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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I Deserve All that is Good

I Deserve All that is Good.
I deserve everything that is Good.
Not partially or a little, but I deserve everything that is good in this world.
Today, I leave behind all of the negative and restrictive thoughts in my life.
I affirm that I am not tied down to the fears and prejudice of society.
I look beyond all of the things and attachments in this world that may limit my potential in any way.

In my mind I have complete freedom.
I celebrate my new state of consciousness and presence.

I acknowledge today that I am one with the Universe.
Being one with the Universe I understand and accept all of the prosperity and joy that is inherent in our Universe.
All of my potentiality opens up with this realization - bringing with it all of the prosperity that I deserve.
I also deserve a good life.
I deserve love and an abundance of love.
I deserve good health.
I deserve a comfortable life and prosperity.
I deserve Joy and Happiness.
I deserve the liberation that allows me to reach my potential.
I deserve all that is good.

I accept this abundant life with joy and gratitude. I accept all that I deserve.


So Be It,

Tuesday, February 23, 2010


Ayurvedic Vegetable Soup





Preparation time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6 - 7 people

Ingredients:
1 big onion
½ cabbage
1 medium carrot
2 stalks of celery
1 tablespoon canola oil
5 cups of water
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 ½ teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon cayenne powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Procedure:
Wash all the vegetables and cut into 1 cm pieces.
Heat the oil in a big pot. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add other vegetables and sauté for 2 minutes. Add 2
cups of water, ginger, turmeric, salt and cook for 10 minutes. Add coriander, cumin, cayenne powder and cook for
15 more minutes. Add 3 cups of water and cook for 5 more minutes. Before serving add lemon juice and mix well.
Serve hot.
The unique blend of herbs and vegetables make this soup balancing to all three factors (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

Enjoy!

For More information please log on to:

www.ayurvedaacademy.com

Saturday, February 20, 2010


Creating Paradise Within:

Better Health through Ayurvedic Rejuvenation




Since humans first roamed the earth there have been oral and written stories of the quest to find the elixir of life--the Fountain of Youth. The Western biblical tradition tells of a Golden Age when people lived hundreds of years. In the East, there are stories of those who attained immortality, existing in magical realms. Are such stories, or the desire to be able to attain such a state of being, folly--mere vanity in the face of the truth of impermanence and death?

Surely, there are those whose lives have been rich and fulfilling in one way or another and who wish life didn't have to end so soon. Conversely, there are those who hold the opposite view: life has been full of sorrow and to die is a blessed final relief. For some the party ends too soon; for others the torment continues.

Can you remember the days when you were full of vibrant energy from sunrise to sunset? A holistic program of rejuvenation will bring back the body's natural energetic state making us feel young and energetic again.

According to most Ancient Healing Traditions, food only nourishes our gross physical layer. The subtle nature--our true essence or spirit, and therefore the most important part of our being, is left malnourished. Ayurveda teaches that if life is lived in accordance with prakruti(your innate nature) or basic body-mind constitution, then a natural youthfulness is maintained throughout life

According to Ayurveda and the wisdom traditions of the East, one's state of mind is what makes the difference. Ultimately, to feel youthful, rich and full of life is a state of mind. There are those who go from complacency to boredom in living out their lives and those who are ever-thirsty, ever-searching; young people in rockers in front of wide screen television sets and grannies in sneakers, exploring the pyramids. Highly effective methods of physical rejuvenation are found within Ayurveda, but there also is a mental or spiritual dimension that is viewed as an essential ingredient. If mental and spiritual flexibility and openness are not developed and enhanced, of what value is a more youthful body, except for the temporary relief or pleasure it provides?

Negative emotions are considered to toxic to our well being leading to physical illness. Decreasing our exposure to sensory overloads is a critical step in emotional detoxification. Unending mental dialogues are toxic to our mind. Some call it the drunken monkey mind syndrome. Spiritual Rejuvenation: The most joyful state is just to be, atoned, attentive, empowered and aware of our Inner Divinity.

Detoxification and Rejuvenation are serious components of Ayurvedic medicine. The methods offered can be quite extreme with respect to the demands it places on one's time and lifestyle, yet the rewards often outweigh the inconvenience. At the same time, as intimated, there are practices one can engage in that can give slow but increased benefits if practiced regularly and over time.

Exercises(Yoga & Meditation) from the Ayurvedic tradition that slow the aging process and, when coupled with quality diet and other first level health-giving recommendations, actually can reverse the aging process. With the use of basic or more advanced levels of detoxification and rejuvenation, they can have amazing results. If practiced in the morning, they get the body and mind up and ready to face the day. If they are performed in the evening, they help to relax one and smooth out the stresses and strains of the day.

Can you remember the days when you were full of vibrant energy from sunrise to sunset? Rejuvenation is essential to your vitality, creativity, happiness and inner growth. A holistic program of rejuvenation will bring back the body's natural energetic state making us feel young and energetic again.


Thursday, February 18, 2010

Rasaalaa or Sikharinee
a spiced and sweetened curd recipe



Various recipes of a type of curd preparation are mentioned in the classic literature of the Vedic civilization. Some of them are still in use today. The North Indian lassi is one among them. The recipe given below is said to be formulated by the epical hero Bheemasena, the son of Kuntee Devi. Bheemasena is noted for his appetite and cooking talents. During his life incognito he worked as a cook in Virata’s royal cuisine. This recipe is from Bhojana-kutoohala
a classic on Indian medical cookery. The book provides nine different types of spiced and
sweetened curds, some are specific for certain diseases such as diarrhea and neurological
disorders. It is also mentioned that the recipe given here was relished by Lord Krshna himself.

The recipe is termed “Bheemasena-sikharinee”.

Ingredients
Over-stayed curd 1600 g.
Sugar candy 800 g.
Ghee 50 g.
Honey 50 g.
Black pepper 25 g.
Dry ginger 25 g.
Camphor – a small quantity for flavor.
Preparation
Powder sugar candy, black pepper and dry ginger separately. Sequentially mix them well with the curd. Add honey and ghee. Filter with fine
muslin cloth. Flavor the filtrate with camphor.
Serve in attractive tumblers.

Lassy for sexual prowess
Here is another recipe which is more akin to the North Indian Lassi. This is considered as a good aphrodisiac that promotes sexual prowess and increases the quantity of semen. This can be used regularly in all seasons except summer. The recipe improves the strength of all sensory faculties. It is refreshing and energizing. It is nourishing to those tired by coitus and walking long distances.

Ingredients
a)Main ingredients
Sour curd made from she Buffalo’s milk (without adding water) 3200 g.
Sugar 1600 g.
Milk 1600 ml.
b) Spices and flavoring agents (quantity not specified)
Cardamom seeds
Cloves
Camphor
Black pepper
Procedure
Mix sugar in small quantities with the curd in a new earthenware and churn well to dissolve the sugar. Add milk and mix well. Powder the spices and flavoring agent and mix well with the mixture. Filter through muslin. Serve in attractive tumblers.

Enjoy Friends!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Beauty Secrets of Ayurveda



Ayurveda has a comprehensive teaching that renders perfection in beauty by various means. Broadly speaking the factors which are responsible for the beauty of a person are -:

The Diet and Life Style
The Effect of Geographical and Climatic Condition
The Social Atmosphere


DIET AND LIFE STYLE

The perfect digestion and assimilation of our food together with proper and regular evacuation of wastes is essential for being healthy. This is responsible for the strength, stamina and beauty of an individual which is reflected by clear skin, bright eyes, radiant hair, strong nails and moist lips.

A major role in achieving beauty is played by the food which is eaten as it is the ahara which is going to give the nourishment to all the seven dhatus (tissues) of the body. The 'Skin' is an upadhatu (sub-tissue) of mamsa dhatu (muscle-tissue). The scalp hairs are updhatu of majja dhatu (bone-marrow tissue). The Nails, Body hairs, hairs of Beard & Moustache are the mala (wastes) of the asthi dhatu (skeletal- tissue).

This way we can co-relate and find out the imperfection and quality of our Skin, Hair, Nails etc. with the concerned dhatus and take the measures to correct it, if required.
Good digestion is enhanced by :-
a) Perfect selection of your food.b) Skillful preparation of foods &c) Eating in a quiet, clean, and friendly atmosphere

In addition, the other measures on Dietetics that must be followed according to Ayurvedic principles.
Apart from these factors, life style also plays an important role. For example: getting up before sunrise (6:00 am); a brisk walk or doing Yogasanas; Meditation; proper external and internal cleansing of the body. External bathing requires proper selection of the Soap, Shampoo or the herbs to be added in the water. .Internal cleansing involves the Yogic procedures of 'Hatha Yoga' i.e. the shatkarmas Neti, Nauli, Basti, Dhauti, Tratak & Kapalbhati. Then there must be a balance between the sitting, standing and lying hours in a day. In addition, one must be aware of the general rules of non-suppression of 13 natural urges as the suppression of vomiting can lead to various skin diseases. A Vegetarian diet helps in delaying the onset of aging. Let's have a glimpse into certain foods for their ant- aging effect:

SOYA BEAN: There are numerous advantages this food offers. It boosts the good cholesterol and improves the ratio of HDL ( high density lipoproteins) to LDL (low density lipoproteins) . It provides the fighting oxidants (e.g. Genistain) that helps with clogged arteries and the formation of cancer cells. The Antioxidants and Phytochemicals present in Soya bean are especially useful in obstructing the formation of hormone related cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer. Being a rich source of calcium and iron , Soya food , proves beneficial in the treatment of 'Anemia' and osteoporosis. Japanese the largest consumer of Soya products, have the largest life expectancy in the world .

TOFU: A food with cheese like consistency made from Soya milk can increase your life span. Some animal studies have suggested a 12-15% longer life span in animals that were given these foods as opposed to animals fed on casein (the milk protein in paneer).

OLIVE OIL /ALMOND OIL: The problems of cholesterol can be easily solved by switching over to almond or olive oil. Because, while other refined vegetable oils lower the LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) simultaneously . These keeps up the HDL while lowering the total blood cholesterol & HDL .These retard the destructive effects of free radicals to a greater extent, which means that your body has fewer free radicals, hence delaying aging. These oils contain antioxidants which protect your body cells from the effect of carcinogens.Like wise there can be hundreds of dietary types to keep your self fit and young which your Ayurvedic Physician can tell you.

THE EFFECT OF GEOGRAPHICAL AND CLIMATIC CONDITION

The genetic factors in terms of different races in the world decide the complexion of an offspring right from birth, but there are some other factors which also play an important role. For instance, in cold countries we find fairer complexions and in hot climates like in tropical countries there is more probability of dark complexions. Some factors play a role by the diet of the mother during pregnancy. However, after birth, it matters how we take care of our skin and body.Exposure to the sun, dietary habits, sound sleep, sound mind, pollution, level of humidity over the hilly areas or near the coast, level of salts in the atmosphere; every single factor is important. Ayurveda provides a few creams with some precious herbs to protect the skin in unnatural circumstances.

THE SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere at home or at the work place or in the public places also has a great role in the beauty of an individual which is never thought grossly.
A saint indulged in holy rituals living in a calm and quite atmosphere in a jungle and who has attained a good level in meditation ; could be seen with a remarkable beauty on his face ; which is unmatchable and can never be attained with artificial cosmetics . So peace at the mental level is necessary for perfect beauty. The tense atmosphere of the work place, negative thoughts, jealousy, hatred, anger etc. Vitiate vata according to Ayurveda and thereby can lead to blackishness or hyperpigmentation over a face or on a particular part of the body.
Judicious application of herbal gels; or cream with Yoga and meditation can certainly replenish your external and internal look.

For more information please visit:



http://www.ayurvedaacademy.com
So let us begin with what I think is a concise look at Ayurveda:

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the wisdom of life and healthy living. The notion of Veda (knowledge) and Ayu (life) together began over 5,000 years ago. The most ancient Sankhya Philosophy identified the close relationship between man and the universe and realized that therein lies a connection - a cosmic consciousness, an existence rooted in balance and harmony. Ayurveda is the practice of reaching balance and harmony within the individual and is referred to as “the Mother of healing sciences.”
The Body, Mind and Spirit Connection

Ayurveda looks at the human being not as a physical being, but as an interrelated spiral of Body, Mind and Spirit. In balance and harmony, the Body, the Mind and the Spirit equate to pure bliss and true health. The Mind influences the Body, the Body the Mind and inspiring both, the Spirit.
The Human Body – a flow of Energy

The body is not a stationary physical structure, as conventional medicine textbooks want you to believe. Rather, the body is a perpetual flow of natural energy. Ayurveda views this energy of life, commonly referred to as Prana or Chi, as central to our being and as key to our existence. In addition to this all-encompassing Prana, there are three other energies called Doshas that exist within each human being.
Doshas are the most basic principle of Ayurveda. There are 3 types of doshasVata, Pitta and Kapha, and they represent five natural elements - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The theory of three Doshas, “Tri-dosha Vichar”, is the foundation of Ayurveda. These Doshas and more importantly, the manner in which they are in harmony with one another, control the physiological and psychological functions of the entire body.
Vata controls movement and action.
• Pitta governs digestion and metabolism.
Kapha builds tissues and maintains fluid balance.
Body Constitution & Prakriti – an individual’s unique Blueprint
The three Doshas are present in all things in nature, including human beings, but in different proportions. Those proportions combine to make up each individual’s Body Constitution, or Body Type or Prakriti. This unique Body Constitution determines that individual’s personality, mental and physical makeup (looks), likes and dislikes and many other things. Each individual is born with it and it cannot be changed. Body Constitution is analogous to modern day genetical makeup.
When any one of these three Doshas go out-of-balance (usually an excess of one), disease results. Ayurveda restores the original balance through diet, lifestyle and herbs. Yoga, for example, is a very useful lifestyle tool in establishing and maintaining this balance.
Vata, Pitta, Kapha personality characteristics:
Vata people are slim and slender, very energetic, intuitive, and imaginative. They walk fast, talk fast and drive in the fast lanes and tend to “change their mind” often.
Pitta people are generally medium in height, with sharp eyes, sharp nose and sharp tongue. They are very organized in their work, speech, and life. They like sports or politics because “winning is everything” to them. Their slogan is “my way or the highway”.
Kapha people are mostly stout or well built, with rounded features and a sweet and easy going personality. Their slogan is “Don’t worry, be happy”.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Ayurvedic practice emphasizes preventive philosophy as well as therapies. This approach first identifies an Individual’s unique Prakriti and then creates a unique, customized plan for rejuvenation and balance. Each lifestyle recommendation is also customized according to an Individual’s Prakriti.
Basic Ayurvedic treatment involves modification of diet and lifestyle, use of natural herbs (as natural medicines) and a treatment called Panchakarma. Panchakarma is a profound detoxifying therapy. It has demonstrated its merits for generations across the globe and continues to prove itself in modern clinical trials. Studies continue to show that Panchakarma increases energy, mental tranquility and appetite and decreases diastolic blood pressure, blood cholesterol, chronic pain and stress.
Conceptually speaking, conventional medicine treats the symptoms while Ayurveda treats the cause. Ayurveda believes that if the cause is not removed, the symptoms will recur. While conventional medicine believes in “one size fits all”, Ayurveda believed that each individual needs to be treated differently according that individual’s unique Prakriti. This is a huge difference in the approach between how an individual is treated.
Ayurvedic Herbs

Herbs are fundamental to medicinal Ayurvedic practice. Long before the arrival of pharmaceutical drugs,
people lived long, healthy lives just using herbs for centuries. During these times, people relied on medicinal herbs for the prevention and treatment of disease. Case in point - 25% of current pharmaceuticals originate from natural herbs. Ayurvedic herbs continually test very successfully in modern scientific research labs as being medicinally potent. Here are a few examples of medicinal herbs and their benefits :
• Turmeric - a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-carcinogenic
• Ginger - anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, a natural digestive
Kutkihepato-protective (promotes liver function)

Although it is called a ‘new-age’ science, Ayurveda has been providing a proven perspective on health and healing for 5,000 years. It has been time tested and continues to play an important role even in modern times. Ayurveda embodies the concept of holistic medicine, of treating the whole individual - one’s Body, Mind and Spirit. An Ayurvedic approach to life is one of perpetual health and wellness, of prevention rather than cure.
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