Ayushakti- ayurveda

[_e_]

well a healer i have been seeing for chronic fatigue/ 3 years of viral attack (including ross river fever, glandular fever, arthritis, encephylitis, gastro intestinal ulcers e.t.c) has booked me in for a 5 week ayurvedic treatment in india... when he said the people i would be meeting treat the dalai lama and have the original manuscripts from the lord buddhas healer onwards i thought it was just a bit of name dropping.....

But after a bit of reading on their website it really sounds like these guys have it going on!

(not to mention the guy in australia i have been seeing is one of the most ON healers ive met so far)

home healing herbs

the siddha veda

well ill get back to you in a couple of months as to whether it is all it promises to be.....

[folias]

Looks good to me!

Interested to hear how you find your stay there!

Julian.

[mescalito]

Wow sounds very interesting and I hope you get some major healing happening mate.

Shame you just missed their Aus tour going by the website.

Good luck and let us all know how things go for you.

[Benzito]

Let us know what they treat you with, and how it goes for you E.

But, with what I've heard of India's sanitation issues, I wouldn't be surprised if you pick up a few new illnesses while you're there! j/k

Have you got security lined up for your garden while you're away?

[_e_]

following the theft of my cacti i gave the remainding collection to torsten to take care of, and my plants to another more then capable plant lover/plant teacher... other then that i have a few things in the ground around the place but nothing of any significant worth...

we wanted to leave after ega, but it all depends on my partners visa which is currently in review, whether or not im well enough to travel, and when we can get reservations with ayushakti..

Our hopes are to do ega, round up some much needed $$$ sell our crazy doof van/mobile bedroom/chrysalis and get as much plants and cacti in the ground and in good care, do the ayurveda, and spend summer in sweden..

Although as we all know making plans to do something and doing it are two very different ball games....

We were hopign to do work with the phllebophylla however my illness has been quite debilitating and we have only been able to soak up the healing space of the mountain rather then try to interact on a formal level with institutions who are already suspicious of our intentions...

We have made many good leads on this front however it will have to wait for next flowering before we can do anything of any value for the cause.

[_e_]

heres some updates... just recieved the following information that i thought id share with you..

Diet and Lifestyle Preparations at Home

Your Panchakarma at our Ayushakti clinic will take approximately 4-6 weeks depending on the advice given to you by your Ayurvedic physician according to your health status. However, it is very important that you prepare yourself already 4 weeks before with a particularly light and easy-to-digest diet. This will allow you to start the Panchakarma process soon after your arrival and ensures that you do not waste your precious time at Ayushakti simply with preparing for the cleansing.

The special diet guidelines are attached at the end of this document together with some simple recipes. You may have been advised this diet already by Dr. Naram or somebody from the Ayushakti team during an earlier consultation. If this is the case and you are following these guidelines properly, then there is little for you to change. Simply make sure you strictly adhere to everything that is mentioned, plus eat purely vegetarian for at least one month before travelling to Mumbai.

Herbal remedies:

If possible, take twice a day ½ tsp. of Supachak (an Ayushakti remedy) after your meals for the last 2 weeks before coming to India. This herbal powder preparation removes toxins from the GI(Gastro Intestinal) tract and increases digestive capacity, which is essential before starting the Panchakarma process. If this powder is not available, simply drink hot ginger water 3-4 times a day and take 1 tsp. castor oil at night with warm water before going to bed.

Lifestyle:

Try to rest and relax as much as possible before coming to Ayushakti. Even if you have to work in the last month, make sure that your weekends and spare times are not filled with hectic schedules, lots of socialising, going out and late night activities. Create some quiet space for yourself where you can prepare mentally, emotionally and physically for your cleansing process in India. Panchakarma can become a powerful, life-transforming experience for you, if you allow your body to open to it on all levels of existence.

Preparing Yourself for the Flight

Air travel is very stressful for the body, particularly intercontinental flights with crossing of time zones. In order to be ready and fit to begin the Panchakarma treatment as soon as possible after your arrival, you should observe the following:

• Take one tsp. of castor oil with warm tea or ginger water before going to bed on the last two nights before take-off as well as on the first two nights in India. This helps calm down vata, which increases drastically during the flight.

• In the morning before take-off, oil yourself or at least use a good body lotion to protect your body from the severe dryness that is caused by flying. You may also put 1-2 drops of plain sesame oil in your nostrils for the same reason. Applying ghee on the temples during the flight keeps the mind calm and promotes sleep.

• Very little should be eaten on board, because your body cannot properly digest food due to the cabin pressure and the speed of the aircraft. Take a light soup or broth in a thermos flask with you and rice cakes, but under no circumstances eat the airline food or any sandwiches, meat, salad, cheese or wheat.

• You can also take a small container with muesli or porridge oats with you and ask on board for some hot water to soak it for 15 minutes before eating.

• Ensure you drink enough during the flight – of course, no alcohol.

• Get up and move around in the cabin from time to time.

The First Steps After Your Arrival in the Clinic

• Take it ‘nice and slow’ on the first day and simply relax from your journey!

• Once you are settled in your room you can come to the restaurant or reception somebody from the Guest Relations will show you around the clinic building and orient you with clinic facilities and services offered here and also will help you with the simple registration and issuing of your personal patient card.

• Once your patient card is ready and you have waited for at least three hours after the last food (i.e. you are on empty stomach, one can have liquid food, but no solid), you can go and meet the Panchakarma physician for your first pulse consultation. This doctor will organise your initial treatment and diet plan as well as prescribe the remedies you will need to take. Throughout your stay you will meet this doctor on a daily basis –feel always free to ask any questions regarding your treatment or diet.

• Please, inform the doctor if you are currently taking any medicines or drugs, and whether you have received any long-term treatments at home.

• Kindly observe all recommendations of the physician, because these will support you in your cleansing process – whenever you are in doubt about anything, just speak to your doctor for clarification.

• It is advisable to limit all out-door activities in the first few days until your body has adjusted to the new climate and surroundings. Avoid long walks through the crowded streets or shopping trips to the busy markets and bazaars. Once you are more acclimatised, you can explore other parts of Mumbai and, if you wish, we will also organise small excursions to nearby national parks, temples and other attractions, which will not leave you too exhausted.

• All employees of Ayushakti will always help you with any questions or problems.

Diet Guidelines for the Panchakarma Preparation at Home

Foods to avoid:

Heavy to digest foods such as wheat, meat, fish and refined sugar. These foods severely decrease the digestive fire (agni) and produce mucus and toxins (aam). Deep fried foods are also heavy to digest and highly vata increasing.

Sour foods such as tomatoes, all sour fruits (oranges, pineapples, grapefruits etc.), vinegars and hot spices like chillies. These foods increase pitta and heat in the body and also reduce the digestive power (esp. tomatoes).

Fermented or fermentation increasing foods such as yogurt, alcohol, hard cheese and yeast containing foods such as marmite, veggie pâtes, soya sauce and beer. All fermented foods are sour in nature and therefore have pitta-increasing qualities. Whenever there is too much pitta and heat in the intestines, fermentation is multiplied, thus resulting in gas and decreased digestive capacity.

Raw vegetables, sprouted beans and salads. They are hard to digest, cooling and vata-producing. Broad, black-eyed and kidney beans, chickpeas, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts and cabbage should be avoided even when cooked.

Ice-cold foods and drinks are immediate ‘killers’ for the digestive fire. They are best avoided totally, but if taken then not directly before, after or together with meals.

Avoid ready-made, tinned and microwaved foods! They are devoid of life force (prana), deplete the digestive fire and produce toxins in the body.

Foods to enjoy:

Cooked vegetables such as pumpkin, squashes, marrow, courgette, spinach, asparagus, fennel, swede, sweet corn, onions, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, celery, sweet potatoes, French beans, mange-tout, chicory, kale, chard, rocket, alfalfa, chestnuts, artichokes, leeks, mushrooms and seaweed. However, potatoes, peppers, aubergine, cauliflower, broccoli and peas should only be taken occasionally. Lettuce and salads made with leaves only (esp. bitter ones like rocket, radicchio, sorrel etc.) can be taken at lunchtime, preceding the meal and served with oil. Avocados are also okay.

Pulses like green and split mung, red lentils and tur dal are easy to digest, balancing and highly nourishing. Sprouted mung beans can also be used, but need to be cooked. To get the full value from pulses, eat them together with grains (esp. rice).

Grains including rice (red, brown or white), oat, rye, maize, millet, amaranth, quinoa, kamut, spelt, polenta; basically everything other than wheat. Flours made from the above grains and also from potatoes and buckwheat are excellent substitutes for ‘normal’ flour. Bread (wheat free!) should only be eaten when toasted as the dry heat stops further fermentation. Porridge made without milk, but with cinnamon and cardamom, coconut flakes, soaked raisins or stewed fruit is an ideal breakfast: easy to digest, highly nutritious, warming and energising.

Seeds and nuts are heavy to digest and can be vata-increasing. If taken at all, they should be ground, soaked over night or made into a paste or milk. Peanuts and cashew nuts should be avoided though. The flesh, milk, cream and flakes of coconuts can be used liberally.

All sweet fruits such as apples, pears, apricots, grapes, cherries, plums, sweet berries, fresh figs, dates and also pomegranate. Lemons can be taken in moderation. Bananas are very cold in energy and therefore best eaten when cooked. They should be avoided while having a cough, cold, flu or mucus accumulation in the respiratory tract. Unsulphured dried fruits are okay, but should preferably be soaked or made into stew.

Of all dairy products ghee (clarified butter) is the best - it is like a medicine (pitta-reducing) and can be cooked with and added to practically everything. Normal butter is also good and definitely better then margarines and other such processed spreads! Milk should only be taken warm and, preferably, spiced with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon or turmeric. Good alternatives to cow’s milk are soya and rice milk. Fresh cheeses such as cottage cheese, feta and ricotta are easier to digest then hard, old ones and are also less mucus producing. They are best enjoyed with some black pepper to stimulate agni.

Eggs, tofu, tempeh, miso and soy chunks are okay in moderation, but seitan (pure wheat gluten) and quorn (highly processed fungus protein isolate) should definitely be avoided.

Sweeteners: refined sugar should be replaced by jaggery (solidified sugar cane juice), raw cane sugar, rapadura, date sugar, rice syrup or honey. Honey should not be used hot, as it is not heat stable: when heated, cooked or baked over 40ºC it becomes denatured and causes obstructions in subtle channels.

Drinks: Tea and coffee can be drunk, but herbal or green teas are better. Good alternatives to real coffee are Caro, Barley Cup or dandelion coffee. Ginger tea made from fresh roots is warming, agni increasing, removes mucus and toxins and is the number one remedy for coughs and colds. Plain hot water is also good for clearing the digestive tract. Fresh vegetable and fruit juices are very nourishing, but should be avoided in cold weather or while suffering from colds.

Most essential is the use of spices. Cumin, coriander, fennel and saffron are the best for balancing all doshas, increasing agni, and should be used liberally. Black pepper, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, mustard seeds, nutmeg, ajwain, onion and fenugreek seeds, all fresh and dried herbs as well as onions, garlic and ginger can also be used. Asafoetida (hing) reduces vata and should be added when cooking pulses, beans and cabbage to reduce their gas-producing properties.

Generally:

- Cooked is better than raw!

- Warm, sloppy, soupy meals are better than heavy, dry, solid foods.

- Never mix milk with fruit, meat or fish, as these are incompatible food combinations!

- Never heat honey above 40ºC!

- Only eat when hungry and when the last meal has been digested (after 3-4 hours).

- Avoid eating late at night and leave at least a 2-hour gap before going to sleep.

Ghee - Clarified Butter

To make ghee, use unsalted and good quality butter. Place the butter in a pan and let it melt and simmer on the lowest possible heat. In the beginning it will make a lot of noise, the butter will look thick and cloudy, and foam will appear on the top. In the first five minutes give the liquid an occasional stir to allow the water content to evaporate, and then leave the liquid to continue simmering for a further 15 minutes. Slowly particles will sink to the bottom, the foam will settle on the top and in-between the pure butter oil will become clear. The moment the sediment on the bottom starts to turn brown, remove the pan from the heat, skim off and discard the foam, and strain the liquid through a very fine sieve or muslin into a jar.

Don’t store ghee in the fridge: it doesn’t go rancid and will keep for months. Use it for cooking (ghee doesn’t burn as quickly as butter does), and you can always add a teaspoon to your food. ENJOY!

Mung Soup

Mung beans are less gas-producing than other beans, help remove toxins (including heavy metals!) from the body and stimulate the digestive fire. Wash the mung beans thoroughly and then soak them either over night or for at least two hours before cooking. Heat ghee or olive oil in a pan and add a teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 pinches asafoetida (to take the gas quality out of the beans) and two bay leaves. (All ingredients are available in Indian food stores and most health food shops.) Place the soaked beans in a pan and add fresh water. For one part mung you need at least three to four parts of water. Leave to bubble away for 30-40 minutes, adding water as necessary. Slowly the beans begin to soften and break up. Continue to cook until all the beans are soft. If you use a pressure cooker, the soup is cooked much quicker.

Whilst the beans are cooking, heat some ghee or olive oil in another pan and add one teaspoon of cumin and coriander seeds plus any other herbs or spices (except chillies), such as cardamom, black pepper, kokum etc. Sauté briefly, add 2-3 cloves of garlic, some fresh root ginger and sauté until these turn golden brown. Once the beans are soft, add the herbs and spices plus some rock salt and continue to simmer for a further few minutes. Don’t add salt in the beginning, as this makes the beans tougher and therefore take longer to cook. Serve with fresh coriander leaves and ghee.

Khichadi

Khichadi is a simple stew of rice and split mung beans which is easy to digest and stimulating to the digestive fire.

Soak the split mung beans for at least one hour before cooking. Heat ghee or olive oil in a pan and add cumin or coriander seeds. Then add some finely chopped onion, root ginger and garlic and sauté all until golden brown. Stir in 1 tsp. turmeric powder, 1 tsp. asafoetida, some black pepper and a few bay leaves. Take a cup and fill it half with mung and the remaining half with white basmati rice. (One can also add any chopped vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, green beans, courgettes, asparagus etc.) Add the beans into the pan with a minimum of four cups of water (more if you have added vegetables). In a normal pan you will need to cook it for about 30 minutes, adding more water as necessary, whereas in a pressure cooker it will cook within 5 minutes after coming to pressure.

When it is ready, i.e. the beans have become completely soft, add a little salt and serve the khichadi with ghee and freshly chopped herbs. You can experiment with a variety of vegetables and spices to create different flavours.

Breakfast Porridge

In the evening place some water in a pan and soak at least 10 black raisins, 2-3 dates and some dried figs and apricots if desired. (Dried fruits should either be soaked over night or cooked into compote.) You can also soak a combination of seeds and nuts like: sunflower and pumpkin seeds, blanched almonds, hazelnuts, shredded coconut, sesame and linseeds (flax). In the morning bring the water and soaked fruits etc. to the boil and add 2 tsp. cinnamon powder and 4 crushed cardamoms. Then pour in rolled oats and cook until soft. Experiment with adding different grains such as flaked millet, popped quinoa, amaranth etc. and try adding 1 tsp. fennel seeds. To make the porridge creamier, use Oatly (oat milk), soya or rice milk. If you like it really sweet, add any syrup of your choice (date, barley, rice, maple etc.), fruit spreads or hazelnut and almond butter.

Ginger Water

Ginger water is the ideal remedy when you have a cough, cold or excess mucus accumulation in your throat and sinuses. Being hot in nature ginger has the quality to cut into and loosen mucus as well as stimulate your digestive fire so that the stomach can clear the mucus effectively. Due to this stimulating action on the digestion it is also the perfect drink before a meal or half an hour afterwards, if your digestion is sluggish.

Cut 4-5 slices of fresh root ginger and place in a pan of water. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer for at least 5 minutes. Strain into a mug and enjoy! If you wish to sweeten it with honey, add it only after the liquid has cooled to drinking temperature, as honey is not heat stable.

Digestion Enhancing Tea

Put 4 cups water, 2 tsp. cumin powder, 2 tsp. coriander powder, 1 tsp. rose water, 4 crushed cardamom, 1 tsp. fennel seeds, 1 pinch black pepper, 1 pinch asafoetida and 2 slices fresh root ginger together in a pan and bring to the boil. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, remove from the heat and keep covered for another 20 minutes. Filter and keep warm in a flask to drink regularly throughout the day.

[_e_]

And HERE is the whole 'ayurveda is...', 'Panchkarma is....'

Brief description of Ayurveda:

According to Ayurveda, the human body is made up of three main components:

1. Three Doshas (The bio-energetic principles that constitute it)

2. Seven Dhatus (Tissues of the body)

3. Three Malas (Excretory matter)

Some basic words you should know about:

Doshas

There are three doshas or bio-energetic principles in the body:

1. Vata

• -elements: air and ether/space

• -main qualities: light, rough, dry

• -main site in the body: colon

• -function: all movements of and within the body like locomotion, digestion, respiratory movements, excretion

2. Pitta

• element: fire and water

• main qualities: hot, sharp, sour

• main site: abdomen above the navel

• function: metabolism and transformation

3. Kapha

• element: earth and water

• main qualities: heavy, liquid/unctuous, cold

• main site: above the diaphragm (mucous membranes)

• function: lubricates the inner & outer lining of the cavities of the body as well as provides solidity and sturdiness to the body. Responsible for shape.

Aam

• improperly digested food transformed into toxic matter.

• enters the circulatory system and can block any channels

• interferes with digestion

• cause of “unwellness” and disease or any feeling of heaviness

Agni

• digestive fire in the stomach

• all metabolic fires

Meaning, Source and Goal of Ayurveda

“Ayu” means life, and “Veda” means wisdom. Hence, Ayurveda is the wisdom of life; in other words, the Art of Living.

Ayurveda is an ancient science given by Lord Dhanvantari in order to relieve human beings from the sufferings of disease and give them knowledge about how to avoid disease.

Ayurveda understands the living entity as an individual spiritual soul, which is in its conditioned state embodied by the gross and subtle bodies.

The goal of Ayurveda is to give body and mind health and equilibrium so that a person is able to fulfill the purpose of his/her life.

Health and Disease

According to Ayurveda, health means to be physically, mentally and emotionally balanced in order to experience spiritual bliss.

The Process of Disease

Seasonal changes and improper life style and diet can disturb the digestive fire (Agni). As a result, ingested food is inadequately metabolized and is converted into Aam (toxins). In addition, an imbalanced Agni (digestive fire) deranges the Doshas (biological forces), which become excessive or reduced. These disturbed Doshas along with Aam not only stay in the intestines but also shift into other, more subtle channels and block them. This interferes with the normal functioning of the various systems of the body and later results in illness, which may manifest in physical, mental or emotional disease.

The Ayurvedic Way of Healing

The approach of Ayurveda is therefore to regulate Agni , to reduce Aam , to remove blocks and to balance the Doshas.

This regulates not only the functions of the body but also the mental and emotional processes in the body.

Ayurvedic Treatment includes Six Tools

1) Herbal remedies/medicinal formulas

2) Home Remedies

3) Diet

4) Life Style

5) Marma

6) Panchakarma

In order to insure maximal benefit from your Panchakarma treatment many of these tools will be utilized. In Ayurveda, treatments are individually designed for each patient according to his/her imbalances. Your particular imbalance is established by pulse reading. An expert pulse reader can obtain very detailed information about what is happening in your body, mind and emotions at any given moment in time.

Panchakarma

Panch = five

Karma = actions

Panchkarma is a total cleansing process and a rejuvenation therapy unique to Ayurveda. It involves five cleansing methods, but here we will only describe Virechan and Bastis, which are the appropriate main procedures for the majority of people to eliminate or rectify disturbed Pitta and Vata.

A complete Pancha Karma treatment ultimately requires preferably a preparatory diet for at least three weeks prior to arrival, four to six weeks of intensive in-house therapies followed by three to six months of rejuvenating herbal remedies. For maximal benefit participants should observe dietary guidelines at home.

TREATMENTS

A) Virechan-Purgation therapy

Virechan is a powerful therapy used for the elimination of toxins, namely AAM, and excessive Doshas, particularly Pitta, from the gastrointestinal tract. It cleanses the blood and Pitta-related organs like the small intestines, liver, gallbladder and spleen. It also strengthens digestive and metabolic processes.

Once a patient’s Aam is reduced the actual Virechan procedure can commence.

• This starts with intake of medicated Ghees and/or oils for 3-6 days.

• The Ghee induces the dhatus (tissues) to release the accumulated toxins and transport them to the GI-tract.

• The Ghee (clarified butter) is given in increasing amounts so that it can’t be digested completely. The Ghee that is not digested circulates within the body and brings Aam back to the GI-tract.

People have varying experiences during this preparatory period. Because of the relatively large quantity of Ghee you ingest during this period you might feel tranquil and peaceful at this time. For some people, childhood experiences come up. Because Pitta is also increasing during this period, some people experience Pitta related emotional symptoms including emotional lability, anger, rage, envy or hot temper.

• Normally, Ghee (clarified butter) is taken with hot water on an empty stomach twice daily, in the morning upon waking and before retiring in the evening. The last three days of your “Ghee-days” you will have an oil massage daily which promotes the removal of toxins.

• Immediately after these massages, you will be invited to sit briefly in a “steam box” where vapor gently dilates your body’s channels further enhancing the detoxification process.

• After a one-day break, the actual Virechan purgation process begins. This day is called “Virechan Day.”

• On Virechan day, you will be given a special herbal formulation to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. This preparation will induce numerous bowel movements throughout the day. The AAM (toxins) that have accumulated in your body over many years will be eliminated through your stool. It exits as clear to yellow mucoid material. Please keep a diary during this day and record the number or bowel movements, amount of AAM excreted, its color and smell.

• To avoid dehydration, you are encouraged to drink tea or water during this intense process.. Once your bowel movements have ceased, you can consume solid food (Kichadi).

Note: explicit individualized information will be given to you by your Pancha Karma physician.

Virechan Karma is comparable to a surgical procedure which removed all the unwanted toxic material from your GI tract. As a result, your GI tract is very sensitive. In addition, your digestive fire has been dramatically reduced so you will not be able to adequately digest heavy foods for the next several days. Therefore, please comply, to the best of your ability with the dietary guidelines that you receive following the procedure. These dietary restrictions should be followed approximately 6 days depending on your doctor’s discretion. If you follow these simple principles, your digestive and metabolic processes will be more efficient and greatly enhanced. Note: During this period, your doctor may recommend additional Shirodhara and Heartdhara treatments which support and balance your mind and emotions and further support the cleansing process.

For some people, the days after your “Virechan Day” can be the most difficult period you endure during the entire Pancha Karma process. During this period, you meet yourself and see yourself in a different light. This shift will naturally require some adjustment.

The process of Pancha Karma is very deep, arduous and intense. The result is powerfully transforming and life altering.

B. Basti (Medicated Enema)

Basti treatments begin after the process of Virechan has been completed.

• This is an extremely important and beneficial part of Pancha Karma as it stabilizes the organism.

• Bastis are medicated enemas which contain herbal decoctions and medicated oils that nourish the entire body.

• Bastis not only eliminate accumulated fecal matter from the entire colon, but also eliminate Aam from the entire body.

• Additionally, Bastis are the most powerful treatment to control Vata, which damages dries out the channels of the body if excessive. They also stimulate Agni formation.

• Herbal remedies contained in bastis go directly to the channels and are more efficiently absorbed than the oral route.

• Once you complete the Basti process you will feel stronger because the body is now equipped to derive maximal nourishment from the food you consume.

There are two distinct type of Bastis

1. Niruha Basti, is cleansing. It is given in the morning on an empty stomach and retained from 5 to 45 minutes. Upon evacuation, you can comfortably have your breakfast.

2. Anuvasan Basti is nourishing and Vata-reducing. It is given one half hour after meals. It is best to rest for approximately 30 minutes after its administration as you are requested to retain it for as long as possible, usually from two hours onward.

These two Bastis will be administered according to a schedule that will be tailor made for your needs according to your doctor’s discretion. Basti therapy is given for a period from 10 to 30 days. Some patients will be asked to continue Basti therapy once they have returned home.

Additional Pancha Karma therapies include:

1. Pindswed

A kind of heat application treatment with herbs.

It reduces swelling, loosens Aam and Doshas and increases Agni.

If necessary you will also get other treatments like for example:

2. Shirodhara

Dripping of medicated oils/liquid herbal preparations on the forehead.

It loosens Aam in the mental channels; this is giving relief from mental disorders like depression, anxiety, fear, anger, and confusion.

3.Heartdhara

Pouring of medicated oils on the heart region.

It loosens Aam and breaks blockages.

The emotions are connected with the heart. Blocks cause negative emotions and the loss of the connection with the Self. Heart dhara helps in removing such emotional blocks even if these were not perceived earlier.

These are only short and simplified descriptions about the process of Pancha Karma.

The doctors will tell you in detail what you exactly have to do. This is only to give you a gross idea about how Pancha Karma is usually going on.

Here are some general suggestions, which will prove favorable for the healing process:

Regarding lifestyle during and after Pancha Karma we recommend to take it easy; rest, reduce sense impressions and support the healing process by meditation, introspection and reading of good literature. In any case you should avoid stress, heavy exercise and roaming around.

After the treatments you should relax for some time.

After the treatments you should wait 3-4 hours before taking shower.

Before any massage you should not take meals at least for two hours.

Consult your Pancha Karma doctor daily.

Important information for women:

Some treatments like Virechan, Basti and full body massage cannot be given during your menstrual period. Please inform your doctor at which date you expect to get your period, so that she can plan your treatment accordingly.

Diet

Altering your diet prior to beginning your treatments will insure the best results.

Here are some general diet guidelines:

• You should not overeat, but eat sufficiently.

• You should not eat before the last meal has been digested (4-6 hours).

• Avoid drinking liquids during your meal. Liquids extinguish the digestive fire needed to adequately digest your food.

It is best not to have liquid ½ hour before your meal and remain without liquids for 1 hour after your meal

If you have to drink, it is best not to exceed one glass during your meal. Drink around two liters per day

• Fruits should always be eaten separately, never with a meal.

More information will be provided during your stay at the health center.

Diet for the preparation of Pancha Karma

While at home, the best food to reduce toxins in the body is khichadi.

Recipe for khichadi:

Take 1 part Moong-dal (available in Indian-shops) and 3 parts of rice and wash them.

Roast spices like Cumin, Coriander, Fennel, black pepper, Turmeric and Asafoetida either dry or in Ghee (clarified butter).

Add the Moong-dal and rice and water.

You can add vegetables which do not produce gas. Good examples are zucchini, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, beetroot, dudhi.

Boil everything for about 45 minutes.

Add black salt or rock salt and Ghee according to your taste.

You can also cook the Moong-dal, rice and vegetables separately, but it is easiest to digest if boiled together.

It is important to avoid milk products, fermented or fried food, tomatoes or wheat!

This diet should be followed for at least 10 days. If there are many toxins in the body the time of preparation might even take 20 days. Therefore, it is good if you can follow the diet for 10 days before your arrival.

During your stay at the center, you will be advised to use two herbal preparations, Hingastak ¼ tsp before meals and Supachak ½ tsp after meals, will be given to loosen and digest Aam (toxins) which has accumulated in your body over the years as a result of improperly metabolized food.

After Virechan, you will be served a special diet of mand for two days then peya two days and finally vilepi for two days. These are preparations that are light and easily digested. After these 6 days, you can slowly progress to a solid diet first with khichadi, than rice and vegetables followed by fruits and rotis (breads without yeast).

During Basti treatments, you can enjoy a diet of khichadi, rice, dal and vergetables unless contraindicated by your physician. After the last Basti, however, you should once again follow the mand, peya, vilepi regimen and than slowly progress to your normal diet as mentioned above.

[Legba]

wow! excellent post, *E*. i started a diet this morning (really!). my legs are sick of carryin my weight. i dont believe in coincidences and this is inspiring stuff indeed. this makes me shudder to think of the crap i usually eat. my body must think im at war with it.

safe travels and best wishes for a thorough recovery.

[botanika]

Yes great post min(E)erval! Living in asia I have definately noticed the beneficial influence of less wheat and dairy products in the diet, but that said I reckon I eat everything that post says not too and in everyway it says not too quite a lot of the time

Good luck with it, sounds like an adeventure!

[coin]

hey min(E)rval ..

good luck with everything ..

it'd be really intriguing to hear how you're going with the at-home preparation and, once you get back, how the experience was

let us know when you're heading off so we can keep you in our thoughts

i wish i could such an extensive panchakarma myself

it would be interesting to know how you came to find out about ayurveda .. you mentioned you've been seeing a natural therapist for some time .. is this an ayurvedic practitioner?

best wishes

Edited March 16, 2006 by coin

[Hagakure]

that all sounds very interesting and i wish you the best of luck.

i will return to this post later to really go through some of the great info here.

BUT

fuck mother teresa

whenever i see her mentioned i try to highlight a side some people havent heard.

http://macintyre.com/content/view/533/105/

http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=1168

http://website.lineone.net/~bajuu/