Discover Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. Derived from its ancient Sanskrit roots - ‘ayus' (life) and ‘ved' (knowledge) – and offering a rich, comprehensive outlook to a healthy life, its origins go back nearly 5000 years. Ayurveda was expounded and practiced by the same spiritual rishis, who laid the foundations of the Vedic civilization in India, by organizing the fundamentals of life into proper systems.

The main source of knowledge in this field are the Vedas, the divine books of knowledge they propounded, and more specifically the fourth of the series, namely Atharvaveda that dates back to around 1000 BC. Of the few other treatises on Ayurveda that have survived from around the same time, the most famous are Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita which concentrate on internal medicine and surgery respectively. The Astanga Hridayam is a more concise compilation of earlier texts that was created about a thousand years ago. These sources form the greater part of the knowledge base on Ayurveda as it is practiced today.

The art of Ayurveda had spread around in the 6th century BC to Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea and Sri Lanka, carried over by the Buddhist monks traveling to those lands. Although not much of it survives in original form, its effects can be seen in the various new age concepts that have originated from there.

No philosophy has had greater influence on Ayurveda than Sankhaya’s philosophy of creation and manifestation. Which professes that behind all creation there is a state of pure existence or awareness, which is beyond time and space, has no beginning or end, and no qualities. Within pure existence, there arises a desire to experience itself, which results in disequilibrium and causes the manifestation of the primordial physical energy. And the two unite to make the "dance of creation" come alive.

Imponderable, indescribable and extremely subtle, this primordial energy – which and all that flows from it existing only in pure existence – is the creative force of all action, a source of form that has qualities. Matter and energy are so closely related that when energy takes form, we tend to think of it in terms of matter only. And much modified, it ultimately leads to the manifestation of our familiar mental and physical worlds.

It also gives rise to cosmic consciousness, which is the universal order that prevades all life. Individual intelligence, as distinct from the everyday intellectual mind, is derived from and is part of this consciousness. It is the inner wisdom, the part of individuality that remains unswayed by the demands of daily life, or by Ahamkara, the sense of `I-ness’.

A Sanskrit word with no exact translation, Ahamkara, is a concept not quite understood by everyone as it is often misleadingly equated to `ego’. Embracing much more than just that, it is in essence that part of ‘me’ which knows which parts of the universal creation are ‘me’. Since ‘I’ am not separate from the universal consciousness, but ‘I’ has an identity that differentiates and defines the boundaries of `me’. All creations therefore have Ahamkara, not just human beings.
There arises from Ahamkara a two-fold creation. The first is Satwa, the subjective world, which is able to perceive and manipulate matter. It comprises the subtle body (the mind), the capacity of the five sense organs to hear, feel, see, taste and smell, and for the five organs of action to speak, grasp, move, procreate and excrete. The mind and the subtle organs providing the bridge between the body, the Ahamkara and the inner wisdom, which three together is considered the essential nature of humans.

The second is Tamas, the objective world of the five elements of sound, touch, vision, taste and smell – the five subtle elements that give rise to the dense elements of ether or space, air, fire, water and the earth – from which all matter of the physical world is derived. And it is Rajas, the force or the energy of movement, which brings together parts of these two worlds.


Element Subtle Organ Motor Function

Space Sound Ears Vocal Speaking
Air Touch Skin Hands Grasping
Fire Sight Eyes Feet Moving
Water Taste Tongue Genital Procreating
Earth Smell Nose Anus Excreting


It is worth noting that even at the stage of the dense elements the philosophy of creation –which according to Sankaya is now and in the present, without any past and any future – is still dealing with aspects of existence beyond our simple physical realms. The point of contention being that we are the first and foremost spirit experiencing existence. To use Ayurveda in daily life, one has neither to accept nor even understand this philosophy. But it does provide a deeper insight into how Ayurveda works towards betterment of your health.

Ayurveda therefore is not simply a health care system but a form of lifestyle adopted to maintain perfect balance and harmony within the human existence, from the most abstract transcendental values to the most concrete physiological expressions. Based on the premise that life represents an intelligent co-ordination of the Atma (Soul), Mana (Mind), Indriya (Senses) and Sharira (Body). That revolves around the five dense elements that go into the making of the constitution of each individual, called Prakriti. Which in turn is determined by the vital balance of the three physical energies - Vata, Pitta, Kapha and the three mental energies - Satwa, Rajas, Tamas.


Ayurveda thus offers a unique blend of science and philosophy that balances the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components necessary for holistic health.

For more information please log on to:

http://www.ayurvedaacademy.com

Ghee Recipe.

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb Organic butter

Procedure:
In a heavy bottom pan place 1 lb of unsalted organic butter. Before turning the
heat on, make sure the butter is not frozen. (If it is frozen, let it thaw for ½ an
hour.) Now turn the heat to medium low, and cook uncovered for about 12-15
min. When butter is cooking, you will hear a spluttering sound and you will see
froth bubbling at the top. At this point, begin to keep an eye on the ghee.
When it becomes very quiet and it is not bubbling, it means ghee is done. Pan
should be removed immediately. The ghee is done when milk solids get settled
at the bottom of the pan and they will turn light brown. Ghee can get burned very easily. Let it cool down and then pour it through a stainless steel mesh into a glass or steel container. Refrigeration is not required.

For Kapha constitution, once the ghee is done add a pinch of turmeric or cinnamon or bay leaf.

Enjoy!

Health care in the United States is changing. Health Science has evolved to encompass our beliefs, our emotions, our behavior, our thoughts, our family and cultural systems, as well as the environmental context in which we live. All of these elements are relevant to our health. Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old Indian System of healing that encompasses these aspects while offering solutions to achieve harmony at the level of Mind, Body and Spirit. Join us and get involved in this pioneering work that is transforming and reshaping our health care industry to a newer model of holistic health care for the 21st Century. To view our catalogue for our upcoming Spring Programs which begin in April please click on:

www.ayurvedaacademy.com

Amma

In the end Love is the only medicine that can heal the wounds of the world. In this universe, it is love that binds everything together. As this awareness dawns within us, all discord will cease. Abiding peace alone will reign.


-Amma

Ayurvedic Recipe for Dal

Dal

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4 - 6 people

Ingredients:
1 cup tur dal
2 cups water
2-3 green chilies
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1tablespoon ginger (grated)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds (black)
¼ teaspoon asafetida
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
½ tsp ghee

Procedure:
Wash the tur dal; add 2 cups of water, turmeric, and
green chilies. Cover and cook on medium heat for 20
minutes or until it is soft. Add water as needed. After
cooking, dilute it by adding 2 –2½ cups of water. Add
salt and grated ginger and cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from burner. Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard
seeds. When mustard seeds start popping, add the asafetida and carefully pour this mixture into the cooked dal.
Be sure not to splash (stand away from the pan with your hand extended to avoid burns).
Before serving, remove the green chilies, garnish with cilantro and add ghee. Dal can be served as a lentil soup.
Traditionally, it is considered an ideal combination with cooked rice.

Enjoy and let us know how this worked out for you.

Obesity has become an epidemic. Nearly two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight and about one thirds are obese. To make the problem worse, childhood obesity is also running out of control. Recent figures show that in the past two decades the number of overweight children and adolescents has doubled. Around 15 percent of children aged 6 to 19 and nearly 11 percent of preschool children are considered obese.

Diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, high cholesterol, some types of cancers are major health risks because of obesity. Obesity is the reason for about 80% of type 2 diabetes, about 70% of cardiovascular diseases, and 42% of breast and colon cancers (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)).

Obesity is taking a major toll on our health care dollars. Obesity in the United States costs $75 billion a year in medical expenses. The study -- which doesn't include children, whose obesity rates are soaring -- found that 5.7 percent of the nation's health care expenses are for treatment of obesity. Hospital costs associated with childhood obesity rose from $35 Million (1979) to $127 Million (1999).

In short, obesity has become a crucial health problem for our nation. This is a multifaceted problem.
Is our super sized food the culprit or is our modern sedentary life style is to blame? Super sized hamburgers, French fries,super gulps soft drinks; “All you can eat” foods may be one part of the problem. Lack of exercise, sitting in front of the TV or Computer for most of our day may add to the problem. But why can’t millions of people who are on a diet program, lose weight permanently? Why there is so much variation in gaining or losing weight?

Millions of Americans are trying to lose weight, spending approximately $30 billion a year on diet programs and products. People are losing 20-30 pounds in a month and feeling good. But, if you check with the same people five years later, you will find that nearly all have regained whatever weight they lost. A national panel recently sought data to determine if any commercial diet program could prove long-term success. Not a single program could do so.

Ever-changing research further adds to the confusion. A few years ago, people were told to eat low/no fat diet, but now we have realized that some fat is essential for the body. Transfats were the choice over butter, but now we are finding out that transfats are more hazardous. Atkin’s diet is very popular these days, but it also carries risk of kidney diseases, gout and many other problems.

We have a serious problem and we need a serious solution. Ayurveda, the 5000 year old science of healthy living has solution to our current problem.

In the Ayurvedic perspective, there should be a major shift in awareness. Ayurveda does not treat obesity; it treats a person who is obese or over weight. Like everything else in nature, there is so much diversity and variation in each person and “one size does not fit all”.

Susan, a computer programmer in her 30s, was complaining, “It is not fair. Linda and I are on the same diet plan since last month and she’s already lost 10 pounds, I haven’t even lost two pounds yet”. She couldn’t understand why it was so hard for her to loose weight. According to Ayurveda Linda and Susan have different Mind-Body Make up – called Body Constitution and that is why they were responding differently. We all are very different, so obviously one diet program does not work for everybody. Ayurveda respects that uniqueness in each person and helps create custom tailored plans to maintain the unique balance for each individual. In the following example you will see how knowing Body constitution helps.

Tania was a ten year old girl who weighed about 140 lbs and wearing size 16 clothes. Along with the weight problem, her grades were failing and she was diagnosed with ADD. Tania’s mother had tried everything but nothing had worked. They were afraid that the young girl would have to go to special education school because of this ADD and her poor academic performance.

Tania was one of the thousands of kids who are obese. She was on typical kids’ diet, donuts for breakfast, hamburger and fries, or something similar at school, for lunch and cookies and chips after school. The dinner was either pizza or macaroni and cheese. She was glued to the TV after school for hours and hardly went out to play or bike her ride.

Tania, according to Ayurveda is a kapha, a kid with a kapha constitution, who was doing everything to aggravate her Kapha and that was the cause of her obesity. She then followed an Ayurvedic regimen - eating light foods like toasts and ginger tea for breakfast, meat sandwiches during lunch time, and popcorn or rice cakes as a snack. For dinner she ate rice and vegetables. The major difference in her life style was going to a park to ride bike or play on the swing or a slide for couple of hours every day. The results were astonishing – she lost 12 pounds in the first month. She went from size 16 to size 12. Her grades improved and had no signs of ADD after that.. Tania liked her food so much that whenever her mom and her brother ate pizza she refused. She is still is on this eating regime and is in perfect health and doing great at school.

Mary, a 30 year old secretary followed Ayurvedic regimen of diet and life style. Her constitution was Kapha-Pitta. She had tried a few weight loss programs. She was on a low fat /low carb diet, but she could not keep her weight off consistently. When she heard about Ayurveda, she switched to Kapha-Pitta balancing foods (eating more fruit, vegetables and grains and adding spices in moderation) and Ayurvedic herbs. She started walking for one hour, five days a week. She lost about 15 pounds in three of months and has kept it off for more than three years.

Besides counting calories there are other rituals about food and exercise people have to follow. For example, Tom, a computer engineer, used to work from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. He would eat in his office many times and then eat dinner at home after 10.00 pm. He used to wake up with allergies, headaches and felt very lethargic. When he changed his food choices and started eating lunch at noon and dinner at 7.00 pm instead of 10 pm, as well as playing tennis, 3 times a week, he started losing weight and feeling better.

If young and old, start eating according to their basic body constitution and follow some simple guidelines, our health picture will be very different and very positive. We can prevent many diseases and enjoy life. Ayurveda has a different understanding about weight and obesity along with simple and proven ways to solve the problem.

A Universal Prayer

Lord,

make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith ;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

This is the universal prayer of Saint Francis. A prayer that expresses the compassion and love that is found throughout so many religions and healing traditions.

Ayurvedic Cream of Wheat (Recipe)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8 - 10 people



Ingredients:
1 cup cream of wheat
1 medium cucumber
1/4 cup (fresh grated or dry powder) coconut
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 bunch of cilantro
1 green jalapeno (chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger (fresh grated)


Procedure:
*Heat a pan with olive oil and add cream of wheat. Roast the cream of wheat on a medium low heat for 10 minutes until the cream of wheat becomes slightly brown. *Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
*Wash, peel and grate cucumber. In a big mixing bowl add roasted cream of wheat, grated cucumber, ginger,coconut, cilantro, green jalapenos and salt. Mix all ingredients very well and let sit for 20 minutes.
*Before baking add baking soda to the mixture.
*Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease the baking dish and pour in the mix, and bake for 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy when warm.

Kapha constitutes should eliminate coconut, increase ginger and jalapeno. Pitta constitutions should eliminate jalapeno and reduce ginger. Vata constitutions should add more coconut and cilantro.

Yum Yum! Enjoy!

For more information please log on to:

http://www.ayurvedaacademy.com

Aroma: The Forgotten Mover

Teddy Johnson
Kerala AWC Foster City
Final Paper

Aroma: The Forgotten Mover

With so many external stimuli in life, it is easy to overlook our sense of smell. Many people complain that they have a poor sense of smell. However, there is a difference between conscious awareness of smell and subconscious reaction to aroma.
As humans, our sense of smell is one of the primary modes through which we engage the external world. From sniffing food for freshness in the grocery store to reconnecting with our past through a long forgotten scent to savoring the perfume of a potential mate, we are consciously and subconsciously driven by our sense of smell.
In her book, A Natural History of the Senses, Diane Ackerman reminds us that smell is one of our primary methods of discrimination. "Meat eaters smell different from vegetarians, children smell different from adults, smokers smell different from non-smokers; other individuals smell different because of hereditary factors, health, occupation, diet, medication, emotional state, even mood." Our sense of smell guides us and grounds us in our lives.
It has been said that just as the eyes are the window to the soul, the nose is the gateway to the mind. Even undetected aroma can induce unpredicted reactions, mood changes, alertness, arousal, or agitation. Though subtle, our sense of smell has a powerful impact on our being.
The notion that aroma can affect our emotions, mood, and memory is not only affirmed by folklore, but it is also supported by scientific study. The causal reason for the effects of aroma may be debated, but it is acknowledged that the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for sense of smell, is in the same neuro-functional system as the hypothalamus, which affects hunger, thirst, sexual arousal, and the sleep-wake cycle; the nucleus accumbens, which is involved in feeling pleasure, aggression, and fear; the dentate gyrus, which is thought to play a role in happiness and depression; and the hippocampus, which is involved in the formation of long-term memories. By the interconnectivity of these functional areas within the limbic system, it stands to reason that a substance which affects the olfactory bulb would also affect the other areas of the limbic system and their functional activity. Therefore, through stimulation of the olfactory bulb, aroma can affect our emotions, behavior, and long term memory.
The notion of using scent to affect the emotions and mood has become very popular, and often the first things that come to mind are pheromones. We have all heard of using pheromones to make us more attractive. Some believe and some don’t, but German biochemist Peter Karlson and Swiss entomologist Martin Lüscher coined the term “pheromone” in 1959 after observing that a termite will indeed respond to aromatic chemicals released by other termites around it. They demonstrated that this scent transmission influenced behavior of other insects and served as a form of communication.
Pheromones affect mammals too. A pig pheromone called androstenone “turns a sows attention to mating and nothing else, and induces her to assume the sexually ready position” (Herz 2009). Today, there is even a commercially available spray called “Boar-Mate,” which contains androstenone. Some farmers use this spray to facilitate the process of artificial insemination of their sows. Of course, perfume and cologne makers desperately seek human pheromones which could have a similar effect on humans!
Pheromones have been observed to affect humans in other aspects of life, however. Martha McClintock documented, as many women have observed, that women living together seem to synchronize their menstrual cycles. Beyond this effect, little is revealed in the literature about a pheromone that drives people wild. On the contrary, McClintock remains skeptical that "a particular product will increase the user's opportunities for sexual intercourse regardless of context" .
From the neurochemical perspective, pheromones can have an odor or be odorless and are active on a structure called the vomeronasal organ (VNO). The VNO connects to the accessory olfactory bulb. The VNO is technically not directly linked to the olfactory system; it is located above the roof of the mouth, rather than in the brain. Despite its indirect connection, it has a powerful effect on behavior.
More direct connections have been shown between aroma and mood. Researchers from the University of Miami School of Medicine and Duke University Medical School have shown that aroma molecules directly affect behavior, physiology, and mood. In a study of 40 subjects, Diego, et. al. evaluated the effects of lavender and rosemary aromas on mood and mental acuity as measured by EEG and math computation challenges. Lavender was hypothesized to be a relaxing odor, and rosemary was hypothesized to be a stimulating odor. EEG brainwave, computation tests, and survey of test subjects confirmed better relaxation and increased math computation accuracy with lavender and improved alertness with rosemary.
In Japan, the effects of aroma on the psyche have been put to practical use. Termed "Aromacology," health clubs, malls, and office buildings have attempted to augment their experience with aroma. In Tokyo, a health club offered 30 minute, stress-relieving, aroma cocktail sessions. A mall hosted phone booths with aroma-releasing atomizers. The Kajima Corporation even went to the effort of installing a "Total Environment Perfume Control System" to refresh, stimulate, and aid the concentration of its office workers at scheduled times of day.
Van der Watt and Janca from the School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Western Australia have gone on to study the efficacy of aromatherapy in treating anxiety, depression, and stress. Compelled by the dearth of definitive sources, this research team has published a broad-based clinical literature review. In it they reference the randomized control trial of 100 post-cardiac surgery patients conducted by Stevensen in 1994. In the study, Stevensen concluded that neroli oil reduced anxiety in this patient series.
Another study by Perry and Perry (2006) found lavender or lemon balm compared favorably with antipsychotic drugs for treatment of agitation in dementia. These authors also reviewed the use of bergamot and geranium in treating depression, but their study suffers from a lack of methodological rigor. The historic lack of rigor is recognized by the clinical community, but future research by Hongratanaworakit & Buchbauer is expected to adequately document the effects of ylang ylang on reducing blood pressure and symptoms of depression.
While many essential oils remain to be studied, robust data have been generated in the study of peppermint and cinnamon odors. Raudenbush, et. al. studied the effects of odor on athletic performance and found, in their 2001 and 2002 studies, that athletes exposed to peppermint scent were able to run faster, do more push-ups, and demonstrate greater grip strength.
With such clear results, it was hypothesized that peppermint, and also cinnamon, could possibly improve alertness and performance while driving. 100,000 annual car crashes and 1,500 annual auto fatalities are definitely enough to warrant investigation of methods to improve driving safety.
In Raudenbush, et. al.'s 2009 study, 25 adults with a mean driving experience of 3.4 years, were exposed to aerated peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, or a non-scented control and asked to drive through a fixed course on a virtual reality driving simulator. Qualitative assessments of mental demand (NASA-Task Load Index), mood (Profile of Mood States), and alertness were recorded. The results revealed that both peppermint and cinnamon improved alertness and reduced frustration. Peppermint also reduced anxiety and fatigue.
Clearly, it is demonstrated and popularly believed that scent can affect mood, impulses, and urges, but scent has also been shown to have many other effects as well. In 2004, Raudenbush, et. al. extended their body of work through investigation of the effects of scent on pain tolerance. In this study entitled "Effects of Odorant Administration on Pain and Psychophysiological Measures in Humans," 158 subjects were exposed to either low-flow oxygen, oxygen plus peppermint odor, or oxygen plus jasmine odor while holding their dominant hand and forearm submerged in a 3°C water bath for 5 minutes. Pain was rated by the subject every 30 seconds. Blood oxygen saturation was measured to quantify inhalant uptake. Mood (POMS), workload (NASA-TLX), and anxiety (STAI) were measured through qualitative questionnaires.
Results showed that both peppermint and jasmine statistically significantly increased pain tolerance and reduced physiological stress versus the control. Statistical differences between the effects of peppermint and jasmine were muddled by the standard deviation of the data. It is not clear whether the peppermint and jasmine scents had a physiological affect or whether they simply distracted the subject from the pain. However, it is clear that the scents helped the subjects to relax despite painful stimulus.
The ability to use scent to alter mood can have a profound impact on day-to-day life experiences. Many people use scented candles or oils to set a desired mood, and even retail marketers have come to value the power of scent. Perfume makers and product marketers have moved beyond basic aromas and essential oils, and now use scientifically characterized scents to affect mind, mood, and health.
With such growing popularity in scent science, the annual International Symposium of Aromatherapy and Medicinal Plants is now in its twelfth year . The corporation International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has established itself as a hub of the Aromacology movement. It has developed a database of hundreds of scents and catalogued them based on eight characteristics. By developing this robust library of scents, they are able to sell scents and scent combinations that generate predictable emotional and physiological responses. Here is a sample IFF scent mood map:



The mood map shows the ratings of clementine and vanilla bean in eight different categories, and it shows a composite position on the axes of mood and arousal. What is fascinating about the mood map and about the scientific studies of various aromas is that people respond consistently to each scent. Peppermint is stimulating. Lavender is relaxing. This consistency of response exposes the commonality of the human sense of smell.
Ayurveda describes smell as one of the five causal elements (tanmatras). It is rooted in the element (mahabhuta) earth. Of course, the sense organ (gyanendriya) associated with smell is the nose. The body's organ of action (karmendriya) capable of producing smell is the anus. The connection between the nose and anus makes sense especially in the context of Ackerman's commentary that "Meat eaters smell different from vegetarians, children smell different from adults...." These differences are most readily observed through anal effluent, however sweat and scent glands are also responsible for an individual's personal odor.
The commonality of scent and the way in which we experience it is what makes it possible for the new wave of retailers to “to change mental disposition and put us in a “shopping mood”. The company ScentAir produces seductive scents for companies like Sony and a bedding store called Select Comfort to encourage spending. Use of scent is especially powerful in the retail setting because shopping is primarily an emotional process rather than an intellectual one. By soothing a shopper into an emotionally compliant mood, the retailer can seduce the shopper into making a purchase.
Aroma can seduce, relax, stimulate, or alter our experience of the present moment in numerous ways. It also has the power to take us back in time to the past. Whether it is the smell of charcoal reminding us of summer barbecues or fresh baked sweet smells taking us home to our mother's kitchen, aroma can transport us to another time and place. Most often, we experience memorable scents by accident, but we can also affect our consciousness through purposeful use of aroma.
Because aroma can alter emotions and stimulate memories, it can be used to alter the disposition of the mind, body, and soul. From the Ayurvedic perspective, aromatherapy is the use of scent to stimulate and balance doshic energies. Typically, the scents used in aromatherapy are from plant derived essential oils. Various combustible minerals are also used.
In practice, aroma is released from essential oil heated in an oil burner or oil lamp. Aromas can also be delivered to an environment by burning a scented candle, smoking herbs, from potpourri, or with a nebulizer.

Below are recommended aromas from the Kerala Ayurveda Academy Swastha Vritta text for pacifying Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas:

To balance Vata, use calming and pacifying aromas: basil, orange, geranium, clove, rose. These aromas have the added benefit of calming restlessness and anxiety, promoting sleep, and stabilizing metabolism.

To balance Pitta, use cooling and sweet aromas: sandalwood, mint, rose, jasmine, khas, vetiver. These aromas also reduce irritability, anger, and jealousy, and they improve digestion.

To balance Kapha, use stimulating, spicy aromas: juniper, ginger, eucalyptus, camphor, clove, saffron. These aromas also reduce blockages, fat, and water retention, and they stimulate metabolism.

Aromatherapy can be used in everyday life and to balance seasonal or environmental energies. Although recommended to balance Kapha, stimulating aromas can also be used in the office to aid productivity. Cooling aromas typically recommended for Pitta can be used to cool oneself down on a hot summer day. Calming aromas can be used at the end of a stressful work day just to help oneself relax and to settle down for sleep.
Thus scientific research and common knowledge of the human experience affirm that aromatherapy is an effective tool whether used for Ayurvedic healing, marketing, or just daily living. Our sense of smell is a basic aspect of life and fundamental to the way we have come to know ourselves as human. Aromatherapy is central to that experience and is shown to be an essential element of a healthy, balanced life.


Appendix: In Depth Olfactory Anatomy
(from cited resources)

The Olfactory System
The olfactory system consists of the olfactory epithelium, bulbs and tracts along with olfactory areas of the brain collectively known as the rhinencephalon.



Sensory Transduction and Peripheral Course of the Olfactory Nerve Inhaled aromatic molecules dissolve in the moisture lining the olfactory epithelium and stimulate its chemoreceptors. Olfactory receptor cells initiate action potentials in response to these chemical stimuli. Intracellular studies show the presence of a slow rising receptor (generator) potential followed by a spike discharge from the receptor cell. The peripheral processes of the receptor cells assemble into small bundles and pass through the cribiform plate of the ethmoid bone to synapse on secondary sensory neurons in the olfactory bulb.



Olfactory Detail
The olfactory region consists of cilia projecting down out of the olfactory epithelium into a layer of mucous which is about 60 microns thick. This mucous layer is a lipid-rich secretion that bathes the surface of the receptors at the epithelium surface. The mucous layer is produced by the Bowman’s glands which reside in the olfactory epithelium. The mucous lipids assist in transporting the odorant molecules as only volatile materials that are soluble in the mucous can interact with the olfactory receptors and produce the signals that our brain interprets as odor. Each olfactory receptor neuron has 8-20 cilia that are whip-like extensions 30-200 microns in length. The olfactory cilia are the sites where molecular reception with the odorant occurs and sensory transduction (i.e., transmission) starts.
Above the mucous layer is the base olfactory epithelium which consists partially of basal cells located in the lowest cellular layer of the olfactory epithelium which are capable of mitotic cell division to form olfactory receptor neurons when functionally mature. The olfactory receptor neurons turnover approximately every 40 days. The epithelium also contains pigmented cells that are light yellow in humans and dark yellow to brown in dogs. The depth of color seems to be correlated with olfactory sensitivity.
While the olfactory receptor neurons extend through the epithelium to contact odorants in the atmosphere, on the opposite side within the epithelium, the neuronal cells form axons that are bundled in groups of 10-100 to penetrate the ethmoidal cribiform plate of bone, reaching the olfactory bulb of the brain where they converge to terminate with post-synaptic cells to form synaptic structures called glomeruli. The glomeruli are connected in groups that converge into mitral cells. (Note that in the picture this convergence is not clearly depicted). For example, in rabbits, there are 26,000 receptor neurons converging onto 200 glomeruli which then converge at 25:1 onto each mitral cell. The total convergence is estimated to be about 1000:1.
Physiologically, this convergence increases the sensitivity of the olfactory signal sent to the brain. From the mitral cells the message is sent directly to the higher levels of the central nervous system in the corticomedial amygdala portion of the brain (via the olfactory nerve tract) where the signaling process is decoded and olfactory interpretation and response occurs.



Bibliography

Ackerman, Diane. A Natural History of the Senses. New York: Vintage Books, 1990.

"Aromacology: The Psychic Effects of Fragrances." The Futurist. Sep.-Oct. 1990: 49-50.

Caplan, Jeremy. "Scents and Sensibility." Time. 16 Oct. 2006: Vol. 168, Issue 16, 66-67.

Diego, Miguel, et. al. "Aromatherapy Positively Affects Mood, EEG Patterns of Alertness and Math Computations." International Journal of Neuroscience. 1998: 96; 217-224.

Herz, Rachel. "The Truth about Pheromones: Part 1." Psychology Today. 18 May 2009. .

Herz, Rachel. "The Truth about Pheromones: Part 2." Psychology Today. 18 June 2009. .

"KAA 105: Swastha Vritta." Foster City: Kerala Ayurveda Academy, 2009.

Raudenbush, Bryan and Koon, Jerrod. "Effects of Odorant Administration on Pain and Psychophysiological Measures in Humans." North American Journal of Psychology. 2004: Vol. 6, No. 3, 361-370.

Raudenbush, Bryan, et. al. "Effects of Peppermint and Cinnamon Odor
Administration on Simulated Driving Alertness,
Mood and Workload." North American Journal of Psychology. 2009: Vol. 11, No. 2, 245-256.

Van der Watt, Gillian and Janca, Aleksandar. "Aromatherapy in Nursing and Mental Health Care." Contemporary Nurse. Aug. 2008: 30; 69-75.

Warrenburg, Stephen. "Effects of Fragrance on Emotions: Moods and Physiology." Chemical Senses. 2005: 30 (supplement 1); i248-i249.

Wikipedia Dentate_gyrus

Wikipedia Limbic-System

Wikipedia Nucleus_accumbens

For More information you may contact Teddy Johnson at:

teddy.johnson@stanfordalumni.org

Cold

Main Dosha – Kapha



1. Completely avoid cold foods and cold drinks
2. Bundle up when you go out in a cold weather
3. Drink ginger tea
4. Add more spices in the food
5. Drink ginger cinnamon tea 2-3 times/day
2 glasses Water
2 sticks Cinnamon
4 – 6 Cloves
1/8th tsp Fresh ginger root grated
2 tbsp Honey

Boil water, add all spices except honey. Boil for another few minutes.
Stir and add Honey and store in a thermos. Drink off and on

6. Rest Body will heal faster if you rest
7. Fast – Food creates more phlegm. Fasting will help reduce phlegm and will make you feel lighter

Your Top Ten Spirituality Books

Your Top 10: Spiritual Development Books

I am submitting a list of my favorite Top 10 Spiritual Development books. Feel free to add your own and we might come up with a definitive list of the best books in Spirituality. These books are not listed in any particular order they are just my top ten. Have a wonderful day!


1. Pathways to Joy: The Master Vivekananda on the Four Yoga Paths to God
By: Swami Vivekananda

2. Osho. The Book of Secrets. By Osho

3. Sadhana: A Textbook of the Psychology & Practice of the Techniques to Spiritual Perfection (Any Time Temptations Series) by Sivananda

4. The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castaneda

5. Awakening the Third Eye by Samuel Sagan

6. The Bhagavad Gita (Classics of Indian Spirituality)

7. The Holy Bible.

8 Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth by Robert A. Johnson
(Carl Jung and Jungian Methodology)

9. Royal Path: Lessons on Yoga by Swami Rama

10. Yoga & Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by David Frawley



This is a list to get us started. Comment and add your own favorites!

Ayurveda and Liver Health

The health of the liver is key to the health of the person. The liver is a complex, multipurpose, resilient organ that is essential to life[1][1]. The liver has hundreds of different functions and is connected with every part of the body. Every moment of every day, it is involved in manufacturing, processing, and supplying vast amounts of nutrients. These nutrients feed the 60 to 100 trillion cells of the body. In order for the cells to survive the liver must constantly make and supply them with nutrients, enzymes and hormones. The liver needs to be completely unobstructed in order to maintain a problem-free production line and smooth distribution system throughout the body[2][2].

STRUCTURE

Diagram A – location of liver Diagram B – hepatic lobule


The liver is a large, dark-red gland in the upper part of the abdomen on the right side, just beneath the diaphragm (Diagram A). Its manifold functions include storage and filtration of blood, secretion of bile, conversions of sugars into glycogen and many other metabolic activities[3][3].

It is the second largest organ in the human body, the largest being the endothelium (skin), but is the largest internal and solid organ and the largest gland. It weighs about 3.3 lbs and is divided into four unequal lobes[4][4]. Blood enters the liver through the hepatic artery (25%) and hepatic portal vein (75%). Arterial blood enters through the hepatic artery. The blood passing through the hepatic portal veins is venous blood draining from the spleen, gastrointestinal tract and the surrounding organs. Both sources provide oxygen to the liver, each portal about 50%.

Billions of liver cells (hepatocytes) make up the whole liver. Together they process nutrients, produce bile, destroy poisons and secret substances. The liver cells are organized into microscopic lobules. Each lobule has six corners (Diagram B). At each corner is a branch of the hepatic vein (nutrient rich blood), hepatic artery (oxygen rich blood) and bile duct[5][5].

It is this unique makeup that allows the liver to be so resilient to damage. The body can maintain normal function even if two thirds of the liver is lost. However, life is not possible without one[6][6].

FUNCTION – Western Science
The liver performs over 500 metabolic functions and supports every organ in the body. The hepatocytes are responsible for the chemical composition of the blood5. The functions include5 [7][7]:

Blood glucose regulation - Metabolize and store carbohydrates, which are manufactured as the source for the sugar in blood that red blood cells and the brain use
Fat metabolism - Synthesize, store and process fats, including fatty acids and cholesterol
Mineral storage – Iron and copper needed to make hemoglobin
Protein metabolism – converts excess amino acids to urea for elimination by kidneys, albumin and blood clotting factos
Bile production - bile acids to aid in the intestinal absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E AND K)
Hormone breakdown
Eliminates body waste - by metabolizing and/or secreting, the potentially harmful biochemical products produced by the body, such as bilirubin from the breakdown of old red blood cells and ammonia from the breakdown of proteins
Detoxification – Products as alcohol or have been inhaled or ingested are converted into harmless substances
Heat generation – With so much activity the liver generates a large amount of heat which is distributed around body by blood to keep the constant temperature

FUNCTION - Ayurveda
In Ayurveda the liver is governed by Pitta dosha which resides in the middle section of the torso[8][8]. Pitta means “that which digests things” and is responsible for all chemical and metabolic transformations in the body including such diverse roles as[9][9]:

thermal regulation
digestion
visual perception
hunger
thirst
complexion
emotional states
will power
converting rasa (clear plasma) to rakta (blood)[10][10]
maintain purity of blood by keeping ama (impurities) from mixing with it

Pitta contains the heat energy which helps digestion and the heat energy is agni[11][11]. Of the five Pitta sub-doshas, the liver (as well as spleen and stomach) is most associated with ranjaka pitta. Ranjaka means “that which colors”[12][12]. The substance that is tied to the liver is blood. Its red color, heat, health and being toxin-free are functions of ranjaka pitta.

Pachaka pitta is also associated with the liver due to its function in aiding digestion[13][13]. Pachaka originates from the word pachan which means “digestion”. It regulates how a person digests, assimilates and metabolizes food10.

UNHEALTHY LIVER
Liver health is commonly measured through liver function tests (LFTs) which are done with a blood sample. LFTs are made up of a combination of biochemistry blood assays which include measurements of:

albumin – protein made by liver.
alanine transaminase (ALT) – enzyme present in hepatocytes. If hepatocytes are damaged ALT leaks into the blood. Specific for liver damage.
aspartate transaminase (AST) – enzyme present in liver, red blood cells, cardiac and skeletal muscles. Not specific to liver damage but ratio of ALT to AST may help differentiate between causes of liver damage.
alkaline phosphatase (ALP) – enzyme from cells lining the biliary ducts of the liver. Elevated in large bile duct obstruction, intrahepatic cholestatis or infiltrative diseases of the liver.
total bilirubin – breakdown product of heme (part of haemaglobin in red blood cells). Liver is responsible for clearing blood of bilirubin and if it cannot do so jaundice is the result.

At first glance health issues that are associated with liver disease are those that show dramatic changes to the liver such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. ‘Hepat-’ is Greek for anything pertaining to the liver and ‘-itis’ means inflammation. Infectious hepatitis has plagued human kind for millennia. The first reference to it was in 400 BC in the writings of Hippocrates and in ancient Chinese medical texts[14][14]. Cirrhosis is interstitial inflammation of an organ, usually the liver[15][15], is used to describe hardened liver tissue.

To rely on LFTs to monitor the health of the liver is a disadvantage. The liver is a very resilient organ and will continue to work hard even when impeded in its capacity. It can lose 60% of its efficiency and still operate ‘normally’ as measured by the blood tests. By the time the LFT levels a substantial amount of damage has already been done[16][16].

The main impediment to a healthy fully functioning liver is the formation of gallstones in the liver which may referred to as intrahepatic stones. Some gallstones are formed in the gallbladder but the majority are formed in the liver. These stones vary in size from tiny to golf balls like obstructions. They clog up the channels (srotas) of the liver and reduce the efficiency of its operations. Thought the liver maybe full of gallstones it is mostly undetected by blood tests, ultrasounds or x-rays until the condition is very severe16.

There are many symptoms of the presence of gallstones in the liver, some of the mild symptoms are:
Food cravings
Constipation
Flatulence
High cholesterol
Angry personality
Depression
Puffy eyes
Liver spots on back of hands and facial area
Dizziness and fainting spells
Difficulty breathing
Migraines

The presence of these diseases also indicate gallstones in the liver:
Liver cirrhosis
Hepatitis
Heart disease
Brain disorders
Duodenal ulcers
Prostate diseases
Cancer
Scoliosis

This is by no means a comprehensive list but some of the indicators that an obstructed liver is the source of the illness. The liver is responsible for so many functions in the body and should some of these functions not work at optimum vikriti (disease) will follow.

Digestive System
The Ayurvedic perspective is that “we are not what we eat, we are what we digest”. It is of utmost importance to have a strong agni (digestive fire) in order to digest our food well. Undigested or improperly digested food becomes ama (toxins) and is the cause of disease. Digestion is a function of all three dosha – vata, pitta and kapha. Vata moves the food, pitta governs agni and the metabolic processes necessary for absorption of nutrients, while kapha is responsible for the digestive fluids[17][17].

Agni governs all metabolic processes of which most occur in the liver. The liver produces bile which is its most important function. Roughly 1 to 1.5 quarts are produced a day. Without sufficient bile, most commonly eaten foods remain undigested or partially digested, which results in the formation of ama. Bile is viscous, yellow, brown or green fluid, alkaline and has a bitter taste[18][18].

Bile would usually be stored in the gallbladder. If the bile ducts are obstructed the full volume of bile needed for digestion is not released. The liver will drop production of bile to cope, leading to even worse digestion. Even with the lowered production there may still be excess bile and in severe cases jaundice may result[19][19].

Here is one example of improper digestion leading to disease. The small intestine needs bile to digest and absorb fats and calcium from food. If there is insufficient bile undigested food remains in the intestinal tract. Some of the fats are excrete in stools. If the fats are not absorbed, calcium is not absorbed either leaving blood in deficit. The blood (rasa) then takes the calcium it needs from the bones (asthi) resulting in osteoperosis18.


The Heart
The liver is designed to protect the heart. A healthy liver detoxifies and purifies the blood. It breaks down alcohol, toxins produced by microbes and kills bacteria and parasites. It creates urea which is the nitrogenous portion of amino acid which is not required for forming new proteins. Urea is then excreted in urine[20][20]. There are five quarts of blood in the human body, one quart is filtered by the liver every minute[21][21]. The only waste left in the blood after liver filtration is carbon dioxide which is eliminated through the lungs.

As gallstones impact the liver kinks are developed in the structure of the lobules. This reduces the internal blood supply and harmful cellular debris is not filtered correctly and enters the bloodstream. The venous blood from the liver feeds into the right side of the heart. As the liver congests the heart pumps stronger to move the blood through the obstructions. Over time this can lead to heart palpitations or even heart attacks20.

Gallstone Formation
The gallstones are formed due to changes that effect bile. Bile is made from water, mucus, bile pigments (bilirubin), bile salts, cholesterol, enzymes and good bacteria. Abnormal changes to the composition of bile changes the solubility of the individual components which result in the formation of gallstones.

There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are more common and are usually green sometimes white or yellow in color. They composed of 80% cholesterol (Diagram C). Pigment stones are brown or black (Diagram D). The dark color comes from the high concentration of bilirubin and calcium salts found in bile, but can still have up to 20% cholesterol. They are harder than cholesterol stones. Cholesterol stones can also become hard but calcified stones only develop in the gallbladder[22][22].

Diagram C – Cholesterol stones Diagram D – Pigment stones

When bile is normal the dissolving action of bile salts accompanied by large quantities of water keep cholesterol in liquid form. When abnormal components are introduced gallstones form. The changes which cause gallstones are:
Increased amount of cholesterol in bile overwhelms the dissolving capacity of bile salts
Decrease in bile salts
Dehydration
Increase in bile pigments and bilirubin


LIVER CLEANSE
As a Pitta organ the liver is the origin of many systemic inflammatory, digestive disorders and fiery emotions when it is out of balance. When working towards a healthy liver there are general daily practices to maintain optimum health, actions towards pacifying the pitta dosha and specific activities for targeting the liver[23][23].

To have and maintain a health liver is a multi-step approach beginning with a liver cleanse. Gallstones in the liver are present for all people, even those with a healthy diet and lifestyle. The only way to evacuate the stones is to perform a liver cleanse.

Detailed instructions for the liver and gallbladder flush is available in –
Andreas Moritz, ‘The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush’.

The basic instruction is to start drinking apple juice to soften the gallstones. In the evening, Epson salts (magnesium sulfate) and warm water is sipped for its laxative effects. Extra virgin cold pressed olive oil is mixed with grapefruit juice then drunk. After drinking the mixture the person goes straight to bed and lies down for 20 minutes propped up by pillows before going to sleep. The oil goes to work and can be heard gurgling down the digestive tract. The next morning more Epson salts and warm water is sipped to facilitate the evacuation of the gallstones. In addition to moving gallstones out of the liver, the digestive tract is also flushed moving debris out of the body. This should be done at least twice a year or if possible monthly in case of major disease[24][24].

Depending on the dosha of the patient, the liver cleanse should be timed for their seasonal change: kapha in spring, pitta in summer and vata in fall. The cleanse works best on a Sunday (day of the liver) and during a full or new moon.

PITTA DIET
When the liver is out of balance the symptoms that arise are those governed by pitta dosha. It is not enough to only treat the liver, the pitta dosha must be pacified. The elements of pitta are water and fire, with fire being dominant. The qualities of pitta dosha are: oily, sharp, hot, light, acidic, moving and liquid. Like qualities increase like, so these are the qualities in food to avoid creating more pitta. The pitta person has a tendency to overheat so cooling qualities are encouraged[25][25].

The pitta diet should encourage foods with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and avoid salty, sour and pungent tastes. The challenge is if the body is out of balance it may crave the foods that would aggrevate it. Pittas should avoid meat, alcohol and fried foods, eating more salads and cooling herbs and spices.


Pitta Pacifying Diet Guide[26][26]

Favor – Sweet Bitter Astringents, Cooling


Reduce – Salty Sour Pungent, Heating
White rice (jasmine, basmati), barley couscous, quinoa
Grains
Corn, millet, buckwheat, brown rice
Melons, pears, mangoes, apples, coconuts, figs
Fruit
Sour fruits - Grapefruit, pineapple, berries
Cucumber, kale, broccoli, zucchini, potatoes, squash
Vegetables
Spinach, mustard greens, tomatoes, radish, garlic
Mung beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas
Legumes
Fermented soy bean products and tempeh
Pumpkin seeds, blanched almonds (small amounts), sunflower
Nuts and Seeds
Peanuts, cashews, pistachios and all salted nuts
Organic milk, butter, ghee, cottage cheese, panir, unsalted cheese
Dairy
Yoghurt, salted cheese, ice cream
Require less oil - ghee, sunflower and coconut oil
Oils and Fats
Almond, corn, safflower and sesame
Jaggary, maple suger, small amounts of honey
Sweeteners
Molasses, brown sugar
Lots of water, apple juice, mint tea, coconut water
Drinks
Alcohol!
White meats, fresh water fish
Meats
Red meat, salt water fish, shellfish, egg yolks

Herbs that benefit Pitta dosha are: cilantro, cumin, tumeric, mint, saffron and fennel. Avoid any heating or hot spices allspice, basil, curry powder, garlic, ginger and especially any chilies[27][27].

Herbs that are promote liver health are:
Guduchi – The best rasayana (rejuvenative). Can strengthen digestive fire without causing it to burn too bright and there are no complications from long term use. Bitter and sweet, it can clear and strengthen simultaneously.

Amalaki – pacifies all doshas especially pitta. It is nutritive and rejuvanative to all dhatus (tissues). Can be found in Chyavanprash (medical jam).
Aloe vera - Aloe gel can direct can act as a vehicle or “anupan” to carry or direct herbs to the liver organ. Aloe gel can easily be combined with Tumeric or coriander and taken along with Guduchi and Amalaki. The bitter and demulcent nature of aloe gel can assist in clearing and healing inflammatory conditions and compliments the actions of both Guduchi and Amalaki[28][28].
Katuka – Useful for treating jaundice, liver problems and cleansing liver & gallbladder of stones. It is the most commonly used bitter tonic.
DAILY ROUTINE
Ayurveda promotes having a daily routine to improve the health of the body, mind and spirit. Pitta doshas have ‘fiery’ natures and need to release their aggression, frustration, anger, self-criticism and intensity. Having a pitta pacifying daily routine would help to cool and calm the pitta mind, body and with it the liver.

Eating: Do not over eat! The greatest cause of gallstones is overindulging of food. Eating more than the stomach can handle makes the liver over time producing more cholesterol to secrete into the bile, forming gallstones.

Eat on at regular times each day favoring leafy greens instead of oily meats. Pitta fire tends to run hot and when hungry the body’s need for food is demanding. Pitta people do not do well missing meals.

Regular fasting (ideally once a week) is beneficial for the liver. Fasting on a liquid diet consisting of: vegetable soups, fruit juice, vegetable juice, herbal teas and water gives the liver a break from processing complex foods[29][29].

When eating, do so in a welcoming environment and calm state of mind. Do not eat when upset as the liver is already ‘hot’ from the emotional state.

Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important to general health including liver health. Ideally a person should go to sleep before 2nd kapha time (10pm – 2am) as it is the most restorative time of rest and rise with the sun before the 1st kapha time (6am – 10am).

Water: Drink plenty of water. If possible drink ionized water that has been boiled. Ionized water has a cleansing effect on all the tissues of the body. If the body is dehydrated, the fluids of the body are thicker and the organs have to work harder to move them. It also reduces the amount of water available for toxin removing activities and to flush toxins out in waste.

Massage: abhyanga (whole body massage) with snehana (oleation) releases stress (especially for the driven pittas), nourishes and rejuvenates the whole body. They are the least likely to massage themselves but benefit from regular moderate pressure massages with skilled professionals.

Coconut oil is preferred for its cooling and calming effects. If the skin is inflamed sunflower oil would be beneficial.

Aromatherapy: Smells are the direct pathway to the brain. Sweet and cooling essential oils like jasmine, lotus, lemongrass, gardenia, sandalwood, mint, rose and cinnamon work to pacifiy the pitta mind producing calmer more restful thoughts[30][30].

Exercise: The Pitta aggressive nature can be calmed with the correct dose of exercise. Having a competitive nature, Pittas can go overboard with physical pursuits and add more heat to their already fiery body. Walking near water or with a breeze is cooling for their dosha. Water sports also cool and calm their nature.

Yoga therapy is beneficial to the pitta person if they keep in mind that it is not a competition. They should practice in moderation, avoid pushing or bouncing poses and remember that “less is more”. To cool the blood and the liver, aid to release pitta in the mid region of the spine.

Asanas (postures) that can cool pittas are forward bends and spinal twists release the heat and tension in the mid region which also fuels the mind. Twisting postions performed in a lunge, seated or lying down are very soothing for Pittas. Yoga coupled with pranayama (breathing) can worked to reconnect the cooled body and mind.

Yoga asanas that are recommended:
Shoulder stand (sarvangasana) – digestive organs are gently massaged to loosen ama
Seated forward bend (paschimottanasana) – cooling pose, reduces high blood pressure
Standing open leg forward bend (padottanasana) – deep forward bend releasing back tension
Seated spinal twist (ardha matsyendrasana) – classic spinal twist which is great for pachaka pitta and liver. Enhances venous blood to liver from other digestive organs.

Meditation and Pranayama (breathing): Cooling pranayama such as shitali or left-nostril breathing will cool the hot quality of Pitta. Before meditation internal heat must be released from the body.

After pranayama some peaceful meditation will quiet the active pitta mind releasing anger and allowing the sense of control to dissipate. With regular meditation the pitta mind, body and spirit will be cool and calm[31][31].
The goal of Ayurveda is to allow the body to heal itself. Cleansing the liver is not a cure all for disease, but sets the body back into a state to heal itself. Combined with an appropriate daily routine, a healthy life free of disease is easily obtainable.

For more information please log on to:
http://www.ayurvedaacademy.com/

888-353-7252