The roots of Ashwagandha are used in the form of extract and powder in Ayurveda for various medicinal formulations and treatments. It is a shrub that has yellow flowers and is found natively in India and North Africa.
A unique herb that can revitalize you while making you calmer and reducing stress and related symptoms like fatigue, anxiety and frustration, ashwagandha is one of the most popular adaptogens. An adaptogen maintains the adrenal system that controls the body’s response to factors of stress. Ashwagandha is known for quite literally calming your nerves as it regulates the secretion of cortisol or the stress hormone which remains elevated in some cases and can cause excess fat deposition and high blood sugar. This is the singular reason why Ashwagandha is widely used in tonics and other rejuvenating formulations. For this quality to relieve experiential symptoms of physiological and emotional stress, the herb is used as an active ingredient in a number of our natural stress-relieving, nourishing and rejuvenating body oils like Shankara’s Nourishing Foot Oil.
A lot of symptoms you experience, like perpetual tiredness, or lethargy, excessive oil in the skin and hair, weight gain or increased cholesterol could be due to an aggravated Kapha Dosha and an imbalance of ‘Vata’ in your body could be reason for sleep disorders, fatigue, restlessness, dry skin, cramps and many other psychological and physiological conditions. In order to bring a balance in these doshas, along with rejigging your lifestyle, you also need to add intake of Ashwagandha to your daily routine.
Ashwagandha is known to have a high amount of withanolides that gives it strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties.
A study found Ashwagandha aids anti-diabetic activity and can increase insulin secretion in both those with diabetes and those who do not have the disease.
Study has also shown intake of ashwagandha has helped reduce severe depression by about 79%.
Men reportedly had higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality after starting the use of ashwagandha.
For those who have reached 30, begin to experience loss of muscle mass which starts showing in the form of aging. Ashwagandha is known to improve muscle mass and increased muscular strength!
Ashwagandha is also good for reducing cholesterol. In a study, participants who were given a high dosage of ashwagandha experienced 17% reduction in bad cholesterol.
Rich in antioxidants, ashwagandha helps fight off aging and related signs like wrinkles, dark spots among others.
According to Ayurveda, the human body is made up of the Pancha Mahabhutas or the Five Great elements – Air, Water, Earth, Fire and Space. Doshas are the three combinations of these elements. Vata (Air and Space), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Earth) are the three bio-elements in the body. Each individual has a particular constitution and a balance of these three in the body. Any imbalance in them over a prolonged period of time can lead to uneasiness, weakness or disease.
For those with Vata imbalance, it is advisable to have food rich in Snehana . The Ayurvedic term ‘Snehana’ indicates food items with smooth or oleate content that is food with healthy fats. In order to reduce Vata, Ayurvda suggests an intake of foods like-milk, clarified butter, cardamom, sour foods and generous use of bay leaves in food.
Items that one must stay away from during Vata imbalance are-Chanaka or Bengal gram, Shyama or Black gram, flat beans, barley, blackberries, gourds, honey and dried meat.
To follow a Vata balancing regimen, certain activities are counter indicative in Ayurveda, like
A) Do not stay awake till late at night since this aggravates the Vata further. According to Ayurveda, the hours between 2 AM and 6AM are dominated by Vata Dosha. Balanced Vata ensures smooth functioning of involuntary functions in the body during this time of the night like respiration, the flow of blood and elimination of waste.
B) Try and avoid activities that induce worry and anxiety. W,with Vata out of balance, you are already prone or inclined towards panic, anxiety and worrying. Activities like watching action or horror films, thinking or over planning about projects at work should be avoided.
C) Do not withhold nature’s calls when you feel the urges.
D) Avoid activities that cause a lot of exertion.
E) Do not fast when your Vata is not balanced because fasting causes Vata to aggravate further, leaving you feeling far more restless and fatigued.
F) Intercourse is counter indicative when the body is going through Vata Vyadhi.
G) Try and avoid traveling or walking long distances since an imbalanced Vata leads to symptoms like tiredness, restlessness, fatigue, insomnia among others.
A) Snehana is one of the main Shodhan or internal detoxification therapies prescribed in Ayurveda. In Sanskrit, Snehana means to oil or smoothen. This therapy softens, smoothens and prepares the body for the removal of the metabolic waste in the body.
B) Swedana or Sweat therapy is where the body is induced to sweat through herbal steam. Swedana is performed right before the detox therapy begins. Swedana improves blood circulation, removes toxins, lubricates the joints, improves the skin, lightens the stress in the body and makes the patient feel deeply relaxed.
C) Body massages with well-formulated Ayurvedic body oils will help calm the Vata in the body. One of the quieter and heavenly places for finest Ayurvedic Spa and massage treatments that few people know of is the Art of Living Retreat Center , nestled at the top of Blue Ridge mountains. The center has all the ingredients-spa retreats, Panchakarma retreats, Yoga and Ayurveda retreat among other wellness retreats, that go into making a relaxed and rejuvenating vacation with some quality soul-time.
D) Murdhi Taila or oil treatment on the head such that the herbal oil is rubbed all over the scalp and it is allowed to stay on the scalp for a given period of time.
E) Sneha Gandusha (gargling with oil)Since vitiated Vata can cause dryness and thinning of skin, Ayurveda recommends you introduce oil gargling or oil pulling into your daily regimen in the morning. According to one of the most authoritative texts on Ayurveda, Charak Samhita, Sneha Gandush should ideally be made of nutmeg, hellebore, areca nut, clove, Java pepper, and camphor extract.
F) Soft bedFor better sleep, it is advised to sleep on a soft bed for Vata Vyadhi patients.
G) Exposure to heatYou can get some heat from the sun on you to treat the imbalances in Vata.
H) Practice Alternative nostril breathing or Nadishodhan Pranayam
There is nothing like 5 minutes of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama or alternate nostrils breathing to prepare you for taming the Vata. Nadi translates to subtle energy channels and Shodhan is understood as clearing. This breathing exercise clears your subtle nerve channels, balances the movement of life force through them leaving you feeling calm and energized.
H) Jala Basti or abdominal cleansing with water
Jal Basti is one of the Yogic processes to purify the body also called Shat Kriya. It involves inner cleansing and detox of the abdomen region by sucking in water from the anus.
-Jala Basti improves blood circulation
-Improves the digestive system as it cleanses the stomach walls and intestines internally. Good for treating constipation and diarrhea.
-empowers the solar plexus, which some scientists call the ‘little brain’ in our body located near the naval region. Strengthening the solar plexus is said to improve intuitive abilities in an individual.
I) MeditationSince you may experience b emotions when the air element in the body is vitiated, we recommend, practicing guided meditations tailor-made for balancing the Dosha imbalances in the body is bly recommended, like this Transforming Emotions meditation.
J) Sudarshan Kriya YogaAnother really effective tool is a powerful rhythmic breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, taught in the Art of Living's Happiness Program. The technique has helped over 3.7 million people all over the world to feel calmer, relaxed, clear, less anxious and less worried only after a half an hour practice every day.
(Inputs from Dr. Nibin Nirmalan, a Senior Sri Sri Ayurveda expert from Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Center, Bangalore, India)
Disclaimer: The conditions and illnesses could also be due to a mix of Dosha imbalances. Please do not try to self-diagnose. This article is purely for informational purpose. We bly recommend you consult a Sri Sri Ayurveda physician for a thorough examination of Doshas. Picture credits
Clarified butter- www.ebay.com
Honey- www.dreamicus.com
Snehana- www.artofliving.org
Avocadoes are full of healthy fat, the good kind that minimizes the risk of stroke. Though avocado has high-fat content, it is monounsaturated fats that actually reduce cholesterol, a common risk factor for heart diseases. It has even more potassium than bananas.
Avocadoes come blessed with 20 vitamins, and minerals including folate, lutein, potassium, and B vitamins. Folate aids cell recovery and cellular wear and tear (mitigates the risk of brain and spinal cord defects at birth), lutein is needed for healthy eyes and potassium helps manage blood pressure. The presence of B vitamins improves immunity and keeps diseases and infections at bay. Other vitamins like C and E prevent cancer. The fruits are high on fiber yet low on sugar. So you feel full for much longer.
You can eat it or apply it to your skin in the form of masks, along with other ingredients to absorb the complete range of benefits that avocadoes have for your skin.
(Also read: 5 Ways To Remove Stubborn Makeup Naturally)
Avocadoes have natural oils that help penetrate the skin cells to nourish and soften the skin apart from rehydrating it.
Rehydration also prevents the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Avocadoes come loaded with important antioxidants. Avocadoes infuse your system with antioxidants that diminish over time due to a stressful lifestyle, pollutants, poor diet, age or wrecked sleep cycles, and other environmental factors. Infusing the system with antioxidants reduces oxidative stress, that is it improves the balance between antioxidants and rogue free radicals in the body. The free radicals damage the skin and affect collagen production, making the skin look older and wrinkly. The antioxidants boost the immunity of cells and make them look healthier.
Avocadoes also have lutein which is a carotenoid useful in promoting elasticity of the skin.
It also contains plenty of oleic acid and chlorophyll that removes redness and inflammation in the skin.
Avocado honey face mask
If you have dry wrinkly skin, you can go for this one. Here both the ingredients are competent moisturizers.
You will need 1 ripe avocado and 1 tbsp honey.
Get rid of the avocado skin and seed. Mash it into a creamy textured pulp and put it in a bowl. Put 1 tbsp honey in the bowl and stir it to make a uniform mix. Apply it evenly to your skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse it off with some lukewarm water. Pat your face lightly to dry with a soft towel.
Avocado oatmeal facemask
For a great exfoliating and moisturizing option, you can try making the oatmeal avocado face mask. Here, you will need half a ripe avocado and half a cup of oatmeal. Mix the oatmeal with mashed avocado and blend it into a smooth paste. Apply it evenly on your face and neck. Let it be for 15 minutes. Rinse it off as mentioned above.
Avocado yogurt honey face mask
The avocado yogurt face mask helps fight acne and dryness problems. Yogurt has zinc, lactic acid, and it is a h2 probiotic.
Here, you need a quarter of a ripe avocado, 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt and half teaspoon of honey.
Here’s an interesting addition to your face masks. To make amazing exfoliating face masks, you can break the avocado seed pit into tinier pieces, dry, and blend it into a powder. You can add this powder into the avocado oatmeal or add it with coconut oil, yogurt, or honey to make hydrating face masks with exfoliating benefits.
Shankara's Moisturizing MaskBut it can be a messy work to prepare the masks. There is a way you can upgrade your moisturizing facial masks. You can leave it to the trained curators and experts at Shankara to make you a much-loved hydrating moisturizing face mask that comes with the goodness of soothing honey, oat flour, and avocado oil. These form the base for this hydrating, nourishing, moisturizing mask that leaves skin satiny smooth. Fatigued skin is rejuvenated while the rich oils target dryness in mature skin for a younger, dewy glow. It is ideal to address skin dryness and can be used for mature skin.
]]>What Does The Liver Exactly Do?
When the fat deposits in the liver cells exceed 10%, it leads to what is called non-alcoholic fatty liver or Liver Steatosis. When the liver fat is due to alcohol consumption, it is called Steatohepatitis or alcoholic fatty liver. Fatty Liver: Risk Factors
The risk factors that can increase your chances of getting the condition include
These are some of the more common symptoms of fatty liver that people have reported:
Before we get tino an Ayurvedic understanding of what causes the fatty liver, let us understand two important terms in Ayurevda-dhatus or basic elements and agni (transformational heat principle). In Ayurveda, there are seven dhatus or basic elements that make up the structure of our body-rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), meda(fat), asthi (bones), Majja (bonemarrow), and sukra (reproductive tissues). Agni is the heat principle that fuels digestion, absorption and assimilation in the body. The most common and important one is Jatharagni (digestive fire) or the agni principle located in the stomach region. There are seven agnis located in each of the dhatus called Dhatvagnis.
Fatty liver is caused by slowdown in mamsa dhatwagni-the heat principle in the muscles, medodhatwagni-the heat principle in the fat cells, and asthidhatwagni, or the heat principle in bone cells. When the meda dhatu or fat in liver is accumulated and the fat doesn’t burn up due to sluggish metabolism dhatwagni, the fat deposits in liver cells could lead to fatty liver disease and block the subtle channels that transfer fats. Liver is the main fat processing unit in the body and so deposition of fat in the liver obstructs metabolism of the entire body.
Ayurveda recommends a unique line of treatment for dealing with fatty liver which includes purges, proper nourishing diet, herbal medications, yogasanas that work on the liver region and small lifestyle changes that aid speeding up of liver metabolism in the body.
-Here are quick tips on a Pitta friendly diet that your liver is likely to enjoy during the detox.
-Have cooling and dry foods with more sweet, bitter or astringent tastes. Bitter foods are cooling on the liver.
-Avoid salty or sour foods.
-Have more raw and green vegetables.
-Avoid refined items like refined sugar and refined salt and oils that put pressure on the liver’s metabolic functions when the liver is in the resting phase. You do not want to burden it with more toxicity. Let your liver breathe!
-Avoid recreational drugs or alcohol for the time of detoxification. These again burden the liver functions.
-You can have healthy fats like clarified butter or ghee in small amounts.
-You can have Pitta calming herbs and flavors like coriander, fennel, cumin turmeric and mint.
So it is important to apply essential oils on your body that have Pitta pacifying qualities like Shankara’s Soothing Body Oil, made from oil extracts of sunflower, almond, grapeseed, coconut, borage, geranium leaf, primrose, chamomile, calendula, helio carrot, shavegrass, lemon balm and licorice. This hydrating body oil features a soothing blend of essential oils that are known for their relaxing and de-stressing capabilities. The oil can be used in massage, as a bath oil, or as a moisturizer to help address over critical thinking, irritability, and anger-all emotions seated in the liver.
]]>The onslaught of incrementally scarier news you receive from media and social media can leave your skin exposed to breakouts and acnes. The chemical response from stress can lead to skin sensitivity. Also, if you have existing skin problems like psoriasis and eczema, they can simply get worse with additional stress.
To manage stress,
Meditation activates parts of the brain that release happy hormones.
Here’s how you can meditate effortlessly for 20 minutes.
This is a vicious loop. Undergoing stress can push us towards unhealthy binging, that only makes it harder for the skin to receive the right nutrition that it needs right now, to fight the aftereffects of stress built up. Our skin reflects what we put into our bodies. Research suggests, eating foods that destabilize blood sugar levels like sugary drinks and fried, fatty foods, white sugar can lead to acne problems.
Eating healthy foods that aid stress reduction can also simultaneously work wonders for your skin, because foods that are good for beating stress are rich in antioxidants and loading up on antioxidants ensures your skin has all the ammunition to fight off rogue radicals that make your skin look dull and aging.
Fruits like strawberries, orange, guava and pineapple have Vitamin C and can help fight against tension and fatigue. Beans and bananas, rich in tryptophan, contain a type of protein that is converted to serotonin, a happy hormone. Grains like oats and brown rice have lean proteins and essential vitamins to combat stress and anxiety. Lactium in milk calms the mind and reduces stress hormones.
Stress can cause imbalance in the Vata Dosha that represents the air element in the body and is responsible for all types of movements. Vitiated Vata can further anxiety, irregular appetite, mild weight loss, constipation, interrupted sleep, and bloating. Vata related skin problems can range from black or brown discoloration, skin dryness, roughness, stiffness in skin, fissures or affected nerves.
Ground yourself with Abhyanga
Abhyanga or self-massage therapy calms the mind and the nervous system that is under attack from the physical and psychological or emotional stress we are carrying in our systems from the information implosion we are being exposed to. Abhyanga helps you eliminate this emotional toxin which is stored in our body in the form of stress and tightness. Removing excessive heat and fatigue from the body, it leaves you feeling peaceful, clear and light. Find out more about benefits of Abhyanga and how to do it, here.
Abhyanga experts recommend use of oils especially formulated using herbs that possess specific healing qualities appropriate to each individual’s body constitution or Prakruti and doshas it must balance.
Shankara’s Soothing Body Oil is one such offering. It is a soothing blend of essential oils that are known for their relaxing and de-stressing qualities. Made from essential oils of almond, grapeseed, sunflower, borage, evening primerose, lavender, sandalwood and chamomile, this nutrient rich body oil also helps address worries of the mind, over critical thinking, irritability and anger! An oil for hypertension and stress release is also an oil for a perfectly calm and relaxed mind!
Here’s how you can use simple practicable wisdom from Ayurvedic sciences to build immunity.
]]>Now science corroborates and endorses your love for a healthy fat like avocados. Here’s why
a) In a study carried out on 700 women, intake of avocado based fats was associated with improvement in skin’s supple quality.
b) Avocados are rich in anti-tan compounds too.
c) Avocados have plenty of antioxidants in the form of Vitamin E and Vitamin C, to fight off free radical gone rogue and reduce premature aging. The skin needs Vitamin C to make collagen which is responsible for maintaining skin tightness.
Half an avocado gives you 10% of the RDI or Reference Daily Intake for Vitamin E and 17% for Vitamin C.
They are a storehouse of good fat. In other words, they hold the right balance between omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids. Too much omega 6 fatty acid in your food can aggravate inflammations if you already have a sensitive skin. But walnuts have the right balance of the two to support your skin health. Also, these fatty acids are not found in your body naturally. They must be taken externally in the form of nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds, chia seeds among others. Omega-3 fatty acids are useful to maintain the skin’s suppleness and moisture content. So if you you’re your skin unreasonably dry, your body may be lacking in these fatty acids. Walnuts provide about 6% of your zinc requirement for the skin to stay healthy and plump and heal from scars and wounds faster. It is also rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and selenium.
Here’s some good news for lovers of chocolate, specifically dark chocolate. The cocoa present in your dark chocolate is not just a fantastic source of antioxidants; a study suggests it also helps to keep your skin hydrated! Consumption of cocoa powder is also linked to reduction in skin sensitivity and improved blood circulation. According to another study, 20 grams of real dark chocolate can make your skin more resistant to UV radiation and sunburns. But experts have a caveat for you-it will not be very helpful for you if you eat chocolate loaded with artificial sugar.
Sweet potatoes and red or yellow bell peppers are gifted with sufficient amount of carotenoids in the form of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene acts as a natural sun screen for your skin. It is also a popular provitamin A, that is convertible source of Vitamin A. About 50 grams of baked sweet potato meets twice the RDI requirement of Vitamin A in your body and about 150gms of chopped bell peppers meet 92% of the RDI for Vitamin A. Carotenoids are natural protection from sun, dryness and dark spots. Too much of it in your body could lend an orange tint to your skin. Bell peppers provide a whopping 317% RDI of Vitamin C needed for making collagen. Having red and yellow bell peppers every day slows down the process of skin aging.
Zinc, vitamin A and C and anti-carcinogenic (and anti-tan) sulforaphane-broccoli is loaded with the goodness of multiple vitamins and minerals that your skin needs. The presence of lutein in broccoli is an antioxidant your skin needs to fight premature aging.
Soy is rich in a plant compound called isoflavones that reduce wrinkling of the skin along with keeping the skin elastic and soft because of increased collagen production.
This fat is gold for your skin. Omega-3 fatty acid reduces inflammations, protects the skin against UV radiation and minimizes skin damage. So if you do not have your sun screen on when you step out but have been having your Omega-3 fatty acid-rich food, the damage caused by the harsh sun to your skin would be considerably less. Though, these foods are by no means a replacement for your sun block. Studies have found fewer lesions on the skin caused by the sun rays which could lead to cancer, in people who had regular intake of Omega-3 fatty acid-rich food.
The wrinkles on your face are a result of inflammations caused by lifestyle triggers like stress, pollution and poor dietary patterns. The presence of Omega-3 fatty acid in your food produces collagen which can fight off the damage done to it by these external factors. Chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, spinach, kidney beans, algae like seaweed, spurilina, and nori are some of the holistic sources of Omega-3 fatty acid.
Also, omega-3 fatty acids make up the lipid content in your skin. The nutrient improves the skin’s barrier function by keeping the hydration and moisture locked in while keeping the dirt and pollutants away.
The skin has its own aging cycle. So while good nutrition can improve your skin health significantly, nutrition alone cannot work away your skin woes related to premature aging and external factors like pollution, stress, imbalanced lifestyle and improper nourishment and miniaturization of the skin’s outer layers. Shankara has been creating natural products that nourish your skin and promote a natural radiance. We bring together the ancient science of life from the East - Ayurveda with the Western knowledge of actives and anti-oxidants through modern manufacturing methods to sustainably create a unique line of completely natural, result-oriented products. Made with loving care, in small batches at our manufacturing facility in Glen Burnie, Maryland, our products seek to promote an overall sense of well-being, while promoting naturally beautiful skin.
]]>This one’s a no-brainer. With exercise as you increase your stamina, your metabolism will improve as well, especially your resting metabolic rate, that is, the calories burnt while your body is at rest. Interestingly, your muscle cells burn more calories than the fat tissue cells. So the more you work up your muscle cells, the more calories you burn.
Wondering how a massage can sync up your metabolism? Here’s the secret. An Abhyanga massage administered properly as the oil penetrates the deepest body tissues, results in increased energy and stamina.
A study was carried out on 11 young healthy and athletic males, who were given a 10 minute massage after a very rigorous work out session. Researchers found that the massages worked more on two types of muscle cell genes. One that was responsible for reducing inflammation after work out and the other gene was responsible for increasing the production of mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of cells where energy is produced. In the natural course of putting your body through some sort of exercise, once the muscles get used to it, the production of mitochondria increases to meet the increased requirement of energy. A massage supports this natural process and builds up your metabolism. An Abhyanga massage regulates Vata (air element), increases blood circulation and supports the detoxification in the body.
Shankara's Soothing Body OilExperts recommend the use of essential oils made from select herbs that have Pitta (dosha responsible for metabolic functions of the body) balancing qualities, for regular use. For example, Shankara’s Soothing Body Oil is one such offering. It is a soothing blend of essential oils that are known for their relaxing and de-stressing qualities. Made from essential oils of almond, grapeseed, sunflower, borage, evening primerose, lavender, sandalwood and chamomile, this nutrient rich body oil also helps address worries of the mind, over critical thinking, irritability and anger! An oil for hypertension and stress release is also an oil for a perfectly calm and relaxed mind!
But working out without making significant dietary additions is unlikely to rev up your metabolism. So here’s what you can add to your nutrition to take advantage of the metabolism-boosting properties of these herbs.
Cinnamon burns up carbohydrates in the body and does not let fat get built up in your body, which can slow down metabolism. When you have had a high carb meal, ensure you pop in a few cinnamon seeds or cups of cinnamon tea to burn down the carb deposits.
It is said that as the body loses muscle mass every 10 years, metabolism slows down by 5% or more. For those who have reached 30, begin to experience loss of muscle mass which starts showing in the form of aging. Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng is known to improve muscle mass and increased muscular strength! It also balances hormones and helps deal with thyroid problems that often cause metabolism to slow down.
Here’s why the world is ‘rooting’ for this herb.
It is widely known that the presence of curcumin in turmeric is beneficial for burning up fat and boosting metabolism.
Having a glass of warm water with cumin seeds boiled in it can help burn calories faster as it speeds up your metabolic rate. Along with boosting metabolism, it also lowers blood sugar and reduces bad cholesterol.
The piperine compounds in black pepper aid the process of fat combustion and improve metabolism in the body. You can use black pepper generously in your soup bowl, breakfast, salad or juices.
An unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet lacking in sufficient nutrients or badly timed meals, repressed emotions and stress can cause one or more doshas to become aggravated. This soon disturbs agni or the digestive fire, that can lead to poor digestion of food. In fact, the key to a healthy agni is the intake of easily digested, fresh, lightly cooked, compatible foods eaten consciously at appropriate times.
The consequence of poor digestion in the long run
The spiral of toxins or Āma: Disturbed agni leads to improper digestion and this food that fails to get assimilated in the body turns into sticky toxin that gets stored in the body. Ama accumulation weakens your body and is generally bad for one’s overall health and immunity. If you feel weak and tired for no good reason, it could be an indicator of Ama accumulation in your body. Āma due to its sticky nature blocks the channels of body fluids, causes an imbalance of doshas, contaminates body tissues, and can be a cause for future illnesses.
You can check with an Ayurveda expert who can examine the presence of toxins in your body with the help of pulse diagnosis.
Suggested home remedies for indigestion:
A) Mix the following into a concoction and drink it half an hour before dinner
Finely chopped Ginger- 3 gm
Lime juice- 1 tablespoon
Black salt- 1 gm
Your digestion is likely to improve in a week’s time if you have this regularly every night.
B) Add carom seeds and black salt to warm water. Have it after meals, once or twice a day.
C) Intermittent fasting- When you wake up with a feeling of bloatedness, thanks to a large dinner you had previous night and if the heaviness refuses to go away, you can skip breakfast (ONLY If your body type is suited for it. Check with an Ayurveda expert to know if your body constitution is fit for fasting). Make sure you stay hydrated through the day. For dinner, have something light and soupy. This will give your digestive system the much needed rest.
D) Spread some rock salt over a half cut lemon and lick it before you have your meal. It works up your appetite. The presence of potassium in lemon makes up for its acidic nature. So you can have it without worrying about acidity issues.
E) Have 5 Jamun berries after meals when indigestion is caused by acid reflux.
Acid reflux, essentially a lifestyle imbalance disorder, is called Amlapitta in Ayurveda. The most common understanding about acid reflux is, it is caused by excessive formation of acids in the stomach. But interestingly according to Ayurveda, acid reflux is a result of weak Agni or digestive fire (in other words, insufficient production of stomach acids). Weak digestive fire causes indigestion leading to food stagnation and regurgitation that surface as acid reflux.
F) Use of Pitta pacifying body oils
In Ayurveda, Pitta dosha regulates metabolism and heat in the body, therefore digestion. Pitta governs the digestive fire. But when Pitta is vitiated, it weakens this digestive fire. So, to deal with acid reflux (a result of hyper acidity), you need a pitta pacifying diet and lifestyle. Toxic, oily or difficult to digest food aggravate pitta and consequently acid reflux.
G) Pitta pacifying body oils to release stress.
Shankara's Soothing Body OilStress is the number one enemy of indigestion, while it also causes a doshic imbalance. Once you have your Dosha imbalances diagnosed by a certified Ayurvedic practitioner, and you find your Pitta is aggravated, you should use Pitta pacifying body oils like Shankara's Soothing Body Oil. These hydrating body oils feature a soothing blend of essential oils that are known for their relaxing and de-stressing capabilities. The oil can be used in massage, as a bath oil, or as a moisturizer to help address over critical thinking, irritability, and anger.
]]>Not just a super herb to improve brain functions, Gotu Kola or Indian pennywort is a popular Asian medicinal variety used in hair care. Studies have shown that use of gotu kola significantly helps resolve hair loss, increases length and volume of your hair. Hair oil infused with its extract nourishes the hair follicles and improves blood circulation.
This is yet another power medicine used most widely in Ayurveda for addressing hair problems. Bhringraj is rejuvenating for the hair and pitta calming. You can feel the calmness dawn in you as the oil trickles into your scalp. The herb also improves blood circulation there by supporting hair growth and preventing premature greying. Indirectly, it is also good for your liver and kidneys, which have a say in the health of your hair, their color, texture and overall strength.
is one of the more recently popularized exotic herb with its Egyptian roots in terms of usage. The leaves and flowers of the plant are steam distilled and diluted for use, given their high potency. Clary sage promotes the health of your scalp which is the first base for stronger hair that break less frequently. The oil stimulates hair follicles and ensures more effective blood circulation through the skin cells in the scalp. It adds a clear luminosity to the hair, strengthens the strands, at the same time balancing hormones that cause hair loss. It has anti-fungal properties and a pleasant fragrance that you don’t mind staying in your hair after a wash.
Used by the Egyptians in their medical formulations, for hormone regulating properties, ability to treat vision disorder and as a flavor of wine, clary sage has come to become an exotic herbal essence used in various premium herbal personal care products today for its aroma, flavor and therapeutic values. Studies on women undergoing postmenopausal syndrome showed, inhalation of the diluted clary sage oil produced calming and anti-stress effect (reduction in stress hormones like cortisol) and mood alleviation. Known for its excellent analgesic properties, it is known to help women manage menstrual pain, when combined with essences of marjoram and juniperberries. It has linalyl acetate which is anti-inflammatory.
Are you obsessed with finding ways to promote hair growth? Look no further. Rosemary oil is a go to when it comes to natural medicine for ingredients that promote hair growth, stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and reduce your hair loss woes. It is analgesic and anti-inflammatory, which makes it a strong herb to fend off scalp infections and inflammations. For its olfactory richness, it is widely used in aromatherapy.
When the avocado oil is cold-pressed (like all the herbal oils that go into making Shankara products), avocado oil can be a rich source of Vitamin A, D and E. It is one of the lighter oils that can sit in your scalp without making them feel heavier or clogging the pores of the scalp skin. It also makes for a great moisturizing agent because of the presence of oleic acid that allows it to penetrate the hair shaft. For the same quality, it is recommended for people whose skin or scalp is affected by Psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition where the skin cells regrow faster than they should which leads to flaky and itchy skin. Avocado oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats, that make it ideal for people with dry or sensitive scalp.
So where can you find the goodness of all these exotic herbal powerhouses in a perfect blend curated to compound the individual benefits to make what we call ‘magic potion’ for your hair, using the knowledge of Ayurveda, one of the world’s most ancient healing systems, and understanding of antioxidants and actives in the west?
Deep oil massage twice to thrice a week with Shankara’s Hair and Scalp Oil made from the richness of sesame oil, avocado oil, Jojoba oil, Vitamin E Tocopherol, gooseberries extract, sandalwood essential oil, bringraj extract, lavender essence, clary sage and rosemary, is specifically designed to moisturize dry and damaged hair for more luminous, healthier, and voluminous locks. The oil is safe to use on colored hair. It deeply penetrates the hair shaft and conditions hair from the roots. It can be used for colored hair too!
Why are we doing this?
When you massage the scalp and hair, the oil nourishes the cells in the scalp, stimulates blood circulation in the head region, detoxifies the scalp and additionally causes the secretion of happy hormones like serotonin in the body giving you a relaxing and calming sensation. Oiling is a great way to have the rich nutrients and antioxidants present in the oil seep into the tissues for complete nourishment. But you must know your hair oil well and if it is suited for your hair and scalp type which could be weighing on the drier side or it could be sticky.
Scalp and deep tissues
What you need to do?
Take Ayurvedic Deep Tissue massages like Shankara’s Shiro Abhyanga Warm Oil Scalp Massageto make sure they are sufficiently oleated and nurtured.
Why are we doing this?
The health of your scalp is directly linked to the health of your tissue systems. So if these deep tissues remain undernourished, it is likely to reflect in the quality of your hair and scalp. Abhyanga is one of the most popular and recommended therapies in Ayurveda that incorporates warm, aromatic oils, rhythmically massaged into your body, which loosen toxins, relax the nervous system, and provide rest, nourishment, and rejuvenation.
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In Ayurveda, one of the most ancient systems of wellness, hair and nails come from the same tissue systems as the bones. So nutrients and minerals like zinc, magnesium and calcium that build up and strengthen our bones are also needed for healthier hair.
Some rich sources of calcium include almonds, oatmeal, greens (we cannot emphasize enough how important they are as calcium boosters), and sesame seeds. Experts suggest, your daily diet should have about 1200mg calcium, 60mg zinc and 600mg magnesium to fill up on the mineral meter in your body and for your voluminous hair!
Go for
·Sweet juicy fruits
·Green vegetables but cooked or sautéed
·Make general use of fenugreek, cumin, turmeric and coriander
·Use small amounts of healthy fat like clarified butter to detoxify body’s fat tissues
·Add coconut to your diet. You can never go wrong with that one
To have the dreamy luscious hair, you must first cover your basic. Reduce hair damage, if you find you are losing too many strands of hair every day. In other words, protect your scalp at any cost.
According to Ayurveda, problems of the scalp arise from an imbalance in Kapha and Vata, two of the three Ayurvedic humors or Doshas in Sanskrit. While Kapha brings the quality of softness, nourishment, fluidity and stickiness, Vata is more about qualities like roughness, dryness, air and movement. When these doshas are aggravated over time, coupled with poor management of the scalp’s level of moisture and overall health, they manifest as impurities on the scalp like patches on the skin, sores, or dandruff, which can be both, wet or dry. The imbalance and can also lead to hair loss, numbness of scalp, itching and flakiness. So here are a few simple Ayurveda inspired tips to clean up your scalp!
When you massage the scalp and hair, the oil nourishes the cells in the scalp, stimulates blood circulation in the head region, detoxifies the scalp and additionally causes the secretion of happy hormones like serotonin in the body giving you a relaxing and calming sensation. Oiling is a great way to have the rich nutrients and antioxidants present in the oil seep into the tissues for complete nourishment. But you must know your hair oil well and if it is suited for your hair and scalp type which could be weighing on the drier side or it could be sticky.
Certain herbs in Ayurveda are particularly valuable to address various aspects of hair health. For example,
Bhringraj or false daisies
·helps to rejuvenate hair,
·cool down Pitta and increases immunity against stress caused by the environment.
·Improves blood circulation to the scalp
·Improves hair growth
·Prevents premature greying
·Improves and maintains thickness of your hair and natural color
·It also aids liver and kidney health which has a direct say on the health of your hair
Brahmi or Gotu Kola
·Most commonly used to support hair growth since ancient ages
·Protects the hair follicles and reduces hair damage
·Nourishment for the hair roots
·Fights itchy and dry scalp
·Antifungal and anti-inflammatory
·Rich in antioxidants
·Has regenerative qualities that support hair growth
Amla or gooseberries
·Strengthens and protects the scalp
·Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal-so helpful in keeping fungal infections at bay
·Rich in vitamins A and C, polyphenols, carbohydrates and minerals, carotin
Now if you are wondering about how to make so many different types of herbal oils, how to use them or blend them in a way that it does not lose its unique gifts and properties, you would be happy to know there are herbal oils formulated based on the knowledge of Ayurveda and application of modern science of actives and antioxidants in the nature.
For example, Shankara’s Hair & Scalp Oil, made from the richness of sesame oil, avocado oil, Jojoba oil, Vitamin E Tocopherol, gooseberries extract, sandalwood essential oil, bringraj extract, lavender essence, clary sage and rosemary, is specifically designed to moisturize dry and damaged hair for shinier, healthier, and luxurious locks. The oil is safe to use on colored hair. It deeply penetrates the hair shaft and conditions hair from the roots. It can be used for colored hair too!
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When Kapha is out of balance, you tend to feel dull in the body and lack clarity in your mind. The sub tissue or the white matter in your brain is where your experiences are recorded, which is controlled by Kapha. When the Kapha is high, the blood gets an oily and thick due to presence of triglycerides that may decelerate the flow of blood to the brain. It also can cause hypothyroidism, that is, an underactive thyroid gland. Apart from this important brain function, kapha is also responsible for the health of your joints and muscles. Kapha governs structure and the network of joints in your body. When kapha is out of order, it could start showing up in the form of joint problems, poor lubrication in the joints or looseness in the joints. A suggested practice to regularize Kapha is oil therapy. Full body massage with natural oils which are a blend of herbal essences specifically picked for their Kapha -balancing properties, like Shankara’s Cellulite Support Oil(specially formulated to invigorate and energize), are one great source of bringing over all Kapha balance in your system, strengthening your muscles and joints, calming your mind and enhancing your brain health.
Ayurveda recommends consumption of foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Vegetables and fruits found in nature come with a natural nutritional intelligence and give the body its fully nutritive value. But when they are genetically altered, this natural intelligence is lost, according to Ayurveda.
Sattva is a quality of matter in its purest form and its value as a cleanser and detoxifier, while Rajas is the quality of restlessness or hyperactivity and Tamas is what induces heaviness or dullness. While all the three Gunas or qualities have their own place in the creation, a Sattvic diet comes highly recommended by Ayurvedic nutritionists, for a healthy brain, sharper mind and memory. Sattvic diet improves memory and perception too. An ideal Sattvic diet may consist of fresh fruits and fruit juices, nuts, clarified butter or any other form of healthy fat and steamed leafy vegetables. The types of fruits and veggies will differ, based on your Prakruti or Dosha constitution.
This is one healthy fat that has immense benefits for you, when consumed in limited quantities. It is near perfect remedy for those with vitiated Vata and Pitta apart from being one of the most commonly used detoxifying agent in Ayurvedic purges.
Clarified butter is easy to digest and has a high smoking point which makes it ideal for cooking. When you have indigestion or diarrhea, Ayurveda recommends a diet of plain pulses and rice along with a dollop of clarified butter. Clarified butter aids digestion and helps in purging the body of toxins or Ama, which is responsible for slowing down of your metabolism, brings about lethargy and illness. It is an important source of good cholesterol and a soluble fatty acid.
Some other excellent brain foods are organic milk, fresh yogurt, almonds and walnuts. Consumption of milk increases the naturally occurring antioxidants in the body. Walnuts possess a higher concentration of DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, that improves cognitive performance in adults and slows down cognitive decline in geriatric age group. Almonds and hazelnuts are rich sources of Vitamin E, which is again a protection against cognitive decline. A study showed, regular intake of almonds and hazelnuts improved memory and verbal comprehension in the target group.
Another transformative study published by the University of Waterloo in September last year revealed that practicing even 25 minutes of Yoga and meditation can improve brain’s executive functions. Brain’s executive functions facilitate mental processes like memory, planning, focus and juggling multiple instructions at once. The focus group showed improved emotional resilience and enhanced ability to observe and change habits and thought patterns and resultant action. In other word, Yoga truly brings more poise in our decision making abilities.
Though age is just a number, the body is on a clock whose pace of ticking sometimes lies in our hands. With innovation and advancement in medical sciences, our longevity has improved. The result is an increasing geriatric population with increasing number of cases with cognitive impairment and brain function related disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
As medical science turns towards MBI or mind body interventions to find ways to delay this process of cognitive decline, a study carried out by Harris Eyre, Prabha Siddharth, BiancaAcevedo, among others, published in a leading journal called International Psychogeriatric found out that practicing Yoga for 12 to 24 weeks resulted in improved memory among patients over the age of 55 years who had been diagnosed with MCI or mild cognitive impairment. MCI is reported problems with memory, language, and incoherent thinking and judgment lapses, not in keeping with the normal process of aging.
]]>Harsh winters can cause an imbalance of melanin in our body. The long dark nights of winter can lend themselves to physical slowing down, dryness and fatigue.
During these months, we often feel cold and drier. Our skin gets dry, sinuses begin to dry out, and so do the joints. As a result, the mucous membranes in the body start to become irritated and produce more mucus—and mucus is a breeding ground for colds, flu, and other bacteria.
According to Ayurvedic diet experts, in winter, or vata season, you need to eat more nuts, seeds, grains, soups, stew higher proteins and healthy fat foods that are denser and more insulating for the body.
Here are some Ayurvedic guidelines to help you warm up this winter, avoid getting sick, improve digestion and reconnect with circadian cycles of nature.
Oil massages are widely recommended in Ayurveda, especially during vata seasons for its healing,detoxifying, hydrating and re-balancing quality. Oil therapy massages in Panchakarma treatments help the oil penetrate the skin, presses into tissues and releases toxins such as lactic acid and trapped oils and chemicals that may have seeped in. Sesame, the king of oils is excellent for those aged, or people with Vata afflictions and this particular season of windy cold days.
Shankara’s Sundarya Oil is a winter special body oil that brings with it the vast benefits of winter oleation, exclusively prepared from the richness of sesame oil, sunflower oleic oil, hempseed oil, aloe vera oil, essential oils made from Rose-Geranium leaf, vetiver, sandalwood, ylang ylang, jasmine and vanilla.
• The body oil has a nurturing effect on the body
• Luxurious floral essential oils to awaken your inner and outer beauty
• Sensuous and uplifting, leaves skin feeling supple-just what you need to get you through the winter
• Can be used as moisturizer, massage oil and bath oil
• Rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Strengthens and lubricates the joints and muscles
Need For Oleation Therapies
Oleation therapies like Abhyanga can tremendously help to purge the body of the toxins that collect in the body tissues, thanks to poor lifestyle habits, irregular diet and sleep cycles. It is specifically recommended for people with Vata dosha which gets vitiated during winters. Abhyanga is part of the Panchakarma treatment, which is a full body treatment that addresses the doshic imbalances, detoxifies and rejuvenates the system. Ayurveda doctors recommend a Panchakarma detox with every change of season. It includes massages, herbal medicated oil therapies based on your body constitution, and detoxifying diet tailor made based on your detoxification needs.
Sunbath is recommended in the Shishir Ritu (16 January- 15 March). Being an excellent source of Vitamin D it also replenishes our melanin stores.
Exercise is a must during winters.To prime your body for winter health, inverted poses increase circulation of lymph that moves through the body picking up bacteria and viruses and filtering them out via the lymph nodes. A decent set of 3 of Sun-Salutation can do wonders.
The onset of winter makes us crave for spicy foods with an extra dash of fat. Fried and coated chillis, pakoras, frequent trips to the canteen for hot samosas are the orders for the season. Excess of spicy foods may cause dosha imbalance.Spicy foods do not warm up the body even though you may sweat after having them. Medically speaking, spicy food stimulates pain receptors in the tongue, and a response is generated which dilates blood vessels of the skin and there is a loss of heat from the body in the form of sweat.
All pre-cooked, overcooked, canned, reheated leftovers, refrigerated, frozen foods, processed foods are Tamasic foods. Gorging on Tamas-dominated food should be avoided by all body types during winters, as they are heavy to digest and lacks life force or Prana.When taken in excess can make you dull.
We tend to have more craving for sweets during winters because carbohydrate-rich foods cause blood sugar levels to spike, which raises blood insulin levels. When this happens, the amino acid tryptophan travels up to our brain, where it is converted to serotonin — a hormone that makes us feel happy. But their excess consumption causes insulin resistance. So, sweets and aerated drinks should be a consumed in a limit during the season.
Meats is Tamasic and hard to digest. It takes longer to digest meat and makes the body duller in the bargain.
4 Foods to consume this winter season for optimum health
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemon, grapefruit, and kiwi are available in abundance in this season and they are best known sources of vitamin C, a key nutrient for supporting your immune system.
Orange gives you 62 calories, a medium orange provides up to 116 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement. The fruit is also rich in flavonoids, a class of antioxidants that may reduce the risk for heart disease, as well as potassium, a key nutrient for regulating blood pressure.So get inspired to juice up your meals and body’s winters defences.
Ghee helps the body absorb and use fat soluble vitamins A,D,E and K. It improves digestion and eyesight, keeps muscles healthy and removes impurities from the body. Omega 3 fatty acid present in Ghee helps fighting dry skin. Ghee hydrates your skin and makes it soft and healthy. You can use Ghee with raw milk and besan or gram flour and make a paste. Applying the paste to your face regularly in winters, gives you a bright and moisturized skin.
Water repairs Kapha dosha imbalances. Water consumption early in the morning kick starts your digestion.Water has the ability to flush out toxins from the body and this detox effect helps with problems like acne and obesity. So if you are suffering from obesity then drinking warm water will do wonders for you.
Fermentation supports gut microbial immunity during the winter months. Fermented foods also warm the body. You can have cheese, yogurt, and sauerkraut.
]]>Are you a fan of the zesty, tangy lemon essence too? You will find this in everything from hand soaps to shampoos to cleaning agents, lemon oil is the father of all essential oils for its usability and fruity fragrance. But apart from its commercial value, it is also an excellent ingredient for herbal formulations crafted for your skin. Diluted lemon oil has D-limonene that aids your fight against wrinkles, improves circulation and skin tone. It is rich agent of skin repair and is anti-inflammatory in nature. The fragrance has mood enhancing quality too. A study showed that among rose, lavender and lemon essences, lemon had the strongest anti-stress affect on the participants of the study.
It is
·Analgesic
·Antispasmodic
·Calming
·Sedative
·Antiseptic
·Antimicrobial
·Antifungal
Rashes, allergies, skin cracking-bacterial infections during the winter are a real threat for your body and skin. Inflammations emanating from the persistent dryness of the skin are another trouble you must manage in the winters. For that, handy comes the lavender, which is bountiful when it comes to its antibacterial, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. Have a stuffy nose, allergies or even a common cold? Grandmas would reach out for the lavender oil in the medical cabinet. Lavender oil is indispensable in winter for its excellent moisturizing and hydrating properties. Lavender oil is also calming and is medically proven to induce sleep in the elderly according to a study.
More commonly used as a spice in the food, marjoram oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves of the plant. It is known to be used for treating common cold, digestive problems, dryness, improving appetite, relieving menstrual pain, regularizing muscle spasms, inducing sleep, reducing anxiety and headaches caused due to anxiety and stress. For its stress relieving and relaxing properties it is known to have found a mention in the Greek mythology, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, grew the herb in her garden.
A popular antioxidant, cinnamon oil is a gift for your skin when it comes to free radicals, treating the acne and cancerous skin cells. Sweet, spicy and warm, it is most commonly used in aromatherapy. It has analgesic, anti-septic, antimicrobial and detoxifying properties that make it a much sought after EO for many an herbal formulation, in treating skin diseases, sleep disorders, and muscle and joint pains. A known decongestant, tt is also good for regulating blood circulation, improving your brain functions, relaxing the hippocampus, and boosts the health of your heart and arterial functions.
Many vouch for the deeply sensual, sweet and appetizing aroma of lemongrass oil, not the least because it has anti-cancerous, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to go with the heady aroma it gives off when the oil is extracted from a steam distillation of, as the name suggests, lemongrass. For hair problems and issues related to fungal infections, dryness of scalp and flaky skin, lemongrass oil comes widely recommended for its anti fungal properties.
Used by the Egyptians in their medical formulations, for hormone regulating properties, ability to treat vision disorder and as a flavor of wine, clary sage has come to become an exotic herbal essence used in various premium herbal personal care products today for its aroma, flavor and therapeutic values. Studies on women undergoing postmenopausal syndrome showed, inhalation of the diluted clary sage oil produced calming and anti-stress effect (reduction in stress hormones like cortisol) and mood alleviation. Known for its excellent analgesic properties, it is known to help women manage menstrual pain, when combined with essences of marjoram and juniperberries. It has linalyl acetate which is anti-inflammatory.
Lot of us may have an obvious question in our heads by now. How can we have the benefits of all these essential oils within an ideal blend? How much should the quantities be? Should we blend two of them or three of them and what is the procedure to extract them? RELAX! Leave it to the professionals at Shankara to craft the perfect and most harmonic EO blends for your skin and body that use extracts from all the above essential oils and more, bringing the best of Ayurvedic wisdom from the east and the knowledge of natural actives in the west. Made into perfection, so when the oil drips on your skin, and you rub it evenly, gradually and lovingly, you can feel the goodness of all these essences seep into your body tissues, making you relaxed, hydrated as the aromatic richness wafts through the space you walk in. Feel the stress dissolve away!
This uplifting and balancing oil (Harmonizing Oil) features the perfect blend of powerful herbs and essential oils to restore balance. The lovely scent is complementary and offers emotional balance.
·Uplifting and balancing body oil
·A feminine blend of powerful herbal and essential oils for emotional and physical benefits
·Specially formulated for women
·Warming and nurturing of the skin
]]>Are you a fan of the zesty, tangy lemon essence too? You will find this in everything from hand soaps to shampoos to cleaning agents, lemon oil is the father of all essential oils for its usability and fruity fragrance. But apart from its commercial value, it is also an excellent ingredient for herbal formulations crafted for your skin. Diluted lemon oil has D-limonene that aids your fight against wrinkles, improves circulation and skin tone. It is rich agent of skin repair and is anti-inflammatory in nature. The fragrance has mood enhancing quality too. A study showed that among rose, lavender and lemon essences, lemon had the strongest anti-stress affect on the participants of the study.
It is
·Analgesic
·Antispasmodic
·Calming
·Sedative
·Antiseptic
·Antimicrobial
·Antifungal
Rashes, allergies, skin cracking-bacterial infections during the winter are a real threat for your body and skin. Inflammations emanating from the persistent dryness of the skin are another trouble you must manage in the winters. For that, handy comes the lavender, which is bountiful when it comes to its antibacterial, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. Have a stuffy nose, allergies or even a common cold? Grandmas would reach out for the lavender oil in the medical cabinet. Lavender oil is indispensable in winter for its excellent moisturizing and hydrating properties. Lavender oil is also calming and is medically proven to induce sleep in the elderly according to a study.
More commonly used as a spice in the food, marjoram oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves of the plant. It is known to be used for treating common cold, digestive problems, dryness, improving appetite, relieving menstrual pain, regularizing muscle spasms, inducing sleep, reducing anxiety and headaches caused due to anxiety and stress. For its stress relieving and relaxing properties it is known to have found a mention in the Greek mythology, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, grew the herb in her garden.
A popular antioxidant, cinnamon oil is a gift for your skin when it comes to free radicals, treating the acne and cancerous skin cells. Sweet, spicy and warm, it is most commonly used in aromatherapy. It has analgesic, anti-septic, antimicrobial and detoxifying properties that make it a much sought after EO for many an herbal formulation, in treating skin diseases, sleep disorders, and muscle and joint pains. A known decongestant, tt is also good for regulating blood circulation, improving your brain functions, relaxing the hippocampus, and boosts the health of your heart and arterial functions.
Many vouch for the deeply sensual, sweet and appetizing aroma of lemongrass oil, not the least because it has anti-cancerous, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to go with the heady aroma it gives off when the oil is extracted from a steam distillation of, as the name suggests, lemongrass. For hair problems and issues related to fungal infections, dryness of scalp and flaky skin, lemongrass oil comes widely recommended for its anti fungal properties.
Used by the Egyptians in their medical formulations, for hormone regulating properties, ability to treat vision disorder and as a flavor of wine, clary sage has come to become an exotic herbal essence used in various premium herbal personal care products today for its aroma, flavor and therapeutic values. Studies on women undergoing postmenopausal syndrome showed, inhalation of the diluted clary sage oil produced calming and anti-stress effect (reduction in stress hormones like cortisol) and mood alleviation. Known for its excellent analgesic properties, it is known to help women manage menstrual pain, when combined with essences of marjoram and juniperberries. It has linalyl acetate which is anti-inflammatory.
Lot of us may have an obvious question in our heads by now. How can we have the benefits of all these essential oils within an ideal blend? How much should the quantities be? Should we blend two of them or three of them and what is the procedure to extract them? RELAX! Leave it to the professionals at Shankara to craft the perfect and most harmonic EO blends for your skin and body that use extracts from all the above essential oils and more, bringing the best of Ayurvedic wisdom from the east and the knowledge of natural actives in the west. Made into perfection, so when the oil drips on your skin, and you rub it evenly, gradually and lovingly, you can feel the goodness of all these essences seep into your body tissues, making you relaxed, hydrated as the aromatic richness wafts through the space you walk in. Feel the stress dissolve away!
This uplifting and balancing oil (Harmonizing Oil) features the perfect blend of powerful herbs and essential oils to restore balance. The lovely scent is complementary and offers emotional balance.
·Uplifting and balancing body oil
·A feminine blend of powerful herbal and essential oils for emotional and physical benefits
·Specially formulated for women
·Warming and nurturing of the skin
]]>For a basic cleansing of your skin pores, you can wash your face with a paste made from red rice powder and milk. In Ayurveda, cow’s milk is called the elixir par excellence for its sweetness, right amount of cold, unctuous, smooth, slimy, calming and clarifying properties. It also promotes vitality (promotes Ojas)
Red rice powder on the other hand is a good at absorbing oil from the skin pores along with excellent anti-tan properties. The combination of the two clears away the dead skin cells, brightens up the skin tone, makes it smooth and provides the much needed hydration.
Another wonderful combination for a skin pore cleanser is application of a paste made from turmeric powder and aloevera pulp. Turmeric is famed for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help clear the acne and free up the pores, apart from giving the skin a natural glow. Turmeric is also known to be beneficial for treating skin conditions like Psoriasis or Eczema. Aloe Vera on the other hand is rich in Vitaminc C, E and beta carotene that bestows your skin with anti-aging properties. Aloe also moisturizes the skin without making it oily.
Make a scrub from adding some salt to coconut oil and see the skin lose the pile up near the skin pores. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer. When the skin pores are filled up with dead skin cells and sebum, it develops a keratin cap that locks up the dirt and toxin underneath, giving a chance for bacterial growth. Coconut oil can travel into the depth of skin tissues and cleanse the skin pores by softening up the keratin caps before ejecting them from the skin. Strange as it sounds, coconut oil is also a very strong grease or make up remover.
Mix oats and milk and apply it on the skin as a scrubbing agent. The combination helps open up the pores of the skin. Skin pores get clogged when oil and dead skin combine to form what is called a comedo or blackhead or whitehead. The oat/milk/scrub on the skin helps address the blackheads.
For a holistic, thorough and flawless deep pore cleansing, you can go for the Shankara Microcrystal Exfoliation Treatment. The ultra-fine natural silica crystals combine with aloe gel and five algae extracts to gently snuff away dry, dead cells revealing a healthy, youthful glow that is tangibly soft.
It is also recommended to avoid exposure UV rays that weaken the collagen supporting the skin pores.
]]>Also, this is the most appropriate time to detox because after the unhealthy binging, the digestive system is vulnerable. This time of the year is called Pitta Prakopakala in Ayurveda which means, Pitta Dosha (fire and water element in the body) tends to get vitiated around this time, which can lead to more digestive problems in the season.
It is recommended to have lots of water and fluids in this season for flushing out the toxins from the body. It is a good time for kidney cleansing.
Also, do check out our Ayurveda inspired skin care offerings that help balance Vata Dosha induced dry skin.
Boil half a cup milk and add a teaspoon of castor oil to it. Have it before going to bed. This cleanses your digestive organs and purges the toxins collected over the season. You may need to use the loo 2-3 times next morning, but you can rest assured you will feel light and empty after the cleanse.
B) Neem and Turmeric with warm water
Make a paste made out of neem leaves and turmeric. Have it with some warm water in the morning. This will keep digestive disorders at bay.
C) Honey, basil and gooseberries are wonderful for building immunity for the season. ]]>Abhyanga is one of the most popular and commonly recommended therapies in Ayurveda that incorporates warm, aromatic oils, rhythmically massaged into your body, which loosen toxins, relax the nervous system, and provide rest, nourishment, and rejuvenation. It improves blood circulation, tones and moisturizes skin, works up the lymph system, and calms the mind and nervous system.
Abhyanga calms the mind and the nervous system that is under attack from the physical stress and psychological or emotional stress we carry into our systems from our work place, relationships or family interactions. Abhyanga helps you eliminate this emotional toxin which is stored in our body in the form of stress and tightness. It leaves you feeling peaceful, clear and light.
A balanced nervous system leads to more awareness, alertness and clarity to dawn in your mind. With Abhyanga, you also feel more energized after the massage.
When you let the oil sit for a few minutes after the massage, it percolates into the body tissues, lubricating the internal organs, muscles and joints apart from toning up the skin, nourishing and moisturizing it. You can thank Abhyanga for keeping your skin soft and supple as a baby’s even in the harshest of winters. The best way to fight the scaly dry skin problems during winter is to take refuge in the bliss of Ayurvedic oil massages or Abhyanga, suited to your Dosha constitution. Oil is widely recommended as a healing, detoxifying, hydrating and re-balancing agent in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic massage as part of the Panchakarma treatment helps the oil penetrate the skin, presses into tissues and releases toxins like lactic acid and trapped oils and chemicals that may have seeped in.
(Read more: Happy Winters: 8 Secrets To Beat The Skin Dryness And Lethargy)The massaging action in Abhyanga also boosts your body’s metabolism, so you can eat more and digest faster, even as the metabolism tends to slow in the season. It also improves the body’s waste elimination process. So Aama (toxins) does not get produced in the body.
This also happens to be a good time to go for a full body detoxification massage, to calm the Pitta which is vitiated during winters. Apart from a seasonal change, we also tend to indulge during this festive season, making our digestive system work overtime. On the level of the mind, tempers might run high because of the imbalanced Pitta. The only way to manage an already weakened digestive system and a possibly angry and agitated mind all due to aggravated Pitta, is to go through a total detox for your body, mind and spirit. Heavy oils are a great antidote to an aggravated Pitta.
If you have been sleeping less than desirable number of hours and going through the day half awake, or if you have complaints about the quality of your sleep (which unfortunately or fortunately is linked to how energized and productive you are likely to be the following day), then Abhyanga is a must for you. Ayurveda experts recommend a 15 to 20-minute head and foot massage before dinner. The message will relax your body and purge it off the fatigue and stress of the day, while preparing you to hit the sack and sleep for eight straight hours of undisturbed sleep.
]]>Sight and taste are the senses associated with Pitta Dosa. Though the doshas influence each cell of the body, there are regions in the body where they dominate. The sites of pitta are the small intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, blood, sweat glands, sub-cutaneous fat, eyes and skin.
Before we get into the unique characteristic qualities we find in a person with Pitta dominance, let us understand the role of Pitta, which combines the qualities of fire and water elements.
The three doshas combine in differing proportions to make up an individual’s constitution or prakriti. This includes all factors-- physically, mentally and emotionally-- that express an individual’s uniqueness. While everyone has all three doshas, the relative dominance varies.
In Ayurveda, one is always trying to balance the dosha for a happy and healthy life. But what does that promise us? A balanced pitta indicates intelligence and a strong digestion. When in balance, they are warm and strongly emotional, loving and content. If they mock or are overly critical, it is an indication that the Pitta dosha may be vitiated. Vitiated pitta: anger, jealousy, indigestion, migraines, bladder and kidney infections.
What is Pitta Skin?It indicates more dominance of fire and water in the skin compared to other people of the same age and ethnicity.
Indicators of Pitta skinIt is important to know, fire and water can also bring contradiction in the skin, also called combination skin.
Indicators of Pitta skin out of balanceOne must keep in mind, an individual's physical and mental constitution is never a result of a single Dosha dominance, but often a mix of influences of at least two Doshas. The best way to find out one’s Dosha constitution is get Nadi Pariksha or pulse diagnosis by a certified Ayurveda expert.
]]>According to one of Ayurveda’s most ancient classical text, Charaka Samhita, clarified butter is recommended for good eye sight, physical strength, diseases caused by vitiated Pitta and Vata (including diseases of the joints and bones), for longevity and nourishment, bright skin, tenderness, luster and Ojas or life force, optimum health of the sense organs, healing injuries and digestion. For these qualities and more, it is considered as a Sattvik or pure food
High quality clarified butter or Ghee is available in select stores in the market. But of course you can make it at home too! And here's how you do it. Do note that cow's A2 milk is the best source for making clarified butter at home. You can experience the difference in the quality of the clarified butter on using A2 milk versus the other types.
Clarified butter has a high smoking point which makes it ideal for cooking. It is also easily digestible. For this reason, when someone reportedly has been having a bout of indigestion or loose bowels in India, they are given a diet of plain pulses and rice along with a dollop of clarified butter. Clarified butter aids digestion and helps in purging the body of toxins or Ama, which is responsible for slowing down of your metabolism, brings about lethargy and illness. It is an important source of good cholesterol and a soluble fatty acid. So having ghee in small amounts will do you no harm. It is also a must in your closet to deal with winter dryness.
A lot of people have started using clarified butter in their meals every day after learning about the immense nutritional and skin benefits of this healthy fat.
Ghee is an excellent agent for absorbing fat soluble vitamins like A, D,E and K.
Most of the skin problems and dullness of the skin occur due to a poor digestive system and accumulation of toxins. Clarified butter is highly recommended in detoxifying diets in Ayurveda as it clears up toxins in the body while improving one’s digestion.
Also the presence of omega 3 fatty acids in clarified butter helps fight skin dryness.
Ghee provides hydrating to your skin, keeping it soft and supple. It is rich in anti-oxidants and has anti-bacterial properties.
Face pack using clarified butter
You can use clarified butter with raw milk and gram floour and make a paste. Apply it to your skin and let it stay on the skin for 15 minutes. Then wash it off for a naturally moisturized, glowing and clear skin.
Ghee for good hair
If you struggle with dull and dry hair that falls off easy, it is most likely due to lack of moisture. Ghee helps moisturize the scalp and follicles while providing it the much needed hydration. This problem gets particularly pronounced during winter and so, clarified butter in your bathroom shelf is a must..
Ghee can help improve the texture of your hair, making it smooth and shiny.
Ghee is also a great agent for deep conditioning. Heat the ghee to melt it slightly. Apply it to your scalp and hair overnight. Wash it off with a shampoo next morning.
Ayurvedic hair massages use formulations that contain clarified butter since it is a good conditioning agent and stimulates blood circulation, calming the Pitta and Vata imbalance. This promotes hair growth too.
-Make a paste of tender castor leaves and black fennel
-Have it on empty stomach early morning
2) Liver Friendly foods
Garlic and nuts are good since they support the release of liver enzymes. As a general rule, foods rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants are good preventive measure for the liver diseases. The old diktat about having more berries, cruciferous and leafy vegetables holds just as good. In Ayurveda terms, a pitta pacifying diet is a wonderful way to take care of the liver which is the engine of your body machine. Indian gooseberries or Amla are also rich in multiple important nutrients critical to liver functions. It is rich in antioxidants and reduces Ama or production of toxins thus reducing the load off the liver to deal with large amounts of toxins
3) Reduced IntakeSalts, sugar and alcohol need to be cut down to save the metabolizing agent from being damaged irreparably.
4) Gift of turmeric
Ayurveda ascribes a high place to this Asian spice, as a detoxifying agent and its value as a store house of antioxidants, and if it already isn't, turmeric needs to be incorporated in your diet.
5) Some of the highly effective herbal Ayurvedic medicines that have been showing significant results areA) Classical texts on natural herbs and their functions discuss a formulation called Arogyavardhani Vati, a herbal formulation with minerals which literally translates to ‘herbal preparation for improving health and a disease-free body’. It is also fights diseases of heart, stomach, intestines, thyroid, gall bladder and skin.
It contains the cumulative strength of Kutki or Picrorhiza Kurroa which is known to be a extremely helpful herb in healing the liver, sap of gum resin, white leadwort, purified asphaltum, Indian gooseberries, tropical almond, myrobalan among other powerful herbs.
B) Liv On
A highly effective and herbal Ayurvedic formulation, Liv On is known to help recover from indigestion, jaundice or other liver complications. Some of its benefits include
-It helps eliminate acetaldehyde, a toxin that builds in the system due to excess consumption of alcohol.
-It helps people with liver damage since it supports regrowth of healthier liver cells.
-made from the magical herbs and ingredients like Tamarisk, Ayurvedic formulation called Mandur basma rich in iron oxide, extracts of yarrow, chicory, caper, Capparis spinosa, black nightshade plants, and and Arjun tree.
-Rich in anti-oxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties.
C) Soothing body oils
The pitta dosha controls the metabolism function in our body. When pitta dosha stays aggravated over a reasonably long period of time, it is likely to cause disease or discomfort to manifest. One of the great ways to balance the fiery pitta can be to take regular soothing oil massages that use oils made from herbal preparations specifically put together to pacify pitta, reduce the stress in your body and relax your mind.
(With inputs from Dr. Nibin Nirmalan, a Sri Sri Ayurveda consultant)
]]>Stress manifests as fatigue, restlessness, muscle tightness, cloudy mind, too much worrying and other psychosomatic disorders. Here are a few things you can include into your day to have a more peaceful day!
Begin the day with a few rounds of Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar). This set of asanas stimulates the vagus nerve.
Panchakosha (five sheathed) meditation, is a guided meditation available online for you. It relates to the five layers of our life- physical environment, physical body, thoughts, feelings and the Self or Consciousness. We take our awareness through these layers with the help of breath.
You must follow up your meditation with a few rounds of alternate nostril breathing. Yoga experts say meditation releases toxins. Few rounds of deeper breathing after meditation helps you get rid of these toxins from your body.
Studies show chanting of Om invigorates the Vagus nerve. The impact of chanting is same as the results delivered by some of the clinical treatments administered to activate the vagus nerve for treating depression and anxiety, according to some studies.
There is nothing like making some time out for a Shirodhara treatment, known to be a calm relaxation therapy so soothing you could feel the stress melting away. In Shirodhara, a treatment known in the ancient system of wellness, Ayurveda, a steady and gentle stream of lukewarm medicated herbal is poured on the scalp and forehead. Shirodhara rejuvenates the parasympathetic nervous system.
]]>In her best-selling book, Skin Revolution, beauty guru Leslie Kenton notes that true beauty is based on understanding a number of key principles, including:
We often splash on cleansers, serums, and cleansers because we like the way they make our skin feel, because they have a pleasant fragrance or because they contain ingredients manufacturers promise will turn back the hands of time.
However, many commercially accessed products contain toxins that wreak havoc, interfering with cell function and causing collagen fibers (which are the basic building blocks of skin) to bundle up and become tangled.
Of course, skincare products and makeup aren’t the only culprits. So too are diets that are rich in processed foods and sugar, which once again impair collagen quality and make it difficult for skin cells to carry out their normal functions.
What Role can Organic Beauty Play in Restoring Beauty?Our skin needs daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing; fine lines around the eyes or mouth, meanwhile, can be ameliorated with the help of anti-ageing serums and dedicated creams. Quality organic makeup and skincare firms offer products that provide all these functions, yet do not contain toxins such as parabens (which have been found to damage the DNA of cells), DEA/MEA/TEA (hormone disrupting chemicals which can create carcinogenic nitrates and nitrosamines), or coal tar dyes (which contain heavy metals), to name just a few toxins.
Ayurvedic Beauty: Fusion of East and WestShankara blends Eastern wisdom and Western processes, and is an example of how natural and effective are complementary qualities. Their range of products includes cleansers, moisturizers, and masques, which harness the healing power of Mother Nature with ingredients like honey powder, rose-hip, lavender, or sandalwood. The range includes an array of products, from anti-age eye cream (with antioxidant ingredients such as yerba mate, green tea, and ashwagandha) right through to Microcrystal Exfoliation Treatment (with ingredients such as algae, ale, papaya leaves, neem, and more).
Technology has enabled beauty and skincare companies to create products that rivals their commercial counterparts in texture and effectiveness, but which keep skin free of harmful toxins. For true beauty that radiates from within, remember that your skin shines from within; exercise regularly, consume a healthy diet, keep stress at bay and be assiduous with your daily skincare routine, using toxin-free products obtained from nature.
]]>"Food is one of the main sources from which we gain energy. Not only that, the kind of food we have influences our mind, thoughts and behavior. There is an ancient saying in India - "as is the food, so is the mind".
Once, there was a great monk who lived in the Himalayas. People loved and welcomed him and he had free access anywhere he went. This monk would go to the king’s palace to have lunch everyday. The queen would serve him in a golden plate and cup and he would leave afterwards. One day, after his meal, he grabbed a silver glass and a golden spoon and walked away with it. He did not even tell anyone that he wanted them. People in the palace were surprised. ‘‘What happened to the monk? He has never taken anything like that, that too without telling anybody!’’ they wondered. Three days later he brought those things back and returned them. This was even more puzzling.
The king called all the wise people to analyze the monk’s behavior. The pundits and the wise men investigated to find out what was fed to the monk that day. They found out that some food, which had been confiscated from dacoits, was cooked and served to the monk and that had made him rob!
The state of mind of the people who bring food to you also affects you. There is an ancient prayer in India that people say before a meal, which means - Let the provider of this food be happy. When you say this, you are wishing prosperity for three people - the farmer, the trader and the person who cooks the food and serves it to you. Even if one of them is sad, our lives will also be affected. Farmers are unhappy because the growing use of chemicals has reduced the fertility of the soil and put them under debt. We need to educate them in cost-effective ways of natural farming. If the merchants are happy and do their business without being greedy, they will not need to do adulteration. If the women in the house shed tears and cook food, we will have to shed tears to digest it; we will get body aches, headaches, stomach pains and various diseases. Therefore, the ancient prayer wishes happiness and prosperity to all three.
Another ancient saying proclaims ‘Food is God’. When you consider food as God you will not simply stuff yourself, but eat with honor. Most of the time we want to eat food that is tasty, and not food which is good for the body. We must pay attention to food and eat the right amount, the right type at the right time.
The debate on 'why it is good to be a vegetarian' has long been settled. People all over the world have started understanding that human physiology is made for a vegetarian diet. The internet is full of information on why eating meat is not good for both one's own health or the environment. There is plenty of very disturbing footage also available on what treatment animals are subjected to in slaughterhouses, like the documentary 'Meet your Meat'. They are injected with hormones so that they grow faster and add more bulk. All these chemicals then end up in the bodies of people who eat this meat. But their system cannot take these chemicals and they eventually turn into cancers and other immune system disorders. The milk from these animals is also toxic and is rejected by the consumers' biology. In fact, the large number of cases of lactose intolerance and diseases among meat eaters was what gave birth to the vegan movement.
The Indian ancient science of meditation and pranayama combined with Ayurveda is over 5,000 - 8,000 years old. It has been responsible for the good health and well being of generations. All changes have to start with yourself. Remember that when you eat, you are offering food to the Divine that resides inside this body. So honor your food, eat right and stay healthy. "
About The Author
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an international humanitarian leader and a spiritual master who is the global rallying voice of this generation’s collective call for peace.
Named one of the "Seven Most Powerful People in India," by Forbes, his world-renowned meditation techniques helped end the 60-year conflict in Colombia. He has been credited with bringing opposing parties together to facilitate meditation and peace talks in Iraq, Cote d’Ivoire and India.
Founder of the Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values, Sri Sri is leading the way toward peace and tolerance through meditation and humanitarian efforts. Over 35 years, his programs and initiatives have touched the lives of over 370 million people in over 150 countries.
"Sudarshan Kriya," the meditation technique introduced by Sri Sri is backed by research and implemented in schools, corporations, prisons, refugee camps and retreat centers around the world. As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri has rekindled traditions of yoga and meditation that have helped millions of people achieve personal and social transformation by relieving stress and discovering inner peace in daily life.
]]>Foods high in fiber make the best foods to eat for healthier bowel movement. "The presence of fiber can speed up transit time and draw water into your colon, resulting in soft, fluffy stools that are easy to pass," says Gaurav Verma, regional director, Sri Sri Yoga.
Here are some easy tips to incorporate into your life for smoother bowel functionBonus Tip-You can also go for Shankara's Cellulite Treatment Oil, Cellulite Activator and Dead Sea Salt Scrub that assist in letting go of accumulated toxins from the body, leaving you rejuvenated, detoxed and relaxed.
]]>Pulse diagnosis is the science of evaluating the current state of a person’s body, mind and spirit.
The Nadi, or pulse, is the vital flow of life force that courses through subtle channels all over the body which enables the Ayurveda doctor (Vaidya) to examine the different aspects of this flow at certain important locations in the body.
As a rule observed in pulse examination, the examination is carried out preferably in the morning after shower and on an empty stomach. The pulse is not examined immediately after a bath, or oil massage, nor when the patient is hungry or thirsty. The examination can also be carried out in the later part of the day provided the patient has not taken food for three hours.
Pulse diagnosis is a body of knowledge handed down in the Gurukula or teacher-student tradition. Its use as a diagnostic tool for discovering imbalances in physiology is not widely known or practiced because of the traditional way this knowledge has been passed on from a master to a disciple, thus producing few practitioners.
Complimenting western diagnostics that record the rate of the pulse, an Ayurvedic physician’s methodology looks into the pulse-reading involving touching, feeling, observing, and experiencing not only the rate, rhythm, and volume of the pulse; but also its movement, amplitude, temperature, force, and consistency in the body. It is a tool toward understanding the body in its entirety. The beauty of this is that the symptoms of disease manifest in the pulse long before they do in the body.
For example, when a chemical imbalance occurs in the blood it produces an aggregate effect detectable in the blood much earlier than any symptoms which might arise in the body.
Ayurvedic practice highlights three pathways of diagnosis: darshana (see and observe), sparshana (touch), and prashna (inquire by asking questions).
Ayurveda is a science that asserts the unity of mind, body, spirit, in other words, mental, emotional, physical aspects of physiology. Learning something about one facet gives understanding of all three aspects of life, and pulse yields this insight about the total person. This is one reason for having a pulse assessment.
At a superficial level of pulse reading, the present state of the mind and body system is assessed. For example, if there is a strong emotion, if digestion in the stomach is going on all right, all these along with many other states of being can be detectedIn higher level of expertise, a deeper level of pulse can be understood which gives a record of past stresses and birth information like physical and mental prakruti or constitution.Constitutional (prakruti) assessment is extremely important because this information gives understanding which diet, activities, herbs, emotions, among other aspects can have either a favorable or negative effect upon a given individual. It helps predict what kind of imbalances or diseases that person is most susceptible to. It also gives clues about whether or not one expresses the natural attributes of one’s own prakruti.
Further, it describes the innate balance of the doshic principles which acts as a goal for balancing in that individual. It is said that that knowing something about one point in time promotes knowledge of all points in time--past, present, future. In the same way, mental constitution assessment yields a picture of the way one is likely to think and act spontaneously when in balanced physiology or good health.
Another reason for having a pulse assessment is to discover any imbalances in one of the three interacting principles--vata, pitta, kapha. Balance of these principles, felt in the pulse, is a necessary sign of health. Finding the imbalance helps to find the root cause of disease and suggest remedial action for restoring balance. Of course, there are many predisposing factors such as genes, congenital factors, trauma, etc; but what brings about the manifestation is a dosha imbalance followed by the other factors.
]]>We share some amazingly handy Ayurvedic tips and solutions to get rid of the pounding hangover. You can thank us later!
First thing you do, after waking up is, drink a warm cup of lemon tea, which is hot water with lemon juice in it and some honey. You can also have lemon juice cold with some honey in it.
The lemon helps you come out of the hang over and the honey in it raises your blood sugar level which you would have lost from heavy drinking.
Ginger also helps to treat hang over. You can chew a few pieces of ginger or make ginger tea.
Try this-Boil water with few pieces of ginger and then when it cools down, add some honey and add a few drops of lemon and have it.
It is another remedy for a hangover. Tomato has a sugar called fructose which helps to metabolize the alcohol quicker.
Do Not Skip Meals When you have a hangover, you experience severe loss of appetite, but you will need more energy to deal with the situation at hand. It is advisable to havea lott of fruits and stay on vegetables for the day.
Consuming alcohol which is not prepared naturally is not advisable in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, the body constitution of an individual (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) also determine if, how much and how quickly an individual is likely to get intoxicated. Vata and Pitta people tend to get drunk easily. People with Kapha body constitution take some time to get intoxicated.
According to Ayurveda, it is a good idea to induce vomiting if need be. The Ayurvedic principle is, alcohol should not sit in the body. It should either be digested or thrown out of the system.
Have rock salt during hangover.
Salt and buttermilk will help reduce intoxication and help the liver which is battered by the excessive alcohol intake. Pomegranate juice can also help digest the alcohol.
If you practice Yoga regularly, according to Ayurveda experts, the need for alcohol is reduced in the body. It helps you feel calm and expanded, filling up the spiritual and physical void that many people resort to alcohol for.
Avoid alcohol during summer, since the Pitta or heat element is higher in the environment during this time of the year and it is draining on the body as is.
According to Ayurveda, ONLY people with good digestion should drink, if at all. They should be able to digest the alcohol, otherwise, it could create health problems, nausea, and improper liver functions.
Duringhangoverr, you can practice the straw breathing technique. Take deep breaths as if you were drinking something with a straw. After practicing Pranayamas or breathing exercises, need for alcohol is drastically reduced.
Do not have regular food or meals until the alcohol is either digested completely or vomited out. The liver is overworked as is, during and after heavy drinking.
Arogyavardhini Vati or Livon, are some of the herbal medicines that aid the recovery of the liver from a stupor. Alcohol gives a lot of workload to the liver. These Ayurvedic herbal medicines help protect the liver.
For people who drink alcohol a lot, it is very important to know the body constitutions and what and how much alcohol they should consume and when. Many people, especially when they do not practice a certain lifestyle which involves regular Yoga, Mudras and Pranayam practices, do not have the ability to absorb alcohol in the body. For this, it is important to consult a qualified Ayurveda doctor.
(with Inputs from Dr. Lakshmi, a senior Ayurvedic expert at Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Bangalore.)
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]]>Going by the estimates of The Weather Company, this year temperatures all across the U.S. are going to be much warmer as we enter the season. With the onset of summer, as you start feeling the sun again, especially with a depleted ozone layer (thanks to all the global warming!) that allows the harshest UV rays to reach the earth, make sure your checklist is ready. Glares and hydration alone will not be enough to fight the sun beating down on you.
According to Ayurveda, seasonal transition is the time when we are most prone to sickness. Here are some really simple and useful tips to stay fit, healthy and hydrated in summer 2017.
Before we go ahead with the tips, let us back up a little bit and get to know our seasons, their quality and impact on the body and environment. According to Ayurveda, the seasons fall into two umbrella categories, depending on the direction the sun moves-
Adaanakala- This period includes the seasons we experience when the sun moves towards the North like late winter called Shishir in Sanskrit, spring (Vasant) and summer (Grishma). During these seasons, the sun rays get sharper, more harmful, the air gets dryer, draws moisture out of the body and the increased heat (or Pitta) in the body causes weakness in the body. The heat in the environment reduces the unctuosity of the body. Unctuosity describes the density of the body fluids.
Visargakala- Seasons like rains (Varsha), autumn (Sharad), and early winter (Hemant) fall under this category. These are seasons defined by Southward movement of the sun. During these seasons, the atmospheric heat starts reducing in the environment, the air is moister and the climate supports and revitalizes the body.
According to the seasons and their properties, Ayurveda prescribes certain lifestyle practices, diet and remedies, so you never have to go ‘under the weather’!
1) Flavor of the Season- Madhura (Sweet)
According to Ayurvedic experts, you are recommended to have generous quantities of natural sweet and cold (but not refrigerated) in your diet during summer. The sweet quality or Madhurya balances the Pitta that gets imbalanced with the change of seasons. The ancient wisdom of drinking plenty of fluids, especially sweet fruit juices, during the summer holds even today. This is needed to retain the unctuosity in the body.
2) Foods for the season
Recommended-Milk, rice, clarified butter (Ghee), desserts made from milk and rice, seasonal vegetables and fruits like melons, mangoes and cantaloupe, sweet yogurt, or food with normal amount of carbohydrates.
Not recommended- Salt, sour or spicy food, meat from animals raised in farms, tomatoes, alcohol, black gram. All these foods aggravate an already vitiated Pitta in the body during the summer.
3) Reduce your work out
Ayurveda prescribes against heavy work out during the summer. IF at all, one really must, then experts suggest walking or very light exercises. This is because the atmospheric heat is already taking away the unctuosity and nutrients from the body, drawing from its strength and making it weak.
4) Sexual activity should be reduced
Sexual intercourse is contraindicated during summer or Grishma in Ayurveda. This is for the same reason as less physical exercise being recommended in these months. It saps vitality or Oorja from the body that cannot be replenished quickly due to lower unctuosity.
5) Take a power nap in the afternoon
30 minutes to an hour long siesta during the summers is encouraged in Ayurveda to replenish the Oorja in the body.
6) Stay closer to water
Coming back to our theme of maintaining the unctuosity, Ayurveda recommends staying near naturally cold and wet places, may be near a lake or a river! So if you are planning to vacay this summer, pick a cool and wet place. It comes Ayurveda certified!
7) Moon bathing
Moon bathing is one of the most powerful ways to keep the Pitta tied down. You can sleep outside in the open or walk under the moon for an hour or so before going to bed. According to Ayurveda, the moon light has cooling and revitalizing properties. Instead of taking from the body during the Adaanakala period, it gives strength.
8) Sandalwood mask or (Chandan Lepa)
What is the solution for the dryness that comes with Grishma? Apply the wonder remedy-sandalwood paste on your face, preferably in the evening, and wash it off after a few minutes. Applying sandalwood keeps the skin cool and you feel fresh and less tired. It also reduces the dry feeling in the skin. Massaging the body with sandalwood oil also comes with tons of Ayurvedic goodness during the summer.
Here are some quick and easy-to-make remedies to win over the heat, dryness, and tiredness
A) Drinking Moon Water
B) Soak coriander seeds overnight
Soak some seeds of coriander in the night. In the morning, add 2 teaspoons of soaked coriander seeds in a glass of non-refrigerated water and drink it up!
C) Grapes and soaked raisins
Ayurveda especially recommends grapes and raisins during the summer because of its unctuous content. You can soak raisins overnight and have it the next morning. The raisins undergo a process called osmosis, which results in raisins swelling up when soaked for a few hours. Soaked raisins are good for the body during summers for their sweetness and watery properties.
]]>Believe it or not, fats are good for you, and good for your skin! Healthy fats like olive oil, ghee, avocado, and nuts help to lubricate the joints and repair the lipid barrier in your skin, which tends to thin as you age. Here are some ideas for adding more of these healthy fats into your day:
Adding spices to your food will keep your digestive fire (agni) burning strong and boost your immunity, which both help your skin stay glowing! Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, fennel, and mint are all great choices. These are just a few ways you can incorporate these spices into your food:
Especially those high in vitamin C! Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant for your body and for your skin! If you want to follow Ayurvedic guidelines, do your best to eat fruits in-between meals, as they are more easily digested on their own. Try these vitamin-C packed fruits for glowing skin:
Now, I have never been a size two, and never will be. In fact, I think the closest I have ever come to a size two was on the day of my birth. As an athletic kid, I grew up with more brawn than slim. Because of this, as a young girl being fed a one-size-fits-all image by the mainstream media of what “attractive” women look like, I failed to develop an appreciation for my natural body-type. As I moved into my teenage years, my poor-body image, along with the mixed messages from the media about what I “should” and “shouldn’t” eat (Fat is Bad! Eat as many Avocados as you want! Eat cabbage soup for a month!), I developed a very distorted understanding of what my body truly needed in order to be healthy. The worst part was, I loved to eat! And the more I deprived myself in order to look a certain way, the unhappier I felt.
Discovering AyurvedaAfter years of confusion and dissatisfaction with my body, I received a pulse reading from Dr. Lokesh, a globally renowned Ayurveda and Pulse assessment expert, when he visited my hometown of Chicago. And after years of feeling that I wasn’t the person I was supposed to be, I was suddenly reminded who I truly am.
“…after years of feeling that I wasn’t the person I was supposed to be, I was suddenly reminded who I truly am”
I sat down beside Dr. Lokesh, and he immediately asked for my wrists, skipping over the nervous chitchat played out at the usual doctor’s office visit. After a few minutes of his listening to my pulse, he announced that, out of the three doshas(Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), I had a predominantly Pitta constitution, along with a little Kapha. What did this mean? According to Dr. Lokesh,
“Pittas are intelligent, focused, attractive, and leaders. You also have strong digestion, but because of that you often think you can eat anything. You also have a strong appetite – never skip a meal. And don’t get seconds, as you have the tendency to overeat.”
And the Kapha?
“Kaphas have a strong build and stamina. Kapha people are patient, strong, and loyal. However, you can get lazy and have a sweet tooth. Stay away from sweets and overeating to avoid weight gain and diabetes.”
All of my body-image “shoulds” were wiped away within the span of 15 minutes as I learned the reality of my constitution and what I need in terms of food, herbs, and lifestyle to experience optimal health.
“All of my body-image “shoulds” were wiped away within the span of 15 minutes as I learned the reality of my constitution”Recognizing my Strengths
Learning about my constitution through pulse reading has helped me to identify my strengths, rather than weaknesses. For example, while I may not be a top candidate for the spot of fifth Spice Girl, I am blessed with a strong stamina and athletic build, which allows me to be a top competitor in sports, and will allow me to stay active late into life. Those competitive traits, when balanced, also support my natural leadership skills and focus.
Besides providing me emergency body-image relief, pulse readings with Dr. Lokesh have often unearthed the non-physical aspects of my life that may be affecting my health. As Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to health, incorporating body, mind, and spirit into each evaluation, guidance provided by Dr. Lokesh has helped me transition out of a dead-end job, identify how romantic relationships affect my health, and develop trust.
For those interested in receiving a pulse reading for the first time, remember that pulse assessments are not a replacement for western medicine, but rather are a strong complement, and can provide basic insights into food and lifestyle often overlooked in the pharmaceutical-dominated medical industry. Whether you are new to Ayurveda or are a pulse-diagnosis pro, I invite you to take advantage of Dr. Lokesh’s United States tour and listen in to what your pulse has to say!
Article courtsey : www.artoflivingretreatcenter.org
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