You would think that since Pitta dosha is associated with the fire element, a person with high Pitta would not experience any problem burning up the carbohydrates and sugars in their diet. Yet if a Pitta predominant individual fails to take care of their digestion, this can result in specific related digestive problems.
Attention is often given to the quality of our food. Ayurveda explains that the strength of our digestive fire ‘agni’ is also very important as it determines how much nourishment we will gain from what we eat and greatly impacts our health.
"Most women are relieved to hear that the healthiest approach to their menstrual period is to follow their body's own desire for rest. We've been taught to ignore that inward pull and just keep going. This means we don't take full advantage of Nature's gift of monthly purification.
According to ancient Indian lore, Chyavanprash - a sweet paste that’s jam-packed with Ayurvedic herbs - was created by twin Vaidyas (Ayurveda experts) to help the great seer Chyawan Rishi restore his vigor. These days, people use it as a daily immunity booster and a helpful respiratory tonic. What is Chyavanprash?
As we transition into the Autumn season, the season of Vata, we can empower ourselves by bringing as much energy and happiness as possible into our everyday life with these simple ayurvedic tips. With a few easy changes in our routine, it may surprise you how easily we can transition from one season into the next!
Would you say you are naturally a happy person? Or do you find people who are merry and happy a little intense or over the top? Modern psychology groups people into two groups optimists or pessimists and say that optimists tend to be happier than pessimists. Maharishi Ayurveda takes it a little deeper and looks towards the doshas and mental qualities of Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas for further understanding of how to increase happiness.
Digestion is the body’s main line of defense; it supports immune function, emotional balance, and overall vitality. It can also be the root cause of many health issues. And what is the best way to know the overall state of your digestive tract? Your poop!
Does your work provide challenges that motivate you into action? Or would you say your work is a source of stress giving rise to overload, feeling out of control or distressed? Let’s deepen our understanding of work stress and what you can do to wind back work stress when you need to.
Once early adulthood is passed we pass seamlessly as it seems, into our 30s and onwards as the process of wear and tear we call aging occurs. The ancient physicians of Ayurveda identified how this process of aging impacts us sequentially. As we traverse the decades there are key functionality that become challenged. This of itself is useful as it highlights the functionality to focus on strengthening during each decade.
Modern research is exploring ‘how’ aging happens with some fascinating research coming out about the ability of DNA to repair itself. Some question if the DNA have the ability to repair itself ad infinitum then why with age is the process of DNA repair less effective? Ayurveda explains that we age because we see others aging. The ancient Ayurvedic texts describe aging as a natural process whose effects can be reduced through the taking of rasayana - special formulas like the powerful Maharishi Amrit Kalash, along with a good daily routine. It surprised me to learn that Ayurveda also suggests a healthy life expectancy for this age to be 120 years!
Dr Nancy Lonsdorf discusses a more natural approach to easing the transition of menopause. With helpful insights from her book the Ageless Woman.
Women’s bodies are complex - and powerful. From monthly menstrual cycles through pregnancy, early motherhood, and menopause, the female body is constantly changing and adapting to all that life brings. Whether you’re married and raising a family, retired and flying solo, or anything in between, Ayurveda offers a wealth of practical knowledge to help you stay balanced at every age and stage of life.
As the days get longer and warmer, do you find quite naturally the desire to be more physically active arises? Physical activity is a great way for the body to burn off the richer diet of winter, to celebrate the energy that comes with Summer providing increased vigour and to protect your health and wellbeing. Exercise helps to clear congestion and strengthen the metabolic channels (srotas) in the body while providing ‘sthiratva’, or stability to the body, mind, emotions and intellect.
By harnessing all the senses, bath time can be used to heal body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda considers bathing more than just a simple cleansing ritual. The therapeutic ayurvedic bath offers a wide range of benefits — it enhances circulation; elevates energy levels; rehydrates the skin; relaxes tense muscles; promotes better sleep; and balances the emotions, the mind and the nervous system.
Just as the kiss of a mother brings joy to the child's heart, so too the glimpse of the beloved creates a flow of appreciation within the lover's heart. A kind word of appreciation can lift a persons day into a great day. A walk with your family dog or time spent stroking your cat also cultures finer feelings.
In this newsletter we talked to an expert on Ayurveda from The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians about the Ayurvedic approach to balancing cholesterol. Q: Can you begin by telling us about cholesterol from the perspective of Maharishi Ayurveda?...
If you are wishing to be a parent or are a ‘wannabe’ grandparent, uncle or aunty this question may be important for you. Read on to see what makes a healthy baby. First things, first In answering this question, Maharishi AyurVeda looks to the health of the reproductive system for the Mother and Father - the sperm, ovum, and uterus at the time of conception. So let’s see what is happening globally to impact the health of sperm and ovum and what Maharishi AyurVeda recommends to support the health and vitality of sperm and ovum.
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, thoughts and worries from the day running through your mind like a movie reel? Worry and trouble falling asleep tend to go hand in hand, as both have their roots in Vata dosha. Vata governs movement in the mind and body. It controls your blood flow, your elimination, the rise and fall of your breath, and the movement of your thoughts and emotions. If Vata has fallen out of balance, which is easy in Vata season (late fall and winter), you might notice an increase in anxious feelings and difficulty sleeping.
If you are feeling sluggish, dull or constipated, chances are toxins are building up in your body. According to Maharishi AyurVeda, toxins accumulate when your digestion — and elimination — are out of balance, which can lead to skin breakouts, menstrual cramps, fatigue, feelings of sadness and many other health issues. Good news. Balancing your digestion and elimination is a specialty of Maharishi AyurVeda, and many of our herbal formulas are designed to do just that. Of these, one of the most effective is Organic Triphala Rose, which contains a powerful ayurvedic combination of herbs called Triphala.
Most diseases can be traced to an inadequate diet and improper eating. Proper diet and good digestion are considered by Ayurveda to be of prime importance for good health. Answers to the following questions about good dietary practice have been provided by two experienced Maharishi AyurVeda physicians.
A Guide to the Doshas. Discover your individual body-type and which Dosha you need to balance most – Vata, Pitta or Kapha. Identify your individual health needs by reading our Dosha guide and test booklet.
A micronutrient is a substance, such as a vitamin or mineral, that is essential in minute amounts for the proper growth and metabolism of a living organism. 40 micronutrients are essential for a balanced diet to maintain health. What does Maharishi AyurVeda recommend to obtain these nutrients?
Tired and sluggish when you wake? Prone to colds, flu and constipation? Ayurveda would say you have a toxic build-up called ama, due to incomplete digestion. Triphala consists of three fruits, which work synergistically to detoxify your entire digestive tract. Cabbage Rose is added to support and enhance the other ingredients. Besides helping you detox, Triphala Rose helps in absorbing nutrients effectively and in restoring your health, immunity and energy.
Ayurvedic Reset - Have you recently noticed your trousers are fitting a little more snugly or a favourite skirt or dress looks a little tighter around the middle? But yes, those Christmas sweets were worth it! Now 2019 has truly started it’s time to take stock and set yourself up for a great year. So read on to see what you can do to ensure 2019 starts well for you. Do you know what Agni is?
When Maharishi Mahesh Yogi the founder of Maharishi Ayurveda released Amrit Kalash to the World he was so moved at its power to promote wellbeing that he called it the ‘Nectar of Immortality’. Amrit is a two-part formula. Taken together they provide a widespread and synergistic effect. Research has shown this unique blend of over 40 herbs and fruits have antioxidant properties 1,000 times more powerful than Vitamin C or E. The two-part formula includes...
The best tips for slimming New Year's resolutions. by Dr Charlotte Bech - Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant. "With the start of the new year is a good idea to set out to introduce new slimming habits in daily life. Here are the best tips for slimming New Year's resolutions:"
The beginning of a new year is a great time to take stock of your daily habits and routines and see if they’re in line with your goals. Do you have any big-picture plans for the year? If so, are you supporting them with your daily habits and routines?
Ayurvedic Massage Oils for Every Day. We’ve all heard it before: take care of ourselves first; prioritize our own well-being, because only then can we most effectively care for others; we have to love ourselves before we can love anyone else; etc... start by giving our bodies some love with ayurvedic self-massage - abhyanga!
with the transition from summer to autumn, we are entering a gap between seasons (in Ayurveda known as Ritu Sandhi). This is a special time of the year where the body’s natural cleansing systems go up a gear. Now the heat and sour quality that may have accumulated during the unseasonably warm summer is being released into your bloodstream to be cleansed. Isn't our body amazing! As the seasons change you have a window of opportunity for cleansing.
Cultivating the Inner Garden. Returning to the normal routine after a busy Christmas period, filled with biscuits and puddings. Most people will be in the mood to start January afresh and think about renewal to ensure that our health and immunity are in good shape for the challenges of the year ahead. In harmony with nature it always seems easier to make a fresh start now. With this in mind in my last blog I remarked about the pervasive use of use of artificial chemicals in our diet, that harm the inner flora known as the microbiome and give rise to ama in the system.
