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The respiratory system is an intricate and delicate network of channels that carry prana (the vital life-force) and oxygen. The lungs are the organs that receive the prana and oxygen that we breathe in through our nose and mouth.

In Ayurveda, the lungs and the stomach are important sites of kapha dosha, the force in the body which is governed by the elements of water and earth. Most disorders of the respiratory system are a result of imbalanced kapha dosha. Mucus or phlegm is produced in the stomach and accumulates in the lungs. It can then be distributed to other sites in the respiratory tract manifesting as imbalances. [Read more…] about An Integrative Approach to Treating Asthma and Other Lung Disorders

This week is part 3 of our 4 -part series on obesity, or as Dr. Mark Hyman calls it, “Diabesity.” I covered the fact that the primary cause of obesity in our society today is insulin resistance and began a list of things you can do to cut down on your risk for diabestiy. The #1 item on that list, which I covered over the last 2 weeks, was to optimize nutrition through cutting back sugar in all of its forms. Remember that carbohydrates are sugars and the body uses them first for energy. However, if your cells have become insulin resistant, the carbs that enter your body cannot be processed properly and get stored as fat immediately. So now, instead of becoming energized by eating pasta, grains, starchy veggies and fruits, you become fat and sluggish instead. [Read more…] about Obesity and Insulin Resistance – Part 3

Summer brings pitta inflammation and heat if we aren’t careful. Many people experience migraines, joint inflammation, hives, acne, thyroid issues, adrenal burnout, weight gain because of a dysregulated pancreas,  gut issues, heartburn, high blood pressure, PMS, eye infections, general irritability and skin flare ups. Make sure you begin to think COOLING foods and cooling emotional patterns. Remember your positive affirmations, meditate, do moon salutations before you go to bed, take cooling salt detox baths, get facials, and follow the guidelines outlined below. Above all, enjoy your summer! Joy is not an absence of pain or stress…it’s real love manifested into feeling. [Read more…] about Manage the Effects of Summer Heat With Ayurveda

Parasites are much more common than people think. There are more than 3,000 types of parasites. Though they are most prevalent in populations with poor sanitary conditions, millions of people continue to become infected in developed countries as well. Giardia is still the most common parasite worldwide, causing a wide variety of digestive complaints. Because giardia is commonly water borne, campers, boaters, and backpackers are most susceptible. Foreign travelers too, become infected by drinking contaminated water or eating food which was prepared in unsanitary conditions. Pinworms and roundworms are also common parasitic conditions. [Read more…] about An Ayurvedic Approach to Treating Parasites

Last week I began a four-part series on obesity, or as Dr. Mark Hyman calls it, “Diabesity.” I covered the fact that the primary cause of obesity in our society today is insulin resistance and began a list of things you can do to cut down on your risk for diabesity. The first item on that list was to optimize nutrition and the #1 item under nutrition was to cut back sugar in all of its forms. Remember that carbohydrates are sugars and the body uses them first for energy. However, if your cells have become insulin resistant, the carbs that enter your body cannot be processed properly and get stored as fat immediately. So now, instead of becoming energized by eating pasta, grains, starchy veggies and fruits, you become fat and sluggish instead.

[Read more…] about Obesity and Insulin Resistance – Part 2

What To Do About Those Painful Hemorrhoids

Did you know that up to 75% of Americans will suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in life? Hemorrhoids are inflamed blood vessels in the anal region. From a conventional medicine perspective, they are thought to come from chronic diarrhea, obesity, constipation, and pregnancy. Men get hemorrhoids more often than women. Symptoms are anal itching, bright red blood in your stool or on the toilet paper when you wipe, rectal burning and pain, and painful passage of stools.

[Read more…] about What To Do About Those Painful Hemorrhoids