Transcript Ayurveda: Balancing the Rhythms of Life -Nancy A Smith, R.A.A.P L.M.T Essence of Self Ayurveda Spa for Massage,Yoga, & A Healthy Lifestyle 52 Skyline Drive,

Ayurveda:
Balancing the Rhythms of Life
-Nancy A Smith, R.A.A.P L.M.T
Essence of Self Ayurveda Spa
for Massage,Yoga, & A Healthy Lifestyle
52 Skyline Drive, Ringwood NJ 07456
(201)-788-6322 – www.EssenceofSelf.com
[email protected]
ns2/2014
What is Ayurveda?
o A sanskrit word derived from ayus (longevity) and veda (knowledge)
o Arrived in India between 2500 and 600 b.c.
o Focuses on achievement of happiness through the proper understanding of
happiness and suffering
o Enhances healing intelligence of the body: when mind is functioning properly, it
strives to lead the body to happiness. When it loses control over the body, it leads to
suffering.
o The Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are the 3 organizations that govern the unique
psychophysiology of the individual
o Health is the state of vibrant balance in which all the layers of one’s life are
integrated
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
o Historical record begins at The Great Medical Conference which
produced full texts of the subjects of Ayurveda:
• Charaka Samhita: internal medicine, the oldest and most
important text
• Susruta Samhita: surgery, comprehensive information on Eight
Branches of Ayurveda
• Astanga Hridaya: therapeutics, adds herbs, formulas, and
advanced information on use of metals and minerals
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
o The Eight Branches of Ayurveda:
• Internal Medicine: Kayachikitsa Tantra
• Surgery: Shalya Tantra
• Ears, eyes, nose, and throat: Shalakya Tantra
• Pediatrics: KaymarabhrityaTantra
• Toxicology: AgadaTantra
• Purification of Genetic Organs: VajikaranaTantra
• Health and Longevity: Rasayana Tantra
• Spritual Healing: Bhuta Vidya
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Ojas “essence of life” “liquid sunshine”
 Feel rested upon awakening
 Skin has healthy glow
 Tongue is pink and clear
 Body feels like regardless of weight
 Feels centered throughout body
 Digestion is strong without bloating
 Feel energized and enthusiastic
 Mind is clear
 Body has pleasant smell
 Rarely sick
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Ama
 Bad breath
 Coated tongue
 Dull appetite
 Delicate digestion, generalized pain fatigue depression
 Susceptibility to infections
 Sluggish irritable elimination
 Difficulty manifesting intentions
 Not fully metabolizing your thoughts as well as your food
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Gunas of the Mind- Moods
 Three basic universal qualities that influence Ahamkara (ego),
the sense of self-identity, the center of our consciousness from
which we think, act, and react
 Satva
 Rajas
 Tamas
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Essence of Satva
 Responsible for clarity of perception
 The mind is derived from Satva
 The five senses are created:
Skin:
To perceive touch
“Massage”
Ears:
To hear
“Music”
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Eyes:
To see
“Color”
Senses
Tongue:
To taste
“Herbs”
Nose:
To smell
“Aromatherapy”
Essence of Rajas
 Dynamic movement, sensations, feelings, and emotions
 Manifested as five motor organs: speech, hands, feet,
genitals, organs of excretion (skin, bladder, colon)
 Manifested as Prana (the life force)
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Essence of Tamas
 Tendency towards inertia, darkness, heaviness, responsible
for periods of confusion and deep sleep
 Responsible for the creation of Tan Matra which is the subtle
elements from whom the five basic elements are manifested
 Theses are space, air, fire, water, and earth
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Five Basic Elements
& The Three Doshas
Space
Air
Vata
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Fire
Pitta
Water
Earth
Kapha
The Five Elements
 The five elements are present in every human cell
 Cell membrane= earth
 cellular vacuoles= space
 cytoplasm= water
 nucleic acid and all chemical components= fire
 movement of the cell= air
 Man is a miniature of nature
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Mind-Body Types: Doshas
o 3 basic types : Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
o The principle of opposites can be used to balance,
because like attracts like and opposite qualities balance
each other out
o Much is understood according to body type (where we
live, what we eat, etc.)
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The 20 Basic Qualities that Balance
the 3 Doshas
Heavy
Oily
Light
Dry
Stable
Slimy
Gross
Mobile
Rough
Subtle
Cold
Slow
Soft
Hot
Sharp
Hard
Dense
Cloudy
Liquid
Clear
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Vata- Resembling the Wind
oAir and space – movement, dry, light, cold, mobile, active, clear,
astringent, dispersing, rough, subtle, irregular
o Thin frame, light muscles, light fat
o Think & move quickly: very active nature, don’t like
place, variable digestion and sleep patterns
sitting in one
o Characterized by restlessness, constant movement, and
irregularity in a person’s lifestyle
o It is most important to stay calm and focused, and to
bring regularity into the life by welcoming new experiences
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Vata
o ‘Winter’ Type: have cold, wintery qualities in their nature (cold hands, cold
feet, poor circulation, gas and bloating)
o Possess clear understanding and perception, energetic, adaptable, shows
initiative, good communicator
o Has subtle quality: responsible for emotions of fear, anxiety, insecurity,
nervousness, insomnia, constipation, worry, and overactive mind
o Colors are warm such as red, pink, orange, gold and yellow
o Gemstones are ruby, pink pearl, pink coral, rose quartz, and turquoise
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Pitta- Fiery in Nature
o Medium frame, competitive, hot, fiery, sharp, light, liquid, sour or bitter, pungent, oily,
spreading, penetrating, moist, acidic, intense
o Sharp eyes, teeth, nose, minds, memory, and word choice
o Warm skin, strong fleshy smell, skin rashes, indigestion and inflammation
o Strong appetite and digestion, lack of food can cause irritability and hypoglycemia
o Lover of knowledge, great capacity for leadership, warm, friendly, bright,
good decision-maker
o Competitive, angry, judgmental, ambitious, aggressive, critical,
perfectionists
o Should set aside time for recreation & a gentle yoga practice
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Pitta
o Fire and water - transition
o ‘Summer’ type (heartburn, skin rashes, or burn out)
o Stay cool- both physically and mentally. Avoid hot sun, especially on an
empty stomach, and vigorous exercise on hot days
o Sensitive skin- use coconut oil or neem oil before showering. Avoid all
chemical shampoos and excessively hot showers
 Colors: white, green, blue, purple and silver
 Gemstones: pearls, white coral, opal
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Kapha- Protection and Structural Integrity
o Heavier frame, smooth skin, heavy bones, muscles, and fat, good
stamina, enjoys routine
o Heavy, slow, cold, oily, slimy, smooth, dense, soft, static, cloudy, gross,
dull, liquid
o Slow metabolism, slow digestion digestive fire is low, leading to slow
digestion
o Easy going, methodical, thoughtful nature, deep sound sleep, walk & talk
slowly, sweet & salty
o Mind is often heavy and foggy slow but steady memory
o Need to be active, work hard, and exercise daily (raise heart rate for 20
mins): running, jogging, jumping
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Kapha
o Cold & clammy skin, thick, wavy hair, attractive eyes
o Steady, consistent, loyal, strong, supportive, content, calm, forgiving, loving &
compassionate, but need to practice detachment
o Dull, inert, needy, attached, congested, overweight, complacent, overly-protective
o Late to bed/early to rise makes Kapha people healthy, wealthy, and wise
o ‘Spring’ type (develop allergies and congestion)
o Colors: red, orange, gold, yellow and purple
o Gemstones: ruby, white sapphire, quartz crystals (rose)
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There are 10 unique dosha
combinations, which one fits you?
Vata Vata/Pitta Vata/ Kapha Pitta Pitta/Vata Pitta/Kapha
Kapha Kapha/Vata Kapha/Pitta Tri Doshic
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Vata-- loves to be active, involved in many tasks, creative, delicate and tends to feel
anxious and overwhelmed when stressed
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Vata/ Pitta- active, fist to volunteer, loves to be part of a team, can multi task and
accomplish many things
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Vata/Kapha- active but cautious and selective of what to do. Reserved and takes time to
finish a project,
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Pitta- loves to learn, read, plan things out. Needs logic to understand things. Would tend
to take a leading role. Easily frustrated when stressed.

Pitta/Vata- great office manager, can muti-task and plan while leading others.
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Pitta/ kapha- great leader, has knowledge and compassion to help other understand
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 Kapha-loves to relax, strong, compassionate, can handle one task at a time
.Follow instead of lead. Has endurance to follow
things through. Like to stay in one place Not easily bothered by stress.
 Kapha/Vata- stable but with a slight variability, open to some change able
to care for many people.
 Kapha/ Pitta- stable with ability to comprehend complicated work. Can
handle heavy responsibility
 Tri Doshic- Balanced with an overall ability to life well. Has strong
characteristic of all doshas.
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The Six Tastes to Balance the Doshas
Sweet
Energy sources:
Proteins, carbs, fat
Most nutritive, builds tissues
Grains, dairy, bread, pasta, starchy vegetables, fruits, nuts, oils,
sugar, honey, animal products
Sour
Organic Acids
Promotes appetite and digestion
Citrus fruits, sour fruits, tomatoes, yogury, cheese, pickles, vinegar, alcohol
Salty
Mineral Salts
Promotes digestion
Salt, seafood, sauces, meat
Pungent
Essential Oils
Stimulated digestion, detoxifying
Hot peppers, ginger, salsa, radishes, mustard, cloves, thyme, basil
Bitter
Alkaloids, glycosides
Anti-Inflammitory, detoxifying
Green and yellow vegetables, green leafy vegetables, kale, spinach, chard
Astringent
Tannins, fiber
Healing, compacting
Beans, legumes, lentils, pomegranates, tea, dark greens
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Vata-favors sweet, sour and salty tastes
o Breakfast and dinner should be relatively light, making lunch
the main meal
o Eat grounding and nutritious foods, such as root vegetables
and nuts
o Minimize foods that are cold, clear, dry, light, pungent,
astringent, and bitter: sprouts, salads, raw vegetables, large
quantities of beans, carbonated/caffeinated drinks, & leftovers
o Avoid fat-free diets, on the contrary certain oils are very
beneficial
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Vata
oCook with ghee, olive oil, or sesame oil
oHot soups, cooked grains, warm cereals, and stewed fruits,
along with yogurt
o Cooked vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, sweet potato,
summer squash, and well-cooked leafy greens
o Rice pudding, cream of wheat, and tapioca help maintain a
healthy weight
o Mung dal, basmati rice, and whole wheat tortillas along with
spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel, mustard,
black pepper, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and garlic
enhance healing intelligence of GI tract
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Pitta-favor sweet, bitter and astringent tastes
 Cooked rice, wheat or corn cereal in the morning, main meal at
lunch, moderate dinner
 Eat sweet, bitter, and astringent foods
 Minimize foods that are hot, light, liquid, oily, pungent, salty and
sour
 Minimize onion, garlic, horseradish, tomato, beets, spinach, citrus,
and sour fruits
 Oils: moderation- coconut, almond, sunflower, olive oil
minimize- sesame, peanut, & mustard oils
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Pitta
 Fruits: mango, grapes, apples, pears, peaches, cantaloupe, melon
 Vegetables: lettuce, sprouts, parsley, okra, asparagus, broccoli,
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cauliflower, celery, cucumber, leafy greens, green beans, peas, zucchini,
potato, sweet potato
Grains: barley, oatmeal, cream of wheat, basmati rice, tapioca
Mung beans, chickpeas, tofu, and soybeans
Dairy: Milk, buttermilk, and ghee, minimize sour cream and cheese
All sweeteners other than honey and molasses
Spices: coriander, cumin, fennel, cilantro, cardamom, small amounts of
fresh ginger, avoid heating spices
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Pitta
 Grated coconut and lime are good to add to a meal
 Do not skip a meal or fast when Pitta is high
 Pitta digestion is enhanced by taking ½ tsp of amalaki or
triphala with room temperature water before bed
 Cup of warm milk with a pinch of cardamom before bed will
help get to sleep
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Kapha-favor bitter, pungent, astringent taste
o Avoid breakfast and eat brunch (main meal), early supper/light dinner. Avoid
munching or snacking
o Should fast weekly on Thursdays, drinking only apple juice, vegetable juice, or
hot herbal tea (ginger or cinnamon) or green tea
o Hot water with juice of ½ lime along with 1 tsp of honey and 5-10 drops of
cider vinegar scrapes excess fat from your system
o Diet should favor light, warm, spicy foods & bitter, astringent, and pungent
tastes
o Daily tongue scraping followed by a cup of ginger tea
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Kapha
o Eat bitter, pungent and astringent foods
o Avoid fatty, fried foods and meat
o Minimize foods that are cold, sticky, liquid, oil, heavy salty, sweet, and
sour
o Use oils moderately: ghee, mustard, corn, & olive oil
o Minimize wheat, dairy, avocado, banana, lemons, plums, and salt
o Be mindful of emotional eating, do not eat between meals, go for a long
walk to avoid urges
o Avoid over-eating, iced drinks, and sweets
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Kapha
o Fruits: apple, apricot, berries, cherries, and pomegranate
o Veggies: asparagus, cooked beets, bitter gourd, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, cooked carrots, radish, leafy greens, okra, potatoes
o Grains: barley, corn, millet, and buckwheat and most legumes
o Clear/vegetable soups with beans or lentils, all spices
o Finish a meal with 1 part yogurt to 2 parts water with roasted cumin
powder (do not drink after sunset)
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Tips to Enhance Body’s Intelligence
 Include all six tastes at every meal
 Eat in a quiet settled comfortable environment
 Only eat when you feel hungry
 Do not eat when you are upset
 Always sit down to eat
 Reduce ice cold foods and beverages
 Cumin, coriander and fennel will enhance digestion
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Minimize FLUNC foods (processed)
 Frozen, leftovers, unnatural, nuked, canned
 Be careful with things with more than 5 ingredients in them
and words that you don’t know
 Eating multicolored diet is an excellent way to get a broad
spectrum of nutrients
 Deep pigments in plant foods are dense with vitamins,
minerals, and phytonutrients
 Assortment of colors is appealing to the eye and encourages
appreciation of a meal
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How to Reduce Toxins in Your Body 24/7
 Food is medicine
 Yesterday’s food is today’s energy
 Strong agni is our metabolic fire when agni is weak it creates
ama (plaque, cholesterol, excess fat) thereby clogging our
circulatory channels (shrotas) leading to dis-ease
 Panchakarma removes ama and stimulated agni and ojas
 High agni/high ojas leads to better absorbed nutrients and
more balance
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Pulse (nadi) Technique Introduction
 Body types can be discerned by reading pulse
 As we know, the pulsation of the blood carries nutrients to the
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cellular level
There is a continuous flow of communication between the cells, this
flow is intelligence
Pulse can reveal cellular intelligence through a person’s constitution
Nadi means “river of life”
The right wrist is for male solar energy, and the left for female
“Pulse denotes vatta-pitta-kapha, their dual and triple disorders, as well as
expresses progonosis of diseases”
–Yoga Ratnakar
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General Pulse Characteristics
 When the fingers are placed on the wrist, the ring finger is closest to
the heart. Always feel the pulse from the radial side just below to the
thumb on outer wrist.
 Do not bunch the fingers together, but place them slightly so the
throbbing underneath can be felt distinctly
Vata
• Superficial, cold, light,
thin, feeble, empty.
• With more pressure it
disappears. Fast &
irregular.
• Best felt under the
index finger.
• Has snake-like
movement
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Pitta
Kapha
• Full with a strong throb.
• Hot, abrupt, high
amplitude, good
volume, and
considerable force.
• Best felt under the
middle finger
• Moves like a leaping
frog
• Deep, slow, watery,
wavy, cool to the touch.
• Moves like a swimming
swan
Life Doshas
Birth:
Kapha
Teen (Puberty):
Pitta
Death
50s-60s
(menopause):
Vata
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Day Doshas
• Vata- fresh, awakening, rising activity, meditate
2a-6a • Clairvoyant, nutrients absorbed
• Kapha- slowing from early activity, exercise
6a-10a • Awake, best time to exercise
• Pitta- hotter, less activity, agni is high
10a-2p • Largest meal, strongest digestion
• Vata- focused, productive, energy, meditation
2p-6p • Eliminate waste from body (intestine)
• Kapha- slowdown, relaxing activities, bedtime
6p-10p • Wind down, fall asleep
• Pitta- detoxification, deep sleep, agni is low
10p-2a • Flame of candle, coding of nutrients
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Morning Routine
 Awakening without an alarm ~6 AM
 Brush teeth clean tongue
 Neti and nasya
 Drink a glass of warm water
 Empty bowels and bladder
 Perform flexibility exercises
 Meditate
 Perform strength cardio exercises
 Oil massage/bath
 Eat breakfast with awareness
 Perform morning work/activity
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Afternoon Routine
 Eat lunch (largest meal) between 12-1
 Sit quietly for 5 mins after eating
 Walk 5-15 mins to aid digestion
 Perform afternoon work activity
 Meditate in late afternoon around sunset
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Evening/Bedtime Routine
 Eat dinner (light to moderate) between 6-7
 Sit quietly for 5 mins after eating
 Walk to aid digestion 5-15 mins
 Perform light activity in the evening
 Minimize intense mental work after dinner
 In bed lights off by 1030
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Restful Sleep Tips
 Aim for a 10:30 bedtime adjust ½ per week
 Warm bath with lavender sandalwood or vanilla
 Perform relaxing self massage while preparing a bath
 After bath, drink warm cup of herbal tea or milk with
cardamom or nutmeg
 Journal and or read spiritual/ uplifting literature
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Year Doshas
• Kapha
• Early-Vata
• Late- Kapha
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• Pitta
Spring
Summer
Winter
Autumn
• Vata
Summary
 Consciousness expresses itself through the 20 gunas, which are the 10
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pairs of opposite qualities
These in turn become the 3 doshas
Doshas are consciousness, substances, and the cause of ailments/disease
Appropriate lifestyle recommendations will balance the doshas and
harmonize
This healthy lifestyle is a biorhythm that establishes a balance between
internal and external environments
Proper food and lifestyle are the best medicine to heal the person and
prevent oncoming diseases
New concept in western world, but ancient wisdom from Ayurveda
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