Without our eyes we would not only not see the world we live in, but we would also not be connected to our inner light, says Vaidya Mishra. Our “inner light” is our “satwa,” the incandescent source that keeps us connected to cosmic life. In SVA, we learn that the physical eyes are the gateway that guide us from the individual satwa to the universal satwa, from jivatma to paramatma. When we close our eyes and shut out the hustle and bustle of the sensory world, it is our eyes that yogically turn on the inner light, and re-connect our subtle being with its source, guiding us back home to ourselves. Keeping our eyes physically healthy is therefore key.

 The eyes are run by several sub-doshas, but “alochak pitta” is the primary subdosha to address when trying to keep your eyes healthy.  Alochak pitta works in tandem with all other four pitta sub-dosha-s that govern our body: pachaka in the stomach, ranjaka in the liver, sadhaka in the heart, and bhrajaka in the skin. Alochaka, however, shares a special relation with ranjaka and sadhaka. In this sense, if one of them those go off, the likelihood of the others going off is greater.

Take care of sadhak and ranjak pitta: taking care of of our sadhak pitta and ranjak pitta can work wonders for the care of your eyes. Sadhak pitta governs the heart, and processes our emotions and thoughts. Ranjak pitta governs the liver and processes the food we ingest. Making sure that both sadhaka and ranjaka are cool and balanced will help support the eyes. All the things that help keep your emotions happy and healthy will keep your sadhak pitta in balance: from garnering positive mental habits to avoiding horror movies, going to bed on time and making sure you get some laughs and down time daily, you can keep sadhak pitta in check. Ranjak pitta gets affected by mental and emotional predisposition as much as bad food, and stress. So putting attention on managing your life and diet will help keep ranjak pitta in check.

Ashoka, Arjuna, Rose, DGL, and more: can play a central role when used daily and properly. For example, Ashoka, Arjuna, Rose,  De-glycerized Licorice, are wonderful herbal support for pitta subdoshas. SVA formulations that can readily help you pacify pitta subdoshas: the Samadhi Set (cream or roll-on) with Ashoka; rose is a balm for pitta! You can use it in any form or shape as an external transdermal application, as an aroma therapeutic addition, or ingest it in the SVA Rose preserve form. Then DGL  – either as a loose ingredient to make tea with (1 pinch DGL powder, 2 rosebuds, 1/4 tsp fennel seeds, 1/4 tsp coriander seeds – these proportions are per cup – drink no more than 2 cups a day); or as a cream or roll-on to apply on the liver area. Of course, SVA Pitta Tea, and SVA Pitta Masala are always great delicious additions to daily diet. Other ingredients that are also known to be of great help for the eyes are the amalaki berry (Wild Amla Capsules), Calcium (Soma Cal capsules), Triphala (Triphala for High Pitta Capsules).

  Marma point massage for the eyes: particularly for alochak pitta, doing eye marmas with Lalita’s age-defying cream or Vaidya Mishra’s ALA cream, or the SVA Triphala ghee before going to bed are ideal. If you do spend too many hours a day working on the computer, do the eye marma massage protocol in the morning as well. In this day and age, whether we are working on the computer, or starting at one of our many electronic devices’ screens, our eyes are overexposed to EMF and EMR. This electric that has been a technological boon is burning the “soma” of our eyes. Our eyes being agneya organs need a continuous supply of soma either through food, or from the environment. For example, you may consider keeping some plants in your work area, or take a break from work by going out into a garden or a park, and giving your eyes a break by staring at long distance objects to release and relax the eye muscles as well. You can also spray Vaidya’s Vayu Shudhi air freshener, it will not only refresh the air but its herbal aromatic ingredients will replenish the soma in the air.

Apply a spoonful on a band of clean cheesecloth, and then apply another spoon on the other side – measure so each spoonful will coincide with your eyelids once you lie down and place the cotton band on your eyes. Leave the cheesecloth on until your eyes are feeling or getting cold. Remove and discard the cheesecloth and wipe your eyes with cotton balls or cloth to remove any clay residue, then apply SVA Triphala Ghee on your eyelids and the temple area, massaging the eye marma-s. It is good to do this clay protocol before bed, as it will relax the brain, giving better sleep, even as it refreshes and soothes your tired eyes.

Shankha marma to release the stress built-up in the eyes

6) Ayurveda has a wide array of unique ingredients for every organ and organ-system : For our eyes, Chakchushya is the best specific herb for healthy long eye life. Vaidya Mishra has added this ingredient into his SVA Lalita’s Eyeliner along with, bhasma of  Mameera – bhasma means cooking it until it turns into a fine ash. Mameera is the traditional non-toxic ingredient for eye health. In addition, it supplies the rich black tint of the eyeliner. Then, Triphala if of course well-known for its three-dosha pacifying, detoxifying and nurturing effect on the eyes. Vaidya has made a special formula for the eyes that has Triphala and SVA Mum’s Ghee made from raw cream (not butter). Ghee made in the  traditional method is particularly considered best for the eyes, because ghee carries a balanced amount of soma and agni. When Triphala is infused in the ghee it becomes nectar for the eyes!  It will then not only nurture but also pacify alochak pitta and support alochak agni. Then, rose  is ideal for eyecare. A preparation of rose water to rinse the eyes on a daily basis will work wonders for your eyes. Vaidya Mishra has added the very best rose essence to the Lalita’s Eyeliner, in addition to ghee, Chakchu Mameera, beeswax – which s also good and nurturing and gives a good consistency to the eyeliner.

The idea of having an ayurvedic herbal eyeliner is not a concept unique to SVA! The ayurvedic shastras are filled with different kinds of herbalized eyeliners, called “anjan,” to support and/or enhance the health and activity of the eyes. An eyeliner is a great way to address the health of your eyes on a daily basis, since it is easy to use and apply. With Vaidya Mishra’s total Eyecare Marma protocol, products, and Lalita’s Eyeliner, you can have the best of all worlds: benefits from ancient ayurvedic herbs, marma remedies, and ingredients to help you keep going looking and seeing you best in the modern world!

The post “Lights On!” Inside and Out: Total SVA Eye Care with Marma and Ayurvedic Herbs appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Ill-health starts with poor digestion. Eating an easy-to-digest freshly prepared meal is ideal, but sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we may end up eating something heavy, or not-so-terribly-fresh, or suiting our body’s

needs. This SVA digestive spice mix is a simple and quick recipe that you can make and carry in your purse or pocket, and use throughout the day. It will keep your digestive fire well-stoked, and ensure that your meals are all properly absorbed and digested – whether you “cheat” or not!

Optimal digestion is when you make zero toxins, or ama, from the food you eat. Ama-free optimal digestion occurs when your digestive flame (pachakagni) is neither low nor too high. Due to stress, or when you eat heavy processed indigestive food, or left-overs, the digestive fire can go either low (mandagni), high (teekshnagni), or sometimes-low-sometimes-high (vishmagni).

Low agni (mandagni) makes ama; when you have low agni, it means you are not able to break-down and absorb all that you are eating, and you produce semi-digested toxic matters after you eat. You will usually feel lack of appetite, or feel heavy even after eating something very light, and in general not desire food.

If your digestive fire is high, then after consuming a meal, your body produces “amavisha” or poisonous acidic toxins, also known as free-radicals. When you have “teekshnagni” then no matter what you eat, you crave more! You will also crave sugar a lot. You may wake up hungry in the middle of the night.

If you have “vishmagni,” that is: if your digestive fire is sometimes slow and sometimes too high, then you will make both ama and amavisha. With “vishmagni,” you sometimes feel hungry and then at other times, not. You will experience a feeling of fullness alternating with a feeling of excessive hunger.

“Samagni” is the state of a balanced digestive fire – neither too low nor too high. When you have “samagni,” you have a balanced appetite for food, attuned with the needs of your body. After consuming a meal, you feel satiated, and blissful.

If you have not been experiencing the blissful state of “samagni” after consuming your meals, then you probably need to support your digestion. To have “samagni” you need to have “pachak pitta” and “pachak agni” in your stomach balanced out. Packak pitta is the fuel, while pachak agni is the flame in your stomach. The fuel feeds the flame, so your stomach can break down and cook the food.

This SVA recipe is very simple, consists of only 2 ingredients, but it works like a charm. Fennel cools off excess fuel or pachak pitta; while ajwain sharpens the flame, or pachak agni.

In an open pan, or in your toaster-over, dry toast Fennel and Ajwain seeds in the following proportions:

80% Fennel

20% Ajwain

Mix them. Let the mixture cool off. Then add to a container and it’s ready to be used.

Chewing a teaspoon at a time, after lunch or dinner. Or as needed. This spice mix also serves as a delicious natural mouth freshener!

Note: Fennel is highly estrogenic. If, for any reason, you restrict your intake of estrogenic foods, simply replace the Fennel seeds with Coriander seeds in the above recipe and follow the same steps.

The post Make your own Digestive SVA Spice-Mix, and Mouth-Freshener with Fennel and Ajwain Seeds appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

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How can you invite (more) health, happiness, and prosperity in your life? The Charak Samhita explains that the desire for life (praneshan), prosperity (dhaneshan), and the continuation of total happiness through extended life and prosperity in the after-life (paralokeshana) are part of the make-up of human nature. We are all born with the these 3 innate pursuits:

(Charak Samhita Sutrasthan, Ch. 11, Verse 3).
Ayurveda is not only about herbs and disease. It’s a complete “scientific” approach that addresses matters of the physical, mental, and spiritual health, encompassing matters of social life as well. However, one thing is clear: total health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) is the foundation for all other aspects of life. The Charak Samhita reminds us:

A-rogya, or the absence of disease, is the root of the tree of life. When health is present, then the tree of life can branche off into four main extensions: a) dharma: fulfilling one’s life purpose; b) artha: generating prosperity physically and spiritually in order to thrive; c) kama: partaking of the joys and pleasures of life whether physical or spiritual; d) moksha: reaching a state of fulfillment where we carry no unfulfilled frustrated desires and we long for union with the source of all life, or God. When we are healthy physically and mentally, we can experience the four stages of life in a fulfilling manner.
Desiring prosperity is for one and all. But prosperity and generosity go hand in hand. The prosperous thrive and generate more wealth by sharing it even as they grow. That is why, in the vedic tradition, invoking Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is considered highly auspicious. Kuber is a great devotee of Laxmi, and has been bestowed with the title of “treasurer of universal wealth.” Invoking him, and keeping his yantra, or geometric motif, is said to initiate wealth and prosperity.

The Kuber Kolam is a yantra, a vedic geometric diagram in the form of a grid containing the numbers 20-28 arranged in such an order that all lines, whether read horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, add up to 72.

The SVA Kuber Kolam in pure Sterling Silver is an auspicious object that will help you usher in wealth and prosperity when established in the North East corner of your residence. You can recite the Kuber mantra when installing your yantra or play the Kuber mantra – as recited by Vaidya Mishra – in the background, on soft volume. You can keep the mantra playing in that room 24/7 on soft volume.

In Vedic culture, Lord Kuber is recognized as the initiator of wealth and prosperity. He is the celestial treasurer of the riches of the universe. In an ancient story narrating the marriage of Lord Vishnu (as Venkateshwara) to Padmavati, he is said to have advanced all the money needed to pay for the lavish wedding expenses. Lord Vishnu remained in his debt; hence, to this day, devotees go to the Tirupati temple in South India to donate money in Venkateshwara’s Hundi – “donation pot” – is so that he can pay it back to Kuber!

He appears in many ancient Vedic texts with many different epithets: he enjoys the title of “king of the whole world”, “king of kings” (Rajaraja), “Lord of wealth” (Dhanadhipati) and “giver of wealth” (Dhanada). Kubera is also called Guhyadhipa (“Lord of the hidden”). He is also “dikpala” or protector of the North direction although he is also sometimes associated with the East – it is thus good to install his yantra in the North-East corner of your residence. The Atharvaveda calls him the “god of hiding.”  In the Manusmriti, he becomes a respectable Loka-pala or “world protector,” and the patron of merchants. In the epic Mahabharata, Kuber is described as the son of Prajapati Pulastya ,and his wife Idavida and the brother of sage Vishrava.The Puranas and the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana grant Kuber unquestioned “godhood” – executer of the laws of Nature that usher in wealth and prosperity. He is also known as Loka-pala – “world protector.” As the treasurer of the riches of the universe, he is known to have Laxmi Devi’s express blessings, and is usually remembered during Diwali, or the Autumn Festival of Lights in India. Installing Kuber’s Kolam is considered to be highly auspicious.

The post More Health, Happiness, and Prosperity this Spring! appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Hi,

I just watched the oral care video and learned a lot. And I just gargled with coconut oil and my mouth and mind feel wonderful.

I wonder what Vaidya’s thoughts are about electric toothbrushes and waterpixs. Since they are electric near the mucous membrane, I am guessing he would not want the body to absorb those emf. Anyway, just thought I’d ask. Also, what toothbrush bristles are best – soft, medium, hard?

Thank you,

Mary

Vaidya Replies:

Dear Mary , yes you are right in that I would not recommend electric toothbrushes or water pixs that run through electric current to clean your oral cavity. In general, you want to avoid using EMF devices in the oral cavity. What works best is massaging your gums with coconut oil using your own fingers that will transmit your own healing vibration to your gums instead of electric devices. This would not replace flossing which is always a healthy way of making sure we rid the crevices between our teeth of food residues.

Otherwise, I generally recommend medium bristles, neither too soft nor too hard, unless one has a specific sensitivity or gum condition, in which case it is best to use soft bristles.

If you chose to use coconut oil, first do the massage with your fingers and then floss.

The ideal order for oral cavity hygiene would be as follows: oil massage, floss, then brush, then scrape the tongue, and finally gargle with the oral mist and the end.

Soma Salt

I realize that many of your products use proprietary processes and ingredients and I would not want to jeopardize your business in any way. However, I have found your Soma Salt to be so entirely different (and far better in every way!) from any other sea or land salt that I have used (and I have tried many through the past few decades) that I am left wondering two things:

1. Is anything added to the originally mined salt (eg to create the high amount of potassium)?

2. How is it processed?

I would appreciate any information on these two points to allay my concern regarding exactly what I’m eating! Thank you.

Regards,
Anonymous

Vaidya replies:

Dear SVA follower: Soma Salt is Himalayan in origin, but once we get the crystal rocks, we have a multiple-step purification process to rid it of impurities, and offer the powder of only the purest white crystals. Every rock has a mixture of white and pink strands, we sort through the batch to select only the white crystals, and discard the pink! So, in general, we remove rather than add to it!

The rocks come from North West India, currently a Pakistani area. Many of these rocks are obtained through the use of explosives. Our first task is to make sure these rocks are not contaminated with explosive chemical residues – for that we send every single batch to be tested in a lab, to make sure there is no lead content.

After we have our selection of pure white crystals, we expose the rocks to a proprietary herbal steam to flush out unwanted minerals and residues.

We do not add any potassium, or calcium, or any other nutrients or ingredients. The salt that is packaged comes rich with its own natural mineral content, cleansed by our herbal steaming cleansing process.

White crystals are harder and more precious to acquire than the pink crystals or rocks. Traditionally, in India, all know not to use the pink crystal salt as it is higher in sulphur content and can be heating and pitta-provoking, as it is more agneya – contains ingredients that are fiery in nature. That’s why we select only the white crystals that are more somagenic, hence the name “Soma Salt” as known in my SVA lineage.

We flush the white rock crystals with distilled water, to give you only the purest rocks available. We do not even add any anti-caking agents or chemicals, and you may have noticed that the salt sometimes may cake in the presence of moisture.

Unlike other salts mentioned in the shastra-s, this salt is known to be the least pitta-provoking – all salts provoke pitta with their sharpness to some extent. But as this salt is so rich in flavor, one needs to add a least amount to get the benefits and the flavor. Thank you for your question.

Skin care questions

Dear Vaidya Mishra,

The following questions apply to a 59 year old female, 5′, 100 lbs, red headed, freckled, Scotch-Irish descent, pitta-vata body type.

1. Which face cleanser and cream and any other products would you recommend for aging, wrinkled, dry, pale, lusterless facial skin? Sun exposure has been a major contributor to the wrinkles, although I’m sure other internal and emotional factors exist. Wrinkles are mostly around mouth and eyes. Mouth: smile lines and vertical lines around lips.

Eyes: crows feet and bags under eyes. Forehead: vertical lines between eyebrows and horizontal across top of forehead. I am interested in any other advice you have for this condition, such a diet or lifestyle changes.

Vaidya replies:

Dear SVA Follower: for this and similar conditions, internal rehydration and oleation are needed, so eating good fats such as ghee, or olive oil, and drinking enough amounts of water are necessary. Delaying or skipping meals will not help. Prevention from further sun exposure is necessary as well. Consume more sweet juicy fruits in your diet, make sure you are eating enough easy to digest protein – no aged cheeses, no red meat, favor chicken and fish cooked with spices.

Otherwise, you can use our SVA Real Rose Soap to clean your face, and then apply the Age-Defying cream at night. Do a gentle cleanse with the soap, then apply the water-based toner, and then the cream. You can also do the Facial Marma Massage – please contact the Prana Center to get the poster for the marma points and directions for how to do it. Doing a daily marma massage with the verbalized Lalita’s creams will help support the flow of “prana” to the skin that can nourish and revitalize it, helping it defy further aging.

2. Which body soap and cream would you recommend for dry, lusterless body skin that is starting to sag on the same person?

First do a warm Pitta oil with magnesium massage, rest for 10-15 minutes, then use turmeric soap to wash off in the shower.

3. Does the Tumeric Soap stain one’s towels, clothing, bedding etc. ?

Our turmeric soap will not stain any of your clothing or bedding, nor will it turn the skin yellow. It will nurture and nourish and strengthen, allowing your skin to absorb to benefits of turmeric transdermally.

Cinnamon

Hello – can u tell me if your cinnamon sticks are made from true cinnamon or cassia cinnamon? Thank u so much !

Vaidya replies:

Dear “Desilu,” we use cassia cinnamon. We use “sweet cinnamon” in the recipes for the “Kid’s Masala”-s, and “indian cinnamon” in our “Mum’s Masala.”

Suffering from Skin Diseases : Guidance

Shree Vaidya Mishraji:

Namaste !

I have visited your web site ” S V Ayurveda” – Prana Center , interested to get Guidance & remedies of my skin disease, 70 years, male , residing in CA.

I would like know more about treatments, diagnosis of my skin disease.

It itching very much, with blackish brown patches on my back side ( Vasama ) Also, on different part of my body.

Please, let me know more about various treatment for vegetarian with simple home prepared food diet.

Vinod T.

Vaidya replies:

Dear Vinod: there are very many different protocols in Ayurveda, and the response would vary based on what specific imbalance is there in your body causing your specific skin disease. You will need to have a full medical evaluation to determine the cause and the possible remedies. However, here are some pointers that you can try that may help you get some relief. Try them for three months and email us back.

Apply coconut oil on the dry itchy area

Increase your intake of good turmeric in your cooked meals – 1/4 tsp twice a day cooked in your vegetables or lentils. Make sure to use “real” turmeric! Unfortunately the yellow powder sold in most Indian grocery stores tends to be tinted clay!

Discontinue the use of tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, bell pepper, onions, garlic, garbanzo and pinto beans.Try these tips for three months and let us know how you feel.

SVA Mum’s Ghee

I am curious about the source of butter for your ghee. Is the butter locally sourced in CA (or elsewhere in the U.S?) or is it from India? Can you guarantee no GMO feed for the cows?

Vaidya replies:

Dear Iris: the organic raw material for our ghee (cream from milk to make yoghurt and then butter) comes from pasture-raised free roaming cows raised and bred in the United States, that are given non GMO feed. We do not use milk or any milk products from India.

The post Questions about cinnamon, salt, electronic toothbrushes and more! appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

And why should you go the SVA Transdermal route? In a powerful enlightening talk, Dr. Teitelbaum presented her research at the SVA conference this past weekend – from helping with calcium levels in your body, to regulating your stress hormones and adrenal glands, magnesium plays a major role in our daily lives. Low levels of magnesium are the root cause behind a wide range of clinical chronic conditions. While oral magnesium supplementation can have its down sides and side-effects, transdermal absorption of magnesium is safe and highly effective over long term. The highlights of her talk will show you how and why!

Conditions Caused by Magnesium deficiency

Low levels of magnesium can result in many conditions, namely:

- cramping of the muscles, leading to

 – heartbeat arrhythmia

 – painful menstrual cycles

 – calf muscle pain (“Charlie horses”)

 – twitching of the eyelids

But not just that. here is a list of chronic conditions associated with low or depleted levels of magnesium:

Adrenal fatigue - adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol deplete magnesium. Stress is a big factor for adrenal fatigue. Stress causes excess elimination of magnesium through urine

   Alzheimer’s – Magnesium guards the external layer of the cells, not allowing heavy metals to enter

   Angina – The pain of angina is caused by severe muscle spasm in heart muscles, is caused by magnesium deficiency.  The heart ventricles have the highest levels of magnesium in the whole body, which is why magnesium is so important for the pumping function of the heart.

   Anxiety and Panic Attacks – When the adrenals are no longer protected by sufficient magnesium, the flight-or-flight hormones adrenaline and noradrenalin become more easily triggered. When they surge erratically, they cause a rapid pulse, high blood pressure and heart palpitations.

 Asthma – Histamine production and bronchial spasms (in the smooth muscles of the bronchial tract) both increase as a result of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is a great broncho-dilator.

Atherosclerosis with calcium deposits.  Magnesium is necessary to help dissolve calcium and keep it soluble in the bloodstream.

Bowel disease – magnesium deficiency slows down bowel peristalsis, causing constipation.

Depression – Serotonin, which elevates mood, is dependent on magnesium.

Detoxification – Magnesium is crucial for removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body.  Magnesium is a co-factor in the production of glutathione and the function of the P450 detoxification systems in the liver.

Diabetes – Magnesium enhances insulin secretion and allows insulin to transfer glucose into the cells.  Otherwise, glucose and insulin build up in the blood causing various types of tissue damage.

Headaches – Prevents muscle tension in neck and head muscles when applied locally.  Also prevents spasms of the muscles in the walls of the arteries which triggers headaches.

High Blood Pressure – With low magnesium and too much calcium, the muscles in blood vessels can go into spasm and cause high blood pressure.

Hardening of the arteries – as acid toxins build up (ama visha and gar visha), they create inflammation in the wall of the arteries.  If calcium is high and magnesium is low, the calcium can deposit in the arterial wall, creating hardening or plaque.

Inflammation – Calcium is extremely pro-inflammatory and magnesium is anti-inflammatory.  Must keep a balance between calcium and magnesium.  It is not recommended to take calcium supplements – they remain stuck in the channel, and if magnesium  is low this can create inflammation and other problems like hardening of the arteries and heart attacks.

Osteoporosis – Calcium cannot build bones without magnesium. Calcium alone makes bones brittle (like chalk breaking as it hits the floor).  Magnesium makes the bones flexible and resistant to shattering.  Most people have too much calcium and not enough magnesium. Put a calcium supplement in a glass of water and it sits there.  Add magnesium and it breaks down.

Magnesium is a co-factor for ATP production. ATP, created in mitochondria, is main source of energy in our cells. ATP must be bound to magnesium in order to be active. ATP is made in each of the 100 trillion cells in our body

For purposes of cellular detoxification and tissue purification, the most effective form of magnesium is magnesium chloride. Has a strong excretory effect on toxins stuck in the tissues of the body, drawing them out through the pores of the skin. Magnesium chloride, when applied transdermally increases DHEA. DHEA is the “mother of all hormones.” DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and the ovaries. DHEA is converted in the body into several different steroid hormones – estrogen, testosterone and other hormones as needed

Magnesium is a required co-factor for over 800 enzyme systems in our bodies. 3,751 receptor sites for magnesium have been found on human proteins. Magnesium is a requirement for RNA and DNA production. Magnesium is a co-factor involved in transporting hormones like adrenaline into the cells because the hormones can’t pass through the cell membranes by themselves

   Why choose Transdermal over Oral?

Most magnesium supplements are made from the wrong form of magnesium. Oral supplementation is not very effective because of low bowel tolerance (creates “striations” – areas of damage) on the bowel wall with prolonged use. Oral magnesium passes through the digestive tract too quickly creating low levels of absorption

Transdermal application bypasses the liver, providing less chance of an overdose or under-dose. Our skin is very porous, allowing many substances in or out of the body, it can thus take in the magnesium easily and eliminate many toxins back out through the skin itself, safely and effectively.

Why do we get low on magnesium?

There can be many causes for magnesium deficiency. Here are the most common:

1) Ingesting synthetic Vitamin C – this competes with magnesium and pulls it out of the system.

2) Poor diet: starving yourself and/or consuming unwholesome processed meals puts a great strain on your entire physiology, draining your body of its minerals and nutrients

3) Drinking processed purified water lacking in minerals from the earth – always favor natural spring water over tap or other types of purified recycled water

4) Prescription medications – bronchodilators, insulin, digitalis, antibiotics, corticosteroids, cocaine: if you find yourself having to depend on medication for your health condition, do not discontinue them, instead add a  good protocol of transdermal magnesium to your daily regimen to support your levels of magnesium even as you take your medicines.

5) Stress: in addition to correcting your daily sleeping and eating routine, add yoga and meditation, or other relaxation techniques to your life.

6) Avoid ALL kinds of processed sugars – steer clear of processed sugary drinks and sodas! Get your sugars naturally from natural sources such as fruits, raw honey, etc.

7) Make sure the friendly bacteria in your gut are taken care of, because malabsorption of nutrients due to their absence  – lack of friendly bacteria in the gut is the primary cause of malnutrition and malabsorption when you are maintaining a healthy daily diet yet experience imbalances.

8) Supplementing with Calcium for healthy bones, without having a proper balance of magnesium vs calcium.

9) Using alcohol, coffee, sodas, birth control pills, nicotine…

10) Supplementing with synthetic Vitamin D: this  binds magnesium and pulls it out of the body when you need it most!

Clinical Application of SVA Transdermal Magnesium

I have been using Vaidya Mishra’s SVA Transdermal Magnesium products in my practice since he came up with them a couple of years ago. I have great feedback from patients with different kinds of chronic conditions. I have used it for: 

1) Cataract Reversal:  I ask the patient to apply the Transdermal Magnesium Roll-on to sub-occipital region. Cataracts are caused by loss of elasticity of the lens (due to lack of magnesium) and calcium deposition into the lens causing cloudiness of the lens

2) For headaches: I use the Magnesium Roll-on down the spine and on the forehead twice a day.  Also use SVA ALA Cream in these same areas to decrease swelling and heat in the capillaries, opening up the channels to reduce the pressure

3) Blood Pressure – use the Magnesium Roll-on and/or Vata Oil with Magnesium and Vitamin D for abhyanga or daily self-massage.

4) Arrhythmia – use Magnesium Roll-on, Super Sport Cream and Arjuna Cream down the spine twice a day, or whenever the arrhythmias are occurring

5) Menstrual Cramps – apply Magnesium Roll-on to lower abdomen and lower spine twice a day along with the Prakrit cream down the lower spine to pull Apana down and pacify the situation. Consume natural healthy sweets 5 days before and 5 days after the menstruation to have a steady supply of estrogen and support the flow of the menses.

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Waves of SVA bliss rippled through the Warner Marriott Hotel in Woodland Hills, CA,  this past weekend! Students from all over the world – India, the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Canada, and numerous states in the US – eager to complete their education in SVA pulse assessment - came together to celebrate the culmination of Vaidya Mishra’s  9-month long Global Pulse and Marma E-Course.

The conference began Friday evening, May 8th, with mantras and a transcendent performance with Aditya Prakash, Sheela Bhringi, and Neelamjit Dhillon. After a group initiation into the SVA Healing Mantras with Vaidya Mishra on Saturday morning,  Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum delivered a powerful talk on the benefits of SVA Transdermal Magnesium detox and supplementation. The afternoon highlight was a highly informative talk by Sanskritist, Dr. Chris Minkowski, on historical and cultural origins of the Maga Brahmins, the Shaka island, in the context of the SVA Lineage. After an exquisite SVA gala dinner prepared by Chef Tony,  the Shakti Dance Company under the expert  artistic guidance of Mrs. Viji Prakash, delighted the audience with a  ”Dance of the Pulse” – an original choreography where traditional Bharatanatyam vocabulary was interwoven with modern expressions of “abhinaya” = or narration, bringing alive the tissues of the body pulsating with Prana, the flow of life, and enacting the drama of strife between the mind, “manas,” the heart lotus or “hrit pundareek,” and the senses or the “indriyas.” The dancers concluded their performance to standing ovation with a celebratory piece enacting the blissful joy that flows from a totally healthy body, displaying total alignment between senses, heart lotus, mind, and body.

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“Hi,

Dear Shravan K: based on the detail you give us, you should not delay consulting with a professional medical doctor at your earliest convenience, but there are a few ayurvedic tips you can try which may help you. Ayurveda identifies this problem of acid reflux and heart-burn, and calls it “amla-pitta” or “sour- pitta.” According to ayurvedic physiology, the stomach is the moe of “pachak pitta.” You can understand “pachak pitta” as being the “fuel” for “pachakagni, the flame in your stomach, which helps digest your food through cooking it. Due to different reasons depending on each individual, that pachak pitta becomes imbalance and highly acidic. Many factors can make packak pitta acidic: in addition to diet, stress can be a major factor in making the stomach sour. 

½ teaspoon of dry toasted fennel

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I just want to know about kulthi. Does it help you to lose weight? How long does it take to lose weight? How much can you lose weight in a month? Do you know anyone who lost weight by eating kulthi? Any information will be greatly appreciated

I have formulated three kinds of garcinia masala: for vata, pitta and kapha. Usually in weight gain situations, shleshak kapha can go high, but sometimes due to channel blockage, vyana vata can also go high, and due to a hot liver and hot stomach, pitta can go high too. That’s why we have three kinds of garcinia masala (available atwww.chandika.com), and you can choose accordingly the vata, pitta or kapha one.

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Make milk-date shake and drink it every night before bed. Boil milk with a couple cardamom pods, a stick of cinnamon; take off from heat, pour into a blender and add 1-2 pitted medjool dates and blend. Drink warm When prepared correctly and consumed regularly it will nourish and support your physiology in many ways.

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Which one of your tea formulas is most appropriate for morning tea before breakfast? 

 

Parijat, Lord Shiva’s favorite flower, helps the pitta physiology by making it more intelligent, so the body does not receive too much agni from the environment.

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Ayurvedic Support for Daily Yogic Practice through the Transdermal Marma System

Experience the bliss of the Heart Lotus Blossom

What is Samadhi?
Samadhi is a Sanskrit word made up of two roots: sama + dhi. Sama means equally distribute, in equal proportions; and dhi refers to buddhi, or the intellect. Vaidya Mishra says: “ Samadhi is the balanced coordination between mano buddhi and satya/satwa buddhi, between the mind and the “ Light of the Soul”. The Vedic texts distinguish between “mano buddhi” or the logical aspect of the intellect that deals with day to day needs, and “satya buddhi” or the spiritual intellect. “Satya buddhi” is one of the six gunas or properties characterizing an individual’s “light of the soul”, or “satwa”. The Heart Lotus, is an energytic vibrational locus in the middle of the chest that houses the “satwa”.

It has 6 properties (gunas):
Buddhi (intellect)
Prayat na (effort)
Sukha (happiness)
Dukha (sorrow)
Iccha (desire)
Dwesha (aversion)

What are the primary factors that disturb samadhi?
Environmental disturbances of Prana (life-force) that affect the body’s own pranic health
Improper flow or circulation of Prana within the body in the micro and macro channels results in lack of communication between the different subtle bodies
Unresolved past grief and trauma shuts down the heart lotus resulting in lack of mind/body/heart coordination
Current mental stress distracts the mind from settling down and going inwards to experience finer levels of awareness and bliss.
The distracted nature of the “wild horses” (senses) that interfere with the mind’s communication with the “satwa” or the  “light of the soul” seated in the “ Heart Lotus”.

How does SVA support the experience of Samadhi?
The ancient sages of India who cognized the properties of herbs and spices characterized some as “divine,” because they created a balanced chemistry in the physiology attuning it for attaining more refined states of satwic consciousness. The samadhi set readies the physiology for deeper restful experiences by infusing it with calming, soothing and nurturing properties from divine ayurvedic herbs applied on marma points to enhance the flow of prana and support the experience of higher states of consciousness. When an individual experiences samadhi, or a state of ultimate restful awareness, chemical stressors cannot affect the body and cause it to degenerate. Vice versa: when the physiology is chemically balanced, the experience of higher states of consciousness is facilitated.

The Samadhi Set:
Consists of three herbalized creams that are applied on specific marma points (with the option to choose between Arjuna and Ashoka ) to support and enhance yogic experiences-coordinated functioning between mind, heart and soul.
Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), supports the physical and emotional heart and gives strength to overcome emotional challenges;
Ashoka (Saraca Ashoka), supports the release of grief (from a-shoka- no shoka/grief).
Brahmi (Centella asiatica and/or Bacopa monnieri) : Brahmi coordinates between and strengthens dhi, dritti, and smritti, the different aspects of the intellect.
Tulsi (Ocimum or Basilicum sanctum) balances/enhance the coordination between the senses and the mano buddhi (mind).

What are Marmas?
Marma translates as “energy point”. There are a total of 107 points in one body (besides the spine). Marmas are specific points on the physiology where the physical and subtle body meet. They respond to the sense of touch. They are loci of Prana, the universal energy of Nature. Vaidya Mishra calls marma points “ switches” that turn on (or off) the flow of universal intelligence in the body, and thus support or repress life. Through the Marma System ™ we can address different stresses and imbalances in the physiology on various levels: physical, emotional, mental, vibrational. The Marma System ™ administers balancing energy on different levels simultaneously making it vary safe, powerful and effective.

How does it work?
There are five levels:

1. Vibrational sound therapy – as we apply the cream on a marma point we silently repeat a sound cluster (mantra) that targets specific levels or organs.
2. Transdermal delivery ( herbal delivery through the skin) – herbs are micro-molecules and upon application on the skin they cross the blood barrier and are delivered to specific locations;
3. Marma energetics – the creams are applied on specific energetic (marma) points on the body that are connected to specific locations;
4. Aroma therapy- the creams are formulated with specific flower and herbal scents that will help pacify the mind and soothe the emotions;
5. Touch therapy – as an integral part of the Transdermal Marma System ™ (TMS ™), these creams are applied on specific marmas before any yogic or spiritual practice. Touching the prana in that marma point, cleansing the marma point of any vibrational clogging that might be causing an imbalance.

How to do it – three simple steps in less than 5 minutes:

Close your eyes and breathe gently and as deeply as possible during the following steps:

• Apply a small amount of Arjuna or Ashoka cream on the center of your palms and soles of the feet if possible ( Talahridiya marma). Lightly touch the marma with your ring finger and turn clockwise 7-21 times in circles slightly larger than the size of a quarter. Now, use your left thumb to press lightly on the point for 10-15 seconds. Repeat the entire process on the opposite hand and foot.
• Apply brahmi cream just below the wrist bone on the pulse area. Lightly go back and forth with your ring finger, covering the area of two inches for 15-20 seconds or so. Then lightly hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat on the left wrist.
• Apply tulsi cream on Staphani marma (point between eyebrows). Circles must be very light with no pressure. Do 7, 14, or 21 times, then hold the finger on that point gently for about 10-15 seconds. now apply tulsi on center of the throat notch at the base of the throat (Kanta Marma). Circle 7-21 times very lightly for about 10-15 seconds.
• Rest with eyes closed for a few minutes and breathe deeply but gently in. Proceed to your yogic practice – this also constitutes a calming yogic practice and can be done on its own, morning or evening.

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The United Nations has declared June 21st “International Day of Yoga” – and out of the 193 member countries of the UN, 192 will be holding collective yoga sessions on that day. More than the gentle exercise of succeeding postures that result in overall physical and mental benefits for health, yoga is primarily the practice of union, as its Sanskrit root “yog” indicates. Union between what and what?

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the most famous sourcebook of yoga elaborates on the meaning of this “union.” The opening verse states:

Yoga is: the cessation of the activity (vrtti) of the mind (citta). Yoga harnesses the mind for the purpose of re-establishing it in its-self, as the ensuing verse states:

The idea of the observer (drastuh) turning the gaze to the “svarup” or one-self, one’s own self, is the essence of vedic teachings and can be found in all the sister vedic sciences, such as Ayurveda, and is particularly highlighted in Vaidya Mishra’s ayurvedic SVA lineage. There is not doubt about the health benefits of yoga. But nowhere is this more evident than in this favorite verse of Vaidya Mishra:

This verse translates into: “Health results when the self is established in its-self.” All of SV Ayurveda is driven towards the practical application of this yogic formula: re-turning the self towards the self, bringing ourselves back home to ourselves, re-uniting ourselves with ourselves. But what does this mean?

In practical SVA terms, Vaidya explains this as the union between the mind and the satwa, or the “light of the soul.” If we were to picture our souls, we would see them as self-effulgent gems reverberating with eternal light. The light aura that surrounds our souls carries powerful life-force, or prana. The mind can be in state of connectedness or disconnectedness with that light. When it is disconnected, it gets led astray by the senses and their objects. When it is connected to this light, and grounded by it, then its actions are life, health, and evolution supporting.

Vaidya Mishra’s SV Ayurveda is geared towards driving the self back to its-self through the full panoply of ayurvedic practices: herbs, diet, routine, marma therapy, transdermal applications, etc, because the disconnection of the mind from the satwa results in the greatest ill-health, also known as: “pragyaparadh.” This can be roughly translated into the “greatest mistake of the intellect.”

The Charak Samhita, the sourcebook of Ayurveda, says: “dhi drithi smriti brahmsaha it pragyaparadha.” What is this “mistake” of the intellect? It is when “dhi dritti and smritti” or the “gathering, storing and recall of information” – primary tasks of the mind, are not working in harmony. When the mind is literally fighting against itself, then it is in a state of pragyaparadh, then an individual is unable to keep proper coordination between manas or thinking, vacha or speech, and karmana or action. Charak Samhita further says: “pragyaparadh tridosha prakopanam,” pragyaparadh unsettles all 3 doshas of the body, inducing certain dis-ease and illness. Disease has its root in the healthy functioning of the mind. The mind can only be healthy when it is in close harmony with itself, basking in the light of its own satwa!

When the mind is not established in its-self, or as Vaidya Mishra would say, in its own “satwa,” the light of its soul, then it gets carried away by the horses, the senses, and is in an unhealthy un-yogic state. When the mind is a-yogic, then it can be led astray into destructive activities that do not support the 3 pillars of life: a) diet or ahar; b) sleep or nidra; c) brahmacharya or life-supporting code of conduct, resulting in further pain and suffering.

SV Ayurveda has many simple and quick yogic techniques to induce the state of yogic self-effulgent joyful peace, where the mind is connected to its own satwa and enjoys endless wave upon wave of bliss.

SVA Marma Massage, in particular the Samadhi Set, have been put together by Vaidya to give the immediate experience of this yogic experience through the science of marma touch, sound therapy, aromatherapy, as well as herbs. The Samadhi Set brings together 5 different modalities to draw the mind back in. The marma points that are selected – tala hridiya, kant, sthapani – are key points that support the mind’s re-turn upon its source, while simultaneously opening the heart lotus to allow its full light to reverberate to the mind. The wild-horses, or senses, are pacified, without having to force them violently. See the article on “Samadhi Set” on www.vaidyamishra.com/blog

Vaidya Mishra also teaches the special advanced technique of kurma pacification. The kurma is the energetic turtle that resides in the lower abdomen. It it the reservoir of soma. It is also the root of the lotus that blossoms in the heart.

In addition to the kurma and the heart lotus, Vaidya Mishra also talks at length about the “bramharandra” or the primary gateway of prana into our body, the thousand-holed pranic filter that is located at the top of heads, that lets in just enough cosmic pranic energy suited to each individual’s physiological needs.

The objective of all yogic practices is to induce more prana. Prana is what we all thrive on. A yogic settled state of silence bliss ushers in waves of pranic energy, grounding us in total mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

You can now let that peaceful joy unfold in your heart through Vaidya Mishra’s Samadhi Set, or one of his many other SVA modalities for enhanced yogic bliss and balance!

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What’s the Difference between Prakrit and High Pitta Triphala?

John S.

What is the difference between what Triphala or Pitta Triphala Tablets do for the digestive system and what do Prakrit Tablets do for the digestive system ?

And are there conditions where both are suggested to be taken?

Thank you for your wonderful formulations.

Vaidya:

Dear John: All triphala formulas support the overall intelligence of the colon. There are a myriad imbalances that can affect the smooth functioning of the colon; whenever anyone is experiencing mild imbalances in their daily bowel discharge, then the triphala formula helps correct it by re-establishing  theintelligence of the colon, and thus supporting bowel evacuation.

That’s the operating principle behind this classical triphala formulation, unlike other natural or synthetic laxatives, in that it does not “force” and take over the colon to bring out a bowel movement, rather it re-initiates the natural functioning and intelligence of the colon so it can resume its own work.

But in my experience as a Vaidya here in the West, even the gentle classical triphala formula, made up of the 3 fruits (tri+phala): Amla (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki,(Terminalia chebula), and Bhibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), may prove to be too harsh for some high pitta constitutions!

For high pitta body types, and all severely pitta aggravated people in general, even the natural warmth of the fully matured Haritaki seems to be too much to handle. For them, I had to put together a unique SVA Formulation. I call it “Triphala for High Pitta.” In addition to Haritaki, Bhibhitaki, and Amla, I have added Rose and Fennel. But I also use the almost mature, not fully mature fruit of Haritaki  in this formulation, in addition to the organic rose extract and fennel that are synergistically infused to cool pitta. The rose and fennel are a pitta type’s best friends, they pacify the pitta dosha so that the remaining ingredients can initiate the bowel cleanse without aggravating and irritating the pitta. High pitta body types are prominent in the western world, and countless SVA clients have benefited from this High Pitta Triphala formulation.

Prakrit, on the other hand, is used when Triphala is unable to help. The Ayurvedic texts explain in great detail that there are very many types and natural predispositions to bowel movements. In general, when people tend to have chronic slow bowel movement, along with a lack of communication betweenPrana Vata, that governs the mind, and Apana Vata that governs the colon, then I use Prakrit to help correct it. Prakrit is a unique SVA formulation that contains  a specific kind of the haritaki fruit. There are seven different species of the haritaki fruit, for the Prakrit formulation, I use the best one, called vijiya haritaki -“victorious haritaki.” I use vijiya haritaki collected from dense forests in the same season it matures, not from past seasons. I then infuse it with medical grade castor oil in homeopathic dosage – below 0.01 %,  weight by weight – in order to support and enhance the ability of haritaki through the prabhava of the castor oil. Castor oil is a laxative but even short term usage can cause dependence if used in large quantities or in its raw physical form. The amounts I use are only for processing, and do not take over the colon’s intelligence, but rather support it, by enhancing the properties of Haritaki.

Castor Oil for Joint Pain?

Hello,

I have a question regarding oils.  I attended an Ayurveda workshop on oils and was advised that Castor Oil is very effective on various types on pain.  I confirmed this with another practitioner and she too advised that Castor oil can be applied daily.  After applying Castor oil on my feet for a few days, I did feel a lot of pain relief, but instead of being cleansed, I became very clogged.  My digestive system almost came to a halt.

Second question regarding oils again – In the workshop, the practitioner mentioned using Avocado and Sesame oil in equal proportion for pain relief. Kindly advise if this is a good combination for pain relief.  I have joint pain that gets aggravated often.  Kindly advise any home remedies.

Thank you and best regards.

Dolly

Vaidya responds:

Dear Dolly: in my personal opinion, castor oil should only be used occasionally, and not on a regular daily basis, as long term use can results in nerve damage – as castor oil is a confirmed neurotoxic substance.

As a formulator, I use Castor oil in minimal quantities and only in very specific formulations. Many people have asked me how come I use Castor oil as an ingredient in my Prakrit Tablet formulation?

In contemporary Ayurveda, as well as in the SVA tradition, we use many toxic ingredients or elements for healing benefits; however, such ingredients have to be ayurvedically processed and treated through the proper samyog and samskar: samyog means proportion with proper combination with other ingredients, and samskar means proper processing with other ingredients. The samyog and samskar steps are in addition to two more steps:

a) nirmali karan,

b) amriti karan. Nirmali karan  means the contaminants in that herb are removed, the plant is cleansed; amriti karan means the toxic substance is transformed through distinct steps into an amrit - a substance that benefits the physiology on many levels, and gives overall life support.

Through Ayurveda then, we can transform a toxic ingredient into a life-giving nectar. However, how beneficial or poisonous it is for the body depends on how correctly we prepare and process it. Specific knowledge with regards to processing, combining, and preparing many such plants and herbs were taught to me by my father, and passed down for countless generations in my SVA lineage.

In SVA formulations with known toxic ingredients, such as Castor oil in the SVA Prakrit Tablets, I use a specific method called guna dhan. Guna dhan is the process of infusing the specific prabhava. Prabhava is the specific effect of the herb or product beyond its post-digestive effect. Once the product has been completely physically processed, digested, and assimilated, it carries a subtle property called prabhava. For example, in the case of Castor oil, its prabhavais virechana, this means it carries a specific way of eliminating toxins by supporting the bowel movement. 

In the case of the SVA Prakrit tablets, for example, the bio-chemical potency of the castor oil molecules gets infused into the Haritaki fruits at the micro-molecular and vibrational levels.

What does this mean? In practical terms, only the “intelligence” of the ingredient, of Castor oil, is yoked to or synergistically combined with the Haritaki, to boost and support the properties of the Haritaki itself.

Castor oil is a known neurotoxic substance. When used over a long period of time in large amounts in its raw or crude form either as a plant or oil, whether ingested or used transdermally, it can create dependence – the body comes to depend on it to perform its own automatic functions, such as the daily evacuation of the bowels. I use only 0.01% medical grade Castor oil in Prakrit, in additional to the full ayurvedic processing protocols to transform Castor oil into a nectar, so any side-effects are further totally mitigated. This way, only the shukshmabhag or subtle micro-molecules of the ingredient play a role in terms of the prabhava, the ultimate most subtle post-physical action.

Here is an alternative SVA remedy for your joint pain.

SVA Home remedy for Joint Pain

I would like to suggest the following home remedy for your joint pain:

Take  4 oz. of good quality preferably organic sesame oil, add:

1/2 oz. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) leaf

1/4 oz. Black pepper – ground

1/4 oz. Dry ginger powder

Mix together in a small pot and boil for two minutes. Then use a cheesecloth to strain out the spices and herbs. In the filtered oil, add an equal part of sweet almond oil, then add  5 drops of camphor essential oil, 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, pour into an airtight container, and store for a day to let the formula settle. You can then use this oil to massage your knees and all achy joints, not more than twice a day, morning and evening. This will be a safe and effective oil for your joints. It will not only open the macro and micro channels to release all toxins that are causing inflammation and resulting in pain, but it will also nourish your joints and nerves. Let me know how you like it. Of course, coupling any external local application of herbal formulations will give you best results if you are also keeping a good alkaline anti-inflammatory diet. You can read more about the benefits of the SVA alkaline diet onwww.vaidyamishra.com/blog where I recommend avoiding the neurotoxic family of nightshades (tomato, potato, eggplant, and bell peppers), along with soy, flax, etc. You will then have even better results. Thank you.

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Properties and health benefits of Iron!

As the verse above explains, iron in sanskrit is called “loha.” In terms of quality, it is rough and dry. Its taste is sweet, but it carries a post-digestive bitter taste. Its vidhya, or potency, is cooling and heavy. It is also astringent, stimulating and supports weight-reduction.

In addition, the verse explains that iron is very good for the eyes. It is invigorating, and supports sexual stamina. It corrects imbalances of the stomach and helps eliminate pitta and kapha related imbalances!

Furthermore: it enhances the skin’s complexion, supports the mind’s functioning: dhi – power of learning, dritti – power of retaining, and smritti – power of recall. Iron supports virility in men, and the overall body. When used properly, it can address many imbalances and diseases.

In another verse of the Rasa Tarangini (Chapter 20 Verse 84), we read:

This verse explains that loha, or iron, enhances the digestive power, supports the body and rejuvenates it. It helps correct chronic skin problems. Nourishes and thus supports the body in its fight against tumors, bacteria. Iron maintains optimal hemoglobin levels, even as it enhances fat metabolism. Iron is great for sugar metabolism; helps one get rid of nausea; supports the lungs. It also helps optimize the properties of different herbs, thus acting like a “yogavahi” – it helps carry and deliver herbs to their destination faster and more efficiently in the cellular system.

Yet another verse explains:

This verse says that iron can be as fierce as a lion when ridding the body of herpes. Iron can help with chronic pain conditions, supports the body’s inner vitality, and addresses chronic inflammatory conditions. It can help with several liver disease conditions. It also helps with hemorrhoids.

Another verse says:

This verse explains that iron helps with chronic problems of absorption, chronic inflammation of the glands in the neck. In addition, it supports the menstrual flow, and pacifies inflammation in the kidneys. Iron supports the heart, and helps the body fight combat chronic fever.

In verse number 89, we read that:

This verse explains that iron is good for diabetic conditions, that it supports and nourishes the

muscle tissue, and nurtures the female body against overall decay after childbirth.

Verse 90 says that:

This sutra explains that iron helps heal the throat, helps with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also have a healing effect on liver related fistulas, when used in combination with different proper herbs. Iron can help heal sinusitis, and hyperacidity.

In verse 92, we read that:

During puberty, iron can help go with hormonal balance, allowing for a smoother puberty, in terms of the menstrual cycle. It can also be used to help support and heal the duodenum, and balance the flow of blood.

Verse 93 says that: iron helps blood supply to the nerves, it helps give better deeper sleep for anemics, it supports the bone tissue in rheumatoid arthritis individuals, and helps maintain the bone tissue by supporting the detox of amavisha, or virulent toxins from it.

Even more, in verse 94, we read that it helps relieve fatigue from the body, enhances overall mental strength, supports hemoglobin levels for women in menopause, specially if there is significant blood loss during menopause.

In verse 95, we read that iron helps with imbalances created by the weakness of the nervous system.

And there are still many more verses covering the benefits of iron for the human physiology, when it is used properly, and with the synergistic

combination of other ayurvedic herbs.

You will also have noticed that these ancient verses list all the possible benefits of iron, specially all the ones modern medicine has also delineated for us. In my SVA lineage, we use iron in combination with distinct additional ayurvedic herbs, for added benefit as well as for targeting distinct conditions and situations. Currently, I have made available a total of 4 kinds of iron Herbal Memory Nectar drops, to address the general deficiency of iron, as well as for advanced specific needs.

SVA Loha and Maha Loha Herbal Memory Nectar Drops

The first two are SVA Loha and Maha Loha, These are identical formulas, except that Maha Loha carries a four times higher quantity or concentration of iron molecules than the regular version, made specifically for those who need the higher concentration. The following herbs are also added to enhance the absorption and delivery of the iron molecules. In addition to loha, these

formulas contain the following ingredient-wise properties:

• Bhring raj (Eclipta alba) is a famous ayurvedic herb that helps enhance the intelligence of the liver and thus supports the physiology so it can properly metabolize and use iron.

•Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) I add so as to enhance the intelligence of the iron molecules to be delivered to the bone marrow.

•Bhumi amla (Phyllantus niruri) to nourish and enhance the intelligence of liver

•Mahasudarshan churn is a classical formula that contains a great number of different ingredients. It supports the intelligence of the liver as well as the detox of the liver.

•Green cardamom pods (Cardamomum) to enhance the efficacy of iron.

• Wild amla (Phyllantus emblica) enhances to absorption of the iron molecules, and secures their delivery into the muscle tissue

• Triphala is made up of Amla (Phyllantus emblica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bhibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). I add this to prevent from the common possible side effect of iron: constipation.

SVA Amla Loha

This specific formula is called “Dhatri Loha” in classical Ayurveda. The word “dhatri” is almost identified with the name amla, because of the health- bestowing properties of the fruit. The literal meaning of “dhatri” is: that which gives, that which takes care of, that which is – in its giving nature – like a nurturing, sustenance-giving, woman! In this formula the amla is added in very high potency to enhance the absorption and use of iron, and give it the potency of heme iron. Scientific studies have confirmed the ancient ayurvedic knowledge which states that in the presence of ascorbic acid, the potency and delivery of iron becomes as powerful as heme iron. However, the embellic acid contained in the amla plant is even more potent than ascorbic acid, and it empowers the iron even further. In addition, amla enhances protein synthesis, so this protein synthesis property of amla, synergistically combined with iron, acts as a highly nurturing formulation for the muscle tissue. I have also added DGL in good quantity in the formula to help pacify and keep overall pitta of the liver and stomach in check.

SVA Guduchi Loha

Guduchi is a very famous herb used to enhance and support the intelligence of all seven physical bodily tissues. It is ideal when used for targeted delivery to the bone marrow. Countless scientific studies have also found that Guduchi can boost the immune system. Guduchi is a very balanced herb for nurturing and detoxifying, so in this formula along with iron, I’ve synergistically added enough quantities of guduchi, so that the micromolecules of iron can reach the bone marrow. In addition, ginger, “pippali,” and black pepper together make up a very ancient formula called “trikatu.” Trikatu is the best “yogavahi,” a product or herb that facilitates targeted delivery for greater faster effectiveness. I have

also added a SVA formulation called “Soma Shakti” to these drops. This is a classical formula whose main ingredient is shilajeet. The ayurvedic shastras say that adding shilajeet to the iron bhasma makes the iron more potent and useful for the body.

These two formulas contain nano-particles of iron, infused in the intelligence of the herbs, spices and essential oils found in the formula. These two formulas are very potent; however, for best results, use under the guidance of a SVA expert.

Disclaimer: the description of herbs, plants, ingredients, and combinations offered in the above articles and verses are meant for educational purposes only. If you have, or suspect you have, any medical condition, check with your medical doctor or physician before using any of the herbs or products mentioned above to your daily protocol.

The post The Benefits of Iron for Health through SV Ayurveda appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

In the herbal treasure cove of Ayurveda, there is one herb that shines brighter and carries an epithet none other does: ginger, and it is called “vishwa bhesaj” – universal or global medicine. Of course, modern research is also in on the great benefits of ginger for health. Studies find ginger to be a potent:

• immuno-modulator – supports the immunity in its fight against foreign agents (bacterial, viral, etc);
• anti-inflammatory – helps manage inflammation by addressing toxic build-up;
• carminative and digestive – re-ignite and balances the digestive organ systems for optimal digestion.

Even though western medicine has yet to adopt the use of ginger medicinally, concentrated extracts of ginger can now be purchased at health food stores for all to consume. But ayurvedically speaking, this would not be a good idea. Or would it? The greatest distinctive trait of Ayurveda is its understanding of the individual physiology and its uniqueness: each body’s needs and ailments need to be addressed individually, even when the symptoms are identical. This means that not everything is good for everybody all the time. But if ginger is “vishwa bhesaj,” doesn’t it mean that it is good for all, at all times?

You may be new to Ayurveda, but you’ve probably still heard about the different body types: vata, pitta, kapha – different combinations of the elements found in nature: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Everybody is born with a unique blueprint combination of these 3 types or tendencies in different proportions. Those born with predominant pitta body type tend to have more fire, or heat, in them.
Just like our bodies are made up of the different elements of nature, so are all the edibles under the sky characterized by different combination of the elements of creation. Chilies, black pepper, ginger, for example, carry more heat or fire. If a pitta body type eats more of these fiery ingredients, they increase the heat in their body and thus imbalance themselves.
In this context, this is one way of understanding the age-old adage: you are what you eat! Our bodies are made up of the same stuff the world around us is made up of: the elements. We each carry a balance of those elements in our bodies, and we can either maintain or disrupt that balance by ingesting more or less of the elements through our food. This, in a nutshell, perhaps, is ayurvedic healing summarized: re-instating balance by working on the level of the creational elements. So that, the ayurvedic expert is one who has studied all the properties and possible combinations, and also is one who is expert at understanding which elements on which level/layer need to be addressed in the body, when and how.
So if, according to Ayurveda, we know that ginger is pungent, and hot and spicy, how come ginger is good for all at all times? How can ginger be good for pitta body types? Is this an oversight of the ayurvedic texts?

If you study the (ayur) vedic texts without a “guru,” it is easy to reach faulty conclusions, or get confused and give up! But under the guidance of one already well versed in these texts, and who has acquired not only the intellectual knowledge but also carries the experiential knowledge, you can be guided to unfold the vedic knowledge so it does not contradict itself.  This is how my father, Vaidya Kameshwar Mishra, guided me and taught me about the countless wondrous plants and ingredients in Ayurveda. So let’s study ginger together today. I would like to discover with you not only what some selective sutras say about the balancing properties of ginger, but to share with you the recipes that I was taught, recipes that make ginger a tridoshic ingredient that even high pitta body types can use in the high heat of Summer!

First, let’s look at the Charak Samhita, for it is there that we that ginger is a “medicine for all,” after listing many of its health-supporting properties, saying:

Rocanam: it enhances the taste buds – taste plays a major psycho-dynamic role in the digestion and assimilation of food and nutrients, sharper taste buds support the digestive system;
dipanam: it enhances or sharpens the digestive fire – leaving no room for undigested bi-products or “ama;” vrsyam: it enhances the reproductive fluid – the health of the reproductive fluid is an indication of the health of all the tissues that precede it, such as the lymph, blood, muscle, fat, bone, and bone marrow; when the reproductive fluid is healthy, it means the remaining fluids are doing good, this only highlights the role of ginger on all the tissues; adraka, or ginger, is a global medicine, because it is vata shamana (vata pacifying); shleshma harana (kapha pacifying); vibandeshu (helps to address constipation); rasastasyopadisyate – ginger juice is known to be good for all things!
But it’s not just the Charak Samhita, but Bhava Mishra as well, the author of many ayurvedic canonical texts, who recommends ginger across the board before every meal:

This is a very famous verse in the ayurvedic community. Literally, it says: bhojanagre, before your meal (lunch and/or dinner); sada, always; pathyam – (it is) good; lavanardrakabhaksanam, to eat soma salt mixed in with ginger.
The next line in this verse says: the purpose of this recipe is “agnisandipanam,” to increase or sharpen the digestive fire, or pachak agni. “Rucyam” means it enhances and clears the taste buds, by pacifying bhodak kapha, or the kapha that governs the tongue. The final work in the verse says: juhvakanthavisodhanam: this recipe purifies or cleans the tongue and the throat.

So again: good for all? Under all circumstances?

In my experience, as a Vaidya in the Western world, if you already feel hungry, and you are high pitta by constitution, then you should not follow what this verse says! The recommendation in this verse is ideal for those who are experiencing less or no hunger at all before a meal; only then is it ideal for them to consume some ginger mixed with rock salt (as opposed to sea or other types of salt) before their meal. But how to know when to follow and when not to follow what the sutra-s say? A little knowledge is always a dangerous thing, so if we love Ayurveda, unless we have studied it thoroughly, it is best to be under the guidance of an expert healer or teacher, otherwise we can harm ourselves, and others  as well!

If you want to study Ayurveda, you have to study it all, read it all. For that, you have to peruse the original texts – never rely on translations or interpretations. Bhava Mishra recommends ginger in this verse; but we have to keep reading Bhava Mishra and see that elsewhere, he speaks again about ginger, but it just so happens, that in another verse where he is lauding the properties of ginger, he also lists contraindications:

According to Bhava Mishra, here is the list of contraindications for ginger:
kushta: in day-to-day parlance, kushta would translate into leprosy; but in this context, it refers to any chronic skin disease coming under the umbrella term of kushta. Almost all chronic skin diseases are connected to either recurrent allergies or autoimmune disorders. They need immunosuppression, or immuno-corrective herbs and spices. Ginger is an immuno- modulator, that’s why it would be contraindicated for skin conditions.
Pandu -  this is jaundice, or hepatitis, where the liver is weak. Therefore, anything that would stimulate the liver, such as ginger, would not be good.
Krichchhe raktapitta – krichhe means old, and raktapitta means: a disease where pitta is  very high in the blood, where the blood gets too thin and hemorrhage can happen. Scientifically speaking as well, ginger has been found to be a great blood thinner, hence the contraindication in this instance.
Vrane Jvara – fever due to chronic ulcer. Ginger is detoxifying. For anyone experiencing fever, ginger can induce a detox crisis, increasing the fever.
Daahe, or burning in the body. Burning happens when pitta is high in the body. Ginger being hot by property, it can increase pitta. So it can increase the burning sensation in the body.
Nidagha shari’ah na eva- in the the hot days of summer, or the hot days of autumn, ginger should not be administered, as it will only serve to make the heat/fire bigger, aggravating pitta and causing further imbalances.

In yet another verse, Bhava Mishra, adds yet another layer to the knowledge and use of ginger.

Ardrakam, or ginger, is: srngaberam, syatkatubhadramatatha, rdrika – these are additional Sanskrit names for ginger. In addition, ginger is: bhedini, it carries the prabhava or property of breaking down heavy clusters of kapha, or ama, which can clog and block channels, even though ginger itself is gurvi, since it carries a lot of juice – liquids are usually high in soma. However, even while being “gurvi” or heavy, it is “tiksnosna,” or sharp and hot. This is a wondrous property of ginger to be able to maintain such a great balance in its chemical make-up. It is also  “dipani,” stokes or increases, the digestive fire; it is “katuka,” its immediate taste in the mouth its pungent, even though it carries a  “madhura pak,” its the post-digestive taste is sweet. Ginger is “ruksa” or drying – it burns off phlegm;  it is “vatakaphapaha” or pacifying to vata and kapha dosha.
Bhava Mishra ends his verse by introducing a new element, he says: these “gunah” or properties are carried by “sunthyaste’pi” – ayurvedically processed ginger which is called “sunthi.” Sunthi, or “santyardrake’ kilah” enhances the production of breast-milk. But what is “sunthi?”

Sunthi is ayurvedically processed ginger. So to recap: there is ginger, dry ginger (in root or powder form), and then there is sunthi. What is Sunthi? Sunthi is ayurvedically processed ginger; and there can be different types of sunthi, based on how and with what it was processed. Here are some properties about Sunthi from Bhav Mishra.
Ayurvedically prepared ginger enhances appetite, burns ama, and pacifies vata. it supports pachakagni, thus enhancing the digestive system as well. it is pungent, and light, it is unctuous and hot. The vipaka – post-digestive taste – is sweet. It pacifies kapha and vata, particularly the kledak kapha and the samana vata of the stomach. After balancing samana vata, apana vata goes down, that’s how it helps to support the bowel movement.

Another verse further details the properties of “sunthi:”

In another verse, below. Bhava Mishra says that sunthi enhances the reproductive fluids (vrsya); supports the vocal chords; pacifies nausea; smoothes the breathing; pacifies cholic pain; pacifies the cough; and supports cardiac health; supports the immune system against elephantitis; eliminates sweeling; helps in hemmorhoids; helps in tymphanitis; pacifies samana vata.

And yet another verse, lists additional beneficial properties of sunthi, that ginger itself does not carry:

In fact, ginger is ruksh – carries dry heat, but sunthi is moist and hot! And this small difference has great consequences in the body!

As this verse says: because sunthi is full of power of agni, it absorbs the water in the colon, that’s why sunthi is “grahi” which is the prabhava that enhances absorption, but at the same time, it carries the property of “vibhandbhedini” – it breaks the old fecal matter, evacuates them. Because this sunthi has that unique prabhava of “vibhand bhedini” along with being “grahini” or absorbing, it means that with regular use of sunthi, it enhances the intelligence of the colon, so that the colon knows whatever is bad for the body, it eliminates it, and whatever is good for the body, it absorbs. now: there is a unique comparative difference between raw ginger and properly made sunthi. ginger is heavy or “guruvi” and “sunthi” is light, or “lagu.” ginger is “tikshnoshna” sharp and hot.

Being guruvi, or heavy, for high pitta/low agni people, it can create more clogging. Ginger being tikshnoshna, hot and sharp, can aggravate pachak pitta and burn the kledak kapha of the stomach. However, since sunthi is snighdoshna, hot but unctuous, it can open the channels without burning them up! Otherwise, ginger and sunthi has overall, the same effect on the physiology, but these three unique qualities of properly made sunthi, is good for the western high pitta bata people in high stress situations, and even better than raw ginger itself.

My father taught me that the pitta aggravating properties of ginger can be pacified enough to be used by a pitta type through proper “samyog” – combination with other ingredients – and “samskar” – preparations or processes. This is sunthi. And most of all, you must remember, that sunthi is not dry ginger as the common misconception has it.  The main purpose of making sunthi from ginger is to add cooling properties to it, so as to abate the heat of ginger. Ginger then becomes tri-doshically pacifying, cools pitta even as it still balances vata and kapha through its warming properties. It can then be safely used in cooking, and in varying proportions it is almost good for everybody!

If you google sunthi, many references and articles on-line refer to sunthi as dry ginger, or dry ginger powder. This is incorrect. In fact, there are 3 distinct types of sunthi, based on 3 different ways of processing/preparing the ginger. In my lineage, which is always very specific and practically oriented, we prepared each different type of sunthi to address specific imbalances, or a specific physiology. Here are the recipes that I was taught. You can make these at home – but use caution.
Recipe for sunthi: Get fresh ginger (make sure it has less fibre as that’s better) slice it thin, boil it with good spring water, dry it – you can either dry in sunshine or use a food dehydrator with controlled temperature. When the ginger s fully dry, then pulverize it and use it. This is sunthi! This sunthi is good for kapha body types. Unlike what some might say, this is not ginger powder, because when you boil it and then throw out the water, ginger’s tikshnoshan – sharp and hot – quality goes low, and it becomes more “grahi,” more absorbing, because you have infused the energy of soma through the water, and it has also lost some of the essential oils that make the ginger so sharp and hot. See the scientific explanation of this simple process of boiling and how it changes the chemical make-up of ginger:

The essential oil (gingerol gets released into the water while getting boiled, so the pitta aggravating qualities of ginger are reduced, and it is thus safer for pitta body types. it is also good for those who have high kledak kapha – heaviness after eating, lack of appetite, slower digestion, but no hyperacidity or burning in the stomach. This is not for pitta or vata symptoms. For them, we can use this ginger in cooking, not more than 1/4 to 1/2 tsp in cooking with vegetables and lentils. If they are experiencing lack of appetite, then they can use 1/4 tsp of sunthi with  2 pinch of soma salt mixed in with lime juice.

Recipe for Sunthi for high pachak pitta people: (use 1 lb of ginger for 1 gallon of milk) clean the ginger root (get the less fibrous type), make thin slices and set aside. In a separate pot, bring raw milk to the boiling point, slow down the heat, then add the slices of ginger, boil on slow heat for another 10 minutes. Remove the ginger from the milk, rinse it by running good spring water through it, rub it so as to totally remove any residues of milk, then dry it in a dehydrator thoroughly, then pulverize it. Keep this powered in an airtight container and refrigerate because the residue of the milk can invite bacteria. This is ideal for high pitta/low agni pitta types, and even high pitta/high agni people. When using, start with 1/8 tsp of sunthi and cook with it, don’t eat this directly for high pitta and high agni people. Cook with with your lentils and squashes, milk, rice pudding, fruits. You can also add it to stewed fruits. Do not drink the milk cooked in this process, as it is very heating. It should only be used under specific circumstances under a vaidya expert guidance only.
Last but not least, here is a recipe for tridoshic sunthi: slice the ginger thin, clean it, get edible food-grade limestone, about 10 grams, add 1 liter of water. When you add the limestone to the water, there will be a chemical reaction. Be very careful, as the water will boil and rise, keep yourself away as the droplets can burn while the chemical reaction is on. Once it settles down after 10-15 minutes, use heavy duty gloves to be safe, and filter the water with a coffee filter, capture the water, then add the ginger slices to the lime water and soak the ginger in the water for 4 hours, then strain and rinse it thoroughly, take out all residues of the limestone, then dry it, then dehydrate the slices.

I am sharing this wisdom with you, but this process should be done under expert supervision, because when you add live limestone to the water, it bubbles and can burn you. Also there is a residue of limestone that needs to be completely rinsed out. When done properly, this is sunthi, almost tridoshic, except for those who have too high kledak kapha or too high pachak pitta. This sunthi has longer shelf-life than the one prepared with milk and water. At www.chandika.com we carry this sunthi. It is good to use, to be safe, instead of raw ginger. You can use it in your cooking, you can use for desserts, wherever the recipe calls fro ginger. It is also good to boil with milk, or bake it for ginger cookies. You can also add pinches to your herbal water. This way you get all the health benefits of ginger, minus the pitta aggravating heat and sharpness. In SVA, with the knowledge of proper samskar and samyog, preparation and combination, you can have your ginger and eat it too!

Ginger Peppermint Rose Tea – to pacify high pitta

in 8oz of water add:
2 pinches of SVA sunthi powder
2 pinch of DGL powder
2 rose buds
1/4 tsp fennel seeds

Boil for 5-8 minutes, strain, and enjoy anytime of the year or day!

The post Have your Ginger and Eat it too! appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

“Dear Vaidya:
My students have been asking me about this relatively new product glorified as being very healthy. I’d be very grateful to get your opinion on it:
I’ve never used it myself: https://www.onnit.com/onnit-mct-oil/

Thank you!
Divya A.”

Vaidya responds:
Dear Divya,
MCT vs LCT:
Sometimes more is less! This new tendency to prefer oils that have high content of MCFAs (Medium Chain Fatty Acids) also known as MCT (medium chain tryglycerides) over oils that contain long-chain tryglycerides (LCT) is based on research findings. MCTs have been found to be easier on digestion and easily broken down and absorbed; more readily available in the liver and transformed into energy; stimulating for the body’s metabolism and thus supporting weight loss. Most vegetables oils contain long chain fatty acids (LCT) that get stored in your arteries or in your body as fat, slow down your metabolism, and put strain on your pancreas and digestive system. Compared to LCTs, MCTs have fewer calories per serving, roughly 8.3 calories per gram rather than the standard 9 calories per gram, according to research findings.

In contrast, coconut contains almost 2/3 MCTs, making it the queen amongst healthy vegetables oils, and yet, the new trend is to prefer MCT processed oils over coconut oil. Medium-chain triglycerides, or fatty acids, such as lauric acid, are characterized by a specific chemical structure that allows your body to absorb them readily as a whole, making them easily digestible — because your body processes them as it would carbohydrates, and they are used as a source of direct energy. Lauric acid, as a component of triglycerides, comprises about half of the fatty acid content in coconut oil, laurel oil, and palm kernel oil (not to be confused with palm oil). Otherwise, lauric acid is relatively uncommon. It is also found in human breast milk (6.2% of total fat), cow’s milk (2.9%), and goat’s milk (3.1%). The most popular MCT products have been derived from coconut oil or the palm trees ; the irony is that, however, most lose their Lauric acid content during processing. Lauric acid is prized around the world as a powerful antimicrobial agent, used in both food preservation as well as in drugs and nutraceuticals.
To beat the competition, the manufacturers of this particular brand whose link you have forwarded states that they have added lauric acid to their product, but they do not disclose their method of processing, nor what their source of lauric acid is:

In addition, the MCT oil that is obtained is irreparably a processed product diminished in prana, and we do not know what actual properties it carries inside the body once it is ingested. They say they they take their cue from mother nature, but they do so to try to improve upon her creation and make a product that she should have but did not, when there is a naturally perfect product that already exists and that we could be consuming as is, namely: coconuts!

Coconuts, ayurvedically!

Nature has not only made coconut oil rich with nutrients and benefits, but those nutrients are found in such a balanced proportion, along with Nature’s intelligence, that they are very easy for the human physiology to digest, for the liver to transform, and to make available to all the organs of the body. Our body’s digestive system and system organs can metabolize coconut 100%, and whatever bi-products are obtained, the body is able to easily discard them.

Ayurvedically, coconut is a perfect fruit that need not be touched in any way to be enhanced or improved upon. In this sense, manipulating or processing the coconut in order to alter the chemical ratios of long or medium fatty chains, or meddling with the natural intelligence of the coconut’s molecular make-up, is not such a good idea.  Ayurveda does give us the opportunity to process raw material in certain circumstances. For example, we can detoxify certain naturally toxic ingredients or substances in a process called “amritakaram.” But coconut is not one of those ingredients that need this processing, as its naturally somagenic content is balanced and ready to be consumed – as is. For those living in a hot climate, as well as for those with a “high pitta and high agni” digestive tendency, coconut oil is the best oil for cooking, or for drizzling over hot food – preferably not salads. So my suggestion would be to consume organic virgin coconut oil, not processed coconut oil, to keep the intelligence of its natural molecular make-up intact 100%.  But I would add some ayurvedic precautions, even to the consumption of coconut.

Caution for Coconut
On ayurvedic grounds, however, I do caution people. Perfect as coconut is, there are some situations where it should be avoided.  Of course, you can follow the basic guidelines of ayurveda for your body type, and determine whether coconut oil is good for you on a regular basis. However, in some situations, even the ayurvedic body type of high pitta high agni individuals may not be ready to consume coconut oil. For example: if the “kledak kapha” in the stomach is  aggravated.

Kledak kapha is one of the 3 subdoshas that govern digestion in the stomach. In the stomach you have “pachak pitta” cooking the food; “samana vata” churning it and moving it around to expose the food ingested to full cooking; and “kledak kapha” to moisten the food by lubricating it so that it gets cooked and not burnt by pachak pitta! Kledak kapha also helps to maintain the stomach environment in balance by pacifying pachak pitta, and it keeps pachak agni, the digestive fire, under control as well, so it does not burn down the stomach, even or specially so in the absence of food.

If somebody’s kledak kapha is high, then the pachak pitta, the fuel of the digestive fire, becomes sluggish – too much soma moistens and puts out the fire, because the gap, the sandhi, where the cooking takes place, is inundated, and the pachak agni goes low. Think of this in terms of a burner, or ghee lamp wick, which transforms the liquid ghee, in this case pacha pitta, into the flame. When kledak kapha is high, the digestive flame, pacha agni also known as jatharagni, goes low. Then we get an overall digestive situation called: “mandagni,” or low flame. This is when people feel that their digestion is slow, or metabolism is low. In this case, people will still be able to digest the coconut oil, but not 100%. Then what happens?
Ayurveda says that if you digest 99%, and even one percent remains undigested, or semi digested, then you make toxic residue, called “ama.” Toxins settling in the tissues, or organs, or different parts of the body, dampen the metabolic rate and create a friendly environment for bacterial growth. When ama gets to sit in the physiology, it may also develop into a more aggressive type of toxic build-up, called “amavisha.” In the long run if left un-addressed, amavisha creates inflammation that can bring about any chronic disease.

Ghee – for one and all!
So ideally, high pitta and high agni individuals who experience sharp hunger at all times of the year and are able to to process and metabolize food fully without getting a feeling of being bloated, or gas, are the one ones who can enjoy the full benefits of food prepared with coconut oil. As for the rest of us, who may not have that fiery metabolic system, ghee is the best alternative.
The Charak Samhita describes ghee as “snehuttamam” – the best fat for human consumption. Ayurveda explains that in contrast to coconut oil which is high in soma and can therefore be hard to metabolize unless one has high pitta and high agni metabolism, ghee strikes the perfect balance between soma and agni. This is particularly the case when we consumes ghee made the traditional way, from butter that was made from raw cream turned into yoghurt, and not straight from cream/fat. My SVA Mum’s ghee is made from butter that has gone through the fermentation process or the culturing process where live bacteria are involved. Even though after the final cooking step the bacteria are no longer alive, their initial presence endows the fat molecules with agni; in addition, the churning of the yogurt in order to extract the butter, that friction of the churning process also provides more agni. Finally, when that butter is cooked, further agni or fire is infused into it.
In this sense, ghee is the best fat for high pitta and low agni individuals, because this fiery energy helps to clear the “wick” of the digestive process. Ghee has a very high burning point and it is therefore ideal for cooking spices in it – cooking on higher heat, since ghee won’t burn as easily and quickly – allowing for the full potency of spices and herbs to unfold into the fat medium and be transported deeper into the bodily tissues. In addition, ghee carries all the properties that coconut does: it lubricates the brain, the cellular system, nourishes the joints, nurtures the skin. Ghee is even recommended for people who have “mandagni” or low agni (high pitta low agni). When cooked with the proper metabolism enhancing spices, ghee becomes the ideal fat for those with slow metabolism.
In India, in areas where tropical temperatures presides (specially in south India such as in kerala, some parts of Tamil Nadu), or in countries such as Malasia, Indonesia, where extreme hot weather conditions dominate, coconut oil is used exclusively. However, according to Ayurveda, it is not recommended to use coconut oil for long term, specially in cold climates. In countries where the climate varies seasonally, it is possible to use coconut oil in the hotter summer months and then switch back to ghee in the remaining months of the year.
So for your students who ask you whether or not to initiate the use of MCT oils, tell them they should avoid consuming processed fats, not matter what the promises of modern scientific findings, and favor coconut oil in its natural state instead. And then add that you know of something even better than coconut: ghee! You can teach them how to make their own traditional ghee, or show them the SVA ghee. You can also educate them about my herbalized ghee, the SVA Maha Saraswati Ghee, that contains a very powerful herb, jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), that boosts and supports brain functioning and health, not to mention the health endowing properties of ghee itself. Maha Saraswati ghee can be melted to be used on toast, in your cup of tea, or in your sandwiches! Let’s fuse the ayurvedic wisdom of the ages with our modern lifestyles to accomplish the great health we all deserve to carry out joyful lives!

 
References
1. Drugs.com: Lauric Acid
AOCS Lipid Library: Palm Kernel and Coconut (Lauric) Oils
NYU Langone Medical Center: Medium-Chain Triglycerides
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Facts About Coconut Oil — What Is It All About?

Metabolism: Effects of Dietary Medium-Chain Triglyceride on Weight Loss and Insulin Sensitivity in a Group of Moderately Overweight Free-Living Type 2 Diabetic Chinese Subjects
Nutrition Review: Medium Chain Triglyderides: Beneficial Effects on Energy, Atherosclerosis and Aging
ChooseMyPlate.gov: How Much Is My Allowance for Oils?
2. Know Your Fats, by Mary Enig, Ph.D, Bethesda Press. p. 259
See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/mct-oil-vs-coconut-oil-the-truth-exposed/#sthash.pZmZsW0N.dpuf

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