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…

The most important contributions that you can make to creating good health are in your everyday choices. Every day we have a choice in our diet and our routine. These choices ultimately create our body, our mind, and our consciousness. The more we understand why these choices matter, the more likely we are to choose…

Now that the cool, wet Kapha days of spring are behind us, it is time to adjust to the increasing heat in our environment. The hot, sunny, and dry days of summer mean that that same heating influence is increasing in our physiology. Ayurveda refers to this as Pitta. Pitta is hot, sharp, sour, pungent,…

There is an interesting term in Ayurveda; rasayana. A rasayana is something that makes everyone stronger, regardless of one’s individual mind/body type. Although we usually hear the word in reference to herbs and herbal formulas (such as Maharishi Amrit Kalash) it can also refer to behaviors. In fact, there is an entire subcategory,  Achar Rasayana,…

At first introduction, Ayurveda can seem a little complicated and mysterious. Because it is thought to be the oldest healing science in the world, its ancient Sanskrit terms can be confusing. Luckily, while Ayurveda is indeed a complex, sophisticated system of medicine, it is also logical, down to earth and simple to understand.   DOSHAS The…

During springtime, when Kapha is becoming lively in our environment, getting up early becomes more important than ever. During Vata season (late fall through early winter) we can get away with sleeping into the Kapha time of the day. Vata has been increasing in our mind/body system and a little Kapha influence can be grounding….

Ayurveda can contribute helpful recommendations that have been used to address viruses and the common cold throughout the ages. Firstly, if you have the slightest symptom of the beginning of ANYTHING, stay home, get plenty of rest, eat only when you are really hungry, and sip hot water throughout the day….and watch your symptoms. Make…

Traditionally, mid-February is a time when Ayurveda recommends taking actions to avoid spring allergies, colds and flus. Here are some helpful tips for boosting immunity and staying healthy. According to Ayurveda our bodies are more susceptible to health problems when the seasons are changing. This is because our body functions differently in each season. For…

Barley is a wonderful grain to begin working into your diet during the late winter months. As we transition from the cold, dry Vata days of early winter to the cold, wet Kapha days of late winter and early spring, our attention should be on shifting our diet to Kapha-reducing foods. Favoring astringent, spicy and…