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Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine practiced in India and Sri Lanka. Over 3,000 years ago the great sages or seers of ancient India discovered "Veda" the knowledge of how our world works. Contained within the Vedic scripture were the secrets of sickness and health. These they organized into a system called Ayurveda, meaning the "science of life." Ayurveda is a blend of science, and philosophy, which details the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components necessary for health and well-being. Ayurveda, like traditional Chinese medicine, or Western medical practices, is a complete and complex system of health care. There are many components encompassed by Ayurveda such as: detoxification, diet, exercise, herbs, and techniques to improve mental and emotional health. These components work together to establish a way of life rather than an occasional treatment. The fundamental concept upon which Ayurveda is based is that everything within the universe, including ourselves, is composed of energy or "prana." Based on this energetic principle, we are forever changing in ways that are either positive or negative. To ensure that most of the changes are positive, we must live in a way that encourages energy balance, thus creating balance within our body, mind, and spirit. In Ayurveda, each individual is assessed and treated according to their own constitution. There is no one recommendation for health that caters to everyone in general. The practitioner's skill ties in the ability to identify each individual's constitution, addressing the causes of imbalance and treating them accordingly. Each person possess a unique constitution, determined by the balance of three vital energies in the body, known as the three doshas, or the "tri-doshic" philosophy. The three doshas are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Energetically, Vata is the element of air/ether, Pitta of fire/water, and Kapha of earth/water. Every person is governed by these three doshas in varying degrees, but each person will have a primary dosha or doshas. The doshas affect the health of the person but also influence temperament, the color of hair, your tendency to put on weight, and which foods would be beneficial for you to cat. The dosha and constitutional make up affects every aspect of an individual's life. By determining your Prakruti (core constitution, the one you were born with) and your Vikruti (current constitution) a practitioner is able to formulate a program of diet, detoxification, herbal therapy, aromatherapy, exercise, emotional therapy (including flower essences) to promote balance and harmony within the body/mind/spirit. The goal of the practitioner will be to assist you in determining imbalances that may arise within your personal constitution and your ability to address them through diet, herbal therapy and lifestyle techniques.
Basic Qualities of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas Vata: Vata individuals usually have low bodyweight and light bone structure. They tend to be enthusiastic and sensitive. The illnesses that they are prone to are: rheumatism, infertility, heart trouble, anxiety, and impotence. They enjoy warm environments and prolonged intellectual concentration can affect their well-being. Pitta: Pitta people as a rule like physical activity. They have a moderately developed musculature and their metabolism works well. Pitta individuals are methodical and intellectually alert. They make wonderful leaders, scientists, or technicians. They can easily become aggressive and impatient and need to have food and drink regularly. The illnesses that they are prone to are: stomach ulcers, infectious diseases, high blood pressure, intestinal and skin cancer, hepatitis, herpes, and inflammations. Kapha: Kapha people are usually heavily built. They do not like to be rushed or hurried, a relaxed pace suits them better. They are strong and have wonderful endurance. They are confident, prudent and remain calm under pressure. They are patient, reliable, and obliging. They make very good business people. When Kapha individuals are out of balance they can become greedy and luxury loving, or turn lazy and lethargic. The illnesses that they are prone to are: poor blood circulation, digestive problems, colds, bronchitis, lung and breast cancer.
Dietary Suggestions to Pacify Doshas Vata: Vata is a combination of the elements Ether and Air. To pacify these qualities the tastes of sweet, sour and salty are recommended, as are moist/wet foods. Avoid eating when anxious, nervous or stressed. Establish a regular eating schedule. The addition of milk (cow's, soy, rice, almond) spices in herb tea are beneficial. Avoidance of all dry foods is suggested such as melons, potatoes, ice cream, apples, and beef. Eat sweet fruits, avocado, banana, brown rice, and red cabbage. Pitta: Pitta is predominantly a Fire constitution. Pitta individuals are greatly benefited by foods and herbs that have a cooling effect on the body. Avoid fatty and spicy foods including, sour fruits, peanut butter, oranges, banana, tomatoes, or garlic. Don't drink much alcohol. Concentrate on raw fruits and vegetables. Try to eat in an atmosphere of calm and order. Take time when eating. Drink lots of cool water, fruit juices, and tea. Kapha: Kapha is Water and Earth elements. Avoidance of foods that are sweet, sour and salty is recommended. Concentration on bitter, spicy and tangy foods will help balance this dosha. Eat light, warm meals. Avoid overeating, do not eat between meals and do not let emotional disturbances make you eat more. It is best not to sleep after a meal, as this will increase weight on the body. Moderate intake of fluids and especially avoid cold, iced drinks.
Food Considerations All foods should he natural, organic if possible,. Freezing, cooking, and processing changes the natural quality of food (devitalizing it). How foods are combined is important, as is how much food should be eaten. The environmental history of food growing. Seasonal effects on the food, eating with the seasons. Eating habits and manners. How a person's attitude can affect food. Buttermilk is considered balancing to all three doshas.
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