Wheatgrass is astringent and bitter, so it increases Vata but balances Pitta and Kapha. I recommend wheatgrass as a component of cancer treatment and prevention. I also recommend wheatgrass to Pitta and Kapha types: those who have history of inflammatory issues (e.g. hypertension, ulcers, any "-itis") or growths (e.g. blocked arteries, cysts, stones).
The Ayurvedic autumn cleanse (panchakarma) clears the excess heat built up in the body over the summer. The cleansing allows a smooth transition between summer and fall, preventing sinus infections, colds, allergies, and flu. If excess heat is not cleared, as the cooler and drier air of autumn affects the body, internal inflammation becomes aggravated. The effect is like the wind blowing on a forest fire inside the body. We can visually see this process of heat building up in nature, as the heat of summer burns out the moisture in the trees, causing the breakdown of chlorophyll and turning the leaves to fiery colors.
This past summer was the hottest on record for the United States, so I am seeing more Pitta-type people than ever who have symptoms of excess heat in the body. More than any year so far in my practice, I am seeing Pitta-types manifesting extreme imbalance. When they cleanse and clear all this excess heat, these Pitta-types are becoming very nauseous as the body eliminates toxins. A good way to make the fall cleanse less harsh is to observe Pitta-balancing practices over the summer months, and during the autumn transition when the weather is still quite hot. These practices include: -Avoid spending time in direct sun between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Medical experts recommend avoiding sun exposure during the hours between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest. According to Ayurveda, this window if time is the Pitta time of day. Between 10 AM and 2 PM, the environment is hottest, we have the greatest likelihood of losing our temper, and our digestion is strongest. If you outdoors during the hottest part of the day, you should have a source of shade such as an umbrella, or at least wear sunblock to protect your skin and be in the water often to cool off. -Wear sunblock, at least SPF 70, when spending extended time outdoors. Pitta types have very sensitive skin that is prone to sun damage. -Cooling foods: Cool the body from the inside out by eating foods that are sweet, bitter, and astringent. Such foods include leafy greens, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, celery, cabbage, summer squash, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and pears. -Cooling drinks: Pitta types sweat more than any other type, and are most likely to suffer from heat stroke. Natural sources of electrolytes such as coconut water and cucumber water help to prevent heat exhaustion. Talk with your health practitioner if you experience chronic signs of salt imbalance from excessive sweating. These signs include: sudden drops in blood pressure accompanied by dizziness, weakness, hot flashes, and extreme cravings for salty foods. -Avoid heavy physical activity during the Pitta time of day (10 AM - 2 PM), when our bodies do not need any extra heat being generated. It is best to exercise during the Kapha time of day (6 AM - 10 AM) or evening (6 PM - 10 PM). -Eat the largest meal of the day during the Pitta time of day (10 AM - 2 PM). Digestion is strongest during this time of the day. -Pitta-balancing lifestyle: Take to water and swim or wade whenever possible, avoid tendency to compulsively research personal health issues, practice being okay with letting someone else assume that you don't know something without correcting them, and build in leisure time to your schedule. Avoid workaholism. Signs of Pitta imbalance include: trouble falling asleep at night, chemical sensitivity, jealousy, angry outbursts, sarcasm, impatience, irritability, low blood sugar, acne, skin rashes, heartburn, burning sensations, intolerance of heat, diarrhea, nausea. If you would like to address these issues from an Ayurvedic perspective I recommend scheduling a consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner. I can be reached at [email protected]. Addictions are often rooted in anxiety and insecurity for Vata; ego for Pitta; and physical sensation or security for Kapha. Vata-type addictions include watching television and online social media. The constantly changing images and noise of television stimulate the Vata mind and soothe feelings of loneliness, which are common in Vata-type individuals or those with Vata-type imbalances. Pitta-type addictions have become the most acceptable and even valued in modern American society, because they mostly relate to perception of status and American ideals of "success". Pitta-type addictions include respect, ambition, career, education, power, control, conspicuous display of wealth, drama, and substance abuse. Kapha-type addictions typically manifest in hoarding and food behaviors.
I thought that I would highlight the influences of dosha on addiction today because, although we typically think of addiction as being related to excessive intake of food, alcohol, or drugs, there are many other addictions that are extremely prevalent in American society that we do not even recognize as problems. These addictions to social media, prestige, drama, celebrity, having recognized and respected status, power, and career; are all contributing to a prevalence of dosha-imbalances and related disorders in our culture. Here is a list of just a small portion of these disorders: anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, workaholism, autoimmune diseases, neurological illnesses, allergies, eating disorders, discontent, depression, chronic fatigue, loneliness, isolation, anger, jealousy, and volatility. Dosha-unbalancing life practices, such as binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix, become harmful when they persist over time and become addictions. Some addictive behaviors, such as watching TV, are more apparent to the person engaging in them. Other addictions, such as having social drama in one's life, are more difficult for individuals to recognize because the ego causes denial on the part of the addict. For someone addicted to their career, the ego might cause them to say something like, "I love my job. Is that so wrong?" Or, "I have to work that much. What would they do without me?" When the ego is making decisions and justifying addictions, we make excuses for our behavior or deny that it is causing problems in other areas of our life. The role of the ego in our health is vital to address if we want to have a happy mind and a happy body. The odds are good that, if you have a dosha imbalance, some level of addiction is involved. Is that addiction energetic, emotional, or behavioral? Your Ayurvedic practitioner will know and be able to provide you with guidance for treatment, including referrals to other specialists if necessary. i saw a picture today that contained the quote, "You can't change what you refuse to confront."
Seeing this picture reminded me of an Ayurvedic healing truth. Ayurveda teaches us that physical illness is often connected with lifestyle and emotional trauma. In order to heal, we must be willing to lay everything on the table: career, relationships, environment, and even philosophy. Sometimes illness is the result of our ignoring a message that our mind, body, or spirit has been giving us for many years. When we don't listen, the only way to get our attention is for the body to manifest illness. In these cases, healing takes place when we make the changes our being has been crying out for. We must confront in order to heal. Time for Autumn cleansing is here! I have been creating personal cleansing plans for many of my patients this week. It's so important not to forget the pre-cleanse to prepare the body for detoxification and the post-cleanse rejuvenation for healing. Many cleanses that are marketed don't have these components. For cleansing, you also need something to draw toxins from the body. In Ayurveda we use ghee, which draws fat-soluble toxins from the tissues. Cleanses should include supplements for liver support, digestive support, and lymphatic flushing...and you need to eat! "Cleanses" that involve fasting for weeks at a time shock the body and cause it to go into conservation mode. If your body is in conservation mode, it will be storing fat, which is where most of the toxins are stored! This is basic biology: if the body thinks it's starving, it will hold onto fat because fat is a good energy source in times of starvation. When the body is starving, as it is during a fast, you will probably feel lighter, but you won't likely be detoxifying. Don't be fooled by marketing schemes that make grand health claims but are not backed by science. Be careful what you purchase and don't let people sell you a "cleanse" that is really just an expensive box of laxatives!
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