Thursday, November 30, 2017

Benefits Of Coffee

After recently quitting coffee, I found this article on chopra.com particularly thought provoking.  This article by Brittany Wright discusses not only the western approach to the benefits of coffee but looks at consumption from an Ayurvedic approach.  One thing is for sure, whether you drink decaf or regular coffee, you should be drinking organic.  Coffee bean crops carry more chemical residue and pesticides that any other type of crop.  And if you're drinking coffee on the daily, that's a lot of toxicity over time.
Take a look at this article on chopra.com and decide for yourself.  To drink coffee...or to not.


Coffee Benefits, According to Ayurveda




According to the National Coffee Association, coffee is one of the most sought-after commodities in the world. The history of drinking coffee begins with an Ethiopian goat herder who first discovered the effects of coffee beans when he noticed that his goats would dine on the beans and forego sleep. He shared this observation with a monk in a local monastery. The monk boiled the beans, yielding a fluid that enabled him to stay alert through evening prayer. Soon, all the monks began drinking the coffee bean liquid––a secret that spread to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula, and then throughout the world.

Risks of Coffee

Throughout history, dietitians and physicians have warned about the risks of drinking coffee, mainly its ability to cause an increase in blood pressure or hypertension. However, current research does not support this perceived risk. Regular coffee drinkers seem to “regulate” themselves. In a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, after routine consumption of coffee (2 to 3 cups daily) for two weeks, the body adjusts, and the hypertensive effect is no longer observed.
Hypertension is considered bad because it can lead to cardiovascular and kidney disease. The American Journal study, however, found that in women, despite the short-term increase in blood pressure, drinking coffee is associated with a decreased chance of having a stroke. The researchers also noted that the effect does not seem to be due to caffeine, since other caffeine-containing beverages such as tea and soda were not correlated with stroke risk. Instead, the protective effect seems to be due to something else—components aside from the caffeine—but this requires study.
Coffee components can also affect the body’s ability to metabolize drugs; it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist about potentially negative interactions.

Benefits of Coffee

The coffee bean is a powerhouse of polyphenol activity. Polyphenols are compounds found in plants that have high antioxidant activity, combating damage-causing free radicals (unstable molecules that can harm DNA and proteins) from the inside out.
Chlorogenic acid, or CGA, is thought to be the most abundant polyphenol of the coffee bean. Unfortunately, CGA is depleted through the bean-roasting process. However, the average medium-roast coffee still contains approximately 50 percent of the CGA present in the original coffee bean. CGA is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may be the leading factor behind many health benefits observed in regular coffee drinkers.
Benefits attributed to regular coffee consumption include:

Coffee According to Ayurveda

Ayurveda teaches that all plants serve a purpose. Coffee is best viewed as a medicine. Just as with any medication, it is important to monitor its effects and adjust consumption accordingly.
Coffee is known to have a warm, stimulating effect in the body. It may promote energy, stimulate digestion, and raise blood pressure. These characteristics may benefit some doshic constitutions, but should be consumed in moderation by others.
(Not sure of your dosha type? Take the Chopra Center’s online quiz.)
Vata: Individuals with strong Vata constitutions have quick thoughts, and tend to be colder (in terms of body temperature) individuals with airy, gas-producing digestion. It’s best for Vata types to not consume coffee . Coffee may deplete Vatas; ginger tea is an option to help “heat” the digestive fire and stimulate the gut. Drinking  coffee may lead to poor focus or difficulty sleeping at night.
Pitta: Pitta types tend to be hot and competitive, with quick thoughts and responses. For them, coffee should also be avoided—perhaps one to two cups as an after-breakfast “rev up,” if at all. Coffee for this dosha type may manifest as overproduction of acid and temper: think gastric reflux, sarcasm, heat, and anger.
Kapha: Individuals with a strong Kapha influence may tend to feel somewhat heavy and slow-moving––not only in the morning, but also throughout the day. Coffee may be a fantastic tool to help stimulate energy in those with a strong Kapha dosha, as well as to promote digestion following meals.  On top of providing stimulation and energy, the diuretic qualities of coffee may help dry up some of the heavy, wet nature of the Kapha constitution.

Coffee—A Place at the Table

Due to its medicinal plant properties, coffee seems to have earned a place at the table. Stay mindful, however, that any false energy created through caffeine is ultimately draining to the body. You are generating energy in an environment where your body is naturally telling you there is none. Over time, this false production of energy may create imbalance. If you notice yourself feeling low on energy without your daily coffee habit, take a look at your regular sleep cycles. Sometimes, the body is asking for simplicity, and needs to be met with rest—not caffeine.
The takeaway? Go ahead and pour yourself that daily cup of joe. Just stay mindful of its effects, and consume consciously. As is often the case, choosing organic is a good decision—the less processing, particularly with potentially harmful chemicals—the better. Your taste buds, and health, may thank you.
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center's Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.

It's All About That Root Chakra

Feeling a little unbalanced, stressed, and overwhelmed lately?  Do all the Holiday plans and errands have you feeling pulled in too many directions? Your root chakra might be out of balance!

If that sounds a little too “woo,” think about it this way: your root chakra represents security, safety, and grounding. We’ve all felt a little out of sorts in those areas, right? If you’re feeling that way right now, check out this quick guide to help you balance your root chakra!




In Love & Gratitude,
Joy Arnold

Thursday, November 16, 2017

How To Balance Your Digestion





If you're feeling sluggish, dull or occasionally constipated, it's likely that toxins are building up in your body. According to Maharishi Ayurveda, toxins accumulate when your digestion and elimination are out of sync. This imbalance can lead to skin breakouts, menstrual cramps, fatigue, feelings of occasional sadness and other health issues. Balancing digestion and elimination is a specialty of Maharishi Ayurveda, and many of our herbal formulas do just that. One of our most effective formulas for balancing digestion is Organic Digest Tone, which contains Triphala, a powerful Ayurvedic herbal combination of three remarkable fruits.

"Happiness for me is largely a matter of digestion." - Lin Yutang

The three fruits in Organic Digest Tone are Amla (see image), Chebulic myrobalan and Belleric myrobalan — and each by itself possesses superior rejuvenative and health-giving qualities. Because Organic Digest Tone contains three elixirs in one compound, it is considered one of the most valuable herbal preparations in the world. A fourth ingredient, Cabbage Rose, is added to aid the synergy of the other ingredients and increase their effectiveness.
How does Triphala work? A mild laxative, it purifies so gently that when used for an extended period of time, it detoxifies even the deepest tissues and organs of the body. Impressively, in addition to possessing this powerful cleansing quality, Triphala actually supports absorption of food rather than depleting the body's nutrients. There are two byproducts of digestion: ama and ojas. Ama, toxic waste, is the byproduct of improper digestion. Of course, we don't want ama. What we want is ojas: the finest product of digestion, which, according to the historical traditional texts of Ayurveda, prevents health imbalances, creates luster in the skin and rejuvenates vital energy in the entire body. Organic Digest Tone promotes ojas in the body.
Digestion, when respected, supports healthy weight, consciousness, balanced moods, beauty and bliss; when disrespected, toxins accumulate and have the potential to cause many problems. There is an amazing potential for health, balance and bliss available in balanced, strong digestion. Vaidyas (Ayurvedic experts) recommend Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus), as this traditional, revered herbal formulation supports all other herbal products you take.
How Organic Digest Tone Cleanses and Rejuvenates:
  • Rejuvenates the digestive tract
  • Assists the body in absorbing nutrients from food. Organic Digest Tone is antioxidant-rich.
  • Promotes healthy circulation and includes capillary-supporting flavonoids; works as a cardio tonic
  • Helps cleanse the liver of toxins and supports its efficient functioning
  • Helps body tissue to detoxify slowly, including blood, muscle and fat tissues
  • Assists with maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol
  • Constituents include vitamin C and quercetin
  • Supports respiratory health
  • Assists the body with normal elimination, acting as a mild laxative
  • Assists the body in weight balance
  • As an added benefit, it is nourishing to both the eyes and the skin
Tips for Promoting Healthy Digestion and Elimination:
  • Avoid eating leftovers and foods that contain preservatives. Your body has to work harder to eliminate these impurities from the liver and cells.
  • Avoid cold drinks, as these reduce digestive power.
  • Drink plenty of warm water to help flush toxins from the body. Consider drinking Organic Kapha Tea, which stimulates sluggish metabolism and digestion, with meals.
  • Avoid cigarette smoke, alcohol, drugs, chemicals, pollution and exposure to other toxins as much as possible.
  • Go to bed by 10 p.m. so the body can rest during its natural purification cycle from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Eat your main meal at noon, when your digestive fire is high.
  • Engage in light, pleasant conversation while you're eating to support good digestion.
  • Don’t watch TV, read or work while you're eating. It's best to eat consciously, paying attention to the taste and texture of your food as well as how it makes you feel. Let your body be your guide, as it instinctively knows what is best for it.
  • Eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables and stick to a high-fiber diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains.
  • Cook with Ayurvedic herbs and flavors, including Ayurvedic Spice Mixes like VataPitta, and Kapha Churna.
  • For free Ayurvedic recipes, self-care guides, podcasts and newsletters, be sure to visit www.mapi.com.


Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

9 Tips to Live Ayurveda This Fall

Keeping with our theme of your health and Fall/Autumn, take a look at this article our very own Manas Kshirsagar wrote for Mapi.com.  


9 Tips to Live Ayurveda This Fall

As we transition into the fall season, the season of Vata, we can empower ourselves by bringing as much energy and happiness as possible into our everyday life with these simple ayurvedic tips. With a few easy changes in our routine, it may surprise you how easily we can transition from one season into the next!
Be with Nature
Take time every day for a walk in the sun. Early morning is a wonderful time. Turn off the phone and listen to the sounds of nature or the environment, wherever you are.

Eat Mindful Meals

Energy, calm, and joy — obtainable from the food that we eat. The trick, according to ayurveda, is to eat in accord with the rhythm of the seasons. As you read this, subtle changes in season have set in already. From October through February, when it is colder and dry, Vata qualities tend to dominate. To balance the effects of fall Vata, start with this resolution: "I will favor warm, cooked foods that nourish my body; have my main meal at lunch; and eat dinner at least three hours before going to sleep… before 10 p.m…” If we can keep this simple resolve, we'll be rewarded with some excellent health benefits. Here are some suggestions to help you decide on which foods to eat and what to avoid this season: Cook with olive oil or ghee, both of which balance and calm restless Vata. Drink Organic Vata Tea — thermos it, drink it and share it. Brew it in hot milk for a special Vata-balancing treat. Avoid raw foods, cold sandwiches, cold salads, and dry cereals with cold milk! Instead, try beginning the day with a warm stewed apple (get the recipe here!) or pear, and/or either oatmeal or cream of wheat cereal made with part or all milk. Eat well-cooked vegetables, rice with ghee, and mung dahl soup for lunch, made with Vata-balancing spices such as turmeric and cumin; or try our Organic Vata Churna. Snack on a chapati (flat bread made of wheat), soaked dates, or fresh non-acidic fruit with warm milk. Stay away from coffee and other caffeinated drinks, as they aggravate Vata. Try hearty soups and bread for dinner. Take a cup of warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg and some sugar or honey just before bedtime to promote sound sleep (remember to add the honey when the milk has cooled, as heated honey is considered very hard to digest and is actually toxic, according to ayurveda).

Try the Vata-Balancing Herbal Pack

Organic Calming Vata TeaWorry Free and Organic Ashwagandha. Don’t be deceived by the name… If you have any Vata-aggravated symptoms, Worry Free is one of our most powerful Vata-balancing formulas and, taken with our Organic Ashwagandha, it is a hard combination to beat!

Take a Rasayana


Try Amrit Kalash, our herbal rasayana that has been shown to defuse destructive, age-accelerating free radicals 1,000 times better than antioxidant vitamins C or E.
Add Exercise to Your Routine

Children, work, stress — we all have activities in our lives that can compel us to put exercise on the back burner. But those who have discovered how to weave a simple workout into their days are those who look and live younger. Does "working out" conjure in your mind visions of heavy weights and marathon runs? Relax. Light, non-strenuous exercise like walking or yoga asanas is a wonderful addition to our routine. Done regularly, these activities yield tremendous balancing and healing benefits and can enhance our experience during meditation.

Use Healing Aromatherapy


Beat the stress of your week by treating your senses to healing aroma oils every evening. Lavender is only one among dozens of aromas that can promote feelings of calm and cheer. Our dosha-balancing Aroma Oils are a great way to scent a room naturally and balance our body. When inhaled, the scents have a healing influence on the limbic area of the brain, which controls memory and emotions. Our oils are specifically formulated to balance the doshas… vpk. Use the scent that smells the best at the time you are ready to use the aroma. Let your body guide your decision.

Find Balance, Not Perfection

This week, go to work with the resolve that you'll seek balance in everything you do — not perfection. The quest for perfection is what stresses us out; however, the quest for balance restores us! Breathe deep — this will help you remain calm under pressure. Are you happy in what you are doing? Are you bringing joy to others? If not, what are your options? Reexamine your goals and priorities — even small ones. Share some joy with those around you. In all you do, seek to feel good about yourself and other people. Balance is the keyword in ayurvedic healing: if you work, love, eat, play, and live in moderation, you'll live long and happy. And there's no better time to remember this than on a full, busy schedule.

Give Your Skin Some Love


Self-massage, or the ayurvedic technique of abhyanga with a good-quality oil is now, more than ever, an essential. It really does need your attention — especially now that the drying Vata dosha is in the air, and deep winter just around the corner. It is no doubt easier to think about skin care on the weekend, but if you devote even 15 minutes to your skin every day, you'll feel an amazing difference in skin texture and complexion. If you already have a dry, Vata-type skin, then these 15 minutes will count even more. Our rich Youthful Skin Massage Oils for Men and Women are a luxury worth experiencing. Just 15 minutes! That's all it takes.

Heal Yourself Helping Others


Sattva, or goodness, is the highest of qualities, say ayurvedic healers. Take time to help others in need. Stay rested and nurture your heart and those around you. By helping others, done with pure intent, we heal ourselves.



*by  on 
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.