News — ancient health care

As the largest organ in the body, the functions of the skin reach well beyond serving as a sac for the contents of our physiology. Nutrients reach the skin by diffusing through fluid from the blood vessels embedded in the deeper layers of the skin. In Ayurveda, there are seven layers of the skin and each layer is associated with one of the seven tissues of the body. The structure of the integumentary system receives very little praise, but its layered architecture is quite a marvel. It works to protect against infection and extreme temperatures, maintain a balance of bodily...

In the ancient healing science of Ayurveda, the five elements are discussed like philosophical concepts. The elements are the basic principles of the Universe . . . and they represent the primary components of all living things. Imagine a breeze flowing through the trees, the softness of the earth beneath your feet, the vastness of the sky, the feel of water on your skin . . . the warmth of fire. When we look to the beauty of nature, we find that five elements provide a foundation for what we know to exist. Ayurveda recognizes the elements, Space, Air, Fire,...

In the Western world, we don’t usually dwell on the distinctions between our reactions to stress . . . we tend to focus on the stressful situations we find ourselves in, such as looming work deadlines or a missed train. And the general stress coping solutions are applicable to most everyone . . . such as a hot bath or long walk. But in the 5,000 year old science of Ayurveda, stress reduction hinges on a complex understanding of each person. Take this scenario for example: It’s Monday morning. John, Jane, and Jack walk into their respective workplaces. They each have an...

  Happy Holidays! Another year has passed and here we are amidst the joy and chaos that this time of year always brings around. The holiday season usually symbolizes warmth, happiness and a true infectious spirit of giving and of gratitude...and lots of emotions. There's excitement about the holidays and new beginnings of the new year. But there is also this darker emotion, of anxiety over fears for the future as the year comes to an end. From an Ayurvedic perspective, if fear is present, it can increase the weightiness of our earthy Kapha and anxiety or any frustration with...

Kitchari is Ayurveda's age-old, signature detox dish. The word "kitchari" (pronounced kitch-a-ree) in India means mixture of two or more grains. In India, this versatile dish is eaten any time of the day, even for breakfast to kick start the day! Traditional kitchari is made by mixing white basmati rice and split yellow mung dal. Did you know that mung beans strip pesticides from the body!? Radical! Why Eat Kitchari? To fuel the digestive fire, a diet of kitchari and ghee is recommended. When we have digestive toxins in our GI tract, our ability to digest well is reduced. In other...