Ritucharya for Your Ever Changing Life

There is one reality that is shared by all humans;

life is ever changing

We grow from a child to an adult; it’s the changes on the inside that aren’t as visible.

We look outside and we can see the changing weather, feel the change in the temperature and we can smell the change of seasons in the air. Everything in nature is affected by the changes in the seasons. All of what you see out the window affects you as well. You may notice that in late winter and early spring there is more dampness, therefore you may be creating more mucus and phlegm.  This is the season of coughs, colds and allergies.

Ayurveda says that the whole year is divided into two parts by two solstices.
Adana is the accumulation period between December and June.
Visarga is the release period between June and December.

In the Visarga or release period there is a predominance of the qualities of the moon or cooling energy.  At this time the appetite is strong and the strength of all living things beings increase.

In Adana period the qualities of the sun outweigh the cooling effects of the moon, dryness increases along with bitter, pungent and astringent tastes in produce.

When the weather heats up and the temperature increases many people start to sweat, experience heartburn and acid reflux. Emotional people feel irritable and restless and then the season changes again and becomes dry and cold. When this happens we experience dry skin, constipation, arthritis, anxiety and other things of that nature.

We can counteract the affects of the seasons by maintaining a diet and activities with opposite qualities from what we experience seasonally.

In Ayurveda Ritucharya means “seasonal routine”. When we follow Ritucharya we are able to prevent imbalances and maintain stability with the change of the seasons.

When we create more balance in our system we prevent the health problems that the change of seasons can present, “We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sail” for example, Texas has a long hot summer and Oregon has a cooler and shorter summer season.

It is important that we are conscious of the way we feel, that we check in with ourselves and pay attention to small changes that we detect.  The small changes that we feel when left unaddressed can lead to bigger issues and end up in disease.

Remember it is not the calendar that we go by when we plan our Ritucharya; it is nature that tells us when to make changes. Ritucharya also depends on the region you live in.

Sudden changes shock the system, make sure your change in Ritucharya is gradual, adding and subtracting foods and activities one at a time to make the change more gradual so the change in the season is less likely to make imbalance in your system.

blog post by Shelli Thompson

How Can Ayurveda Help to Lower Your Stress Levels?

Stress

sometimes it gets to the best of us, there’s no way around it and sometimes it creeps up so slow we don’t even recognize it for what it is.  Stress comes from many places, externally, internally, from our diet, our thoughts, and emotions it can be easy to be overwhelmed.

Ayurveda is an ancient medical system dating back over 5,000 years; one of the oldest chronicled medical systems. Ayurveda believes that ALL disease is stress related. How do we control the stress in life, especially if we don’t recognize it for what it is?

Today the pace of life is incredibly fast, machines do much of the physical work that we used to do.  Many people run from job to activity and other things so fast, they rarely take time out for a spare moment.

This is where stress begins and we fail to recognize it

The key is in the “spare moment” of your busy day. There aren’t many spare moments so the moments you take need to make a difference. After a stressful day, it is generally not relaxing to watch a crime drama or play a game that gets your blood pumping. Here is a list of Stress reducing activities that you can do in a short amount of time to replace activities that may otherwise “pump you up” instead of calming you down.

1.   Take a walk outside
2. Yoga
3. Breathing exercises or Pranayama
4.  Meditation
5. Fresh, local and organic diet (relieves digestive stress)
6. Visualization
7.  Regular Exercise
8.  Faithfulness or devotion

The MOST important thing is to take time out for YOU.  It may be an entire day; it may be a few stolen moments however the time devoted to you will bring lasting results with lowered stress levels.

Look at your day and see where you can take some time; it may be that you get up just a little earlier or take that walk after dinner. Schedule times in that belong to you and make good use of your time to de-stress by trying one or more of the suggestions above.

Kerala Ayurveda Academy Teaches Ayurveda in a very Authentic and relevant way that makes sense in our modern times.  Find out about our Workshops, Classes and Certifications, products, services and so much more.  The more you learn about stress levels and how they affect your health, the more you can pro-active about reducing stress in your life.

1-888-275-9103

Click HERE for more information about Kerala Ayurveda Academy
Blog Post by Shelli Thompson 

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Heart Diseases

Useful Ayurvedic Herbs in the Treatment of Heart Diseases:

1. Alfalfa (Medicagosatina): The congestion of the arteries can be reduced with help of juice of Alfalfa. The juice has better effects if it is taken along with the juice of a fresh carrot.

2. Arjuna (Terminaliaarjuna): Arjuna has properties in increasing the stimulation to the heart. Its bark is used in Ayurveda for this purpose.

3. Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea): The digitalis herb is renowned all over the world for its benefits in heart care. The herb can stimulate the activity of all muscle tissues, including those of the heart. It improves the nourishment of the heart and rejuvenates the heart from its basic wear and tear. The digitalis herb also helps incorrecting problems that may occur in blood circulation to the heart.

4. Ephedra (Ephedra gerardiana): The ephedra has fantastic heart stimulating properties. It is especially beneficial in strengthening hearts that are damaged due to infections of pneumonia and diphtheria.

5. Garlic (Allium sativum): Rasona or garlic is most important substance helpful in alleviating vatadosha controlling blood pressure. It can break down the cholesterol accumulated in the coronary arteries. Having a few cloves of raw garlic every morning can also reduce the possibility of a heart attack.

Alternatively, 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

6. Onion (Allium cepa): Scientists have proved the properties of the onion in allaying heart attacks. It also reduced thrombosis of the heart and reduces the accumulation of blood cholesterol.

Keep watching this space for health tips and much more, visit us at www.ayurvedaacademy.com

Hypothyroidism, An Ayurvedic Prospective

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the Thyroid gland is not secreting optimum amount of hormones, there are various causes.

The Thyroid’s main function is to maintain metabolism in the body.  Modern Medicine mentions the gland as early as the first century AD and states that its purpose is to lubricate the larynx.  The Thyroid was finally named in the 1600’s, at that time it was thought of as a beautification organ that filled the hollow spaces of the neck located on either side of the larynx. The thyroid was also thought of as a sort of valve that prevented excess blood flow to the brain.

Ayurveda had a different description.  Although the thyroid is not mentioned in the Vedic Texts however a disease called Galaganada is comparatively similar.  

Galaganada is described by Susutha as two big or small swelling in anterior angle of the neck.  Charaka mentioned it as a single swelling.

In the vedic texts there are specific nidana (causes) listed.  People that eat predominantly fish are at more risk.  Cold damp densely treed environment is listed as a contributor.  Water stagnation and heavy rains are also listed.

Hypothyroidism is not a localized disease, it affects many organs and systems due to it’s hormonal influence and that fact that it is responsible for kindling our bio fires or Agni.

When hypothyroidism is due to genetics it is considered “adibala Pravritta” and is considered Asadhya or non-curable.

If the condition is congenital it is considered “Jalakunbhi Pravritta Vyadhis” and this condition is preventable is if Pathya (things that are good) is followed during pregnancy and apathya (things to avoid) is also followed.

Pathya (do’s)

Coconut oil, Kelp, beetroot, radish, parsley, potato, oatmeal, banana’s are good.

Exercise 15 to 20 minutes per day minimum

Reduce stress

Yoga- Specifically:

shoulder stands. This puts pressure on the thyroid gland which has a large supply of blood.  Applying pressure will allow the thyroid to release stagnant hormonal secretions to function more normally.

Other Yoga poses (asana’s) to practice:

Marsyasana (fish pose)

Halasna (plough pose)

Sun salutations

Backward bending Poses (asana’s)

Apathya (avoid)

Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potato, lima beans, pearl millet, corn.

Smoking

Heavy foods.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism are non-specific and include a wide range encompassing many different systems.  Because of the non-specific nature of the symptoms, many times hypothyroidism goes undiagnosed.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism include but are not limited to the following because there is no stand alone characteristic symptoms:

vertigo, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, lethargy, slow memory and thinking, intellectual disturbances, menstrual disturbances, rough dry skin, horse voice, muscle stiffness, constipation, cramps, weakness, thin brittle falling out hair, intolerance to cold weather, goiter, swelling of the neck.

As you can see the symptoms can be quite diverse and that is what leads to the mis-diagnosis.  Hypothyroidism is considered a Vata and Kapha vitiation which can make it tricky to treat.

The thyroids job is to control and regulate our metabolism and it does that by producing thyroxine and that is the spark for our metabolism.  Thyroxine stimulates the mitochondria of our cells.  The amount of stimulation from the Thyroxine determines how quickly our cells do their work.

Hypothyroidism is a result from inadequate production of Thyroxine  due to a structural or a functional decline.

One of the main causes of hypothyroidism has been found to be a lack of Iodine.  Herbs containing Iodine are therefore suggested such as shigru and jalakumbhi.  Iodine levels vary from state to state, the most Iodine depleted soil is located in the mid west and great lakes region, Michigan being the leader.

Herbs that work at the glandular level and are considered hypothyroid herbs:

• Gulgulu
• Ashwagandha
• Trijataka
• Trikatu
• Triphala
• Varuna
• Brahmi
• gokshura
• punarnava
• shilajit

Foods that contain Iodine are highly suggested:

Dried Seaweed

cod

fortified iodized salt

baked potato with peel

milk

shrimp

baked turkey breast

cooked navy beans

tuna canned in oil

boiled eggs

cranberries

organic strawberries

coconut oil

essential fatty acids, omega 3’s and 6’s

At a metabolic level the following is helpful:

deepana, pachana, ushna, teekshan, sukshma, lekhana herbs to increase metabolism.

Always talk to your Doctor before a drastic change in diet or activity levels.  The encouraging word about Ayurveda is that is is natural and safe, it is also complimentary.

For more information about Ayurveda click here

Blog Post by Shelli Thompson

Beauty Comes From Deep Within

The idea of making someone more attractive with cosmetics is as old as time.  We all know it is impossible to stop the clock, it just seems to keep ticking.  How about if we slow it down a bit?

Ayurveda uses herbs and other useful tools to help delay and slow down the aging process.  It’s not only about the herbs, many factors come into play here.  The way we think, what we eat and how much.  More importantly our schedule we keep, our body is looking for a routine.  Understanding this makes it so much easier to find that rhythm.

In Ayurveda there are various treatments that are spelled out and suggested practices to help extend youth.  Ayurveda has a holistic approach to beauty and offers many natural oils, herbs and creams along with daily practices designed to keep us all young and vibrant.

Many of the Ayurvedic suggestions are so easy to incorporate into your busy schedule and when you see the results, you will always want to take the time to do things in a more natural way.

Aging of the skin comes from constant “exposure and wear”.  Including exposure to the environment, that sometimes can be dirty and toxic.  This also includes being exposed to your own waste in the form of sweat, that can be very drying.  Keeping your skin clear of these irritants is the first step to a clear complexion. 

Having a peaceful mind goes a long way when looking to achieve anti aging and nice clear skin.  Worry only gives us a worried look that instantly ages us and on the inside it’s worse.  Creating undesirable chemicals and hormones that don’t serve us well.

Ensuring your schedule has enough time for you is the first thing to check off the list.  Time for yourself to unwind and take a deep breath is very important, it makes you feel better after a long day.

make sure you have 3 square meals with lots of fruits and vegetable and that you are consistent about the times and the amounts. It’s always best if fresh local cuisine can be chosen.

Regular exercise and movement is essential in keeping overall health and strength.  When you fuel your body correctly with plenty of fresh, local organic products, exercise will be a snap and you will get optimum results.

So you see, there is so much more to anti aging, staying young and being vibrant too than meets the eye.  So many people just look at the area they want to improve and not look at the road that leads there to correct the bumps along the way.

Ayurveda addresses beauty from the inside all the way to the surface.  Because true beauty starts from deep within.

Click here for more details

Ayurveda and Hyperthyroidism we can help

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. 

Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by Grave's disease, a functioning adenoma of the thyroid gland, excessive intake of thyroid hormones, abnormal secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroiditis and an excessive iodine intake. 

Grave's disease is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism and is precipitated by stress, smoking, radiation to the neck, medications and viral infections. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include excessive sweating, heat intolerance, increased bowel movements, tremor, nervousness, agitation, palpitation, weight loss, fatigue, decreased concentration, and an irregular and scanty menstrual flow.

Medicines need to be taken for a long time in order to have a good and long lasting effect. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of cells and therefore have a direct effect on the entire body. 

Hyperthyroidism, left untreated, can have disastrous consequences in terms of both morbidity and mortality. This condition should therefore be taken seriously.

The Ayurvedic treatment of hyperthyroidism as in any disease is aimed at controlling the symptoms and treating the basic cause or pathology of the disease. 

Some herbs that are useful for Hyperthyroidism are:
Haritaki
Amalaki
Nimba
Guduchi
Gukshur
Triphala-gulgulu
Since Graves disease is an auto-immune disease other herbs that are useful:
Ashwagandha
Shatavari
Tulsi
Bala

This is only a list of herbs that are useful.  Always check with an Ayurvedic Practitioner prior to changing diet, routine or supplements.

Find out more about Ayurveda click here

Blog Post by Shelli Thompson

Whats the Difference between Conventional and Ayurvedic Nutrition ?

 Ayurvedic Nutrition

How different is Ayurvedic nutrition from conventional nutrition?

What is Ahara?

Anything we take-in to nourish our body and mind

 ·      Food

·        Water

·        Breath

·        Information through sense organs

Importance of Ahara

1. Food provides building blocks to create new Dhatus. Dhatus are the reservoir of the energy in different forms. Dhatus are constantly broken down to utilize energy. So replenishing good quality Dhatus is essential. For this, balanced food is important.
2. In Ayurveda, eating food is considered as a ritual as food not only nourishes the body but also nurtures the soul and the mind. Food is called as ‘Poornabrahma’.
3. Food energizes the Mind. It’s Sattvic, Rajasic, or Tamasic gunas depend on the food we consume.
4. Let my food be my medicine. Our health depends solely on the food we intake. 
5. Strength, health, and our life depend on Agni. But Agni is also constantly replenished from the food we eat. So to maintain “Sama Agni” eating balanced food is essential.
6. Strength, energy, clarity of mind, radiance of skin, immunity and sharpness of senses depends on the food we eat.
7. Diet is very critical in disease state also. Many times wrong foods become the cause of the disease and the right foods, the treatment of the disease. So in health or in sickness eating right diet is very critical.
8. An important quote from Dr. Coop: “No disease can be cured unless supplemented by the right diet. About 90% of the diseases can be prevented by right diet alone”.

To Learn Ayurveda and its importance visit www.AyurvedaAcademy.com