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Intensive Ayurvedic Clinical Skills Training Practicum

Intensive Ayurvedic Clinical Skills Training Practicum

Intensive Ayurvedic Clinical Skills Training Practicum

Friday 17  –  Sunday 26 January 2025 conducted by Health Institute Australasia

The 10-day Ayurvedic Clinical Skills Training will be conducted at Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat, 87 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont, Queensland. The intensive clinical practicum will not be conducted as one of Nirvana’s typical retreats, as we want to support you in an exciting and challenging learning experience. Everybody will be expected to contribute through seva (service) and karma yoga, which will accrue towards clinical hours.

IN 17 January 2025. Please arrive after 5 pm. The evening meal will be available at 7:00pm

OUT 26 January 2025, after lunch.

ACCOMMODATION

Should you wish to stay at Nirvana, accommodation will be in twin-share, with shared facilities.

Please inform us asap, as single rooms and/or ensuites by choice or circumstances could incur a surcharge.

MEALS

Delicious, vegetarian meals will be provided. They will be cooked according to Ayurvedic dietary principles, and eaten communally.

STUDY

This will be an intensive period of training and study, with Dr. Swapnil Daspute BAMS, from 10 am – 1pm, followed by a lunch break, and then 2-5 pm, from Saturday – Saturday, 18-25 January 2025. Sunday, 26 January will be from 10am-1pm, followed by lunch.

Please bring your laptop. Free WiFi will be available.

FEE $6990

Inclusive of single room accommodation, delicious Ayurvedic plant-based meals, tuition.

Limited availability. Book early to avoid disappointment.

For more details contact admin@healthinstitute.edu.au

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A HEALTHY HEAD OF HAIR

A HEALTHY HEAD OF HAIR

Loss of hair can be a cause of great social anxiety for both men and women. The idea of losing all of your shiny locks is probably one’s worst nightmare in a post-Instagram world. Although the thinning of hair, in some cases, has nothing to do with serious health conditions, it can result in some people feeling a loss of self-esteem and others being pushed into severe depression.

This yearning of thicker, fuller hair has galvanised many people into spending exorbitant amounts of money on trying out various medications, switching products and adopting practices that ultimately have no significant result.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

  • Genetics
  • Hormonal Imbalance
  • Thyroid Problems and Other Medical Conditions
  • Side Effects of Medications and Supplements
  • Shock and Stress
  • Poor Diet

At Health Institute Australasia (HIA) we personally believe that overall health is more important than outward appearance, and the condition of hair loss or thinning hair doesn’t automatically turn an individual into a social pariah overnight. Pitta dosha types are prone to hair loss and balding. Nevertheless, hair loss or thinning hair in many cases might be the consequence of a sedentary lifestyle riddled with poor diet and lack of necessary nutrition. So, it wouldn’t hurt to explore the problem of hair loss and hair thinning at its source, in order to rejuvenate the thick, healthy and beautiful hair of your youth.

Let us shed light on some of the most obvious solutions to the problem of hair thinning that doesn’t require you to mortgage your home. One of the things you can do is to supply your body with essential nutrients and minerals that will keep your hair healthier and shinier for the long run.

 

AVOID THESE FOODS FOR STRONGER, HEALTHIER HAIR

Processed Foods

Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state to extend their shelf life or improve their taste and texture. They can be found on supermarket shelves in the form of snacks, prepared meals, soft drinks and many other products. Heavy inclusion of processed foods in your diet can cause hormonal imbalances that ultimately result in hair loss. According to nutritionists, a diet that is majorly dependent on refined carbs and processed food can be a reason behind unwanted hair loss. Since these foods contain copious amounts of sugar, they are likely to stimulate androgen levels that ultimately lead to hair thinning and sometimes baldness.

Drinking Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can cause extreme dehydration, which will dry out your hair follicles and, over time, cause hair thinning  Alcohol can also cause inflammation and increase liver toxicity, thus causing hair loss.

Trans Fats 

Trans fats tend to increase inflammation in the body, which can affect the health of hair follicles and lead to hair loss. In addition, trans fats can affect the production of sebum in the scalp, which can make hair oilier and more prone to dandruff. Trans Fats can cause inflammation and increase the production of DHT. Avoid vegetable, corn and soybean oils.

Sugar

When blood sugar levels rise rapidly, it can cause an inflammatory response in the body. Inflammation can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. In addition, sugary foods can also contribute to hormonal imbalances, which can also affect hair health. High levels of insulin in the body, which can be caused by excessive sugar consumption, can increase testosterone production. This hormone can be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is known to cause hair loss in men and women.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are often used as sugar substitutes in processed foods. However, they can be even more harmful than refined sugars. Artificial sweeteners can disrupt the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can lead to inflammation in the body. As mentioned earlier, inflammation can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss. In addition, artificial sweeteners can also disrupt insulin levels in the body, which can also cause hormonal imbalances. It increases DHT, elevates inflammation and imbalances hormones.

Caffeine

Tannins are molecules that stick to proteins and are found in tree wood and bark, unripe fruits and the leaves of plants. Ingredients in black tea and coffee can put a strain on your iron levels which could result in hair loss. Caffeine can cause dehydration, increase DHT and eventually result in hair loss.

Food Allergens

Eating food that causes allergies in the body can result in hair loss. Some possible food allergens include soy, dairy, corn, wheat (gluten) etc.

Be Mindful of Medications

Make sure you are aware of any side effects before you consume drugs. Many medications and supplements also have side effects that are directly linked to hair loss. If you are on some sort of medication, it will be important to know whether that medication is what is causing your hair loss. It would be a wise decision to seek better solutions than those harsh medications if they are available.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR THINNING HAIR AND BALDING SCALP

There are various natural remedies that people have tried over the years to overcome hair thinning, such as head and scalp massage, fenugreek, DHT-blocking shampoos (Dihydrotestosterone), rosemary and coconut oil, aloe vera…and no heat, either from hot water or hairdryers. There have also been drugs and supplements that people take to mitigate hair loss.

Favour eating nutritional food

Many conditions of hair loss are a result of a poor diet that does not offer anything to the human body in terms of nutrition and minerals. Like every other vital organ in your body, your skin, scalp and hair also need their fair share of nutrition to stay healthy. Described below are some foods that could help you by providing just what your precious hair needs to be stronger and healthier.

Food that is rich in Iron 

Iron is an essential component in an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase that helps cell growth. According to some research, hair follicle cells can be particularly sensitive to decreasing levels of iron and may not be able to grow new cells as effectively when iron stores are low Having iron-rich food such as lentils, kale, spinach and other leafy green vegetables will keep iron and ferritin levels high enough to sustain hair follicle health.

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is one of the most effective nutrients to help grow and strengthen hair. Vitamin C helps build collagen, which is highly important for hair growth. It not only turns your body into a powerful antioxidant but also helps the body absorb iron better. Some great sources of vitamin C are Guava, Papaya, Citrus and broccoli.

Vitamin A

Healthy hair starts from the roots, which is where new cells form at the base of the follicle. These cells then multiply and form the blocks of what becomes our hair. Vitamin A can affect cell growth, so enough vitamin A in your body can lead to stronger and thicker hair. It is also responsible for the production of sebum that conditions your hair. Foods rich in Vitamin A, such as pumpkin, sweet potato and Kale, can maintain the health of your scalp.

Biotin Rich Products 

Biotin is an essential B vitamin responsible for making your skin, hair and nails stronger. Biotin’s function in protein synthesis and more specifically, in keratin production, explains its contribution to healthy nail and hair growth. A lack of biotin in the body can cause hair to become brittle which makes it more vulnerable to thinning. Biotin is readily found in many foods and is also produced by normal gut flora. You can get more biotin in your body by eating egg yolks or nutritional yeast. You can also purchase a shampoo and conditioner that is rich in biotin.

Foods that are rich in Zinc 

Zinc provides the building blocks needed for healthy follicle development and helps to fortify the foundation from which hair grows. It therefore reduces the risk of hair breakage and loss. A deficiency in Zinc has been linked to hair loss, so try to include all of zinc-rich food such as chickpeas and pumpkin seeds in your diet.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids may stimulate your hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and improve the health of your scalp. Wild caught cold water fish such as salmon, sardines and herrings are loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent for a healthy scalp..

Bone Broth

Bone broth is rich in protein, collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other minerals that are often missing from a conventional diet. Nutrients such as collagen, amino acids and hyaluronic acid found in bone broth help reduce inflammation, heal damaged skin and hair, stimulate hair roots and boost antioxidant status As such bone broth is a perfect remedy against hair loss. The nutrients in bone broth not only promote hair health but also promote the health of skin and nails.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are reputed to play a key role in promoting hair health. Rosemary essential oil can increase cellular metabolism and thus make hair healthy. Similarly, Spikenard oil is also shown to slow down the process of both hair loss and greying.

Take Cooler Showers

Another way to protect your brain, scalp and hair is by keeping it away from hot showers. Hot showers can make your hair brittle, dry and more prone falling out. Always favour cooler showers for the sake of your hair. Also try to avoid using hairdryers as much as possible for the same reason.

Reduce Stress

Stress is one of the major causes of hair loss. If you want to control the thinning of your hair, then you must learn how to manage your stress. Practice yoga, deep relaxation techniques, meditation, deep breathing, journaling and spending time outdoors. Get plenty of rest and do not overload yourself with work, Learn to meditate.

The Bottom Line

In cases of hereditary hair loss, there isn’t much that can be done. Remember, there is more to your beauty and charisma than just beautiful hair. Being healthy in your body and staying positive in your mind will help you exude the charm needed to stand out in a crowd, irrespective of how you perceive your appearance in the mirror.

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DEEP WISDOM AND TRUE HEALING

DEEP WISDOM AND TRUE HEALING

If you’re seeking ways to explore and expand your wellness in any way, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or all of these possibilities, plus more, here are some useful thoughts about wisdom healing.

  1. Start with the basics

Immerse yourself in exploring and cultivating the energy within your body simultaneously with the outer universal source energy.

To come home to your body, and for the many healing experiences, which will build your awareness, confidence, belief, and trust in something greater than yourself (the profound power of the energetic field), begin with foundational practices to establish a strong grounding and framework.

Focus on learning and mastering awareness of the fundamental body and mind movements as well as the flow of energy, breathing practices and postures to release energetic blockages that can become the source of dis-ease, discomfort, pain, and emotional challenges. These building blocks will provide you with a solid foundation for your future exploration.

  1. Embrace consistency

Commitment to yourself is powerful. Go beyond your limitations and address the deepest causes and limiting patterns of your suffering. Make a powerful new pledge to yourself to connect with and emphasise your deepest. intention. Your answer, your truth, carries a certain energetic signature. It is the intention beyond what you do that determines the results of your actions.

Consistency is key to your practice. Set aside a dedicated time each day to engage in your exercises and meditation. Even a few minutes of daily practice can yield significant benefits over time. Give yourself your life back. By doing the practices, bit by bit, you will come home to yourself. Regular practice builds a pathway to access the wisdom of your body, heal emotional imbalances and traumas, and nurture your overall well-being.

  1. Cultivate and deepen the mind-body connection

Recognise and honour the interconnectedness of your mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is not just about physical postures, it is more about cultivating mindfulness and awareness within its physical modalities. Healing goes far deeper than the physical body. You must cultivate your own life-energy through accessing nature’s great store of life energy (called prana/chi/ki). Yet, cultivating your prana is not the most fundamental thing you need to do; cultivating your spirit is. Yoga is the refinement of mind-states to enhance the state of energy in the body. You will be able to see the deeper cause of your issues and the resultant energy contractions will become apparent to you. You enable healing of the physical body when you correct the energy patterns and unblock the constricted energies and their pathways. This leads to vibrant health, a harmonious body and mind, and an awakened spiritual life.

  1. Authenticity

A broader look at the landscape of medicine indicates the wonderful inroads that Western medicine has made in many fields. However, with our epidemic of chronic disease, people struggling with deteriorating health, ineffective medical treatments and limited resources for so many people, even first world economies with their enormous health expenditure per capita, need authentic and practical health wisdom now. Bring nature’s medicine back to the forefront of human wellness. With proven solutions for healing, preventing disease and illness, reversing ageing, and embracing a life of greater wellness, joy and connection, nature can actually be used today in our modern world to help heal us all.

  1. Learn from authentic teachers

An authentic lineage and proper mentorship and training are crucial to ensure you receive accurate instruction and guidance. Experienced teachers who have a deep understanding of the wisdom healing practices of yoga, meditation and ayurveda don’t just ‘do’ the practices. They live it. Many of them are ideally living, learning, and working at a wisdom healing life. Having a skilled, experienced and patient master teacher and mentor on your journey is one of the most healing gifts you can give yourself during this lifetime.

  1. Attend live classes

Attending live (face-to-face, on-campus) classes led by an experienced teacher are regular, immersive, experiential learning opportunities that will deepen your understanding, provide personalised guidance, and connect you with a supportive community of fellow practitioners.

Shanti Yoga combines the wisdom healing from meditative movement, vibrational energy and stillness, sound, visualisation and awakening practices. Shanti Yoga movements are adaptable for accessibility, are gentle, and free up the flow of energy. Accompanying visualisation and meditation can be done in any comfortable position: sitting, standing, or lying down. It is complementary to all other forms of energy work, movement, bodywork, spiritual practices, medicine, healing, and therapies, and is adaptable to all mobility and fitness levels. It is a whole system of practice for upgrading your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing, by using your connection with and cultivation of, the vital, universal life-force energy.

  1. Healing Retreats 

The true essence of wisdom and healing arises from direct experience.

A retreat at Nirvana will enable you to be guided directly by a world-renowned teacher and healer in the wisdom of yoga, meditation and ayurveda, in order for you to explore life with an open heart and mind, to allow the practice to unfold its wisdom and healing power within you.

The peaceful, natural surroundings of Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat provide the perfect environment for you to relax, recharge, focus on your practice, and connect with other like-minded individuals, while senior teachers provide you with additional support.

Journey back to wellness by embracing a new life aligned with nature’s intelligence, to gain a new lease of life. In nature, we find the source of healing, and our deeper inspiration to finding ourselves.

At a time where humanity is sicker, more exhausted, and more disconnected than ever before, our dedication and commitment to support you in your journey of self-healing and self-realisation remains stronger than ever. Together we can shape and evolve the consciousness of humanity.

Now is the time to awaken to your essence, open your energy flow, and heal your mind-body-heart.

May your journey be filled with joy, expansion, and profound transformation!

 

Up-coming retreats at Nirvana Wellness Retreat where you can start your journey with an authentic Yoga and Meditation teacher, Shanti Gowans.

 

  • Friday 27 December 2024 – Friday 3 January 2025 – Connect with the Sacred, Reconnect with Self
  • Friday 3 January 2025 – Friday 10 January 2025 – How to live with more happiness and freedom

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TREAT YOURSELF!

TREAT YOURSELF!

Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat is a private, eco-retreat sanctuary, located in Beechmont, just behind the Gold Coast in Australia. It is situated within 90 minutes of Brisbane and Coolangatta International Airports.

The 70-acre mountainside property boasts breathtaking, spectacular 360º views that take in the Gold Coast, the Pacific Ocean, Hinze Dam and all the beauty and tranquility that the Scenic Rim mountain ranges have to offer. Single and twin-share accommodation rooms are available in the beautiful Queenslander home, with indoor and outdoor areas ideal for working on your laptop, on site, high speed Wi-Fi and communal spaces surrounded by nature’s beauty.

The retreat invites you into the heart of stillness where true knowing, a transformative wellness experience and peace reside. True success begins with transformation from within. You don’t achieve this by force. When you nurture an accepting mindset internally, your actions and outcomes will naturally align themselves with your new way of thinking. It’s a ripple effect that starts with who you are inside and then reflects on the outside. At Nirvana you will encounter resource that will help your inner transformation.These include fresh ways of thinking, a balanced mix of relaxation, education, and productive habits for personal growth, deep rest and mental health

Participants leave feeling rejuvenated and empowered, with the inspiration and integration of wellness planning, strategies and health protocols that can be incorporated post retreat, for a healthier, more mindful life.

Morning Rituals

Soothing sounds of nature, and later in the morning, the wake-up ceremonial gong heralds the day. Participants can participate in the morning session on offer, which could be meditation or breathing and gentle, stretching exercise. This is followed by a nutritious breakfast made from locally sourced, organic ingredients.

Wellbeing Activities

During the day, activities based on the retreat theme will be offered. These could range from tutorials on Ayurvedic health, nutrition, stress management, mindfulness practices, holistic health practices, mindful art etc..Our experts will provide personalised guidance and actionable takeaways to support participants to integrate these practices into their daily lives.

Physical Activities:

Promoting overall well-being, such as nature walks, stretching exercises, gentle yoga and movement that is enjoyable and healing, rather than strenuous and exhausting.

Detox, Nutrition and Gut health

The retreat features carefully crafted Ayurvedic based detoxification of the gastrointestinal tract to enhance gut-health, with plant-based menus, medicinal teas and herbs. Meals, that are both delicious and nourishing, are tailored to gently cleanse the body while boosting energy levels. There is an emphasis on the importance of hydration, offering herbal teas, fresh juices, and Nirvana’s beautiful alkaline spring water. Mindful, communal mealtimes encourage participants to savour each mouthful and appreciate the connection between food and health. Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat also supports an at home detox program The herbal detox medicines are not delicious, however, they do have very effective health benefits.

Relaxation 

At Nirvana we have created quiet spaces for reflection, reading, or simply enjoyig the scenery.For mental clarity and focus, we encourage participants to aim for a digital detox to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with themselves. However, we are also realistic and there is free wifi that you can use, if you have only managed to get away because you are on a ‘working break.’

Ayurvedic Treatments

A range of treatments such as Ayurvedic relaxation herbal oil massage (abhyanga), Lotus feet massage (padabhyanga), scalp massage, lower back care (kati basti), forehead pour stress management (shirodhara), acupressure point (marma) and kansa wand facials designed to detoxify and relax the body are on offer. These need to be booked and paid for well in advance.

Community and Deeper Connection:

The retreat fosters a sense of community through group activities such as cooking classes, garden activities, nature and forest walks, group discussions etc. These activities are designed to encourage bonding, shared learning, and mutual support. There is also ample time for personal reflection, with journaling sessions, solo walks, and meditation corners available for participants to introspect and set personal wellness goals.

Wind-Down 

The communal day concludes with gentle activities such as stretching, guided meditation, or pranayama, before a light and easy to digest evening supper. On special occasions, the evening is celebrated with storytelling under the stars.or moonbeam meditation, or simple great peace.. The focus is on winding down, promoting deep rest, and preparing the body and mind for restorative sleep.

Nature

Nature is one song of praise that never stops singing. With fields, vegetation and forests, the human being is not alone and unacknowledged. They nod to us, and we to them. The trees say things in words before words. Leaves scent the air, and air rains down messages. Earth, water, sun and wind create tapestries of times, places and species that give rise to questions endlessly worth answering. A good answer must be reinvented many times, from scratch. Every piece of earth needs a new way to grip it. A thing can travel everywhere just by holding still and reflecting its vast interconnectedness. Stewardship of the earth is stewardship of the human heart.

Integrated Wellness Planning:

Whilst retreats deliver immediate wellness responses, an integral part of your retreat will be focusing on long-term wellness, so that you can integrate what you have learnt into your daily life. This could include creating personalised wellness plans, setting achievable health goals, and learning how to maintain the benefits of the retreat over time with practice CDs/MP3s which will be recommended to you, for you to purchase, either from the retreat shop or online. Also on offer are follow-up support, online resources, and community activities.

Sustainability

We are committed to using eco-friendly materials, supporting our communities, and minimising our environmental footprint. We encourage you to participate in sustainable practices during your stay, deepening your connection with the environment. Nirvana Retreat has a reputation for providing a serene and supportive environment for health and wellbeing activities.

How would you reinvent yourself? 

The absolute best version of yourself is right around the corner, with fresh ways of thinking,  productive habits, and perennial teaching.  Hit ‘reset’ on your life…

If not now, then when?

FIND YOUR RETREAT HERE

Upcoming Retreats

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TRIVRIT LEHYAM Ayurvedic medicine for constipation

TRIVRIT LEHYAM Ayurvedic medicine for constipation

Trivrit Lehyam is an effective Ayurvedic medicine for constipation. It is in herbal jam form. It is also known as Trivritadi Lehyam and Trivrilleham.

The trivrit herb which is native to India is a climber with a twisting stem. The Sanskrit name trivrit means ‘thrice twisted’ as the stems grow in an intertwined fashion.

Found in many Ayurvedic preparations, trivrit is also is used in the treatment of a number of conditions such as liver disorders, jaundice, arthritis, gout and headaches.

Shodana or elimination is a process recommended in Ayurveda. It is useful to eliminate ama or waste products from the main digestive organs; the stomach, the intestines and the colon.

With colon cancers on the increase in the modern world paying attention to eliminating toxins from the body would seem a wise choice. This does not negate the fact that you should correct the main cause of constipation by paying attention to what you eat. People will often ask if they can go back to their old ways of eating and stop the ‘pathyam‘ once they stop using ayurvedic drugs. Eating right is something you need to do whether you are on ayurvedic medication or not if you are to prevent the onset of disease. The food you eat needs to be based on your constitution (prakruti). As you grow older consume less chillies, tamarind, curds and lentils. Blander foods consumed with ghee, rice etc. help maintain health. The use of processed food and preservatives is a serious cause for concern. All people should preserve the tradition of home-cooked foods. For those over-worked, time poor housewives who also maintain a job, it is time the menfolk entered the kitchen in full force so that they continue to enjoy the luxury of safe, home-cooked food made from scratch, such as idlis made from homemade batter, or soft roti made from organic whole wheat flour.

A cleansed colon, from which all ama or toxins have been removed, promotes general well being. To maintain health, moving the bowels regularly is necessary. If for some reason this does not happen, vaidyars set to find out the cause, and as a purely temporary measure, may prescribe a safe laxative known as Trivrilleham. For those who are otherwise healthy, this is a very effective herbal laxative, which not only relieves constipation but is also good for the heart.

Benefits

  • It helps to relieve constipation, it is an excellent purgative with no bad taste.
  • It is good for the heart.
  • It is often used as part of the panchakarma treatment for virechana i.e. purgation.

Dose 
1 to 6 g of the lehyam is taken once or twice a day, usually after food, although it can be sometimes prescribed before food. The dosage should be completely tailored to the individual. Some people have very good bowel movements even with just 1 gm of the lehyam. So anybody trying this lehyam should start with very small quantities, observe the effect on the bowel movements and then adjust the dosage.

It is administered along with honey, milk or warm water.

For purgation it is taken at 5 a.m. to be following up with frequent drafts of hot water.

As daily laxative, it can be taken after dinner.

Side effects

Its dosage varies from person to person based on the strength of the digestive system.

Slight overdose may lead to severe diarrhoea.

This lehyam cause severe gastritis and vomitting, in addition to diarrohea.

It is best avoided in diabetic patients.

Caution

This lehyam is not to be taken by the old, the sick or pregnant women without the specific prescription of their Ayurvedic physician. As far as old people are concerned, Ayurvedis vaidyas caution that it is better for them to be a little constipated than to cause them diarrhoea. So older people should consult a vaidyar before taking this lehyam.

This medicine should be taken strictly under medical supervision only.

Ingredients 

A water decoction is made from the herb trivrit (Operculina turpethum).

Allowed to cool down.

To this decoction is added trivrit powder, honey or sugar and trijatha (cinnamon, cardamom and bay leaf or leaf of Cinnamomum tamala), and heated to semisolid consistency.

Reference

The recipe for this lehyam is given in the Ashtanga Hridayam (Kalpasthana 2/9).

त्रिवृत्कल्ककषायाभ्यां साधितं ससितो हिम: 
मधुत्रिजातसंयुक्तो लेहो हृद्यं विरेचनम् 

trivṛtkalkakaṣāyābhyāṃ sādhitaṃ sasito hima: |
madhutrijātasa
ṃyukto leho hṛdyaṃ virecanam ||

Warning

Do not take this product without the consent of your Ayurvedic Physician. The information provide is only for the purpose of information.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only, Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

 

 

by Shanti Gowans

 

 

 

 

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SEASONAL EATING – Food and the cycles of nature by Shanti Gowans

The energy patterns of the earth change according to its position in the solar system at different times of the year. These changes, which appear as seasonal changes, influence both the animate and inanimate matter on the planet. Ayurveda emphasises the importance of eating foods that are appropriate for each season. Since the different seasonal changes aggravate particular doshas, it is considered beneficial during such times to eat foods which subdue the seasonally aggravating doshas.

Each year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, on or about March 21 and September 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, and September 22 and March 21,in the Southern Hemisphere, day and night are of equal duration. The rays of the sun are directly above the earth’s equator, as neither pole is tilted towards the sun.

On about March 21, the North Pole starts tilting towards the sun, and this continues until approximately June 21, when it receives maximum heat, energy and solar rays. This is marked by the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The six-month cycle from March 21 to September 21 is called Uttarayama in Sanskrit, which means ‘towards the North (the sun rises in the northeast corner of the horizon).

On or about September 22, the North Pole again is back in its right alignment and is not tilted towards the sun. But, after this date, it starts drifting away from the sun. On or about December 22, the North Pole is at its furthest point from the sun. This is marked by the winter solstice. The six-month cycle from September 22 to March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere is called Dakshinayana in Sanskrit, which means ‘towards the South’ (the sun rises in the southeast corner of the horizon).

In the Southern Hemisphere, consider:

Spring September 22 to December 21

Summer December 22 to March 20

Autumn March 21 to June 20

Winter June 21 to September 21

Spring presents a time to purify the system of the many toxins accumulated during winter. With the accompanying change in the energy patterns, all living things start emerging from a long, winter slumber, and there are signs of new life everywhere. Mucous (Kapha) is aggravated in the spring, and the digestive fire becomes weak, which is why foods which are sweet, sour, oily or heavy in nature, including yoghurt, urad dhal, potatoes (unless eaten with fenugreek leaves, cummin, ginger or garlic), foods which have a cooling effect, those that produce mucous and stale foods, are best avoided. Favour bitter, astringent and pungent tastes.

Examples of foods to favour in spring:

– apples, bananas, mangoes, pears, strawberries

– bitter melon, spinach, rhubarb, spring onions, eggplant, ginger, radishes, zucchini

– barley, buckwheat, wheat

– chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, split peas

– asafoetida, cardamom, cummin, fenugreek, mustard seeds, saffron, turmeric, honey.

Summer is a season of lethargy. The body naturally accumulates calories in the form of fat during winter, as a protective shield against the cold, which is burned up in summer, producing a great amount of heat in the system, which creates dehydration. This process does not take place in spring because Pitta is seasonally low. As the stored fat is broken down, the glucose content of the blood increases, which, together with the amino acids, is eventually absorbed by the system to produce energy. While the fat is being burnt up, the blood becomes thick and dehydrated. The body’s vital fluids become denser and more sluggish, therefore consuming more liquids becomes essential. Sour, pungent and salty tastes and foods which are dry in nature, whether hot or cold are best avoided.

Examples of foods to favour in summer:

– all juicy fruit, apricots, bananas (in moderation), berries, grapes, melons, lychees, mangoes, stone fruit, pineapples, figs

– beets, squash (all kinds), beans, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, celery, lettuce, spinach, watercress, radishes, turnips

– buttermilk, yoghurt, lussi, fresh coconut water in coastal areas, and homemade lemonade.