Ayurveda

Ayurveda at hindupedia.com
Prakriti and Vikriti
TriDoshas
Seasonal Changes
Daily Routine
Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Prakruti vs. Vikruti

Prakruti is your original ayurvedic constitution.
A person may have Vata, Pitta, Kapha dominated constitution.
Many people have a combination constitution VP, VK, PK, VPK.
Vikruti is the imbalance in your original constitution.

Finding your constitution is quite confusing esp. if you are not a standalone type but a mix.
Also your Prakruti (original state) may be quite different from your Vikruti (current state)
So best to consult a qualified ayurvedic physician rather than get too confused with the questionnaires/tests for constitution.
Pulse diagnosis by the ayurvedic doctor (nadi parikshan) is the best way of finding the current and original states.

Once the balancing of doshas using herbs is done, the original constitution will emerge from the shadows of the Vikruti (imbalanced state).

Herbal teas and powders are usually sufficient in young persons to bring about re-balancing of body and mind. There are other more powerful medicines which are to be used in a step-by-step approach from mildest to most powerful ones. Best to avoid strong measures when mild medicines do the job quietly.

Two forces

Purusha and Prakriti
Shiva and Shakti

Five Elements

Air, Fire, Earth, Water, Space

Tri-Doshas

Vata Pitta Kapha at atharvayurveda
Kapha Body Type and do's and don'ts
Pitta Body Type and do's and don'ts
Vata Body Type and do's and don'ts

Tri-Gunas

Tamas, Rajas, Sattva
Constitution basics of Ayruveda
Prakriti body types - at atharvayurveda

Six Tastes

Messing with Ayurveda

Half knowledge is dangerous.
Errors in customizing your Ayurvedic diet plan

General lifestyle issues (Nature vs. Culture)

Synchronize with the Sun. All life on earth synchronizes with sun-rise and sun-set.
Sleep as close to sun-down as possible. Wake as close to sun-rise as possible.
Sun-rise is the time of Kapha. Of fresh beginnings.
Immediately on getting up, drink a glass or two of warm water and then attend call-of-nature.
The Sun is at it's height around 12 AM. Sun relates to fire/pitta so plan to have your heavier meal at this time.
Sun-down is the time of relaxing and sleep. Plan to have the smallest and lightest meal at this time.
Moderation is the key, when in doubt take the middle-path.
Occasional lapses are common esp. during the start of the change. In such case choose the lesser of the evils

a) Taking sweets instead of ice-cream at dinner in winter is the lesser of the 2 evils.
b) Taking a small amount of sweet is again a lesser evil.
c) Taking the sweet after a spicy supper is again the least of the above evils.
d) Taking a small amount of light, warm sweet is a good decision.
e) Knowing when you've had enough is a wise move. Even a few spoonfuls more is pushing it.
Note:
You can cheat sometimes as long as you're smart about it and know how to reduce the after-effects. Once you know that you've options you are not so frustrated by constraints of nature vs. culture.
Try to maintain the average for the day and the week.
Avoid extremes of binging or fasting. Middle path is best.

NOTE: The below tips are standalone. If you've got aggravation of 2 or more doshas you'll need to follow the intersection of do's and don'ts for each individual dosha aggravation e.g. if you're VP is aggravated follow do's/don'ts of both doshas. When in doubt moderation or middle path is best. Consult your doctor for the exact solution.

Controlling Vata aggravation

Have moong-dal-khichdi with some ghee
One pot meals with everything cooked together are best for Vata types.
Important to maintain warmth
Avoid rough foods like salads with too much fiber. Avoid dry foods instead opt for soupy foods.
Avoid cold foods.
Use moderate amounts of warming Spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon and cumin (jeera).
Avoid very hot spices like chilli etc. as this aggravates Pitta in turn aggravating Vata.
Having amla juice with honey early morning on empty stomach to increase digestive fire.
Have hot soup or rLung tea during morning or late evening to remove tiredness
Have Heart Tea in the morning
Drink warm water
Milk products - avoid refrigerated. Warm milk with bit of spices of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Take small amounts of ghee to reduce dryness.
Oil massage with "hot" oils like sesame oil esp. before going to sleep. Reduces tiredness caused by vata aggravation
Brahmi B-Natural juice 100 ml with equal amount of water before meditation or in the evening time to reduce over-stimulation of mind by work, TV, stress.
Take buttermilk after every meal spiced with bits of chilli, ginger (fresh or dry) and coriander to increase digestive power. Curd:water proportion can be 1:3. Whisk the curd in water to break-up the sticky nature of curd.
Small amounts of vata-inducing foods can be had at the height of winter, 8 PM

Controlling Kapha aggravation

Avoid oily, heavy food esp for dinner. Raw salads and clear soups are excellent.
Use Vacha Nasya to reduce kapha in the head and sinuses
Avoid or reduce milk products like cheese, paneer, ice-cream esp. at night.
Reduce intake of sugar. Use honey in moderate amounts instead but Never ever heat it.
Avoid cold or refrigerated foods. Sip warm water instead.
Warming spices are excellent for kapha aggravation as they increase digestive fire.
Take amla+honey mixture on empty stomach during morning.
Take buttermilk after every meal spiced with bits of chilli, ginger (fresh or dry) and coriander to increase digestive power. Curd:water proportion can be 1:3. Whisk the curd in water to break-up the sticky nature of curd.
Take steam-bath to reduce sinus congestion
Avoid over sleeping esp. in the afternoon. Early to bed early to rise.
Small amounts of kapha-inducing foods can be had at the height of summer, 12 PM

—

Bitter, Pungent and Astringent are the tastes for the Kapha body type. These give warmth and increase the secretions of digestive juices further enabling better nourishment to the body.
Sweet, Sour and Salt are the tastes require strong digestive fire but Kapha persons never have the same so they should never take food article with either of these taste in excess.

—
Vacha Ghee for Nasya to reduce kapha in the head and sinuses.
It's especially helpful if you're sleeping under the fan which dries out the sinuses.
It's supposed to help with speech or Vak shakti. Develops speech, communication, expression, cognition, intelligence and memory.
Vacha increases pitta and has a light heating effect.
I've found that applying the ghee helps to avoid dryness in the sinus.
Also if I don't apply the ghee for a day or two the kapha starts coming out from nose and chest freely without any strain.
Vacha Ghee:

1) Half teaspoon Vach/Vekhand powder
2) 5-6 teaspoons of home-made Ghee.
3) Mix thoroughly
Apply lightly
a) inside nostrils,
b) on the nose,
c) on temples,
d) inside ear,
e) on the throat, chest and back
f) on the navel and surrounding area.

Controlling Pitta aggravation

Do vamana i.e. vomiting out of excess bile.
Avoid sour and pungent foods.
Avoid usage of ginger, pepper, chillies, jeera (cumin)
Make herbal tea using cardamom, coriander leaves or dhania seeds or saunf (fennel)
Use Sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. Avoid honey and jaggery.
Stop Tea/Coffee.
Drink water or cooling juices like Lassie, Buttermilk, Lemon-Juice, Coconut-Water, WaterMelon, Musk Melon etc.
Neem, Aloe Vera are some bitter herbs to reduce pitta esp. skin rashes etc.
Take soaked Badam-Shatavari mixed with some warm sweetened milk with cinnamon and a tea-spoon of ghee.
Amla though sour has an anti-pitta or body-building effect.
Take a bath with cool water esp. in summer.
Do relaxing Shavasana to slow down the rate of breathing.
Do moon pranayama i.e. with the left nostril.
Take a slow stroll in cool breeze/moonlight or in a green park.

—

Suck on some khadi saakhar
Avoid oily spicy foods
Eat some sweets made from sugar to control aggravated pitta.
Apply coconut oil to nostrils internally
Apply coconut oil to top of head.For rapid cooling sprinkle some water during the head massage to quicken the cooling esp. in summer.
Lemonade (without ginger) has a cooling effect
Buttermilk with coriander or dhania powder (without ginger, chillies or spices)
Rooh-afzah like rose based sweet smelling and sweet tasting drink.
Take steam-bath to reduce sinus congestion and migraines or headaches.
Coriander juice
Smell sweet perfumes like sandalwood or any sweet flower fragrances.
Listen to sweet music
Mix Rose water into a glass of sweetened water.
Small amounts of pitta-inducing foods can be had at the height of winter, 8 PM

Santulan Ayurveda

Video - Santulan YouTube Videos by Balaji Tambe
Publications
Book - Chakra Sudarshan
Book - Mantra Jeevanacha
Book - Shri Geeta Yog (Parts 1,2,3 ...)
Kit - Padabhyanga Kit

Vasant Lad of Ayurvedic Institute

Vasant Lad at wikipedia
Ayurvedic Institute at wikipedia
Ayurvedic Institute website
Video - Vasant Lad Friday Lecture Broadcast
Articles - Ayurvedic Institute articles
Article - Daily Routine
PDF - Food Guidelines
PDF - Incompatible Foods combining
Article - Kala : The Concept of Time Part One
Article - Kala : The Concept of Time Part Two

Panchakarma

PDF - An Introduction to Panchakarma
PDF - Basti: Cleansing the Colon
PDF - Nasya: Cleansing the Nasal Passages and Emotions
PDF - Virechana: Cleansing the Small Intestine
—
6 weeks Pune Gurukul Program with Vasant Lad
Ayurvedic Institute Office Contact Details
Reading List and Reference Books on Ayurveda

David Frawley

Book - Yoga and Ayurveda : Self Healing and Self Realization
Book - Ayurveda and the Mind : The Healing of Consciousness
Book - Yoga of Herbs
Book - Ayurvedic Healing : A Comprehensive Guide

Robert E. Svoboda

Book - Prakriti Your Ayurvedic Constitution - by Robert E. Svoboda
Ayurvedic Correspondence Course by Robert E. Svoboda
Robert E Svoboda website
Videos - International Conference on Ayurveda and Yoga 2011 at Rhishikesh
Course for Integrating Ayurveda into your daily life at Dincharya

Ayurvedic Treatment Centres

Tibetan Medicine

Given our modern high-stress and artificial life-style we need some respite and help in keeping our health. Both physical and peace-of-mind well being.

Ayurveda (literally the science of long life) has many good medicines which can help us bring back balance in our daily lives. But there are so many practitioners of Ayurveda that it's somewhat difficult to differentiate between 'snake-oil' and the real-thing.

Came to know of a Tibetan Medicine Centre in Bangalore.
This was through an article in The Hindu newspaper and also personally through my brother.
It is called "Men-Tsee-Khang" and it has branches all over India.
Their primary aim being to serve Tibetan population and also any other people who may need their help.
They have a teaching college for fresh generation of doctors where they also treat the general public.

The treatment is done at many levels - medicine, adjustment of life-style, meditation for good health and peace-of-mind.
Book - Fundamentals of Tibetan Medicine by T. J. Tsarong @2002
PDF - Amchi Tibetan doctor Past and Future
English books of Men-Tsee-Khang
All Publications of Men-Tsee-Khang

Branches of Men-Tsee-Khang

Men-Tsee-Kang
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh
Chattisgarh
Maharashtra
Delhi
All Branches

Articles on Tibetan Medicine in the newspapers:

2011 - Interview with Dr. Dorjee (5-Sep-2011)
2009 - Article on Tibetan Ayurvedic Institute in "The Hindu" newspaper
2003 - Article on Tibetan Ayurvedic Institute in "The Hindu" newspaper
2001 - Article in The Hindu on Men-Tsee-Khang Bangalore and interview with Dr. Dorjee

Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala

Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala website
1) Bangalore Branch:

http://www.aryavaidyasala.com/%28S%28jug3pp55sw2reyzm4le0rs45%29%29branches.aspx?strText=O
Jayanagar: 37/3 , KRISHNA KUTEERA, T MARIAPPA RD., II BLOCK, 10TH MAIN ROAD, BANGALORE BANGALORE KARNATAKA 560011 Tel : 080-26572956 blorebr@aryavaidyasala.com

2) Dealers in Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala:

http://www.aryavaidyasala.com/%28S%28jug3pp55sw2reyzm4le0rs45%29%29/dealers.aspx
Banashankari 2nd Stage: ATHREYA AYURDHAMA, NO:2479/1, 17TH MAIN, 25 TH CROSS, BANASANKARI 2ND STAGE, BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, 560070, Tel : 080-26710924, 09902543943 

Bommanahalli: BUILDING NO.6/8, SRS COMPLEX BEGUR ROAD, HONGASANDRA BOMMANAHALLI BANGALORE Dt. KARNATAKA 560068 

Domlur: M/S.KRISHNA AYUR VENTURES, NO.4, VINAYAKA COMPLEX, IIND CROSS, AIRPORT ROAD (OLD), DOMLUR, BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, 560071, Tel : 8884054428,080-25353355 

Bannerghatta Road: 4/1/B, "RADIANT RETREAT", AYURVEDIC AROGYA KENDRA, C.K.PALAYA ROAD , 17TH KM BANNERGHATTA ROAD, OPP. COUNTRY CLUB, BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, 560083, Tel : 080-8429822, 098451 73949 mdcunha@bgl.vsnl.net.in

Forms of medicine

Vati/Bati

Choorna

Asava/Arishtha

Asavas and Aristas are ayurvedic medicinal preparations made by soaking the herb, either in a powder form or in the form of a decoction in a solution of jaggery for a specific period of time during which it undergoes a process of fermentation.This facilitates the extraction of the active principles contained in the herb.

Nasya

Informative Article on Nasya in Kerala Ayurveda: http://ayurvedamaruthuvam.forumta.net/t795-nasya-karma-nasal-medication
Informative Article on types of Nasya: http://www.health-enz.com/ayurveda/panch-karma4.shtml

1. Pradhamana nasya:
This procedure indicates the administration of medication through the nose such that it helps in cleansing. This type of nasya is mainly used for kafa prakop (aggravation of kafa). A heavy feeling in the head, congestion of nose/sinusitis, convulsions/epileptic attacks, parkinsonism, etc. are treated by way of pradhaman nasya. Black outs, unconsciousness without any obvious reason and hysteric attacks also respond to this type of nasya. The patient is advised to smell dry powders or recommended nasal irritants or these substances are blown into the nose with the help of a tube. Traditionally, vacha or brahmi powder is used in this treatment.
2. Bruhan nasya: This type of nasya consists in the administration of medication through the nose such that it has nutritional value. This type of nasya is mainly used for vaat prakop (aggravation of vaat). This nasya is generally used in conditions like chronic headaches including tension headaches, dryness of sinuses, a loss of the sense of smell, etc. It is also used in psychological disturbances like anxiety, fear of unknown things, feeling of emptiness, negativity in thoughts, etc. Different types of medicated ghee (clarified butter)/oil /milk are used for this treatment. These are generally medicated with shatawari, ashwagandha or similar herbs.

http://www.toddcaldecott.com/index.php/herbs/learning-herbs/339-vacha

Used in nasya, the ‘strongly aromatic’ and tikshna properties suggested by its synonym, Ugragandha, 
makes Vacha an important traditional remedy to restore consciousness. 
The Charaka samhita recommends Vachadya ghritam in the treatment of ***epilepsy*** due to vitiated Vata and Kapha, 
made simply by decocting one part coarsely ground Vacha rhizome in four parts ghee and eight parts water 
until all the water has been evaporated. The resulting preparation may be taken internally in doses of about five grams, 
and/or applied in nasya (Sharma and Dash 1988, 447).

http://www.namaskarhealing.com/files/namaskarhealing/files/articles/Tinnitus.pdf

Nasya: Vacha (Acorus calamus) oil nasya, has a powerful effect in calming and balancing the
prana vayu. To obtain the maximum effect at the head (the seat of prana vayu), and to
circumvent any side effects of hyperacidity or nausea which occasionally occur when
vacha is ingested, vacha is used in this case as a nasal medication. A preparation of
sesame oil medicated with calamus root is taken nasally, five drops per nostril, at night
and in the morning. The nasya should be warmed to blood heat before administration.

http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/nl/205.html

If you are prone to sluggishness, prepare a calamus nasya:
Combine half teaspoon calamus with 1 ounce sesame oil. Place 10-15 drops into each nostril, three times a day.

Herbs of Ayurveda

Ashwagandharishta

Brahmi

syrup, ghee, oil, tablet form

Guduchi - immune stimulant

Gurmar (Madhunashini) for diebetics

Saraswathrishtam

Tonic for improving memory, brain and nervous function:
Depending on formula may contain:
Brahmi, ashwagandha, shatavari, vacha, gold leaf etc
Saraswatarishta Contents


 See the comment by "Amit" on Right Usage of Saraswatarishta on 
"2011-12-28"
This description is quite generic and general in nature.
the specific condition for the usage of saraswatarishta is a overworked 
mind,
its strange that most of the physicians who practise ayurveda don't know
 the exact usage of this remedy or any asav or arshita.....
asav and arishta therapy is for someone whose pitta or bile is in 
relatively stable state....
further dietary precautions that should be taken is to ensure patients 
should not eat stuff which increase bad bile...or dushit pitta....like 
sour food which has been made sour with the usage of unripe mango powder
 (aam imli and amchur ki khattai)

Shankhapushpi

Shilajit (asphaltum)

Mineral organic exudate from rocks of himalayas.
Re-vitalises weak body/mind.
Among the main ingredients of Chyavanprash

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Vak

Vak
Book - Vac - The Concept of the Word in Selected Hindu Tantras
The Sphota Theory of Language
Book - Kashmir Shaivism - The Secret Supreme

Herb Info

Complete info on Herb, Formulations and Proportions

Vacha (Acorus Calamus linn., Ugragandha, Vekhand, Bacha, Vashampu, Sweet Flag/Rushes)

Vacha Calamus in "Yoga of Herbs"
Vacha (Acorus Calamus) at wikipedia
Complete info with Common names of Vacha
Calamus with Indian Names at Indianspices.com
Calamus with Indian Names at SpicesOnline

English  : Sweet flag, calamus root, german ginger, sweet rush, flagroot, sweet cane, sweet grass, sweetroot
Indian Names
Sanskrit  : Bhadra, Bulami,vacha, Bacha, Bhutanashini, Bodhaniya, Galani, Golomi, Haimavati, Haimdvati, Ikshuparni, Jalaja, Jatila, Kanga, Kshudrapatri, Mangalya, Rakshoghni, Sadgrantha, Schleshmaghni, Shadagrantha, Shadgrantha, Shadgranthagolomi, Shataparvika, Smarani, Tikshna, Tikshnapatra, Ugragandha, Ugragandhaha, Ugragranthi, Vaca, Vacha, Vacha-ugra-gandhaha, Vayambu, Vijaya, Masha 
Hindi  : Bach, Gorabach, Safed bach
Malayalam : Vayampe, vaembu, vashampa
Tamil  : Vashambu, pullai-valathi
Telugu  : Vadaja, Vasa
Kannada  : Baje,Bajegda, vasa, athibaje
Marathi  : Vekhand, Bariboj, Wach
Gujarati  : Gandhilovaj, Godavaj, Vekhand
Assamese : Themeprii, bach
Bengali  : Bach
Kashmiri  : Vabi
Manipuri : Okhidak
Mizo : hnim-rimtui
Nepali : Bojho

Sacred Plant Medicine
Multi-part excerpts from "Lost Language of Plants"
Proper Use of Acorus Calamus (for Cognition)
Vach - Calamus with other names
Herbal cognitive enhancers
Calamus Acorus Calamus Online Herb Guide
PDF - Herbs for the practise of Yoga
Acorus calamus L.

Vimala/Bimala

Vimala/Bimala formulation

Synonyms of Herbs (common indian names)

Herbs list with botanical, common (indian) and English Names
Alphabetical index of herbs with Indian Synonym (Common names) and Usage

http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainA.asp (A)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainB.htm (B to E)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainG.htm (G to H)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainI.htm (I to J)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainK.htm (K)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainL.htm (L to N)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainP.htm (P)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainS.htm (S)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainT.htm (T to U)
http://www.sadvaidyasala.com/herbs_mainV.htm (V to Y)

Reference

Pulse Diagnosis Notes
Article on Marma-Shastra
Article on Kalaripayyat
Super article on Vaidyas in India
Article on Dr. Naram and his Panchoti balancing technique
Blog on Ayurvedic herbal plants
Your Online Guide To Herbs
Baidyanath india website
PDF - Materia Medica of Kerala Ayurvedic Tradition
Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine and Research
MAP - Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine and Research Bangalore
Ramana and GanapatiMuni mapping to tattvas etc
Home Remedies of Ayurveda: http://www.healthandayurveda.blogspot.in/2007/05/home-remedies.html
Balancing the Doshas using Chakras: http://www.thehouseofbalance.com/Articles.htm
Garcia da Orta "Herbs of India": http://archive.org/stream/colloquiesonsimp00orta

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Notes on Ayurveda