Ayurvedic massage in winter

Posted on July 24 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

Winter days are cool and short. The air is dry, sunshine is weaker, and the earth and water temperatures are cool. From an ayurvedic perspective, we all need to take care of our vata energy in winter to stay in balance. When the temperature drops, people can sometimes experience vata imbalance. Symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, trouble sleeping, dry skin, joint pain, weight gain, and muscle stiffness.
The good news is that massage therapy can be a great tool to help you through the season. Ayurvedic practices like oiling the body originate in texts more than five thousand years old. Ayurveda describes warm oil massage (abhyanga) as an important part of our winter lifestyle and regimens and will support you in the colder season to heal, hibernate, rejuvenate and restore your energy.

Benefits of oil massage

Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology
Calming for the nerves
Lubrication of the joints
Increased mental alertness
Elimination of impurities from the body
Softer, smoother skin
Increased levels of stamina throughout the day
Better, deeper sleep at night

How is ayurvedic massage especially beneficial in winter?

Immune boosting

During the cold winter, the lymphatic system can be slow and sluggish. Ayurvedic oil massage supports the lymph flow, which is packed with white blood cells or “killer cells”. These “killer cells” fight off infections and bacteria, boosting your immune system during this time of year where many of us get sick.

Dry skin/skin care

Winter can turn your skin dry and ayurvedic oil massage is the proven way to improve skin hydration. The use of oil increases circulation, allowing your skin to absorb essential vitamins, leaving you feeling nourished and hydrated.

Improved circulation

For some people, winter is the season of aches, pains and arthritis. Ayurvedic oil massage helps to improve the blood circulation to the body’s muscles, joints, and organs. A regular massage enhances the blood flow naturally, and improves all the body functions.

Winter blues
The colder weather can also bring some stress, and feelings of sadness, sluggishness and depression. Ayurvedic oil massage is a beautiful therapy to release serotonin and endorphins, which are the hormones that relieve stress and sadness and support you to feel happy – naturally.

Detox your body
Ayurvedic oil massage is a significant aspect of ayurvedic detox (panchakarma). Abhyanga is the stage of moving the stubborn toxins out of our tissues via our blood stream back to the digestive tract. Ayurveda advises us to have a regular oil massage, not only to flush the toxins, but also to prevent the formation of toxins in the first place.

Note– This article is intended for public awareness about the value of ayurvedic massage in winter. Ayurvedic massage is personalised at Vibrant Ayurveda Wellness Centre. Our experienced massage therapist will address your personal needs and care for you this winter.

Don’t let the winter blues get you down this season. Book your massage today!

Kitchari Recipe by Vibrant Ayurveda Wellness Centre

Posted on July 17 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

Kitchari recipe

Ingredients

1 teaspoon ghee
1 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1/4 teaspoon tumeric powder, or 1 tablespoon of fresh grated turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ajwain seeds
1 clove garlic – crushed or grated finely
½ onion – diced finely
**Note – instead of garlic and onion, substitute ½ teaspoon asafoetida
½ centimetre piece of ginger – finely grated
¼ cup moong dal
¼ cups rice
3-6 cups water
Salt to taste

Method

Heat ghee in frypan.
Saute the fenugreek first, then the cumin and then the ajwain seeds until beginning to brown.
Add the onion and fry for a minute or two followed by garlic, or add the asafoetida.
Add turmeric and ginger and continue to fry
Add the dhal and rice and fry for a few more minutes
Add the water and salt
Bring to the boil then turn down to simmer
Simmer gently until the rice and dhal are completely cooked – the dal and rice will break up completely making a thick soup-like consistency.

Notes

3 cups water will yield a thicker kitchari while six cups water will yield the consistency of thin porridge.
You can add a variety of chopped vegetables when the rice and bean seeds are nearly broken up. Vegetables create a more balanced meal.
Rice can be replaced with quinoa, buckwheat, pumpkin or sweet-potato and moong dhal can be replaced with red lentils, or other soaked beans and pulses.
You can also vary spices according to your taste.

Question: Would you like to get rid of fat soluble toxins? Answer: Ayurvedic detox!

Posted on March 8 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

If you google the word ‘detox’ just look at what comes up. There are literally thousands of entries! The advice on how to detox your body is prolific and it has become very fashionable to ‘go on a detox’.

So why detox?

Our environments and lifestyles commonly lead to the accumulation of toxins in our system. Even though our body is continuously and naturally detoxifying, we also need the support of special treatments to keep us in vibrant health.

Different types of toxins

The toxins in our body are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. The water-soluble toxins are generally flushed out of our system via the blood and kidneys. Fat-soluble toxins are harder to expel because they are stored. It takes more effort by our body to release and expel them.
Heavy metals, pesticides, preservatives, food additives, pollutants, and environmental chemicals can all end up stored in our fat where they can stay for years and lead to physical and mental chronic ailments.

So will any of thousands of detoxes do?

The short answer is no!
Authentic ayurvedic detox, or panchakarma, is an ancient technique of cellular cleansing. Developed over centuries by traditional ayurvedic doctors, its tried and tested combination of treatments, medication and lifestyle, is a proven method for releasing toxins and cleansing the body. It reaches those hard-to-access fat-soluble toxins and moves them out so your body feels lighter and brighter.
Panchakarma is a holistic treatment for not just the body but also the mind, senses, emotions and spirit.

So how does it work?

The preparatory stage of ayurvedic detox is called oleation, which refers to the use of oil internally and externally. To start your detox, you drink medicated ghee. It flushes the bile, starts to release the toxins from fat cells, liver and brain, and resets digestion and elimination.
You also receive therapeutic massage using medicated oils. While the massage may be relaxing, it also stimulates the tissues to release the toxins.

Vasti

Vasti (medicated enema) is an important part of ayurvedic detox. Compared to any other form of colon therapy, ayurvedic enemas are unique. They use special formulations of herbs and medications in either oil (oil enema) or water (herbal decoction) to eliminate, via the colon, the toxins that the body has released from the tissues.

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is an ancient technique of pouring a stream of warm medicated oil very slowly onto the centre of the forehead in the location of the ‘third eye’. This powerful method is deeply relaxing and assists in our emotional and emotional rebalancing.
Shirodhara relaxes the nervous system and lowers the metabolism. It creates brain wave coherence, induces an alpha state, and ultimately integrates brain function. Its healing potential is profound!

Our customised approach

When you come for a consultation, our experienced doctors personalise your detox program according to your individual needs and the types of prevailing toxins. You can expect the most beneficial program designed exactly for you!
If you are tired of the thousands of different detox programs on the internet, and want a proven and powerful method that will eliminate all your toxins and especially those fat-soluble ones, contact us for a consultation.
Dr Pradeep Neupane (Brisbane) or Dr Ram Mani Bhandari (Gold Coast) will look after you.

Why should you detox in autumn?

Posted on March 8 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

Now we are in March, summer is officially over. The hot days will start to decrease and the transition to the cooler weather is here.

Do you know that autumn is one of the best times of the year for performing a cleanse?

The ancient textbook of Ayurveda says it is best to detox during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. The environment and seasons have great influence in our lives and the symbol of transition applies to us and our bodies, as well as the environment.
For many of us, summer is the season of fun, travel, late nights, holidays and many social activities. There is a greater risk of building toxins in the summer days. Summer is also the time of pitta accumulation and by the end of summer, it is aggravated. Pitta aggravation may lead to mental and physical burnout, stressing our adrenals and taxing our nervous system. When excess pitta accumulates in the liver it can result in migraines, irritability, rashes, anger and more.
During autumn, the wind begins to blow, dryness increases and the vata dosha begins to take over. But imagine what happens when fire is fanned by the wind? The fire burns even brighter, doesn’t it?
An autumn cleanse flushes the accumulated pitta toxins in the system and balances the inner fire. It supports our livers, and prepares us for the winter months.
The softer, milder, and moderate months of autumn are ideal for giving us a chance to reset our mind and body.

How to start a detox?

Ayurveda recommends different types of detox depending on your body type (dosha) and current health issues.
At Vibrant Ayurveda, before you begin a detox program, an experienced Ayurveda doctor will assess your condition and needs, and tailor a program suited to you.
Rid yourself of summer toxins and prepare for winter.

Book your detox today!

Success report of an ayurvedic treatment

Posted on February 21 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

How I lost 8 kg in 2 weeks without counting a single calorie and while my gym membership was on hold!

At age 38, I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 (T2) diabetes. I thought this was inevitable as I had gestational diabetes during both of my pregnancies – but managed to avoid insulin and remained diet controlled. My father had developed T2 diabetes at the same age and his mother in her early 30’s. I had been diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome in my early 20’s which also increases the risk for diabetes. Given the history – I was actually a little relieved to finally have the diagnosis when I took the Fasting Glucose Tolerance Test back in November. Prior to that, I was always on the pre-diabetic/ insulin resistance subgroup. After diagnosis my GP gave me the standard first line of treatment – Metformin and routine advice about diet and exercise. I thought with Metformin, I was on the mend as it should help to reduce the weight as research stated and I would regain some energy to become a healthier me.

Unfortunately, two months past and my weight started to increase even though I was eating the same foods but making the effort to go to the gym 3-4 times a week. Initially, I thought it must be muscle weight but I was not feeling any better. In fact, I felt exhausted and one night I felt very desperate as I felt there was something seriously wrong with me. I was 71kg – a weight I had never been and with a height of 5’2” – I was heading to the ‘obese’ end of the BMI. I had been a stable (over weight) 67-68kg for the past 7 years, without any success in shifting it. I understood that Metformin may take several more months to have a beneficial effect, but that night I felt real panic that I had lost control of my body and could not stand it any longer. All night, I searched the internet for weight loss programs and looked at over 20 detox programmes offered throughout Australia, Indonesia, India and Thailand. All the while wondering how my husband would cope with our 6 and 3 year old sons on his own while I went to magically ‘cure’ my body with a juice or fasting detox. I was willing to spend anything, go anywhere to regain my health – some health! After falling asleep past 3am – I woke up and went to work the next morning. During my lunch break I looked for a cure again on the internet. Like a God send, a detox program offered through an ayurvedic clinic only 5 minute drive from my work came up on my search. The receptionist that answered my phone call was so informative and helpful that I decided to leave work early that day to attend the clinic before it closed its doors.

Ayurveda was not alien to me as I am originally from Sri Lanka and it is a system of medicine and healing used there. However, Western medicines had become the first choice for many people and they resorted to ayurveda when these medicines had failed to cure the last stages of some form of cancer. By that point, ayurveda was also not in a position to heal, therefore it was gaining a reputation as an ineffective and outdated treatment option.

When I met with Dr Pradeep Neupane at Vibrant Ayurveda in West End, Brisbane late January, I was practically on my knees begging for help. I explained how tired I felt, my recent T2 diabetes diagnosis, how my weight was out of control even with regular gym sessions and Metformin. I explained the constant sluggishness, heaviness and the feeling of a cloud over my head that was preventing me from thinking clearly. I work as a senior audiologist at the leading paediatric hospital and I perform my job well. However, by the time I get home, I have no energy for my children and felt like I was running at 30% capacity. I explained that no matter how long I slept for, I always woke up tired and groggy and my feet were stiff and my back hurt and had constant bloating. A recent CT scan I had for back pain had noted indications of arthritis. These were not illnesses that I thought would start to cripple me at the age of 38!

My list of ailments was many, yet Dr Pradeep listened carefully and pointed out that I also had swollen ankles which I was surprised to see. He then asked me about my usual diet. I was very proud to list my healthy green Nutibullet smoothie I had each morning. It contained raw kale, frozen blueberries, cucumber, almonds, chia seeds, whey protein and coconut water. He unfortunately did not look as pleased as I had expected. This was my ‘good deed’ for my body I had been doing most days for years. Even though the rest of the day would be less healthy with a sandwich, a small nachos or rice and curries…not to mention my sugar-tooth always finding its way to a biscuit or a piece of cake around 2-3pm – I had blessed my body with the super-food micronutrient smoothie in the morning. Amen!

From his analysis of my tongue, eyes and pulse, he advised that my pancreas and liver function was not optimal. Dr Pradeep went on to explain that my ‘good deed smoothie’ was not right for me. He explained that currently my digestive system was so weak that I was not able to derive nourishment from the raw foods I was eating, causing me to feel tired. I argued that the Nutribullet was able to breakdown the raw food into minute particles, enabling easy absorption. He disagreed and stated the size of the particle was not the issue but the form the food was in. He explained that when the digestive ‘fire’ is poor, cooked food made it easy for the body to absorb and use for energy. He went on to explain that the undigested food can remain in the system, causing toxicity and symptoms like weight gain, bloating and water retention.

He advised me to undertake a two week ‘Panchakarma’ / Detoxification treatment offered at the clinic. I did not need to take time off work but needed to attend the clinic for approximately 2 hours on 9 of the days for massages and steams (and several enemas…mmmm)! The price was much more reasonable than those I had contemplated about the night before in Bali, Sydney and Byron Bay. The tough part for me was that the detox involved vegetarian food for the duration of the two weeks. Light porridge for breakfast, lentils-rice-veges for lunch and dinner. By this point in my desperate search for better health, if he had told me that I could only eat Brussels sprouts for two weeks, I would have agreed.

I went home armed with a tongue scraper, sesame oil and some herbs which he asked me to start taking and written information about what was ahead. I admit the herbs were not pleasant in taste and the GP given Metformin was a pill to take in comparison! But I was determined to get better health and to complete this treatment properly. I also started to drink warm / hot water and detox teas. I was advised to rest as much as possible during the detox and avoid any unnecessary activities (so I gladly put my gym membership on hold). I understood it was a time to rest my body and digestion in order to heal it. I decided to stop taking Metformin but monitored my blood sugar closely even though Dr Pradeep had said it was fine to take. I ate the vegetarian diet and avoided dairy. I never felt starved as I was eating 3 meals a day but much smaller quantities than what I would normally. After about 4 days into the detox, I realised that I never experienced sugar lows and I never got the light headedness or the shaky hands if a meal was delayed. My husband informed me that I was no longer snoring when sleeping on my back. After a week, I was pleasantly surprised to see a 6kg drop. The heavy cloud that had been over my head had began to lift. I did not have my energy back but I am not quite sure if I remember what it’s like to have energy to get through the day. I felt weak yet clear headed and sharp. I knew there was a change in me. My Dad had to travel to Darwin for work for 5 days and was surprised at how well I looked when he returned. It was a real treat to get ready for work and put on clothes and not have that feeling of being ‘stuffed’ into them and clinging everywhere. My skin was clear and I could touch my face and feel my cheek bones. The change I was seeing motivated me to keep going and the massage treatments were pure bliss. The therapists were very professional and had a good understanding of the detox process and principles of ayurveda.

During the detox, I began to read a lot about ayurveda and what foods were going to help me long term and what would unbalance me. I started to understand about different body types (vata, pitta and kapaha) and realised I was a poster girl for a Kapha dosa body type and how unbalanced I had become. The different foods that are appropriate for the different body types became clear. My husband had the same smoothie as I in the morning but had strong digestive power and never suffered from weight gain no matter what or how much he ate. During my learning, I listened to many Youtube lectures and talks on ayurveda and about ayudrvedic cooking. I was arming myself with the knowledge to empower myself to regain my health.

Ayurveda is a system of medicine and healing that has been practiced in many countries surrounding India for over 5,000 years. Even though it is steeped in history it is relevant to us today. Yoga and ayurveda go hand-in-hand, yet somewhere along the way when yoga made its journey to the West – it let go of sister ayurvedas hand and rose to stardom on her own. Who doesn’t take a yoga class these days and no one disputes the health benefits of yoga. It is when yoga is combined with ayurveda that the full system of mental and physical healing can be practiced and achieved.

Weighing 63kg, I no longer feel groggy when waking up in the morning and no stiff feet, heaviness or bloating. Rapid weight loss was not the focus of this detox but I feel it is my body’s response for allowing rest, healing and being treated with respect. I am now in my final days of the Panchakarma detoxification and although the massages have been a treat, the enemas have been more of an embarrassment rather than a real discomfort…I look forward to what is ahead. Before the detox, my fasting blood sugar levels were close to 7mmol/L (on Metformin) and now it is 4.9mmol/L (without Metformin). I believe that I have reversed my T2 diabetes completely. I understand that I cannot continue to eat this mono-diet for much longer but if I go back to my old eating habits, my detox will be in vein. Armed with my newfound knowledge about ayurveda and about ME…I know I am on a path to better health. I am finally starting to feel like the person I am meant to be.

I am not writing this article for any recognition or achievement but in hope that it may open the eyes of someone else who is struggling with diabetes, weight loss or other health condition and to think twice before committing to the easy to swallow pill – but search for the root of the health issue and find healing. There are ayurveda clinics all over Australia and I hope you will find a path to better health in these clinics. There is much information on the internet and books at local libraries to help you gain some understanding of ayurveda and how it may help you. I can sum up ayurveda quite simply from a very early conversation I had with Mahesh, one of the massage therapists at the clinic. I asked him – “Is there some herbs the doctor can give me to get rid of my sugar cravings?” He simply replied “No – but he will find out why you get those cravings and treat that.”

How toxic is nightshade: an Ayurvedic perspective

Posted on January 4 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

“Nightshade” is a term used for the group of plants in the Solanaceae family. The exact reason why they are called nightshades is unknown, but possibly because they grow and fruit at night without the sun, absorbing “deadly night energies”.

The ancient science of Ayurveda says to reduce or avoid this group of plants for several reasons. Also, many researchers have discovered they are inappropriate for human health.

What are nightshade plants?

Potatoes
Tomatoes
Tomatillos
Eggplant
Goji Berries
Tobacco
Peppers (bell peppers, chili peppers, paprika, tamales, tomatillos, pimentos, cayenne, etc)

Among the foods listed above potato is a tuber, tobacco is a leaf and rest are fruits.

Why are nightshades so potent?

Nightshades can be medicinal or toxic due to the presence of glycoalkaloid properties.

What are glycoalkaloids?

Glycoalkaloids are natural pesticides produced by nightshade plants. Glycoalkaloids are bitter compounds found throughout the plant, but are highly concentrated in the leaves, flowers, seeds and unripe fruits. Glycoalkaloids are also neurotoxins.

Why could the nightshades be bad for your health?

From a nutritional perspective, the ingestion of members of the nightshade family has two significant biological effects:

Glycoalkaloids are neurotoxins. Nightshades interfere with a neurotransmitter that is present in the nervous system.
They can bring about an inflammatory affect the joints.

All of the nightshades contain nicotine, or one of its close chemical relatives: solanine in potatoes, tomatine in tomatoes, aubergine in eggplants and alpha-solanine in bell and chili peppers. All of these contain an acetylcholinestrase inhibitor that impedes the transmission of nerve impulses from one synapse to the next by retarding the production of acetylcholinesterase.

Many nightshades contain immune-activating molecules called lectins that can provoke an allergic response, and when food allergies are present, they are best eliminated.

Biochemical constituents in nightshades can also dehydrate the fluid lubricating the joints which can worsen arthritis and associated bone disorders. It may also interfere the calcium metabolism, to worsen digestive sensitivity, sciatica, kidney and gallstone disorders.

Ayurvedic view on nightshades

From the perspective of Ayurveda, edible nightshades all are heating in nature, except for the white potato, and they are inflammatory in action. All of them have a pungent and/or sour post-digestive effects (vipaka). Thus, during digestion, the colon experiences the physiological consequences of the sour and pungent tastes, with the pungent vipaka, being both heating and dehydrating properties and provoking both vata and pitta doshas, and the sour vipaka, being both heating and moisture-promoting, provoking the kapha and pitta doshas.

Nightshades are therefore said to be aggravating for all three doshas.

Nightshades are also believed to possess inflammatory properties. Thus, they are aggravating to both vata and pitta doshas.

Nightshade foods come under the categories of Rajasic and Tamasic food which can alter the state of mind. They are stimulating, preserving the inertia and passion states of mind.

Are they OK to eat?

There is no one fit answer to this question. Somebody who has no issue on using them can use them in moderation or precaution. If you have been diagnosed with one of the following issues, I would recommend eliminating nightshades from your diet:

Autoimmune diseases
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Osteoporosis
Ongoing inflammation
Rheumatoid arthritis

HOW TO EAT NIGHTSHADES?

If nightshades are not sensitive for you and they do not cause you unpleasant symptoms, here are some tips to enjoy nightshades in your diet:

Choose ripe nightshades: choosing the ripest fruits which are less toxic, since solanine levels are highest in unripe ones. For example, choose juicy red tomatoes over green tomatoes and red peppers over green peppers.
Cook nightshades: did you know, cooking makes food edible and reduces alkaloid content up to 50%. Lectins are also degraded, to varying levels, with cooking. Potatoes, tomatoes and the other Nightshades should always be cooked Ayuvedically, and the addition of Ayurvedic spices cumin, turmeric, black pepper or mustard seeds can relatively lessen their toxic effect. Cooking with healthy fat like ghee can reduce its toxicity.
Use moderation and variety: Ayurveda suggest eating everything in moderation as a medicine. Also no to eat same food every day. Eating nightshades once in a while is alright but should not addictive. Presence of nicotine can make us to eat them often. It’s not great to use tomato sauce and ketchup as daily condiments. Enjoy variety and use nightshades in moderation.

Read your tongue yourself: Ayurvedic tongue diagnosis

Posted on December 19 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

According to Ayurveda the tongue is not just an organ of taste only but also a strong tool for diagnosis. Tongue analysis is a part of Ayurvedic diagnosis complementary with pulse, nails, eye, face etc. Tongue is also called a window of the inner system. Ayurveda says, read your tongue and know your health status.

It is important to check your tongue regularly to recognize the inner system. Be your own doctor and look your own tongue in the mirror. Your tongue never lies and clearly indicates if your body is accumulating toxins, food is indigested or any indication of disorders.

Common findings with Tongue diagnosis

Internal organs health
Vata, Pitta or Kapha state or imbalance.
Presence of toxins and needs of detox.
Tension and emotions held in spine, shoulder or organs.
Anemia and cirtulations.
Malabsorption of nutrients
Inflammation of organs and body
Parasitic infection

Organs location in Tongue

Tongue represents the location of various organs.

The front of the tongue is related to upper GI tract, lungs, and heart;
The Middle part of the tongue is connected with liver, spleen, and stomach;
The back is associated with large intestine and kidneys;
The very tip is the location of thyroid and vertical line in the middle of the tongue represents the spine.

Common indication of your tongue

Coating colour and location

The presence of coating is an indication of poor digestion and toxin build up in the tissues.

Location:

The common location is on the back of the tongue which correlates to the colon area.

Correlates the organ location with the location of coating to conclude and if the coating is all over it means the toxins are in the blood stream and located in the whole body.

Colour:

If the coating is grey, black or brown, you can assume accumulation of Vata toxins and vata imbalance.

If the coating is yellow, organge, red, green, it indicates Pitta toxins and pitta Imbalances.

If the coating is whitish in colour, it is Kapha toxins and correlates to Kapha imbalance.

Cracks

The presence of cracks on tongue is representing typical Vata imbalance.

The location of cracks indicates about the organ-wise imbalance. The typical vertical line that is located in the centre of the tongue is indicating spine. If you see crack in the middle, it is an indication of stress and emotions being held in the spine. If the crack is on the tip of the tongue is cervical spine and it is holding pain, tension and misalignment on that area.

Similarly, if there are multiple cracks, it is a clear indicator of chronic/strong Vata derangement such as insomnia, nervous, fear, insecurity, and nervous disorder.

Swollen Tongue

If there is swelling on a tongue is the indicator of inflammation in the body. The location of swelling may varies and correlates to the inflammation of organ on that area. This can also reveal a Kapha imbalance such as fluid retention, allergic reaction, obesity, hypothyroidism etc. Swollen tongue may need more investigation and thorough examination.

Red Inflamed papillae on the tongue

It is very common to see red dots on the surface of your tongue, which represents the heat or Pitta energy in the plasma and blood tissues. The density of red papillae may vary and correlates to the respective organ locations. The condition like high fever, hyper acidity, ulcers, and acidic reaction may cause red inflamed papillae on the top of the tongue.

Pale Tongue

Basically, tongue is a muscular, vascular organ. The normal color of the tongue is red-pinkish. If the tongue is pale in color, it is a typical sign of low red blood cells, poor circulation or possibly anemia. This may happen due to low hemoglobin, excessive blood loss, Iron/B12 deficiency, parasitic infection, or side effects of some drugs.

Teeth marks around the tongue

This is one of the common marks that are seen along the perimeter of the tongue. The mark of teeth is indicating the poor absorption or malabsorption. If there is poor absorption of nutrients, it may lead to malnutrition. This signs also correspondence to nutritional deficiency. When the issue is solved, the marks disappear itself.

Dropping in the heart Area of the tongue

Looking into the heart area of the tongue, if you find hollowness or scooping, it is an indicator of emotional imbalance like sadness, grief, or depression in the heart. This may stay longer and remain chronically, which can be known by the depth and prominence of the marks.

Conclusion:

This article is composed with an intention of awareness rather than a confirmatory diagnosis. Make this analysis as a part of daily routine and read your tongue regularly. It is very important to know the tongue may vary each day and can change when the body got its balance.

Also it is very important to clean your tongue or do tongue scrapping as one of the first rituals in the morning. If you find any abnormality on your tongue, please visit your experienced Ayurveda practitioner to confirm your diagnosis

Takra Dhara (Shirodhara with Buttermilk)

Posted on December 14 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

Takra Dhara is one of the forms of Shirodhara, which involves pouring medicated butter milk gently over the head. Takra dhara is different from shirodhara in terms of the liquid poured on the head. Medicated butter milk with blend of herbs is poured gently.

Takra means butter milk, the diluted version of curd and Dhara means flow! This therapy is performed very similar to Shirodhara. Ayurveda always insists of taking butter milk which has a cooling and soothing effect on the body with additional benefits, rather than eating curd, which is somewhat hot.

Takra Dhara is the best therapy those suffer from aggravated vata dosha i.e air element. Generally the therapy is performed continuously for 7 to 21 days based on the effect of the imbalanced vata element as well the impact of the diseases.

Duration: 1 hr or as planned by Ayurvedic physician. Can be combined with Abhyanga/Massage

Indications

• Stress
• Hypertension
• Chronic Insomnia
• Migraines
• Alzheimer’s
• Paralysis
• Depression
• Ear & nose diseases
• Spondylitis
• Psoriasis
• Pitta aggravated diseases
• Vata predominant diseases
• Diabetic neuropathy

Benefits of Takra Dhara

While it resembles Shirodhara, the benefits of Takra Dhara are a bit different. It is an excellent therapy to fight against fatigue, nervous weakness, poor vitality and anorexia. Besides, it cures all foot related conditions like cracks, burning, itching of feet, etc. It improves the sense organs. Also, it is highly recommended for diabetic neuropathy.

Takradhara helps to stabillises the mind and improve the transmission of nerve impulses by increasing Acetycholine (ACH) which act as a mediator between impulses.

Also Takra helps to revitalize Prana Vata (Life force) by taking out exceeling heat out of body. It reduces the spped of neuro transmitters i.e the state of deep relaxation.

Hot Pressed Oil Vs Cold Pressed Oil – The Basic Overview

Posted on December 14 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

The edible oil we use in cooking is generally hot pressed oil. However, it is only in the recent period, once people gained awareness about the importance and benefits, cold pressed oil became very popular.
The major difference lies in preparing the input material used to press the oil, rather than pressing techniques. The input we feed to the press the oil has overall influence to a great extent on the properties of the oil. Of course, the way of pressing also impacts the benefits and properties of the oil.
Cold pressed oil means the inputs are pressed in a low temperature. To put in a lighter note, the seeds are pressed raw without roasting.
Hot pressed oil means the seeds are roasted and pressed under very high temperature.

Benefits of Cold Pressed Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is also known as gingerly oil, extracted from the sesame seeds. Sesame oil is prominent in Asian cuisines, especially Indian cuisine and alternative therapies.
Cold pressed sesame oil is extracted by simply pressing and crushing the seeds without toasting or roasting. It looks pale yellow and carry different flavor than hot pressed one which is darker. It retains the maximum nutrients possible during processing. It has higher quantity of essential fatty acids, which are literally reduced when the sesame seeds are roasted and heated. Unlike other cold pressed oils, sesame oil has longer shelf life due to an ingredient called Sesamolin prevents oxidation of the oil.

Good source of vitamin E and also rich in antioxidant
Has the highest concentration of the fatty acids – Omega 3 fatty acid, omega 6 fatty acid and omega 9 fatty acid.
Rich in minerals which includes iron, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.
All these minerals support healthy growth of tissues and prevents bones and muscles related deformities like arthritis, osteoporosis etc.
Supports cardiovascular health and controls hypertension

It is used widely in ayurvedic therapies as healing oil. It contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which nourish the skin, hair and body. It contains nourishing, detoxifying and rejuvenating effect to the body. It is the best moisturizer and the best massage oil. It helps delay aging process and prevents skin health from sunburn and damages. It is the best remedy for most of skin problems from dryness of skin to eczema.
Needless to say the culinary benefits of cold pressed sesame oil as it is a versatile one to use on regular cooking

October: Month of Ayurveda

Posted on October 18 by admin Posted in Blog Leave a comment

The month of October is an auspicious month for Ayurveda practitioners and Ayurveda health workers. It is during this month that the day of Dhanwantari Jayanti is celebrated. Dhanwantari is the Father of Ayurveda Medicine, and every year we celebrate his birthday in either October or November. In 2016, Dhanvantari Jayanthi falls on Friday, the 28^th of October.

Who is Lord Dhanwantari ?

Dhanu symbolizes sorrows and Antari means remover, hence Dhanwantari means the destroyer of sorrows.

According to the Hindu scriptures and traditions, Dhanwantari is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Dhanwantari is considered as the Physician of the Gods (Deva Vaidya). Hindus believe that worshiping and praying to him can improve their health. Dhanwantari is also considered to be the earliest practitioner and the Father of Ayurveda Medicine.

What is Dhanwantari Jayanti?

The birthday celebrations of Dhanwantari, the God of health and wellbeing is called Dhanwantari Jayanti. It takes place in an enthusiastic and delightful atmosphere and is celebrated throughout by practitioners of Ayurveda, Indian traditional medicine. It is a big celebration in Nepal and India and is observed with great honour to Lord Dhanwantari as the National Day of Health in Nepal.

This day falls two days before the biggest Hindu festival – Diwali, known as the festival of light and people worship Dhanwantari by lighting earthen lamps. It is believed that worshipping the Lord on Dhanwantari Jayanti will bless people with good health. It is written in the scriptures that, “One who remembers the name of Dhanwantari can be released from all disease”.

Dhanwantari Day in our modern era

Likewise, Yoga – the sister science of Ayurveda has been globally recognized, and we celebrate International Yoga day on the 21st of June every year. Dhanwantari Jayanti is a global festival of Ayurveda, and it is my hope that Dhanwantari Jayanti is declared as the international day of Ayurveda in the near future.

Wishing you a happy Dhanwantari Day

May you eat healthier!

May you exercise regularly!

May you never fail to do so!

Let go of the past!

Harness the power of nature, the power of Ayurvedic bliss, and ecstasy through yoga.

There is no greater way to kick -tart a new year than with a hopeful spirit and aspirations for a healthy body and mind.

I am whispering the very simple secrets to health and wellness.

“Diet is your medicine

the kitchen is your hospital

Cook and eat your way to health

Keep diseases at bay”

Vata is the fastest, Pitta is the hottest and Kapha is the sweetest.

Don’t let any one of the doshas overpower you, and create suffering after aggravation.

Pacify your buddy, the inner you, with Panchakarma, a detox and rejuvenation therapy!

Let go off the wacky mind and weary body with the greatest companion, yoga.

With the blessings of God Dhanwantari, we send you my heartfelt wishes for the dawn of this new day! May this day shower you with immense health, wealth, peace and prosperity.

Vibrant Ayurveda Family

Brisbane Centre

Gold Coast Centre

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