Neha Ayurvedic Life Spa

GI-tract MarmaChikitsa Protocol

2011-04-24T20:09:00.001-07:00

MarmaChikitsa

Major Marmas for digestion related to the GI Tract. The Marma’s used will focus in some way on the GI Tract starting with the mouth and ending at the rectum. What is a Marma? It is a pressure point on the body that can be translated to mean vulnerable or sensitive zones. They are sensitive to Prana or Life Force Energy much like that of the Pulse. When manipulated they alter both the physical and energetic body. Marmas are found in the classic Ayurvedic text of Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhatta. Marma therapy can be used along side of Ayurvedic tonification and detoxification therapies.

Marmas Stimulate & Connect to: Physical body such as the Muscles Nadis (subtle nerves) and Chakras (subtle endocrine functions) along with the Pranic body.

Practicing Marma therapy we can restore connection between the physical and energetic bodies. Marmas are wonderful for use ones self; but like most therapies and treatments the healing power that is created between practitioner and client is profound.

A practitioner doesn’t need to be technically skilled and memories the location of each Marma point on the body. They should know how to channel Pranic Energy (Life Force Energy) to help them identify the true location and nature of the Marma point. The best way to access Pranic Energy is to be a Pranayama practitioner a master of your breath.

Prana will always work to heal Prana, just as water will naturally flow into low lying areas. (Dr. Frawely)

Important Subdoshas for Marmas relating to the GI Tract:

Vayu/Vata

Samana Vayu- kindles agni helps in digestion, responsible for the inward movement of energy, facilitates the breaking down and digestion of food, controls the secretion of digestive enzymes, maintains peristalsis, separates nutrition and waste from the food, coverts intelligence in the food into our consciousness, movement is Clockwise.
Location: Stomach, SI, LI

Apana Vayu- site of accumulation in the large intestine (has a special correspondence to the bones)
Location: Large intestine

Pitta

Panchaka Pitta-creates hunger and thirst, moves food through different parts of the GI Tract with the help of Samana Vayu, responsible for digestion in the small intestine, Marmas of the navel area are strongly related, it is the main area for treatment of disease related to the Pitta dosha.
Location: Small intestine

Ranjaka Pitta-give color and smell to the malas of the body, in the liver the absorbed food (Ahara Rasa) is processed or cooked and digested again. In the liver the food particles are separated into the Panchamahabhutas. And the liver destroys old blood cells separating them into enzymes, which are excreted via the stool and urine.
Location: Liver, Spleen & SI

Kapha

Kledaka Kapha-moistens food for better digestion and movement in the stomach, protect stomach linning, nourishes mucus membrane is the alkaline secreation in the stomach, responsible for lubrication of the GI Tract relates to Marmas near to the stomach.
Location: Stomach

Avalambaka Kapha- govern the accumulation in the stomach and is the main area of focus for treatment of Kapha related disease in general.
Location: Stomach

Srotas related to the GI Tract:

Annavaha Srota(Digestive System)- the channel that carries food (anna) Mainly the digestive tract. It is called the Mahasrotas or Great Channel because it is the main canal in the body, the Gastro-Intestinal Tract.

Purishavaha Srota(Excretory System)-the channels that carry the feces(purisha) Its origin is the colon and rectum. And certain marmas can be used to regulate elimination to relieve constipation or diarrhea.

Marmas being worked with:

Kurchashira (hand)-the thumb is a manifestation of Agni and has more then the just the power of digestion but the power of Prana.

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Samman Vayu, Kledaka Kapha, Pachaka Pitta.

Treatment:
Massage with stimulating ess. oils such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, clove to aid in digestion and activate Agni. Acupressure is beneficial here.
Apply turmeric paste or aloe for minor injury.

Indrabasti(arm)-controls the digestive system(Annavaha Srotra) and Agni.

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Samman Vayu, Pachaka Pitta.

Treatment:
Massage with Mahamasha Taila, mustard seed oil and or seseame oil to stimulate Agni. Massage with spicy ess. oils to stimulate the SI like anise, fennel ginger or cardamom. Calamus oil can be used to promote circulation in the GI Tract.

Kurchashira(foot)- is a manifestation of Agni and has more then the just the power of digestion but the power of Prana.

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Samman Vayu, Kledaka Kapha, Pachaka Pitta.

Treatment:
Massage with castor, seseame, Durvadi Taila and Ushiradi Taila, or Dashamula Taila; for improving Agni use ess. oils of gingerm camphor or garlic
Heat can be used here to treat a spur and stimulate Agni.

Indrabasti(leg)-controls the digesive system (Annavaha Srotas)

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Samman Vayu, Pachaka Pitta.

Treatment:
Massage with stimulating ess. oils such as ginger, cinnamon and black pepper to aid in digestion and activate Agni. The Ayurvedic oil Kshara Taila that contains garlic, asafoetidam and rock salt. Acupressure is beneficial here.
Apply turmeric paste or aloe for minor injury.

Nabhi(navel)-controls the navel chakra (Manipura) and digestion. Houses the Pitta dosha and fire element as a whole.

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Samman Vayu, Kledaka Kapha, Pachaka Pitta, Ranjaka Pitta.

Treatment:
Massage the area with oils such as seseame, Dashamula Taila, almond for Vata, use Brahmi or coconut for pitta, to increase Agni use ess. oils like ginger fennel or cardomom. Sandalwood paste is good for alleviating Pitta, Asafoetica powder is good for dispelling Vata.
Internally purgatives are good to treat the Marmas senna, rhubarb or triphala work well to remove Pitta from the navel area.
Mediation with the baja RAM (affecting the cosmic fire element) is also good to work with this Marma. A topical basti of Ghee and oil on the area will relieve pain in the navel.

Apastambha(chest)-control kapha digestion and adipose tissue

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Kledaka Kapha

Treament:
Massage with mustard seed or seseame oil, use ess. oils like myrrh and ginger or cinnamon to reduce fat/adipose in the body. Try to increase Prana with a practice of pranyama.

Nitambi(illium)-an important Kapha point related to adipose.

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Kledaka Kapha

Treatment:
Massage firmly with hand or elbow, use oils of myrrh valerian or wintergreen. A paste of Shatavari or horsetail can be used. A warming/heating oil or herbal Enema will also help.

Manya(neck)-controls the mouth and throat and is the Kapha Marma related to the tongue and salivation.

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Kledaka Kapha,

Treatment:
Massage or use acupressure and ess. oil that are Kapha reducing in nature.

Shringataka(cheek)-actually relates to the internal Marma on the soft palate we work on the corresponding region. Good for treating the diseases of the mouth.

Subdoshas related to the GI-Tract:
Kledaka Kapha

Treatment:
Massage with peppermint, cloves or calamus ess. oils, or sucking on spicy herb we can stimulate this point such as nutmeg or cloves.
Tumeric paste is also good to support this marma or netra basti.

-Suggestion of order if looking to treat the major GI Tract marmas

Start with the Nabhi (Navel) first then work on the Head move to the limbs and return to the Navel.

Gymna research Diabetes and Ayurveda

2010-11-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

http://www.diabgymna.com/content/apimanu_diabgymna_ayurveda_research_report.htm

Part 2. Lecture Notes from Dr. Lad's, Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations Class May 14-16, 2010

2010-05-17T10:08:00.001-07:00

Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations

(This blog does not seek to treat, diagnose or cure any medical disease, disorders or illness. And takes no responsibility for the health or ill-health of those persons reading nehaspa.blogspot.com. We seek only to share information.)

Herbal recipes for healing offered by Dr. Lad at the Ayurvedic Institute.

Kshira Pak (Milk cooking)

Arjun Kshira Pak

1-oz (part) Arjun
5-oz (parts) Milk
5-oz (parts) Water

Put into a large pot and cook till the water has all evaporated, and all that is left is 5-oz of milk. The water allows the herb to release its qualities into the liquid (solvent). The milk acts as a catalytic agent in the body.

Arjun, is 1st Astringent, 2nd Cooling, 3rd Pungent in the body.

Hrudya (Heart)- Cardiac tonic
Mutrala (Virehana)- Mild diuretic
Vidahashaman- Anti-inflammatory, blood thinner, coronary vasodilator

Supports Healing:
Pitta sadhak- Heart chakra- Rudra
Mother
Ojas
Prana
Sahak
Vyana

Different types of intake of Arjuna herb:

1. Arjunavaleha (paste/rub)
2. Arjunaristha (herb with jaggary)
3. Arjuna Krshira Pak (milk decoction)
4. Hrudyavati (pill/tablet)

Arjun for high blood pressure, cardiac issues, angina and hyperlipidemia
You may add:
Ginger
Pippila
Ajwain

10-grams of Bark or chips of Terminala Arjana
40-ml Milk
160-ml Water

Boil till all the water evaporates, this recipe will take longer then the first but will be a stronger decoction.

_______________________________________

Haritaki

Rasa:
1. Astringent
2. Sour
3. Sweet
4. Pungent
5. Bitter

Haritaki is 1st Hot, 2nd Sweet

Decreases all dosha(s)

Is good for:
Hemorrhoids
Skin disorders
Rash/ eczema
Reduces chances of tumor growth
Decreases toxins in the body related to alcoholism
Aids in purifying the liver and spleen
Cardiac
Blood cleanser
Cough
Increases longevity and memory
Unfolds happiness
Digestion
Nutritive and Laxative
Appetizer

7 Dhatu Cleanser
Youth Formula

Ginger
Haritaki
Amalki
Vacha
Pippali

Rock salt
Jaggary (brown sugar)

In equal parts combine herbs and roast them in a cast iron pan till you smell the fragrance of the herbs in the room.
Reduce the heat and add the salt then the sugar.

Take .5tsp for 7 days or daily

If you take the formula for 7 days you will purify each of the 7 dhatus and the 7 chakras

Haritaki's many names:
Pathya
Abhaya
Vayastha
Pranada
Amruta

Haritaki-

Oxidizes the fat in the liver and detoxes the spleen.

If a child has no mother then Haritaki is his mother, because Haritaki has all the same qualities of the mother.

Haritaki minimizes the effect of Chemotherapy.

_____________________________________

Amalaki
The nectar of life.

1. Sweet
2. Sour
3. Bitter
4. Pungent
5. Astringent

Amalaki is 1st Cooling, 2nd Sweet

Triphala Eye Wash

1-oz of Triphala
boil in 2 cups water

Strain with a coffee filter.
Allow to cool.
Use a dropper in the eyes or an eye wash cup to cleanse the eyes with the fluid.

to be continued...

Part 1. Lecture Notes from Dr. Lad's, Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations Class May 14-16, 2010

2010-05-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Dravya - Guna - Karma
Substances - Qualities - Actions

Classification of Herbs:

There are 50 groups but these are the groups discussed in The Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations Class with Dr. Lad in May 2010.

1. Jivaniya:
Increases vitality, Nurtures mind, senses and consciousness, Promotes life, Promotes raja.

Herbs- Yasthimadhu (Licorice), Amla, Punarnava, Guduchi, Brahmi, Vacha, Haritaki

2. Brimhaniya:
Expanding, Nurtritive, Building and tonifying of tissues.

Herbs- Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Vidari

3. Lekhaniya:
Scrapping of excess Dhatu build up, Weight reducing, Kapha reducing.

Herbs- Nagarmotha, Turmeric, Guggul, Kutki, Chitarak, Shilajeet, Vacha

4. Bhedaniya:
Breaking down of hard stools, Gallbladder or Kidney stones.

Herbs- Castor oil, Kutki, Pashanabheda (Bergenia ligulata), Nishottar, Chitrak, Senna

5. Sandhaniya:
Healing, Joining fractured bones, Ligaments, Healing wounds.

Herbs- Arjun, Gulwel, Licorice, Lodhar, Patha

6. Dipaniya:
Kindles Agni, Digestive stimulant.

Herbs- Chitrak, Ginger, Trikatu, Ajwain, Hing, Pippali, Black pepper

7. Pachaniya:
Aid in digestion and absorption, Regaining agni, Distroys ama.

Herbs- Trikatu, Chitrak, Cumin, Fennel

Rasa (6 Taste)

The sensation on the tongue, Juice, The main Mahabhutas that are responible for taste are Apa(Jala)/ Water and Prithvi/ Earth. Each dosha is increased or decreased by the Rasas.

Sweet - Madhura
Earth + Water

Sour - Amla
Earth + Fire

Salty - Lavana
Water + Fire

Pungent - Katu
Fire + Air

Astringent - Kashaya
Air + Earth

Bitter - Tikta
Air + Ether

1. Madhura:
Ojas increasing and heavy
Decreases Vata and Pitta, Increases Kapha
Assist in production of plasma
Positives attributes are compassion, satisfaction
Negatives are attachment, greed, possessiveness

2. Amla:
Aids Agni
Decreases Vata, Increases Pitta and Kapha
To much makes a close up (when we put sour in the mouth we close our eyes)
Can create burning and inflammation
In the event of eczema avoid sour yogurt
Positives are discrimination
Negatives are envy, jealousy, angry

3. Lavana:
Is found in all salts
Decreases Vata, Increases Pitta and Kapha
Promotes flavor in foods
Kindles agni
Improves digestion
Anti-flatulent
Acts on Kledana Kapha and promotes secretions
Positives are commitment, confidence, Zest for Life
Negatives are attachment and greediness
Comes from the ocean that in turn also fills our blood, that is 80% saline solution

4. Katu:
Circulation promoting
Increases Vata and Pitta, Decreases Kapha
Kills parasites
Increases agni
Weight reducing
Positives are extroversion, exploration, right inquiry and boldness
Negatives are angry, violence, perfectionism and hatered

5. Tikta:
Aniti-inflammatory
Increases Vata, Decreases Pitta and Kapha
Antibiotics are bitter
Increases nausea
Reduces weight
Positives are one-ness, introspection and introversion
Negatives are hostility, insecurity, fear
Taking Neem juice orally decreases sperms desire to reproduce thus decreasing sexual desire.
Increase the hepatic system and decreases Meda Dhatu

6. Kashaya:
Binding
Increases Vata, Decreases Pitt and Kapha
Homeostatic
Has a stopping action
Positives are supportive, and creates togetherness
Negatives are mental constipation, grief and sorrow

Ayurvedic Pulse of the Rasas:

Right hand of client superficial pulse-

Colon/Gallbladder/Pericardium
Astringent/Bitter/Sour

Right hand of client deep pulse-

Lungs/Liver/Circulation
Sour/Bitter/Pungent

Left hand of client superficial pulse-

Small intestine/Stomach/Bladder
Pungent/Pungent/Salty

Left hand of client deep pulse-

Heart/Spleen/Kidney
Pungent/Bitter/Salty

--------------------------------------------------------------
Field of action for Rasa, Virya, Vipaka, Prabhava

Rasa: Contains all 6 tastes, tongue, oral cavity, taste buds.

Virya: Potency, action is on agni, Jadaghi agni and Dhatu agni, feeding all the Dhatus, main qualities are Cooling and Heating.

Vipaka: Post digestive effect, in the colon acting through apana vayu, producing waste product (malas)

Prabhava: Special effect, actions on a cellular level, Pilu agin (cell nucleus) and Pithara agni (cell membrane), it is acting on cellular intelligence.

RASA
Mouth- Rasa (all 6 taste)
Earth and Water
Bodhak

VIRYA- 1st hour after eating
First half of stomach- Sweet
Earth and Water
Kleda

2nd hour after eating
Second half of stomach- Sour
Fire and Earth
Panchak

PRABHAVA-
Liver-Salty (at a cellular level, hepatocytes)
Fire and Water
Ranjak

VIPAKA-
Large Intestine- Bitter
Ether and Air
Ranjak

Last portion of the Large Intestine- Pungent
Air and Fire
Ranjak

Cecal Appendix- Astringent
Air and Earth
Apana

Oder of Actions in terms of action:

Rasa-> Vipaka-> Virya-> Prabhava

Herbs suitable for specific dosha as listed in Dr. Lad's class:

Vata:
Dashmola
Ashwagandha
Bala
Vidhatri
Tagar
Guggulu
Haritaki

Pitta:
Shatavari
Guduchi
Neem
Tikta
Amalaki
Aloe vera (Kurmari)
Bramhi

Kapha:
Panarnara
Gokshura
Kutki
Chitrak
Black pepper
Bibhitaki

Herbs suitable for specific dhatus as listed in Dr. Lad's class:

Rasa:
Yashtimadhu
Ginger
Mustha
Sandalwood
Kanchahar
Tulsi

Rakta:
Majistha
Neem
Amalki
Lotus
Rose
Rasin

Mamsa:
Bala
Ashwagandha
Vidhari
Urad
Sesame (brown)

Meda:
Katuka
Chitrak
Tikta
Shitajeet

Asthi:
Guggulu
Bawalpunchamt
Shitajeet
Sesame (whtie)

Majja:
Bramhi
Jatamansi
Vacha

Shukra:
Ashwagandha
Vidari
Kapikacchu

Artava:
Shatarvari
Ashoka
Hibiscus

Not all the information posted here was gathered in Dr. Lad's lecture. In some places I have added some herbs and modified descriptions based on past knowledge and classes to better complete the text.

Vata Information Sec. 1

2010-04-13T18:06:00.003-07:00

VATA information:

Ayurvedic Philosophy & Anatomy
(Tarka Sankhya & Sharir)

What makes Ayurveda special?
• It respects the uniqueness of the individual.
• It considers the levels of the individual.
• It offers natural ways of treating disease and promoting health.
• It emphasizes prevention.
• It empowers everyone to take responsibility for their own wellbeing.
• It is cost effective.
• It works.
Different ways of looking at the Doshas from other systems:

Vata/ Qi/ Air/ Ecto/ Non A or B type

Pitta/ Yang-male/ Fire/ Meso/ A type

Kapha/ Yin-female/ Water/ Endo/ B type

Combination's of the doshas:

Mono- doshic
Vata
Pitta
Kapha

Bi-doshic
Vata/Pitta
Pitta/Vata
Pitta/Kapha
Kapha/Pitta
Vata/Kapha
Kapha/Vata

Tri-doshic
Vata/Pitta/Kapha

Characteristics of Vata type
Light thinner build
Tendency for dry skin
Aversion to cold weather
Irregular hunger and digestion
Quick to grasp new information but also quickly to forget
Tendency to worry
Tendency toward constipation
Tendency toward light and interrupted sleep
Attributes of Vata

Represents biological principles:
Air & Ether (Space)

Quilites (Gunas):
Dry, Cold, Light, Quick, Unstable, Subtle, Rough

Primary location:
Colon

Major physiological functions:
Transport, Communication, Movement

Major mental function:
Imagination, Indecisiveness, Resilience

Major emotions:
Exhilaration, Fear, Insecurity

Influence of the various aspects of life that increase Vata

Age Old age
Time of day Evening
Season Fall and Early Winter
Diet Dry, Frozen, Fried foods
Exercise Excessive amounts
Rest Lack or rest
Emotions Fear, Insecurity

Key concepts to balancing Vata

• Regularity in daily activities
• Quiet nurturing space
• Attention to adequate amounts of fluids
• Decreased sensitivity to stress
• Ample amounts of rest
• Keep warm
• Steady consumption of food
• Sesame oil massage daily & abhyanga

With signs of imbalanced Vata pacify your dosha by modifying your daily routine

• Be sure to get plenty of sleep/rest
• Stay warm (Vata is a cold dosha and benefits from heat)
• East Vata pacifying foods, eat at a set time daily
• Drink lots of warm fluids
• Avoid consuming cold foods and fluids
• Give yourself daily sesame oil massage
• Take warm long showers or baths in the morning
• Avoid mental stress, strain and over stimulation
• Make your surrounding bright Vata responds well to sunlight & cheerful colors
• Avoid alcohol when trying to balance Vata
• Resist stimulants such as coffee, black tea and nicotine

A brief description of the Dosha's.

2010-04-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

A brief description of the Dosha's.

Vata Dosha (Air & Ether) which is found in the spaces of the body (G.I. tract, mouth, abdomen etc), in the movement of muscles, the pulsation of the heart, nerve impulses etc. If Vata is dominant in our system, we tend to be thin, light, enthusiastic, energetic and changeable. When out of balance, Vata people tend towards chronic pain, joint issues, anxiety and worry/stress. Balanced Vata is represented as creativity musically and artistically. Vata persons tend to make great artist and teachers.

Aromatherapy for pacifying Vata is a mixture of warm, sweet and sour aromas like: Basil, Orange, Rose, Geranium, Clove, and other spices.
Pitta Dosha (Fire & a small amount of Water) which works in our digestive system, our metabolism,as light and heat in the body. If Pitta predominates in our nature, we tend to have an athletic build, are intelligent, goal-oriented and have a strong appetite for life. When out of balance, Pitta people tend toward inflammations, fevers, jealousy and anger. Balanced Pitta is represented as intellect having a sharp mind. Pitta persons often make great public speakers and politicians.

Aromatherapy for pacifying Pitta is a mixture of sweet and cooling aromas like: Sandalwood, Rose, Mint, Cinnamon and Jasmine.
Kapha Dosha (Earth & Water) which is found in the solid structures like bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons and in the plasma, mucous membrane and juices of the body. When Kapha prevails, we tend to have strong/stable frames, are easy-going, methodical and nurturing. When out of balance, Kapha people tend toward colds, congestion, sinus issues, weight gain, greed and inertia. Balanced Kapha is represented as compassion and understanding. Kapha persons tend to make great healers and care givers.

Aromatherapy for pacifying Kapha is a mixture of warm aromas with spicy overtones such as: Juniper, Eucalyptus, Camphor, Clove and Marjoram.

--
हरी ओम् तत् सत् (Hari Aum Tat Sat)

BOOKS-Recommended Reading-

2010-04-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Books

-Recommended Reading-

Introductions to Ayurveda

Chopra, Deepak: Perfect Health. Harmony Books.
Frawley, David: Ayurvedic Healing. Lotus Press.
Lad, Vasant, Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing. Lotus Press.
Svoboda, Robert E. Prakruti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution. Lotus Press.

Ayurveda Classical Texts

Charaka: Charaka Samhita (translation and commentary by Sharma, P.V., Chaukhamba Orientalia, India)
Sushruta: Sushruta Samhita (translation and commentary by Bhishagratna, K.L., Chaukhamba Orientalia, India)
Vagbhata: The Ashtanga Hridayam Samhita. 600 C.E.
(translation and commentary by Murthy, Sri Kantha, Chaukhamba Orientalia, India)

Advanced Ayurveda & Special Topics

Douillard, John: Perfect Health for Kids. North Atlantic Books.
Frawley, David: Ayurveda and the Mind. Lotus Press.
Frawley: David, & Ranade, Subhas: Ayurveda, Nature’s Medicine. Lotus Press.
Frawley, David, Ranade, Subhas & Lele, Avinash: Ayurveda and Marma Therapy. Lotus Press.
Frawley, David, and Lad, Vasant: The Yoga of Herbs. Lotus Press.
Frawley, David: Ayurvedic Astrology. Self-healing through the Stars. Lotus Press.
Joshi, Sunil: Ayurveda and Panchakarma. Lotus Press.
Kacera, Walter: Ayurvedic Tongue Diagnosis. Lotus Press.
Lad, Vasant: The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. Three Rivers Press.
Lad, Vasant, Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing. 2nd Edition. Lotus Press.
Lad, Vasant: Secrets of the Pulse. The Ayurvedic Press.
Lad, Vasant:Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One. The Ayurvedic Press.
Lad, Vasant: Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume Two. The Ayurvedic Press.
Lad, Vasant, Durve, Anisha: Marma Points of Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic Press.
Pole, Sebastian, Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Elsevier.
Ranade, Subhash: Kayachikitsa. A Textbook of Medicine. Delhi.
Sachs, Melanie, Ayurvedic Beauty Care. Lotus Press.
Shiva Tirtha, Swami Sada, The Ayurveda Encyclopedia. Ayurveda Holistic Center Press.
Svoboda, Robert E., & Lade, Arnie, Tao and Dharma. Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Lotus Press.
Svoboda, Robert E.: Ayurveda for Women. Healing Arts Press.
Svoboda, Robert E.: The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic Press.
Tiwari, Maya: Ayurveda: A Life of Balance. Healing Arts Press.
Tiwari, Maya: Ayurveda—Secrets of Healing. Lotus Press.
Tiwari, Maya: The Path of Practice. A Women’s Book of Ayurvedic Healing. Ballantine Wellspring.

Ayurvedic Cookbooks

Kasin Hospodar, Miriam: Heaven’s Banquet. Plume.
Lad, Usha and Vasant: Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press.
Morningstar, Amadea: Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners. Lotus Press.
Morningstar, Amadea: The Ayurvedic Cookbook. Lotus Press.
Tiwari, Maya: Ayurveda: A Life of Balance. Healing Arts Press.
Yarema, Thomas, Rhoda, Daniel, Brannigan, Jonny: Eat-Taste-Heal. Five Elements Press.

A gift from the ABQ Ayurveda Sangha:

www.ayurvedasanghaabq.com

Essential oils and healing link.

2010-04-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Essential Oils Fight super bugs!

Western medicine using Bhasma therapy...

2010-03-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Interesting how most of western medicine tags ancient Ayurvedic metal and mineral therapies as dangerous and unsafe. However once science "proves" or "discovers" it can treat a disease, then it becomes an acceptable form of medical practice. Please read the article on the golden bullet, and if you are unaware of Bhasmas` read the wiki article.
The golden bullet from esciencenews
Bhasma defined by wiki

Ayurveda-a short understanding.

2010-03-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Ayurveda (Ayu-Life & Veda-Science) is believed to have surfaced around 1500 B.C. in the Indian subcontinent and is a system of traditional medicine that appeared during the Vedic period. This traditional medical system is practiced around the world as alternative medicine. There is a wide range of practitioners in the United States. In the U.S. there is not a licensure for Ayurvedic practitioners but there are many certification programs. Ayurveda is considered to be a form of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Most practitioners are licensed within another health care system such as Massage, Naturopathy, Acupuncture and Advanced Nurse Practitioner etc. They are expected to practice under that scope in their state of licensure.

For years Ayurveda was taught orally in the sacred language of Sanskrit phonetically easy to remember in verses. The Vedic teachers used the verses or sutras from the Vedas that related to Ayurveda and created the book Atreya Samhita the oldest medical text known to the modern world. The branch of text Ayurveda comes from is called the Atharva Veda and gives eight divisions of Internal Medicine (Kayachikitsa), Surgery (Shalya Tantra), Ophthalmology-eyes and Otolaryngology-ears,nose and throat (Shalakya Tantra),Toxicology (Agada Tantra), Psychiatry (Bhuta Vidya), Pediatrics (Kaumarbhritya), Gerontology/Science of Fertility (Vajikarana), Rejuvenation (Rasayana)

The main Ayurvedic texts that came after the Atreya Samhita:

-Charaka Samhita represented the Atreya School of physicians that main discussion was on physiology, anatomy, etiology, pathogenesis and symptoms of diseases. In brief it included the internal and external cause of illness.

-Sushruta Samhita comes from the Dhanvantari School of surgeons. The Samhita contains details and discussions of various surgeries, burns, fractures, wounds and amputation. Including the complete discussion of the human anatomy. The first discussion on the massage of vital body points (Marma Points) originated from Sushruta Samhita and is considered by many to be as valuable as internal medicine.

-Astanga Hrdayam is the work of a person named Vagbhata. The exposition is relatively straightforward and deals primarily with kayacikitsa (disease). This text includes the first listed and described sub-doshas of kapha. Which completes our modern edifice of vata, pitta, kapha with their five sub-types. Its emphasis on treating the physiology of the body and suggestions for therapeutic use of metals and minerals (Bhasma) which means this perspective represents the gross, material value of life more than the counterparts Caraka and Susruta.

Ayurveda assesses the client's constitution or dosha. A dosha is combination of the five elements Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Making up these doshas are the five elements. Vata is Ether and Air, Pitta is Fire and Water, Kapha is Water and Earth. The practitioner uses a combination visual, touch and sound senses for their assessments to determine the client’s vikruti or dosha imbalance. The client might be asked to fill out an intake form or a dosha quiz to give the practitioner deeper insight into the state of the client's dosha. Every person has a unique combination of the doshas that determines their balanced constitution (Prakruti).

Throughout our lives because of the environment, the way we think, deal with stress, what and how we eat, relax or don't, exercise too much or too little, etc... These things take us further and further away from our constitution, and who we truly are.The goal of Ayurveda is to restore balance in our bodies and minds. Through lifestyle adjustments, diet, herbs, meditation, yoga, and sense therapies. Ayurveda brings us back to our true nature where we experience a state of optimal health, balance, and happiness.

Delay.

2010-02-20T18:35:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone, there is going to be a delay before I get the next post up. I am moving to Albuquerque, NM this week.
हरी ओम् तत् सत् (Hari Aum Tat Sat)
April L. Wilson LMT CAP

Getting started-Correspondence courses on Ayurveda (Links)

2010-02-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

Correspondence courses on Ayurveda (Links)- These three courses I have read myself or friends of mine have offered feedback about. If you are taking a correspondence course and like or dislike it, please leave a comment below.

Bryan and Light Miller-

They also offer a Gurukula Program (Apprenticeship program) for those who qualify.

Ayurvedic Healers

Dr. Robert E. Svoboda-

The course is also available in Spanish.

The Ayurvedic Correspondence Course

Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri)-
On the website there is information on courses in German, Russian and Spanish.

American Institute of Vedic Studies

External/Topical Basti-Oil Retention (Instructions for Bodyworkers)

2010-02-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

Topical Basti (oil retention) Treatment

This treatment is intend to be done on a massage table in a therapeutic environment by a licensed/certified practitioner .

1.) How to make the dough dam:

Use a combination of wheat flour and chick pea flour.

(In some cooler climates wheat flour works well alone. Chick pea flour makes the dough firmer in hot climates)

The wheat is sticky and holds together well the chick pea flour is stable and keeps the dam standing.

Pre mix the flours adding water until you have correct consistency.

*2-cups flour to 1-cup water ratio seems to work well.

Roll the flour in length to fit the size of the area treated. Roll the dough as if to make a long baguette of french bread.

A good size is about 1.5inches high and 5-7 inches long. You may need to make the roll smaller for the neck and knee.

Make the dough into a round doughnut shape place it on a plate. If it will need to be left during a massage treatment place moist paper towel over it so not to dry out.

2.) Placement of the dough on the client:

Wipe the area the dough dam is going to be applied dry of oil or other moisture. Inform the client what is happening and that the dough will be cool at first. Place the dough on the clients body, gently push the dough down around the edges on the inside and the outside of the dam.

3.) Oil retention:

Warm (double boiler style) the Medicated/Herbal infused oil in a glass or metal bowl. Have a second empty bowl for the removal of the cooling oil. The retention of the oil should last as long as the client is comfortable, I enjoy providing 20-30 minute treatments after a massage or before shirodhara. Take into consideration the state of the clients dosha.

There are two options I am aware for transporting the oil into the dough dam. Using a gravy ladle spoon or a turkey baster. (Turkey basters can produce a disturbing sound if not carefully used.)

Carefully pour the oil into the dam by placing two fingers on the skin within the dam and checking the temperature by pouring the oil down the back of your fingers. Check the temperature of the oil regularly keeping it just above body temperature 37 degrees Celsius.

Remove and replace the oil two-four times during a treatment. During removal leave a small amount of oil on the skin so not to chill the client. With stagnation in the area use your fingers in a clockwise direction to stimulate the marma(s). In high Vata cases leave the oil motionless.

5.) Energy/Sound healing:

When working on areas that correlate to the chakra system if you and the client are comfortable you might choose to chant mantra, or burn camphor over the basti site. (camphor can be found at places that sell puja supplies.)

Mantras related to the chakras:

1st-Lam, 2nd-Vam, 3rd-Ram, 4th-Yam, 5th-Ha(u)m, 6th/7th-Ohm/Aum (some believe the 7th chakra is silent)

Otherwise practicing reiki, quantum touch or any other energy modality over the site works nicely.

6.) Closing:

Inform the client that you will be removing all the oil, and the dough. Using the Turkey baster or Ladle remove the oil and put it into the empty bowl. Have a plate ready to place the used dough on. After you have removed the dough massage the remaining oil into the clients skin gently.

7.) Thank the client- Silently or Verbally

Namaste'

Places these treatments are commonly done, Posterior Neck, Abdomen(Nabi), Chest(Uro), Eyes(Netra), Knee, Head(Shiro).

Different herbal infused oils are used on the various parts of the body. Different oils are also used to treat disease or complaint associated with the area of the body.

This treatment can be done as a series of treatments for a specific disorder or along side Panchakarma.

*Panchakarma should always be done under the guidance of a qualified health care provider.

short supply list:

Wheat/ Chick pea Flour

Turkey baster/ Gravy Ladle

Paper towels

Bowls 2 small (glass or metal)

Plate (small)

Herbal infused oil

Water
Large bowl for mixing
1-cup for measuring

- plus all materials or supplies used for massage such as sheets/table/towels and a space for practice.

Links for Herbal oil-

Lets All Be Healthy

Banyan Botanicals

Please post any questions or suggestions to the comment box below.

Good books for reference & learning:

Ayurveda & Panchakarma-The science of Healing and Rejuvenation-Sunil V. Joshi M.D. (Ayu)

The Encyclopedia of Ayurvedic Massage- John Douillard

Ayurveda Secrets of Healing-Bri Maya Tiwari

Books to get started...

2010-02-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

To get started on your journey, I recommend reading books that offer basic introductions to Ayurveda.

1.) Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide -Deepak Chopra M.D.-
2.) Ayurveda for Women: A Guide to Vitality and Health-Dr. Robert E. Svoboda-
3.) Ayurveda: A Practical Guide: The Science of Self Healing-Dr. Vasant Lad-