Archive for the ‘Ayurveda’ Category
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About Autumn
Autumn represents the metal element and is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine. It is a time of harvest and gathering together. We prepare and eat foods that keep us warm, start collecting or bringing out warmer clothing, and plan indoor projects or quiet time. This gathering also occurs in nature. Plants and animals are contracting and moving energy and nutrients inward and downward into root systems and places of hibernation.Fall is also considered a time of dryness. Any type of dry condition a person might have is usually associated with the lungs. Dry symptoms might include dry skin anywhere on the body, dry throat, thirst and itchy skin. Using a little salt (I recommend Himalayan or French Celtic Sea Salt) with cooking helps to moisten dryness as well as eating the following moistening foods:
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Healthy oils – olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil
- Squashes (in season)
- Yams, sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Apple, pear, persimmon, loquat
- Seaweed
- Barley and millet
- Mushrooms (black and white)
- Almond, pine nuts, peanuts, sesame seed
- Honey, barley malt, rice syrup
- Milk and dairy products (in moderation)
- Eggs
- Clam, crab, oyster, mussel, herring
- Pork
Foods that are spicy or warming, aromatic and bitter should be used with caution if you are experiencing a dry condition, for they are drying to the body.
The Lungs: In Balance and Disease
The function of the lungs in TCM is to receive nourishing oxygen and combine that with the vital energy or qi of healthy food. This becomes protective qi or “wei qi”, as it’s termed in TCM, and is distributed through the body by the lungs. The spreading of protective qi by the lungs creates a barrier against bacteria and viruses. It also helps to moisten the mucus membranes to keep them healthy and strong.
Keeping Lungs Balanced
Emotionally, the lungs are related with grief. Any unresolved grief may cause the lungs to contract or “hold on”, which prevents the spreading of protective qi throughout the body and causes the lungs to be congested with mucus or fluid. Therefore, processing this emotion in whatever way is most effective, will prevent any imbalance and help to strengthen the lungs.
Preventatively, the lungs can be kept strong through regular exercise, getting regular acupuncture treatments to keep the body balanced, and by eating a healthy and protective diet that is appropriate for the fall season.
Warming pungent foods such as hot peppers and chilies, onions, garlic, turnip, ginger, and horseradish dark green and orange/yellow vegetables – winter squashes, broccoli, carrots, parsley, kale mustard greens, watercress, wheat or barley grass, and various algae are also wonderful this time of year. Green foods are so important in our daily nutrition because the chlorophyll in them inhibits viruses, help us to digest protein and fat, and ultimately keeps the lungs and intestines clean. As you can see, all of this bolsters our immune system, which gives us better protection throughout the cold and flu season.
Remember, having one or two colds a year is not considered unhealthy! Our bodies need to clean themselves from toxins, and this is one way to achieve that. If you happen to contract a cold, herbs and acupuncture are an excellent way to shorten the illness. A treatment with a prescription of herbs and or supplements can help your immune system fight off the cold without the side effects of antibiotics or other medications (which ultimately compromise immunity). Acupuncture also helps to reduce the severity of symptoms so you remain comfortable, and prevents the illness from progressing into something more serious and chronic.
More Tips for Fall
Some little things to remember for the season – always keep a sweatshirt or scarf handy. You never want to get a chill from being underdressed. We say the “wind” can enter in through the back of the neck and can cause a cold. Wear a scarf or hooded sweatshirt to keep the back of the neck protected. If you do catch a chill, disperse it immediately by taking a hot shower or bath or drink some ginger tea (an example of pungent) or a warming drink.
Chinese formulas such as Gan Mao Ling and Yin Qiao can be used for early stage cold/flu. Yin Qiao is more appropriate for strong sore throat and heat signs (feeling warm, sore throat, thirst). Gan Mao Ling is more neutral; where strong heat or cold signs are not obvious.
Keep your immune system strong through proper diet, exercise, emotional well-being, rest, preventative herbs/supplements and acupuncture!
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Ayurvedic Body Types – Pitta
Some weeks ago I wrote about the qualities of the Vata individual The Fall season is considered Vata time; meaning that those Vata characteristics and common imbalances are more likely to aggravate in the Fall. Please see my posting for more information on Vata.This week’s topic is Pitta – the one that produces Heat. Pitta is said to be made up of Fire and Water. Pitta is the heat that transforms things. This Pitta energy is discriminating and helps us to be confident and have clear vision. Pitta qualities are oily, sharp, hot, and bright.
What does a Pitta individual look like? The physical stature of a Pitta person is a medium build with good developed muscles. Thus, their weight and height are average. Often, their skin is warm, moist, ruddy, red, flushed or glowing – these are the hot and oily qualities. They tend to get rashes and/or acne, and often have freckles or moles – hot. Pittas have moderate or fine hair that has a tendency to early balding. Facial features are sharp and angular with piercing green or blue eyes (both sharp qualities), and soft curvy lips.
The personality of a Pitta person also tends to be sharp. They are very clear and to the point. Pittas often have clear goals and do things in a planned, orderly and on-time fashion. They are list makers, like to get things done and are neat and tidy. Quick witted and full of fun, Pittas tend to be the life of the party – bright quality. Pitta people have a love of sports and enjoy winning. They often have leadership-type professions. On the other hand, Pittas can be opinionated, righteous and criticizing. A Pitta person is easily angered or irritable and gets frustrated when things are not done their way – sharp and hot qualities.
Other physiological characteristics that are common in Pitta individuals are seen in a strong appetite and digestion. Pitta people tend to get hungry easily. Bowel movements are loose or tend toward diarrhea. These are both sharp and hot qualities. Sleep for a Pitta is light and they may have a hard time falling back asleep.
What are some ways to balance the Pitta person?
Diet – focus on foods that have the sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. Food can be warm or cool, but not hot. Spicy, sour and salty foods should be avoided – fermented foods like yogurt, vinegar, pickles and alcohol; foods with chillies; and highly processed foods with high sodium content. Salads are good food for Pittas, but during cold weather too many salads can cool digestion too much. Generally, Pittas can eat lots of veggies along with whole grains and milk products (for those who don’t have dairy sensitivities). Black pepper, coriander and cardamon are the best spices for Pitta. Pittas should never skip a meal. Drink cool water and juices and avoid coffee.
Lifestyle –activities focused around water (ie., swimming) are cooling and refreshing for Pitta individuals. Pittas do well with moderate exercise like walking in the forest, by the sea or next to a lake. Too vigorous or strenuous physical exercise can aggravate Pittas. Daily meditation practice and listening to pleasant music can calm the irritable nature of Pitta.
Body Treatments - whole body massage with olive or coconut oil. Get an oil massage (abhyanga) from an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner or do it yourself at home.
Acupuncture treatments help to move the Qi, prevent stagnation and clear heat. Treatments can also calm the heart and mind which help with irritability. Various TCM treatments such as cupping and blood letting techniques also clear heat and cool the blood which reduces inflammation – all which benefit a person who’s Pitta is in excess.
Treatment packages – currently I am offering Dosha Balancing/Acupuncture packages customized to each dosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Included in the package:
- 4 Acupuncture treatments (with additional modalities if necessary)
- Dietary education specific for current condition
- Techniques used for stress reduction
- Supplement/Herbal recommendations
- At home self-treatments for specific condition
Make an appointment today and understand your personal dosha.
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Ayurvedic Body Types
In Ayurvedic medicine the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha are energies which rule all functioning in the body. Each individual can be placed into one or a combination of these doshas. This is very interesting because the characteristics of each dosha can explain many aspects of a person’s mental and physical being.Over the next three weeks I will be writing about each dosha and the characteristics and tendencies unique to each. Try and determine which dosha fits you best!
This week I’ll begin with Vata, considered the king of all doshas. In nature, Vata can be compared to the Wind. Vata is movement, air and the force underlying everything in nature. Vata is said to be made up of Air and Ether/Space. Certain qualities help to define the Vata dosha – for example, dry, light, cold, rough and mobile. These aspects can be seen as physical or personality traits, as well as imbalances in an individual who is considered a Vata person.
Let’s get an idea of what a Vata person would be like. Vatas are usually thin, perhaps petite or tall with less muscle mass and more prominent bones – the light quality. They may experience frequent light-headedness or dizziness, a feeling of being ungrounded and restless – also the light quality. Often, their skin and lips are dry with more wrinkles and their hair is thin – dry and/or rough qualities. Their joints often crack and digestive disharmonies such as constipation, bloating and gas are common – also the dry quality. Body temperature tends to be cold with poor circulation, thus cold hands and feet – the cold quality. Vata’s muscles are tight, perhaps in spasm or constricted with pain - cold.
The mental or personality attributes of a Vata individual would resemble the following: very active, without regularity and constantly changing – this is the mobile quality. They love to be constantly on the go and travel. Because of this restlessness, sleep is often difficult and insomnia is chronic. Vata people talk a lot and are quite dramatic. They are very imaginative, creative and artistic – also mobile. Vatas often excel in many areas of the arts.
Mentally, Vatas are anxious, nervous and are usually worried about something. Their minds are often focused on the future rather than appreciating the present moment. Thus, the qualities that best represent the mental aspects of a Vata person are light and mobile.
What are some ways to balance the Vata person?
Diet – focus on food that nourishes, calms, strengthens and grounds. Temperature of food should be warm and prepared mostly by steaming or cooking (less raw and cold). Moist and heavy foods are great for Vata. Sweet, salty and sour flavors benefit while bitter, pungent, and astringent are best avoided. While eating, concentrate on eating. Do not multitask, read or watch television while eating. Be sure that you are calm and not anxious, nervous or worried before eating.
Where specific foods are great for Vata types and some should be avoided, it’s best to contact a practitioner, like myself, to get a specific list designed for you. Most commonly, people fall into two dosha categories – “Vata-Pitta” for example.
Lifestyle – consistent/regular, calming and grounding practices are extremely beneficial for Vata individuals. Regular yoga practice with mostly floor poses are the best for Vatas. Daily meditation and breathing practices are excellent to calm the Vata mind and help keep it focused. Less “on the go”, travel-type activities and more daily routine with predictable schedules will help a Vata person who is very anxious, worried and has difficulty sleeping.
Body Treatments - self massage with sesame oil, which is warm and heavy will help ground the body and moisten the tissue. This helps with muscle strength, flexibility, cracking joints and keeps the muscles free of pain. This treatment also calms the mind and helps with sleep and anxiety.
Acupuncture treatments help to move and warm the Qi, prevent stagnation, calm the heart and mind and nourish the Yin (vital fluid) of the body – all which benefit a person who’s Vata is in excess.
Treatment packages – currently I am offering Dosha Balancing/Acupuncture packages customized to each dosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Included in the package:
- 4 Acupuncture treatments (with additional modalities if necessary)
- Dietary education specific for current condition
- Techniques used for stress reduction
- Supplement/Herbal recommendations
- At home self-treatments for specific condition
This is a special that I am offering for $250, and would regularly cost $310! Make an appointment today and understand your personal dosha. Check my blog next week for information all about the Pitta dosha.
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Summer Rituals
We are quickly approaching the official start of summer! In Ayurvedic medicine, the summer represents heat, sharpness and bright energy. With this in mind, adjusting lifestyles and eating habits will help keep the body comfortable and balanced during the summer months.Generally speaking, we want to stay cool during the summer, therefore the diet should focus on cool, sweet, astringent and bitter flavored foods. Fruits and vegetables are the perfect foods for this time of year. Consume lots of leafy greens like kale, chard, collards and all types of lettuces. The bitterness of these veggies serves to cool the body and cleanse the blood. Plus they’re fantastic for digestion, elimination and keep your skin clear and less irritated from the heat of the summer.
The summer months also bring a bounty of fruits that are both delicious and healthy to eat at this time. Especially sweet, cooling and astringent fruits are apple, pear, mango, pomegranates, sweet berries, watermelon/melon and coconut. These fruits can keep your body cool and reduce inflammation.
Learning about your individual body constitution, called your Dosha, will help you further refine a list of foods that are harmonizing for you. Contact me for more detailed information about your Dosha, and your individualized food list.
The desire to drink more liquids is common in the heat of the summer. Coconut water is a fabulous natural electrolyte drink that replaces the minerals lost through increased sweating. This is also a great drink for athletes or those who work out regularly. Water is always good to drink. Because of the hotter weather, the temptation is to drink ice water or iced drinks. This is best avoided, because over time the ice reduces the body’s natural digestive ability. Think of a pot of soup over a cooking flame. If ice water is continually poured into the pot, the soup never cooks. This is true of the food and drink being digested in the stomach. Thus, drinking plenty of room temperature water away from meals, is a great way to keep the body healthy and hydrated.
Exercise in the summer can be challenging with higher temperatures. Swimming is an excellent way to get exercise in the summer. If you enjoy walking or running, the most ideal time to do these activities is in the morning hours or evening time before dinner.
Finally, dressing in cotton or silk fabrics allow the skin to breathe. Colors such as white, gray, light purples and light greens are considered cooling and further help the body stay balanced during the summer.
These are just a few tips from an Ayurvedic perspective. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of Ayurveda, contact me.
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