Ayurvedic way to lose Weight

Ayurvedic way to lose Weight

I am blessed to know this wonderful science of Ayurveda that changed and is changing my approach towards life every moment in a positive way.

I started my education in Ayurvedic science in 1990 and since then this journey is filled with knowledge, especially understanding myself and people around me and enjoying the beauty in everything.

I have been in this profession for more than 17 years now, and have seen people suffering from numerous physical and mental imbalances. All imbalances manifests due to imposed need of responding to surrounding than peeking inside of self to know self needs and maneuvering life accordingly.

To keep the well balanced health, moderation in everything is good strategy. When we exceed the limit it shows up with some symptom in our body and mind. Weather it is endocrinal disease like Diabetes or increased weight.

Weight gain does not happen all of a sudden unless there is underlying pathological cause.

Most people who want to lose weight are continuously thinking of losing weight, which gives good exercise to their mind than body. This mental exercise is a strenuous one which generates more stress and exhausts the mind.

When it comes to losing weight the first attention goes to food that we eat.

Food or eating is such a simple act. Food is to nourish your body and mind. There is hardly any good reason to stress one’s mind and lose the peace of one’s mind in thinking about food.

Ayurveda makes eating simpler. Eat as per your body type. Every person is a unique make up of Vata Pitta and Kapha dosha. The diet which is good for one may not suite another because the body constitution, habits, metabolism, lifestyle, bodily demands are different for each individual, eating as per your body demand maintains all bodily functions.For reducing weight it is important to pay attention on what you eat, when you eat and how you eat.

A Few simple steps to start with:

1. Never go on “Fasting” or “starve “for reducing weight

Fasting or not having food does not help to reduce weight; it might give a temporary effect of losing weight but not for long. Fasting when done for spiritual purpose as mentioned in Yogic Science, is for the mind and body connection. If we fast by not eating anything and think of Pizza and pastry it will have no effect on reducing weight. Changing food habit – in moderation helps to reduce and maintain the weight that is reduced.

2. Timing — honor the biological clock of your body

Breakfast lunch and dinner are three important meals of a day.Breakfast and dinner should be light as compared to lunch. Avoid eating in between meals. Having dinner no later than 7 pm and not eating anything after that until next morning. If hungry 1 cup of warm milk is advised at bed time. One should not eat anything after 10 pm. At least spend two hours between the dinner and bed time that is the time needed for your GI system to digest the food, uninterrupted.

However if you are a personality – I don’t feel hungry for breakfast!!, then wait until you feel hungry (I recommend Ginger tea or just a fruit for breakfast this helps to get the system started and you don’t over eat at lunch) and have a smaller portion of lunch, this helps to improve the metabolism and gets you back to your natural physiology.

3. What to eat

Food items to choose for meals should be as per Dosha type that maintains the function and metabolism which is responsible for optimal function of all organs e.g. Kapha predominant personalities tend to gain weight quick and have a hard time to lose weight , Kapha is a combination of Water and Earth element so trying to avoid the food items that have water and earth element and favoring those items those have fire, air and space element:

(Ayurveda books can be of great help to know the details of such food items)

In general, avoid combining two proteins from different source together e.g Beans and cheese, egg and cheese, milk and fish. Eat at least one meal at home; preferably cook it every day fresh.

4. Fruits and fruit juices

Eat fruits on empty stomach, either for breakfast or after exercise.

Eat fruits alone or leave them alone, try not to eat fruits with any other food item. Fruits give the best when we eat them whole, this gives good exercise to our oral cavity and the fibrous part in fruits helps in colon function.

5. Train your Gut

Our stomach is twice as our hand fist, so imagine how much can it hold?

Eating small portions helps in digesting the food well and keeps the metabolism going. We often over eat and not realize it until we pay attention to how much is needed.

6. Do Less

Switch off Television, Phone and computer while eating, serve half the portion then what you usually eat, this gives time to think weather you need the rest half or you can wait.

Always sit down and eat, never eat when standing.

7. Drink a glass of water 10 minutes before meals

Try not to drink water after meals.

Never drink cold water or ice cold beverages with food.

8. Exercise

Everyday exercise is important, do we eat five days a week? No, the same concept is for exercise, it should be done daily.

What type of exercise differs person to person and how is based on one’s lifestyle.

9. Herbal teas/honey, lime & water/apple cider vinegar

Be careful before you plan to rely and try these things for reducing weight, honey is heating and can cause increase pitta dosha.

When honey is used in hot water or hot teas it glues to the mucus membrane causing Ama (toxins).

Apple cider vinegar when taken on empty stomach can increase acid reflux. Herbal teas can be misleading too, it is important to know what types of herb are beneficial for your system to detoxify.

10. Mind Power – Mind is everything, mind is limitless!

Along with the proper diet you must “Think Thin”.

Once you apply this technique you will experience the wonders it does to achieve your goal. Giving yourself quiet time daily for 10 minutes will help you to listen to your own self carefully.

11. Herbs

Herbs play an important role in improving the metabolism and reducing the toxin from the body that not only benefits for reducing weight but also helps to improve overall metabolism and should be taken as advised by the physician.

Ayurveda suggests Panchakarma therapies to remove excess doshas and ama (toxins) from mind and body.

These procedures require proper guidance from a highly trained Ayurvedic Physician and should not be done from reading information in books.

Panchakarma helps in deep cleansing the cells and reduce the severity of symptoms from chronic illness. Dietary and lifestyle restrictions are advised during the period of panchakarma for optimal benefits.

Don’t lose your mind while losing weight!

Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site

Ayurvedic Medicine And Wellness

Ayurvedic Medicine And Wellness

Ayurvedic medicine originated in India as an oral tradition, and its theories were recorded more than 5000 years ago in the Vedas.

Ayurvedic medicine is regarded as the world’s oldest healthcare system. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ayurveda” which means “the science of life”. Best described as being completely holistic, Ayurvedic medicine seeks to promote harmony in body, mind and spirit as a means of preventing illness (rather than fighting diseases) and prolonging a healthful life.

Principles Of Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic medicine originated in India as an oral tradition, and its theories were recorded more than 5000 years ago in the Vedas. Medical books, dating as far back as the 8^th century BCE, outline the basic principles, theories and practices of Ayurvedic medicine, as well as the history of its evolution.

Ayurvedic theory is based on the belief that all things in the universe are connected, and that illness and disease are the result of any imbalance or discord between the self and the universe. There is also the belief that all areas of life affect wellness, so for this all-encompassing reason the Ayurvedic writings contain instruction on more than just health and healthcare techniques. Its teachings also cover art, astrology, government and politics, human behavior, and spirituality.

Health Benefits Of Ayurvedic Medicine

• Hormonal Balance

Ayurveda promotes a natural balance of hormones, increasing the chances of conception, and having a healthy pregnancy. It has also been used for thousands of years to regulate and normalize the menstrual cycle.

• Stress And Inflammation

Ayurvedic medicine teaches that stress and inflammation result from poor diet and digestion, insufficient rest or sleep, and low oxygen intake. Emphasis is placed on ways of reducing inflammation to regulate the heart and circulatory system, digestive tract and the elimination of wastes.

• Weight Loss And Maintenance

Weight loss is not a primary goal of Ayurvedic medicine, but it can help you to naturally lose weight through a healthy diet and stress reduction.

• Nutrient-Dense, Antioxidant-Rich Diet

Ayurvedic medicine encourages a mostly vegetarian diet that includes real, whole foods such as fresh herbs, healthy fats, spices, teas, vegetables and protein.

• Recovery From Illness And Injury

Ayurvedic theories on immune-modulation and healing target inflammation as the root of most diseases. There is focus on lowering pain and swelling, improving blood flow and fighting inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

• Blood Pressure And Cholesterol

Ayurveda diets and relaxation techniques have been shown to lower inflammation and help reduce plaque buildup. They have even been shown to reverse atherosclerosis (thickening of artery walls).

Currently, there is a growing worldwide application of the Ayurvedic principles. In many Western countries Ayurvedic elements such as its cleansing therapies, massage and meditation are employed as complementary and alternative forms of healthcare.

Ayurvedic spa massage treatment

Original article and pictures take www.acupuncture-treatment.com site

Ayurvedic Liver Cleanse

Ayurvedic Liver Cleanse

Practitioners of ayurveda have long considered the active ingredient in turmeric--curcumin--to be a potent liver cleansing agent. Data exist to support this claim. In a 2003 study, Dr. A.A. Nanji and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center showed that curcumin prevents alcohol-induced liver disease in rats. Ayurvedic herbalists call turmeric "the king of spices" and there are many ways you can introduce it into your diet. An easy way to use the herb as a liver cleanse is to make tea with it.

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Place 1 cup of milk or water into a small pot and use low heat to slowly bring it to the point just before boiling. Milk will create a richer tasting tea, but it contains more calories than water.

Add 1 tsp. of turmeric powder to the hot liquid and stir it well. Transfer the liquid to a mug and sweeten it as you like with honey or sugar. Keep in mind the more honey or sugar you add, the more calories the tea will have in it.

Drink 2 or 3 cups of this tea every day. You should drink 1 cup just before bed because the liver is very active at night and can more effectively utilize the curcumin at that time.

• Don't use tumeric on a long-term basis. You should not consume turmeric if you have heart disease or are pregnant. If you have any chronic illnesses, consult your doctor before using an herbal supplement.

Original article and pictures take www.livestrong.com site

Ayurvedic Home Remedies To Prevent And Reverse Hair Loss

Ayurvedic Home Remedies To Prevent And Reverse Hair Loss

Ayurvedic Remedies For Hair Growth & Avoid Hair Loss

Ayurveda offers several effective treatments to counter hair loss. It recommends the use of coconut oil, medicated oils, juice of green coriander leaves to massage the scalp. You could also use a paste of licorice ground in milk, methi paste or tea made from Burdock and Marmelos (Bilva).

Ayurvedic Home Remedies For Hair Growth

There are many ways to reverse hair loss and trigger natural hair growth again. These home remedies stimulate natural hair growth, and prevent excessive hair loss.

• Massage your scalp with a herbal mixture of Stinging nettle (Jeera), Rosemary (Sarpagandha), Birch(Bhurja patra), and Horsetail.
• Applying a decoction or tea made from Burdock and Marmelos (Bilva) is good for dry hair.
• Apply a paste made from 2 tsp henna powder, 1 tsp curd, 1 tsp fenugreek powder, 1 tbsp coffee, 2 tbsp mint juice and 2 tbsp tulasi juice. Apply this paste to the hair and leave it in for two hours. For a darker colour, leave this paste in for 3 to 4 hours and wash off with cold water.
• Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping hair loss. Use coconut oil for this purpose at least three times in a week.
• Medicated oils like Neelibhringadi oil, Kunthala kanthi oil, Kanjunnyadi oil are very useful. Massage your scalp, ensuring the roots get nourished.
• Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the hair and scalp keeps your hair healthy.
• You can also use a paste of cooked green gram and fenugreek (methi) two to three times a week on your scalp when you bathe.
• A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied on bald patches.
• The seeds of fenugreek soaked in coconut oil and kept under direct sunlight for 7 days and applied to the scalp, helps prevent hair loss.
• Boil handful of crushed Margosa (neem) leaves in 4 cups of water. Cool and filter the liquid and use this decoction to rinse your hair.
• Make a paste out of Bhringraja leaves and apply it on the scalp for some time before washing it off. For people who do not have easy access to this herb, you can grab a pack of dried Bhringraj, steep 5-6 tbsp in warm water and apply the paste for 20 minutes before washing off.
• Take 20 grams of radish and cut into small pieces. Add 3 pinches of black pepper powder and rock salt powder. Consume this two times a day. You can also add some honey to it to give some taste.
• Take some methi and roast them. After that, grind them well. Take some warm water and make a paste in water. The amount of paste you need will depend on the length of your hair. Apply the paste on your hair. Cover your hair and scalp completely. Let it stay for 20 minutes, and then wash off with cold water.

Original article and pictures take cdn2.curejoy.com site

Ayurvedic Herbs and Remedies Chart

Ayurvedic Herbs and Remedies Chart

A nice chart that shoes some of the herbs and uses in Ayurveda and Herbalism in general.

Original article and pictures take www.rawayurveda.com site

Ayurvedic Dincharya – Ideal Daily Routine

Ayurvedic Dincharya – Ideal Daily Routine

In Sanskrit the daily routine is called the Dinacharya. Ayurveda recommends that in order to be optimally healthy we should tune our bodies to the nature’s master cycle which in turn regulates the various other rhythms.

Everyday two cycles of change pass through us, each bringing a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha predominance.

The approximate times of these cycles are as follows:

First cycle:

6 A.M. to 10 A.M. – Kapha

10 A.M. to 2 P.M. – Pitta

2 P.M. to 6 P.M. – Vata

Second cycle:

6 P.M. to 10 P.M. – Kapha

10 P.M. to 2 A.M. – Pitta

2 A.M to 6 A.M. – Vata

Considering the above cycles the ideal schedule should be like this :

MORNING

Time to wake up: A healthy person should get up two hours before sunrise. During this hours the Vata element is dominant. Waking up two hours before dawn you utilize the Vata qualities in the nature. Vata is light, subtle and clear and this helps in tuning the body to the delicate messages the nature sends. This is the time when there is the most sattva in the air. It is the most fresh and pure time of the day. Some exceptions to this rule of rising are the very young, the old, parents with small children, and people with fevers or diarrhea.

Elimination: Drinking a glass or two of warm water helps in the elimination.

As soon as possible empty your colon and bladder. If you wait until later in the morning or during the day you are slowly poisoning yourself and creating an opportunity for chronic conditions to arise.

Cleaning of Senses: Wash the eyes with water. Preferably use rose water and Triphala to purify the sight.

Brush the teeth and scrape the tongue with a tongue cleaner to purify your mouth and sense of taste. Ayurveda considers the coating of the tongue as an indicator of ‘Ama’ or toxins in the colon.

Gargle with warm water or herbal tea to purify your voice and strengthen your teeth.

Finally do Jal neti and put a little oil in your nose to purify the sinuses and your sense of smell. The traditional Dinacharya also recommends that you inhale the smoke of medicinal herbs every morning to purify the mind, head, face, neck and lungs.

Massage: Abhyanga is the name for oil massage with sesame oil. This is typically a self massage. It is one of the main ways that Ayurveda keeps us strong and prevents us from aging.This massage need not be long and cumbersome. Massaging the Scalp, forehead, temples , hand and feet for about 5 minutes is sufficient

Exercise: Vyayama is the name for physical exercise. This is usually some Yoga postures and breathing exercises(Pranayam) but it can be anything including a walk, a swim, sun salutes or whatever. This early morning exercise removes stagnation in the body mind, strengthens the digestive fire, reduces fat and gives you an overall feeling of lightness and Joy as it fills your body with good Prana. It is not to be strenuous. In fact, exercising at one fourth to one half of your capacity is recommended.

Bathe: After exercise bath to remove any excess oil and dirt. Both showers and bathtubs are recommended in the classics. Usually warm water baths are suggested. Put on clean clothing after the bath

Meditation: For a few minutes to an hour sit down and see who you really are, put your attention towards Awareness. This is the most important aspect of Dinacharya. Simply be quiet, sit in Peace

Breakfast: This should be warm, nourishing and wholesome

Study / Work : Do what you do from now until noon.

NOON

Lunch: It should be taken early between 12 and 1 P.M. this coincides with the peak Pitta period, Pitta is responsible for the digestion. Ayurveda recommends that the lunch should be the largest meal of the day. After the meal it is good to take a little walk, a couple hundred steps only, to help the food digest.

Sciesta: Anything more than a short nap should be avoided because sleeping in the day is prohibited in Ayurveda.

Study / Work : Do what you do from now until supper.

SUNDOWN:

Sundown is a special time of balance between day and night. In this balance it is easier for your mind to stop long enough so that you can see your Self. This is the time for evening prayers and meditations in many cultures around the world.

DINNER :

It should be taken around 7 P.M. It should be lighter than the lunch. The dinner should be at least three hours before bedtime as gives the body ample time to digest the food. Sleeping just after the dinner with a heavy stomach is not conducive to a sound sleep.

Walk to aid digestion for about 10 – 15 minutes.

Ease: From dinner to bedtime just take it easy. Spend time with family, read, and relax.

BEDTIME:

Go to sleep around 10 P.M. so that you can get 6 to 7 hours of sleep before 4:30 am. A good practice is to massage the soles of your feet with a calming oil before going to bed. This will calm your system and promote well being.

And remember to take your Triphala before sleep.

One should try to keep the routine as close to the recommended Dincharya as possible. The body might resist the change for a first few days but if you do manage to persist then you are bound to get rewarded with a much healthier and satisfying life.

Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site

Ayurveda’s 8 Aspects Of Healthy Food + Sanskrit Terms

Ayurveda’s 8 Aspects Of Healthy Food + Sanskrit Terms

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Nowadays people forget the basic principles of healthy food. Due to a lack of information or incorrect information about healthy food many lifestyle diseases are taking place.

Ayurveda strongly believes the reason for all disease lies within our digestive process. What we eat reflects upon our body and mind.

Healthy food is considered in Ayurveda to be the best medicine. Poor digestion (koshtha) is considered the primary origin or causative factor for nearly all disease.

So how do we determine what is healthy food? Healthy food is dependent upon many things.

Below are Ayurveda’s eight important aspects of healthy food. These are known as ahara vidhi visheshayatana.

The Basic Principles Of Healthy Food

1. Digestibility

The nature of the food or it’s quality is known as Prakruti.

Depending on whether the food is easily digestible or not, food can be classified as heavy or light in quality. Meat is heavy for digestion while rice and vegetables are light. This is the basic nature of the food. While eating we must take this into consideration.

2. Preparation

How food is prepared or processed is known as Karana.

Generally, cooked food is better for nutrition. Some food substances like fruit or even salads are better taken as uncooked. Food cooked on natural wood or a coal fire tends to have better taste than food cooked with electricity or gas. Microwave cooking destroys prana or life-energy in the food.

Processing includes other methods like roasting, frying, baking, drying, churning etc. and depending on the method of the process can actually change the qualities of the food. Food becomes either more light or heavy for digestion.

3. Combination

Food combination is known as Samyoga.

While preparing food the ingredients must be compatible and properly mixed together. The combination of vegetables and ghee or butter are considered healthy food. The ghee nourishes and lubricates, assisting in the digestion of the vegetables.

Sour fruits eaten with milk produces a curd and is difficult to digest. This is poor food combining and incompatible ingredients.

4. Quantity

Rashi means quantity.

While eating one has to consider the individual ingredient quantity as well as the total quantity of the food that is consumed.

Here again we have to consider the heavy and light qualities of the substances that are taken. The quantity of food depends on your digestive fire. There is no fixed criteria for the amount of food according to age, sex, race, etc. However, parigraha takes into consideration the quantity of each item and sarvagraha means the total quantity to be consumed.

5. Environment

Desha means place or environment.

Ayurveda has divided place into three types: marshy, arid, and normal. Consider the environment in relation to temperature and cold climate conditions. Ultimately, food must be eaten in a place which is clean. If the surroundings where one eats are good and sattvic (pure), then the food is better absorbed and has good and beneficial effects upon the body and mind. This is healthy food.

6. Timing

Kala means time or period.

Timing is everything. Only when the previous meal has been properly digested should you consider eating the next meal. Change the type of food as well as the quantity and quality of food in accordance to seasonal changes. Take the main meal between 10am and 2pm which is pitta time, the optimal time for digestion.

7. How You Eat

Upyoga Samastha – rules for eating.

Food ideally should be consumed while it is hot. This will naturally increase the digestive fire. Likewise, meals must be taken in a relaxed, calm and cheerful atmosphere. One should not eat when one is nervous, angry, anxious or in a disturbed state of mind.

Similarly, eating too slowly or too rapidly along with eating while talking, laughing, thinking or watching television is not advisable. It is better if we concentrate on the food only with the thought that this food is going to benefit both the body and mind. Smoking or drinking too much water or any other liquid after eating is also not advisable.

Make Eating Healthy Food A Ritual

It is recommended to take a shower and wear clean clothes prior to cooking. Our guest is God. Therefore, food should first be served to him and then children. Chanting of mantras and offering a prayer to God is always advisable knowing that blessed food will always nourish both the body and mind.

8. You!

Upbhokta means ‘person who takes the food’.

Every person must take into consideration his own constitution, capacity of digestive power, the season, time of day, and whether the previously taken food has been digested or not.

Photo: Unsplash.com

Original article and pictures take ayurvedanextdoor-ayurvedanextdoor.netdna-ssl.com site