Cracking / Curing / Breaking of Sesame Oil for Ayurvedic Massage January 5, 2012

Question:

I have a question for you re sesame oil. I am using your regular organic “premiere pression à froid” for cooking and for Abhyanga. I have been told by an Ayurvedic massage therapist here in Nice that it is not a good idea to use this for massages and that one should use the cosmetic ( and organic) version which you can buy on some web sites and which is twice the price.

Alex’s answer:

I do not entirely agree, however, the oil when used for massage should ideally first be “cracked” or “broken” or “cured” which means heated on low temperature in a clean saucepan for a few minutes to make the oil easier for the skin to digest.

The term “cracking” is used to describe any type of splitting of molecules under the influence of heat, catalysts and solvents. In Ayurveda we use low heat. The oil should not exceed 100 degrees C, however, a lower heat is better, i.e. around 60-70 degrees.

This procedure is dangerous (for obvious reasons) so be careful. Ideally you need a cooking thermometer or one of those fancy pants infra-red ones. Since I mainly use homemade Ayurvedic medicated oils, they are automatically cracked during the process. See The Yoga of Herbs by Dr Lad and Dr Frawley for details on how yo prepare meicated Ayurvedic oils.

The Ayurvedic logic is that by heating the oil it adds Agni. This Agni then supports Rasa Dhatu Agni in the digestion of that oil. Otherwise, raw oils used on the skin in large quantities can overwhelm Rasa Dhatu Agni which might then produce some Ama in Rasa.

This heating is the cracking referred to above. Do not confuse this with the gentle warming of the oil prior to each massage. Applying warm oil to the skin causes the Srotas (channels) to dilate helping more oil enter more quickly into the skin (Rasa Dhatu) and preventing congestion in those Srotas.

Ayurvedic massage oilsare never simply made from raw cold pressed oils, they have undergone a gentle heating process. This approach may not necessarily be applied by other contemporary methods.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Ayurveda January 2, 2012

Question:

I have a client who had a bad reaction to a massage ten days ago and is still suffering, and I am unable to advise her…

She is a vata-pitta, in her 50s, menopausal. I did a Vata massage, plus facial massage. She was completely relaxed but as soon as she sat up was very dizzy. It seemed to start when the ears were massaged. She has low blood pressure and a history of poor balance and dizziness and says she is very sensitive to treatments. This is what she said the next day:

It was a lovely relaxing massage with you yesterday until I sat up. Since then I have spent the past 24 hours in bed so dizzy and nauseous that in certain positions when I open my eyes I get a kind of zig zag of dizziness in my eyesight and am finding it difficult to keep my balance. Together with extreme tiredness and slurring of speech. Strangely enough this all seems to be coming from the left side of my body and is worse when I turn to the right.

Has this ever happened before from giving massage? I have been known to have extreme effects from acupuncture before. This is also similar to allergy effects that I used to get more than 20 years ago and would spend 2-4 days in bed with dizziness.

I thought the nausea could be toxins but she relates it to the dizziness. Because of the slurring speech I referred her to a doctor, but they found nothing wrong. (The speech is OK now.) She is often tired after the massage but it usually passes. This time she actually spent five days in bed, and has not been able to work or drive since (ten days ago). She is now wondering if it’s a trapped nerve and is seeing an osteo, but not till next week.

What do you think has happened? Have you seen this before? Is there anything I can advise? (Fortunately she is a regular client and doesn’t blame me at all! But we both want to understand more.)

Alex’s Answer:

I assume you have read a little about vertigo and that she has gone through thorough medical assessments to rule out any more serious underlying problems of the inner ear? Nausea and slurred speech can be due to the vertigo. Low blood pressure and menopause are both increased risk factors for vertigo so it is not surprising she has a history of dizziness.

I have found what I judge to be an excellent PDF* about the most common cause of Vertigo “Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo”, how it happens, and what can be done about it. You will see how the description of what happens fits perfectly with the Ayurvedic view of high Vata causing separation of tissue, and then that tissue finding its way into a channel that it then blocks or slows down normal movement. This internal inner ear desiccation, to my mind, is coherent with the ideas of Vata Vriddhi, and Sama Vata (hard crystalized particles that gum up the works!). If it were my patient, I would hand them the attached PDF and get them to meet their GP with it in their hand. The head movement exercises seem like a logical choice.

She obviously is not in a good underlying state of health, and her Doshas were balancing on the brink of aggravation. Vata is of course stimulated when we give massage, and yet at the same time Vata relaxes or lets-go. So tension in the Srotas is released and flow is encouraged. Ama and Kapha is also liquefied. I think that the combination of lying on her back for 1-2 hours, plus the stimulating yet relaxing effect on Vyana Vayu caused the calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia (ear stones) to break free from the utricle (a balance organ in the inner ear) and float into the semicircular canals, where they remain trapped and interfere with the normal function of the balance canals. However, even just relaxing and lying on ones back for a while could have brought on the release and movement of the ear stones into the posterior channels.

She is most likely suffering from a global Vata Vriddhi, signs of dryness etc? If this is the case, she should consider performing daily Snehana to her head via ears (drops of olive oil), nose (Nasya with e.g. Bramhi Taila) and mouth (Gandusha Snehana). She should also correct or compensate for any underlying Vata Vriddhi such as global dryness and deficiency with a Vata balancing diet and lifestyle. In particular, we would want to cleanse and increase her volume of Rasa Dhatu globally.

I would also recommend use of an appropriate but lower dose of either Ginkgo biloba or Valeriana officinalis (both are effective treatments for vertigo). Since treatment is for head, best time to take the herbs is before sleeping. Since the Dhatu medium is liquid / inner ear, we are targeting mainly Rasa Dhatu and Kledhaka Kapha, so we would consider a liquid preparation most effective (tea or decoction depending on the plants used). It may also be useful to use one of these plants in tincture form for 2-4 weeks for faster action. I would advise long term use (minimum 3 months) of Ginkgo along with other Dosha/Prakriti appropriate cerebral tonics. Vāta types should mix Ginkgo with Aśwagandhā (Withania somnifera) and Maṇḍukaparṇī (Centella asiatica) and Pitta and Kapha types with Maṇḍukaparṇī (Centella asiatica) for a brain tonic.

To summarise, assuming that the cause of dizziness or vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or Ayurvedically speaking Sama Vata / Rasa Gata Vata / localised dryness and ear stones in the inner ear, then the following treatment I would consider useful:

1. Lifestyle to balance Vata in general and specific exercises to dislodge the ear stones (the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) and the Semont liberatory maneuver).
2. Local snehana (oleation) to head via ears, nose and mouth to cleanse and nourish Rasa Dhatu.
3. Diet and herbs that reduce Vata, cleanse and nourish Rasa Dhatu, and treat vertigo.

Alex Duncan

*www.dbi.udel.edu/MichaelTeixidoMD/pdfs/BPPVhandout.pdf

Extract from the above PDF document

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common type of dizziness caused by debris that has collected in the semicircular canals of the inner ear and that interferes with their normal function. This disorder increases in incidence with age, but may be seen in persons of any age.  In persons over the age of 50, about half of all dizziness symptoms are attributable to BPPV. In general, about 20% of dizziness is caused by BPPV and 9% of all older persons have BPPV.

The symptoms of BPPV include vertigo, light-headedness, disorientation, disequilibrium, imbalance and nausea. The most characteristic symptom of BPPV is a violent spinning which lasts for only 5 to 15 seconds. Activities which bring on symptoms will vary in each person but always involve movement or position changes of the head or body. A patient may be sensitive to certain position changes for days, weeks, or months. The strength of the symptoms tends to diminish before they disappear. Approximately 30% of patients experience recurrences of BPPV symptoms. The most characteristic provocative motions include rolling over in bed and tipping the head back to back to look up. Typical histories include severe bursts of vertigo which begin while using a hair dryer, when having hair washed in a beauty parlor, removing items from a top kitchen shelf or when looking up to change a ceiling-mounted light bulb. More constant non-episodic symptoms, such as chronic light-headedness or disequilibrium are also common, especially in individuals who carefully avoid all provocative movements and positions.

BPPV is caused by a displacement of tiny calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia (ear stones) from the utricle (a balance organ in the inner ear) into the semi-circular canals, where they remain trapped and interfere with the normal function of the balance canals. After otoconia are loosened, they are normally absorbed by special cells (dark cells) around the utricle where they arise. If too many otoconia fall off at once, they may find their way into the semi-circular canals before they can be absorbed. This typically occurs while the patient is lying down. The trapped particles continue

to move within the semi-circular canals after the head changes position, and cause the canals to send the brain inaccurate signals that the head is still moving. The result is bursts of severe vertigo brought on by changes in head position.

For BPPV to occur, otoconia have to be displaced from the utricle into the semicircular canals. More otoconia tend to fall off of the utricle as we age and off of a utricle which has been injured by a virus or migraine. BPPV is 3 times more common among patients with migraine. Otoconia are commonly shaken from the utricles in head trauma and even in high-impact fitness activities.

The most common form of BPPV comes from debris trapped in the posterior semicircular canal. This is the form illustrated above and in the animation below. Approximately 5% of patients may also have symptoms of BPPV from debris trapped in the horizontal semicircular canal. Even fewer patients have debris trapped in the superior semicircular canal. Most commonly, the horizontal or superior canals are affected in addition to the posterior canal.

Because BPPV is more likely to occur in a sick ear which may be causing symptoms of dizziness, the straightforward positioning symptoms of BPPV may not be easily recognized. Similarly, BPPV may continue to recur if the underlying trauma (e.g. migraine, high-impact exercise) is not recognized and treated or prevented. In cases with atypical findings and in which multiple balance system pathologies co-exist, a full diagnostic work up may be required in order to distinguish pathologies which will require different forms of therapy.

Also, this website gives a thorough treatment of the subject: http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/bppv/bppv.html

December 12, 2011

Question: May I ask you a short question about nourishing Shukra Dhatu? For building Ojas rapidly, I have found that Ayurvedic texts recommend various means, including recipes of warm milk with ghee, honey, and saffron, eating dates, almonds, etc., onions (although very rajas-forming),, or the use of rasayanas. Often it is recommended to drink the warm milk concoction directly after sexual activity to replenish Ojas “rapidly.” But as I have understood from other writings, it takes at least a month for Shukra Dhatu to be nourished after ingesting an Ojas-enhancing substance (passing through and being transformed by all the other Dhatus before finally reaching Shukra Dhatu), so if you ingest such a substance, you will have to wait at least a month before Ojas to be produced from it. How is it possible to reconcile these two pieces of information? Is there something I have not understood correctly? Thank you in advance for your help and knowledge, and for the work you do in the field of Ayurveda. With many warm greetings, Aaron

Alex answers: certain substances appear are able to nourish Shukra more rapidly than others. These substances are usually known for their special effect as a food or medicine for Shukra Dhatu or Ojas. There may be a more elaborate explanation.

Cracking at corners of mouth October 12, 2011

Question: My younger son who is 16 – I reckon he is pitta judging by his tongue, it is quite red as opposed to pink and covered with shallow horizontal crevices and quite a few small spots here and there. No coating though.

He looks fairly healthy and I do try to keep his diet as good as poss but I feel like I am fighting a losing battle, because basically he won’t eat anything much that’s good for him and eats at the cafeteria most school days, the more I try to advise him, the more he seems to want to eat rubbish (grrrrr). He smokes (grrr).

He plays ice hockey, which means he spends quite a few hours on an ice rink sweating like mad…

Anyway, he has a recurring problem during the hockey season, he gets slits on both corners of his mouth where the lips meet. Before I knew about Ayurveda I took him to the dr who gave him some cream for fungus with cortisone, but it didn’t work. Since then I have tried quite a few things, like zinc ointment, tea tree oil (haven’t insisted with this because he hates the smell) but nothing seems to work.

I have looked up the prob on the web and it is called “angular stomatitis”.

Have you any idea what he could do about this?

Alex replies: According to Ayurveda your son is drying out his Rasa Dhatu. Rakta may also be involved*. It is likely to be related to high Pitta causing excess heat with him as you said he is quite Pitta by your estimation. Also, with the intense physical activity, plus smoking, these are drying influences. If his pee is quite yellow and there are other signs of Pitta like redness, smooth red mucus membranes (and tongue) then Pitta is probably the cause, if not it is excess Vata.

In either case, a simple intervention would be for him to drink 1 large mug of warm water (250 ml) along with 1 level teaspoon (5 ml) of ghee (clarified butter) early in the morning or at worst case, 30 minutes before his breakfast. Also check his overall water consumption is adequate. If this does not help, have him get his blood checked for iron deficiency*.

However, being his mum, you are not likely to get any less frustrated. Professional health care providers say “never treat friends and family”. The best thing you can do is love and accept your son 100% the way he is. Give him that first of all. That does not prevent you from sharing your concern. And if he ever turns to your for advice or support, see if you can’t get him to see someone else like your local GP (which is not always interesting!) or a local naturopath or alternative therapist. It is a hard pill to swallow (for you – not to intervene) but it will make for more peace and happiness in the long term

*Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia

Symptoms

The body can potentially store enough folic acid to last 2 to 6 months. However, anemia can develop within weeks of a shortage of folic acid (folate).

Mild anemia may not produce any symptoms. The following are some common symptoms that may develop, especially as the anemia progresses:

Weakness

Fatigue

Lightheadedness

Forgetfulness

Irritability

Pale appearance (pallor)

Lack of appetite and weight loss

Less common symptoms include:

Diarrhea.

Abdominal pain.

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Slight fever.

Sore, smooth tongue.

Cracked lips, especially at the corners of the mouth.

Shortness of breath with exertion.

Rapid or irregular heart rate.

Chest pain.

Eye disorders October 4, 2010

Triphala Eye Treatment
For all kinds of eye disorders

This treatment is used for the following eye problems and may be used for other disorders not listed here :
Chorioretinal inflammation
Corneal dystrophies
Glaucoma
Disorders of conjunctiva
Varies inflammations of eye parts
Loss of vision
Weakening of the eye due to old age

Take one half of a level teaspoon of Triphala powder (1 gram) and place it in a teacup. Add 120ml (1/2 cup) of hot water that has just boiled. Let the Triphala infuse until it is the same as your body temperature.

Once the infusion has cooled to body temperature DO NOT STIR IT. Take a sterile round cotton pad that used for make-up or for medical reasons. dip the cotton pad into the infusion and remove it. Squeeze it so that some liquid remains, but that it is not dripping wet.

Lay down on your bed. Place a towel under your head. Place this cotton pad over your eye. Blink. Repeat this for the second eye. Leave for at least 15 minutes. 20 minutes is an optimal time for this treatment and 30 minutes is the maximum time.

There should be enough liquid that some runs into your eye. The first few times that you do the treatment it may burn. This will pass after two or three days in most cases. If it burns it means you need this treatment in most cases. If burning persists more than a week it is not normal – see your doctor.

For loss of vision due to age or life style do this ONE time per day, evening is best before bed so your eyes can rest after the treatment.

For all other disorders do the treatment TWO times per day. Make sure to rest the eyes for a 30 minutes before using the computer or other screens.

For serious disorders do the treatment THREE times per day.

Tiphala is primarily astringent in nature and is a rejuvenator of tissue. The longer you use this treatment the better results it gives. Minimum time should be one month. Maximum treatment should be not more than six months unless told to do so by your doctor.

by Atreya Smith

Ayurveda and the thyroid August 4, 2010

Question: Can you please talk about thyroid problems?

Atreya’s Answer:

According to Ayurveda the thyroid is located in the 6th tissue level or Majjadhatu. Majja is controlled by Kapha dosha.

According to Ayurveda the thyroid function is controlled by Pitta dosha. Pitta is responsible for all of the metabolic actions carried out by the thyroid gland.

From the treatment perspective we can surmise the following:
the 6th dhatu is hard to treat with food and herbs as it is a “deep tissue” or existing at profound level of the body. Majjadhatu can be modified through herbs and food, but only when the metabolism of the previous 5 dhatus are functioning correctly. If the dhatu metabolism of the first five tissues is not functioning correctly then it is very hard for herbs or food to modify Majja.
we should choose to treat either the structure (dhatu) or the function. This represents two different therapeutic approaches and two different dosha as per Structure or Function – Kapha or Pitta.
Once this decision is made the therapist can then decide which dosha is CAUSING the imbalance in either the STRUCTURE or FUNCTION. This can be any of the three doshas. For example Vata can disrupt the dhatu and Kapha dosha by drying out Majja, constricting Majja or reducing the Majja tissue. Pitta can disrupt the dhatu by expanding it through heat, or reducing it through excess heat. Kapha can disrupt the dhatu by congesting it or blocking it through over development.
The doshas can do the same thing concerning the function of the gland. This means that pitta dosha will become variable in function, or even stop functioning altogether. Any of the three doshas can cause disruption to the functioning of pitta dosha and thyroid action.
the therapist needs to diagnosis the patient well enough to be able to decide if they should target either the Structure or Function. After they need to decide which dosha to treat as the CAUSE. In some cases both structure and function may be treated together.

Conclusions:

Thyroid problems need to be treated as soon as possible
the longer the pathology develops the harder it is to treat them
the treatments are long in duration due to the depth of Majjadhatu
the person needs to be treated to cure the problem – not only the symptoms
the dhatu metabolism needs to be corrected through diet and lifestyle before tying to give herbal treatments
in most cases diet and lifestyle alone will correct early manifestations of thyroid malfunctions
Herbal treatments should target the dosha that is controlling either the STRUCTURE or THE FUNCTION, or in some advanced cases BOTH
Herbal treatments should target the dosha that is CAUSING THE PROBLEM in either structure or function

This is Ayurveda. If you want to learn this methodology it is what I have been teaching for the last 15 years. Click here

Atreya.

Obese, addictions, gastric band, eating disorder July 5, 2010

My question is about which of Atreya’s formulas to give this client. She is 43, physically kapha prakriti but p mentally. Vikriti all 3 doshas and i’m doing k- diet and vp- routine.

When choosing a formula, base the choice more on physical vikriti or state of agni or ama as opposed to mental nature.

She is 2 stone overweight, a history of addiction and disordered eating, a gastric band, had gallbladder removed, and very low agni (was only eating dinner, and no carbs). I’m slowly getting her eating lunch and trying to get wholegrains in.

This is good. Focus on dinacharya as it is a corrective for long term imbalances and will help her the most in th elong term. Sleep habits, exercise habits and eating habits need to be gradually brought in line with dinacharya.

She has hayfever, blocked sinuses, anxiety, overworks, controlling, sluggish thyroid (was underactive in the past). She stopped drugs 12 years ago and is trying to drink at weekends only but it’s not working. She has psychotherapy once a week, massage once a week (not ayurvedic), and weekly yoga with me.

It is good that she has psychotherapy, providing this is progressive and incorporates yogic methods that help to free her from the drama that ahankara loves so much. Classical pyschotherapy is great find the life situation that caused the drama, but not so good at helping the individual to become free from that drama. The methods outlined in atreya’s book ‘psychology of transformation in yoga’ – http://www.atreya.com/ayurveda/spip.php?article83

Otherwise, her conditions indicate that there will be ama present so removing it should be the first step to pursue.

I’ve given her p- spices as a tea as the tongue was slightly samapitta.

Be warned that the only reliable tongue reading to depend on is the one that is observed upon waking before anything is eaten. Most people seem to have a slightly coloured off-white coating, which can be due to sama pitta, but also sama vata or sama kapha in someone who drinks coffee or smokes or has just eaten a curry (something with turmeric in it).

I chose trikatu for low agni and decrease ama (rather than 101) as it also targets metabolism and the lungs/hayfever. So far it hasn’t increased p.

Trikatu is good for this, true, but more in its ability to remove excess kapha from the lungs / chest / kapha zone. Pippali is an excellent lung tonic also, however, for removing ama, herbs like turmeric and barberry (as found in atreya’s 101 formulas) are stronger.

She wanted something for the thyroid so i said pukka’s kanchanar guggul but i don’t think she’s started it yet.

Better to work first to balance dosha, remove ama and build agni. This should be followed, if necessary by treatments that target the dhatus.

1. Shall i forget the kanchanar guggul and use 139 for hormone-related obesity instead? If so, vataja or pittaja? I saw vata as the underlying cause due to the long history of addiction and disordered eating – but then p controls metabolism and she has p in her prakriti and high p on the tongue (red spots, red cracks, red tip) and p139 contains gentian for both p and k.

Once you have treated her for a months or so you will get feedback that will help you decide which dosha is the strongest vikriti physically (this is an exploratory treatment called upashaya). You will then know which dosha to target as priority in the physical side of things. Most likely it will be kapha if that is her physical prakriti.

2. Also she says an ayurvedic book says b15 for addiction and is asking about that. There’s 102 for addiction – but she doesn’t want to quit drinking completely so will it work? She’d like to be able to drink 1 x pw.

I am not trained in alcohol addiction. However, it seems obvious that if she is not prepared to totally stop drinking, the addiction is still calling the shots. Until she is ready to completely give up, there is no point using herbs. This is one point of view.

Another point of view is that the herbs for addiction (satvic plants like centella asciatica) will slowly start to support correct function of buddhi (intelect). Providing she is wanting to give up (though thinks she wants to keep 1 drink per week), and providing she is seeking professional psychological support, then it is possible to use a formula like atreya’s 102 for addiction.

Shall i just give her food sources for b15 and continue with pranayama/yoga for now, and working on obesity and agni? Then she may be more ready/able to reduce the alcohol.

When someone has a strong psychological imbalance, it is wise to put that as the main treatment goal. Normally, a regime to loose weight is fairly rigorous and requires a stable frame of mind to succeed. Rather than rushing towards a weight loss regime, it might be more prudent to first stabilise the mind with yoga and lifestyle.

In terms of herbal treatment. The following protocol is one option:

1^st: dipana (support agni) and pachana (remove ama) as primary goal for 1-3 months. Use the 101 formulas according to dominant vikriti dosha.

2^nd: mind (satvic plants) as primary goal along with pachana as secondary goal. Use the 102 formulas according to dominant vikriti. This could last up to 1 year. Goal is to help her quit her addictions and continue to remove ama (all substance addictions prodice ama).

3^rd: if needed, target the obesity (excess meda) or any other problems that are left.

Hope this helps,

Alex, france.

Autistic Boy May 25, 2010

Question: I just keep thinking about my last client and need to run something by you. He is a 5 years old mildly autistic boy. Mainly Vata constitution I think. His Mum took him out of school 2 weeks ago as she realized it made him anxious. She told me he didn’t poo for nearly 2 weeks. He has now been to the loo and is doing a lot better at home so home schooling for the foreseeable future. But he has the worst vertical grooves on every finger nail I have even seen.

I have recommended a Reduce Vata lifestyle and diet which they are doing. (including lots of sesame oil massage etc.) What else can I recommend for him as he is only just 5. Also he wouldn’t let me take his pulse and I only had very quick looks at his tongue. I am worried about these deeply set grooves though.

Atreya: The fingernail groves are coming from a high level of vata – problem of apana vayu. This is coming from the chronic constipation and the accumulation of ama in his colon. The vata reducing lifestyle with oil massage is very important, good advise.

For additional treatment he could take a 1/2 of a level teaspoon of ghee in warm water to hydrate the colon and increase the bowel movements, do this 2 times per day, morning and evening. Any oil would work for this – it just depends if he can do it. The advantage with this method (internal snehana) is that it reduces vata very quickly. It is better for a child than using laxative herbs which tend to over stimulate apana vayu.

Another easy thing to do is to get triphala in tablets or capsules and give him one (dose of 400 to 500 mg) morning and another in the evening after food. This will reduce vata in the colon and increase absorption of nutrients in the colon. By doing this the grooves in the fingernails will disappear in a year or so.

Basically autistic behavior is a vata condition. Of course like all disorders in Ayurveda there are different doshas that cause different forms of autism. We can say that autism is a hypo-vata condition where the normal movement of vata is suppressed. The causes are many, the treatment always includes vata reducing therapies, such as oil massage. These oil massages, if done in the same direction as the normal movement of the five vayus, will re-establish the correct movement of vata.

Atreya.

Nutrition Ayurvedique – Questions diverses May 24, 2010

Que penses-tu des jus de légumes et fruits préparés avec une centrifugeuse ?

Peut-on considérer que les propriétés des légumes et fruits restent les mêmes, qu’ils soient mangés sous la forme de jus,  cuits à la vapeur ou dans une poêle avec du ghee ?

[Alex] Les effets sont différents pour les tous. Généralement :

• Vapeur : =VPK / neutre pour tout le monde

• Sautée avec ghee : -V, =P, +K (selon le quantité de ghee)

• Légumes cru sous forme de jus (à la centrifugeuse) : -P, -/=K (selon le type de légumes), +V

J’ai lu qu’une cure de jus de légumes et fruits était conseillée pour éliminer Ama, pendant une journée, 2 fois / mois. Est-ce valable pour tous les doshas ?

[Alex] C’est vrai pour tout le monde en général avec les requis :

• Pitta ou Kapha prakriti (Kapha 1 fois tous les 7 jours même) pendant été.
• Vata prakriti avec Agni équilibre pendant été si sont les légumes nourrissante comme carottes,  avec gingembre frais, et une pince de sel et jus de citron. Plutôt 1 fois tous les 30 jours.

Dans les documents Word “V/P/K Shamana Meals”, les fruits ne sont pas indiqués ?…

[Alex] En mange les fruits dehors des repas!

Les stries verticales sur les ongles sont le signe d’un mauvais fonctionnement d’Apana Vayu [Alex] Qui produit une malabsorption des nutriments à travers le colon) et il faut du temps pour modifier cet état.

Est-ce qu’on peut voir les stries verticales disparaître au fur et à mesure de l’amélioration ? En combien de temps en moyenne ?

[Alex] Oui, mois pars mois, tu voir une différence. Note ca prendre 3 mois (approxima.) pour une ongles de pouce.

La cure d’eau chaude pour Vata avant 6h du matin.

Avec les changements d’heure d’été et d’hiver en Europe et le décalage de 2h en été et d’1h en hiver par rapport au soleil : à quelle heure faut-il réellement faire cette cure ?

[Alex] Avant le fin de phase Vata de la nuit (en théorie – juste avant le lever du soleil). En pratique, 6 hr le matin en été et pas plus tarde.

Cellulite and a shi shi spa May 23, 2010

hi alex how are you?

well my time in a expensive spa is interesting to put it kindley…basically they want quick fixs and not that holistic!!

howevernow  they are doing a very expensive cellulite course now 1500 for the use of a machine…called MELT…(melst fat apparently????) and manual massages which i think help more than a machine

i have managed to get them to use udvartana powder so that makes it holistic and slightly ayurvedic and im hoping they will give chywan prash as a drink in hot water to help detoxify more and give energy as its also full of antioxidents..

i am putting a detox plan together to hopefully be able to do with this course but i know  cellulite wont change without diet and exercise and its a good way for me to get ayurveda into this place more

the ladies are focousing on cellulite so i am targeting a consultation for diet and detox mainly ,  BUT from what i see allot of the women have  slight water retention and why the cellulite looks more visual on the thighs,,they exercise and good diets,i myself have this problem and when in sri lanka they gave me goksura which made a huge diference in removing water from that area a diruetic basically

i know its a quick fix and not the cure ,but are there any other ways to combat this ,alongside diet for VPK digestion ama etc..

i think a short course of goksura from pukka is ok to help reduce the immediate effect of water on thighs and will help with the 6 week plan they are given,wondering if you have any other tips ,its a very shi shi place and people want quick fixs ,i am hoping the intro into ayurveda will give them along term health plan to take on board,

thanks x

Alex: I would consider using a combination of Purnanava Guggulu and Triphala Guggulu, both available from Pukka. This would be best suited to P, K or PK women. It would be contra-indicated in +V women who have high levels of dryness. Also, make sure they use turmeric in their diets. Up to 2 grams per day added to foods.