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Understanding fevers as protective mechanism

Shaka Vansya Ayurved teaches that there is a flow or cascade of tissue development.  And that the most superficial tissues are the easiest to "cleanse" of toxins. When we nourish our bodies and minds the food we ingest is processed by the liver to make intelligent blood or plasma that then is carried to various parts of our physiology.  The plasma or white blood cells have two component or layers. One stays as plasma and the other is converted to the next layer or depth of tissue which are the red blood cells. And so the cascade continues.  The red blood cells then form muscle tissue which form fat tissue, then bone, bone marrow, reproductive tissue and finally Ojas the "liquid light" that gives us vitality and that healthy glow.  Below you will see the cascade. Rasa ( white blood cells or plasma)            Rakta (red blood cells - RBC)                          Mamsa...

pain from hot food

Recently a friend called about not being able to eat anything hot as it caused extreme radiating pain in the face and jaw. This person had a pure (sattvic) life style and was very conscious about choices he made for his health.  So the question was what could be the source of the problem. We chatted a bit and started talking about various Ayurvedic protocols for the head and face.  The conversation got around to "pulling" which is a procedure where one hold oil in the mouth first thing in the morning to pull toxins out - the oil is then spit out.  He had decided the Coconut oil was good. It seems everyone is talking about the benefits of Coconut oil these days.  As we continued to discuss the situation the thought came that possibly Coconut oil might not be the best choice as it tend to be clogging of channels - both physical and vibrational.  Possibly this was contributing to the blocking of pranic flow in the mouth and jaw and causing pain. Hmmm. Well what i...

Memory

Medhya mean memory in Sanskrit and Vaidya Mishra has created a glyceride drop which is called Maha Medhya. It is recommended that one be under the supervision of an Ayurvedic practitioner knowledgable in the SVA protocols when taking the HP or high potency glycerides. So working with someone who can recommend dietary and life style protocols that would support the SVA herbs. This formulation  contains a special blend of herbs known to support memory and good calm mental functioning: Bacopa (Brahmi, Gotu Kola, Jatamansi, Black pepper and Nutmeg However we should also remember that a brisk 30 minute walk improve circulation and strengthen memory. Yoga postures, especially inverted ones bring more blood flow to the brain. Good fresh food and following a good routine. I have a friend who's wife was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's and he has he memorizing poems and phone numbers and she is improving. We also have her on Maha Medhya glyceride drops. One really...

Migraines

I was recently asked what SVA would recommend for migraine headaches.  From a preventative perspective the basic principles of good daily routine with regular meals and going to bed on time would apply. And as in all Ayurvedic treatments you treat the patient not the disease. Therefore even though 20 people would have migraine headaches they could have it due to many reasons. It could be either a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha disorder. However it is primarily a Pitta disorder where "the systemic pitta moves into the cardiovascular system, circulates, and affects the blood vessels around the brain" ( from Dr V. Lad ) When reading the medical literature on migraine headaches and the various types and symptoms one can get overwhelmed with the number of types and the methods of treatment. However the primary treatment with pharmaceuticals is by using vasoconstrictors when the acute symptoms arise. But where would one start if one wanted to try an ayurvedic approach.  If migraines are...

Bowel issues

Here we were standing on a beautiful spot looking out at the ocean and what did we talk about? Bowel movements! Yes! It has become a big topic of conversation. People are not so squeamish to talk about the frequency of our bowel movements, and colour and shape.  Years ago I saw a movie about and young emperor or China and how the physician used to examine his bowel movements on a daily basis to be fully aware of his health. One of the first things I would recommend if someone was having more frequent movements is a good hydration program with the "Smart Water" that I have written about in the past. Upon getting up in the morning boil 1-2 liters of good spring water (water that has not been chlorinated) and then add 1/2 to 1 teaspoonfuls of seeds of coriander, fennel, cumin and also a pinch of marshmallow root. The seeds support kidney, liver and digestive function and the marshmallow root is a good lubricant of the intestinal walls. Often just doing this will help. Then w...

Lemon Water

It is just routine. When I walk into a restaurant and they ask me if I want coffee or some beverage I always ask for hot water and lemon. The waitresses seem to be used to this request now. But even better than having Hot water and lemon with your meals is drinking it first thing in the morning upon awaking.  Lemon water helps stimulate the liver and helps the bowels to eliminate naturally. It also helps to reduce phlegm which may accumulate over night or at any time of the day.  This simple ritual of some hot water with 1/2 a lemon or lime in the morning is a purification / detox process. Great way to start the morning. SVA prefers limes to lemons as the post-digestive "taste" of lemons is still sour whereas the post-digestive taste of limes if sweet and more nourishing. Whether lemon or lime it these wonderful little citrus fruit have many benefits besides just kick starting the liver in the morning and cleansing our system. They are also high in Calcium, Magnesium, Pot...
Comfrey for external poultice I am wandering out the the realm of traditional Shaka Vansya Ayurved into traditional eastern European herbal medicine. Comfrey (Symphytum officianale) also known as Bone Knit has been used to wrap broken bones, sprains and bruises for 100's of years.  I have a great respect for Comfrey as a healing poultice.  I was just a young girl when I was introduced to comfrey by a friend of my mother's who was also a reflexologist. He have us a root to plant in our yard and we used it for various bruises and sprains.  Years later in my 30's I walked into a table and had a large multicoloured bruise on my thigh. I taped a small circular pad of comfrey on the bruise - the next morning the bruise was gone under the pad and all around the pad it was black yellow green and blue.  That was my confirming experience of the power of Comfrey. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfrey  Here is what Wikipedia has to say about Comfrey.  Basically it h...

Magnesium - and the spine

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Everyone is talking about the many benefits of Magnesium. Not only does it help to balance your blood sugar, strengthen your muscles and help you relax, it can help to elevate your moods, keep you body alkaline and strengthen your teeth. One recommendation that SVA has for the use of Magnesium is the transdermal application to the spine. Magnesium is drawn to the spine so applying "Magnesium roll-on" to the spine get it to the place where it is more needed. I have been scouring the internet and found a few good sites that speak in great detail of the benefits of Magnesium. The following from www.mindbodygreen.com.  1. Better sleep -  The sleep regulating hormone melatonin is disturbed when Magnesium is deficient. Furthermore, Magnesium brings balance and controls stress hormones. Stress and tension are often reasons why people suffer from insomnia in the first place. 2. Relaxes the nervous system  - Serotonin, which relaxes the nervous system and elevates mo...