Ayurveda Online Summit

Ayurveda Summit - Online Event

The Ayurveda Summit is for yoga teachers, health practitioners, doctors and any individual who wants to tap into the deep wisdom of Ayurveda.  The event features modern conversations on the topic of Ayurvedic ancient healing wisdom with some of the best Ayurveda teachers.  Subjects covered include nutrition, self-care, yoga and meditation secrets and herbal tips.  For more information and to view and/or to purchase the presentations and exclusive bonus gifts, visit Ayurveda Summit.

Please note that we are not affiliated with, nor receive any commission or consideration from posting these links in this post.  However, many of the Summit presenters have websites that contain valuable information about Ayurveda and, hence, are including links to these websites as a resource for readers interested in learning more.

John Douillard, DC, CAP (lifespa.com)
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Healthy Living

Mary Cravatta, DC (shaktiveda.com)
The Chakras + Your Cellular Memory Patterns

Karta Purkh (KP) Singh Khalsa, DN-C, RH, CAP (kpkhalsa.com)
Ayurvedic Applications for Modern Life

Prashanti de Jager, PhD (Cand), MS (prashantidejager.com)
Ayurveda as a Spiritual Medicine

Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc (ayurveda.com)
Ayurveda:  The Science is Life, the Practice is Love

John Joseph Immel (joyfulbelly.com)
Tour Your Gut + Explore Your Hunger for a Joyful Belly

Marc Holzman, Yoga Teacher (marcholzman.com)
Ayurveda Made Easy for Yoga Teachers

Jessica Vellela, BAMS (myayu.com)
Gaining Perspective: An Authentic Approach to Ayurveda

Robert Svoboda, BAMS (drsvoboda.com)
Claudia Welch, MSOM (drclaudiawelch.com)
The Grace of the Guru on the Ayurvedic Path

Shantree Kacera, DN, PhD (thelivingcentre.com)
Living a Sacred Ecological Activist Life

Todd Caldecott, Dip. Cl.H., RH (AHG) (toddcaldecott.com)
Application of Practical Wisdom in Daily Life

Prasanth Dharmarajan, BAMS, MD(Ayu), PhD (myayu.com)
Making Sense of Pancha Karma

Pratima Raichur (pratimaskincare.com)
Skincare with Ayurveda

David Crow (floracopia.com)
Use Mindfulness To Heal Yourself and the Planet

Amadea Morningstar, MA, BCPP, RYT (amadeamorningstar.net)
Awaken Your Daily Rhythm and Your Palate with Ayurveda

Gabriel Cousens, MD (treeoflifecenterus.com)
Living Ayurveda into the Future for Westerners

Lissa Coffey (coffeytalk.com)
Ayurveda as Your Matchmaker: Doshas and Relationships

Rishabh Chopra (theayurvedaexperience.com)
Online Education and Ayurveda

Cate Stillman (yogahealer.com)
Waking Up to Your Life Potential Through Ayurveda

Archarya Shunya Pratichi Mathur (vedikaglobal.org)
Born Into a Living Wisdom Tradition

Sebastian Pole, Lic OHM, Ayur HC, MAPA, MRCHM, MURHP (sebastianpole.com)
Effectively Use Herbs for Health 

Scott Blossom, DOM (doctorblossom.com)
Parenting with Ayurvedic Wisdom in the Modern Age

Eric Grasser, MD (drgrasser.com)
Functional Medicine Intersects Ayurveda

Jacob Griscom, CAS (everydayayurveda.org)
Spritual Ayurveda Practice at Home, with Kids and In Your Ayurvedic Career

Rama Prasad, BAMS, CACH (drramaprasad.com)
Unraveling the 5-Element Theory of Ayurveda

Kurikkasseril Dilipkumar, BAMS, MD(Ayu) (ivmrudn.com)
Treating the Mental State to Achieve Balance of Body and Mind

Infographic: Six Super Spices

In many cultures throughout the world and throughout the ages, spices have been recognized and used as potent natural herbal medicine.

Ayurveda is no exception.  In fact, for thousands of years, many of the Ayurvedic health treatments and remedies are centered around the use of herbs and spices to prevent and/or treat various health conditions.

As modern science begins to catch up with "folk medicine", the health and healing benefits of various spices and herbs are being confirmed in an ever increasing number of studies.

This infographic illustrates six Ayurvedic "super spices", all of which we are now becoming familiar with in the West:
❤ Cinnamon
❤ Cumin
❤ Ginger
❤ Dried Red Pepper (flakes or powder)
❤ Nutmeg
❤ Turmeric

Related:
Indian Spices
Top 10 Spices with Healing Benefits
Healing Herbs and Spices
A Woman's Healing Herbs

Infographic Source: Unknown - please contact us for credit.

Infographic: Ayurvedic Tips for All Doshas

In Ayurvedic medicine, the three doshas represent three fundamental energies that are believed to circulate in the body and govern psycho-physiological (mind-body) activity.

Each individual has a unique combination of all three doshas, with one or two doshas generally being dominant.

This unique combination is thought to make up an individual's distinct physical and mental constitution and is referred to as the "mind-body type".  The three doshas are:

❤ Vata
❤ Pitta
❤ Kapha

This infographic describes a few key characteristics of each dosha type and offers suggestions on what foods to eat and avoid for each type.

To find your dosha type, take The Chopra Center Dosha Quiz.

To learn more about doshas and Ayurveda, please see our Ayurveda Books and Recommended Reading List.

Related:
Ayurveda:  Integral Plan to Health and Wellness
What is Ayurveda?
East vs. West Medicine

Infographic Source:  Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Ayurveda Herb Chart

The use of herbs, both internally and topically, are central to and an integral part of the science of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic healing.

This is an amazing, comprehensive reference chart (and wall poster) of 168 herbs used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.  A picture and the Sanskrit, Latin and common name of each herb is included.  The chart can be purchased online at Ayurveda Posters - Herb Chart.

Related: 
Ayurveda: Integral Plan to Health and Wellness

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda:  Books and Recommended Reading

What is Ayurveda Poster Wall Chart

Wondering about Ayurveda?  In short, Ayurveda is a 5000 year old "science of knowledge" from India that utilizes a wide variety of both topical and internal natural therapies to treat disease and chronic medical conditions.

Unlike Western medicine, Ayurveda takes into account the whole person:  body, mind and spirit and recognizes that each individual has a different constitution that makes him or her unique.

Following the principles of Ayurveda in daily life can also lead to better overall health, weight loss and healthy weight maintenance, lower the risk of disease and protect against illness.

This poster outlines the basic principles of Ayurveda.  To learn more about Ayurveda and Panchakarma (the intense Ayurvedic detoxification program) please see my list of Ayurveda Books and Recommended Reading, which includes works written by leading experts on the subject like Deepak Chopra and Vasant Lad.

The 3 Gunas in Ayurveda

Ayurveda:  The 3 Gunas

In his book, Ayurveda and Panchakarma: The Science of Healing and Rejuvenation, Dr. Sunil Joshi writes:

 "All phenomena in the universe come under the influence of three primary phases of activity called the three gunas.  Nature uses its creative mode, referred to as sattva, to bring life into manifestation.  It then uses uses its organizing, activating phase, called rajas, to build and maintain what has just been created.  When the purpose of that stage is complete, it uses it destructive mode, called tamas, to bring it to an end."

According to Dr. Joshi, the same gunas that govern our existence also regulate our minds.  Thus, it can be said that three gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) refer to the quality of the mind and the character of the person.

In Ayurveda (the ancient Indian science of life and health), a balance in the three gunas is important in determining psychological health of an individual.  Just as an imbalance in the Ayurvedic doshas can lead to disease and physical illness, an imbalance in the gunas can lead to destructive behaviors and mental illness.  A balance in the gunas is vital, since a health body requires a healthy mind and a healthy mind requires a healthy body.

Just as is the case with the the three doshas, the three gunas are present in every individual, with one or two gunas sometimes being dominant.  The state and balance of the gunas can change or alternate in their predominance in response to a particular set of circumstances.  Environmental factors, including diet, are thought to influence the balance in the gunas.  Thus, the food consumed is considered to have an impact on and a direct relationship to the state and quality of gunas.  In fact, in Ayurveda, all foods (including beverages) are described or categorized as being sattvic, rajastic or tamasic.

When referring to a proper balance of the gunas, the ideal is that the the mind be primarily sattvic (creative, pure, calm, gentle, considerate), and just enough rajastic (active, passionate, ambitious) and tamasic (inert, ignorant, fearful) to bring needs, desires and aspirations to realization and fruition.

Related:
What is Ayurveda Wall Poster Chart
Ayurveda:  Books and Recommended Reading List
Ayurvedic Tips for All Doshas
East vs. West Medicine

Image Source:  Unknown - please contact us for proper credit.

Panchakarma Journal: Dry Skin Brushing

Skin Brushing 101 - Infographic from
GreenSmoothieGirl

Panchakarma

Panchakarma (or Pancha Karma) is an Ayurvedic program of intense detoxification, purification and rejuvenation.


Dry Skin Brushing

One of the most valuable things that I learned during Panchakarma was the importance of dry brushing your skin on a regular (preferably daily) basis.  This simple and easy action, which only takes a few minutes, is thought to have many amazing health (and beauty) benefits.


Health and Beauty Benefits

❤  It removes dead skin cells and cosmetics, unclogging pores and allowing the skin (our largest organ) to breathe and function properly  

❤  It improves the skin's critical role in effectively detoxing the body and cleansing the lymphatic system, thereby boosting immunity and aiding in digestion

❤  It prepares the skin to better absorb nutrients, such as the healing herbal oils used in Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage)

❤  It aids in eliminating toxins during perspiration, dry heat or steam sauna, including Svedhana (Ayurvedic steam bath)

❤  It tones and tightens the skin by increasing blood flow and stimulating blood vessels and nerve endings, improving the general appearance of skin

❤  It increases circulation to the skin and stimulates cell renewal, growth, repair and healing in underlying, tissues, veins and capillaries - hence, gently dry skin brushing is recommended for cellulite and varicose or spider veins

❤  It is thought to help reduce fat deposits, thereby aiding in weight loss

❤  Its significant impact on removing metabolic wastes and allowing various organs such as the liver and kidneys to function more optimally is also thought to aid in weight loss

How To Dry Brush

There are many good instructions and infographics (like the one I have included, source below) online that explain how to dry brush.

This is how my Ayurvedic Therapist did it during my Panchakarma:

❤  Lightly brush dry skin daily before your bath or shower, beginning with the soles of your feet and work your way up. 

❤  Use gentle, circular motions in areas of cellulite or varicose and spider veins.  Otherwise, use long strokes toward your heart, avoiding breasts and the face.

                       13" Sisal Dry Body Brush                      

❤  Use a natural bristle brush intended specifically for dry skin brushing.  Select a brush with a long enough (optional: removable) handle so you can get to the hard-to-reach places, like your back.  Replace your brush every 6 or so months.  I like and use the 13" medium texture sisal body brush - pictured and available from Amazon.

❤  Ayurvedic Tip!   After dry skin brushing and before your bath or shower, take a few moments to give yourself a gentle massage using organic sesame or coconut oil.  These oils will nourish the freshly exfoliated skin.  The shower or bath afterwards will help to eliminate toxins.

Infographic Source

Infographic source and to learn more about dry skin brushing, please visit Skin Brushing 101 - GreenSmoothieGirl.


Related

Panchakarma Journal - Tongue Scraping
The Benefits of a Sauna Detox
Ayurvedic Oil Pulling
Tip of the Day: Dry Brushing Teeth









  

Healing Herbs and Spices: Aloe Vera Gel and Juice

Illustration:  Galtier-Boissière, Larousse Medical Illustré, Paris, 1912

During my Panchakarma treatment, my Ayurvedic practitioner had me take 2 to 4 ounces of Aloe  Vera gel every morning.  Aloe Vera is recognized in Ayurveda (and in the holistic and natural health community at large) as one of nature's miracles which offers many health benefits.  During Panchakarma, it is used to to help the detoxification process and as a tonic to aid in cleansing the blood, liver and digestive system.

Triphala - Powerful Ayurvedic Internal Cleanser

Illustration:  I. Pfeiderer

In preparation for my Panchakarma treatment next week, I've done quite a bit of research on Ayurvedic herbs and spices.  One of the herbal mixtures I discovered was Triphala.  In Sanskrit, Triphala means "three fruits" and is actually a mixture of three fruits:  Amalaki  (Amla or Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki (Behada) and Haritaki (Harada).  Each of these fruits by itself has potent healing properties.  Combined, the mixture has a powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating effect.  Since detoxification and rejuvenation is the main purpose of Panchakarma, I decided to try Triphala on my own even before my treatment.

Triphala is widely available in tablet, Vcap, tincture and powder form.  The tincture and powder is consumed by first mixing it into warm water.  I did not want to be bothered with measuring and mixing and I don't care for tablets, so I opted for Nature's Way Triphala, 1500mg Vcaps   - an equal blend of the extract of the three fruits standardized to 45% tannins. 

I followed the recommended dosage of 3 Vcaps per day and almost immediately (within less than 6 hours) knew it was working because I had an unexpected and irregular bowel movement.  For the next week or so, I noticed both a marked increase in the number of bowel movements and changes in the poop itself.  Speaking of poop, everyone should be in the habit of examining their poop on a daily basis.

At any rate, after about 10 days of use, I feel significantly "lighter" in the abdomen and am not bloated after eating certain foods.  So, at least for me, Triphala is doing what it is purported to do:  improve digestive functions in the stomach, help move the food along the GI tract, aid in evacuating the bowel and act as an internal cleanser and detoxifying agent. 

Note that although Triphala is generally considered safe, it is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

This information is provided for general interest and informational purposes only. It is not intended as guidance for medicinal use. Consultation with professional health care provider is always advised and encouraged.

Panchakarma Detoxification and Rejuvenation

Panchakarma (or Pancha Karma) is an Ayurvedic program of intense detoxification and rejuvenation.  This powerful method of purification purges the system of toxins and restores balance to the mind, body and emotions.  It is used to both prevent and treat a wide range of ailments, illnesses and chronic health conditions.  An important aspect of Panchakarma is the release of negative emotions.

Healing Herbs and Spices: Ginger Root

Illustration:  Franz Eugen Kohler

Ginger root is the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant.  Native to Southeast Asia, its name is derived from the Sanskrit word "singabera" which means "horn shape".  It is from the same plant family as turmeric, cardamom and galangal.  It is available as a fresh root, in powder form or as an oil.  Fragrant, pungent and spicy, it is widely used to flavor foods and beverages throughout the world, but most notably in Asian cuisine. 

Since antiquity, ginger has been highly prized for its therapeutic properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments.  It is known to have anti-oxidant properties and is rich in certain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.  Fresh ginger also contains an essential oil and several volatile oils, namely zingerone, shogaol and gingerol.   Gingerol has been shown to have analgesic, antipyretic, antibacterial and sedative properties.

Ayurveda: Books and Recommended Reading List

Ayurveda (or the "science of life") is an ancient health care system originating in India thousands of years ago that continues to be practiced today.  It is not limited to medical diagnosis and the treatment of disease.  It encompasses a vast body of knowledge expounding on all aspects of the human condition:  mind, body and spirit.    It seeks to unify and balance these aspects so that an individual can live in harmony with natural and cosmic forces and, in so doing, prevent illness and maintain good health.

Ayurveda: Integral Plan to Health and Wellness

Ayurveda is traditional system of health care originating in India approximately 5000 years ago. It is widely acknowledged as being the world's oldest integral practice of medicine. But Ayurveda is not simply an ancient health management system. The term Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit roots: Ayu which means "life" or "daily living" and Veda which means "knowing", "knowledge" or "science".   Thus, the term Ayurveda can be defined as the "science of life".