In Ayurveda, the cause of all disease is termed pragya paradh, which, when translated, means the mistake of the intellect: the intellect decides to see itself as separate from the underlying field of consciousness from which we all come. Quantum physics recognizes the existence of such a unifying field and Ayurveda recognizes that field as our own consciousness. It is the goal of Ayurveda to re-establish the experience of consciousness or silence in every cell in the body. Stress, pollution, lifestyle, chemotoxins, and fear are major factors that strip the silence of consciousness from our experience. When the silence is lost on a cellular level the cells become disconnected from their roots in consciousness. They lose their memory and begin to function at random in a survival fashion just to stay alive.
With a cancer diagnosis, a common treatment approach response is to attack the cancer as the enemy, visualizing cancer cells exploding, or killing them with radiation or chemotherapy. This approach does have its place and certainly should be investigated. But in Ayurveda the approach works on the basis of peace, not war. History has proven that for every war that has ever been fought, there comes a time to make peace and shake hands. The cancer cells are a part of the body that have lost their memory. They are not necessarily bad cells that must be destroyed, they are cells that have lost their way and need to be reconnected to their roots of consciousness. Overuse of antibiotics in the past 40 years is proof of what happens to cells when you try to kill them. Bacteria, in the name of survival, have become resistant to the once very lethal antibiotics. Cancer cells that are relentlessly sought after to be destroyed will also find ways to resist the attackers, and in many cases become stronger and more committed to their cause of survival. This is not to say there is never a need for chemotherapies. In fact, in Ayurveda, radical surgical procedures were described some 3,000 years ago in Shushruta Samhita. When a cancer has become so prevalent, then there is no question that the body needs help in restoring balance: if a garden is never weeded, then soon it ceases to be a garden. At that point, chemotherapies should be considered. But it is important to begin the process of making peace and restoring the memory of consciousness to every cell as soon as possible, preferably before the cancer diagnosis.
The next expression of the mistake of the intellect is triggered by emotional constrictions that separate the mind and body in the name of survival. Fear is the first emotion we feel when we lose the experience of consciousness on a physical level. Consciousness, which of course is lively in every cell, is stored in the heart as a substance called ojas. Ojas is considered to be the physical expression of consciousness. This experience of consciousness is the only source of true happiness. When we lose it because of fear of getting hurt, the body employs the sympathetic nervous system’s fight-or-flight response to protect the delicate feelings of the heart. When these feelings are blocked, we look to replace happiness with more sensual means. Some get addicted to drugs, alcohol, money, fame, and power; and some get sick. The desire to live or heal can be lost due to a deep lack of fulfillment. These emotional constrictions manifest in the body physically by separating the consciousness (ojas) in the heart from the memory (smirti) of the cells. Again the cells begin to function at random. Depending on the kinds of stress, chemical exposure, and/or genetic susceptibility, colorectal cancer can be the result.
Stress is probably the biggest factor in the loss of cellular memory. Stress has a powerful effect on physical and mental responses in the body and has recently been traced to be the cause of 80% of all disease, including cancer. Stress triggers stress-fighting hormones that can be produced 24 hours a day depending on the severity and duration of the stress. These stress-fighting hormones are degenerative and produce free radicals as waste products, which are believed to be the leading cause of aging, disease, cancer, and death. Stress also creates mental and muscular tension, a compromised blood supply, and an increase in waste production. All these factors curtail circulation and communication on a cellular level. If cells cannot get blood in and waste out effectively, then the communication to and from cells breaks down. Soon, the cells will lose their memory of normal function and will have to alter their programming in the name of survival. If gross cellular circulation is decreased, cells will begin to reproduce in an alternative method. If the genetic predisposition is cancer, or if exposure to environmental pollutants has been excessive, then cancer can be how an individual breaks down. In Ayurveda, this same cause can trigger a variety of symptoms, depending on individual genetic susceptibility.
In Caraka Samhita, Chapter XIII in Chikitsasthanam, eight types of abdominal disease or udara-roga are described. Typically colorectal cancers are caused by the accumulation of doshas (either vata, pitta, or kapha), or by intestinal obstruction (which is how four of the eight are described). It is clearly stated that abdominal disease arises from a weak digestive agni (power of digestion) and a resultant increase of malas (waste products). If food is unwholesome, as are processed, frozen, rancid, or improperly cooked foods, doshas accumulate, affecting prana (life force), apana (downward force), and agni (digestive force). Waste products build up, energy becomes depleted, and the passages of prana going up and malas (waste) going down and out becomes obstructed.
In Caraka, Chapter V, Chikitsasthanum, the treatment of gulma (abdominal lump) is described. These abdominal lumps are caused by an aggravated vata (apana) in the colon due to faulty evacuation, grief, improper food. The vitiated vata aggravates pitta and kapha, obstructing passages in the abdomen. The colon (pakvasaya) becomes blocked, and vata, pitta, or kapha accumulates into a lump termed gulma. If the growths are nodular in nature and situated in the muscle and lymph they are termed arbuda, or tumor (Ca. Chi. Ch XII, 87).
Treatments
Colorectal cancer requires a comprehensive package of therapeutic modalities. A meditative practice is paramount when reversing pragya paradh. The mind, due to stress and fear, has been disconnected from the body. Without this awareness the healing process remains blocked. Meditation slows the mind, enabling it to transcend its own thoughts and become aware of itself. It is a process of reconnecting the mind with an awareness of the body. Metabolic activity decreases, and stress is replaced with a calm nervous system and heightened body awareness.
Physically, there are many herbs and therapies that will help to decrease the tumors, increase digestive agni and restore normal eliminative processes.
Herbs to Reduce Tumors
Dashamula (Ten Roots): 1 Tablespoon in 11⁄2 cups water that has been reduced by boiling to yield 3⁄4 cup. Drink as tea 4 time a day. Ten Roots is a combination of the roots of hrasvapancha mula and vrihat pancha mula (Nadkarni, 612): Hrasvapancha mula:
1. Hedysarum gangeticum (Shalaparni),
2. Uraria lagopoides (Prasniparni),
3. Solanum jacquinii, S. xanthocarpum (Kantakari),
4. Solanum indicum (Brahati),
5. Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura).
Vrihat pancha mula:
1. Aegle marmelos (Bilva),
2. Colosanthes indica,
3. Gmelina arborea (Gambarai),
4. Stereosperma suaveolens,
5. Premna obtusifolia, P. spinosas (Agnimantha).
Shilajit (bitumen): 1 teaspoon in capsules, 4 times a day with food.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula; Chebulic myrobalan): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day with hot water
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day
Pippali (Piper longum; Long Pepper): 4 pippali sticks in 1⁄2 cup water and 1⁄2 cup milk. Boil down to 1⁄2 cup and drink as tea 3-4 times a day.
Herbs to Improve Agni
Trikatu (Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinalis) – 1⁄4 teaspoon with honey before meals.
Ginger juice with 2 parts honey and pinch of salt before meals.
Avipattikar churna: in teaspoon before meals.
Herbs for Elimination
Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia belerica), 2 parts Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), 1 partPsyllium (Plantago psyllium), 2 partsBala (Sida cordifolia), 1 partAmalaki (Emblica officinalis), 1 partCombine. Take 11⁄2 teaspoonsful with 8 ounces water, 3 times a day.
General Cancer Herbs
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day.Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day.Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) (See above; do not double dose.)Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera): 1 teaspoon 4 times a day.
Panchakarma
For any serious condition, herbal therapies alone should not be relied on. For cancer of any kind, a series of panchakarma rejuvenative therapies are recommended. Many forms of panchakarma exist in different parts of India. Some are very aggressive and powerful forms of detoxification. These therapies, however, should be used with caution because they can be debilitating and are often restricted to healthy people. Other forms of panchakarma, with which I am more familiar and practice, are more rejuvenating and treat pragya paradh (loss of cellular memory of the level of consciousness) directly; they resemble therapies more commonly known in India as kya kalpa, which are therapies that transform the cells on the level of consciousness.Stress, fear, chemical toxicity, and improper lifestyle and food, create mental, physical, and emotional blockages in the body. These blockages not only block circulatory processes, they block the flow of prana (life force) and consciousness. These stress- and fear-related toxins (ama) lodge deeply within the tissues of the body. They are difficult to detoxify as they are protected by a fight-or-flight nervous system response. Panchakarma is designed to disarm this protective nervous system response and infiltrate and detoxify the deep tissues of the body. If the therapies are in any way too aggressive or depleting, the body will respond to the treatment as an emergency and protect its deep tissues. For this reason, many forms of body work and cleansings detoxify only, and have little access to the deeper causative stress that holds the cellular memory hostage.
The therapies should last a minimum of 7 days, each treatment lasting 1-3 hours in length with one or two Ayurvedic therapists at a time. As the metabolic activity is lowered with each successive therapy, the access to deeper, protected layers of stress are accessed and eliminated. The bastis, or herbal enemas, administered after each therapy are absorbed directly into the blood stream and are the medicines that will transform the toxic cells into live and more vital cells once again. With the lowered metabolic activity, the body’s awareness is heightened and consciousness can now be infused back into the newly-accessed, deeply seated tissues, which had lost their memory of normal function due to toxic stress and pragya paradh. This full cycle of detoxification, rejuvenation, and consciousness restoration must be performed on the deepest tissues of the body in order to totally transform the emotional hold of the cancer cells. There are many in a series of the Ayurvedic panchakarma treatments. The following descriptions are the actual treatments I use in panchakarma. Many of them are performed by two Ayurvedic therapists working in perfect synchrony. Two, three, and sometimes four of these therapies are linked together during the course of one days’ treatment.
Garshana treatments consist of a dry lymphatic skin brushing with either a wool or a silk glove. This enhances circulation and cleans the skin so subsequent oil and herbal treatments can penetrate deeply into freshly cleaned pores of the skin.
Abhyanga is an individually prepared herbal-oil massage designed to deeply penetrate the skin, relax the mind-body, break up impurities, and stimulate both arterial and lymphatic circulation. This effect enhances the ability for nutrients to reach starved cells and for the removal of stagnant waste. The desired result is a heightened state of awareness that will direct the internal healing system of the body.
Vishesh is a deep muscular Ayurvedic massage that breaks up adhesions and compromised circulation deep within the muscle spindles. When certain channels are blocked, neither awareness nor blood can access deeply seated tissues. For certain body types and imbalances, this is an essential therapeutic approach.
Swedana is an individually herbalized steam bath. The Ayurvedic swedana is unique because the head and the heart are kept very cool during the steam bath while the body is heated to remove mental, emotional, and physical toxins lodged deeply within the tissues. The cool head and heart provide a sense of calm and openness, while therapeutic steam over the entire body penetrates and cleanses deeply without overheating or stressing the body.
Shirodhara is administered by gently and methodically pouring warm herbalized oil over the forehead. This procedure synchronizes brain waves and profoundly coordinates and calms the mind, body, and spirit.
Pizichili is a continuous stream of warm herbalized oil soothingly poured over the body by two
Ayurvedic therapists as they massage the body in perfect unison. The warmth of the oil and synchronicity of the massage combine for a deep tissue cleansing while supporting a heightened state of awareness hard to described until you’ve had the experience.
Udvartana is a deeply penetrating herbal paste lymphatic massage. This powerful exfoliating treatment magically conditions the skin while pressing stagnant lymphatic toxins out of the body.
Nasya consists of individually prescribed herbs and oil drops which are inhaled through the nose and clear the sinuses of excessive mucous. It is also a very important therapy when medicating the central nervous system. This treatment combats the deep dryness that exists at the root of many respiratory and allergic conditions.
Shiro-Abhyanga-Nasya is a luxurious combination of deep head, neck, and shoulder massage and facial lymphatic massage, followed by deep inhalation of therapeutic aromatic steam and nasal and sinus nasya with herbalized nose drops. This popular treatment is an invaluable tool balancing most head, neck, and respiratory disorders.
Pinda Swedana is a deep cleansing treatment where rice boiled in milk and herbs is massaged deeply into the tissues and joints. The treatment is deeply relaxing and rejuvenating as well as powerfully detoxing.
Vamana (emesis therapy) and Rakta Mokshana (blood letting) are traditional aspects of panchakarma and are used as a part of the more aggressive detoxifying panchakarma treatments.
Five Senses Therapy combines the therapeutic effect of all five senses working in concert. Sound therapy uses specific Vedic hymns and mantras recommended for each imbalance. Touch therapy enlivens specific vital points on the body called marma points. Taste therapy uses certain herbal medicines. Sight uses Ayurvedic color therapy, and smell utilizes combinations of rare aromatics. The effect of using the senses in concert is to bring one’s awareness to the source of thought and feeing in the heart.
Basti is an herbal enema specially prepared to pull toxins out of the colon. This is the final stage of each daily panchakarma treatment The freshly loosened impurities from each day of treatment are flushed out of the body via the effects of basti. Basti is also utilized to transport into the blood and tissues the Ayurvedic medicines needed to transform the memory of damaged and toxic cells. Basti is considered one of the most important and most powerful aspects of the treatment. It can be one of the most valuable tools in treating colorectal cancer. In this case, however, it must be prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
Home Panchakarma
Classically, certain times of the year are better for panchakarma than others. In the case of a disease process, panchakarma is highly recommended at any time that is convenient. It is often wise to do panchakarma before and after chemotherapy or surgery. The process should be repeated regularly.
Every change of season provides an opportune time to cleanse the body and anytime during the winter is said to be good. At the end of each season there is a natural accumulation of the qualities of that season. For example, towards the end of winter there is an accumulation of cold and dry in the body, while at the end of summer there is an accumulation of heat At the end of spring, the wet and dampness of spring accumulates. If these seasonal accumulations are properly dealt with, then disease prevention and wellness are said to be the natural result.This idea of seasonal cleansing has been lost in the West as a means for prevention. In Ayurveda there are very practical recommendations for such a cleansing, which can be done at home: the combination therapy, oleation, and virechana.
Oleation is the drinking of ghee (clarified butter) on 4 sequential days first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, as a means of loosening up impurities from the deeply seated tissues and toxic storehouses. At the end of these 4 days, a laxative purgation (virechana) is recommended, to flush all the loosened impurities out of the body. The combination therapy is simple and effective and generally recommended for everyone unless there is a fat handling intolerance or debility. During these 5 days, a light diet with liquids (soup) in the evening and 8-10 cups of plain hot water throughout the day is recommended.
Step 1: OleationDay 1: 2 teaspoons gheeDay 2: 4 teaspoons gheeDay 3: 6 teaspoons gheeDay 4: 8 teaspoons gheeDrink the ghee with hot water and do not eat for 1 hour afterwards.
Step 2: VirechanaOn the evening of Day 4, after a hot bath, take 6 teaspoons of castor oil.There should be a laxative effect 1-3 hours after ingesting the castor oil. Sucking on a lemon is very effective at masking the taste of the castor oil. This procedure is advised as a means of prevention at each change of season. Classically, this is sometime in March, June, and September.
References
-Atha Vale, V.B. Basic Principles of Ayurveda. Bombay India Town Pinery. 1980.
-Bhishagratna, K.L. Shusshruta Samhita, Vol 1, 2. Varanasi, India.Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series. 1981.
-Chaukhambha Orientalia . Devaraj, T.L. The Panchakarma Treatment of Ayurveda. Dwanwantari Orientalia Publications, Bangalore, India. 1986.
-Frawley, D., Lad, V. The Yoga of Herbs. Lotus Press: Santa Fe New Mexico. 1986.
-Kapoor, L.D. Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. CRC Press: Boca Raton. FL. 1989.
-Sharma, P.V. Cakradatta, Chaukhambha Orientalia New Delhi, India. 1994.
-Sharma, P.V. Caraka Samhita, Vol 1, 2. Varanasi, India. 1981.
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=33
Colds and Flu
By John Douillard, DC, PhD
Avoid the Flu and Colds This Season
In nature, at summer's end the leaves will invariably turn red and fall off the trees. In Ayurveda, this is an expression of the accumulated summer's heat rising up into the leaves and turning them, first red, and then dry.
In the same way the heat accumulates in. nature, it also accumulates inside of us. As the leaves dry out and fall, there are also accumulated impurities that build up in our bodies, which can predispose us to a cold or flu. Because of this accumulated heat you may notice your skin and sinuses drying out in September. Perhaps you battle with allergies or an end of summer cold.
When the sinuses dry out, the mucous membranes get irritated and produce mucus as a natural protective or allergic response. Allergies are often fought with drying agents like ephedra or antihistamines, which will dry up the mucus and remove the symptoms for a time. The cause of mucus however, is too much dryness which is only provoked by many of the drying therapies.
As the cold and dryness of winter set in, the deeper mucous membranes in the bronchioles and lungs dry out along with the sinuses, making you much more susceptible to a cold and flu.
Two things must happen to avoid this situation and avoid fall allergies and winter colds. First, the sinuses must be kept from getting too dry, and second, the heat in the body must be kept at bay with cooling summer foods and herbs from the beginning to the end of summer. When fruits like apples, pears and pomegranates come into season this fall, consume them heartily as they are harvested in the fall for the purpose of cooling the blood and providing the fiber to cleanse the colon.
In nature many of the immune stimulating and blood purifying bitter herbs are harvested in the fall also. The deer therefore will chew on the berberine-rich rhizomes of plants like Oregon grape and goldenseal to cool and clean the hot summer blood, while stimulating the immune systems for the winter months to come.
It might be difficult for some of us to eat so close to the harvest of nature. As a society we have lost much of our natural connection to nature that was very much a part of American life before we stopped growing our own food.
I believe strongly that it is a lifestyle in harmony with the cycles of nature that will provide the most protection for us against stress and the vast array of new and exotic diseases that have been recently discovered.In Ayurveda, it is understood that as the seasons change so must we. At the end of each season impurities specific to that season, build up and need to be cleansed. At the end of summer, the blood, liver and skin need to be cleansed.
Ayurveda recommends seasonal cleansing called panchakarma (five actions of purification.) They last three, five or seven days and are so luxurious that they were once reserved for the Kings and Queens of ancient times. The goal of panchakarma is to cleanse, rejuvenate and directly address the degenerative effects of stress on our bodies. These treatments were designed to access the nervous system, remove the stress and toxicity, and replace it with an experience of silence. It attempts to establish an internal hub of calm much like the eye of a hurricane, the bigger the eye, the more powerful the winds, and the more productive we can be.
Have a great Fall and Winter!
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=43
Avoid the Flu and Colds This Season
In nature, at summer's end the leaves will invariably turn red and fall off the trees. In Ayurveda, this is an expression of the accumulated summer's heat rising up into the leaves and turning them, first red, and then dry.
In the same way the heat accumulates in. nature, it also accumulates inside of us. As the leaves dry out and fall, there are also accumulated impurities that build up in our bodies, which can predispose us to a cold or flu. Because of this accumulated heat you may notice your skin and sinuses drying out in September. Perhaps you battle with allergies or an end of summer cold.
When the sinuses dry out, the mucous membranes get irritated and produce mucus as a natural protective or allergic response. Allergies are often fought with drying agents like ephedra or antihistamines, which will dry up the mucus and remove the symptoms for a time. The cause of mucus however, is too much dryness which is only provoked by many of the drying therapies.
As the cold and dryness of winter set in, the deeper mucous membranes in the bronchioles and lungs dry out along with the sinuses, making you much more susceptible to a cold and flu.
Two things must happen to avoid this situation and avoid fall allergies and winter colds. First, the sinuses must be kept from getting too dry, and second, the heat in the body must be kept at bay with cooling summer foods and herbs from the beginning to the end of summer. When fruits like apples, pears and pomegranates come into season this fall, consume them heartily as they are harvested in the fall for the purpose of cooling the blood and providing the fiber to cleanse the colon.
In nature many of the immune stimulating and blood purifying bitter herbs are harvested in the fall also. The deer therefore will chew on the berberine-rich rhizomes of plants like Oregon grape and goldenseal to cool and clean the hot summer blood, while stimulating the immune systems for the winter months to come.
It might be difficult for some of us to eat so close to the harvest of nature. As a society we have lost much of our natural connection to nature that was very much a part of American life before we stopped growing our own food.
I believe strongly that it is a lifestyle in harmony with the cycles of nature that will provide the most protection for us against stress and the vast array of new and exotic diseases that have been recently discovered.In Ayurveda, it is understood that as the seasons change so must we. At the end of each season impurities specific to that season, build up and need to be cleansed. At the end of summer, the blood, liver and skin need to be cleansed.
Ayurveda recommends seasonal cleansing called panchakarma (five actions of purification.) They last three, five or seven days and are so luxurious that they were once reserved for the Kings and Queens of ancient times. The goal of panchakarma is to cleanse, rejuvenate and directly address the degenerative effects of stress on our bodies. These treatments were designed to access the nervous system, remove the stress and toxicity, and replace it with an experience of silence. It attempts to establish an internal hub of calm much like the eye of a hurricane, the bigger the eye, the more powerful the winds, and the more productive we can be.
Have a great Fall and Winter!
Further Information
http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=43
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