Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Correlation between Triguna Tridosha and Panchamahabhoota

Triguna correlation with panchamaha bhootha.
Earth - Tamas
Water - Satva, Tamas
Fire - Satva, Rajas
Air - Rajas
Space - Satva

Tridosha and Triguna correlation
Vata – Rajas, Satva
Pitta – Satva, Rajas
Kapha – Tamas, Satva

Tridhosha and bootha correlation
Vata - Space, Air
Pitta – Fire
Kapha – Water and earth

More information in our New online course 'Basic Course in Ayurveda'

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Dinacharya in Summer:
Ayurveda advises particular regimens to be followed in each season known as 'Ritucharya'.Summer (Greeshmaritu in Ayurveda) is the last season of 'adanakala' where the loss of energy from the earth is the most. Being a part of the cosmos the depletion of vital energy affects the human being in the same manner and leads to severe loss of strength. Since the sunrays become powerful and destructive day after day, there will be excessive evaporation and progressive deterioration of qualities like moist, soft, smooth, slimy and cold which in turn causes more dryness, roughness and heat in the body. In order to protect the individual from the above impact of summer, Ayurveda advises specific foods and lifestyle. Foods which are sweet, easy to digest, nutritious and cold. Preparations of corn flour and arrowroot with sugar are good to have in this season. Milk is very cool and strengthening. Fruits like grapes, watermelon, ripe mango, banana, jackfruit, pomegranate are to be eaten. Tender coconut water, buttermilk and sweet lassi are some of the ideal drinks for the season. Different types of dairy products are advisable. Water boiled with a combination of herbs-Mustha (Cyperus rotendus), Sandal wood, Coleus, Parpataka, Useera (Vetiveria zizanoides)- is an ideal drink for the summer. Water boiled with bark of pathimukha, roots of useera, coriander seeds etc and kept in earthen vessels is also good. Intake of ghee should be more. Take bath in cold water. Wear fine, thin, light cotton apparel. Spend the day in a cold atmosphere. Growing indoor plants and maintaining water fountains are helpful to sustain an ideal temperature. Sleep in spacious rooms with more ventilation. Summer is the only season when daytime sleep is permitted. Application of sandal paste and rose water is good.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Ayurvedic cure for Asthma?
The incidence of Asthma has increased considerably because of todays stressful living and Ayurveda holds the key to its cure.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs, which inflames your airways (Bronchi). It is characterized by*Shortness of Breath or difficulty in breathing*A feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest.*Frequent upper Respiratory infection and wheezing*Coughing - usually dry, light and non-productiveIn today's stressful living, the incidence of asthma has increased considerably. Children suffer more than adults and the disease is more common in boys than in girls.Asthma attacks are not all the same. Some are worse than other. Many people with asthma have problems only occasionally, but others struggle with it every day. It can be life threatening particularly if it is not treated adequately and promptly.

Ayurvedic insight into asthma has a broader perspective. It classifies asthma as an acutely Kaphic disorder with simultaneous accumulation of ama (toxin which is produced by undigested and uneliminated food particles) at respiratory system brought on by excessive mucous and phlegm. Although the human body has a great intelligent, natural healing system that is capable of rejuvenating itself, the formation of toxins reduces this natural capacity. So, the versatile approach of Ayurveda helps in treating asthma as the focus is on the root cause of the disease. Hence, the therapy does not focus on the disease but the cause.

Treatment: Ayurveda emphasizes on treatments to eliminate such toxins and balancing the Dosha. Some such treatments are:
*Vamana ( Therapeutic vomiting)
*Virechana ( Purgation therapy)
Vamana is the procedure in which we eliminate the waste product (kapha toxins) which are collected in the body and respiratory track from its roots (stomach) through the mouth. The course of treatment involves loosening and mobilizing the toxins in an effort to finally eliminate them. After vomiting, the patient feels very comfortable as most of the congestion, wheezing and breathlessness will disappear along with the clearing of sinus. As the process of purification is done from the roots, the chances of sudden asthma attacks is brought under control. After Vamana, the Virechana therapy and internal medicines plays a role to stop further production of toxins and strengthen the immune system, make the respiratory system more resistant, enhance self-reliance, vitality and mental clarity. Treatment for children below 14 years and aged people should be only through internal medicines.