|
|
|
||||||||||||
Doshic Imbalances ----------------- Any imbalance in the doshas is likely to have a negative effect on your mind and emotions. If in excess you are more likely to display negative energy of a quality associated with it. The predominant dosha of your constitution becoming in excess more easily than the others, you will tend to experience its negative aspects more than the others. Negative emotions aggravate the dosha associated with them. For example, high kapha may mean you are more possessive; but possessiveness in turn increases kapha even more. The way to break this vicious circle is to pacify the aggravated dosha. Increased consciousness of Ayurveda and your personal constitution will now enable you to rate the qualities of your moods as V, P, and / or K. Checked as frequently as on a daily basis, this is a very useful way to monitor even small changes in a dosha, and take steps to restore the balance sooner than later. Relate the qualities of your moods to the qualities in other aspects of your life. Since "like increases like" if you are impatient or critical (pitta), check if you have eaten pitta-genic foods or been exposed to pitta-provoking experiences. Excess Vata leads to : Nervousness Moodiness Anxiety Loss of consciousness Fear Impairment of sensory functions Confusion Tremors in Limbs Grief Constipation Sadness Insomnia Insecurity Dry & rough skin Lack of integrity Low vitality Loss of creativity Lack of communication With decreased Vata giving rise to : Lethargy Nausea Depression Irregularity in gastric activity In case of excess Pitta one suffers from : Ambition Hate Anger Jealously Envy Judgemental or critical tendencies Fear of Failure Lack of discernment Snappy speech and actions Pride Skepticism Burning sensations Excessive thirst Craving for cold Loss of sleep Fever Frustration While decreased Pitta results in : Indigestion Loss of luster in the skin Abnormal loss of body heat Irregular bowel movements. Aggravated Kapha in turn causes : Boredom Lack of interest Carelessness Secretions from the mouth Lack of compassion Lethargy Greed Excessive sleep Feeling lack of support or love Improper digestive function Obsessive behavior Obesity Unkindness Nausea And decreased Kapha gives way to : Thirst Cramps Giddiness Body aches Dryness of mouth Double Dosha Body Types Do's and Don't REMEDIES VATA PITTA KAPHA Food Warm, well cooked food. Sweet, sour and salty tastes Warm to cool rather than steaming hot.Sweet ,bitter and astringent tastes. Decreased quantities of warm food.Pungent, bitter and astringent tastes.To be taken earlier than 10 am and not later than 6 pm. Healthy Kapha types should observe fast one day per week. Oil Massage With calming and warming oils such as Mahanarayan Oil. With cooling oils such as chandanbala Laxadi oil With stimulating oils such as punarnavadi oil and srigopal oil. Exercise Moderate exercise such as yoga, walking and light weights Moderate exercise which may include jogging, swimming, Yoga, cycling and weight lifting Regular and vigorous. Herbal Dietary supplements Ashwagandha, shatavari, haritaki, Guggul, Trikatu ,Vata tea, Calming Tea. Haritaki, Bhumiamla, Chyavanprash, surakta, sitopladi churan,pitta Tea. Guggul, sitopladi churan, trikatu, chyavanprash, Kapha Tea. Factors that increase vata Explosure to cold , no routine in yur life, eating to much dry, frozen or leftover food, or food with bitter, pungent or astringents taste. Fasting, too much traveling, too much or inappropriate exercise, suppressing natural urges, abdominal surgery. Not oiling the skin. Factors that increase pitta Exposure to heat, eating too much red meat, salt, spicy or sour foods. Indigestion and irregularity of meals. Exercising at midday, Drugs especially antibiotics. Too much intellectual work/thinking. Alcohol, Fatigue.Anger,Hate fear, emotion. Factors that increase kapha Exposure to cold , eating too much sweet ,meat ,fats, cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt, fried food, excessive use of salt. Excessive intake of water , taking naps after meals. Doing nothing .Sedative and tranquilizers. Doubts, greed, and possessiveness. Lack of comapation Doshic Imbalances --------------------- Any imbalance in the doshas is likely to have a negative effect on your mind and emotions. If in excess you are more likely to display negative energy of a quality associated with it. The predominant dosha of your constitution becoming in excess more easily than the others, you will tend to experience its negative aspects more than the others. Negative emotions aggravate the dosha associated with them. For example, high kapha may mean you are more possessive; but possessiveness in turn increases kapha even more. The way to break this vicious circle is to pacify the aggravated dosha. Increased consciousness of Ayurveda and your personal constitution will now enable you to rate the qualities of your moods as V, P, and / or K. Checked as frequently as on a daily basis, this is a very useful way to monitor even small changes in a dosha, and take steps to restore the balance sooner than later. Relate the qualities of your moods to the qualities in other aspects of your life. Since "like increases like" if you are impatient or critical (pitta), check if you have eaten pitta-genic foods or been exposed to pitta-provoking experiences. Excess Vata leads to : Nervousness Moodiness Anxiety Loss of consciousness Fear Impairment of sensory functions Confusion Tremors in Limbs Grief Constipation Sadness Insomnia Insecurity Dry & rough skin Lack of integrity Low vitality Loss of creativity Lack of communication With decreased Vata giving rise to : Lethargy Nausea Depression Irregularity in gastric activity In case of excess Pitta one suffers from : Ambition Hate Anger Jealously Envy Judgemental or critical tendencies Fear of Failure Lack of discernment Snappy speech and actions Pride Skepticism Burning sensations Excessive thirst Craving for cold Loss of sleep Fever Frustration While decreased Pitta results in : Indigestion Loss of luster in the skin Abnormal loss of body heat Irregular bowel movements. Aggravated Kapha in turn causes : Boredom Lack of interest Carelessness Secretions from the mouth Lack of compassion Lethargy Greed Excessive sleep Feeling lack of support or love Improper digestive function Obsessive behavior Obesity Unkindness Nausea And decreased Kapha gives way to : Thirst Cramps Giddiness Body aches Dryness of mouth Dosha sub type & their features ------------------------------- Each of the three doshas can be sub-classified variously and their respective features are as indicated below : Vata (Vayu) Doshas Site Normal function Ailments caused by its vitiation Prana Heart Breathing and swallowing of food. Hiccups, Bronchitis, Asthma, Cold, Hoarseness of voice Udana Throat Speech and voice Various diseases of eye, ear, nose and throat. Samana Stomach & small intestines Helps action of digestive enzymes, assimilation of end products of food and separation into their various tissue elements. Indigestion, Diarrhea, Defective assimilation. Apana Colon & organs of pelvis Elimination of stool, urine, semen, foetal and menstrual blood. Diseases of bladder, anus & testicles, Obstinate urinary diseases, Diabetes Vyana Heart Helps in the functioning of circulating channels as blood vessels. Impairment of circulation, Diseases as fever Pitta Doshas Site Normal function Ailments caused by its vitiation Pachaka Stomach & small intestines Digestion Indigestion, Anorexia Ranjaka Liver, spleen and stomach Blood Function Anemia, Jaundice Hepatitis Sadhaka Heart Memory and other mental functions. Psychic disturbances, Cardiac diseases Alochaka Eyes Vision Impairment of vision Bhrajaka Skin Colour and glaze of the skin Leucoderma, Other skin diseases. Kapha Doshas Site Normal function Ailments caused by its vitiation Kledaka Stomach Moistens food, which helps in digestion. Impairment of digestion Avalambaka Heart Energy in limbs Laziness Bodhaka Tongue Perception of taste. Impairment of digestion Tarpaka Brain Nourishment of the sense organs Loss of memory, Impairment of function of sense organs Shlesshaka Joints Lubrication of joints Pain in joints, Impairment of function of joints --- Diet Planning ------------- Since diet, along with daily habits, is crucial to the health of an individual, it must be made clear at the outset that there is no standard ideal diet for all people in general. The various factors that need to be kept in mind while working out the ideal diet for each person, which will be distinctly different based on the person’s specific constitutional characteristics, are as listed below: The natural qualities of each food. How those natural qualities can get altered. The effects of combining foods – proper and unacceptable combinations. The quantity of food intake. Individual differences in food intake. The places & climate where the food is grown, prepared and consumed. The effects of the seasons and time of day. Avoidance of artificial flavors, chemicals, preservatives and colours. Diet Composition One other factor that has remained a matter of great debate worldwide over the ages has been the vegetarianism vs. non-vegetarianism controversy. Initially it was common belief that non-vegetarian diet is superior in that it is full of energetic ingredients and thus provides more strength and stamina. But now it has been scientifically established that vegetarian diet is more natural and useful to human nature. Non-vegetarian diet contains cholesterol saturated fatty acids that are the root cause of diseases as coronary heart problems, cerebro-vascular accidents (strokes), eye disorders & high blood pressure. With only about 60% of its contents useful for human body, the rest 40% contains harmful toxins. In addition, such diet is usually heavy for the stomach and produces acidity, which in turn can cause problems in the gastrointestinal system. Another significantly important difference between the two is that fruits & vegetables (cereals & grains, legumes, seedy fruits, citrus fruits, carrot, cabbage, celery, green leafy vegetables, apples, melons, peaches, pears etc.) are rich in dietary fibers that reduces incidence of coronary heart diseases, cancer of intestinal tract, piles, obesity, diabetes, constipation, hiatus hernia, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dental caries and gallstones. Also many disease causing organisms are transmitted through and thrive in animal protein – serious ailments as Encephalopathy and Mad Cow diseases are caused by Bovine Spongi. Similarly the Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria can be passed on through consumed eggs, causing diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis and typhoid. Given that the body of non-vegetarian animals contains 10 times more amount of hydrochloric acid than that of vegetarian ones, and that the human body should not be having such a high concentration of hydrochloric acid, it is reasonable to assume that the fact human body is basically meant for a vegetarian diet. ------ Choice of Food ------------------ In planning the diet it is necessary to know which food to have or avoid based on ones personal doshic constitution or imbalance. For easy reference therefore some of the acceptable and avoidable items for each doshic type has been listed below : Fruits Vata Pitta Kapha No Yes No Yes No Yes apples dates figs (dry) pomegranate raisin pears Avocades grapes lemons bananas sweet oranges plum figs (fresh) mango apples(sour) berries(sour) cranberries strawberries banana lemon peaches apples(sweet) berries(sweet) coconuts dates figs avocados sweet melons plums pomegranates bananas dates grapes water melons sweetners melons mango coconut apples berries cranberries pomegranates dried fruits strawberries in small amounts Dairy Vata Pitta Kapha No Yes No Yes No Yes cheese cow’s milk powdered yogurt dairy fresh, whole un-homogenized milk ghee little butter white meat (chicken, fish or turkey – baked or broiled) chicken broth yogurt sour cream fresh ghee fresh whole un-homogenized milk milk clarified butter cheese just a little dairy goat milk and ghee in moderation Grains Vata Pitta Kapha No Yes No Yes No Yes Barley corn cereals granola millet tapioca white or brown basmati rice wheat oats quinoa Corn millet oat(dry) quinoa polenta white or brown basmati rice, wheat barley oat bran oats wheat or wheat bran Bread(with yeast) oat(cooked) wheat white rice cane barley buckwheat cousous millet muesli oats oat bran small amount of wheat Meat Vata Pitta Kapha No Yes No Yes No Yes turkey rabbit pork lamb white meat (chicken, fish and turkey - baked or broiled) chicken broth meat chicken ducks eggs pork salmon sardines baked or broiled chicken, turkey or white fish in moderate amounts beef buffalo chicken duck fresh water fish shrimp rabbit venison small amount of white meat Vegetables Vata Pitta Kapha No Yes No Yes No Yes Cabbage(raw) Cauliflower(raw) Peas Potatoes Spinach Eggplant Mushroom Raddish(raw) Spinach Tomatoes(raw) beets cauliflower(cooked) leeks carrots asparagus cilantro fennel and a little bit of garlic green beans greens chillies okra parsnips pumpkins radishes( preferably cooked) Beet greens Carrots Garlic Green Chillies Onion Peppers Prickly pear Radishes Spinach Turnips asparagus broccoli cabbage cucumber cooked onions sweet potatoes sprouts squash and a small amount of okra and cauliflower Cucumber Olives Potato Pumpkin Spaghetti Squash Tomato(raw) asparagus beets bitter melons broccoli beet greens cabbage garlic fennel carrot horseradish leafy greens leeks lettuce okra cooked onions spinach sprouts squash turnip and a small amount of artichoke, burdock root and brussels sprouts Spices Vata Pitta Kapha No Yes No Yes No Yes Carawas Ajwan Almond extract Aruise Basil Bay leaf Black pepper All spices are good. cilantro, cummin, corriander and fennel seeds, turmeric and asafoetida(hing) Ajwan Anise Asafoctida Basil Bay leaf Garlic Ginger Mace Pippai Mustard Seeds Black pepper cardamom coriander seeds cinnamon cilantro fennel seeds fresh basil dill turmeric and a small amount of cumin and fresh ginger Salt chillies, ginger, cinnamon, clove, fenugreek and bay leaves Ajawan Arvise Asafoetida Bay leaf Caraway Cinnamon Dill Mace Nutmeg Saffron Nuts Vata Pitta Kapha No Yes No Yes No Yes None small amount of almonds pecans and sesame seeds Almonds Cashew Peanuts Pinenuts sunflower seeds and almonds in moderate amount Almonds Black Walnuts Brazil nuts Filberts Hazelnuts Peanuts Pine nuts Walnuts small amount of almonds , charole ------- Uneasy Combinations The next important factor requiring attention in the planning of diet is the incompatibility of certain combinations of food that disturb the normal functioning of gastric fire and interfere with the equilibrium of the three doshas, thereby creating toxins (am) – the root cause of all ailments. A suggestive sample of the same is indicated below : Milk fish, meat, curd, sour fruits, bread containing yeast, cherries, yogurt Melons grains, starch, fried foods, dairy products Starches eggs, tea, dairy, bananas, dates, most fruits Honey when mixed with an equal amount of clarified butter, boiled or cooked honey Radishes milk, bananas, raisins Nightshades potato, yogurt, milk, melon, cucumber, tomato, eggplant Yogurt milk, sour fruits, melons, hot drinks, meat, fish, mangos, starch, cheese Eggs milk, meat, yogurt, melons, cheese, fish, bananas Fruit with any other food Corn dates, raisins, bananas Lemon yogurt, milk, cucumbers, tomatoes *These guidelines are by no means an exhaustive list. It must be remembered that a proper Ayurvedic diet should consider nutritional value, constitution, seasons, age and any disease condition. --------- Role of Taste It is as important to realise that every food's unique combination of attributes will influence its taste and the action it causes in the body. With every taste having a different action – as detailed below. Astanga Hrdayam clearly describes the characteristics of each of the six tastes and problems that might be experienced from its habitual over-consumption. Most foods being a combination of two or more of these tastes e.g. coffee is bitter and pungent. Sour Comprised of the elements earth & fire, it increases pitta and kapha and is good for heart and digestion. Stimulates agni, moves inactive Vata energy down the pelvic cavity, sets the teeth on edge and increases salivation. Excess use may cause looseness and flabbiness, loss of strength, giddiness, itching, irritation, a whitish yellow pallor, herpetiform lesions, swelling thirsts and fever, and diseases arising from excess pitta and kapha. Sweet Related to earth & water, it mitigates pitta and vata, producing greater strength in the tissues and of value to the aged, wounded, emaciated and children. Universally liked, it often adheres to the inside of the mouth, giving a feeling of pleasure, contentment and comfort. Good for the complexion, hair, senses and ojas, it also increases breast milk and helps unite broke parts like bones. By its virtue it prolongs life and helps life activities. In excess however it may cause diseases arising from fat and excess kapha e.g. obesity, dyspepsia, unconsciousness, diabetes, enlargement of neck glands or malignant tumors. Salt The water & fire in salty taste increases pitta and kapha. It clears obstruction of channels and pores and increases the digestive activity and salivation. Also responsible for lubrication and sweating, it penetrates the tissues. An excess of it may cause baldness and graying of the hair, wrinkles, thirst, skin diseases, blood disorders, herpetiform leisons and loss of body strength Pungent Fire & air in pungent increases vata and pitta and mitigates kapha. Increases hunger, is digestive, causes irritation, brings secretion from the eyes, nose & mouth, and gives a burning sensation to the mouth. Dilating the channels and breaking up the hard masses. But an excess use of it may cause thirst, depletion of reproductive tissue and strength, fainting, contracture, tremors, pain in the waist and back, and other disorders related to excess of pitta and kapha. Bitter Air & space being its elements, it mitigates pitta and kapha. Drying up moisture from fat, muscles, faeces and urine. It cleans the mouth and destroys the perception of taste. It is said to cure anorexia, worms, bacteria, parasites, thirst, skin diseases, loss of consciousness, fever, nausea, burning sensation. But in excess, it increases vata, causing diseases of vata origin and depletion of tissues. Astringent Air & earth increases vata and mitigates increased pitta and kapha. It cleans the blood and causes healing of ulcers. Like bitter, it too dries up moisture from fat. It absorbs water, causing constipation and hindering digestion of undigested food. Its excess use causes stasis of food without digestion, flatulance, pain in the cardiac region, emaciation, loss of virility, obstruction of channels and constipation. ------------ Return to Earth Medicine - Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine
|
sunfyre@cherokeenation.zzn.com |
 Elders@divinelivinglight.org |
|
. |
| Visitors: 01689 |