the ayurvedic way bringing balance to your life
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AYURVEDIC LIFESTYLE AND DIETARY CONSULTATION
CHANGING FROM A BALANCED DIET TO A BALANCING DIET
STAPLES OF AN AYURVEDIC DIET
KITCHEN AIDS TO GETTING STARTED AND RECIPES
HERBAL DOSAGES
COMMONLY USED HERBS & THEIR ACTIONS
AN EXPLANATION OF PANCHAKARMA THERAPIES
KITCHEN CABINET HOME REMEDIES
HOLISTIC HEALING WITH AYURVEDA
VATA DIETARY GUIDELINES
PITTA DIETARY GUIDELINES
KAPHA DIETARY GUIDELINES
AYURVEDA’S SIX TASTES & THEIR EFFECTS ON THE DOSHAS
NOTE PAGES
© 2008 Amrita Veda Ayurveda. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievalsystem, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, withoutthe prior permission of the publisher.
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Client’s Name
Clinic Location Date seen
G R E E T INGS a n d WE LCOME
Welcome to our Holistic Health Center from all of us at Amrita Veda! We
wish you good health and know that your visit here will inform and inspire you
in ways that will achieve your health goals.
We have prepared this booklet to help you understand more about Ayurveda
as, from today, you begin to incorporate some of its guiding principles into
your life. Please refer to it often and bring it with you on your next visit.
Thank you for coming! Amrita Veda Ayurveda
(888) [email protected]
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AYURVEDIC LIFESTYLE ANDDIETARY CONSULTATIONIf this is your first visit, the Vaidya will goover some guidelines and give you furtherinstructions about taking your recommend-ed herbs.
WHEN FIRST TAKING HERBSAlways remember that you should take theherbs within 15 minutes of your meals,unless otherwise directed; if you can, chewingthe tablets is recommended. When you firsttake the herbs and your body is adjusting,you may experience some mild reactions.Please note that there are never dangerous"side effects" with Ayurvedic herbs.
The herbs are cleansing and detoxifying, andsome eliminate toxins through the digestivesystem, specifically the intestines. So youmay experience bloating, gas or loose stoolsfor a short time.
Not everyone experiences such effects,but if you happen to, please note that
these conditions are only temporary andindicate the herbs are doing their work.
Ayurveda is a preventative therapy thatgoes to the root of the problem. It is agradual process that balances the body onmany levels and can take time, so rememberto have patience with the process.
FOLLOW UPShould questions arise while you are takingthe herbs for which you feel you need moreguidance, please feel free to contact us orany of the Vaidyas directly. Our frequentlyasked questions article can be found atwww.amritaveda.com!
We will inform you by e-mail about futurevisits in plenty of time to book your appoint-ment, so please sign up for our emailnewsletter – for upcoming events, specialsand new products. Please make sure youhave written your contact information clearlyand correctly in your file, including your emailaddress – so we may be in touch!
NOTES AND QUESTIONS
(888) [email protected]
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A BALANCING DIET
What is a good diet?A good diet is a diet that nourishes youand gives you energy and strength. Eatingis a joyful and natural process that is cen-tral to the preservation of life itself. Butsometimes this goes wrong, we get unbal-anced and our body tells us we have to paybetter attention to the when, what and howmuch of what we are putting in our mouthson a regular basis.
Changing one’s dietChanging one’s diet takes time. Our foodhabits are quite central to our sense ofself, socially, culturally and historically.Getting started takes some courage andcommitment, as mental and emotionalenergies have to be engaged and, in thebeginning, a special effort may be requiredto find new recipes and experiment withpurchasing, cooking and eating foods thatare unfamiliar.
When faster healing, better health andimproved quality of life are the rewards,these benefits give the energy and enthusi-asm to go on. We experiment further, findwhat works for us and what doesn’t, andeven get confident enough to share some ofour new-found recipes when family andfriends come over!
Eating a balancing diet may be just as muchfun in the end, but we have to allow our-selves some time to adjust. So take yourtime, experiment, have fun and enjoy thefruits of your efforts.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICESA good way to start the process is to findalternative ingredients for the recipes thatyou already know. In the following examples,suggestions are given for foods that are eas-ier to digest and foods that actually helpwith digestion.
Wheat and PastaReplace couscous with millet or buckwheat.
Replace regular wheat pasta with pasta madefrom rice, spelt, quinoa, buckwheat, mung orkamut. These ancient varieties contain lessgluten than wheat and of a type that is easierto digest.
Serve pasta with a vegan pesto sauce ormake a white sauce with soy, almond orcoconut milk, and add a fresh cheese suchas sheep’s milk feta or goat chevre.
BreadTry rice, kamut, rye or spelt bread instead ofwheat and preferably toast it to stop the yeastfermentation process that is still slightlyactive and to make the bread lighter, therebyaiding digestion. Add ghee to toasted breador you can buy or make bread with out yeast,which is the best.
CerealsThere are plenty of wheat-free cereals on themarket but be aware of their sugar content.You can also try oats, but remember to addcardamom to decrease the Kapha increasingproperties. (Amaranth can be added to oat-meal by soaking it overnight in water withsome raisins.) If you want to eat muesli, thensoak it for as long as possible before eating,otherwise the grains and fruits are too hard todigest. Remember to warm your milk and touse milk that is equivalent to 1/2 of the cereal.In addition, savory (spicy) cereal is ideal in themorning to jump start digestion.
Pancakes, Cakes and ChapatisCook sweet or savory pancakes using rice flouror gluten-free flour instead of wheat flour. Thisflour also works well in all sweet or savorycakes. However, when using it to substituteself-raising flour, baking powder must beadded. Rice flour that is finely ground will alsomake excellent chapatis, however you need toadd ghee to the dough and into the pan.
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MilkSoy, almond or goat milk are excellentreplacements for cow’s milk or yogurt.Coconut milk, in small quantities, is excel-lent for nourishing Vata imbalance.
Almond milk is made from ten blanchedalmonds and a cup of water so it becomes‘milk’. You can also buy a blanched almondpaste (similar to peanut butter). Add twoteaspoons into your recipe, stirring in somewater or soymilk.
In Indian stores and many supermarkets,you can buy coconut milk in cartons (nottins!), or coconut cream in a hard block,which you shred and add with a little liquid,either water or soy milk, just before the dishis cooked.
Cook risottos using soy or almond milkas a base.
Sugar and HoneyTry jaggery (also known as gur which is avail-able in Indian stores) or rapadura (found inhealth food shops), which are both solidifiedsugar cane juice, a natural sweetener, thatcan be used in baking, cooking and in tea, etc.Remember that honey is not heat-stable andbecomes poisonous when baked or boiled.
STAPLES OF AN AYURVEDIC DIET
1. Ghee2. Spices3. Breakfast Drink4. Mung dal5. Khichadi6. Vegetable Soup7. Fruit
GheeOf all dairy products, organic cow’s ghee, clar-ified butter, is the best; it is highly pitta-reducing and can be cooked with and addedto practically every dish. Make it at home ortry Amrita Veda’s own – made from 100%organic butter.
SpicesMost essential is the use of spices suchas cumin, coriander, fennel and saffron forbalancing the doshas and increasing thedigestive fire. They should be used liberally,however please see your dosha guide formore details on pages 20-25.
Black pepper, ground black cardamom,turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, mustard seeds,nutmeg, all fresh herbs, particularly cilantro(fresh coriander), ginger, as well as onions,garlic can also be used – see your doshaguide for more details on the best spicesfor your constitution.
Asafoetida, also called Hing, reduces Vataand should be added when cooking pulses,cabbage and beans to reduce their gassyeffect.
We have also created specialty spice blendsmade of 100% organic Dosha BalancingMasalas as well as 100% organic DoshaBalancing Teas. Try them today. Theyre-balance your particular dosha.
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KITCHEN AIDS TOGETTING STARTEDTo follow an Ayurvedic balancing diet, youcan start quite simply with a few ingredientsand standard kitchen equipment. We findthat a hand-blender can be used to grindseeds and fresh spices, while a coffeegrinder is best for dried herbs and spices.In addition, a rice cooker (with a stainlesssteel lining) can greatly ease the cookingprocess of sweet or savory khichadi forbreakfast or dinner!
Moderation is the KeyWe have found that going "cold turkey" does-n’t work for most people, as the all or nothingapproach seems to turn you off from even try-ing. If you look at the suggestions and findyour diet is way off course, try moving yourdiet in the right direction a little bit at a timeand enjoy your food!
Breakfast DrinkTaken daily for improving memory, intellectand concentration, this also boosts immunityand is good for anemia.
1) Soak 3- 6 almonds, 2 teaspoons fennel seeds,3 cardamom pods (without the shell) inwater overnight and drain in the morning.
2) Pitta/Vata types can add 3 dates.3) In the morning, blend with 4oz.
additional water and drink.
Green Mung Dal soup- Serves 41) Soak 1 cup whole green mung beans for
1 hour in hot water.2) Drain and wash them two-three timeswith fresh water, until the water runs clear.
3) Cook beans in a pressure cooker with2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt untiltender, around 25 minutes, according toyour pressure cooker. The beans haveto become mushy. If there is no pressurecooker, cook without salt for at least 1hour in a large deep saucepan. Add thesalt later, so long as soft.
4) Chop and finely grate 2 teaspoon gingerroot and 2 teaspoon garlic (optional).
5) Heat the ghee in large saucepan andadd the seeds of 1/2 teaspoon cumin and1/2 teaspoon mustard. When seeds pop,add 1 pinch asafetida and 1/2 cinnamonbark and 1 bay leaf and stir.
6) Place the cooked beans and water into thepan. Add 2 cups fresh water.
7) Bring to a boil and add your dosha spice.Simmer for a few minutes.
8) Add salt to taste.
Khichadi - Serves 4*Rinse 1/2 cup basmati rice and 1 cup yellowsplit mung beans two or three times in coldwater, until the water runs clear.1) Saute 1 tablespoon ghee with 1 teaspoonof your dosha spice.
2) Add the rice and mung to 3 cups water withchopped vegetables (optional).
3) Add salt, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder,1/2 tablespoon each of ginger and garlic –both should be fresh and finely chopped.
4) Cook until soft.*If there is low digestion, add a squeeze oflime and freshly chopped green cilantro.
Vegetable SoupChoose soup combinations such as pumpkin,carrot and coriander, swede, spinach and nut-meg, leek and potato. Make a large pot ofsoup in the morning and take the rest towork in a thermos flask. Eat with rice anda bit of ghee.
Fruit - Stewed, Poached or BakedTo ensure these dried fruits (preferable withoutsulphur) are prepared in an easily digestiblemanner, make a syrup on low heat with a bitof water to 1/2 cup jaggery (found in Indianstores), 1 teaspoon of Amrita Veda’s Dry Ginger(special preparation needed), 1/2 teaspooncrushed black pepper, freshly grate 1/2 nutmeg,1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoonblack sesame seeds with 1 tablespoon of gheeand then add 1/2 cup of dry fruits.
afterbreakfast
afterlunch
afterdinnerNo. Herbal Combination
Acharya 1 1Agni 1 1AgniyogAmalaki 1
1 11
Anavamala 1 1Ashoka 2 2Ashwagandha 1 1Avayu (with ghee) 1 1Ayunadi 1 1Bandhan 1 1Beeja 1 1Bhumisukta 1 1Castor Oil 2-6 at bedChakra 1
1
Devi 1 1Dyani 1 1Ekana 1 1Gandak Rasayan 1 1Ganga 2 2Godavari 2 2Hamsa 2 2Homa 3 3Jeevan 1 1Jivika (on empty stomach) 2 2Jyoti 1 1Kaishoor Guggul 2 2Kanchanaar Guggul 1 1Keshayu 1 1Kundalini 1 1Lactoved 1 1Lakshadi Guggul 1 1Malaved at bedManipur 1 1Margved 1 1Medha 2 2Moksha 2+ at bed
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Herbal Dosages
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2 2
No. Herbal Combination
Mudra 1 1Mukti Pisti 1 1Nadived 1 1Narmada 3 3Netraved 1 1Nirogi 1 1Nirvana 1-4 at bedPremen 2 2Pujanam 1 1Purnaved 1 1Rajved 1 1Rasa 1 1Rasayana 1 1Rasnadi Guggul 1 1Sahaja 2 2Samana 1 1Shakti 1 1Shanti 2 2 2Shatavari 1 1Shravana 1 1Shreeved 1 1Sudharma 2 2Sundar 1 1Suprana 1 1Tadasana 1 1Triphala 2 at bedTulsi 1 1
Udanyog 1 1Urived 1 1Vairag 1 1Vishudha 1 1Viveka 2 2Yamuna 1 1Yogika 1 1
afterbreakfast
afterlunch
afterdinner
Herbs are best taken 15 min. after food, unless otherwise directed.
Yograj Guggul
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To help you understand more about theherbs you will be taking and what they do,we have listed the most commonly recom-mended formulations. Keep in mind thatall the herbs work synergistically – in combi-nation with other herbs in your protocol.
They work with the Ayurveda doshasof Vata (wind), pitta (fire) and kapha(earth/water) to balance imbalances thatexist in your body.
Acharya - Aids Healthy Blood SugarsThis combination decreases Vata andKapha and is useful for conditions due toexcess Vata, Kapha and Aam. It stimulatesmetabolic fires and helps to remove blocksin the pancreas, easing passage of insulinwhen used as part of your diet it helps inmaintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Agni - Digestive SupportThis formula regulates digestive andmetabolic fires, essential to health in theAyurvedic system. It reduces Aam andrectifies movement of Vata, penetratingdeeply through blocks created by Aam. Itreduces excess Pitta and Vata in the digestivetract, increasing the digestive fire, stimulatinggastric enzymes and increases the appetite. Italso breaks up blocks created by Aam.
Agniyog - Digestive FormulaThis formula is useful for indigestion,gas, poor appetite, occasional constipationand sour stomach due to Vata. It reducesexcess Pitta and Vata in the digestive tract,increasing the digestive fire, stimulatinggastric enzymes and increases the appetite.It eliminates Aam and helps remove toxins,affecting the mind and emotions in a posi-tive way.
Anavamala - Helps Eliminate ToxinsThis formula converts Aam in all Dhatus andin the digestive tract. It helps regulate elimi-nation and increases gastric enzymes andappetite. Anavamala reduces abdominal
discomfort and pain from piles, balances loosebowel movements due to bacteria and wormsand aids the purification of the skin.
Ashoka - Bone SupportThis formula aids the elimination ofdisturbed (vitiated) Vata from the bonesand joints, while helping nourish the bonetissue, it may strengthen tooth enamel andpromote hair growth.
Ashwagandha - Tranquility FormulaAshwagandha, or Winter Cherry, is a wellknown Ayurvedic herb that is recommendedfor its excellent tranquil effects; it helpsreduce stress levels and relieves anxiety.This herb balances all three Doshas -Vata,Pitta and Kapha and also helps nourishthe Dhatus.
Avayu - Abdominal Organ SupportThis formula supports and strengthens thedigestive system while decreasing Vata andAam (toxins). It aids the removal of blocks inthe digestive system and relieves abdominaldiscomfort.
Ayunadi - Nervous System SupportThis combination helps rejuvenate andstrengthen the nervous system and is usefulfor conditions like paralysis which are causedby excess Vata, Pitta and Aam. It removesblocks caused by Aam.
Bandhan - Circulatory SupportThese herbs, and according to Ayurveda, mayhelp reduce excessive bleeding while balanc-ing the Pitta dosha.
Beeja - Rejuvenation FormulaThis herbal blend is a Rasayana. It increasesthe quality of the Dhatus and is a rejuvenatorfor the reproductive system by helping to bal-ance motility problems. In Ayurveda, spermmotility is governed by Vata.
Bhumisukta - General Health TonicThis formula is a general tonic that nourishesRasa and Rakta Dhatus as well as other tis-
COMMONLY USED AMRITA VEDA HERBS & THEIR ACTIONS
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sues throughout the body. It also helps toincrease weight gain.
Castor Oil Gels - Vata ReducerThis traditional home remedy is meant forlubricating the joints internally and reducesVata and occasional constipation. This is usu-ally used by those with Vata imbalance, jointpain or to prevent jet lag. This can also behelpful for certain cases of Pitta imbalance.Gels can be taken with warm milk or water.
Chakra - Aids the Immune SystemThis combination helps cleanse the bodyand increases Ojas (life energy).It reducesinflammation and helps rejuvenate and nour-ish all tissues and increases youthful energyand enthusiasm. It also helps do away withconditions caused by viral problems. It iscooling in nature and flushes out Pitta.
Devi - Female Health SupportThis formula is mildly Pitta increasing andmay help to increase menstrual flow as wellas help regulate amenorrhea.
Dyani - Rejuvenation FormulaThis formula aids the rejuvenation ofdegenerated Rasa and Rakta Dhatus (tis-sues). It helps to increase immunity andaid the formation of good quality Doshasand Dhatus in the body.
Ekana - Digestive SupportThis formula helps balance gastric condi-tions, stimulates liver secretions, reducesabdominal discomfort and decreases sourand burning sensations. It helps reducePitta and bring it in a downward direction,aiding its removal through the stool; itinduces Vata to move in a natural path.
Gandak Rasayan - Aids Healthy SkinThe herbs in this formula help relieve itch-ing in the skin and may aid the manage-ment of various chronic skin conditions.
Ganga - Circulatory SupportThis formula nourishes the nervous system,calms the nerves and helps relieve trouble-some emotions. It helps rectify the Doshas
and helps normalize blood circulation,reducing the root cause of hypertension. Itincreases Agni, stimulates gastric enzymes,digests Aam and reduces Vata and Pitta.
Godavari - Aids Circulatory HealthThis formula increases fire within the Dhatus,rectifies Pittamovement and balances Vata andKapha. It helps remove blocks in the circulatoryand lymphatic channels; helps reduce swelling oforgans and tissues; stimulates metabolic anddigestive fires, as well as increases the appetite.
Hamsa - Joint Health SupportThis formula increases joint mobility andreduces inflammation and pain associated withthe joints; builds up muscular tone around thejoint and can even be helpful in sciatica.
Homa - Dieter’s Aid SupportThis formula helps prevent the accumulationof excess Medha Dhatu in the body and recti-fies metabolism, nourishes bone, brain andreproductive tissue. This combination helpsreduce adipose tissue by igniting digestivefire, scraping away and digesting Aam.
Jeevan - Liver SupportThis formula helps remove blocks, caused byAam, in the lymphatic and circulatory channels,which reduces overall body swelling; stimulatesmetabolic and digestive fires, increasesappetite and reduces Pachak Pitta (bile)through feces, which rectifies Pitta movementdownward and increases immunity.
Jivika - Immune SupportThis rasayana increases immunity due to itsantioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial proper-ties. It increases the digestive power andreducing upward moving Vata.
Jyoti - Supports Healthy SkinThis formula removes excess Pitta and Kaphafrom the blood and helps remove blocks andAam. It promotes the elimination of toxinsand Pitta through the skin by opening thesweat channels and it improves digestionand Rasa Dhatu by removing excess Pittaand Kapha. It balances all three Doshas.
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Kaishoor Guggul - Aids Joint HealthThis formula helps remove toxic blocks andincreases joint health. In Ayurveda, excessPitta creates the retention of acid fluid andinflammation in the joints, as in the case ofgout and arthritis. These herbs reduce thisinflammation, cleaning the blood of excessPitta, which can reduce skin afflictions.
Kamayu - Male System SupportThis formula enhances circulation aroundthe reproductive system while removingblockages in the Shukra Dhatu (semen),providing strength and sexual vitality. Itenhances circulation and reduces fatigueduring and after coitus. (Note: Pitta reducessemen). Also nourishes the nervous sys-tem, uplifting emotions.
Kanchanaar Guggul - Female SupportThe herbs in this formula have a scrapingeffect on Aam and Kapha stuck in the mus-cle tissues. It eliminates excess Vata andreduces Medha Dhatu.
Keshayu - Healthy Hair SupportThis formula is a rejuvenating tonic thathelps stimulate hair growth by reducingexcess Vata, Pitta and transforming Aam.It nourishes bone tissues and promotesosteogenesis. According to Ayurveda,bone tissue is responsible for hair growth,while hair loss is due to extreme heat(excessive Pitta).
Kundalini - Supports Immune SystemThis formula decreases Vata in tissuesand rectifies its movement. It reducesburning sensations in the body by reducingPitta. It nourishes Dhatus and reducesinflammation due to excess Pitta. It is agreat immune booster and rectifies symp-toms related to low immunity.
Lactoved - Female Health SupportThis formula regulates Pitta and increas-es quality and quantity of milk in lacta-tion. It nourishes Rasa Dhatu, improvingmemory, intellect, enthusiasm and physical
energy while reducing dryness of fluids inthe body.
Lakshadi Guggul - Aids Joint HealthThis formula‚s main function is to support thejoints and bones. It decreases Vata Dosha.
Malaved - For Occasional ConstipationThis formula’s main action is to removesexcess of all three Doshas: Vata, Pitta andKapha through the colon; reduces Aam andbreaks through obstructions created by Aamand Kapha, increases digestive enzymesand appetite. It also helps with occasionalconstipation.
Manipur - Aids Abdominal OrgansThis formula aids any problems from the naveldownwards. It balances all three Doshas; itgives strength, rejuvenates and maintains cir-culation. It increases perspiration and stimu-lates gastric enzymes and increases appetite,balancing the emotions. It also acts as a tonic,reducing weakness.
Margved - For Occasional ConstipationThis formula removes blocks from Pitta, Kaphaand Aam, which according to Ayurveda, mayhinder blood flow. It has a mild dehydratingeffect which removes mucus-obstructions fromexcretory channels and relieves constipation;may reduce discomfort of hemorrhoids andincreases digestive fire.
Medha - Relaxation SupportThis formula helps improve memory byenhancing blood circulation. It promotes alert-ness and aids in the relief of stress. It helpspromote sound sleep as well as relievingdepression and reducing migraines.
Moksha - Aids Elimination of ToxinsThis combination is useful for swelling, burningsensations, excessive sweating and weakness.It cleanses the blood of toxins and removesexcess Pitta and Aam through the stool.All its actions stimulate the metabolic fire,reducing the cause of some skin irregularitiesand acidity.
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Mudra - For Minor PainThis formula balances all Doshas in headregion and removes them in stool, nour-ishing nerves and removing blocks pro-duced by Aam or Kapha by its dehydrat-ing/scraping effect. It stimulates gastricenzymes, thus improving digestion. Itreduces Vata and Pitta and calms nervesand restlessness.
Mukti Pisti - Cooling FormulaThis formula is helpful for all conditionscaused by excess heat. It is a brain tonicthat rejuvenates and nourishes the Dhatus.It lubricates organs, increases calcium andstimulates the digestive fire, whichimproves digestion. It removes the sour,hot and sharp characteristics of Pitta. Itincreases Kapha.
Nadived - Rejuvenation FormulaThis formula re-hydrates and rejuvenatesthe body, mind and emotions. ThisRasayana helps strengthen the nervous sys-tem, improve memory, intellect, focus andconcentration. It increases immunity andtranquility - which increase will power anddecision making abilities.
Narmada - Circulatory FormulaThis formula helps reduce inflammation inthe body and eliminate blocks that preventVata’s movement in the lymph and blood. Italso reduces Aam and obstructions createdby Aam, while increasing Agni.
Netraved - Eye Health SupportThis formula reduces Pitta and toxins inthe eyes, helping strengthen eyesight anddecrease eye burning. It increases immuni-ty, memory, intellect and physical energy. Bylubricating the organs, it acts on digestiveenzymes and rectifies the metabolic fire atthe tissue level.
Nirogi - Aids Elimination of ToxinsThis combination is good for all types ofskin problems because it helps purify theblood and muscle tissues while balancingall the Doshas. It rectifies the movement of
Vata, reduces Kapha and removes Pittathrough the stool and toxins through skinby stimulating the sweat glands. It is laxativein nature.
Nirvana - For Occasional SleeplessnessThis formula is a brain tonic that pacifiesexcited mental activity (Manas), helpinginduce tranquility of mind and sound sleep.It helps reduce mental blocks created by emo-tions and Tama Dosha. It pacifies Vata andPitta and relaxes the nerves while nourishingthe nervous system.
Pittamarg - Metabolic CoolantThis formula is good for all conditions due toan imbalance of Pitta. It reduces the fluidity,heat and sharpness of Pitta in the blood. It iscooling and relieves all kinds of physical,mental and emotional disorders caused byexcess Pitta. It reduces Pitta at the digestivelevel while increasing Agni and appetite.
Premen - Male System SupportThis formula enhances circulation aroundthe reproductive system while removing block-ages in the Shukra Dhatu (semen), providingstrength and sexual vitality. It enhances circu-lation and reduces fatigue during and aftercoitus. (Note: Pitta reduces semen). Alsonourishes the nervous system, upliftingemotions.
Pujanam - Cardiovascular SupportThis combination helps balance, rejuvenateand strengthen the functions of the heartchannels. It decreases Vata and rectifiesmovement of Vata and Pitta. It reduces excessDoshas, increases Agni and decreases Aam. Italso increases digestion and removes blocks.
Purnaved - Aids in Healthy DigestionThis formula helps reduces digestive toxinsby converting them into waste or nutrients.It helps regulate elimination by relaxingthe intestines and alleviating abdominaldiscomfort. By balancing this area, this for-mula stimulates gastric enzymes andappetite, increasing fat and carbohydrateabsorption.
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Rajved - Metabolic SupportThis combination balances all three Doshasand reduces Aam, especially in channelsconnecting the senses and intellect with themind. It also helps toxins move to thedigestive tract and from there be releasedthrough elimination. Helps reduce anxietyas well as reduce respiratory congestion.
Rasa - Immune SupportThis combination stimulates Agni andincreases immunity and is especially helpfulfor the elderly.
Rasayana - Aids the Immune SystemThis combination regulates digestiveand metabolic fire so food is properlyabsorbed, thus increasing appetite. Itdigests Aam and eliminates Pitta throughstool. It also improves metabolic func-tions which increase weight and vitality.Nourishes the whole body, mind andemotions.
Rasnadi Guggul - For Minor PainThis formula helps with conditions due toexcess Vata. It reduces heat and discomfortcaused by excessive Vata which lead toother conditions in Ayurveda. It may helprelieve joint associated discomfort.
Sahaja - Healthy Skin FormulaThis combination balances Pitta in the skin,restoring normal skin color andpigmentation. It also cleanses the blood.
Samana - Cooling FormulaThis formula reduces all three Doshasand Aam. It removes toxins through thestool and sweat glands, while stimulatingdigestive enzymes, increasing appetite.It strengthens the respiratory system byremoving excess Kapha. It decreases Vatawhich is responsible for bodily discomfortduring fever, according to Ayurveda.
Shakti - Metabolic SupportThis herbo-mineral formula rejuvenates alltissues – especially blood, bones and marrow.It increases digestive and metabolic fires,improving absorption; this increases hemo-
globin, due to its natural iron content and stim-ulating effect on the conversion of hemoglobin.
Shanti - Relaxation SupportThis commonly used formula is an excellentemotional balancer. It aids blood circulationand removes blocks in the circulatory sys-tem. It may also decrease swelling that canaffect the circulatory system. It promotesnormal movement of Vata to encourage nor-mal functioning of the heart and its effectson the nervous system. Note: Ayurveda rec-ognizes an important connection betweenthe heart and emotions.
Shatavari - Female Health SupportThis formula is a general health tonic that isextra rejuvenating for females.
Shravana - Ear Health SupportAccording to Ayurveda, the possibility to per-ceive sounds depends on the right balance ofthe element of air and ether. Shravana pro-motes the correct balance of these elementsin the ears, improving hearing; reduces impu-rities in the ears and eliminates perceptions ofabnormal sounds in the ears.
Shreeved - Female System SupportThis is a Rasayana with a rejuvanting effect onall tissues that stimulate the mind, enthusi-asm and physical strength. It helps withexcess mucus and may help reduce swellingand aid tissues of the female reproductive sys-tem. It decreases Pitta and Vata.
Sudharma - Kidney Health SupportThis formula is diuretic in nature andnormalizes urination and flushes out toxins.It scrapes away Aam and Kapha stuck on thewalls of the urinary channels and vessels. Itnourishes all Dhatus and aids the regenerationof urinary tissues by reducing Vata and Pitta.
Sundar - Skin SupportThis formula balances all three Doshas,mainly Pitta. It helps cleanse the blood andexpel impurities from the body through thestool. It also helps to remove blocks whichrelease Pitta into the skin; nourishes skin andimproves skin complexion.
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Suprana - Aids Healthy RespiratoryThis formula decreases Kapha in the lungsand therefore helps reduce inflammation inthe respiratory tract by removing toxins. Italso lubricates and moistens the respiratorytract which enhances respiration by nourish-ing Prana (life force). It promotes digestionand decreases toxins and blocks.
Tadasana - Joint Health SupportThis formula helps remove discomfort in thejoints, due to excess Vata. It helps reduceswelling by removing Aam and blocks bytransforming them into nutrients and wasteproducts. It improves metabolic fire andappetite, reducing toxins accumulated in theabdomen and nourishes bone.
Triphala - Constipation FormulaThis formula is a laxative, used for occasionalconstipation; also a general health tonic thatdecreases all doshas.
Tulsi - Liver SupportThis combination removes blocks of Aamfrom bile and liver channels, converting theminto waste. Stimulates bile secretion anddecreases Vata and Pitta.
Udanyog - Respiratory SupportThis formula lubricates constricted respiratorytracts and moistens dryness, removing blocksthat clog the respiratory tract. It prevents theproduction of as well as stimulates the excre-tion of mucus from food. It increases Agniand reduces the formation of further toxinsand Vata by stimulating digestion.
Urived - Urinary Health SupportThis combination reduces mucus and helpsremoves blocks, stones and discomfortcaused by Aam in the urinary tract. Theseherbs rejuvenate the urinary system and itstissues, rectifying excess Doshas, correctingtheir movement; reduces Vata and Pitta inthe urinary tract.
Vairag - Aids Healthy Blood SugarsThis formula rejuvenates while helpingremove blocks of Aam in order to rectifycatabolic effects on the pancreas due toexcess Vata. Used as part of your diet,this combination helps to maintain healthyblood sugar levels.
Vishudha - For Throat HealthThis combination breaks up obstructionscreated by Aam or Kapha in the respiratorypath. It lubricates and moistens the throatand reduces all three Doshas while improv-ing the voice.
Viveka - Tranquility FormulaThis formula is a tonic that nourishesall Dhatus, especially the nervous system.It ensures mental equilibrium andimproves memory, enhances intelligenceand calms the nerves which relieve trouble-some emotions. It removes toxins andimproves digestion by reducing excess Vataand Pitta.
Yamuna - Circulation SupportThis tonic regulates Vata and decreases cir-culatory blocks and those affecting the heart.
Yogika - Cooling FormulaThis tonic regulates secretion of Pitta, soit cleanses and reduces the liquid toxins.It can help calm down blood pressuredue to too much fluid; reduces inflamma-tion in the female reproductive systemand minimizes heavy menstrual flow.Also promotes the normal functioningof digestive system.
Yograj Guggul - Joint Health Support
This tonic strengthens the entire body.Itstimulates Agni; helps to regulate metabo-lism and other bodily functions. It expelsexcessive Vata that is responsible for jointdiscomfort and swelling.
SHIRODHARA
Continuous and Steady Flow ofWarm Oil on the Forehead
• The best possible relaxation techniquefor all Dosha types
• Stimulates pineal gland• Helps to reduce Vata in the nervous system• Helps de-stress the mind and body______________________________________
NASYA NASAL CLEARING
Herbal Oil Sinus Clearing
• Best way to administer herbs for theKapha region of the body (head andshoulders)
• Helps to keep ear, nose and throat oliated• Can be used to prevent migraines• Cleanses the sinuses• Useful for allergies• Can be used to release frozen shoulder______________________________________
ABHYANGA
Full Body Massage and Steam withHerbal Oils and Ghees
• Helps improve blood circulation• Helps lymph drainage• Improves digestion
• Often combined with Pindaswed
Main preparation required before beginningseasonal and in-depth Panchakarma______________________________________
LOCAL DHARA AND BASTIS
• Heart Dhara• Netra (Eye) Basti• Neck Basti• Kati Basti
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VAMAN
• Controlled Process of Emesis
• Normalizes Kapha• Helps reduce cholesterol• Helps in chronic respiratory symptoms• May be recommended for some Pittaimbalances
Sessions are given during seasonal orin-depth Panchakarma______________________________________
VIRECHAN
Controlled Process of Purgation
• Best way to normalize Pitta region of body(shoulders to navel)
• Improves longevity• Purifies body channels• Promotes digestion and flushes out Aam• Helps chronic acidity
Sessions are given during seasonal orin-depth Panchakarma______________________________________
BASTIHerbal Oils Enemas• Best way to normalize Vata region of body(below navel to feet)
• Nourishes the colon by expelling Aam andtoxic fecal matter
• Relieves constipation• Excellent therapy for all types of arthritis• Daily and weekly maintenance Basti cancounteract the aging process
• Soothes the nerves and calms the mind
An Explanation ofPanchakarma Therapies
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THREE TYPES OF PANCHAKARMA
Day Spa Sessions
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly maintenance• For people who are healthy and want tomanage stress and increase longevity
• For mothers to manage and tone the bodyafter giving birth
Seasonal Transitions (7-10 days)*
• Week-long sessions, 3-4 times per year• For people who are healthy and want tomanage stress and increase longevity
• For people with chronic symptoms whowant to detoxify and rejuvenate
• For people with proper Ph balance, seeVaidya for details
*Not for women who are pregnant, nursingor who may become pregnant
In-Depth (14-28 Days)*
• Customized for your body type to removesymptoms at their root
• For people who are healthy and want tomanage stress and increase longevity
• For people with chronic symptoms whowant to detoxify and rejuvenate
• For people with proper Ph balance, seeVaidya for details
*Not for women who are pregnant, nursingor may become pregnant*Not for mothers who have given birth withintwo years
NOTE: Certain conditions, such as Ph level,medical history and pregnancy may mean yourbody is not suitable for seasonal or in-depthPanchakarma. Please check with our Vaidyas tosee when your body is ready for any of the longerPanchakarma sessions.
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ACIDITYUse this remedy when indigestion or burn-ing is felt two hours after eating (i.e. no aam).Blend all ingredients together and drink inthe morning on an empty stomach.
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder• 1 teaspoon coriander powder• 20 black raisins(soaked over night then drain all water)
• 1/2 teaspoon ghee• 1 pinch black pepper• 1/2 teaspoon raw sugar cane juice (if desired)• 1/2 cup water
Use this remedy when burning is felt twohours after eating (i.e. when aam is present).Mix all ingredients together and wash downwith warm water in morning on an emptystomach.• 1 pinch black pepper• 1/2 teaspoon ghee• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
ANGER (OR IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR)*Recommendation: Shirodhara regularly
Boil everything together for 5 minutes, removefrom heat and keep covered for 20 minutes.Filter and drink the following mixture:
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed powder• 20 rose petals• 1 teaspoon raw cane sugar• 1 cup water
ACNEAdd enough rose water to make a paste. Apply athin layer of paste over face. Wash off with waterwhen it is dry. Apply at least 3 times a week.
• 2 teaspoons marigold flower juice• 2 teaspoons fuller's earth• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder• 1/2 teaspoon calamus root powder• 1/2 teaspoon sandalwood powder
KITCHEN CABINET HOME REMEDIES(ORGANIC INGREDIENTS RECOMMENDED)
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ALLERGY (POLLEN)Mix together, chew well and wash downwith warm water in the morning on anempty stomach.
• 5-7 basil leaves - juiced• 2 pinch black pepper or 3 crushedpeppercorns
ARTHRITIS• Take 2 to 6 castor oil gels at bedtimewith warm water.
OR
• Take 1 to 3 teaspoons castor oilwith ginger powder.
CHOLESTEROL (TO REDUCE)
Mix the following ingredients together andtake 1 teaspoon twice daily 0f:
• 3/4 tablespoons cinnamon powder• 1/2 cup honey
COLD
Cut 3-4 slices of fresh ginger root andadd to a pan of water. Bring to a boil andsimmer for at least five minutes. Strainand drink.
• Chew on fresh turmeric root.
• Avoid fans and air conditioning.
Make a steam inhalation mixing 1 dropof eucalyptus oil to a large bowl of steam-ing water.
COUGH - WETExtract juice from fresh ginger root andfrom basil leaves and mix with crushedblack pepper and honey. Drink 2-3 timesdaily.• 1 teaspoon basil juice(approx. 7-9 leaves)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper(or 3 peppercorns)• 1/2 -1 teaspoon honey
COUGH - DRYMake into a paste and eat 2-3 times daily. Useghee rather than oil to increase Agni (digestivefire) and turmeric to liquefy mucus.
• 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger powder• 1 teaspoon jaggery (gur in Indian shops)• 1/2 teaspoon ghee• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
OR
Crush cardamom and mix all ingredientstogether. Eat 2-3 times daily.
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder• 3 cardamom• 1/2 teaspoon ghee• 1 teaspoon honey
COURAGE AND STRENGTH BUILDER
Crush dates and roast them for one minute inthe ghee. Add the spices and mix together intoa ball. Allow to cool and enjoy as a sweet.
• 4 fresh dates• 1/4 teaspoon ghee• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds• 1 pinch ground cardamom
DIARRHEASoak in a little water overnight. Make into apaste and eat. Enjoy 2-3 times daily.
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds• 1 pinch nutmeg
OR
• Drink small amounts of ginger waterthroughout the day.
INDIGESTION• Eat at regular times.• Avoid over-eating.• Eat only when hungry.• Take a short walk after your evening mealto stimulate digestion.
• Drink half a glass of ginger water before meals.
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STUTTERINGCrush the garlic and mix into paste withjaggery. Chew, but don't swallow. It exercisesthe muscles and the garlic reduces Vata inthe mouth.
• 2-3 cloves garlic• 2 teaspoon jaggery
SIDDHA PASTEThe sharp and penetrating qualities ofits ingredients makes siddha and excellentmedium for transporting any kind ofmedicine to the place in the body where itis needed.
Chop the onion and put it into a blenderwith the garlic and all the spices. Pusheverything through a strainer in order tomake a fine paste. Crush the medicines, ifyou have them, and add the pulp. Apply onthe stomach all around the navel area. Thispaste is also an excellent remedy to applyon any area that is painful, such as thelower back or on strained or aching joints,muscles and tendons. Leave for at least 15minutes or until paste goes dry.
• 1 small onion• 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger powder• 1/2 teaspoon ajwain powder• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper• 2-4 cloves garlic• 2 pinch asafetida• 2-4 tabs Shanti (optional)• 2-4 tabs Agni (optional)______________________________________
EYESIGHT STRAINCrush the ingredients and make into a paste.Eat in the morning on an empty stomach.Crush the ingredients and make into a paste.Eat in the morning on an empty stomach.
• 3 almonds• 6 cardamom• 1 teaspoon ghee
OR
Make mixture of the following and at bed-time eat 1/2 teaspoon and also apply1/4 teaspoon to your feet.
• 1 triphala tablet• 3/4 teaspoon of ghee
INSOMNIA*Recommendation: Shirodhara regularlyMake a paste of the following and massagegently on forehead, temples and around eyes.
• 1 pinch ghee• 1 pinch nutmeg
ORMassage sesame (or Vata oil), almond orcoconut oil on the temples and across fore-head and eyes at bedtime.
OBESITY*Recommendation: See Vaidyafor Panchakarma Session referral.
• Drink 1 glass water with 1 teaspoonhoney daily.
• Drink 1 teaspoon ginger in 4 cups water.• Take 1 teaspoon castor oil (or 2-8 castor oilgels) with 1 teaspoon fenugreek seedswith warm water at bed time, daily.
• Eat mung soup regularly.
SORE THROATMix together the following and gargle withit in the morning and evening.
• 1 cup warm water• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder• 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pitta
Vata
6
210
Specific Hours for Each Dosha
Eachdosha’shours arethe samefor AM and PM
Kapha
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All Ayurveda seeks to restore balance withinthe body. Diet plays a primary role in achiev-ing this balance, as it is food that getsdigested to create new tissues while herbalremedies aid this process. When food is notproperly digested, it leads to the build up oftoxins, or aam, in the body.
According to Ayurveda, everyone is bornwith a unique combination of the fiveelements (or the three doshas) – this isour prakruti. When this inborn constitutionbecomes imbalanced through diet, lifestyle,time of day, time of life and climate, it iscalled vikruti. Therefore, Ayurveda suggeststhe use of different qualities and sub-stances to bring these elements back intobalance. Any particular individual may beprimarily one dosha, or any combinationof the three (i.e. Vata, pitta, kapha).Typically, it is our strongest dosha thatgets imbalanced.
Part of the beauty of the Ayurvedic dietaryconsideration is the wisdom that links aparticular taste and quality of food with itseffect – whether aggravating or pacifying –on a particular dosha.
In Ayurveda, the concept that ‘like increaseslike’ means that a person with too muchheat, or pitta, would not try and achieve bal-
ance by eating foods that are heatingor that increase pitta; rather they wouldbalance this dosha by eating foods thathave the cooling qualities of water or earthand ether.
Upon seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner youwill be given dietary recommendations thatare specific to your constitution so that youmay restore balance through what you eatand how you live. What follows are generalguidelines for understanding the doshas andtheir particular dietary recommendations.
TREATING DOSHA IMBALANCEWITH FOOD AND DIET
When the diet is not balanced, that is,when it does not contain all six tastes, itcan lead to experiences like feeling hungryafter finishing a large meal, feeling weakand tired in the late afternoon, or develop-ing cravings for certain foods.
Ayurveda recommends that we eat a bal-anced diet (with all six tastes) regularly.Each taste contains nutritional factors thatthe body needs for proper functioning.However, if you clearly have the symptomsof an imbalance in one of the doshas, youshould favor foods that decrease that doshaand avoid the ones that aggravate it.
Holistic Healing with Ayurveda
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notice the effect your dietary habits andlifestyle choices have on your sleep, digestionand sense of well-being.
SEASONAL VATA
Fall and early winterare high Vata sea-son(s). Just as theleaves dry up andfall from the trees,our bodies also haveto combat the windy, dryand cool nature of fall – all signs of Vata.It is also beneficial for Vata to be where itis warm. Be sure to keep your body and feetwarm in rainy or wet weather.
AGE OF VATA
From 50 to death – when things begin to dryout and separate is governed by Vata; thismay result in dry skin, joint stiffness, neuro-logical problems, anxiety, fear, confusion,bowel irregularity and constipation – whichare great indicators of excess Vata and canbe assessed on a daily basis. Try taking cas-tor oil gels at bedtime to regain normal bowelmovements as well as helping to alleviatejoint stiffness and pain due to Vata! Ayurvedaseeks to balance Vata’s drying qualities withopposing elements; therefore, regular appli-cations of Vata oil on the body, high qualityfats, warm nourishing food and a more ease-ful lifestyle help re-balance an aggravatedVata dosha.
VATA QUALITIES
This dosha represents ether (sky) andair (wind). It is movable, creative, cold,rough, drying and light. Vata types move andact more than other doshic types as well astire more easily. They are erratic and theirappetite, digestion and elimination vary. Tohelp ground and balance this aggravateddosha, it is important to establish a routineto ensure regular meals and snacks areeaten to give sustained energy and aid increating healthy, regular eating habits.
VATA DIET
The tastes that increase Vata are pungent(hot or spicy), bitter, and astringent – dueto its drying effect. To pacify Vata you needto eat more of the sweet, sour and saltytasting foods and make sure foods are wellcooked and warm when eaten. Vata needsstability, warmth and regularity.
DAILY VATA
You may notice the effects of a Vata imbal-ance when you wake up early in the morn-ing and cannot fall back to sleep or you findthat your mind has difficulty focusing in theafternoons? This is due to the fact that fromthe hours 2-6 (am and pm) everyday arewhen Vata reigns the day! It is important to
PANCHAKARMA RECOMMENDATIONS
Sessions for Vata are:• Shirodhara• Basti• Pindaswed
Stay dry and warm especiallyduring rainy weather.
VATA IS MOVEMENT
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REDUCE THE FOLLOWING FOODS
• IN GENERAL: Sufficient quantity, adequateamount of oil, warm foods and drinks. Havemore sweet, sour and salty tasting foods.
• GRAINS: Rice, cooked oatmeal, bulgar,quinoa, spelt, whole wheat and whole grainbreads (toasted).
• LEGUMES: Yellow split mung beans (greenskin removed), whole mung beans, red lentilsand tofu at lunch only.
• VEGETABLES: Zucchini, asparagus, carrot,beets, sweet potatoes, artichokes, cucumber,yellow squash, okra, parsley, green peas, fennel,spinach in small amounts and cooked coconut.All should be cooked well so they are soft.
• SPICES: Cumin, ginger, mustard seeds,ajwain, celery seeds, fenugreek, coriander, bayleaves, basil, saffron, hing (asafoetida), cinna-mon, cardamom, cloves, anise, fennel, blackpepper (in small amounts), rock salt, lemonjuice, dill, mint, garlic, tamarind and soy sauce.All other spices in small amounts.
• FRUITS: All ripe, sweet, and juicy fruits. Driedfruit is better boiled or soaked in water prior toeating. Sweet grapes, banana, melons, plums,cherries, kiwi, peach, apricot, mango, papaya,pomegranate, sweet pineapples, raisins, prunes,sweet oranges, grapefruit, dates and figs, avoca-do. Apples and pears only if sweet and juicy.
• OILS: All types, however best if organic gheeis sautéed with Vata stabilizing spices. UseVata oil for daily massage before bathing.
• DAIRY & BEVERAGES: Organic cow or goatmilk (brought to boil and served hot), butter,ghee, cream, non-aged cheeses (such as ricot-ta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese), paneer(homemade cheese), rice and almond milk.
• SWEETENERS: Whole, natural/raw canesugar (in small amounts,) raw honey, jaggery,date sugar.
• NUTS & SEEDS: All nuts and seeds (e.g. pis-tachio, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin, sesameand sunflower), soak in water to soften themso they are easier to digest. Only five at a time.
• IN GENERAL: Light, dry, and crunchy foods. Coldfoods and drinks. Pungent (hot and spicy) bitterand astringent tastes.
• GRAINS: Corn, rye, buckwheat, raw oats, millet.
• LEGUMES: Chick peas (garbanzo beans), kidneybeans, soy beans.
• VEGETABLES: Green leafy vegetables, peas, pota-toes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, sprouts,onion, radish, and raw vegetables and lettuce.
• SPICES: Avoid cayenne, chili peppers and othervery hot and drying spices.
• FRUITS: Unripe/sour fruits. Guava, cranberries,persimmon.
• DAIRY & BEVERAGES: Soy milk can be taken insmall quantities(not cold) with Vata pacifyingspices.
• SWEETENERS: White or processed sugar.
• NUTS & SEEDS: Peanuts, unless you removefine skin under husk.
Vata Pacifying Diet*
FAVOR THE FOLLOWING FOODS
A Vata pacifying diet favors warm, cooked foods and hot beverages. Soft and oily foods, such as pasta, cookedcereals and soups should be favored over dry and crunchy foods. Raw vegetables should be avoided, except insmall amounts. Avoid cold drinks and frozen desserts such as: ice cream, popsicles, frozen yogurt, etc.
*These are generic guidelines. A diet specific to your needs will be given at your consultation
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PITTA IS TRANSFORMATION
day our internal fire/heat is also at its peak.Remember to eat regular meals so as not tohave excess pitta on an empty stomach.
SEASONAL PITTA
Pitta prefers cool climates and tends not tolike hot weather or does not do well with toomuch heat during summer, when it is highpitta season.
AGE OF PITTA
From 18 to 50 – when the body is undergo-ing the most intense time of activity andtransformation, even ambition, is governedby pitta. A pitta type is prone to acid reflux,ulcers, colitis, gall bladder problems andheadaches. It is important for pittas to avoidspicy, salty and fermented foods, despitecravings for them, as they all aggravatepitta. Being determined and uncompromis-ing can cause a pitta type to get too busy toeven eat. Be sure to eat regular meals, withlunch being the biggest of the day, along withenjoying organic ghee, cooling teas of mint orfennel and massaging cooling Pitta oil beforeyou bathe. These are all satisfying ways tocool, calm and re-balance the Pitta mind.
PITTA QUALITIES
This dosha represents fire and water. Pittais fiery, hot, quick, sharp, and intense witha strong appetite that digests food quicklyand has good elimination.
PITTA DIET
The tastes that increase pitta are sour,salty and pungent. Ayurveda seeks to bal-ance these hot or heating foods with theiropposites; therefore, eating cooling foodssuch as zucchini, a watery vegetable, andsweet juicy fruits (i.e. melons, plums,grapes) as well as foods that taste bitter,astringent and sweet help re-balance andpacify the hot nature of Pitta.
DAILY PITTA
Ever notice when you miss a meal youbecome irritable or grouchy, especiallyaround lunchtime? Or when you stay upwatching television or working on the com-puter at 10 pm you get a ‘second wind’ andcannot manage to fall asleep for hours?This is because from 10-2 (in the morningand the evening) pitta reigns the day!When the sun reaches its height at mid-
PANCHAKARMA RECOMMENDATIONS
Sessions for Pitta are:• Shirodhara• Virechan• Vaman(for some)
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• IN GENERAL: Cool to lukewarm drinksaccording to preference. Favor bitter, astringentand sweet tastes.
• LEGUMES: Mung beans, small kidney beans,non-fermented soy bean products; tofu is okay,as are other beans, in moderation, howeveravoid tempeh.
• GRAINS: White rice (basmati, jasmine, etc.)barley, oats, quinoa, kamut, amaranth, millet,whole wheat, whole grain bread (toasted).
• NUTS & SEEDS: Blanched (i.e. peeled)almonds in small amounts, sunflower seedsand figs
• VEGETABLES: Yellow squash, zucchini,cucumber, bok choy, winter squashes, aspara-gus, artichokes, okra, green beans, potatoes,sweet potatoes, peas, cilantro, sprouts, parsley,sweet corn, alfalfa sprouts, mushrooms, allnon-leafy green vegetables.
• FRUITS: Sweet grapes, sweet mango,coconut, melons, sweet plums, persimmon,pomegranate, sweet apples, sweet pears,raisins, dates and figs, avocado.
• DAIRY: Organic milk (boiled and served coolor warm), ghee, cream, butter, paneer (home-made cheese), soy milk, rice milk, fresh butter-milk (not sour) and cottage cheese.
• SWEETENERS: Whole, raw sugar cane(in small amounts), date sugar, maple sugar,jaggery.
• OILS: Ghee is best; or coconut oils. For mas-sage, use pitta or coconut oil.
• SPICES: Coriander, cilantro, cumin, turmeric,saffron, fennel, cardamom, parsley, fresh basil,mint and nutmeg.
• NON-VEGETARIAN: Fresh water fish onlyand lamb.
• IN GENERAL: Pungent (i.e. hot and spicy)foods such as chilies, cayenne, jalapeno peppers,sour and salty tastes such as vinegar, alcohol andacidic foods.
• LEGUMES: Fermented soy bean products,tempeh.
• GRAINS: Corn, rye, buckwheat, brown rice.
• NUTS & SEEDS: Peanuts and cashews.
• VEGETABLES: Tomatoes and tomato sauce,radish, beets, spinach, raw onions, kale, cauli-flower, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, chard, brusselssprouts.
• FRUITS: Avoid sour fruits such as grapefruit,olives, orange, peach, sour grapes, pineapple,berries, prunes, banana, lemon, lime, cherries.
• DAIRY: Yogurt, salted cheese (especially agedand such as feta or blue cheese), sour cream,cream cheese, ice cream.
• SWEETENERS: Molasses, brown sugar, honey(only add after heating is complete).
• OILS: Almond, corn, safflower, sesame, canola.
• SPICES: Chili peppers, cayenne, onion, garlic,mustard seeds, cloves, celery seeds, fenugreek,ketchup, mustard, asafoetida (hing), ginger, blackpepper, soy sauce, tamarind mint.
• NON-VEGETARIAN: Seafood, fish, beef, pork,chicken, turkey and egg yolk.
A pitta pacifying diet favors juicy, cooling foods with high water content while avoiding hot spices, alcohol, vinegar,fried foods, tomatoes, yogurt and cheese. Foods should be fresh and organic, if possible. Avoid left overs, packaged,canned or bottled foods, processed foods, preservatives, artificial ingredients and salty foods.
FAVOR THE FOLLOWING FOODS REDUCE THE FOLLOWING FOODS
Pitta Pacifying Diet*
*These are generic guidelines. A diet specific to your needs will be given at your consultation
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SEASONAL KAPHA
Kapha types benefit from a warm, dry cli-mate and need regular activity and exerciseto balance their natural tendency towardslethargy.
AGE OF KAPHA
From birth to maturity, when the bodyis growing unit by unit, is governed bykapha. It is very common for childrenand young adults to experience the effectof excess kapha, which manifest as sinusproblems, chest colds, asthma and dia-betes. Therefore, eating a lighter diet ofless rich foods, such as hot lentil soupwith gingered vegetables – despitecravings for fried foods, dairy productsand sugar – helps re-balance kapha,leaving the body feeling lighter andmore energized.
KAPHA QUALITIES
This dosha represents water and earth.Kapha is stable, moist, cool and heavy.Kapha types are slow and grounded, evenserene. An imbalance in kapha leads tocongestion and excess weight.
KAPHA DIET
The sweet taste strengthens kapha, yet toomuch will create an imbalance. Kapha typescan use heating and pungent spices thatwould not be advisable for the Pitta type.
DAILY KAPHA
Have you ever noticed that if you stay uptoo late it can be hard to wake up beforesunrise? Or maybe you find yourself feelinglike lounging around the house at the endof your day? From 6-10 (am and pm) iswhen kapha rules the day.
KAPHA IS COHESION
PANCHAKARMA RECOMMENDATIONS
Sessions for Kapha are:• Vaman• Nasya• Virechan• Pindaswed
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• IN GENERAL: Enjoy a lighter diet of less richfoods. Favor dry, light and crunchy foods.Favor pungent (hot, spicy), bitter and astrin-gent tastes.
• LEGUMES: Mung, lentils & beans.
• GRAINS: Barley, millet, corn, buckwheat, rye,quinoa, couscous and oats and whole grainbreads (toasted).
• VEGETABLES: All green leafy vegetables, car-rot, beets, white potatoes, artichoke, broccoli,corn, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, bellpepper, green beans & peas, sprouts, tenderradish. In small amounts: tomato, asparagus,zucchini.
• FRUITS: Apples, pears, figs, papaya, guava,pomegranate, cranberries, persimmon and dryfruits (sulfur free).
• DAIRY & BEVERAGES: Organic skim milk(boiled and served hot), small amounts ofghee. Tea, herbal tea, spice or cinnamon tea.
• SPICES: Ginger, black pepper, cumin, mus-tard seeds, ajwain, saffron, hing, cinnamon,cardamom, cloves, anise, fennel, coriander,dill, mint, garlic, nutmeg, tamarind, sea salt,lemon juice.
• NUTS & SEEDS: Small portions of sunflower,sesame and pumpkin seeds, pecans and wal-nuts.
• OILS: Mustard, corn, sesame, olive, flaxseed(all used sparingly). Ghee in small amounts.Use Kapha oil for daily massage before bathing.
• SWEETENERS: Raw honey which is notbaked or cooked. (only add after heating hasceased) and jaggery.
• NON-VEGETARIAN: Chicken.
• IN GENERAL: Avoid large quantities offood–especially at night. Avoid oily and greasy(deep fried) foods, cold (raw) or re-heatedfoods, heavy foods such as frozen or cannedfoods and sweet, sour and salty tastes.
• LEGUMES: Tofu, tempeh, chick peas and soy.
• GRAINS: Wheat, rice, all yeasted or sourdoughbreads.
• VEGETABLES: Sweet potatoes, tapioca andcucumber.
• FRUITS: Strictly avoid avocado and bananaunless you add ginger powder.
• DAIRY & BEVERAGES: Cold water or drinks,cheese, ice cream, sour cream and yogurt.
• SWEETENERS: White, refined sugar, cake andchocolate.
• NON-VEGETARIAN: Eggs, meat, seafood.
A kapha pacifying diet favors warm foods and hot beverages. Eat a minimum of oil and fat. Avoid cold drinks, coldfood, and frozen desserts, such as: ice cream, popsicles, frozen yogurt, etc. Avoid leftovers, canned, bottled, or pack-aged foods, frozen foods, processed foods, rich, creamy foods, sweets, salty foods and alcohol.
Eat mainly freshly prepared vegetable and legume dishes, with proportionately smaller amounts of grains andfruits. The food should be spiced according to taste.
Kapha Pacifying Diet*
FAVOR THE FOLLOWING FOODS REDUCE THE FOLLOWING FOODS
*These are generic guidelines. A diet specific to your needs will be given at your consultation
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• Pungent, Bitter, Astringent: Increase Vata Decrease Kapha
• Sweet, Sour, Salty: Increase Kapha Decrease Vata
• Sweet, Bitter, Astringent: Decrease Pitta
• Sour, Salty, Pungent: Increase Pitta
AYURVEDA’S SIX TASTES & THEIR EFFECTS ON THE DOSHAS
Sour: V⬇ P⬆ K⬆
• Sour milk products like yogurt,cheese, whey, sour cream, etc.
• Sour fruits like lemons, limes,oranges, pineapples, passion fruit,cherries, plums
• Fermented substances like wine,vinegar, soy sauce, cabbage
• Carbonated beverages
Salty: V⬇ P⬆ K⬆
• Any kind of salt like rock salt, seasalt, salt from the ground
• Any food to which salt has beenadded (i.e. pickles, nuts, chips)
Pungent: V⬆ P⬆ K⬇
• Hot spices like chilies, blackpepper, mustard seeds, ginger,cumin, cloves, cardamom, garlic, etc.
• Mild spices like turmeric, anise,cinnamon, and "fresh" herbs likeoregano, thyme, mint, etc.
• Raw vegetables like radish, onion,cauliflower
Sweet: V⬇ P⬇ K⬆
• Most grains like rice, barley, corn,wheat, etc.
• Milk and sweet milk products likeghee, cream, butter
• Sweet fruits like coconuts, dates,figs, grapes, pears, mangoes andespecially dried fruits (withoutsulphur)
• Cooked vegetables like potato,sweet potato, carrot, beet root,cauliflower, string beans
• Sugar in any form—raw, refined,brown, white, molasses, sugar canejuice, etc.
Earth and FireEarth and Water
Water and Fire Fire and Wind
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We strongly suggest that you apply thedietary guidelines given by your practition-er to re-balance your Dosha(s). Rememberthat all three Doshas are always present inthe body. There is simply a different degreeof predominance – depending upon yourhabits, your age, the season and climatewhere you live.
Therefore, you may have an imbalanceof one dosha, however some people havetwo or three doshas that need to bebrought back into balance.
HOW FOOD QUALITIES AFFECTVATA, PITTA AND KAPHARemember when consciously favoring oravoiding foods to help balance our doshas,we should maintain a balanced diet withall six tastes so as not to aggravate, orimbalance, another Dosha.
Bitter: V⬆ P⬇ K⬇
• Fruits like olive, grapefruit
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach,green cabbage, brussels sprouts
• Spices like fenugreek, turmeric
Astringent: V⬆ P⬇ K⬇
• Turmeric, honey (do not heathotter than lukewarm water), wal-nuts, hazelnuts
• Pulses, or legumes, i.e. beans,lentils, peas, dahl
• Vegetables like sprouts, lettuce,green leafy vegetables, most rawvegetables
• Fruits like pomegranate, berries,persimmon, lemon, cranberry, mostunripe fruits
Earth and Wind
Sky and Wind
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NOTES FROM YOUR CONSULTATION