TRANSITIONING FROM WINTER TO SPRING ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC PRACTICES

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TRANSITIONING FROM WINTER TO SPRING ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC PRACTICES

 

Online Health Report

By Guru Simran Khalsa

http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/usa/healthinformation/articles/FloraArticl\

e55.asp

 

 

Ayurveda is the ancient science of India, meaning literally " the art of healthy

living " . It is one of three sister sciences, or Vedas, the other two being Yoga

and Meditation. When we study and practice Ayurveda we learn how to be

bountifully healthy; yoga gives us the experience of God consciousness, and

meditation trains our minds to connect our finite selves to the infinite. These

three sciences are thousands of years old and were originally designed to be

utilized together. However, in our modern age there is a tendency to separate

them. Fortunately, we can still derive great benefit from practicing Ayurveda on

its own.

 

The ancient seers of India saw that there was a principle of energy which gives

life, force, animation, and energy to all living things. This energy of life is

called Prana, meaning the primal life force. As well, there are the principles

of light and love. Life is connected to the element air, light to the element of

fire, and love to water.

 

We, and all of nature, are composed of the elements of ether, air, fire, water,

and earth. Two of these five elements combine to form biological humors called

doshas, which are considered " that which can decay or go out of balance'. Air

and ether combine to form Vata, which is " that which creates our mental

balance " . Fire and water combine to form Pitta, or " that which digests things " .

Pitta also governs our ability to perceive reality. Water combines with earth to

form Kapha, " that which holds things together, " which provides the bulk in our

body and governs love, compassion, patience, and forgiveness.

 

In order to stay healthy we need to keep these three doshas in balance.

 

Summer is the season when Pitta dominates with its corresponding heat and long

days of light. In fall Vata dominates and the weather can change dramatically

from one day to the next, as we would associate with the element of air (dryness

of skin, colds from drafts). In winter Kapha prevails, and we experience wet,

cold, moist weather. Springtime is a combination of Kapha and Pitta as the earth

comes to life and all of nature experiences a rebirth.

 

As we have the stability of Kapha and the fire of Pitta, springtime is the ideal

time to cleanse our bodies from the tendency to overeat and hibernate in winter.

 

There are many different ways to cleanse our bodies. Upon arising it is helpful

to clear the nostrils as through them flows the energy from our Pranic body to

our physical body, and if this channel is blocked we will lack energy and open

ourselves to a weakening of our immune system.

 

Place ¼ teaspoon of iodized salt in ½ cup of warm water and pour part of this

into a netti pot. Position the open end of the netti pot into the left nostril

and tilt the head to the same side. The water will flow into your nostrils and

head. Carry out the same procedure a few times in each nostril. Also scrape your

tongue with a tongue scraper. This removes the undigested food mass, or Ama,

which accumulates on the tongue, from the previous day. By removing the small

amount of Ama, you will improve your breath and your health, as the accumulation

of Ama over a period of ars in our internal organs is the pre-condition for

developing disease. Follow this by putting a few drops of almond oil on the tip

of massage inside each nostril. Do the same with your ears. This simple regime,

carried out daily or twice daily, of nasal washing, tongue scraping, and

monitoring of nose and ears will fill you with energy and mental clarity and

will facilitate your long-term good health.

 

An ideal cleansing diet for the first 30-60 days of spring is to avoid all

animal products, including dairy and meat, as well as highly refined foods, such

as white bread and refined sugar. Eating fruits, vegetables, healthy grains,

fish, salads, and nuts and using cold pressed oils for salads will give your

body a wonderful opportunity to utilize the energy of spring to re-energize

itself. You can add to this regimen, cleansing teas such as Bija Deep Cleanse

Tea, which contains detoxifying Burdock Root, Dandelion, and Yellow Dock Root,

contentment building Licorice, and strengthening Cinnamon. In addition,

throughout the day drink Bija Double Ginger Tea or Lemon Ginger Echinacea Tea as

the Ginger promotes the increase of your digestive fire, or Agni, which promotes

physical and mental vitality and also destroys Ama.

 

 

Deep Cleanse Tea Double Ginger Tea Lemon Ginger Echinacea Tea

 

 

Or if you like curry flavor you can go on a mono diet of mung beans and rice for

thirty days (see Kichadi recipes in Ayurvedic Cookery by Morningstar and Desai).

 

The combination of the mung beans and rice is a complete protein and the spices

and vegetables cooked in it make it delicious. You won't feel hungry and will be

re-vitalized after eating instead of feeling full and tired. Also combine with

Bija Deep Cleanse and Bija Double Ginger teas through the day.

 

May God bless you with good health and contentment.

 

Links:

BIJA Healing Teas: Canada

BIJA Healing Teas: USA

 

About Guru Simran Khalsa

Involved in the natural health industry for 25 years, Guru Simran Khalsa has

dedicated himself to the study of traditional healing practices from around the

world and has taught Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and nutrition courses

throughout North America. He is a graduate of the City College of the City

University of New York (CCNY). Having majored in history, he received his

Bachelor of Arts degree from CCNY in 1971. In 1973 Guru Simran Khalsa earned his

teaching certificate from the Toronto Teacher's College.

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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