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Mental Clarity with Ayurveda

Mental clarity and attention have a profound effect on your emotional stability, productivity and sound decision-making abilities. However, with the busy lives everyone leads today, it might be difficult to stay focused and have mental clarity.    “Brain fog,” as it is termed, can put you in a difficult situation, especially when you are looking forward to success.    Mental exhaustion and memory loss are often the results of multitasking, stress, and the continual assault of information. But they could also be a result of any underlying health condition.    Ayurveda offers many tried-and-true methods for improving focus and mental clarity. These techniques help enhance general well-being and cognitive performance.    You can enhance your general well-being and cognitive performance by implementing Ayurvedic mental clearing activities into your everyday routine.      The Ayurvedic Perspective     According to Ayurveda, lack of mental clarity and focus is a condition that involves your mind or Manas and channels associated with the mind (Manovaha Srotas). It could also be a result of Dosha imbalances.    In Ayurveda, mental clarity is closely linked to one of the three Gunas or qualities – Sattva (purity and balance), while brain fog is associated with excess of the other two Gunas – Tamas and Rajas.   A person with high Sattva has a calm, clear, and sharp mind. Excess Tamas results in sluggishness, forgetfulness, and confusion. Similarly, Rajas creates restlessness, overthinking, and stress.   Balancing these qualities through food, lifestyle, and mindful practices is the key to mental clarity.      Another reason for the condition could be excess consumption of Viruddha Ahara or incompatible foods. Such foods contribute to Ama (toxin buildup) in the body that affects your digestive health and energy levels. Since the mind and body are connected, poor digestion can indirectly contribute to sluggishness and brain fog.      Ayurvedic Practices for Mental Clarity and Focus     These Ayurvedic practices can help you stay focused and clear your mind.      Daily Routine (Dinacharya)      Following a consistent daily routine is crucial for mental clarity. Some of the daily routine practices are:      Tongue Scrubbing     The coating on your tongue in the morning indicates how much Ama has accumulated overnight. A thick white or yellow coating on the tongue may indicate toxin buildup, especially if accompanied by other signs like fatigue, indigestion, and sluggishness.    Scraping the tongue in the morning (preferably, using a copper tongue cleaner) helps remove these toxins and ensures better taste perception and digestion. Thus, it allows the mind to function with better clarity.       Oil Pulling     Oil pulling promotes better oral hygiene and, in addition, aids in the body’s detoxification.    Ayurveda suggests using organic black sesame oil for oil pulling. Try swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 5-10 minutes every morning before brushing your teeth.    Want to learn more about Dinacharya? Download my ebook for free!      Nutrition and Diet   Eating a balanced diet is essential to keeping your mind clear. Also, make sure that the food you eat is freshly cooked, warm, and light to digest.    Avoid deep-fried foods, excess sugar, processed foods and heavy dairy products like cheese. Heavy foods are hard to digest; consequently, this leads to Ama build up in the body. This can further deteriorate your mental health and cause diseases.      Hydration     Staying hydrated is important for your body and mind. Dehydration leads to fatigue and brain fog, making it harder to stay focused.    Drinking enough water helps remove toxins from the body. Also, avoid excessive caffeine and sugary drinks which can cause mental restlessness. You can opt for herbal teas instead.     For example, I start my mornings with a cup of licorice tea. It is healthy for the gut and is rejuvenating. But I don’t have it for long. I have it for three months, take a break, and then resume. But if you have hypertension or a family history of hypertension, I won’t recommend it.       Exercise and Yoga     A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Physical activities can boost your concentration level as well as clear your mind.      Yoga and Pranayama   Yoga   Yoga poses such as Garudasana (Eagle Pose) and Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) can help you focus.    Practising Pranayama (breathing exercises) has an immense effect on mental clarity.  Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) calms the mind, and balances the left and right brain hemispheres resulting in deep relaxation.    Bhramari (Bee Breathing) alleviates stress and improves concentration.      Exercise     Moving your body regularly helps lower stress hormones and boosts blood flow to the brain, keeping your memory sharp and your mind clear.    Take part in light activities such as swimming or walking to boost circulation and energy levels.     Walk barefoot on soft green grass at sunrise for better energy and focus. The morning sun exposure regulates your circadian rhythm, improving concentration.    Meditation and Mindfulness     Mindfulness and meditation practices are sure to enhance your concentration and mental clarity.    Pay attention to what you’re doing, be it working, eating or walking. Also, to ground and clear your mind, set aside 10 to 15 minutes to meditate to let your mind calm or practice some breathing techniques.    One of the most powerful Ayurvedic meditations is Trataka (gazing meditation). It involves focusing on one object like candle flame. This deepens focus and clears the mind of any distractions. To reset your mind, try doing Trataka daily before bed.    With time, meditation trains your brain to focus better, stay emotionally balanced, and handle stress more effectively.    Ayurveda can help you get better mental clarity via regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, frequent mindfulness and meditation, and regular morning practice.    By bringing the mind, body, and spirit into balance, these activities enhance mental clarity and attention and advance general well-being.  Remember, small consistent lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. Start… Continue reading Mental Clarity with Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Diet and the Art of Mindful Eating

An Ayurvedic diet is a major part of my treatment plan for my patients for all health conditions. According to Ayurveda, food is medicine. It not only provides you energy to sustain, but it also heals you. I am someone who gives importance to diet.  80% of my treatment involves food and the rest 20% involves medicines.    If you know me, you might have seen me talking about gut health all the time. Poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases. So, the best way to have a balanced gut health is to have foods that are suitable for you.    Ayurveda believes that each person is unique. That’s why each of my patients is given a personalized diet plan tailored to suit their body type (Prakriti), Dosha imbalances and health conditions.   In this blog, let us explore more about the power of the Ayurvedic diet.   Understanding Ayurvedic Nutrition   Ayurveda defines good health (as mentioned in Sushruta Samhita) as follows:   “Sama Dosha Sama Agnischa Sama Dhatu Mala Kriyaaha Prasanna Atma  Indriya Manaha Swastha Iti Abhidheeyate”    A person is in good health when their Doshas, Agni, Dhatus (body tissues) and Mala (waste products) are in balance. Also, the Mana (mind), Indriyas (sense organs) and Atma (soul) of the person must be in a pleasant state.    And for all these to be in balance, food plays an important role. Food, when not digested, turns into Ama (toxins). The accumulation of Ama in the body, therefore, causes imbalances in your Agni and Doshas; as a result, this can lead to diseases.  That’s why it is important to have light, digestible foods that suit you.   Furthermore, Ayurveda emphasizes the significance of consuming locally sourced and seasonal foods. It’s crucial to adjust your diet to accommodate changes in weather and seasons. This helps keep your dominant Doshas in check and boost your immunity according to the season.    Foods based on your Doshas   Each person has a unique constitution of the three Doshas, out of which one or two may be predominant. So, it is important to eat foods that help balance out your predominant Doshas. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor to figure out your Prakrit as well as Dosha imbalances and to guide you regarding your diet.   Vata Dosha   Vata Dosha is associated with the characteristics of air and space; moreover, it embodies qualities such as lightness and mobility. This Dosha governs movement, creativity and communication. Vata people are full of energy, possess great creativity and have quick-thinking abilities. Imbalanced Vata can result in feelings of anxiety, fidgetiness and difficulties with digestion.   Foods to balance Vata: Hot and prepared foods, such as soups, thick stews and vegetables cooked by steaming. Healthy fats, like ghee, avocado and sesame oil. Basic spices, such as cumin, ginger and cinnamon.   Pitta Dosha   Pitta Dosha is, indeed, the combination of fire and water in the body. Furthermore, it regulates the body’s energy usage and, consequently, the process of breaking down food for energy. Pitta people tend to be passionate, committed, and able to maintain their focus on objectives. However, an imbalance in Pitta may manifest as irritability, inflammation, and digestive issues.   Foods to balance Pitta: Cooling foods like Cucumber, mint, and coconut. Foods with robust and intense tastes, such as pungent leafy greens and fenugreek.   Avoid overindulging in extremely spicy, sour or fried foods.   Kapha Dosha   Kapha Dosha, resembling the elements of earth and water, provides the body with solidity, power and hydration. Individuals who possess a robust Kapha constitution typically exhibit composure, compassion and willingness to assist others. Excessive Kapha can result in feelings of fatigue, weight gain and congestion.   Foods to balance Kapha: Warm and spicy foods, such as red peppers, garlic, and ginger are great.  Leafy greens, beans and quinoa are examples of foods that are not heavy and do not leave you feeling overly satiated.   Limit your consumption of dairy and high-fat foods.   Foods that promote healing   Ayurveda categorizes foods based on their taste (Rasa), potency Virya), and post-digestive effect (Vipaka). Incorporating the six tastes – sweet (Madhura), sour (Amla), salty (Lavana), bitter (Tikta), pungent (Katu) and astringent (Kashaya) – ensures a well-rounded diet that satisfies the body’s needs and promotes healing.   Many everyday ingredients possess remarkable healing properties, according to Ayurveda. Turmeric, for instance, is revered for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a staple in Ayurvedic cuisine. Other examples include ginger, cilantro, and cumin, each offering unique health benefits. To reset gut health, emphasis is placed on easily digestible foods such as cooked vegetables, whole grains like basmati rice, and nourishing soups.  Ayurvedic nutrition extends beyond physical health to encompass mental and spiritual well-being. Therefore, have foods like almonds, saffron, and ghee that help nourish the mind and enhance spiritual awareness.   Foods based on seasons   According to Ayurveda, there are 7 seasons (Ritu) – Vasanta Ritu (spring), Greeshma Ritu (summer), Varsha Ritu (monsoon), Sharad Ritu (autumn), Hemanta Ritu (late autumn or pre-winter) and Shishira Ritu (winter).   Seasonal changes, consequently, affect your body and, as a result, bring about imbalances in your Doshas and Agni. So, it is important to eat accordingly.   During Vasanta Ritu, consume dry (Ruksa) and cold (Sheeta) foods. You can have foods with Madhura (sweet) taste during Greeshma Ritu. Foods with Lavana Rasa are the best for Varsha Ritu.  During Sharad Ritu, have dry and cold foods with Madhura, Tikta and Kashaya Rasas.  Snigdha (unctuous) and Ushna (hot) foods are, therefore, best suited for Hemanta and Shishira Ritu.   Ayurvedic principles of eating   Here are the 10 principles of eating (Ahara vidhi vidhana) recommended by Ayurveda: Ushnamashneeyat: Eat warm food. Snigdhamashneeyat: Eat unctuous food (not dry). Matravadashneeyat: Eat the right quantity. Jeerneashneeyat: Eat food only after the previous meal gets digested. Viryaavairudhamashneeyat: Eat compatible foods. Ishtadeshe ishtasarvopakaramashneeyat: Eat food in a good place and also, ensure you… Continue reading Ayurvedic Diet and the Art of Mindful Eating

Holistic Healing in Ayurveda – The Ancient Science of Total Health

Ayurveda is often described as a “holistic” system of medicine.       But what does it mean for a medical system to be holistic, and why is Ayurveda considered one?      Here’s the answer.      Ayurveda teaches us to look at things from a macro level. Conversely, focusing too narrowly may often lead us to wrong conclusions.    Imagine asking a person who has never seen an elephant, for instance, to describe how an elephant looks by showing its trunk.  He might say that the elephant looks like a thick snake.     This is what happens when you don’t view things on a broader scale.      Treating the symptoms is of little use when you do not treat the whole person. This is why, in Ayurveda, we treat the whole person and not isolated symptoms.  Ayurveda looks at the whole person; in addition, it considers the link between their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.      Furthermore, Ayurveda recognizes that the human body and mind are connected to the environment and, in addition, the universe.” The system of medicine defines health as not merely the absence of disease, but a state of harmony and balance in the body, mind, and spirit.       Factors that influence the holistic state of well-being      To achieve this holistic state of well-being, Ayurveda, therefore, considers various factors that, in turn, influence an individual’s health.      Doshas   There are three Doshas (biophysical energies) – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that are present in everyone but in varying proportions.  Understanding one’s unique dosha constitution and imbalances is, therefore, essential for diagnosis and treatment.       Diet and nutrition   In Ayurveda, food is seen as medicine. What we eat affects not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being. A diet tailored to an individual’s body type (Prakriti), health conditions, and other factors, therefore, helps a person heal.     Lifestyle and daily routines   Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of daily routines and lifestyle choices. From sleep patterns to exercise, Ayurveda offers guidelines to maintain balance. By aligning daily activities with natural rhythms and considering one’s constitution, Ayurveda promotes overall health and well-being.       Medicines Ayurveda utilizes a vast array of herbs and natural remedies to treat various health conditions. In addition, practitioners recommend herbal preparations based on an individual’s Dosha and specific imbalances.     Yoga and meditation   Yoga and meditation have a huge role to play in promoting physical health; on the other hand, they also significantly contribute to mental health. These practices, therefore, help in reducing stress, improving flexibility, and aligning the body and mind; consequently, these elements are essential for holistic well-being.      Ayurveda acknowledges that individuals are unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and well-being.  If a person is suffering from health conditions, Ayurvedic treatment, therefore, involves diagnosing and treating the root cause. Furthermore, based on the diagnosis, all the above-mentioned factors are consequently considered to help the person heal.    That is why Ayurveda is called a “holistic” system of medicine.   Want to heal with Ayurveda? Book a consultation with me today!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

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