Breath – the key to life

February 16, 2010

John VorstermansBreath is one of the most precious gifts we have been given, yet it is something we take for granted and thus give it very little attention or thought.

In Ayurveda, which takes its philosophy from many of the Indian philosophical systems, such as the Sankya tradition, and Vedanta, breath is taught as being our connection with the divine. Learn to breath properly and this connection with the divine, your soul or spirit become much stronger. In the world today breath is an important part of our Yoga practice and is often used as a technique to calm our emotions and mind when we are stressed or angry.

In truth breath is the key to life. To become conscious of our breathing is the first step to really waking up (being more aware of what is happening within and around us). It is not some trick or is it something that requires a special training. The first step of the process is simple:

Step 1

We have become unconscious breathers and as a result we hardly breath at all. So the first step is to actually learn how to breath properly. The best way to do this is to make one self comfortable:

  • Hold your hands on your belly-button and then start to breath in
  • When you breath in, visualise yourself breathing into your belly-button and feel your hands expand out as your tummy expands with your deep in-breath.
  • When you breath out feel your tummy empty. Do this slowly and feel your belly-button sink back into your body towards your spin.

Repeat this simply exercise for five minutes.

Initially you might feel a bit high which is a result of all the extra oxygen that you have sent through your body because you have filled your lungs to their full capacity (rather than just breathing through the top layers, which is what we usually do).

Practice this exercise for a few weeks. Do not do it too long at first as it will take your body time to get used to all that extra oxygen. It is a simple exercise you can do anytime and almost anywhere. Take five minutes when sitting in front of your computer, or when you are on the bus. You can also do this while walking.

More on the breath later

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Categories: Breath.

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Benefits of ghee and herbs

January 29, 2010

gheeGolden colored Ghee is prepared by melting and simmering unsalted butter until all the water evaporates and the milk solids settle to the bottom. The remaining butter oil is very stable, giving it a high burning point which makes it an excellent choice to use for frying and sauteing and it can be stored without refrigeration for several months.

When a combination of highly beneficial herbs and spices are added to ghee while the ghee is being made, it allows the lipid and water soluble active ingredients of these herbs & spices to bind with the ghee molecules. By consuming such a ghee, you get the maximum benefits of the added spices and herbs. As per Ayurveda, ghee, when processed with herbs, imbibes the qualities of the herbs and also, ghee acts as a carrier of nutrition to the deeper tissues of the body. Thus you get the dual health benefits of ghee and also of the herbs and spices.

“Ghee processed with different herbs in thousands of ways, gives thousands of health benefits in healthy individuals!”
- Ashtanga Hrudaya Sutrasthana 5/39.

Charaka Samhita is an ancient Ayurvedic text and it is believed to be the oldest of the three ancient Ayurvedic texts. It was written around 800 BC. According to Charaka Samhita, ghee has the following two important qualities:

1) Yogavahi: Ghee has an ability to increase the effect of any herb added to it. Ghee also helps transport the healing and health-promoting qualities of the herbs to the body.

2) Samskar Anuvartan: When ghee is processed with herbs, it does not lose its own qualities while imbibing the attributes of the herbs added to it. Among all oils and fats, only ghee has this unique property, whereas other oils and fats give up their own qualities. For example, when sandalwood is added to an oil, the oil loses it “heating” quality and adapts the “cooling” quality of the sandalwood. Click below to see the reference from Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana, in Sanskrit and English.

http://www.pureindianfoods.com

Sandeep Agarwal
www.pureindianfoods.com

Article Source: http://www.nafella.com/naflogger/?Sandeep/Ancient_Ayurvedic_Information_About_Herbal_Ghee_Clarified

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Categories: Cooking.

How to Reduce Your Belly Fat the Ayurveda Way

January 28, 2010

Increasing waistline is always a cause of worry and agony when you are already over weight. Obesity is a major problem in these days and getting over it is a huge task. You might have tried several methods to reduce weight. Had been consistent, it would have produced results too. Let’s try ayurveda this time. Ayurveda is the oldest medical science and the most important fact is that there are no chemical rich medicines in Ayurveda. Fat reduction can also be caused by still having enough food but in a different manner. The things that I’ve mentioned below may be familiar but just try this out consistently for 30 days and I’m sure you will smile because you will start seeing the results.

  • Take 2 fruits in the morning and 1 fruit in the evening. I’ll mention later in this article the fruits that help in fat reduction.
  • Take one glass of water every hour from the time you wake up till you sleep.
  • Exercising is one of your dreams that never come true. Okay don’t do any heavy exercise. Morning or evenings go for a brisk walk. Don’t think you are brisk walking to reduce fat. Just go out and do some brisk walking while enjoying the scenes around. Stop whenever you want for a chat or to have a juice. Then again continue. Or join a swimming club and swim everyday for sometime. If even that doesn’t work, buy a bicycle and ride for 30 minutes everyday.
  • Come back and have a glass of Carrot juice without sugar.
  • Any time of the day have a salad made of cabbage, tomato, lime juice, honey and mint.
  • Minimize intake of salt and reduce milk based products like ice cream and butter for few days. I told reduce.
  • Use lot of ginger, cinnamon, pepper and garlic in your cooking.
    Now the hottest tip. Take two spoons of

Read the complete article free at http://sanojjose79.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-reduce-your-belly-fat-ayurveda.html

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/how-to-reduce-your-belly-fat-the-ayurveda-way-1780427.html

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Categories: Ayurvedic.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ayurvedic Medicine

September 23, 2009

Nearly half the US populations turns to complementary, alternative and integrative practices to maintain or improve their health. UCSF’s Dr. Sudha Prathikanti explores Ayurvedic medicine, ancient wisdom for modern times. Ayurvedic medicine aims to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. Series: “UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public” [12/2007] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 13107]

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Categories: Ayurvedic, Videos.

Arthritis

August 17, 2009

arthritis_mutilans_in_psoriArthritis is common enough and can effect people of all ages. For many it is an heredity weakness which manifests later in life. However this does not necessarily have to be the case.

Some background to the illness is helpful. It may begin as a slight morning stiffness. For the lucky person with arthritis, that’s as far as it goes. But for millions of others, arthritis can become a disabling, even crippling, disease.

Despite lot of research and effort by modern medical science, an effective cure is not available. All that can be offered are the anti-inflammatory and painkiller drugs.

Ayurveda, however, has a very good understanding of this problem and through the use of herbs formulas is able to make a real difference to alleviate suffering.

According to Ayurveda arthritis is primarily a Vata (air) disorder.

Ayurveda views that arthritis is mainly caused by an excess of ama (toxins) and poor digestion. Poor digestion and a weakened colon allow toxins (Ama) to accumulate in the body. Problems with the colon allow the toxins to reach and accumulate in the joints. This inhibits joint function, mobility and comfort.

To treat arthritis the ayurvedic approach is to stimulate the digestive fire (Agni) and to remove the toxins.

What follows are some steps from an Ayurvedic approach to Arthritis

Continued…

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Categories: Arthritis.

Joint Pain

August 17, 2009

Knee pain if a common joint pain

Knee pain if a common joint pain

Joint pains are very disadvantageous because they can interfere in the normal functioning of people. From an Ayurvedic point of view, joint pains occur when there are digestive problems in the body, which leads to the buildup of toxins in the spaces between the joints. Hence, when the joints are moved in the slightest, pain is felt in them.

Some people live with excruciating joint pains that don’t go despite treatment. They look upon these pains as a part of growing up. However, with the right kind of medicine these pains can be totally eliminated.

Treatment with Simple Home Remedies

Remedy # 1

Take the juice of a ginger. Crush some vidanga (Embelia ribes, False Black Pepper) to a fine powder with some rock salt. Mix all of these and take them in quantities of three grams each time with honey. Lick on this thrice a day.

Continued…

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Categories: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vata.

NCCAM reviews Ayurvedic

June 29, 2009

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (USA) NCCAM have published a paper on Ayurveda. They list some concerns and give some warnings regarding the use of Ayurveda medicines.

Always seek the guidance of a trained professional when taking herbal medicines and if you are taking medication consult your doctor.

The full articles can be viewed at:

http://news.ayurvedawellbeing.co.nz/wp-admin/post-new.php

Concerns About Ayurvedic Medications

Ayurvedic practice involves the use of medications that typically contain herbs, metals, minerals, or other materials. Health officials in India and other countries have taken steps to address some concerns about these medications. Concerns relate to toxicity, formulations, interactions, and scientific evidence.

Toxicity. Ayurvedic medications have the potential to be toxic. Many materials used in them have not been thoroughly studied in either Western or Indian research. In the United States, Ayurvedic medications are regulated as dietary supplements. As such, they are not required to meet the safety and efficacy standards for conventional medicines. An NCCAM-funded study published in 2004 found that of 70 Ayurvedic remedies purchased over-the-counter (all manufactured in South Asia), 14 contained lead, mercury, and/or arsenic at levels that could be harmful. Also in 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 12 cases of lead poisoning occurring over a recent 3-year period were linked to the use of Ayurvedic medications.

Formulations. Most Ayurvedic medications consist of combinations of herbs and other medicines. It can be challenging to know which components are having an effect and why.

Interactions. Whenever two or more medications are used, there is the potential for them to interact with each other. As a result, the effectiveness of at least one may increase or decrease in the body.

Scientific evidence. Most clinical trials (i.e., studies in people) of Ayurvedic approaches have been small, had problems with research designs, lacked appropriate control groups, or had other issues that affected how meaningful the results were. Therefore, scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Ayurvedic practices varies, and more rigorous research is needed to determine which practices are safe and effective.

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Categories: General.

Mental disorders – a natural approach

June 29, 2009

Mental disorders are a common problem in today’s world. A general term used to cover all the problems which relate to our mind. Often they arise slowly over a long period of time as we find ourselves being challenged by external and internal problems, both consciously or subconsciously which our mind is not able to process or finds unacceptable. If we are not able to process the issue within our framework of understanding or our ‘accepted’ cultural norms, it may lead to the creation of psychic disease with are today called mental disorder.

On a psychological level we naturally try to harmonise these problems but if we are not able to it can lead to a mental disorders. The causes are many but often stem from our own way of looking at things and the inability or unwillingness of our mind to process what is happening. Sometimes we just don’t want to let go of a belief or viewpoint. At other times we might be attached to a result and when something comes to challenge this, as life tends to do, we find our mind under stress in trying to work through the issue. On an unconscious level the mind may know what to do but at a conscious level the mind wants to do something else creating a conflict between the inner and outer, or the personality and the soul. The result often manifests as a Mental Disorder or sickness.

The symptoms of an imbalance mind manifest in our behaviour, attitude, the way we react, we become intolerant, our manners may become inappropriate, our actions often manifest oddly or we might becomes abnormal in our day-to-day activities. Of course this can happen to any person at any age.

In Ayurveda mental disorders are known as “unmad“. According to Ayurveda mental disorders come about through the improper correlation of the mind, the senses and their perception.

In Ayurveda to maintain a healthy mind we look at the whole person, body, emotions and mind. If we can do this then under normal conditions dis-ease will not arise. In this way an Ayurveda practitioner helps a client to understand their elemental nature or the Doshas that are strong in their life. Through this education the person becomes aware of how to keep their body in balance and when out of balance how to bring it back into balance through what is eaten and an appropriate lifestyle for our nature, which incorporates both time for activity and times for rest. For the mind exercise and reflection or meditation are very important to ensure we maintain mental balance. Meditation does not work for everyone, but this can be replaced by chanting, singing, reading beautiful poetry or inspirational works. There is not one size fits all as we are all unique.

Our mind has a nature of its own. In Ayurveda it is usually either settled and at peace, energised by desire and action or it is dull and lethargic. The mind can move from one to the other state during the day but in general one state predominates. The goal is to create a balance between these three divine energies, called Satva, Ragas and Tamas in the eastern philosophies. Many Yogis attempt to make their mind more Satvic or peaceful, as it is believed that in this state it is easier to reach Moksha or enlightenment/contentment. This is also the approach taken by a Ayurvedic practitioner when trying to balance mental disorders, to focus on the Satvic nature of the mind which develops a nature of peacefulness, acceptance, tolerance, understand and detachment from outcomes.

Some of the qualities which may be adopted to create a peaceful mind are commonly seen any may religions and philosophies however if you think about them they make common sense. They are are: –

    1. Creating a no-attachment to outcomes. Our attachment to outcomes often leads to disappointments and this mental anguish.
    2. Be confident in oneself.
    3. Cultivating a calmness and tolerance for to all we come across.
    4. Create positive intentions.
    5. Be honest but kind,
    6. Be helpful to others.

There are certain herbs that are mentioned in Ayurveda, which has wonderful effects in treating mental disorders, and improve brains efficiency.

Some of those are mentioned below

1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Commonly known as Indian Pennywort is generally found everywhere in India especially above 4000 ft. of height. It has also been found growing in New Zealand. This herb is most extensively used in Indian system of medicine as brain tonic and stress reliever. Due to its qualities, it is nourishes the mind. It is considered to be the nerve stimulant that helps in perception and to improve reflexes.. It is considered to be a nerve-rejuvenating herb, which has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries in any condition in which brain is found affected or in psyche related disorders. Good results have also been found in epilepsy attacks. It acts as non-sedative tranquillizer which has made it idea for use in anxiety and hypertension. The whole plant is used in preparing herbal medicines.

2. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) commonly called winter cherry is one of the herbs that produce wonderful results in problems caused by Vata disorders (imbalance of the air in our systems). Its main function is to maintain the harmony of Vata whether it aggravates or become suppressed by effects of other dosha. Because of its heating it acts directly on unstable Vata (which is cold) thereby helping Vata to remain in stable state. Therefore is has a good effect on nervous system, circulatory system as well as joint related problems. Ashwagandha plays a major role in suppressing anxiety and hypertension. It has proved very affective in relieving stress and stress related problems. It has given wonderful results in joint pains and arthritic conditions. It has also proven its worth in improving body immunity and overall strength to fight against the disease. It has also been found effective in treating weakness and mental fatigue of the body. Good results in depression and other mental ailments have also been seen. Plant part used is the root.

Ayurveda has many herbs with help with mental disorders alongside diet and lifestyle changes. Often these would go hand in hand with counseling and other supportive treatments to bring about an harmonious association between our body, mind and emotions.

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Categories: Ayurvedic.

Pranayama for Pitta

May 19, 2009

A Pitta person is generally of medium build, athletic, tend to feel warmer and dislike being in the sun. Pittas are fiery. When balanced they are intelligent, driven, productive, leaders, competent, athletic and have good stamina. Unbalanced, however, can mean being belligerent, overbearing, bossy, competitive, blaming others for their errors or being aggressive. Pranayama breath work can help cool the fires of Pitta without quenching them.

Below is a simple breath exercise to try out:

    1. Start by taking a brief walk, even doing a few push-ups or other kind of physical activity to release obvious tension. Doing so will make it easier for active Pitta people to sit still for pranayama.

    2. Sit cross-legged on the floor on a folded blanket or pillow or in a chair where your spine is straight and your lungs easily inflate.

    3. Inhale through the nose and open the mouth, stick the tongue out, making a “ha” sound. This may be more satisfying than you realize. Repeat 3 to 5 times and then close the mouth, returning to normal breathing.

    4. Close the eyes and inhale to 1/3 of your capacity to the lower belly, pause.

    5. Inhale another third to the level of the chest, pause. Inhale the last third to the sternum, top of the chest, pause. Exhale smoothly all the breath out. Take several recovery breaths. Repeat 3 to 5 more times. Rest.

    6. Establishing a regular pranayama practice every morning is the traditional way to invite prana (life force) and direct it in a way to nourish the nadis (energetic pathways in the body). It is one way to self-regulate one’s short fuse and can be a way to literally blow off steam.

    7. Continue your pranayama daily for 30 days, practicing at the same time each day and in the same room if possible. Over time, your central nervous system will anticipate your pranayama and you may find it is too valuable to skip

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Categories: Ayurvedic, Pitta, Pranayama.

Pranayama exercise to help reduce Vata

May 19, 2009

In Ayurveda there are three main mind-body, or doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata represents the elements of air and ether. The Vata body type is generally slender with a small-boned frame. Vatas people find it difficult to gain weight and they tend to thrive on constant activity, be it mental or physical. Dryness is a constant in their live be it dry hair, skin, or a tendency to constipation. Vata people are in general very talkative, sometimes to excessive. Pranayama, or breath work, is one way to help ground the constant worry and anxiety that can overwhelm a Vata who is not balanced.

Below is a common Pranayama exercise to help balance the Vata energy in your body:

    1. Begin by sitting in a comfortable chair or in a cross-legged position on the floor. If your knees are higher than your hips then sit on a folded blanket or pillow or chair. Your spine should be upright but not rigid. Breath work for Vata should help ground them to the earth element to balance the movement of air and ether.

    2. Close off the right nostril with the right thumb. Inhale through the left nostril softly. Close off the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat in this way for 7 to 10 rounds smoothly without hurry or force.

    3. Practice this pranayama daily for a month, adding one to two rounds each week. Notice if you feel your chest tighten: you may be inhaling too quickly of too fully. Nadi shodhana is alternate nostril breathing and meant to balance the two main energetic nadis: ida (solar) and pingala (lunar).

    4. A very short breath exercise to help you remain calm at work or in a challenging situation. It is a three-part breath exercise. Sitting with eyes closed, inhale to the belly about 1/3 of your capacity, pause. Inhale another third to the chest level, pause. Inhale to the collarbones, pause. Exhale slowly.

    5. Take several normal breaths. Repeat once more. Rest by breathing normally. This variation can be done with the eyes opened and is barely noticeable and can help dispel toxins from the lungs and calm down a Vata’s racing mind (and tongue)

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Categories: Ayurvedic, Pranayama, Vata.

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