Posts Tagged ‘Ayurveda’
Monday, April 20th, 2009
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Although a vegetarian diet is preferred in Ayurveda, it is not mandatory. There are certain instances when eating meat, or drinking meat broth can be beneficial, especially in times of illness. The tradition of vegetarianism comes from India’s religious background. The Manu-smriti, a Vedic guide for human behavior says, “having considered the origin of flesh foods and the cruelty of fettering and slaying corporeal beings, let man entirely abstain from eating flesh.”
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It goes on to say that eating meat “involves killing, and consequently leads to karmic bondage (bandha).” The Mahabharata, another ancient Indian text, explains that a healthy vegetarian diet is sattvic, increasing purity of consciousness and longevity. Other references in Vedic literature refer to fruits, vegetables, grain, nuts and dairy products as fit for human consumption. And the Bhagavad Gita says that lovingly offering food to others also helps us to shed our karma.
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www.whatsyourdosha.com
Tags: Ayurveda
Posted in Anatomy, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009
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There is an ancient Indian principle that says if you want to check if your rice is ready, then you just test a few grains. The grains are representative of the status of the entire pot of rice. So, if we want to check on the status of our society, we can look at a few families, as representative of society as a whole. Ayurveda says that we are born with a peaceful and loving mind.
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When we are raised in an affectionate and nurturing home, then we can bring that love and peace with us out into society and help the world merely by being ourselves. In our fast-paced culture we sometimes forget about how important it is to come together as a family. Our homes might have a family room, but how often do we use it? Everyone has his own computer, TV, cell phone, and schedule, and we’re going in different directions all the time. We need to remember to connect. Eating a meal together daily gives us food for our souls as well as our bodies. Serving together by helping our communities sets a great example for our children, and feels good, too. Support each other, love each other, appreciate each other. Being an integral part of a healthy family helps us to function more efficiently on five levels: body, mind, senses, emotions, and spirit.
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www.whatsyourdosha.com
Tags: Ayurveda
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, March 16th, 2009
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Acne is a common skin disease that affects more than 85% of the population at some point in their lives. Acne is more common in men than women during adolescence, and more common in women than men during adulthood. Ayurveda says that acne is an imbalance of all three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, with the main cause being the aggravation of the Pita dosha.
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Pitta is made up of a combination of fire and water, hence the heat, or redness, of the skin. Since a Pitta imbalance is deep in the physiology, creams and topical treatments just mask the symptoms of acne. Ayurveda recommends a Pitta diet and lifestyle routine to tackle the disease at the root cause. Meditation and yoga help to ease stress, which is a contributing factor. When experiencing a breakout of acne, try making a paste of turmeric powder and water and applying to the blemishes with a cotton ball. Turmeric is an antibiotic and antibacterial so will help calm the eruptions.
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www.whatsyourdosha.com
Tags: Ayurveda
Posted in Anatomy, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Today I had my first Thai Yoga Massage. It was fantastic!
Tags: Ayurveda
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
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Garam Masala, found on spice racks and in recipes, is not a spice in itself, but a blend of spices used throughout India. Garam means “hot” and Masala means “spice.” The spices, and some of the proportions in Garam Masala can vary depending on personal taste, and the region. Here’s a sample recipe so that you can make your own Garam Masala at home. This recipe makes about ½ cup of Garam Masala, and when kept in an airtight container will keep for 3 months. I’ve seen different recipes that use mace and/or fenugreek, so experiment and see what you like.
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2 Tablespoons cumin seeds
2 Tablespoons coriander seeds
2 Tablespoons cardamom seeds
2 Tablespoons black peppercorns
1 3″ stick cinnamon, broken up
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
½ teaspoon saffron (optional)
Put all of the spices except the nutmeg and saffron in a dry, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Toast the spices about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn several shades darker and give off a sweet, smoky aroma. Let cool completely. Transfer the spice mixture to a spice mill or coffee grinder and grind to a powder. Stir in the nutmeg and saffron.
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www.whatsyourdosha.com
Tags: Ayurveda
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009
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Turmeric (also known as Haldi) is the herb that gives curry its yellow color. Turmeric is known to support important blood and liver functions, and to be an abundant source of healthful antioxidants. Many women in India credit their beautiful skin, hair, and nails, to a diet rich in Turmeric. Turmeric has the tastes of pungent, bitter, and astringent.
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These tastes are difficult to find in the typical western diet, but they are essential for balancing the Kapha dosha. I found a wonderful recipe for Chickpea Curry. Try it and let me know what you think! I’ll also have it up in the CoffeyKitchen, where you can share your favorite curry recipes.
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www.whatsyourdosha.com
chickpea curry recipe
Tags: Ayurveda
Posted in Health | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
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“Soma” is the nourishing, cooling quality that is associated with the moon. Water represents this lunar energy. It helps support each of the three doshas by nurturing, lubricating and detoxifying the body. When properly absorbed, water offers us many healing benefits. It helps with digestion, improves the skin, prevents constipation, and cools the body.
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Because Vata is so dry, people with a dominant Vata dosha need to drink more water than other types. And because Pitta runs hot, they may crave more water than other types. During meals, it is best to sip plain water. Water should be served warm, or at room temperature, but never ice-cold, because cold water puts out the digestive fire. About an hour after a meal, if you feel thirsty, it is good to drink water to boost digestion. To make water even more balancing for the doshas, you can add spices to it. Boil the water first, then add the spices and let it comes to room temperature or warmer. For Vata water, add a little fennel seed. For Pitta water, add dried rose petals. For Kapha water, add sliced fresh ginger and basil.
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www.whatsyourdosha.com
Tags: Ayueveda, Ayurveda
Posted in Health | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Tags: Ayurveda
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009
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Green tea is known throughout the world for its medicinal properties. It’s the abundance of antioxidants in the tea leaves that make it so beneficial. Antioxidants slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions in molecules can create free radicals, that can turn into disease. |
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Antioxidants are also important to overall cell health. Healthy cells mean less chance of disease. So antioxidants are an important part of preventative health care. Green tea is also known to reduce the negative effects of “bad cholesterol”(LDL) by making more “good cholesterol” (HDL). Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine. Adaptogens help to reduce the negative effects of daily stress. Like green tea, Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) is rich in antioxidants and promotes a healthy metabolism. Tulsi Green Tea from Organic India is an invigorating blend of two extraordinarily potent, naturally restorative plants. It’s delicious, toasty flavor makes for an excellent afternoon pick-me-up. |
www.whatsyourdosha.com
Tulsi Green Tea
Tags: Ayurveda
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
