Ayurveda
"Ayurveda" translates into the "science of life" and is the traditional system of healing in India. It encompasses all phases of living, not just health issues. The roots of Ayurvedic practices reach back to prehistory. It was the first healing system to be codified. Written Ayurvedic techniques go back as far as 4500 B.C.
Like the so-called "alternative" therapies, Ayurveda is based on establishing an optimal balance between two opposite dynamic forces. In Chinese and Japanese medicine these forces are called Yin (negative, dark) and Yang (positive, light). Indian culture relates these forces to "Spirit" (Purusha) and "Matter" (Prakuti). This insight is used both in diagnosing imbalances and choosing proper adjustments in the individual's lifestyle to regain a healthy balance. Rebalancing the doshas involves an integrated approach using diet, massage, detoxification, exercise, and herbal supplements. For humans, emphasis is also placed on meditation.
This process is aided by the concept of Tridosha. Simplistically put, this is the interplay of three energies; an active version termed Vata, a phlegmatic version termed Kapha, and a "middle of the road" version termed Pitta. No one is purely one form or another but generally one of the doshas will predominate. Vata controls movement within the body such as respiration and circulation. An individual who is primarily Vata tends to be slender, fast, and either very tall or rather short. Sight hounds and Chihuahuas fit this pattern. They can be restless and fearful. An excess of Vata can be associated with weight loss and high blood pressure. To avoid creating excess Vata, minimize feeding green beans, dried fruit, potatoes, beef, and rabbit.
Pitta regulates digestion, metabolism, and mental activity. A tiger is a good example of Pitta character. Interestingly, Rottweilers and Labrador retrievers are both Pitta types. An excess of Pitta qualities can lead to ulcers, skin problems, hormone imbalances, and mood swings. Avoid creating an excess of Pitta by eliminating corn, brown rice, garlic, beef, and lamb. An interesting concept when so many of our "hypoallergenic" commercial diets are based on lamb and rice.
Kapha controls Vata and Pitta while maintaining lubrication and body mass. If an animal is predominately Kapha, he tends to bear-like; rounded in body, slow and deliberate in movement with greater stamina. Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, and Maine Coon Cats exemplify Kapha animals. Diabetes, indigestion, circulatory problems, and respiratory mucus may be signs of Kapha excess. Barley, oats, rice, lamb, beef, pork, and salt aggravate Kapha tendencies. Still want to feed lamb and rice diets?
While there is relative balance among the three doshas, the individual remains healthy. When something tips the scale too much towards another dosha, the individual displays signs of illness. The Ayurvedic practitioner then applies a variety of methods to rebalance the energy. Westernized concepts of ayurvedic principles focus primarily on the herbal component of the therapy.
Herbs also have their own dosha. Some are strongly hot, others are markedly cooling, and some have balance of all three doshas. One such herb is ginger. Its balanced nature allows it to be useful in a variety of gastro-intestinal and inflammatory conditions. Astringent herbs, such as Goldenseal, help keep Kapha energies in check. Dandelion, a bitter herb, aids in adding Vata to those who are deficient. Sweet foods like grapes also help tone down excess Pitta and Kapha.