ayurveda diagnosis rama prasad ayurveda elements

Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754

Weekend 05-06
Diagnosis & Healing
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Contents
Signs of imbalance 04
Case taking 06
Tongue analysis -articles 08
Tongue -preparation 19
Tongue Analysis 21
Managing diseases 30
Healing process 92
Ayurvedic therapies 95
Major therapies 96
Preparation for therapies 99
Blissful body therapies 100


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Exercise
Application of dosha 86
Qualities as functions 88
Qualities as imbalances 89
Qualities as therapies 90

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Signs of Imbalance - Doshas
Category Vata Pitta Kapha
Dull, dark Increased, intense, burnt Pale, whitish
01. COLOUR
Brown, grey, pink Red, yellow, black, smoky White, dulls
02. DERANGED BY Wind, cold, dryness Heat, sun, fire, humidity Cold, dampness, oiliness
03. DISLIKES Cool, dry, light, bitter Hot, sour, pungent Heavy, cold, sweet
04. DREAMS Airy, flying, anxiety, fearful, Colourful, violent, aggressive Melancholy, sentimental
Dry, painful, dilated pupils, dark, Reddish discolouration, burning Itchy, sticking especially in the
05. EYES
falling eyelashes sensation, watering morning
Dry, hard, less, constipated, painful Loose, hot, smelly, burning sensa- Sticky, slimy, mucus, whitish, itchy
06. FECES
defecation tion, with blood anus
Shifting temperature, painful High temperature, burning, Low grade, heaviness, dullness;
07. FEVER
joints, delirious sweating, thirst, diarrhoea constant
08. HUNGER Fluctuating , irregular Feeling of excess hunger Sluggish, low appetite
09. LIKES Warm climate, rest, foods Cool climate, food and drink Spicy, warm - light food
Painful, dark blood, scant, spot- Heavy, burning, hot flashes, Heavy clots, sticky, staining, whit-
10. PERIODS
ting, irregular sweating ish blood
Restless, fear, sorrow, apathy, Agitated, violent, anger, dizzy, Slow, dull, lethargy, stupor, lack
11. MIND
scattered restless, frustration of desire
12. MOODS Shifting, restless Aggression, anger, intense Dull, cold, inertia
13. MOUTH Dry, tasteless, astringent Burns, bleeds, bitter / sour Excess saliva, sweet, salty
14. ONSET Rapid, unexpected With fever, sweat or burning Slow and steady
15. PAIN Shifty, intermittent Burning, intense, feverish Dull, constant
Moodiness, anxiety, fear, impa- Anger, irritability, aggression, Melancholy, dullness, slowness,
16. PMT
tience, depression violence clouded mind
17. PULSE Thready, feeble, irregular Intense, jumping Full, slow
18. SEASON Fall, early winter Late spring, summer Late winter, early spring

19. SECRETION Absent, scanty, thin, painful Profuse, colourful, burning Itchy, sticky, dense
Dry, scaling, sensitive, pain, sensi- Warm, sweating, reddish, burning, Cold, heavy, oily, sensitive to cold
20. SKIN
tive to wind and cold sensitive to heat & damp
21. SLEEP Insomnia, shallow Prolonged, sweating Long, unsatisfactory
22. SMELL Odourless Profuse, offensive, pungent Fishy, stinking
05 23. STOMACH
Constriction, dry, belching, disten-
sion, bloating
Sour/pungent belching, ulcer,
burning sensation
Sweet mucoid eructuation, heavi-
ness, fullness
4 24. SWEAT Less or absence, irregular Profuse, strong, intense Sticky, staining, itching
25. SYMPTOMS Irregular, variable, shifting Intense, fast, burning Slow, steady, constant
26. THROAT Dry, rough, constriction Sore, inflammation, burning Congested, itching
27. TIME OF Dawn, dusk, cold, dry Midday, midnight, hot Cold, damp
AGGRAVATION 6 am- 10 am 6 pm-10 pm 10 am- 2 pm 10 pm-2 pm 2 pm-6 pm 2 am-6 am
Total

Signs of Imbalance - Elements
Category Ether Air Fire Water Earth
Depletion, loss, Cold, dry, blocked, Hot, irritable, angry, Slow, sluggish, Growth, stubborn,
General nature
empty, thin, wane irregular, shifty burning, profuse heavy, slingy over full, stiff
Appetite Absent Irregular, shifty Excessive, irritable Sluggish Eat regularly
Blood circul... Anaemia Blocked Acidic Excess sugar, fat Excess coagulants
Irregular, bloat, Loose, soft, ulcer, Sticky, sluggish, Hard stools,
Bowel Absent
pains, gas, twisted diarrhoea, inflamed slow, lazy tendency to force
Circulation Very little Too cold / too hot Excess and too hot Sluggish Large vessels
Cause: climatic Cold, dark, still Cold, dry, windy Hot, humid Damp Cold, static
Cause: emotion Unsupported Insecurity Frustration Selfishness Possessive
Cause: Starvation, dehy- Irregular, improper Eating over heated Eating even when
Emotional eating
nutrition 1 dration eating discussion not hungry
Cause: Under eating, Cold, dry, low fat, Oily, spicy, ferment- Starchy, heavy, oily, Meat, proteins,
nutrition 2 depleted food dehydrated ed, brewed sweet -refined condensed food
Ears Ringing, intolerance Aches, blocked Burning, red Excess wax Narrowing canal
Eyes Dilated pupil Dry, achy Red, burning Itchy, sticky Growths
Signs of depletion, Aches, blockage, Burning, red, excess Swelling, itchy, ac- Growth, stones,
General signs
emaciation cold, shifting, virus discharge, bacteria cumulation, fungus cyst, clot
Cracking noise, Ache, pain, ruptured Inflammation, red- Swollen, too loose, Stiff, immobile, spur,
Joints
depleted fluid tendon/ligament ness, ulcers unstable calcification
Blue (bad circula- Cracks, dry, bleed- Ulcers, easily bruise, Swollen, cold, oily /
Lips Heavy wrinkles
tion) ing, sore burning sensation moist
Blank, memory loss, Worried, unreliable, Irritable, aggressive, Clingy, self centred, Possessive, stub-
Mind
anxious, insecure confusion, shifty frustrated, violent selfish, Greedy born, controlling
Nature of Malabsorption, Irregular, shifting, Inflammatory, red, Slow, sluggish to re- Stubborn, mostly
disease depletion aches and pain burning sensation spond to medicine long term / surgical

Nose Anosmia Septum deviation Bleeding Mucus Growth
Production of secre- Blockage of chan- Acidic, burning Swelling, heaviness, Stiffness, growth,
Organs (any)
tions stopped nels, pain sensation fluid retention stones, clot
Relationship Hard to relate Unreliable, shifty Intense, aggressive Clingy, emotional Possessive
Low pigments and Red, easily bruising, Swollen, cold, oily / Rigid, heavy
Skin Dry, cold, scaly
texture, insensitive burning sensation moist wrinkles
Sleep Insomnia Toss turn Sweaty, overhot Heavy Clockwork 05
When wakes up
No energy, anxiety, Sore, tight, achy,
Irritable, grumpy
Longer sleep
Stiff joints 5
depleted tight needed, heavy

Category Ether Air Fire Water Earth

Your Score


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1 Client
Name Contact details
Date of birth Gender
Living situation Family situation: married/kids
Work

2 Presenting condition
Record it in client’s & your words History of each condition
Nature of each symptom/sign Intensity, frequency
What did the doctor say? What was the diagnosis?
Any test results?
What is the current program/medication/therapy?

3 Lifestyle
Rest Relationship
Exercise Work - hours, timing, nature
Nutrition, diet General routine
Habits

4 History 1) of illness 2) other illnesses
Conditions -diagnosed and undiagnosed Seasonal imbalances, action taken
Periodical imbalances, action taken Other imbalances, action taken
Hospitalization, medications, therapies with causes and effects

5 Responses and reactions

What helps/aggravates? When is it better/worse?
Which season is better/worse? What food makes it better/worse?
What time of the day is the best/worst?

6 Analysis 05
Agni Tri-guna Dosha Bhuta 7
Guna Dhatu Mala Srotas
Tongue Pulse/Urine Dasha-vidha Samprapti

7 Advice
Health routine, seasonal routine, nutrition, diet and exercise.
………items to include and ………items to exclude
………practise to include ………practice to avoid


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TONGUES
IS YOUR TONGUE TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING?
HEAR ITS HEALTH MESSAGE BY LOOKING IN THE MIRROR.
BY CAROLINE ROBERTSON ND

Sarah
stuck out her tongue. “Mmm,” Ayurvedic doctor Rama
Prasad responded, “There’s stiffness in the right hip,
bloat, lower back pain, cold feet and depression.” Sarah’s
jaw dropped wider. Without saying a word, Rama had
read her state with astonishing accuracy. “The tongue doesn’t lie,” explains Rama, who has
been examining tongues for decades, finding they clearly convey one’s health and habits.
Sarah was sceptical at first, knowing nothing about Ayurvedic Medicine, but she adhered to
Rama’s advise after his observations. “Following the dietary, lifestyle and herbal advice for a
fortnight my symptoms improved and I also noticed changes on my tongue,” Sarah says.

When an orthodox doctor probes the tongue they’re looking for obvious problems with the

mouth or tonsils. But when you stick your tongue out at a Chinese or Ayurvedic doctor you
show a lot more than simply the state of your throat. “Your tongue speaks volumes about your
mind-body state,” Dr. Prasad explains, “It’s a holographic map of every aspect of you. Once
you learn to identify the markers its very easy to read.” Chinese doctor Charles Chow agrees,
“A tongue reading is much simpler than pulse diagnosis. The patient can also see where the
problem is and monitor changes themselves.” It’s widely acknowledged that tongue diagnosis
is more objective that pulse diagnosis and, though pulse diagnosis take decades to master, 05
basic Tongue diagnosis can be taught in a weekend.
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Setting tongues wagging
Tongue analysis is an ancient diagnostic skill recorded in traditional health sciences worldwide.
In Ayurveda it’s known as Jihvaa Pareeksha, in Japanese - Zetsu Shin and Chinese call it She
Zhen. The tongue’s colours, contours and coating all reflect our general health and specific
problem areas. In conjunction with conventional diagnostic tests, tongue analysis can give
us a clear picture of the condition of organs and systems, often revealing the cause of a
condition presenting as a confusing collection of symptoms. Bian Que (471-221BC), one
of the pioneers of Chinese tongue diagnosis said he could see the patient’s insides from the
tongue, identifying past and present patterns as well as predicting future conditions.

Chris, a chronic fatigue patient of Dr. Rama Prasad found tongue diagnosis directed his
recovery route. “Before Rama identified my spleen weakness I was trying everything without
much improvement. I’m 80% better now that I know the allergens to avoid and ways to
strengthen the spleen.”

Modern medical science is now taking notice of tongue signs. After a landmark study in
China revealing significant tongue changes in 12,000 cancer patients , US researchers led
by Dr. Robert Schoen, director of Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention at the University of
Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, is recording computerised images of patient’s tongues to note
any correlation between cancer and tongue signs. Dr Schoen explains the rationale behind
this, “The tongue is one of the first parts of the gastro-intestinal tract that’s visible.” The
tongue is also known as the “sprout of the heart” as it is directly connected to the cardio-
vascular system. Hence, eighteenth Century doctors would routinely inspect the tongue in
fever patients to monitor how the heart was holding up.

According to ancient Indian and Chinese medicine all the body’s meridians connect to the
tongue just as they connect to the feet, hands and ears. Because of its proximity, digestive
disorders are particularly obvious from tongue analysis. The tongue clearly indicates the
body’s internal digestive enzymes, assimilation, inflammation, stagnation and hydration.
The “shag pile carpet” adorning the tongue after fasting is digestive toxins exiting the body.
“Periodic purification, a pure diet and daily use of a tongue scraper helps to clear digestive
toxins accumulated on the tongue,” suggests Dr. Rama Prasad.

Keeping it clean
“While thou livest keep a good tongue in thy head,” advised William Shakespeare. Nobody
wants a furry tongue and bad breath. Removing the superficial layer of plaque and bacteria
settled on the tongue reduces the risk of bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, throat infections
and heart disease according to modern research. It won’t, however, alter the appearance of
deep pathological tongue signs.

Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Indians all practiced regular tongue scraping to remove
toxins and prevent disease. Using a tongue scraper has been shown to be more effective than
a toothbrush or mouthwash and it doesn’t make one gag or dry the mouth as alcoholic mouth
rinses can. Research shows that up to 75% of vsc’s are removed by a tongue scraper whereas
only 45% reduction is achieved by brushing the tongue with a tooth brush . Previously
halitosis was attributed more to tooth decay or stomach problems but current studies show
05 that up to 86% of all bad breath is caused by harmful tongue bacteria that isn’t removed by
14 brushing, flossing, or gargling alone. This foul smelling odor is produced by toxic volatile
sulphur compounds (vsc’s) which the Journal of the American Dental Association (Sept.,
2000) advises one removes with a tongue scraper.

A healthy tongue
Before assessing your tongue it helps to know what a healthy tongue looks like. Likened to
a little kitten’s tongue, it is uniformly pink, similar to a skinned chicken. It is oval in shape,
neither too thick nor too thin and has an even width. When sticking out it’s naturally straight
rather than veering to one side. The tongue of a healthy person will remain still and strong,
not quivering, flaccid or stiff. A healthy tongue has a thin transparent or white coating. It


Tongue and Body

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displays all taste buds and is free from red or glassy patches, deep cuts and denuded patches.
It is neither too dry nor too wet and it doesn’t emit a bad odour or taste. The veins on the
underside of the tongue will not be distended. If your tongue looks like a map of the world
don’t worry. Dr. Prasad explains its significance, “Some people have genetic geographic
tongues which indicate certain hereditary signs that are not necessarily negative.”

Just say aahh…
The traditional Tibetan greeting of sticking your tongue out evolved because they understood
how to analyse a person through their tongue. They also kept their tongue firmly in cheek
to hide their deeper secrets! Decipher your tongue talk by analysing its alignment, colour,
surface and shape. Remember that coffee, tea, drugs, cigarettes or food colour can affect the
colour of the tongue. It’s best to look at the tongue in natural light or halogen lighting and in
the morning before eating or drinking. Incandescent light makes the fur look yellowish and
fluorescent light makes the tongue look bluish or purple when it’s not. Poke your tongue out
in a relaxed rather than a forceful way so you don’t distort its shape. Pop your tongue back
in every ten seconds to stop it from dehydrating or changing colour. Decipher your tongue’s
messages by correlating signs with the tongue map.

Tongue signs
Alignment

Veers to one side when Tension on that side of the body or weakness on the other side
sticking out

Colour

Pale Anaemia, low blood pressure, coldness or poor circulation and
general depletion

Yellow Excess bile in liver or gall bladder
Blue Heart problems or blood stagnation (also present in healthy
pregnant women)
Very red Inflammation, acidity, heat or high blood pressure

Surface
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Candida albicans and mucus. Thick yellow coating: Chronic
heat, congested liver or gall bladder. This may also be related to
food colourings, drugs or smoking
Cracks Connective tissue in this area is weak and undernourished and
hence tight
Red patches Inflammation or acidity in this area
Denuded patches Depleted energy in this area
Raised areas Vascular congestion in this area causing probable pain

Shape

Indents around edges Malabsorption of nutrients often seen in malnourished people
with digestive disorders
Thick tongue Fluid retention or lymphatic congestion
Thin tongue Dehydration, depletion and fatigue
Pointed Tip Muscle tension, depletion and a rigid physical condition
Rounded tip A flexible yet firm physical and mental condition
Very wide tip flaccid muscles
Forked Tip Indecisive and rapidly changeable moods
Stiff Mental and physical tension

Movement

Trembling Debilitated nervous system and internal gas; usually happens in
tiredness, acute infection etc.
Rigid tongue High mental and physical stress
Flaccid tongue Low energy and poor circulation

Emotional issues
These are evident through changes in the related organ’s zone.

Anger Liver region
Grief Lung region
Worry Spleen region
Fear Kidney region
Depression White coating over colon region or black discoloration on the
tip

References-
3. Barbara Kirschbaum, Atlas of Chinese Tongue Diagnosis, Eastland Press, 2000.
4. Giovanni Maciocia, Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine, Eastland Press, 1995

Ayurvedic doctor Rama Prasad practices and teaches tongue diagnosis at 05
Ayurveda Elements, Sydney and Melbourne www.ayurvedaelements.com, (02) 9904 7754 17
Chinese doctor Charles Chow consults patients at
Ginseng Chinese Medicine Centre, Chatswood, (02) 9419 7131

Caroline Robertson is a naturopath, homoeopath and Ayurvedic consultant based in
Sydney. She is also the director of www.ayurvedahealthresorts.com.
Email: caroline@ayurvedahealthresorts.com

Let the client expose the tongue for … seconds.
Get them to do it ………… times.
Observe from the ………………… to the ……….
Observe the appearing and disappearing features.
While you record it don’t think or analyse.

What if the client exposes their tongue for more than 30 seconds?


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Preparation for tongue analysis

Seating Client and therapist ………………………………………………………………
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Light Colour ………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………
Direction ………………………………………………………………
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Walls/curtains ………………………………………………………………
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Windows ………………………………………………………………
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Client Previous food/drink ………………………………………………………………
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Check Chin ………………………………………………………………
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Neck ………………………………………………………………
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Shoulders ………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………
Back ………………………………………………………………

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Tongue Visibility ………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………

Torch light type/battery etc. ……………………………………………………………… 05
……………………………………………………………… 19

Rule out the following
ANTIBIOTICS Pealing LOW FOLIC ACID Sore tongue
ACCIDENTS Coffee burns, bites etc. LOW VIT B Dark tongue
DISEASE OF TONGUE Blisters, inflammation LOW VIT B12 Sore tongue
HABITS Chewed tongue PIERCED TONGUE Deep cut, hole, redness
HOT FOOD Redness, burns SMOKING White/yellow fur
LOW IRON Sore, inflamed STAINING FOODS Various staines


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Tongue Analysis
Ten aspects of tongue diagnosis
Criteria Aspect of life Healthy sign Unhealthy signs
01. Alignment Balance in life Centrally aligned Left/right aligned
02. Colour Immunity, energy Pinkish red Gray, red, white
03. Edges Peripheral, Absorption Same as tongue body Thin, eroded, dented
04. Fur Undigested matter Very little Gray, yellow, white
05. Marks Current imbalances Absent Cuts, ulcers, glassy
06. Movement Low energy, control Still Shaky, shivering
07. Shape Life, philosophy Oval Wider/narrow, long/short
08. Surface Energy supply Even Uneven, wrinkled
09. Texture Vitality, robustness Visible buds Dry, burnt, milky
10. Thickness Accumulation Translucent Thin/thick, hot & swollen

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01. Alignment

………………………… ………………………… …………………………
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Right sided pull at back ……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
Left sided pull at back ……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
Right sided pull at tip ……………………………………………………………………

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Left sided pull at tip ……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………

05 02. Colour
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Pinkish red ……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
Reddish ……………………………………………………………………
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Bluish ……………………………………………………………………
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Dark ……………………………………………………………………
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Whitish ……………………………………………………………………
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03. Edges

Grainy ……………………………………………………………………
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Curvy ……………………………………………………………………
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Spotted ……………………………………………………………………
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Craked/serrated ……………………………………………………………………
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Dented ……………………………………………………………………
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04. Fur

Thin ……………………………………………………………………
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Thick ……………………………………………………………………
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Coloured White ……………………………………………………
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Yellow ……………………………………………………
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Brown ……………………………………………………
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05. Marks

Cuts Red ……………………………………………………
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Normal ……………………………………………………
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Folds ……………………………………………………
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Ulcerated ……………………………………………………
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Horizontal ……………………………………………………
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Frills ……………………………………………………
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Significance of midline
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A B C


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D E F

06. Movement

Shaky ……………………………………………………………………
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Swaying ……………………………………………………………………
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07. Shape

Oval ……………………………………………………………………
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Rectangular ……………………………………………………………………
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Triangular ……………………………………………………………………
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Narrow ……………………………………………………………………
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Broad ……………………………………………………………………
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08. Surface

Peeled skin ……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………… 05
Even/uneven …………………………………………………………………… 25
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Concave ……………………………………………………………………
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Convex ……………………………………………………………………
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09. Texture

Grainy ……………………………………………………………………
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Smooth ……………………………………………………………………
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Dry ……………………………………………………………………
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Rough ……………………………………………………………………
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Glassy/glossy ……………………………………………………………………
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Milky ……………………………………………………………………
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10. Thickness

Swollen ……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………

Dense ……………………………………………………………………
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Thin ……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………

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26 ……………………………………………………………………
Opaque ……………………………………………………………………
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Name ………………………… 01. Alignment …………………………………………
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Date ………………………… 02. Colour …………………………………………
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03. Edges …………………………………………
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04. Fur …………………………………………
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05. Marks …………………………………………
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06. Movement …………………………………………
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07. Shape …………………………………………
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08. Surface …………………………………………
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09. Texture …………………………………………
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10. Thickness …………………………………………
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Observation ……………………………………………………………………………………………
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Name ………………………… 01. Alignment …………………………………………
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Date ………………………… 02. Colour …………………………………………
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03. Edges …………………………………………

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04. Fur …………………………………………
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05. Marks …………………………………………
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06. Movement …………………………………………
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07. Shape …………………………………………
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08. Surface …………………………………………
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09. Texture …………………………………………
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10. Thickness …………………………………………
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Observation ……………………………………………………………………………………………
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Name ………………………… 01. Alignment …………………………………………
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Date ………………………… 02. Colour …………………………………………
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03. Edges …………………………………………
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04. Fur …………………………………………
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05. Marks …………………………………………
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06. Movement …………………………………………
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07. Shape …………………………………………
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08. Surface …………………………………………
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09. Texture …………………………………………
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10. Thickness …………………………………………
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Observation ……………………………………………………………………………………………
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Name ………………………… 01. Alignment …………………………………………
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Date ………………………… 02. Colour …………………………………………
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03. Edges …………………………………………

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04. Fur …………………………………………
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05. Marks …………………………………………
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06. Movement …………………………………………
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07. Shape …………………………………………
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08. Surface …………………………………………
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09. Texture …………………………………………
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10. Thickness …………………………………………
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Observation ……………………………………………………………………………………………
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Name ………………………… 01. Alignment …………………………………………
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Date ………………………… 02. Colour …………………………………………
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03. Edges …………………………………………
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04. Fur …………………………………………
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05. Marks …………………………………………
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06. Movement …………………………………………
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07. Shape …………………………………………
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08. Surface …………………………………………
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09. Texture …………………………………………
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10. Thickness …………………………………………
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Observation ……………………………………………………………………………………………
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Name ………………………… 01. Alignment …………………………………………
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Date ………………………… 02. Colour …………………………………………
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03. Edges …………………………………………

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04. Fur …………………………………………
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05. Marks …………………………………………
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06. Movement …………………………………………
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07. Shape …………………………………………
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08. Surface …………………………………………
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09. Texture …………………………………………
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10. Thickness …………………………………………
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Observation ……………………………………………………………………………………………
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Acne
Acne- whether cystic, teenage or rosacea - involves an increase in pitta or kapha.
Sluggish elimination and poor liver function contribute to it (weak agni). This results in
an accumulation of toxins (ama) in the blood stream and the lymphatic system, that then
overflows through the skin’s pores. Externally one can avoid harsh, heating or chemical
products. See the section on Ayurvedic beauty for external products.

Internally herbs help to eliminate toxins, purify blood and clear lymphatic congestion.
Some to consider using regularly include turmeric, aloe vera juice, chlorophyll, picrorrhiza,
manjishtha, neem and triphala.

Lifestyle changes
Foods that aggravate pitta and kapha tend to increase acne. To achieve a clear complexion
avoid excess oil, sugar, salt, chilli, garlic, tomatoes, caffeine, citrus fruits, alcohol, nuts, red
meat, yeast and dairy products.

Favour a diet that is rich in natural chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals. This includes
plenty of leafy green vegetables, ripe fruits, grains such as barley, pure water, seeds, and
herbal teas such as fennel and chamomile. Exercise accelerates the cleansing process by
improving circulation and elimination. Try cooling sports such as swimming in fresh water,
yoga, Qi-gong, fast walking and cycling at a cool time. Daily self massage is a wonderful
way not only to cultivate self acceptance and awareness but to improve the skin’s texture
and lustre. Issues of low self-esteem and anxiety often underlie chronic acne. To uproot
emotional causes practice positive affirmations, visualisations and meditation- focussing
on your ideal physical, emotional and spiritual state.

Case study
Sarah was a 23-year-old pitta constitution with cystic acne on her face and upper body.

It worsened one week before her period and when under stress. Her diet included a
chocolate and frequent orange juice. Exercise involved jogging at lunch under the noon
sun. Sarah followed a pitta reducing regime, which entailed cooling herbs such as aloe
vera juice and manjishtha along with primrose oil and shatavari powder to balance her
hormones. She also went on a diet high in herbal teas and low in heating foods such as
tomatoes, chocolate, citrus fruits, alcohol and red meat. Instead of jogging she took up
05 yoga which included a cooling yogic breathing-sheetkari. Psychologically, Sarah realised
32 her acne acted as a ‘mask’, which gave her an excuse to avoid social gatherings. Low self-
esteem was gradually overcome by building a positive self-image through affirmations
and visualisations.

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Arthritis
Treatment of arthritis varies according to the type suffered. Vata arthritis tends to strike
suddenly with shifting sharp pains and accompanying cracking or popping of the joints.
Pitta arthritis usually involves more burning, redness and nerve inflammation. Kapha
predominant arthritis generally has swelling, coldness and improves with movement.

All types can often be linked to poor digestion and a sedentary or overactive lifestyle. A
therapeutic approach includes digestive tonics such as triphala, anti-inflammatory Indian
myrhh preparations, pain-killing anti bacterials such as Indian frankinsence, circulatory
stimulants including ginger and externally lubricating strengthening oils such as castor,
mahanarayana and punarnavadi for swelling.

Lifestyle changes
A nutrition plan for arthritis is tailored according to the individual’s doshic imbalance. For
example someone with a burning, red, throbbing pittta arthritis would be wise to follow
a pitta diet. All doshas should avoid certain foods are linked to the inflammation and pain
associated with all types. Ayurveda advises avoidance of sour foods, yoghurt, tamarind,
vinegar, pickles, citrus fruits, red meat and vegetables from the nightshade family-
potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and capsicum. Sugar, cold foods and fried foods are also not
recommended.

Moving the joints every day through their full range will prevent the demineralisation
associated with osteoporosis and the settling of stagnant toxins associated with rheumatoid
and non-rheumatoid arthritis. Specific yoga postures and symmetrical swimming or aqua
aerobics helps to mobilise the toxins settled in the joints. Exposure to cold and damp
weather should be minimised as it can often aggravate pain. Daily oil massage and in some
cases steam therapy may give relief.

Case study
John suffered from mal-absorption for 4 years. He started to get pains in his finger joints
during winter. John was advised to rub warm castor and ginger oil into his painful joints and
to take a combination called mahayoggaraja guggulu, containing Indian myrhh. John had
poor circulation, which improved with regular walking, self-massage and cinnamon/ginger
tea. He was given a herbal combination of celery seed concentrate, Indian frankinsense,
long pepper and nut grass to stabilise digestive function. Reducing salt, alcohol, red meat 05
and nightshade vegetables contributed to John’s marked improvement after 9 weeks. 33
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Asthma
Ayurveda traces the cause of asthma back to inherited respiratory weakness or acquired
digestive insufficiency. Extreme fear and suppression of emotions are also related to the
asthmatic syndrome. People with asthma tend to suffer from accumulated toxins in the
stomach and accumulated phlegm in the chest.

This sticky environment provides a fertile environment for allergens to take seed and
triggers a hypersensitive reaction in the mucuos membranes- an asthma attack. In order to
prevent these incidents the digestive and respiratory tract must be cleansed and fortified.
This is done by identifying and avoiding allergens such as specific foods, dust, mould and
pollens until the body is strong enough to expel them before the it over-reacts to their
presence. The body is then purified through treatments such as therapeutic vomiting,
nasal cleansing and herbs such as licorice, triphala, garlic, senna and long pepper.

The specific herbs vary according to the individual’s doshic imbalance. Strengthening
breathing exercises (yogic pranayama) and herbal combinations are then given to promote
broncho-dialation, mucous expectoration and to build up the body’s immunity so the
mucous membranes are no longer hypersensitive.

Herbal combinations for this include trikatu (long pepper, pepper and ginger), sitopaladi
churna (cinnamon, bamboo manna, long pepper, cardamom and rock sugar), Vasarishtam,
which consists largely of the bronchodialator vasa (Adhatoda vasica) and licorice. Herbs to
strengthen the immune system to prevent further asthma attacks include chyavanaprasham,
agasthya rasayana and kushmanda rasayana.

Lifestyle changes
Regular aerobic exercise such as swimming is an effective way to manage asthma. Steam


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inhalation with essential oils of wintergreen, frankincense or rasnadi powder followed by
salt water nasal cleansing (jala neti) and the application of a few drops of warm ghee up
the nostrils can reduce the nasal passage way’s hyper-sensitivity.

Applying warm mustard seed oil or a camphor based heating oil to the front and back of
the chest daily can stimulate broncho-dilation and accelerate the expulsion of toxins.

Supervised yogic breathing exercises relax muscular and mental tension thereby reducing
the severity of an attack or preventing it altogether. Removing allergens from the home
and diet until resistance has built up is essential. Food allergies commonly associated
with asthma include shellfish, mushrooms, peanuts, dairy products, meat, msg, cola,
chocolate and wine. Allergens in the home include dust mites in carpet or curtains, mould
in bathrooms and kitchens and animal hair. Since colds often precede bronchial asthma,
exposure to cold damp weather should be avoided.

Case study
Jasmine was an overweight 9-year-old with a kapha constitution, experiencing
breathlessness and asthma attacks every fortnight for the past two years. She was worse
in winter and when she caught a cold. Jasmine was put on a kapha pacifying diet with
particular emphasis in reducing dairy products, meat and oils. She started swimming
bilateral freestyle for 20 minutes daily and yogic breathing exercises. Since Jasmine was
often constipated she was advised to take 1 tsp of triphaladi powder daily (triphala plus
licorice).

A combination of equal parts trikatu and sitopaladi was also given three times daily. For
acute attacks Jasmine took a small dose of Euphorbia hirta (Queensland asthma week)
and vasa which effectively dilated the bronchiols. Within 5 months Jasmine had gone off
conventional medication and over the following 4 years only suffered an average of one
mild asthma attack a year.

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