The Ayurvedic definition of beauty is “subhanga karanam”—transforming all aspects of body and mind to the most auspicious level. Beauty, in the Ayurvedic sense, is more than just skin-deep; it is much more than cosmetic surgery, liposuction, face-lifts, and working out. It is meaningless to seek beauty in health clubs and hair salons—instead, turn inwards and confront the endless beauty within you. Ayurveda believes that the secret to true beauty lies in blending your inner self with your outer self, for that perfect and timeless glow of balanced health—body, mind, and soul.
On a physical level, Ayurveda has always described beauty to be the product of general good health and a daily regimen of Ayurvedic care, appropriate to one's constitution. More than a mere mechanical cosmetic task, this involves self-knowledge and the incorporation of the right eating and lifestyle habits. Good health, when maintained, will go on to reap rich dividends for you—helping you to stay strong and healthy even in your senior years and guiding you to age gracefully.
Your inner beauty, in its turn, draws its sustenance from the spiritual wealth within your self: your spiritual qualities, inner reserves of strength, emotional states and mental abilities. True beauty emanates from a relaxed, peaceful and calm interior. Embracing all that is positive in life; loving and accepting one's self, while loving and accepting others; immersing one's self in the knowledge and realization of one's true self-that is what is truly beautiful.
This Ayurvedic body-mind balance is achieved by balancing the three subtle energies of Vata, Pitta and Kapha; the seven dhatus or body tissues, which form the nutrient plasma, blood, muscles, fat, bones, bone marrow and reproductive fluid; agni or our body-fire, which helps to digest food; and the body's waste products, such as perspiration, urine and excreta. The perfect balance of all these body systems, together with the maintenance of peace and happiness, leads to good health and vitality.
What causes imbalance?The above mentioned body systems remain in balance when you follow a regulated lifestyle. This includes eating the right foods at the right time, adapting to daily lifestyle habits suitable for one's constitution, making space for seasonal changes in diet and living habits, regularizing certain bedtime regimens, practicing daily meditation, exercise, and maintaining purity of mind and soul. Whenever we violate these daily practices, imbalances are caused resulting in accumulation of harmful body toxins, diseases and illness. The hectic pace of modern life has thrown us off balance, forcing us to lose touch with nature and our natural states of being.
Many of us work late into the night, getting up early again for work, losing on essential sleep and rest. We seldom have time to cook ourselves fresh and warm, nourishing meals, making do with food that is cold, microwaved, preserved, stale, or left over. Sitting down to three square meals a day with our family seems like an impossibility.
We travel in cars and buses, inhaling polluted air all day, enduring sound decibels well beyond permissible levels; we work in artificially lighted and air-conditioned spaces. We practically live off fast foods, carbonated and caffeinated drinks, sleeping pills and blurry television images. No wonder our body systems are imbalanced and our lives are increasingly going off gear-dangerously veering towards unbearable limits of stress and strain, heart problems, manic depression, all-consuming loneliness, failed relationships and broken homes.
It is essential to regulate your lifestyle before you can begin to seek beauty in your self or your life. Ayurveda recommends a daily regimen of health and beauty care appropriate for your Ayurvedic constitution type including a proper diet, lifestyle habits, meditation, exercise regimen, basic herbology, simple home remedies, massages and rejuvenation therapies.
Ayurveda has intimately related inner and outer beauty, the balance of which makes a person genuinely beautiful. It has always expressed beauty to be the product of general physical health and appropriate daily care rather than just a cosmetic façade. An understanding of how to care for oneself, along with the development of good eating and living habits, will bring out the real beauty in us.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Clinical methods in Ayurveda
Ayurveda is often called as a samakaalina sastra (a science of all times). The fundamentals of this ancient science are simple and easily applicable to all eras. In fact, a majority of modern medical science principles are based on the fundamentals of Ayurveda. One cannot help but wonder at the profound wisdom and observational skills of the early Ayurvedic physicians, who could fathom the deepest secrets of the human body and mind even in the absence of technology.
Ayurveda’s success can be attributed to its organized and methodical ways, a good example being Ayurveda’s clinical methods. A proper diagnosis forms the basis for effective treatment, whereas ignorance of disease or improper diagnosis leads to inefficient treatment. In Ayurveda, the diagnosis and treatment of diseases are based on the information derived from two areas:
examination of the patient (rogi pariksa)
examination of the disease (roga pariksa)
Rogi pariksa or the examination of a patient consists of three steps:
Darsana – examination by inspection
Sparsana – examination by touch
Prasna – examination by interrogation
The process of diagnosis begins even as the patient walks into the consultation room. In addition to gathering information from specific questions about symptoms, lifestyle, diet and medical history, the physician systematically observes other features that may provide clues to the cause and duration of the illness. A sharp observation of the patient’s gait, physique and appearance conveys a lot of information about his general condition. This is called “darsana pariksa” or observation.
“Sparsana pariksa” is examination by touch (sparsa). The physician can evaluate several factors through the medium of touch. He can assess the temperature of the body, feel the margins of swellings in skin, read and note the characteristics of pulse, or check for organ enlargements. The conventional clinical methods of palpation and percussion are examples of tactile examination.
For an overall picture of the illness, a detailed interrogation of the patient and his family member or relative is necessary. This is “prasna pariksa” (prasna = question). It is always favorable to allow the patient to relate the entire history of the ailment in his own words.
Darsana, sparsana and prasna together comprise “Trividha Pariksa” – the threefold method of clinical examination. An elaborative version of the above is the “Astavidha Pariksa” or the eightfold method of patient examination that includes the following eight factors: Nadi (pulse), Mala (frequency, color, consistency of bowel movements), Mutra (urine – color, frequency, burning sensations), Jihva (tongue), Sabda (voice and speech of the patient), Sparsa (touch, skin and tactile sense), Drik (eyes and vision), and Akriti (general body build, eg: lean, obese, muscular, etc.).
The entire demeanor of the patient during the consultation provides valuable information to the physician. Emotional state and nature, strength and vitality, intelligence, and character can all be ascertained from attire, posture, body language, breathing patterns and even gait and bearing.
The primary goal of clinical examination in Ayurveda is to locate the unbalanced doshas that caused the disease. The methods employed by the physician (observation, touch and interrogation) are all aimed at identifying the dosha disturbance. For example, a person with hot, flushed skin and symptoms such as burning sensations, fever, digestive disorders or urinary infections has a disturbance of pitta. Dry, cracked, rough skin that is cold indicates an imbalance of vata. Fluid retention, swelling, moist skin, dull, watery eyes and symptoms such as chest congestion are kapha related
A clinical diagnosis resulting from these examinations, along with a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Ayurveda’s success can be attributed to its organized and methodical ways, a good example being Ayurveda’s clinical methods. A proper diagnosis forms the basis for effective treatment, whereas ignorance of disease or improper diagnosis leads to inefficient treatment. In Ayurveda, the diagnosis and treatment of diseases are based on the information derived from two areas:
examination of the patient (rogi pariksa)
examination of the disease (roga pariksa)
Rogi pariksa or the examination of a patient consists of three steps:
Darsana – examination by inspection
Sparsana – examination by touch
Prasna – examination by interrogation
The process of diagnosis begins even as the patient walks into the consultation room. In addition to gathering information from specific questions about symptoms, lifestyle, diet and medical history, the physician systematically observes other features that may provide clues to the cause and duration of the illness. A sharp observation of the patient’s gait, physique and appearance conveys a lot of information about his general condition. This is called “darsana pariksa” or observation.
“Sparsana pariksa” is examination by touch (sparsa). The physician can evaluate several factors through the medium of touch. He can assess the temperature of the body, feel the margins of swellings in skin, read and note the characteristics of pulse, or check for organ enlargements. The conventional clinical methods of palpation and percussion are examples of tactile examination.
For an overall picture of the illness, a detailed interrogation of the patient and his family member or relative is necessary. This is “prasna pariksa” (prasna = question). It is always favorable to allow the patient to relate the entire history of the ailment in his own words.
Darsana, sparsana and prasna together comprise “Trividha Pariksa” – the threefold method of clinical examination. An elaborative version of the above is the “Astavidha Pariksa” or the eightfold method of patient examination that includes the following eight factors: Nadi (pulse), Mala (frequency, color, consistency of bowel movements), Mutra (urine – color, frequency, burning sensations), Jihva (tongue), Sabda (voice and speech of the patient), Sparsa (touch, skin and tactile sense), Drik (eyes and vision), and Akriti (general body build, eg: lean, obese, muscular, etc.).
The entire demeanor of the patient during the consultation provides valuable information to the physician. Emotional state and nature, strength and vitality, intelligence, and character can all be ascertained from attire, posture, body language, breathing patterns and even gait and bearing.
The primary goal of clinical examination in Ayurveda is to locate the unbalanced doshas that caused the disease. The methods employed by the physician (observation, touch and interrogation) are all aimed at identifying the dosha disturbance. For example, a person with hot, flushed skin and symptoms such as burning sensations, fever, digestive disorders or urinary infections has a disturbance of pitta. Dry, cracked, rough skin that is cold indicates an imbalance of vata. Fluid retention, swelling, moist skin, dull, watery eyes and symptoms such as chest congestion are kapha related
A clinical diagnosis resulting from these examinations, along with a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Stress relief and Ayurveda
Stress is a complex concept that has both mental and physiological components. Though most forms of stress are psychological, they trigger a variety of physiological changes. These changes include ones in the immune function, indicating a link between the stress and immune system.
Stress-related cases have grown phenomenally over the last couple of decades. Psychiatrists believe that the growth has been about a thousand times in the last ten years.
Medically, stress is defined as a perturbation of the body's internal equilibrium. The common indices of stress include changes in biochemical parameters such as epinephrine and adrenal steroids, physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure and behavioral effects such as anxiety, fear and tension Stress can lead to palpitation, heart attack, migraine and tension headache, eating disorder, ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diabetes, backache, chronic fatigue syndrome, dermatitis, allergy, cold and cough, asthma, insomnia, stammering, phobia, depression, premature aging…the list is endless.
Symptoms of stressTypical symptoms of stress can be insomnia, loss of mental concentration, anxiety, absenteeism from work, depression, substance abuse, extreme anger and frustration, family conflict, and physical illnesses, such as heart disease, migraine, headaches, stomach problems, and back problems.
Causes of stress -
the Ayurvedic perspectiveToday, stress and fatigue are like household commodities. Practically everyone has to face stress to some degree. Everyone needs to cope with the specter of a scarily frenetic lifestyle, which includes punishing work schedules, incessant travel, collapsing relationships, breakneck competition, a battle against age and illness, and the desire to remain ever-youthful and glamorous.
According to Ayurveda, there are three sub-doshas that govern the mind. Prana vata is the sub-dosha of vata that governs the brain, sensory perception and the mind. Tarpaka kapha is the sub-dosha of kapha that governs the cerebro-spinal fluid. And because acquisition, retention and recall originate in the heart, sadhaka pitta (the sub-dosha of pitta that governs the emotions and their effect on the heart) is also involved.
There are three states or operational qualities of mind. These are sattva, rajas and tamas. Sattva (goodness) is the healthy state of mind. Rajas (passion) and tamas (ignorance) are the unhealthy states of mind. When the mind is dominated by rajas and/or tamas, the sub-doshas go out of balance. Sadhaka pitta begins to create a burning effect and prana vata creates a drying effect. Then tarpaka kapha generates extra cerebro-spinal fluid to counteract this effect and protect the brain.
But when our mental capacities are repeatedly overused (due to excess of tamas and rajas), the lubricating value of tarpaka kapha becomes excessive, and begins to diminish the metabolizing or digestive fire or agni. This is similar to the effect of too much moisture in the digestion - it can put out the digestive fire or agni. When this happens, ama (toxins) start to be created. Ama accumulates in the gaps and channels of the brain, and mixes with the fluids created by tarpaka kapha, creating a harmful type of cortisol, the indicator of stress. Cortisol in itself is not harmful; in fact, it is created by the body to protect the brain. But when tarpaka kapha becomes excessive and there is ama in the physiology, it does more harm than good. That's when anxiety attacks and other signs of stress take over.
TreatmentThere are several kinds of Ayurvedic treatment that alleviate stress.
Herbal treatmentHerbs known as adaptogens are beneficial in alleviating stress. These herbs that promote adaptability to stress, include Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), ginseng (Panax ginseng), wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), borage (Borago officinalis), licorice (yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), and nettle (Urtica dioica). Traditionally, Ayurveda recommends the root of winter cherry or ashwagandha, shakpushadi, brahmi (gotu kola), jatamansi (muskweed), shakhpushpi, dhatri rasayan, praval pishti and the fruit of emblic myrobalan, among other herbs, to reduce stress and fix the imbalance in the vata dosha.
Research shows that certain Ayurvedic formulas made from herbs such as brahmi (gotu kola), shankapushpi (aloeweed), and guduchi (heart-leaved moonseed) reduces generalized anxiety, calms stress, while heightening alertness and preventing mental stress from mounting.
These special Ayurvedic herbs are called medhya herbs in traditional Ayurvedic texts, and are known to not only individually nurture certain areas of the brain (mind) sensitive to stress effects, but also to nurture coordination among them.
Ashwagandha or winter cherry enhances the mind's overall ability to fight stress, because it helps overall mental functioning. Jatamansi (muskroot) and greater galangal are additional herbs that clear the channels. These keep our mind and body free of toxins and blockages. Ashwagandha or winter cherry is a sharp, naturally cleansing herb, but in combination with jatamansi (muskroot) and greater galangal, it becomes an extremely effective agent for clearing the channels, enhancing agni or digestive fire and reducing ama (toxins).
Diet treatmentSince stress reduces the body's immunity, nutritious diet is very beneficial in counteracting this depletion. Following the right diet for dealing with stress is also very important. In Ayurvedic terms reduce 'rajasic' and 'tamasic' foods and add 'sattvic' diet.
Avoid coffee and all other caffeinated beverages, because in high doses caffeinated substances produce jitteriness, restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. As far as possible, try to avoid carbonated and alcoholic drinks as well. High-protein animal foods should also be minimized as these increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are associated with higher levels of anxiety and stress. Eat lots of fresh green vegetables, fruits and fruit juices. Avoid white flour and sugar products, and all frozen, preserved and leftover food. Include whole grain cereals - they promote the production of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, which induces a greater sense of well-being.
Pancha KarmaAyurveda advises undergoing pancha karma for maintaining a strong and healthy metabolic rate and also to keep harmful toxins from accumulating in the body and mind. The pancha karma process involves identifying the root cause of a stress problem and correcting the essential balance of mind, body, and emotions. It is considered extremely effective to go through the process of pancha karma before any rejuvenation treatment (rasayana/herbal medicines). This helps to cleanse the body, improve digestion, strengthen the metabolic rate and also cleanse one's thought process.
Yoga, Meditation and PranayamaIn addition to the above-mentioned treatments, Ayurveda integrates Yoga, meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) to manage stress. Certain gestures called "mudra" are also helpful. Positive thinking, tidiness, clean environment and maintaining harmony at all levels is important for getting rid of stress permanently.
Stress-related cases have grown phenomenally over the last couple of decades. Psychiatrists believe that the growth has been about a thousand times in the last ten years.
Medically, stress is defined as a perturbation of the body's internal equilibrium. The common indices of stress include changes in biochemical parameters such as epinephrine and adrenal steroids, physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure and behavioral effects such as anxiety, fear and tension Stress can lead to palpitation, heart attack, migraine and tension headache, eating disorder, ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diabetes, backache, chronic fatigue syndrome, dermatitis, allergy, cold and cough, asthma, insomnia, stammering, phobia, depression, premature aging…the list is endless.
Symptoms of stressTypical symptoms of stress can be insomnia, loss of mental concentration, anxiety, absenteeism from work, depression, substance abuse, extreme anger and frustration, family conflict, and physical illnesses, such as heart disease, migraine, headaches, stomach problems, and back problems.
Causes of stress -
the Ayurvedic perspectiveToday, stress and fatigue are like household commodities. Practically everyone has to face stress to some degree. Everyone needs to cope with the specter of a scarily frenetic lifestyle, which includes punishing work schedules, incessant travel, collapsing relationships, breakneck competition, a battle against age and illness, and the desire to remain ever-youthful and glamorous.
According to Ayurveda, there are three sub-doshas that govern the mind. Prana vata is the sub-dosha of vata that governs the brain, sensory perception and the mind. Tarpaka kapha is the sub-dosha of kapha that governs the cerebro-spinal fluid. And because acquisition, retention and recall originate in the heart, sadhaka pitta (the sub-dosha of pitta that governs the emotions and their effect on the heart) is also involved.
There are three states or operational qualities of mind. These are sattva, rajas and tamas. Sattva (goodness) is the healthy state of mind. Rajas (passion) and tamas (ignorance) are the unhealthy states of mind. When the mind is dominated by rajas and/or tamas, the sub-doshas go out of balance. Sadhaka pitta begins to create a burning effect and prana vata creates a drying effect. Then tarpaka kapha generates extra cerebro-spinal fluid to counteract this effect and protect the brain.
But when our mental capacities are repeatedly overused (due to excess of tamas and rajas), the lubricating value of tarpaka kapha becomes excessive, and begins to diminish the metabolizing or digestive fire or agni. This is similar to the effect of too much moisture in the digestion - it can put out the digestive fire or agni. When this happens, ama (toxins) start to be created. Ama accumulates in the gaps and channels of the brain, and mixes with the fluids created by tarpaka kapha, creating a harmful type of cortisol, the indicator of stress. Cortisol in itself is not harmful; in fact, it is created by the body to protect the brain. But when tarpaka kapha becomes excessive and there is ama in the physiology, it does more harm than good. That's when anxiety attacks and other signs of stress take over.
TreatmentThere are several kinds of Ayurvedic treatment that alleviate stress.
Herbal treatmentHerbs known as adaptogens are beneficial in alleviating stress. These herbs that promote adaptability to stress, include Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), ginseng (Panax ginseng), wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), borage (Borago officinalis), licorice (yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), and nettle (Urtica dioica). Traditionally, Ayurveda recommends the root of winter cherry or ashwagandha, shakpushadi, brahmi (gotu kola), jatamansi (muskweed), shakhpushpi, dhatri rasayan, praval pishti and the fruit of emblic myrobalan, among other herbs, to reduce stress and fix the imbalance in the vata dosha.
Research shows that certain Ayurvedic formulas made from herbs such as brahmi (gotu kola), shankapushpi (aloeweed), and guduchi (heart-leaved moonseed) reduces generalized anxiety, calms stress, while heightening alertness and preventing mental stress from mounting.
These special Ayurvedic herbs are called medhya herbs in traditional Ayurvedic texts, and are known to not only individually nurture certain areas of the brain (mind) sensitive to stress effects, but also to nurture coordination among them.
Ashwagandha or winter cherry enhances the mind's overall ability to fight stress, because it helps overall mental functioning. Jatamansi (muskroot) and greater galangal are additional herbs that clear the channels. These keep our mind and body free of toxins and blockages. Ashwagandha or winter cherry is a sharp, naturally cleansing herb, but in combination with jatamansi (muskroot) and greater galangal, it becomes an extremely effective agent for clearing the channels, enhancing agni or digestive fire and reducing ama (toxins).
Diet treatmentSince stress reduces the body's immunity, nutritious diet is very beneficial in counteracting this depletion. Following the right diet for dealing with stress is also very important. In Ayurvedic terms reduce 'rajasic' and 'tamasic' foods and add 'sattvic' diet.
Avoid coffee and all other caffeinated beverages, because in high doses caffeinated substances produce jitteriness, restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. As far as possible, try to avoid carbonated and alcoholic drinks as well. High-protein animal foods should also be minimized as these increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are associated with higher levels of anxiety and stress. Eat lots of fresh green vegetables, fruits and fruit juices. Avoid white flour and sugar products, and all frozen, preserved and leftover food. Include whole grain cereals - they promote the production of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, which induces a greater sense of well-being.
Pancha KarmaAyurveda advises undergoing pancha karma for maintaining a strong and healthy metabolic rate and also to keep harmful toxins from accumulating in the body and mind. The pancha karma process involves identifying the root cause of a stress problem and correcting the essential balance of mind, body, and emotions. It is considered extremely effective to go through the process of pancha karma before any rejuvenation treatment (rasayana/herbal medicines). This helps to cleanse the body, improve digestion, strengthen the metabolic rate and also cleanse one's thought process.
Yoga, Meditation and PranayamaIn addition to the above-mentioned treatments, Ayurveda integrates Yoga, meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) to manage stress. Certain gestures called "mudra" are also helpful. Positive thinking, tidiness, clean environment and maintaining harmony at all levels is important for getting rid of stress permanently.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda literally means "science of life and longevity." and is considered to be the traditional system of medicine of India.
Ayurveda is a science in the sense that it is a complete system. It is a qualitative, holistic science of health and longevity, a philosophy and system of healing the whole person, body and mind.
The origin of this system goes back to a far past, in which philosophy and medicine were not separated. Therefore, philosophical views have strongly influenced the Ayurvedic way of thinking.
Ayurveda is a science in the sense that it is a complete system. It is a qualitative, holistic science of health and longevity, a philosophy and system of healing the whole person, body and mind.
The origin of this system goes back to a far past, in which philosophy and medicine were not separated. Therefore, philosophical views have strongly influenced the Ayurvedic way of thinking.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Unique about Ayurveda
What is unique about Ayurveda ?
There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:
Ayurveda offers reference points for managing treatment decisions specific to each case. Ayurvedic theory is profoundly useful in analysing individual patient constitution and understanding variations in disease manifestation. The Ayurvedic framework can be used to structure working models of the unique state of each patient, and to project a vision or goal for a whole state of health, again unique to each case. Ayurveda offers specific recommendations to each individual on lifestyle, diet, exercise and yoga, herbal therapy, and even spiritual practices to restore and maintain balance in body and mind. Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship. This understanding that we are all unique individuals enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently than another.
There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:
Ayurveda offers reference points for managing treatment decisions specific to each case. Ayurvedic theory is profoundly useful in analysing individual patient constitution and understanding variations in disease manifestation. The Ayurvedic framework can be used to structure working models of the unique state of each patient, and to project a vision or goal for a whole state of health, again unique to each case. Ayurveda offers specific recommendations to each individual on lifestyle, diet, exercise and yoga, herbal therapy, and even spiritual practices to restore and maintain balance in body and mind. Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship. This understanding that we are all unique individuals enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently than another.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Ayurvedic Physiology
Physiology
All matter is thought to he composed of five basic elements ( panchamahabhutas ) which exhibit the properties of earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (tejas), wind (vayu) and space (akasha). These elements do not exist in isolated forms, but always in a combination, in which one or more elements dominate. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of derivatives of the five basic elements, in the form of doshas, tissues (dhatus) and waste products (malas).
Doshas :
The most fundamental and characteristic principle of Ayurveda is called "tridosha" or the Three Humours.Doshas are the physiological factors of the body. They are to be seen as all pervasive, subtle entities, and are categorized into vata, pitta and kapha. Vata regulates movement and is represented by the nervous system. Pitta is the principle of biotransformation and is the cause of all metabolic processes in the body. Kapha is the principle of cohesion and functions through the body fluids. Together, these three doshas determine the physiologic constitution of an individual.
Dhatus :
the tissues are classified into seven categories: plasma, blood cells, muscular tissue, adipose tissue, bony tissue, bone marrow and the reproductive tissue.
Malas :
three main waste products are urine, faeces and sweat. For the metabolic processes in the body, there are three main groups of biological factors, probably exhibiting enzymatic functions (agnis). Jatharagni is responsible for the digestion and the absorption of nutritious substances During this process, digestion takes place in three stages: first the digestion of sweet (madhura) and salty (lavana) nutrients, then the digestion of sour (amla) nutrients, and finally the digestion of sharp (tikta), bitter (katu) and astringent (kasaya) nutrients. The respective products of these three stages are sweet, sour and sharp.
Panchabhutagnis :
containing five types of biological factors, is responsible for the processing of the five basic elements into a composition useful to the body.
Dhatvagnis :
The third group contains seven types, each for the assimilation of the seven tissues This assimilation takes place successively. From the absorbed nutritious substance, plasma (rasa) is produced first; from plasma, blood (rakta) is formed, then muscular tissue (mamsa), adipose tissue (meda), bony tissue (asthi), bone marrow (majjan) and the reproductive cells (shukra).
All matter is thought to he composed of five basic elements ( panchamahabhutas ) which exhibit the properties of earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (tejas), wind (vayu) and space (akasha). These elements do not exist in isolated forms, but always in a combination, in which one or more elements dominate. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of derivatives of the five basic elements, in the form of doshas, tissues (dhatus) and waste products (malas).
Doshas :
The most fundamental and characteristic principle of Ayurveda is called "tridosha" or the Three Humours.Doshas are the physiological factors of the body. They are to be seen as all pervasive, subtle entities, and are categorized into vata, pitta and kapha. Vata regulates movement and is represented by the nervous system. Pitta is the principle of biotransformation and is the cause of all metabolic processes in the body. Kapha is the principle of cohesion and functions through the body fluids. Together, these three doshas determine the physiologic constitution of an individual.
Dhatus :
the tissues are classified into seven categories: plasma, blood cells, muscular tissue, adipose tissue, bony tissue, bone marrow and the reproductive tissue.
Malas :
three main waste products are urine, faeces and sweat. For the metabolic processes in the body, there are three main groups of biological factors, probably exhibiting enzymatic functions (agnis). Jatharagni is responsible for the digestion and the absorption of nutritious substances During this process, digestion takes place in three stages: first the digestion of sweet (madhura) and salty (lavana) nutrients, then the digestion of sour (amla) nutrients, and finally the digestion of sharp (tikta), bitter (katu) and astringent (kasaya) nutrients. The respective products of these three stages are sweet, sour and sharp.
Panchabhutagnis :
containing five types of biological factors, is responsible for the processing of the five basic elements into a composition useful to the body.
Dhatvagnis :
The third group contains seven types, each for the assimilation of the seven tissues This assimilation takes place successively. From the absorbed nutritious substance, plasma (rasa) is produced first; from plasma, blood (rakta) is formed, then muscular tissue (mamsa), adipose tissue (meda), bony tissue (asthi), bone marrow (majjan) and the reproductive cells (shukra).
Pathology of Ayurveda
Samprapti, the Disease Process(Pathology)
Under normal conditions, the doshas, dhatus and malas correspond to certain standards regarding their quantity, quality and function. However, this situation is not static, and due to several endogenous and erogenous factors, the doshas may become unbalanced, resulting in disease. Every disease is related to an imbalance of the doshas. Other coherent factors can be: the disturbance of the biological factors (agnis), the formation and accumulation of undigested nutrients (ama), obstruction of the body channels (shrotorodha), and a disturbed assimilation in the tissues.
Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas (Prakruti) and thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a persons health challenges. When any of the doshas ( Vata, Pitta or Kapha ) become imbalance, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing or increasing the doshas that has become imbalance. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.
Few Examples:Obesity: mainly due to absence of physical activity. Other causes may be sleeping during the day, intake of Kapha - increasing foods, finally results in the accumulation of fat. These block the channels of nutrition. This blocking causes an increase in hunger because the body does not get nutrition.
Rheumatism:
Eating foods which are incompatible, lack of physical exercise in general, doing exercise particularly after eating fatty foods , incorrect use of purgatives, causes improper digestion. The half digested food called Ama associates itself with Vata and moves about. It fills the seats of kapha, and blocks the transport channels of the body. This blocking of channels produces weakness of the heart, which is the seat of the disease. This results in loss of strength, feeling of heaviness, stiffness of the body , and small and big joints alike.
Indigestion/dyspepsia:
Taking excess of water, taking small/large quantities of food at odd times, suppression of the natural functions of the body, loss of sleep at night and sleeping during the daytime, causes gastric fire (Jatharagni) responsible for the digestion and the absorption of nutritious substances weak.
Skin problems:
Are often due to imbalances in Pitta dosha & rakta dhatu. This is caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, taking foods which are pungent, hot and alkaline.
Under normal conditions, the doshas, dhatus and malas correspond to certain standards regarding their quantity, quality and function. However, this situation is not static, and due to several endogenous and erogenous factors, the doshas may become unbalanced, resulting in disease. Every disease is related to an imbalance of the doshas. Other coherent factors can be: the disturbance of the biological factors (agnis), the formation and accumulation of undigested nutrients (ama), obstruction of the body channels (shrotorodha), and a disturbed assimilation in the tissues.
Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas (Prakruti) and thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a persons health challenges. When any of the doshas ( Vata, Pitta or Kapha ) become imbalance, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing or increasing the doshas that has become imbalance. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.
Few Examples:Obesity: mainly due to absence of physical activity. Other causes may be sleeping during the day, intake of Kapha - increasing foods, finally results in the accumulation of fat. These block the channels of nutrition. This blocking causes an increase in hunger because the body does not get nutrition.
Rheumatism:
Eating foods which are incompatible, lack of physical exercise in general, doing exercise particularly after eating fatty foods , incorrect use of purgatives, causes improper digestion. The half digested food called Ama associates itself with Vata and moves about. It fills the seats of kapha, and blocks the transport channels of the body. This blocking of channels produces weakness of the heart, which is the seat of the disease. This results in loss of strength, feeling of heaviness, stiffness of the body , and small and big joints alike.
Indigestion/dyspepsia:
Taking excess of water, taking small/large quantities of food at odd times, suppression of the natural functions of the body, loss of sleep at night and sleeping during the daytime, causes gastric fire (Jatharagni) responsible for the digestion and the absorption of nutritious substances weak.
Skin problems:
Are often due to imbalances in Pitta dosha & rakta dhatu. This is caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, taking foods which are pungent, hot and alkaline.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Origin of Ayurveda
Historians have not pin-pointed the exact time Ayurveda came into being. Most agree that Ayurvedic classical texts were written in India between 3,500 and 5,000 years ago, though some suggest an even longer history.
Legend The origins of this system of course are lost in time. In legend it is said to have been taught by the creator, Brahma, to the Prajapati Daksha. (One of the lords of the animals) who taught it in turn to the divine twins called the Ashwinikumars.
Ashwinikumars are the heavenly healers. They taught Indra, the chief of the shining ones. The personages mentioned were deities of early Vedic times. When mankind started suffering from various diseases the wise men like Bharadvaja learnt from Indra the knowledge of medicine. Gradually the huge amount of knowledge accumulated was divided systematically into different branches.
Legend The origins of this system of course are lost in time. In legend it is said to have been taught by the creator, Brahma, to the Prajapati Daksha. (One of the lords of the animals) who taught it in turn to the divine twins called the Ashwinikumars.
Ashwinikumars are the heavenly healers. They taught Indra, the chief of the shining ones. The personages mentioned were deities of early Vedic times. When mankind started suffering from various diseases the wise men like Bharadvaja learnt from Indra the knowledge of medicine. Gradually the huge amount of knowledge accumulated was divided systematically into different branches.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Ayurveda
Welcome to read about the most ancient and traditional science on one of the most modern systems, the Internet. How can this ancient system of health care be relevant to people of today, when technological advances have radically altered our lifestyles, our environment and our medicine?
The principles of Ayurveda are an invaluable link to understanding, in detail, naturally healthy living. People everywhere are realizing the importance and benefits of taking personal responsibility for one's own well being, making Ayurveda the perfect system of health knowledge for today's world.
Ayurveda is a science of life so to know more about it, we must know what is life? Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. So it is clear from this definition of life that Ayurveda is not only limited to body or physical symptoms but also gives a comprehensive knowledge about spiritual, mental and social health.
The words like soul and spirituality might sound outdated or create a negative thinking in some of you as they have no place in modern science. As soon as we hear about these topics, we become uncomfortable. Actually, I don't feel that it is our fault. No one has ever spoken about these things to us. We are always trapped in the attractions of outer material world to become happy and peaceful.
The modern society, education, culture and the television- everything speaks about materialism. If this was everything why is it so that most us are unhappy. There is unrest, anxiety, mental tension, fighting and terror every where despite best efforts being made to stop them. This is because some part of our body is not being nourished properly.
The principles of Ayurveda are an invaluable link to understanding, in detail, naturally healthy living. People everywhere are realizing the importance and benefits of taking personal responsibility for one's own well being, making Ayurveda the perfect system of health knowledge for today's world.
Ayurveda is a science of life so to know more about it, we must know what is life? Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. So it is clear from this definition of life that Ayurveda is not only limited to body or physical symptoms but also gives a comprehensive knowledge about spiritual, mental and social health.
The words like soul and spirituality might sound outdated or create a negative thinking in some of you as they have no place in modern science. As soon as we hear about these topics, we become uncomfortable. Actually, I don't feel that it is our fault. No one has ever spoken about these things to us. We are always trapped in the attractions of outer material world to become happy and peaceful.
The modern society, education, culture and the television- everything speaks about materialism. If this was everything why is it so that most us are unhappy. There is unrest, anxiety, mental tension, fighting and terror every where despite best efforts being made to stop them. This is because some part of our body is not being nourished properly.
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