During the summer months, both Pitta dosha and Vata dosha can become aggravated. The increasing power of the sun’s rays takes away the earth’s cooling qualities and allows dryness and heat to predominate. It also causes an increase in wind, which further decreases the quality of Kapha and increases Vata. Exercise during the summer should…

Ayurveda acknowledges that the process of eating and digesting is a wondrous thing that should be treated respectfully. In our Western culture the process of eating is too often either mindless, or merely a form of entertainment. We eat while we watch TV, work on our computers or have meetings— or we eat standing or…

Life, by nature, is unpredictable —and therefore, stressful. If we are lucky, the stress we experience is short-lived. Too often, however, situations occur that keep us stressed for days, weeks, or even months. This experience of unrelenting stress can cause significant damage to our health, mind and emotions. If you go to the internet, you’ll…

Regular eating after 8 PM leads to weight gain, according to modern research. Study after study has shown that those who dine late in the evening typically have waistlines two inches larger than those who dine earlier. The results of these kinds of studies underscore the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Ayurveda provides the knowledge of…

What is “Ama”? “Ama” is the Ayurvedic term for toxins and impurities that build up in the physiology, creating blockages to the flow of nutrients, circulation and biological signals. These impurities are most often attributed to poor digestion, but can also come from environmental pollutants and/or stressful experiences. Essentially, Ama is a form of un-metabolized…

According to Ayurveda, walking is a healthy exercise for all body types. In recent years researchers have confirmed that the old-fashioned stroll produces amazing results. It can lower your “bad” cholesterol, increase cardiovascular fitness, and stop bone loss. For maximum benefits, gear your walking to your body’s individual needs. Ideally you should stay within your…

Chronic Fatigue syndrome is an illness that consists of a constellation of symptoms lasting for many months. These symptoms are fatigue, joint problems, muscle tissue pain, trouble focusing, and trouble concentrating. It is sometimes related to a preexisting viral illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. While there is no established, effective treatment in Western, allopathic…

Ayurveda can give helpful insights into dealing with the common problem of constipation. It relates constipation to an imbalance in Vata dosha and, more specifically, its sub-dosha, Apana Vata. Apana is downward moving and governs elimination and menses. An imbalance in Apana Vata can cause dryness and a sluggishness of bowel functioning. If you are…

As we grow older, it is common to find that we are not as limber as we once were. Hands, elbows, knees and backs can become sore and stiff. According to Ayurveda, this reflects the natural increase in Vata dosha in the later stage of life. As Vata increases, joints can become more dry and less…