Ayurveda: Empowering you to Better Health

Ayurveda – The Science of Life is one of the oldest systems of natural health care, originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Today, it is considered one of the leading forms of holistic medicine available in the West and it is certainly one of the best ways to improve your health.

The Buddhist monks from India introduced Ayurveda to China, Tibet, Korea, Mongolia and Sri Lanka, leaving a lasting legacy in their medical systems.

Concept– Yoga and Ayurveda are twin sisters, which involve the curing of physical disorders with herbal remedies. Both systems run into deeper spiritual levels, and if practiced properly, can lead to a state of complete physical, mental and spiritual balance.

Ayurveda is Safe– Ayurveda medicine and other similar therapies, are very helpful for patients who are suffering from chronic diseases. Ayurvedic preparations are safe, as long as they are prescribed by a professional practitioner.

Ayurvedic Dosha (Constitutions)

Ayurveda describes three biological humors of mental and physiological energies, called doshas. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha and each is mainly a combination of two elements. Vata dosha is made up of space and air, Pitta dosha is a combination of fire and water and Kapha dosha is made up of water and earth. Each of these doshas is further divided into five sub-doshas. Together, the doshas orchestrate all the activities that occur within us.

In order to achieve good health and well-being, the three doshas, need to be in complete balance.

Balancing Vata dosha

The characteristics of Vata include dryness, coolness, roughness, lightness and constant motion, which are qualities that are opposite to those in a diet and lifestyle, helping to restore balance to Vata dosha.

Dietary recommendations:

The three Ayurvedic flavors that help balance Vata are: sweet, sour and salty. Including more of these flavors in your daily diet, will help to balance Vata.

Cooked foods, served hot or warm, are ideal for balancing Vata. Leafy greens, beets, sweet potatoes and summer squash, such as zucchini and lauki squash, are the best vegetables to help you accomplish this. You should also avoid or minimize raw foods and salads, drink lots of warm water throughout the day and add suitable spices to your food, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, dried ginger and black pepper.

Balancing Pitta Dosha:

The characteristics of Pitta, include sharpness, heat, and acidity. It also has qualities that are opposite to those in diet and lifestyle, which help to restore balance to Pitta dosha.

Dietary recommendations:

The three Ayurvedic flavors that help balance Pitta are sweet, bitter and astringent, which is why you must include more of these flavors in your daily diet.

Fresh foods are wonderful for balancing Pitta dosha. These types of fruits include, sweet juicy fruits, especially pears, which can cool a fiery Pitta very fast. Milk, rice, coconut and milkshakes made with ripe mangos are also considered soothing and Pitta-pacifying foods.

Spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and fennel offer healing wisdom. Drink sweet lassi and drink room temperature water, to help improve digestion.

Balancing Kapha Dosha

The characteristics of Kapha, include heaviness, softness, sweetness, cold, stability and unctuousness, which are qualities that are opposite to those in diet and lifestyle and help restore balance to Kapha dosha.

Dietary recommendations

The three Ayurvedic flavors that help balance Kapha are pungent, bitter and astringent, which is why you must include more of these flavors in your daily diet.

Light and warm foods help to balance Kapha. These types of food include clear vegetable soups with beans and diced vegetables, stews made with Kapha-balancing vegetables, dhal soups and light grain/vegetable are also ideal for balancing Kapha.  It is also not recommended to eat too much salt.

Use spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne, black pepper, dried ginger, asafetida (hing), cloves and fenugreek, as well as drinking warm water throughout the day, in order to balance Kapha.

Guru Ranjit has been teaching corporate wellness programs and Yoga therapy in major cities, such as New York and Charlotte for many years. Ranjit has educated many professionals and businesses, on how to use yoga therapy to manage stress, anger, depression, anxiety and sleep disorder problems.

Phone: (704) 277-6049.  Email: rdeora@charlottemeditation.com