Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, insisted that “all diseases begin in the gut.” Unfortunately, most allopathic doctors today do not heed their predecessor’s wise intuition. Rather, educated MD’s poke and prod whatever organ manifests physical abnormality and dysfunction. Modern medical practice employs toxic drugs to treat the predominant symptoms (which often complicates matters with unpleasant side effects) without addressing the foremost cause (I don’t mean to offend any doctors out there reading this blog, just bear with me) of many diseases. This approach is understandable given the pressure placed on doctors to comply with institutional policies and procedures and the alluring kickbacks offered by drug companies.
In contrast to the modern healthcare paradigm, Ayurveda recognizes the importance of strong, healthy digestion for overall wellness and longevity. Agni, the digestive fire, is believed to be the main source of life and is therefore supported by a comprehensive system of dietetics that encompasses what foods to eat (and not eat) as well as when, where and how to dine. When agni is disturbed, food can not be digested properly and turns into Ama, a toxic, sticky substance.
Ama is believed to be the root cause of many diseases. Toxins originating in the colon - from unhealthy, putrid food that is ingested or healthy food which putrefies inside the GI tract due to weak agni - can travel to other parts of the body and become lodged in weak tissues and organs. Once the toxic substance embeds itself somewhere it shouldn‘t, it disrupts normal physiological function. Sounds kind of gross, right? Yet at the same time, vaguely familiar. The Ayurvedic model of etiology concurs with the concept of Leaky Gut Syndrome. Complementary and integrative health professionals recognize that damage to the inner lining of the intestines increases their permeability setting the stage for a variety of disorders including allergies, eczema, autism, ADHD, autoimmune diseases and candida infections.
According to Ayurveda, insufficient agni and Ama build-up within the GI tract may push the doshas (the psycho-physiological manifestation of the elements within the body that support life functions are prone to being "thrown out of whack" in which case they contribute to disease) out of balance. Each dosha is believed to have “a seat” in the GI tract, maha marga (the largest channel in the body), so indigestion is the first sign that one or more of them has been aggravated by improper diet or manner of eating. Vata is located in the colon and can cause flatulence or constipation if disturbed. Aggravated Pitta, which resides in the small intestine, may trigger acid reflux or diarrhea. The symptoms of perturbed Kapha in the stomach include nausea and vomitting.
Adopting healthy eating habits can keep the doshas happy and balanced. Choosing the right foods and cooking meals properly are vitally important, but you'll find that simply bringing intention and attention to the act of eating is powerful medicine. Bon Appetit!
1. Eat the proper quantity of food: the amount of food that should be taken depends on each person's constitution and strength of agni as well as time of day and season of the year. Eating more slowly will allow you to better guage how much to eat.
2. Eat fresh, wholesome foods: freshly cooked or carefully prepared raw foods are better than leftover, reheated meals. Consume organic and local vegetables whenever possible and try to avoid overly processed, convenience products.
3. Eat in a relaxed, calm environment: slow down, put work and TV aside and really focus on eating.
4. Adopt an attitude of gratitude: even if you don't believe in dieties, you can feel reverence for the people who toiled in the fields so you could satisfy your nutititional needs and enjoy a good meal. Take a moment to pay homage to agni, the fire inside of you which fuels digestion.
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