Ancient Ayurveda Texts

Ancient and Modern Ayurveda Texts and Books

Long before the days of paper, books in India were written on palm leaves. Palm leaves can be preserved only for a few years and people needed to rewrite the content of a set of palm leaves to another.
Some of such books that offer some light into the past of India and the knowledge that was available thousands of years ago are the Vedas, Upanishads and other literature.
Ashtanga Hridaya, Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita and a host of ancient Ayurvedic texts were retrieved in the form of palm leaf scripts.
Practitioners of Ayurveda started the practice of jotting down their knowledge somewhere from 3,000 to 600 BC. Ashtanga Hridaya is younger than Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita and is believed to be written in sixth or seventh century AD.
All the original texts were in Sanskrit language, which has translations to different Indian languages like Malayalam and Tamil.
The practitioners of different times have also published their observations and directions on the use of medicines and lifestyle directions. Thus Ayurveda literature today is a vast subject with books available in all specialties.

Ashtangahridaya; the Essence of Eight Branches of Ayurveda

The term Ashtanga Hridaya literally means the heart of eight organs (of Ayurveda). Asthangahridaya tells what you can find in this great Ayurvedic classic by Vagbhata, written in the fifth century AD.

“kaya-bala-grihordhwanga salya-damsthra-jaravrishan ashtanganithasyahu schikitsayeshu samsritha”

The above slogan tells that kaya chikitsa (treating physique or body), bala (baala) chikitsa (pediatrics), griha chikitsa (psychiatry), urdhvanga chikitsa or shalakya tantra (eye, ear, nose and parts above neck), salya tantra (surgery), damsthra chikitsa (toxicology) and jara chikitsa or rasayana chikitsa (rejuvenation therapy), vrishya chikitsa or vajeekarana chikitsa (aphrodisiac therapy) are the eight branches or organs (angas) of Ayurveda.

Ashtanga hridaya is the book that tells in detail about all the eight angas of Ayurveda. It is the sum total of all knowledge spread across millions of slogas from thousands of books written by eminent Ayurveda practitioners and teachers from the past. All topics regarding Ayurveda are concentrated to some 7000 slogas in Ashtangahridaya.

Ashtanga vaidyas of Kerala learned and practiced all of the eight branches of Ayurveda. There are different vaidya families that concentrated on specific angas only. Pampinmeykkattu family is still known for damsthra chikitsa, mainly treating snake venom related conditions.

Astagahridaya tells in detail about dinacharyas (daily routine), ritucharyas (seasonal routines) etc. Ritucharya is the method of adjusting our daily activities like taking bath, food and drinks, work and travel, entertainment, rest and sleep etc. It also details the methods of controlling our thoughts, words, action, and even what we look at and see.

There is a sloga in Ashtangahridaya, which we can regard as the corner stone of health; Nityam hithahara vihara sevii Sameekshyakaree vishayeshuasakthaha Datha samassthya paraha kshamava Napthopaseveecha, bhavatya rogaha

The meaning of the sloga goes like this –Take good food, do moderate physical exercise, think well before starting risky ventures, live a life of self respect, give alms according to your capacity, love all alike, tell only truth, maintain composure under pressure, be forgiving, mingle with good people –

The brief sloga tells about the ingredients of good physical and mental health. Deviating from this lifestyle can cause diseases.

The Reliability of AshtangahridayaVagbhata Acharya, in the concluding part of Ashtangahridaya inscribes a sloga as follows.

Idamagamasidhathwal Prathyakshaphaladarsanal Manthraval Samprayokthavyam Na Meemamsyam Kadhanjana

The translation goes like this – this much (the scripts of ashtangahridaya till this point) is an accumulation of memories from past experiences. Practicing them will give scalable results. Continuously recite this as a mantra. Thus, you will get the powers and you can utilize this knowledge with confidence.

Ashtangahridayam indeed is the concentrated form of all knowledge of practitioners of Ayurveda till the time of Vagbhata. All the knowledge in Ashtangahridaya is in highly processed (samskrita) form. One can be said to be a vaidya if he has this knowledge.

No one can prove even a word in Ashtangahridaya untrue. It not only have the treatment methods, medicines, etc listed, but also the lifestyle requirements, the root-cause of diseases, etc are all true according to the uncountable Ayurvedic practitioners that bear witness to the effectiveness of Ayurveda.

Charaka Samhita by Acharya Charaka

Charaka samhita is the main Ayurvedic text that deals with medicines and non-surgical methods of Ayurvedic treatment. Charaka Acharya lived in third or second century BC. Charaka Samhita is one of the three major classics of Ayurveda. Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam being the other two.

Charaka compiled the work of a student of Athreya Acharya, Agnivesha on general medicine, which was mainly the teachings of the Acharya.

Just like most ancient Ayurvedic scripts, Charaka Samhita too is in poetic form, mainly to facilitate easy memory by the students. It generally discusses kaya chikitsa, one anga (branch) of Ashtanga Ayurveda.

Charaka Samhita treats life as a form of consciousness and knowledge. Charaka Samhita (charaka samhitha, charaka samhidha, etc) tells in detail about health, hygiene, diet, lifestyle and medicine. Snehan and Swedan karmas are also described in detail. It also has directions about the method of constructing a vaidya sala (hospital).

Charaka samhita tells about the root causes of diseases, diagnosis of diseases and treatment of different diseases. Human anatomy, sense organs, physiology, panchakarma, etc.

Charaka samhita has a typical slogan which tells that a person has better chance of survival if he is hit by lightning than if he is treated by a fake vaidya (Ayurvedic practitioner).

Bhavaprakasa by Bhava Minsra

Bhavaprakasa by Bhava Minsra is believed to be written in 16th century AD.

Bhava minsra (also Bhava Misra, Bhava minsara, Bhava Minshara) describes in detail the basic concepts of Ayurveda. It tells about healthy living, causes of diseases, symptoms of diseases, and cure of all diseases. It also tells about preparation of medicines from plants, animal products and minerals.

An Ayurveda practitioner must be open to new ideas. Bhavaminsra describes about medicines from outside India. It is also the comprehensive source for accurate information about the origin of Ayurveda in India. The origin and development of India was in a systematic manner till the time of Bhavminsara. Foreign invasions caused the ruin of this science of life in the 16th and 17th century, which saw a revival in 18th and 19th centuries.

Sarngadhara Samhita

Sarngadhara Samhita is a practical handbook for Ayurveda practitioners. It is regarded as one among the top six ancient scripts of Ayurveda. While Sushruta samhita, Charaka Samhita and Ashtangahridaya are considered the major triad of Ayurveda, Sarngadhara Samhita, Madhavanidana and Bhavaprakasha are considered the minor triad.

In Sharngadhara Samhita, Acharya Sharngadhara make deliberate attempts to make the language simple and easily understandable. He also omitted a lot of details, mainly due to the spread of the major triad of Ayurveda classic writings. It is believed that the book was written in the 15th century.

The book is divided into three sections.

The first section (prathama khanda) of the book tells in detail about the weights and measurements, time and place to collect herbs, the effect of seasons on the quality of herbs, methods of diagnosis, human anatomy and physiology, human constitution (dosha types), appropriate food and diet, etc. Diagnosis of condition by studying pulse is described in detail.

The middle section (madhyama khanda) describes the methods of preparation and mixing of herbal extracts to make medicines. The mixing methods of fresh juices, hot and cold infusion, mixing of powders (choornas), preparation of Gulika (gutika-pills), oils, ghee, arishta, dhatusudhi or purification of metals or minerals and Rasa (medicines with mercury).

The last section (uttara khanda) describes in detail all the five karmas of panchakarma – sneha, swedan, vaman, virechan and basti. It describes different kinds of basti (enema).

Sarngadhara samhita is also spelt – sarngadhara samhitha, sarngadara samhita, sarngadara samhitha, sarangadara samhita, sarangadhara samhitha, etc.; – accurate spelling is pending

Madhava Nidana

Madhava Nidana or Madhava Nidanam is an ancient book that comments to some extent on Sushruta samhita, Charaka samhita and Astangahridaya. It doesn’t tell in detail about treatment options by tells clearly about different diseases and deals with kaya chikitsa, bala chikitsa, shalya tantra, damstra chikitsa and shalakya chikitsa

Sushruta Samhita by Acharya Sushruta — Ancient Ayurveda Books

Sushruta samhita written some 3000 years ago by an ancient acharya of Ayurveda, Sushruta is regarded as the basic knowledge of surgery. Sushrutha was a great surgeon of ancient times. It is also regarded as one of the four principal books on surgery. In his book, sushrutha samhitha, he also describes the methods of Panchakarma.

Surgery is an anga (branch) of Ashtanga (eight-branched) Ayurveda and is named Shalya Tantra or Shalakya Tantra.

Dhanvatary, who is considered the god of medicine and surgery is believed to hand over the knowledge of surgery to Sushruta. In the ancient times, physicians practicing surgery were known as Dhanwantareyans, because of their perceived connection with Lord Dhanwantary.

Sushruta’s main forte is plastic surgery. His description of procedures of plastic surgery in this ancient book closely follows suite with modern plastic surgery procedures.

Sushruta says there are 76 conditions that affect eyes. He prescribes accurate surgical methods for 51 of them.

Sushruta also describes the sastras (weapons) to use for surgery. The weapons are sharp, with long handles and have striking similarities with modern surgical equipments. He lists weapons to make deep but sharply targeted cuts, remove or replace tiny parts, needles to sew severed flesh and muscles together, etc. He also suggests hygienically cleansing the room, weapons, hands of the surgeons, etc by smoking appropriate herbs, washing the weapons in boiled water and with appropriate herbal additions.

The Indian names of surgery is sastrakriya or sastra karma. Both means an action with a weapon.

Sushruta recommends surgery only for situations where medicines are incapable of curing the condition.

In addition to details of surgery, Sushruta Samhita also describes more than a thousand diseases and conditions, problems associated with aging and mental illnesses.

He also tells in detail about prasoothi tantra or Ayurvedic midwifery.

Sushruta Samhita lists 700 medicinal herbs. He also tells the methods of preparation of medicines.

Sushruta Samhita is spelt in many different forms. A few among them are susrutha samhitha, sushrutha samhitha, susruta samhita, sushruda samhida, susruda samhida, susrudha samhidha, etc.

Astanga Samgraha

Astanga Samgraha, written by an Ayurveda acharya named Vagbhata in 6th century AD is the compilation of the works by both Charaka (Charaka Samhita) and Sushruta (Sushruta Samhita). Vagbhata later concentrated Astanga Samgraha to a new book Ashtangahridya (ashtanga hridaya). The essence of Ashtanga Samgraha is visible in Astanga hridaya).

Another difference between Ashtanga Hridaya and Ashtanga Samgraha is that the former is written in prose and the latter in poetic (verse) form. There are also doubts whether the two are written by the same person or by two different persons with the same name.

Ashtanga means eight branches and samgraha means compilation in concentrated (abstract) form.

Ashtanga Samhita, ashtanga samhitha, etc also refer to astanga samgraha.

Ayurveda, Service, and Enlightenment

Each person is put on this planet for a purpose. Ultimately, according to Sankhya philosophy, our highest purpose is simply to have experience. That will happen no matter what we do. The question is, what will we do and what will the impact be upon our life and our soul?

If we are living in harmony with the rhythms of life, the nature of our service varies with our stage of life. During our formative years (kapha time), our primary role is to learn and grow. At this age, we generally take more than we give. This is natural. Service that does occur is more of an experiment designed to further our learning about life. When a Boy Scout performs community service, the lessons they are learning generally exceed the service they are providing.

It is during the second phase of life that nature has intended for us to become serviceful. This phase could be called the service phase. Ayurveda calls it the pitta phase. At this time, we take our preparation and put it to use. The quality of our preparation significantly impacts the quality of the service we provide. This phase begins biologically between the ages of 13 and 16 though we generally don't enter this phase in modern society till between the ages of 18 and 22. Some enter even later. When we do, we take on a job or a career. This time of life is designed such that each person becomes a part of the community, providing a service that allows the community to function. In the ideal capitalistic society, each person is rewarded according to the quality, quantity and importance of the services provided.

During the third phase of life, nature has intended for us to reflect upon the work we have provided and the life we have lived. This is the vata time of life and could be called the phase of reflection and teaching. This period generally begins the ages of 55 and 70. During this time of our lives, each person benefits most by spending more time in meditation and reflection and cultivating their spiritual connection. While service is winding down, it is not altogether over. The person in their vata time of life, reflecting upon what they have learned now has a responsibility to share and pass on the wisdom and experience they have gained. This can occur in several ways. One is through spending time with those beginning their service phase. Those in the vata time of life make the best coaches. Technology may change but not the fundamentals that drive individuals. There is great value in the wisdom that resides in the heart of the elderly. Another way for those in the vata time life to serve is to be of some assistance in childrearing. While it is not practical for those in the vata phase to take on a primary role, a supplemental role that supports the family unit is of value and often reduces the stress upon the parents in their pitta phase.

Sadly, reflecting the dysfunction of the family unit and society as a whole, those in their vata time of life do not often receive the opportunity to share what they have learned. Often rejected by their own children or kept at a distance, the elderly die with their secret wisdom. The person who enters the vata time of life and is unable to serve the next generation is also going to be less healthy as a result. Thus, it is a lose-lose situation between the elderly and their children. To keep healthy, the elder can choose to share their knowledge with those who are receptive. Through volunteer organizations in most communities, the elderly can find fulfillment in passing on their knowledge and wisdom. The elder must often seek out this resource, however, as no one else will do it for them. Thus, each person has ultimate control over to what extent they serve.

At any stage of life, service is important. Service helps the youth learn, the adult contribute to the functioning of society, and the elder pass on their knowledge and wisdom. When service is provided in the spirit of selflessness, service transcends the realm of the physical and enters the spiritual. Provided in this manner, service becomes a means of exhausting karma and liberating the soul as the individual moves closer to enlightenment. However, when service is provided merely for what a person will receive in return, karma is accumulated and the chains that bind the soul to the physical realm become stronger. This individual continues on in the drama of the physical illusion and all the pleasures and suffering that come with it.

Recognition of the phases of life provides each individual with a road map of understanding how to best be of service. Surrender to the divine currents that move us through these phases is a pre-requisite to self-less service and the spiritual benefits that come with it. Health is achieved by humbly providing service to the best of one's ability.

Ayurveda: Medicine Of The Past, Medicine Of The Future

                         Once upon a time, some 5,000-10,000 years ago, there lived an ancient people who inquired into the world in which they lived. They looked to the skies and saw the celestial lights, and wondered in awe about their origin and meaning. They looked around at the world and wondered, "why am I here and what is the meaning of my life"? They knew the world around them was fraught with challenges and potential dangers, and they asked, how can I stay safe and healthy?

These people were among the earth's oldest human inhabitants, and they lived in the land known today as India. To answer their questions, the wisest and most learned of the clan went forth to seek explanations from the Gods. These wise men and women were known as rishis, the ones who had the gift to attune themselves to the ways of the Gods. As they meditated deeply, the Gods came to them, and answers were given. They learned about astrology and astronomy, about health, about air, fire and water, and they learned about ritual. This knowledge was passed down through generations with songs and chants, and then it was written down in the oldest of books now existing on the planet: the Vedas.

The wisdom of the Vedas is vast. The knowledge pertaining to health is known as Ayurveda, or the science of life. The knowledge of Ayurveda was given to the rishis so that they might know how to stay physically and emotionally healthy, in order to pursue their deeper spiritual goals.

The Vedic teachings thrived in India, and Ayurveda thrived as well, for several millennia. Scholars, philosophers, and doctors journeyed from afar to India to study, and each took pieces of this knowledge home with them. It was a golden age of increasing understanding and deepening spirituality.

Then, between 700 and 1000AD, India was invaded by the Middle East. The Muslims went on anti-Hindu crusades and destroyed many of the ancient books. The knowledge of Ayurveda began to slip away. In the 1800s the British invaded India, destroying what was left. Schools were closed and books were destroyed, until Ayurveda vanished into the corners of society. In place of the Ayurvedic schools, western medical schools were established.

It wasn't until 1947, when India gained her independence, that strong interest in Ayurveda was renewed. At this point, scholars and spiritual teachers tried to pick up the pieces of this profound science. Schools re-opened and began to train Ayurvedic physicians. By the early 1990s there were several hundred small Ayurvedic schools in India.

Even so, India is a vast country, and the number of Ayurvedic practitioners relative to the population is very small. As of today, Ayurveda remains subordinated to the western-influenced health care system.

In the West, a great interest in the science of Ayurveda began to emerge as westerners started to question the tenets of their own health care system. In the mid-1980s, profound writers like Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Vasant Lad, along with Dr. David Frawley and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, began to enlighten readers and listeners about this ancient wisdom. Interest mushroomed, and now we see the very first Ayurvedic Colleges opening in the United States, offering formal study of this ancient knowledge.

Ayurveda is a science that is, first and foremost, about creating harmony with one's environment. Ayurveda teaches us that when we live in harmony we shall be healthy, and that disease is the normal expression of living out of harmony. Hence, Ayurveda is a health care discipline that begins by asking us to look inside of ourselves so that we may discover how we are living out of harmony. Only then can we make the life changes necessary for healing to take place.

In this way, Ayurveda gives us back both responsibility for our well being as well as the power to create our state of health. Ayurveda teaches us that we are all unique individuals and that each individual's path toward perfect health is equally unique. Ayurveda is not a dogma of "how to"; rather it is a system that illuminates our unique journey and helps to guide us to our destination.

Ayurveda utilizes diet, herbs, aromas, colors, meditation and yoga, along with special cleansing techniques known as Pancha Karma, to assist each person in his or her process. Most importantly, however, Ayurveda helps each person to look at their lifestyle and discover areas that are disharmonious, while at the same time empowering greater harmony. Ayurveda says that where there is harmony, there is health.

Ayurveda: What is Your Constitution?

By Dr. Marc Halpern, D.C., C.A.S., P.K.S.

More and more, people come up to me on the street and ask me "what is my constitution?" Other times, they ask "what is my dosha?" They mean the same thing. According to Ayurveda, the traditional medicine from India, a person's constitution is the balance of the three doshas (biological forces that govern the body) inherent within an individual.

A person's constitution determines what a person is naturally attracted to and what causes a person to become out of balance, sick and diseased. Depending upon a person's constitution, they may thrive as a vegetarian or need meat; they may thrive on spicy foods or get burning indigestion. Our constitution determines how we relate to the environment. The wise individual, with this knowledge, creates an environment that is supportive to who they are as a unique individual. Ayurveda teaches that where there is harmony with our environment there is health, where there is disharmony there is disease. The environment consists of anything we experience through our five senses. So, while many people agree that we are what we eat, Ayurveda takes this a step further and teaches that we are what we eat, smell, touch, hear and see. Thus, a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist (C.A.S.), trained at the California College of Ayurveda, helps people to understand their constitution and how to create a harmonious environment.

There are three basic constitutional types. However, everyone is a unique mix of them. For each type, a different diet is recommended as well as different forms of aroma, color, sound and massage therapies. The three types are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

People of vata nature have a predominance of the qualities cold, light, dry and mobile. They tend to become cold easily and often prefer to wear a sweater or shawl even when others are not cold. They are usually the last to turn on the air conditioning and first to complain when a room is too cold. They like to sleep with extra blankets. They are often of lower body weight and this is reflected in their long narrow bones. Many fashion models have a vata type of body with long legs, long necks and long tapered fingers. People of vata nature often experience dry skin, dry eyes and a dry colon which causes a tendency toward constipation and gas. Their mobile nature is seen in their fast speech patterns and chatty nature. It can also be seen in their tendency to become scattered and more easily overwhelmed. People of vata nature often have a fragile, nervous disposition. Their challenges often revolve around staying focused.

People of pitta nature are most often hot. They are likely to be the first people to want to put on the air conditioner and they are likely to kick off the covers on a warm night. Because they have a greater amount of internal heat, it is not unusual to see them wearing shorts in the cool fall or spring weather while others are wearing a light sweater. Heat often builds up in the intestines and leads to softer and looser stools or diarrhea. Pitta people usually have moderate body builds, not very heavy or very thin with good muscular development. Their skin may be prone to red rashes or acne and is often oily. People of pitta nature often have a clear but sharp way of communicating. Their focused and direct language and actions may irritate other people but they can be counted on to get the job done. They most often have a passionate and intense disposition. Their challenge revolves around a lack of patience for those who are not as focused and directed as they are.

People of kapha nature are most often heavy, cool, slow and moist. Because of their heavy nature, they have a stocky body build. This is not to say that people of kapha nature are overweight. No, their natural body type is denser than others. Their bones are shorter and thicker. Often their neck appears to be sitting close to their shoulders and their fingers are short and thick. What really identifies a person of kapha nature is their slower, easy going nature. These people speak and move slowly and are not likely to get upset. They often have a sweet and gentle disposition. Their challenge however revolves around getting motivated and lacking spontaneity. Hence, once a person of kapha nature has made up their mind they are not likely to change it.

So, what if a vata person lives with a pitta person? Basically, the pitta person kicks the covers off while the vata person is pulling them on and they may argue over the temperature to set the thermostat. The pitta usually wins as a person of pitta nature has a stronger more dominating personality. There may also be challenges about being on time. People of pitta nature really like to be on time and get irritable when they are late. People of vata nature may want to be on time but because they get distracted just can't seem to make it.

If a person of vata nature lives with a person of kapha nature, the person with a kapha nature will usually watch the person of vata nature move around fast in a nervous sort of way and wonder what all the fuss is about. Meanwhile the person of vata nature, who is easily excited, will wonder why their partner is not as excited about life as they are. Neither one of them is likely to fuss about time very much as vata may be late because they get distracted and kapha tends to be late because they move slowly. Both really annoy pitta.

If a person of pitta nature lives with an either a person of vata or kapha nature, they are likely to be somewhat critical of their partner for not being more like them. They may try to convince their partner that something is wrong with them and that they know what it is. People of pitta nature are sure they are right.

If it seems like no matter what constitution you are you have some physical and personality challenges, it's true. We all do. I've yet to meet the perfectly, enlightened being of perfect health and peace of mind. Ayurveda teaches that we are all growing, learning and evolving, and that by understanding our nature, we can evolve faster and learn to appreciate ourselves and others - for each of us is unique. Self love, non-judgment, compassion and unconditional love are the foundation of all spiritual growth.

It's nice to know that each constitutional type has its unique gifts. People of vata nature have the capacity for divine enthusiasm and inspiration. They are often creative and in touch with the subtle world in ways pitta and kapha can only imagine. People of pitta nature have the capacity for clarity of mind that allows them to become great leaders and teachers of humanity. People of kapha nature can be a deep well of love, gentle kindness and nurturance.

Indeed, we are all unique, and while there are three basic energies, we are all a unique combination, and no two people have ever been created alike. By understanding our constitution we can choose proper foods to support us and colors, aromas and sounds to surround ourselves with. Ayurveda teaches that each person has the capacity for perfect health and peace of mind. The journey to accomplish this is one that begins with self understanding. With this knowledge and the support of a teacher or practitioner, each person can begin to create a lifestyle that creates harmony within.

Health is our natural state and is the end result of living in harmony. Disease is the natural end result of living out of harmony. Ayurveda is the path of re-establishing harmony so that health can re-emerge. While people with all kinds of conditions seek and are benefited by ayurvedic health care, it must always be remembered, that it is nature that heals and not the practitioner. It is the Clinical Ayurvedic Specialists job to simply support nature as it works from within the patient.

Before deciding what your constitution is and changing your diet or lifestyle, it is always best to consult with an Ayurvedic health professional. A Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist will help you determine what your constitution is, help you understand the nature of any imbalances, and establish a plan to help you get back into balance. Most importantly, a good practitioner will coach you toward success in establishing your new, stress -free lifestyle.

Dr. Halpern is founder and director of the California College of Ayurveda and Ayurveda Healthcare Center located at 1117A East Main in Grass Valley, CA. Dr. Marc Halpern is a nationally known lecturer on the subjects of Ayurveda and Yoga, and has written numerous articles in newspapers and magazines.

Ayurvedic Nutrition

By Dr. Marc Halpern, D.C., C.A.S., P.K.S.

Ayurveda is based on the belief that nothing is right for everyone and everything is right for someone. This belief comes from an understanding that each of us is unique. Simply put, each of us is biochemically different with different hormonal, enzyme levels and neurotransmitter levels. Each person reacts to the world in different ways. If we are all different, why would we even consider the idea that there must be one program of nutrition that is best for everyone? Where did the idea come from?

The United States Department of Agriculture publishes daily recommended allowances of vitamins and minerals. For decades people have taken these guidelines as the “bible” and carefully read food labels to understand how much of each nutrient they are getting. The American Heart Association also publishes recommendations for the amount of fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy people should consume. People routinely use these guidelines to see how they measure up. These guidelines are based upon statistical models of the “average American” and research based in “current science.”

The problem with statistical models is that the average American is a myth found only in statistical research papers. In real life, individual needs can vary significantly. Meanwhile, current science is simply the best conclusion that can be made given available data. The problem with “current science” is that it is quickly outdated and never complete as new information is constantly being gathered. What is accepted as the truth today is often found to be wrong tomorrow. A good case in point is the intake of cholesterol. While America has become obsessed with lowering cholesterol intake, studies published over the last couple of years in the prestigious British Medical Journal reveal that low cholesterol numbers, while protecting against cardiovascular disease, seem to increase the risk of certain cancers. In addition, supplements and herbs once thought to be “quackery” are now observed to have complex biochemical interactions beneficial in a wide variety of conditions.

What should a person do? There are many ideas on the bookshelves about how to eat and stay healthy. There are diets named after the people who wrote the books, diets named after the foods eaten, diets named after blood types and diets that promise to keep you in the “zone”. New books and ideas are published every month. Ayurveda is a 5000 year old science that aims to help a person understand what is right for them as a unique individual. By evaluating how a person’s digestive system, nervous system and other systems of the body function and by evaluating a person’s body structure, a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist designs a diet specific to clients needs.

Ayurvedic Medicine teaches that people who have a “vata” nature, or those people who are thin, dry and often feel cold, need more grains, oils, salt and a little spice in their diet. Those who do not receive enough are prone to anxiety, constipation and sleeplessness among many other conditions. They need nourishing foods and often have difficulty maintaining a vegetarian diet. People of vata nature should avoid too many salads and fruits as well as beans and take in more grains, dairy and nuts.

People of “pitta” nature, or those who tend to be warm and have a more intense and highly focused nature, are understood to need more raw vegetables and food which are only mildly spiced. Hot, spicy food is believed to lead to a greater incidence of skin rashes, liver weakness and anger. Large salads are wonderful.

People of “kapha” nature, or those who tend to be overweight or stocky and often move and speak very slowly, benefit from lighter foods such as vegetables and salads and thrive on hot, spicy foods. If sweet, heavy, oily foods are taken in too great of a quantity it can lead to greater mucous accumulation as well as further weight gain and diabetes mellitus. People with a kapha nature should avoid all sweets, dairy and nuts and most grains such as wheat and rice. However, grains such as quinoa and millet can be taken.

Nothing is right for everyone, everything is right for someone. Ayurveda avoids the “everybody must” dogma in favor individually tailored food programs to meet the needs of individuals. With a proper diet and lifestyle, Ayurveda’s goal is to help each person reach their maximum potential, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Ayurveda : The Art of Stress Management

By Dr. Marc Halpern, D.C., C.A.S., P.K.S.

Ayurveda, literally translated means the “knowledge of life.” It is the traditional healthcare system of India. Ayurveda is based on the idea that a life and lifestyle of harmony is the basis for optimum health. It can be said that where there is harmony there is health and where there is disharmony there is disease.

Ayurveda is the science of creating harmony between a person and their environment.It is well accepted that stress is the greatest threat to the well being of people. Stress weakens the immune system making the host (you and I) more attractive to the multitude of pathogens present in the world. As the strength of the host diminishes, the ability of the microorganism to penetrate its defenses increases. Stress plays a role in the onset of just about every disease people face from the common cold to heart disease. Not only is stress invisible, it is created by the person who is affected by it. This realization helps people understand that just as they have the ability to create the experience of stress, they also have the ability to create the experience of peace of mind. Ayurveda, and its sister science Yoga are a path to personal power helping people learn how to gain control over the mind.

Once in control, a person is no longer the slave of their thought process but rather its master.A lifestyle based in harmony is a stress –free lifestyle. Ayurveda applies its principles to both the mind and the body. Though the practices of meditation and yoga, Ayurveda helps a person expand their perception of themselves and how they relate to the world around them. While so many people are plagued with fear, anger, anxiety and / or depression, Ayurveda helps people to come to the realization that life can be and is beautiful!Ayurvedic lifestyle begins with an understanding who one’s constitution. This is the inherent balance of the three doshas (biological energies) determined at the moment of conception. Each person’s constitution defines their uniqueness. Ayurveda understands that nothing is right for everyone and everything is right for someone. Ayurveda is non-dogmatic. Each person’s path toward health and harmony are is unique. Ayurveda is the path of finding out what is right for the individual. This path includes learning to live harmoniously through each of the five senses.Hence, through diet, aromatherapy, color therapy, sound therapy and touch (massage) therapy along with yoga and meditation, Ayurvedic practitioners slowly guide their patients back to living in harmony with their true nature. Success on this path takes time and patience but pays great rewards.

Along the way, Ayurvedic practitioners utilize their vast knowledge of herbalism to support the process and allieviate suffering. Stress reducing herbs are called nervine sedatives and include herbs such as valerian root, jatamamsi, shankha pushpi and thousands of others found throughout the world. More importantly, the Ayurvedic pharmacopia includes an understanding of rasayanas or rejuvenatives. These special herbs build up the bodies resistance to stress and increases its endurance. These herbs are especially beneficial to those who are highly sensitive to stress. These herbs include ashwaganda, bala and amalaki and many others. According to Ayurveda, the greatest factor in a person’s sensitivity to stress is a substance found within all cellular tissues and the mind. Ayurveda calls this substance ojas. Ojas is the essence of the immune system and provides the mind with both stability and contentment. Ojas is produced by the body as the body digests nourishing foods. Hence, a nourishing diet combined with excellent digestion is the key to building ojas.
Ayurveda places great emphasis on proper digestion. This includes selecting the proper foods for a person’s constitution as well as eating them properly. Long term problems with digestion and elimination deplete the body of ojas. Ojas is protected by a lifestyle that avoids overindulgence, includes significant rest and reinforces self –love. In summary, Ayurveda helps a person come to a better understanding of themselves and their relationship to the world around them.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle, Ayurveda helps people reduce stress. By reducing stress, each person can attain optimum health and peace of mind.

Ayurveda, Spirituality and Meditation

Ayurveda, the traditional healing system of India is often looked at as a way of optimizing the functioning of the body. Ayurveda is capable of assisting in the healing of many conditions as well as extending life itself.

The knowledge of Ayurveda has its roots in the Vedas, the sacred texts of India from which many spiritual philosophies and religions have sprung. These include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Yoga and others. It is a science not only of the physical body, but it goes beyond into the understanding of consciousness itself.Ayurveda's sister, Yoga, is quite well known for its physical stretching exercises. Yoga is actually much more than this--it is a complete science and philosophy leading to enlightenment. Likewise, Ayurveda is much more than a science of understanding what foods are right for you. It is a science of using health as the basis of one’s journey toward enlightenment. In fact, Ayurveda and Yoga are two sides of one coin. Ayurveda keeps the physical body healthy so that one can pursue spiritual goals while yoga is the path of spirituality.Ayurveda is not a religion any more than yoga is a religion. They are spiritual sciences applicable to one’s journey regardless of religious faith. Both sciences support a person on their journey toward self-realization or the direct knowing of their nature as spirit or soul. Scriptural study, whether it come from the East or West, illuminates this journey.Ayurvedic psycho-spirituality is based on the idea that we are all souls growing and evolving toward enlightenment or reunification with God. This can easily be viewed as entering the gates of heaven--for what is more heavenly then becoming one with God? Along this journey of our evolution there are naturally challenges which inspire us to grow and evolve. Some come to us in the form of health challenges, others are challenges in relationships or finances. They are in a sense gifts, for without them there would be no motivating force behind our growth as spirits.

The three Gunas are the grounds from which we come to understand ourselves emotionally and spiritually. Guna is defined as the qualities of nature. Sattva is the quality of clarity and purity. When our minds are sattvic, or pure, there is a natural innate connection between ourselves and God. With this awareness, our highest most virtuous qualities manifest. Our minds are much like a still lake and the light that reflects through it is the light of God.Rajas is a state of activity and distraction where we forget our true nature as spirit and get wrapped up in the dramas of our lives. As a result we get caught in the experience of emotion and the challenging feelings of fear, worry, anxiety, anger, resentment, and attachment. If you imagine the clear lake of sattva, rajas is that lake after a rock has been thrown in and now it is disturbed. Each wave is a challenging emotion.Tamas is a state of darkness and inertia. In this state of being, not only are we unaware of our connection with God or spirit, but we spiral down into our own darkness and become harmful to ourselves or others. With our darker nature being dominant, we take actions such as violence or vindictive behaviors, or possibly addiction and suicide. Any harmful act reflects our own Tamasic nature. If you recall the clear lake of sattva which had become rajasic when the rock was thrown in, now it has been stirred up and is muddy. The darkness is Tamas.It is our spiritual journey to move from dark to light, from ignorance to awareness, or from tamas to sattva. It is said in Ayurveda that Rajas and Tamas are the causes of disease.

The actions taken and the emotions felt by the rajasic and tamasic mind upset the balance of the three Doshas (bioenergies governing the functions of the physical body): Vata, Pitta and Kapha, thus leading to physical disease. Sattva is the sole cause of health. Disease cannot affect the sattvic person--the one who has awakened into the light, therefore we could say that disease is the end result of forgetting our true nature as spirit. Once we forget, we act out of harmony with nature. These actions bring about disease. Healing involves the cultivation of harmony or sattva.Ayurveda sees disharmony as the sole cause of disease. Healing takes place through a harmonious relationship with our environment. Ayurveda prescribes many regimens to bring about harmony or sattva in our lives. These regimens are numerous and to the beginner can quickly seem overwhelming to perform. Recommended actions include eating slowly in a peaceful environment, using proper aroma and color therapy, going to bed early, awakening with the sun or earlier, applying oil to the body, meditation, yoga and many more.

Students often ask why it is so difficult to adopt a harmonious lifestyle. The answer is simple. It is because we are not yet fully awakened to our spiritual nature. How can we live in harmony if we are not connected to our higher purpose in life?Without knowledge of higher awareness, it is our human nature to act as though we are only our senses and our mind. Our senses fear what is uncomfortable and desire only what gives us pleasure or great highs. The creation of harmony in our lives brings with it a rejection of that which brings us our highs, for each high is just a fleeting moment destined to pass and leave us desiring more. Ayurvedic and yogic practices bring us peace, not highs. They sustain us; they do not burn us out. Yet to get to this place, one must go through the fire of awakening our self awareness. This process is honest and not always pleasurable. With honesty about ourselves at first there is discomfort and pain so we move away from it. We drop those practices which, though difficult, lead to harmony and light because the light hurts our eyes.So how do we go about creating harmony? How do we become successful travelers on our journey? There are many roads of empowerment but none is greater than our own direct self experience of God. This is achieved primarily through meditation and prayer. In the quietude of consciousness lies the light of God, the infinite. This light can fill us and sustain us, it can empower us to create change. The more that we come to know our nature as God or spirit, the more we are empowered to act harmoniously.

The process begins for many with formal meditation. It ends when we meditate every action in our lives. When our lives become a meditation, ego slips away, exposing our true nature. Now we are ready to join pure consciousness, pure awareness. We become one with God. Namaste.

Ayurveda For Alzheimer’s

Working for a road of recovery through Ayurvedic treatment
by Dr. Shubhankari P Rao



Those who had seen Mr.’s Wagle in early eighties had picturised her as a lady of Magnetic personality, proud and totally confident - an epitome of a devoted wife and an excellent homemaker. She was a pillar of strength for the functioning of the rest of the household and a wife who would stay night after night with her husband in ill health and praying him back to health with rock bound faith. Today Mrs. Wagle after almost 20Years is unperturbed, unconcerned and undisturbed even on death of her husband. She has sunk into profound memory loss and failed to recognize even her husband --- a disease medically termed as Alzheimer’s (dementia) a brain disorder which is irreversible.
Mrs. Wagle underwent Hysterectomy in mid eighties. Shortly after this she started having problems of short-term memory loss. Forgetfulness is a natural part of menopause and ageing and none of them considered getting an expert evaluation done for her. In two years they noticed that there was a decline in her ability of managing finances or making calculations. She started developing an escapist behavior and would simply shrug from undertaking new activities and complex tasks. These are initial signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
The disease slowly progressed to long-term memory loss. She developed loss of reasoning; difficulty in communicating with others, decreased judgment abilities and found it difficult even in performing daily activities. Initially, precaution had to be taken to ensure safety and comfort because she was prone to wandering and getting lost.
In mid eighties, she sank into moderate degree of dementia. She had profound memory loss that interfered with her daily activities and she needed help from others to complete them. She was in a state of confusion and her judgment power also was severely impaired. Her sleep pattern suffered and there was hostility and verbal outburst in her behavior pattern. Most of the time she had a vacant look in her eyes.
In late nineties Mrs. Wagle was graded as having severe dementia. She developed severe impairment of mind and body. She no longer recognized her spouse and children. She had no sense of time or current location. Verbal communication was decreased to a point of phrases or mere syllables. This was when her husband passed away in the year 2000. Recently her communication degenerated to complete inability to speak. She was in the bed needed help for dressing, bathing, grooming, eating and toileting. Though her heart was ticking she was unaware of her surroundings.
What happens in Alzheimer’s? People with Alzheimer’s experience difficulties in communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning. These problems are so severe that they could affect the individual’s work, social activities and family life.
Inside the brain are hundreds of billions of nerve cells connected by trillions of fibers called axons and dendrites .The activity between them controls your thoughts, feelings, drives, aspirations, and personality. This control center of all that you do think and feel is very vulnerable to its environment as it floats in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid just like a fish in a tank absorbs whatever is put in the tank. In Alzheimer’s disease many conditions like the reaction to foods drugs, herbs, body activities, lifestyles and sometimes genetic mapping etc create a confused interlacing of these fibers followed by neurotic plaques, granular vascular degeneration, Brain sink age and decreased amount of brain chemicals involved in communication called neuro transmitters. All of these changes impair the function of the brain cells and eventually lead to cellular death. The sad part is unlike other cells the brain is unable to regenerate new neurons.
Ayurveda terms this as smruthi nasha, caused by the depletion of dhatus or tissue elements and upward movement of the excessively accumulated bio energies. Intellect is pure, transparent, sharp, accurate, and subtle. The abode of intellect, which is the carrier of the three types of gunas- satvik, rajasik, tamasik, gets disturbed and their balance is lost. Satvik guna, which represents purity and consciousness, gets visually impaired by rajas, (the attribute of mind which usually represents energy and dynamism) and. Tamaa ,(the attribute of mind representing passivity and ignorance). manovaha srotas channels carrying cyclic impulses principally responsible for memory is kindled by the satva or the intellect.When this is completely evolved in tamaha or darkness the person is effected and there is malfunctioning of the mental activities. It is easier to prevent alzhimer’s then looking for treatment for correcting it.

Allergies and Ayurveda

Allergies occur when a hypersensitive immune system reacts to a common or unusual substance. In some people it is hereditary, but one can also develop an allergy at any time in his or her life. Any substance, whatever its origin, is a possible allergen. Foods, chemicals in foods, medicines, and environmental factors, including pollen, parasites, dust, animal hair, and chemical toxins, for example, can all cause allergic reactions almost anywhere in the body.
Ayurveda sees ama (toxins) and low immunity as the primary causes of most allergies. Ama can settle at the digestive level or in the various tissues, with different symptoms at each level. Ama toxicity aggravates blood and Pitta, or it can aggravate Kapha, with different symptoms.
HAY FEVER
Most of us are familiar with the symptoms of hay fever, or seasonal allergies, whether we have them ourselves or know someone else who does have- runny nose, sneezing, itching eyes, scratchy throat, and itching, swelling, or hives on the skin. Often, people seem to have a cold. With more severe reactions, one might suffer from asthma and other breathing difficulties, aches and pain, gastrointestinal reactions (for example, diarrhea), or rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Seasonal allergies can occur anytime, but they occur most often during spring and early summer, when plants and trees are flowering and producing pollens, the most common allergens. Seasonal allergies are also fairly common in the fall - many people are sensitive to the molds produced by decaying leaves and other plants. Animal feathers, hairs and dust cause similar symptoms.
Ayurveda sees hay fever as a Kapha-Pitta disorder; however, people with a Vata constitution suffer most from it, because it is also due to immune disorder and hypersensitivity of the nervous system:
Symptoms & Dosha predominance-
* Vata aggravation often produces headache, insomnia, and anxiety.
* Pitta aggravation produces yellow nasal discharge, feverish feeling, burning eyes, and skin rashes.
* Kapha aggravation produces whitish sputum and heaviness and dullness in the body. If the sinuses are congested, there may be a dull headache around the region of sinuses.
General Treatment
[A] Home Therapies
In all cases, nasal medication is recommended for controlling and preventing seasonal allergies. Use medicated sesame oil made with licorice, agaru (aquilaria agallocha), bilva (aegle marmalos), kantakari (solanum xanthocarpum), lotus, and nutgrass. Then put one drop in each nostril at bedtime. Use this for 4 weeks.
Medicated oil specialy prepared for Nasya ' Amrut Bindu' is very effective.
[B] Herbs
For Vata & Kapha - Take trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper powder in equal amount) 20 mgm.+ basil 250 mgm. + 10 mgm. cloves, camphor, and coriander each. It is advisable to take this mixture 3 times a day with warm water. Start before hay fever season. & take the mixture till the season is over.
[C] Diet
Avoid heavy foods, cold drinks, and dairy products (including cheese and yogurt), that increase Kapha and decrease digestive fire. Also, follow diets that rebalance your own pattern of doshic imbalance.
Vata treatment
Home Therapies
* Follow the " Unit increase/unit decrease "Rasayana treatment described in the section on asthma.
Pitta Treatment
* During an attack with Pitta aggravation, take a tea made with licorice, cardamom, and santalum album. For making tea - take equal proportion of dried herbs + 4 times water. Boil it. Reduce till 1/4th.
For Pitta pacification, bitter herbs & blood cleansing herbs like dandelion, barberry or echinacea should be taken. Take any of these herbs in dose of 1 to 3 gms. a day for 2 weeks.
Home Therapies
* Inhale medicated vapor made with water, basil leaves (holy basil, if possible), and eucalyptus oil.
* Do nasya (nasal medication) with coconut oil 2 times a day. Put 2 –3 drops of oil in the nose at bedtime.
Kapha Treatment
[a] Herbs
* Take 50 mg. of camphor and cloves and 1 gram of basil twice daily for 2 months.
[b] Prepared Medicines
* To ease Kapha aggravation, take 2 tablets of guduchi, three times daily with a tea made from basil, cloves, and camphor for 2 weeks.
[c] From the Ayurvedic Physician
An Ayurvedic physician would recommend medicated therapeutic vomiting to balance Kapha and prevent the recurrence of seasonal allergies.
[d] Yoga and Breath Therapy
It is common for hay fever to start with symptoms that are similar to colds and sinus problems. To prevent symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and congestion, practice nasal cleansing with water (jala neti) regularly to purify the entire upper respiratory tract and prevent recurrence of allergic attacks. Use a special pot with a spout - a neti pot - available for this purpose, and make nasal cleansing a regular part of your daily hygiene.
Deep breathing or regular practice of [anuloma viloma pranayama] can also prevent attack.
When hay fever allergies are chronic, practice (Kapalabhati) regularly to increase the patient's stamina.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) - Ayurvedic Management

Hypertension is one of the major causes of disability and death all over the world. Hypertension causes heart attacks, strokes, kidney failures and other disorder if it is neglected and remains untreated. In many cases, hypertension does not cause any symptoms until it causes complications such as heart attack and stroke and plays a role of silent killer in the body. So it is important to realize that you may have high blood pressure and only way to find it out that get your blood pressure checked at regular intervals.
Blood pressure is high when arterial blood pressure is elevated above the normal ranges. The normal blood pressure reading is systolic 120 over diastolic 80.
Symptoms of Hypertension:
Pain experienced at the back of the head and neck on waking up, which soon disappears.
Dizziness
Palpitations
Heart pain
Frequent urination
Nervous tension
Fatigue
Difficulty in Breathing
Causes of Hypertension:
Stress and hectic life-style.
Vitiation of vata
Smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants
Hardening of the arteries
Obesity
Metabolic disorders
Excessive intake of common table salt
Overloading of fast foods
Ayurvedic Approach to Hypertension: According to Ayurveda, high blood pressure involves all the doshas, the heart, and the blood vessels.We can see signs and symptoms of derangement of vata dosha mainly that of 'Vyana vayu' in high blood pressure. The treatment is to correct the balance of vata dosha.Pitta visiation is also seen often and should be trated.People with Pitta and Vata predominante constitution and Pitta and Vata imbalance, are more prone to hypertension than any other. Unprocessed anger, frustration, irritability, anxiety and fear leads to mal-adaptation of the endocrine system, which then leads to conditions like hypertension. Treatment is based on bringing these imbalances back to normal. In the treatment of hypertension; nutrition, exercise, breathing exercises (Pranayama), yoga, meditation, behavioral modification along with various herbs and minerals are prescribed.
Diet:
Avoid meat, eggs and salt
Reduce protein intake
Follow the following vegetarian diet:
Vegetables: Garlic, lemon,parsley,
Fruits: Indian Gooseberry,Grape fruuit, watermelon,
Dairy: Milk,Cottage cheese,clarified butter.
Coffee, which contains caffeine, enhances the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline and both are important in increasing blood pressure levels.
Limit sodium in the diet.
Cigarette smokers tend to have high blood pressure. Nicotine increases the resting heart rate and increases the release of the adrenaline Correct your diet and control your weight. One important thing to do is lose any excess amount of body fat you have. One of the good reasons to be slim (lean) is to keep your blood pressure low, losing body fat will lower the pressure enough that a person need not take medicine to control blood pressure. Either you have normal blood pressure or you have hypertension with high cholesterol levels your diet should definitely of low fat, low saturated fat, and low cholesterol diet.With practice of dietary measures recommended in Ayurveda while elaborating ‘Medoroga Chikitsa’ will definitely beneficial in weight reduction. It will be helpful to minimize the risk of fatty cholesterol deposits and will prevent complication of high blood pressure.
Life Style:If you master the techniques of keeping your blood pressure down, you have much less chance of having hypertension later and you are less likelihood of having fatty -cholesterol deposits in your arteries. Even though you have normal blood pressure, you can benefit yourself with simple adjustment in lifestyle.Regular Exercise is one of the best ways to lower blood pressure. Exercise has to be of right kind. A good exercise programme, particularly endurance exercises such as jogging or athletics, will cause the peripheral resistance to decrease. Exercise helps to eliminate body fat, lower total cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol that prevents fatty - cholesterol deposits. According to Ayurveda exercise improves the body, depletes excess fats, brings lightness of the body.Improving your lifestyle by adoption of ethical elements mentioned in 'Achara Rasayana' is must if you really want to stay away from mental and physical stress and from eventual hypertension. It is certain that stress can cause hypertension. Anxiety, secondary to acute stage can cause rise in your blood pressure. Relaxation and removal of stress will help to lower mildly elevated levels of blood pressure.Nurture love and affection. Love and affection and affectionate touch can significantly drop, your blood pressure.Speak truth. Lying has been found to boost blood pressure, because it require a lot of mental exercise. The more you lie, more you add tension, hence you are likely to get more stress, speak gently; don’t get annoyed, speaking loudly and rapidly can significantly raise your blood pressure during conversation. Sudden risk can shoot up your blood pressure higher. Chronic anger produces elevation in blood pressure and it can be a serious risk factor for coronary - heart - disease. So be cool, speak softly and even if it is event of extreme displeasure.Laughter is the best medicine. Laughter is as good as relaxation therapy, exercise or other methods used to overcome stress. Study shows that laughter decreases adrenaline and cortisol production. Laughter can help you if you are having high blood pressure. If you are frustrated, unhappy, angry, just laugh and find yourself away from rage. It is of the effective medicine you always have with your, without spending a penny for it.
Yoga and Breath Therapy:For complete tranquillity of mind, meditate in Corpse Pose. First, concentrate on the incoming and outgoing breath, focusing on the temperature of the breath as it flows in and out. You may notice the exhaled air is slightly warmer than the inhaled air. If you focus the mind on the breath for 10 minutes, mental disturbance gets diminished and blood pressure normalizes. Then you can meditate.Research has now shown that regular practice of Corpse Pose controls high blood pressure. Meditating and practicing breathing exercises regularly are essential to establishing a new relaxation response in place of the hypertensive reflex to stress. Chanting the mantra 'OM' or listening to a recording of it in the early morning and evening is also beneficial
Ayurvedic medications :Herbs For hypertensionSarpagandha : For centuries Rauwolfia serpentina has been used to treat hypertensionWe can supply Tablets 'Rasagandha'from our drug store .
Arjuna : Terminalia arjuna produced dose-dependent hypotension in anaesthetized dogs. Action of mechanism for this particular herb is that it acts like a beta-blocker and is a powerful antioxidant, liver protectant and contains cardio-protective, hypolipidemic, anti-angina and anti-atheroma properties. We can supply Tablets of 'Arjuna.' .
Gokshura: Tribulus terrestris(gokshura) is a natural herb used for treating many diseases including hypertension. It has shown to be diuretic and an ACE inhibitor.
Punarnava: Boerhaavia Diffusa has diuretic and Ca2+ channel blocking activity.
Rose : Rose Pattel Jam has calming and mood lifting effects.
Praval Bhasma : Indian Coral Powder provides elemental calcium and magnesium.Home Remedies
Rasona or garlic is most important substance helpful in alleviating vata dosha controlling blood pressure. Garlic lowers cholesterol and triglyceride that have impact on heart disease. A paste made of about 1 gm of garlic should be mixed with a glass of buttermilk. Drink this buttermilk twice a day. It will bring your blood pressure down.We can supply Tablets 'Lashunadi Vati' . from our drugstoreEating 2/3 raw clove of garlic (prior to soaking it in buttermilk) on empty stomach in the morning will correct any vitiation of vata dosha and will help to lower your blood pressure.
Soak 1tsp fenugreek seed in water for a night and munch them early in the morning on empty stomach. It will reduce your cholesterol and excess fats.
Powder of 'Triphala' should be taken regularly at night with warm water. This will help maintain constipation and bowels will remain clean.
Panchakarma: - Niruha basti Chikitsa (non unctuous enema) will be beneficial in hypertension and should be given by experienced physician.Dhara therapy is also helpful in treating obstinate cases of hypertension. Oil processed with bala (sida cordifolia) and milk is allowed to drop in small droplets on the forehead of the patient.
Approach according to dosha predominance in Hypertension:
When Vata predominates, An increase in blood pressure will be followed by worry, strain, overwork, anxiety or insomnia.It frequently associated with nervous system disorders.anxiety, worry, stress, and strain, are usually the main factors, therefore, treat the psychological conditions.Vata Treatment - Take 125 mg.of serpagandha (raulfia serpentina) and jatamansi 3 times daily for 2 – 3 months.Garlic is very good for this condition. Eat an entire crushed clove (with honey) once or twice a week.Take nutmeg or saraswat powder in warm milk.Take Ashwagandha preparations.
When Pitta predominates, anger,nose bleed, Irritability, and Violent headaches Sensitivity to light contribute to high blood pressure.Pitta Treatment - Use tranquilizing herbs that have cold potency. For example, take 250 mg. of gotukola at night. Brahma RasayanaSaraswat powderTo purify Pitta, take 1 gram each of Indian sarsaparilla (sariva) for 15 days.
When Kapha is prominent, there may be dull headache,edema, lethargy with obesity.blood pressure remains continually high. (no fluctuation as in Pitta hypertension.)Kapha Treatment - Avoid dairy, butter, eggs and high fat foods.- 1 gm. of guggulu or arjuna twice daily, or 250 mg. of shilajit 3 times daily for 3 months can be taken.Kapha type of hypertension is almost due to arteriosclerosis (deposition of fat inside the arteries - making their lumen narrow- causing hypertension). All the above herbs remove arteriosclerosis. Optimal mixture is Triphala guggulu 1 gm. daily for 3 months.100 mg. of cardamom and cinnamon 3 times daily is beneficial. Take these mixtures for 3 months. Regularly check blood pressure.

AYURVEDIC WAY TO THE HEART

'Heart Disease'(Hrudroga) is a global phenomenon. It is now becoming a major health problem even in the developing countries. The predisposing factors are heredity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high serum cholesterol and smoking. The way of living and the way of feeling appear to be quite an important factor in its increasing incidence. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences recently held a conference where doctors from around the world discussed the efficacy of Ayurvedic drugs in relation to a 'heart-diseases. The medical fraternity agreed that India's ancient stream of medicine has some miracle cures for cardio-vascular diseases. Cardiovascular problems have been dealt with at length in Ayurveda, which describes 'Hridaya' (heart) as a body organ governing emotions and circulating blood to keep a person alive and healthy.

Pathogenesis of Heart Problems
Cardiac problems arise mainly due to improper diet and stressful life styles. " These lead to thickening of arteries (dhamani praticaya) or hardening of arteries (dhamani kathinaya) resulting in angio-obstruction (vata dosa) and angina (ruja). " High blood pressure that hammers the arterial walls roughens them and causes the arterial wall to thicken. fatty cholesterol particles get deposited under the inner lining of the arteries (i.e. atherosclerosis). The higher the pressure more the deposits will occur. Subsequently these deposits become calcified due to fibrous growth and involved arteries lose their elasticity. It prevents blood from flowing easily and may lead to clotting. The clot formation can suddenly choke off the blood supply and lead to a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.

What Ayurveda can offer -
Ayurved is very much concerned about conservation of health. Ayurved presumes that improper dietary habits give rise to various disorders. With practice of dietary measures recommended in Ayurveda while elaborating ‘Medoroga Chikitsa’ will definitely beneficial in weight reduction. It will be helpful to minimize the risk of fatty cholesterol deposits and will prevent complication of high blood pressure.

You can improving your lifestyle and remove unnecessary stress by following some simple rules -

Take strict vegetarian low fat diet.
Coffee may increase your blood pressure. Coffee, which contains caffeine, enhances the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline and both are important in increasing blood pressure levels.
Cigarette smokers tend to have high blood pressure. Nicotine increases the resting heart rate and increases the release of the adrenaline substances that tends to increase blood pressure. Cigarette smoking alone significantly increases risk of having heart attack.

Regular Exercise helps to eliminate body fat, lower total cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol that prevents fatty - cholesterol deposits. According to Ayurveda exercise improves the body, depletes excess fats, brings lightness of the body.
Nurture love and affection all over the world. Love and affection and affectionate touch can significantly drop, your blood pressure.

Be cool don’t get annoyed, speaking loudly and rapidly can significantly raise your blood pressure Chronic anger produces elevation in blood pressure and it can be a serious risk factor for coronary - heart - disease. So be cool, speak softly and gently

Laughter is the best medicine:- Laughter is as good as relaxation therapy, exercise or other methods used to overcome stress. Study shows that laughter decreases adrenaline and cortisol production. Laughter can help you if you are having high blood pressure. If you are frustrated, unhappy, angry, just laugh and find yourself away from rage. It is of the effective medicine you always have with your, without spending a penny for it.

Meditation: - Try to ease yourself with meditation and by performing yogic asanas like Shavasana.

Other medications according to Ayurveda -
As mentioned earlier we can see signs and symptoms of derangement of vata dosha and vyana vayu in high blood pressure. The treatment is to correct the balance of vata dosha.

Rasona or garlic is most important substance helpful in alleviating vata dosha controlling blood pressure. A paste made of about 1gm of garlic should be mixed with a glass of buttermilk. Drink this buttermilk twice a day. It will bring your blood pressure down.Garlic lowers cholesterol and triglyceride that have impact on heart disease.

Soak 1tsp fenugreek seed in water for a night and munch them early in the morning on empty stomach. It will reduce your cholesterol and excess fats.You can purchase the 'Lashunadi Vati' Tablets from our online drug store.
A study conducted at the Gujarat Ayurvedic University, drugs such as Terminalia Arjuna and Jaharmohara were administered to heart patients. In 66 percent of the cases the levels of chest pains, palpitation and fatigue came down dramatically and blood pressure and pulse rate came back to normal.

The drug Terminalia Arjuna has been used in Ayurveda for cardiac ailments since ancient times. Arjuna is a dense and tall tree and has long, cone shaped round leaves and white bark used in medicines. This tree is called nadisarjja in Sanskrit and its bark is described as a cardiac tonic. The tree is indigenous to India though it is found also in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Besides the heart, Terminalia Arjuna is said to be beneficial for internal bleeding, ulcers, asthma, diarrhea and dysentery. You can purchase the 'Arjuna' Tablets or Powder from our online drug store.

Jaharmorha is another Ayurvedic drug used in the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases. It is a yellowish-green soft stone found in the Himalayas. Its powder is processed with rose water and administered to heart patients.
Triphala Guggul is yet another Ayurvedic preparation found useful in reducing cholesterol levels. You can purchase the 'Triphala Guggul' from our online drug store.

SLEEP AND AYURVEDIC

May be you must try time-tested Ayurvedic tips and antidotes to grab some shuteye But your insomnia continues to inflict you every night. May be you must try out some time tested Ayurvedic and house hold tips to grab some sleep. According to Ayurveda, insomnia is a high vata disorder. so cooling the heat by a massage with anti-vata oils like Narayana tailam,Bala tailam can be helpful. Treatments like shirodhara,shirovasti has proved to be very beneficial. Drugs like Ashwagandha,Brahmi and Jatamansi taken after consulting an Ayurvedic physician yields good results in case of sleeplessness. TRY THIS AT HOME 1) Taking a balanced diet cooked with good quantities of onion can be of use. 2) According to Vastuguna Deepika, a paste made from ground leaves of Indain spinach(commonly called Bachalikoora) when applied on the temples has a soothing effect and in turn induces sleep.Indian spinach has similar effects when cooked and consumed. 3) According to Bhavaprakasham, foods cooked with sesame(til) or urad dal(minapa pappu) promotes sleep. 4) Sugarcane juice has also been known to be useful to those suffering from sleep disorders. 5) Consuming fish,lamb meat(mutton) or its soup can promote good sleep. 6) Regular, but moderate intake of adequate diary products- such as milk,butter and curd - have been known to induce sleep. 7) A glass of milk before going to bed. you can burn those extra calories by exercising the next morning. Remember, exercise also helps to reduce insomnia. 8) Avoiding naps in the afternoon or at odd hours. 9) Avoiding tea,coffee or heavy exercise after five pm and going to bed at a regular time. 10) A warm bath before going to bed. 11) Reading or listening to soothing music also puts calms yours nerves and promotes sleep.

Writer ..........Dr G. Sridevi Ayu Kerala Ayurvedic Panchakarma centre Phone : 23375531

Renew Yourself This Spring

Ayurvedic healers highly recommend periodic internal cleansing as a way to maintain good health and prevent disorders from taking root in the physiology. Just like you regularly flush out the plumbing system in your home or change the oil in your automobile engine, periodically helping your body flush toxins out thoroughly is a good maintenance technique that will help organs and systems stay more efficient for a longer period of time. Especially after the age of 40, when your body's own cleansing and rejuvenating capability starts slowing down, supporting it with a cleansing regime is important for ongoing health and vitality.
The Seed and Land Theory of Ayurveda
Proper digestion is crucial for health. When digestion is efficient and complete, all of the food you eat is either converted into nutrient fluids for absorption into the body, or flushed out as wastes. When the digestive process is incomplete or inefficient, partially digested food matter is left behind in the digestive system. This substance, called ama in ayurveda, becomes toxic to the physiology if allowed to stay in the body or build up over time. Ama is not only inherently toxic in itself, it also clogs the channels of the body, further disrupting the flow of digestion and leading to an escalating cycle of toxin build-up. Ama is fertile ground for infections and disorders to germinate, take root and flourish. Ama build-up is considered the first stage of imbalance in the physiology. If not addressed, disorders invariably follow.
The digestive process leaves behind toxins either when you eat foods that are not fresh, natural or suited to your constitution and digestive capability, or when you follow eating routines and practices that are not ideal. Eating processed or artificially flavored foods and foods that are grown with chemical pesticides and fertilizers can lead to toxin build-up. Drinking iced water or ice-cold beverages douses the digestive fire and causes ama to be generated. Eating heavier foods after sundown, eating a new meal before the previous one is digested, or eating when stressed or working also impact digestion. For help with choosing foods that are best for you and for ayurvedic digestion guidelines, read our "Eating for Balance" articles.
How to tell if you have ama build-upIt is best to visit an ayurvedic healer and have him or her assess your ama levels. The following are general indications that you may have an accumulation of toxins in your physiology:
1. Your tongue has a white coating in the morning when you wake up.2. You yawn after a main meal and just want to curl up and snooze.3. You feel tired and lethargic all day long, even though you eat well and sleep well.4. Your appetite is poor or you crave junk foods.5. You feel a general lack of motivation or zest for life.6. You feel "spaced out" and your mind is cloudy.7. You experience abdominal bloating and gas, especially after a main meal.8. You feel heavy and congested or constipated.9. You have a general sense of malaise, with vague aches and pains.
If you experience three or more of the above on a regular basis, your physiology would probably benefit from a cleansing regime.
Full-fledged ayurvedic cleansing programs, called Panchakarma, are best done under the supervision of an ayurvedic physician. Harsh sudden purges are also not recommended in ayurveda. A gentle program of cleansing, done over 45-60 days, is least stressful for the physiology, easiest to follow on a regular basis, and adequate for enhancing the digestive fire to burn off simple ama accumulation.
The best time for internal cleansingAyurveda recommends a seasonal routine (ritucharya) as well as daily routine (dinacharya). Each season brings with it its own challenges with respect to your health and needs for balance. The time when the seasons change is the best time to do an at-home cleansing regime, to divest yourself of the earlier season's accumulation of ama and to prepare the physiology for the new season.
Spring, especially, is considered an ideal time to rejuvenate the physiology, in keeping with Nature's own calendar for rejuvenation. With the melting of the snows and the thawing of the ground, the fluids in the body also start flowing more freely, and performing an internal cleansing routine at this time accelerates the flushing of toxins from the physiology.
The "at-home" cleansing routine: diet
The don'ts:Start by eliminating from your diet all foods that can create ama. This includes leftovers, foods with preservatives, additives or chemicals, and foods grown in an environment laced with chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and canned, frozen or processed foods.
Eliminate junk foods from your diet. Avoid heavy desserts, heavy meats and cheeses, deep-fried foods, candy and chocolate, white sugar, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Minimize breads made with yeast and fermented foods.
Avoid raw foods such as uncooked salads, sprouts and cold sandwiches, because raw foods are harder on the digestive system. Avoid yogurt, as it sometimes clogs the channels of the body. If you drink milk, boil it with a pinch of nutmeg for Vata, cardamom for Pitta and a slice of fresh ginger for Kapha to enhance digestibility.
Avoid iced water and cold beverages.
The dos:Pick foods that are best for your constitution and needs for balance, as well as the strength of your digestive agni. Stick to lighter, easier-to-digest foods from the choices you do have.Our food recommendations for Vata, Pitta or Kapha balancing diets is a good starting point.
Eat whole, fresh, natural foods, organic if you can get it. Buy your produce fresh, and consume it quickly.
Eat cooked foods, warm or at room temperature.
Drink lots of warm water through the day. Accompany meals with small sips of warm water as needed. A detoxifying "tea" is even better. Coriander, cumin, fennel and ajwain (carum copticum) are digestion-enhancing spices to choose from. Here are suggestions for detoxifying herbal waters for the three doshas:
Bring two quarts of pure water to a rolling boil. Add the herbs/spices listed below, turn off heat after a couple of minutes and let steep for about 15-20 minutes. Strain and pour the water into a thermos. Drink the tea through the day, especially 15 minutes after a meal. Throw out any that remains after 6.30 pm, and make a fresh batch the next morning.
Vata: 1/2 tsp cumin seed, 1/4 tsp ajwain seed, 1/2 tsp fennel seedPitta: 1/2 tsp cumin seed, 1/2 tsp coriander seed, 2 fresh mint leavesKapha: 1/2 tsp cumin seed, 1 clove, 1-2 slices fresh ginger root
If you can find fresh Tulsi (Holy Basil), add a leaf or two to the water for all doshas. Tulsi is known for its ability to cleanse the physiology of environmental toxins.
Include lots of cleansing fruits and vegetables in your diet. Barley water or rice kanjee, made by cooking a small amount of grain with a large quantity of water (1/2 cup to 10 cups) are also wonderful cleansers of the digestive system and the urinary tract. Greens, daikon radish, bitter gourd, cabbage and celery are examples of cleansing vegetables. Cooked apples and pears are a great way to get elimination going in the morning. Prunes, pineapple, papaya and pomegranate are other fruits that aid digestion and cleansing. Herbs such as cilantro, mint, fresh ginger and lemon are also helpful for cleansing and purifying the digestive system.
Cook with digestion-enhancing, detoxifying spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, clove, ajwain, fenugreek, dried ginger, Chinese cinnamon and fennel. Add the turmeric to foods as they are cooking, and sauté other spices in ghee or olive oil and pour over prepared dishes for the best therapeutic benefit. Digestion-enhancing lassi, made with some of the herbs and spices mentioned in this section, is an excellent choice for a lunchtime beverage.
The "at-home" cleansing routine: lifestyle
Follow ayurvedic guidelines for proper digestion. Eat three meals a day at about the same times, eat lighter in the morning and evening than in the afternoon, and eat in a quiet, pleasant atmosphere.
Get lots of rest. Sleep is important any time of year, but especially during purification, when your body needs the quiet time to cleanse itself and recharge. Go to bed early and rise early.
Meditate everyday. Stress contributes to disrupted digestion, and meditation can help reduce stress levels.
Exercise, done everyday, is important. Exercise early in the morning. Walking is excellent exercise for all body types. Practice deep breathing to draw in oxygen and cleanse the air channels of the body. Avoid napping during the day.
The ayurvedic daily massage, called abhyanga, helps loosen toxins deeply embedded in body tissues for ease of elimination.
If there is a day spa that offers ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments in the area, treat yourself to a shirodhara--a routine where a stream of warm oil is poured steadily on the forehead for 30-45 minutes, followed by a scalp massage. The shirodhara is wonderful for calming the mind and nervous system and recharging the entire physiology.
Regular elimination is important. Empty your bowel and bladder regularly to flush the toxins that have been loosened or released from the tissues, joints and organs out of the body before they get back into circulation.
The "at-home" cleansing routine: herbal rasayanasTriphala and Tulsi together can help cleanse the physiology of internally generated digestive ama as well as toxins drawn in from the environment through less-than-ideal air, water or food.
Triphala Rasayana helps cleanse and tone the entire digestive tract, strengthens the digestion to deter further ama formation and strengthens and purifies the liver. It can be taken by all body types. For cleansing, take 2-4 tablets of AyurBalance Triphala Rasayana with warm water about an hour before bed, for 30 days. For ongoing maintenance, take 1-2 tablets every night all year round.
The ayurvedic herb Tulsi (Holy Basil) helps balance Kapha dosha, which tends to get aggravated in the spring, and helps purify the system of spring-related ama problems as well as environmental toxins. It also helps bolster your natural immunity. Drink Tulsi-infused herbal tea once or twice a day during the Kapha season to stay balanced.
After cleansing: ongoing maintenanceAfter the 30 days of cleansing, you can gradually add back heavier foods and small portions of raw foods into your diet if your constitution and digestive fire permit you to have these foods usually. Continue your diet of fresh, whole, pure foods and continue to drink lots of water through the day. Get plenty of rest, moderate exercise and some relaxation every day. Take maintenance amounts of the Triphala Rasayana and add the Amalaki Rasayana after lunch each day to strengthen digestion and offer nourishment to all the body tissues.
At the next change of seasons, perform the cleansing routine again to keep ama out of the system and to support natural good health and vitality on a long-term basis.

Ayurvedic food supplements for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common condition, affecting the weight bearing joints (e.g. knees, lower back, hips, etc.), often described as "wear and tear" arthritis. In human body the ends of the bones in normal joints are covered with a smooth, slippery tissue called cartilage, which provides protection to our bones. Joints also contain a fluid called synovial fluid, which acts as a cushion or "shock absorber" and lubricates the joint.

In people with osteoarthritis, the synovial fluid becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. The thinner synovial fluid does not provide a good cushion. For this reason, the cartilage covering the ends of the bones begins to break, which leads to pain and stiffness in the joint.

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disorder, because of degeneration of cartilage covering the ends of the bones.

In Ayurveda this condition is called as Sandhighat Vata. This condition can be a very mild disease or a severe disease that greatly limits everyday activity. For example, if patient has Osteoarthritis of the knee, patient may feel pain and swelling in the knee area and pain gets worse during movement of the knee.

Patient may feel or hear crunching or cracking sounds on movement of joints. X-rays usually confirm diagnosis. Ayurvedic Science is based on the principles of Bio-energy.

There are three types of Bio-energies or Doshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which control metabolism and all other functions of human body.

The equillibrium of the Doshas provide complete health and imbalance of these Doshas lead to various disorders.

Osteoarthritis (Sandhighat Vata) is a Vata disorder in which excessive Vata energy causes dryness in the joints followed by pain, swelling and stiffness of affected joints. Ayurvedic therapy in Osteoarthritis not only prevents further deterioration in the joints but also rejuvenates the damaged cartilages.

In my private practice I have seen Ashwagandha, Guggul and Shilajit, one capsule or tablet each twice a day with large glass of water for six months produce excellent results in Osteoarthritis.

These herbs do not cause any side effect even for long-term use.

As acute pain may not be felt in every case of degeneration, one must think of starting treatment at the very initial stage. Ayurvedic diets and life styles are selected as per constitution of the individual.

One should avoid being overweight, because excess weight increases the load on the joints.

Regular exercises of knee joints help the patient to remain fit.
Dr. Harish K. Verma* * Delhi and author of "Secrets of Ayurveda" published in UK.

The Five Elements & 'Fire' of Digestion in Ayurvedic Food, Nutrition & Cooking

Like Ayurvedic medicine, the foundation of Ayurvedic cooking and nutrition is comprised of the five elements:
Earth
Water
Fire
Air
Space
While the concept of the five elements may seem strange to us, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda is also mirrored in modern physiology and nutrition.
For example, in Ayurveda, the fire of digestion is known as 'agni.'
Similar to the enzymes that are required for biochemical digestion, agni is essential for proper digestion of the nutrients present in our food.
In fact, many of the famous Indian pickles and chutneys are formulated to stimulate the flow of digestive juices, which include digestive enzymes: - in Ayurveda, this is called - "increasing agni."
Because the fire energy of agni is associated with the warmth of the sun, the best health practice is to eat our main meals during the day when the power of agni is strongest.
In Ayurvedic meal planning, lunch is typically the largest and heaviest meal of the day.
While some foods are seemingly dominated by one element, bear in mind that each food has all five elements and each food often has more than one taste as well.
According to Ayurveda, all matter is made up of these five elements.
But, these are not elements such as those in the Periodic Table of modern chemistry; rather, they are more akin to the states of matter.
Water is the liquid stage of matter
Earth represents the solid state
Air is the gaseous state
Fire is the power to transform states of matter
Space, or Ether, as it is sometimes called, is the most rarified of all, and represents the space in which all matter exists.