Walking the Path: WHY AYURVEDA?
Why Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, Wellness / By Dr. Harrison Graves, MD
Shirodhara: Ayurveda’s Bliss Therapy
After practicing Western medicine (Allopathy) for 25 years, I became disappointed with many aspects of the culture surrounding it – namely, the lack of emphasis on prevention, and the over-reliance on prescription drugs.
At the time, I wasn’t aware of the system of optimal health from India that is all about prevention. It’s a system that uses natural herbs instead of synthetics, a system that incorporates yoga for healing the body and mind. It’s called Ayurveda, or “the knowledge of life.”
Over the next few years, I discovered the ways in which Ayurveda can be a more effective approach to health, especially when it comes to treating mental unrest like anxiety and stress. Much disease can be prevented as patients learn how to de-stress. The ultimate goal of Ayurveda is a healthy physical body, a calm (sattvic) mind, and a heart connection with Spirit.
Allopathy vs Ayurveda
Both Ayurveda and Allopathy (traditional Western medicine) have their place in health and healing. “Allo” means opposite, and “pathy” means disease. In allopathy, pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed that have opposite effects to the symptoms. Sometimes, allopathy can be life-saving. Examples include the epi-pen (epinephrine injection) for a life-threatening bee sting allergy (anaphylaxis), and antidotes, like Narcan, for opiate overdose.
However, Allopathy has its shortcomings. It often treats symptoms more than it cures disease. Anti-depressants like Zoloft are prescribed for depression, and Xanax for anxiety. While they may relieve symptoms, they do not offer a cure.
Unfortunately, these synthetic drugs come with long lists of side effects, and can actually affect brain chemistry. Prozac was given a black-box warning by the FDA, the strongest caution given before a drug is yanked from the shelf. Why? Prozac made some suicidal patients worse, especially those in the 18-25 year old age group.
Dr. Deepak Chopra put it bluntly: “I think it was just the fact that there is a lot of frustration when all you do is prescribe medication, you start to feel like a legalized drug pusher. That doesn’t mean that all prescriptions are useless, but it is true that 80 percent of all drugs prescribed today are of optional or marginal benefit.”
Why Ayurveda? Treat Root Causes, Not Symptoms
Ayurveda is, in many ways, opposite to the Western approach. According to Ayurvedic master Dr. David Frawley, deep seated anxieties must be be pulled out by their roots. Both Ayurveda and Yoga do so with yogic breath practices and the practice of mantra. These practices are yoga for your mind. Pranayama and mantra are at the core of the Happiness Program and Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, taught at the Art of Living Retreat Center.
All About Prevention
One answer to “Why Ayurveda” is its emphasis on prevention, or Sva-stha-vrit-ta.
Svasthavritta means “the protocols by which one can remain healthy.”
So much disease (heart attack, stroke, cancer) could be prevented by awareness of these Ayurvedic protocols:
• Treat organic fruits and veggies as medicine. You will be prescribed specific foods and healing spices based on your body-mind type, or dosha.
• Develop a healthy exercise pattern like Yoga or Tai Chi.
• Learn how to de-stress with mantra and pranayama (breath practices).
• Learn the principles of Ayurvedic detox. Put no junk food in your body and no junk food in your mind. Try an Ayurvedic cleanse with superfoods like kitchadi.
Connection With Spirit
Another thing I love about Ayurveda is how it addresses our connection to Spirit. Allopathy seems dry in comparison to the holistic healing traditions of the East, that are steeped in prayer and meditation.
Connection with Spirit is essential for complete health. Treating the body-mind without addressing Spirit leaves us dry, and often unhappy. Connection with Spirit helps us to realize our place in the Universe beyond time and space.
Of course, a spiritual path is a deeply personal decision. Dr. David Frawley tells us that spirituality is a big tent. He wrote that the Divine can be looked upon as a father, a mother, a brother or a friend — or as Nature, a saint, or the one divinity within us all: the higher Self.
In Your Hands
Take charge of your health today. Don’t wait until something breaks. See an Ayurvedic practitioner and discover your dosha (body-mind type). You will be then be prescribed a lifetime of better health: Svasthavritta — Ayurvedic essentials for staying healthy: right food, right exercise, right herbs, right sleep and right actions.
Don’t forget: many Ayurvedic treatments are also fun. Steam bath therapy sweats away toxins. Shirodhara (bliss oil therapy) can calm the mind and expand the awareness. Abhyanga, healing massage with medicated oils, can work wonders. For more info, contact the AOLRC Spa.
No Quick Fix
Ayurveda is not about the “quick fix” or taking pills. Ayurveda is about discovering the root causes of disease, then treating it. Root causes may be related to a toxic diet, a dysfunctional relationship, stress at work, or repetitive thoughts. Yoga, Ayurveda and a contemplative lifestyle, including self-inquiry, are the keys to success.
Choose Ayurveda to stay healthy and prevent illness. Choose Allopathy when it can be of benefit. These two approaches can be complementary, and not mutually exclusive.
This article is from https://artoflivingretreatcenter.org/blog/why-ayurveda/
ODISSI SACRED GODDESS DANCE CLASSES
ODISSI is an ancient temple dance form from East India’s province Odisha practiced and performed originally in the sacred space of temples. ODISSI is one of the several Indian Classical Dances statuesque and very feminine, considering your body as a temple.
Odissi is a form of Ayurvedic Psychotherapy, it is a spiritual practice for self-realization, with the aspect of devotion and concentration through body, mind coordination, strengthening the lower body and softening the upper body through particular rib cage muscle isolations, expressing emotions through a divine script.
ODISSI DANCE CLASSES for individuals and groups are currently being held in Saskatoon at various locations. FOR REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT aum4878@gmail.com or visit our dance Blog 
The Powerful Wisdom of an Ancient Culture: The Vedruss of Siberia on the Relationship between Plants, Food, and Health
In Anastasia, Vladimir Megre (2005) shares the insights of a Native Russian woman called Anastasia who lives as a recluse in the Siberian taiga. Anastasia and her ancestors are Vedruss (Ved-Russ), …
ODISSI SACRED GODDESS DANCE CLASSES
ODISSI DANCE CLASSES for individuals and groups are currently being held in Saskatoon at various locations.
FOR REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT aum4878@gmail.com or visit our dance blog
http://www.odissidancecanada.wordpress.com
CHOUKA and TRIBHANGI basic ODISSI steps class on WEDNESDAYS at 6:30-8:30, cost $20, location: avenue x south SASKATOON, use the back entrance. This is a drop in class for all levels.
STHAI DANCE ITEM , THURSDAYS at 6:30-8:30 , location: TBA, pre-requisite is some 5 Basic ODISSI Steps classes. $20
GANESH MANGALACHARAN , FRIDAYS at 6:30-8:30, LOCATION TBA, pre-requisite is 5 Basic ODISSI Steps classes. $20
CHILDREN’s CLASS is one hour, cost $10. Please inquire for times and location at aum4878@gmail.com.
Indian classical dance represents an ancient way of expressing devotion to God and a form of spiritual practice and offering.
Odissi is one of the seven types of Indian Classical Dance, which has been known as a Temple dance danced by Devdasi dancers in temples of India for God only.
Unlike any other classical dance, Odissi uses a specific posture called “tribhangi”, where dancer’s body is bent in three different angles: lower limbs, torso, and neck with head. This creates a very mesmerizing impact on the spectator as this is a typical pose of Lord Krishna the representation of dance, devotional love and desirelessness.
AYURVEDIC COOKING CLASSES SASKATOON
GURUDAYA AYURVEDIC CENTRE PRESENTS….
ONE POT HEALING DETOX RECIPE ~ AN AYURVEDIC COOKING-DIET-LIFESTYLE WORKSHOP
Learn about INDIAN SPICES, a Lecture with Practical Vegetarian Cooking Experience and Lifestyle tips for Health, Live Cooking Demo and Tasting ~ An Interactive Fun, Peaceful Learning Environment for your Pure Enjoyment and ours.
Let food be your medicine.
Stay tuned for MONTHLY (Last Sunday of Every Month 1-3PM) Ayurvedic Cooking Workshops for Health, Happiness and Harmonious Digestion.
MARCH 27, 1-3PM – One Pot Ayurvedic Cooking Method ~ Spices & Detox
APRIL 24, 1-3PM – Sweetness is Love ~ Love of Mother ~ Milk & Sweets
MAY 29, 1-3PM- Fry it Up with Besan (Chick pea flour) Snacks for Healthy Belly ~ Oils & Gram Flours
Individual Workshops cost: $75
Contact us to register: aum4878@gmail.com
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MARCH 2016 events at Gurudaya Ayurvedic Centre
MARCH EVENTS @ GURUDAYA AYURVEDA CENTRE
Please join us for weekly OM ॐ Chanting at Gurudaya Ayurveda Wellness Centre, EVERY SATURDAY during the month of March, from 7 – 7:40pm. ($11)
Sacred Sound Vibrational Therapy. Sensory Cave Experience.
Benefit of Salt Therapy for All Ages.
SALT THERAPY provides restorative health maintenance, increasing overall well-being, strengthening the immune system and improving general physical and emotional health.
Relieve bronchitis, sinus problems, congestions, allergies and other respiratory track issues
Reduce severity of asthma attacks
Prevent common cold and flu
Improve sleep, learning and alertness
Relieve migraines and headaches
Reduce stress, anxiety
Learn natural meditation and relaxation ॐ.
Simply, breathe in the health benefits… exhale OM.
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MOVIE NIGHT @ GURUDAYA AYURVEDA CENTRE ~ 6-7PM
Featuring ‘Giving Up Addiction’ on Saturday, March 26th, 2016 ($5)
Gurudaya will be featuring one educational film per month over the next 3 months (MARCH – MAY) on the LAST SATURDAY of EACH MONTH ~ Stay tuned for future postings on the featured film of the month.
5.00 donation to Gurudaya Ayurveda Wellness Centre.
Please do share this event with anyone whom you feel might benefit ~ teachers, caregivers, healers, social workers, therapists, friends and family members. Thank-you so much. Namaste.
International Yoga Day celebration in Saskatoon with Gurudaya Ayurveda
Celebrating 1st International Yoga Day With Gurudaya Ayurveda Centre
Www.facebook.com/ayuguru
Www.gurudaya.wordpress.com
JUNE 20TH & 21ST
Saturday Night (7-9pm) Om Chanting followed by documentary and discourse on YOGA, From Self Realization to Ultimate Liberation.
Sunday Morning (10am-12pm) Yoga, Meditation and more Om Chanting to celebrate the VERY FIRST WORLD INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY declared by the United Nations (Officially June 21st).
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of our ancient tradition. It is not about exercise, it’s a path through which an individual can discover his sense of oneness with nature. It embodies unity, unity of the mind and the body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment. On the whole, it’s a holistic approach to health and well being.” – Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi
We also recognize and celebrate this day as National Aboriginal Day – Father’s Day – Summer Solstice!
Join in celebration with millions of other yogis from over 150 countries around he the world to honour and feel gratitude for yoga, a practice that leads us toward achieving personal peace which leads us to world peace and harmony. Om shanti, shanti, shanti.
Location: Gurudaya Ayurveda ~ 317 Ave X South Saskatoon ~ in our sunny yoga, peaceful meditation & joyful dance garden. Namaste.
Everyone welcome, children absolutely welcome on Sunday. 🙂
ADDITIONAL EVENT ACTIVITIES:
BOLLYWOOD DANCE PERFORMANCE (SUNDAY)
INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE PERFORMANCE (SUNDAY)
HENNA BODY ART done on Sunday June 21st in celebration of the Summer Solstice & International Yoga Day! This treatment is very cooling in property, a balancing complement to welcoming the official first day of Summer Sun!
HAPPINESS, HEALTH & HARMONY FOR ALL DADS ON FATHER’S DAY! Bring your father’s out for this special event! And if that deems impossible, then make the impossible possible by coming out yourself and participating at the event in his honour, dedicating and devoting your energy, thoughts, loving kindness and deep gratitude towards him only. May ALL fathers EVERYWHERE be happy!
POSTS
SATTVIC DIET
SATTVIC DIET FROM THE VEDAS
By Dr. S.R. Harit, M.D. (Ayurveda)
I am food, I am the eater of food, I eat the eater of food, I consume the entire universe. My light is like the Sun. Taittiriya Upanishad II.9.6.
SATTVA, RAJAS, TAMAS
Classification of food follows the three Gunas or qualities of primal nature, Prakriti. Sattva is pure, light, clear, calming, harmonizing, opens the mind and promotes wakefulness. Sattvic food is bland and even in taste, not going to any extremes. Rajas is cloudy, agitated, turbulent, energizing and disturbs the emotions. Rajasic are overly spicy/hot foods. Tamas is dark, heavy, dulling and promotes lethargy. It closes the mind. Tamasic are for example garlic and onion, leftovers, rotting, burnt or overheated foods.
SATTVIC DIET
“From Sattva is born knowledge, from Rajas greed, from Tamas is confusion, delusion and ignorance.” (Bhagavad Gita XIV.17.)
Sattvic diet was originally devised for the practice of yoga and the development of the mind. It is good for those , who use their minds a lot , as it improves mental quality and energy. Moreover , it is important in the treatment of mental disorders , as it helps restore harmony and balance.
Sattvic diet aids in tonification and rebuilding of a higher quality tissue in the body, particularly for those who wish to improve their state of consciousness. It is often combined with rejuvenation (rasayana) therapies in Ayurvedic Science, particularly those for the rejuvenation of the mind (Brahma rasayana) or nervous system. However as sattvic diet is for improving the mind, it may not be nourishing enough for those who have to do physical labour. It sensitizes the mind and gives greater sense of sympathy and compassion.
Is Sattvic Vegetarian? Sattvic diet consists only of pure wholesome foods, light in nature , mildly cooling in energy, which does not disturb the mind. Only foods rich in the life force or prana are to be taken. These include organic fresh fruits and vegetables. All foods produced by harming living beings are to be avoided, such as meat and fish. Foods prepared in toxic environments or with an excess of chemical fertilizers or sprays are to be avoided.
Ayurveda/Yoga, is primarily a sattvic (peaceful) form of healing, it uses dietetics and Sattvic diet as a healing tool.
Diet and the Mind
In Vedantic philosophy the mind (manumaya kosha) is considered to be the essence of food. Uddalaka Aruni, a famous ancient sage, states “The food that is eaten is divided threefold. The gross part becomes excrement. The middle part becomes flesh. The subtle part becomes the mind.” (Chandogya Upanishad VI.4.1) According to the common adage, “we are what we eat.” What we affects our emotions and can create a predisposition for both psychological and physical disorders. Just as wrong emotions can upset our digestion, so wrong digestion can upset our emotions.
We should consider the spiritual qualities of the food we take in. Does it enhance our mental processes and peace of mind? Or is it disturbing? It is for this reason that meat, however nourishing, is not a good food. It has the energy of death and brings the forces of violence and decay, the negative emotions of fear and hatred along with it.
Uddalaka Aruni also tells us, “The water that is drunk is divided threefold. The gross part becomes urine. The middle part becomes blood. The subtle part becomes life-force (prana).” (Chandogya Upanishad VI.4.2) Hence, what we drink also nourishes our life force. Drinking stale water, such comes out of our taps, or distilled water, and drinking alcohol, coffee or other stimulating beverages, will disturb our life-force and thereby derange our emotions and thoughts.
Hunger
During the Universal Holidays, when with family or sometimes out of loneliness and lack of self-knowledge, we tend to eat when we are not physically hungry. We experience emotional hunger, which comes out of nowhere, and we suddenly become intensely hungry. Instead of assessing what our body-mind and soul truly need, we overindulge on food as a substance to pacify that emotional need that we improperly identified as physical hunger.
Physical hunger comes on gradually, typically during the day’s natural times your
SATTVIC FOOD
FRUIT
Fruit is sattvic (pure) in nature. It is sweet, light and promotes contentment. It has large amounts of the element ether, which controls and balances all the other elements. All fruit is generally good for a yogic diet or improving the mind. It harmonizes the stomach, relieves thirst, calms the heart nad improves perception. It both cleanses and nourishes body fluids. It is preferable to take it fresh and in season. Some yogis however avoid heavy, sweet fruits, such as bananas as they are mucus forming and may clog the channels.
VEGETABLES
Most vegetables are good for a sattvic diet, though not as much as fruits. Mushrooms are said to be tamasic, as they are allied with decay. (However the Chinese Buddhists include many mushrooms as good for a diet promoting meditation)
Pungent vegetables –garlic, onions, radishes and chillies are rajasic and tamsic and tend to over stimulate the sexual nerves. Excess of cabbage family plants – cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, mustard and cauliflower to a lesser extent are rajasic or gas forming. Potatoes and sweet potatoes can be a little heavy or mucus forming in excess. Otherwise fresh or steamed vegetables or vegetable juices are generally good. Celery is particularly good for the brain.
GRAINS
Grains, much like fruits, are generally sattvic in nature, especially rice (basmati or long grain brown rice). Wheat and oats are also good. Grains are better in the winter season, or when more physical strength is required, and are usually the main staple food in a sattvic diet. Whole grains are preferable but breads are also sattvic.
BEANS
Beans are usually rajasic in nature. They are irritation, gas forming and heavy. As such, they are generally not recommended in a yogic diet.Exceptions are mung beans, aduki beans and tofu. Equal parts split munng beans and basmati rice (kichadi) is the basic yogic staple diet and the main simple food for purification for convalescence in Ayurveda.
NUTS
Seeds and nuts are sattvic in nature. They should be taken fresh or lightly roasted, and salted, which renders them tamasic. Almonds, pine nuts , and walnuts are particularly good. As nuts are a little heavy, they should not be taken in large quantities at a time. Nuts and seeds go rancid (become tamasic) easily.
DAIRY
Dairy products are sattvic in nature; pasteurized however they can become tamasic. Milk is produced by the love of cow for its calf. Milk fast or buttermilk fast, is an important part of a yogic diet. Dairy is good in convalescence , particularly from conditions of bleeding and blood loss, or wasting diseases. Yogurtt is also good but us a little heavy and should not be taken in excess, as it can clog the channels. Most cheese is very heavy and so not recommended on a regular basis.
OILS
Most oild are heavy and not recommended in large amounts. Ghee, clarified butter, is sattvic, promotes intelligence and perception and can be freely used. It can be added to rice or vegetables. Sesame oil is sattvic , as is coconut. Olive oil is also good but not with garlic (which makes it rajasic).
SWEETENERS
Sweet taste in moderation is sattvic, but refined sugars are tamasic. Yogic diet takes raw sugars in small amounts, including honey (not heated) and raw sugars particularly jiggery. Honey when heated is said to become toxic (tamasic). It is said that sweet feeds shakti (the power of awareness).
SPICES
Most spices are rajasic, but a number of exceptions exist. Sattvic spices include ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel and coriander , as well as turmeric. They help balance the effect of too much fruit , dairy or other dampness forming foods. Some yogic also use black pepper or long pepper to help dry mucus and keep the channels open. Here a raja is used to counter tamas, thus producing sattva indirectly. Such strategic variations should be kept in mind. Salt is to be avoided except in the summer or in hot climates. Then it is best combined with lime.
BEVERAGES
Pure spring water can be taken or sattvic herbal tas or milk. Coffee and other stimulants should be avoided. Green or black tea, howver sometimes taken and is thought to improve mental functioning.
DIETETICS
Meals should be simple and infrequent. The main meal is usually taken around noon, with no heavy food after sunset. Sattvic meals require preparation with love and awareness. These enhance the sattvic (spiritual) and life supporting properties of any food that is prepared.
The above mentioned general information has been written for a healthy person. Each person is unique and has specific requirements and needs regarding their diet and lifestyle. If you have specific health concerns that you wish to address with help of Ayurveda, or for your unique Ayurvedic assessment/ consultation and specific individual diet, always contact a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic Physician, who has been trained in Ayurvedic Sciences.
Dr. S.R. Harit is an Ayurvedic Physician, MD (Ayurveda), Ph.D. and a Vedic Astrologer. He specializes in Vedic and Ayurvedic teachings, training and consultations for all ages and health conditions. He has been spreading wisdom of Ayurveda and providing health and spiritual direction in North America for past 12 years. Ayurveda believes that “Everyone is Unique” and “Prevention is better than cure”. Through his new Saskatoon base, he is raising awareness about benefits of AYURVEDA, vegetarianism, vedic sound, and meditation. For your unique consultation email: aum4878@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/ayuguru for upcoming Ayurvedic Workshops, Cooking Events, Seminars on Sanskrit and OM chanting.
MENU OF AYURVEDIC SERVICES FOR BODY*MIND*SOUL
GURUDAYA AYURVEDIC HEALTH CARE CENTRE in SASKATOON, SK
offers the following AUTHENTIC AYURVEDIC
TREATMENTS AND PERSONALIZED PROGRAMS TO REJUVENATE BODY, MIND AND SOUL:
to book your consultation or treatment, please e-mail: aum4878@gmail.com or call 306-979-9679.
Ayurveda addresses all aspects of body, mind and spirit and treats the whole being in relation to its environment. It also places great importance on healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
AKRUTI/PRAKRUTI:
- Ayurvedic consultation and pulse examination
AHARA/VIHARA:
- Ayurvedic diet nutrition and cooking
ABHYANGA:
- Therapeutic ayurvedic body oleation
DHATRICHARYA:
- Fertility-Pregnancy-Parenting Counseling
GRAHA/NAKSHATRA:
- Ayurvedic astrological evaluations
JEEVAN CHARYA:
- Ayurvedic yoga and meditation
OORJA:
- Ayurvedic Chakra and energy balancing
PANCHAKARMA
- Total body rejuvenation and herbal detoxification
PRAKASH KIRAN:
- Colour and gem therapy
SAUNDRYA:
- Ayurvedic beauty with organic and natural ingredients
SANGEET/NAAD:
- Musical and mantra therapy
SHIRODHARA:
- Ayurvedic calming head treatment
SWASTHA/RAKSHAN:
- Prevention of disease for a healthy and happy life
VASHPA/ SWEDANA:
- Herbal steam treatment
The aims of Ayurveda are to achieve and maintain balanced mental, physical, and spiritual health, to increase energy and vitality , to develop happiness, creativity and expanded awareness , and to increase life span.
GURUDAYA AYURVEDIC CENTRE 