Acute anxiety, borne of fear/desire, falls under the general heading of Unmada ("Insanity") in Ayurvedic medicine. Sushruta describes Unmada as "a derangement of bodily Doshas affecting the upcoursing nerves and thereby producing a distracted state of Manas (mind)."[3] The disease manifests in both physical and mental symptoms which can include:breathlessness, dizziness, faintness, fatigue, palpitations, chest pains, headache, paresthesias, tremors, insomnia, anorexia, nervousness, diarrhea, vomiting, frequent micturition, increased sweating, forgetfulness, amnesia, phobias, incoherent speech, unsteadiness, agitation of the eyes, extreme fickleness of the mind, and mental confusion.
Read MoreIt may not surprise you that very few individuals meet the criteria for a healthy lifestyle. In the US, only 3% of adults meet all four of the very basic health behaviors considered to be a healthy lifestyle: (1) being a nonsmoker, (2) having a healthy weight, (3) being moderately physically active, and (4) eating 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day.[
Read MoreParkinson’s Disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders affecting more than 1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide. Parkinson’s Disease gets its name from an essay written in 1817 by a British pharmacist James Parkinson entitled “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy”.
Read MoreOne of my patients recently asked me what Ayurveda has to say about love. It made me recall an impromptu talk given at an ashram where I was staying many years ago near Hardiwar, in northern India. The essay below is my recollection of the concepts and ideas expressed that day—sprinkled with some of my own thoughts on the subject. I offer this to you with one caveat: I’m almost certain that no one fully comprehends the mystery of love.
Read MoreThe concept of the human body as a microcosm of the Universe is one of the most fundamental concepts of Ayurveda. This concept is known as loka-purusha sāmya siddhanta (loka-universe; purusha-human being; samya-sameness; siddhanta-teaching). Ayurveda views the entire creation, including the human body, to be constituted from five fundamental elements (pañca mahabhutas). The uniquely balanced configuration of these five elements in each unique individual creates normalcy or health and deviations from this normalcy in any direction causes disease. Thus the knowledge and restoration of normalcy of these five fundamental elements is the cornerstone of treatment in Ayurveda.
Read MoreAyurveda defines health not only in terms of balanced physiology of the physical body, but also as a state of harmony and contentment in every aspect of life. Thus, not only is it a medical approach to health, but Ayurveda can also be the foundation for the spiritual evolution of humankind.
Read MoreAs we are about to enter 2019, I thought I’d welcome you with a short message. According to Jyotish, the system of Vedic astrology, 2018 was a difficult year—all about surrender and healing the past so we can be more of who we truly are. According to my interpretation of Jyotish, 2019 will clearly bring expansion, opportunity, and self-awareness
Read MoreHalloween has traditionally been celebrated by exposing ourselves to scary things. Witches, skeletons, and ghosts are displayed in our yards to elicit one specific emotion: fear.
Read MoreWinter brings with it the joy of seeing rosy-cheeked children playing in the snow, of gathering with friends in cozy settings, and celebrating the holidays with loved ones while enjoying hearty dinners. All of these festivities occur during Vata season, which is known for its cool, dry, and windy qualities. Another important quality of Vata is that it greatly influences the other doshas (Pitta and Kapha), so that a balanced Vata can help maintain balance throughout the entire physiology
Read MoreJust as with one’s diet and daily routine, knowledge of the doshas is the answer to your skin questions. Naturally, the health and radiance of our skin depends as much on our general health as what materials we use to wash and moisturize. Nevertheless there is a great deal of benefit derived from the selection of proper external care products. This brief article will focus on the basics of skin care according to the predominant dosha in one’s prakriti (constitution).
Read MoreThe cardiovascular system enables delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and prana to body systems, and directly impacts the quality of the bodily tissues, organs, and mental state. The human heart lies at the core of the cardiovascular system and the well-being of the individual.
Read MoreThe Ayurvedic concept of immunity in Ayurveda is a captivating and many-faceted subject. Vyaadhikshamatva, as it is known in Ayurveda, literally means "resistance (ksamatva) against disease (vyaadhi)". Physical and mental resistance to disease is of enormous significance for all living beings; it regulates both prevention against and rapid recovery from diseases.
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