NMDM121 MEDICINAL FOOD SCIENCE Session 11 Ayurvedic Medicine Nutritional Medicine Department Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 1
Session Summary Describe the history and basic principles of Ayurvedic medicine. Discuss the various diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches used in Ayurvedic Medicine. Discuss the role that food and dietary habits play in Ayurvedic Medicine including the importance of digestive fire and the six tastes. Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 2
History of Ayurveda Ayurvedic medicine, also called Ayurveda, originated in India several thousand years ago. It is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. The term "Ayurveda" combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda means "the science of life. (NCCAM, 2008) According to Murthy et al. (2010), Ayurveda means the scripture for longevity. Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 3
History of Ayurveda Three ancient books known as the Great Trilogy were written in Sanskrit more than 2,000 years ago and are considered the main texts on Ayurvedic medicine Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya. (NCCAM, 2013) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/category: Ayurveda#mediaviewer/File:Ayurveda_humors.svg Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 4
History of Ayurveda The texts describe eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine: Internal medicine Surgery Treatment of head and neck disease Gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics Toxicology Psychiatry Care of the elderly and rejuvenation Sexual vitality. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 5
History of Ayurveda Ayurvedic medicine continues to be practised in India, where nearly 80 percent of the population uses it exclusively or combined with conventional (Western) medicine. Most major cities in India have an Ayurvedic college and hospital. The Indian government began systematic research on Ayurvedic practices in 1969, and that work continues. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a type of CAM and a whole medical system. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 6
Overview of Ayurveda The WHO (World Health Organisation) recognises the antiquity of Ayurveda regards it as most ancient, scientific, holistic, complete, natural system of healthcare. The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. This is believed to help prevent illness and promote wellness. Ayurvedic medicine uses a variety of products and techniques to cleanse the body and restore balance. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 7
Ayurveda: Key Concepts Key concepts of Ayurvedic medicine include: Universal interconnectedness (among people, their health, and the universe); The body s constitution (prakriti); and Life forces (dosha), which are often compared to the biologic humours of the ancient Greek system. (NCCAM, 2013) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/category:ayurveda_equipment#mediaviewer/ File:Ayurvedapraxis_curuna_Engadin_097.jpg Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 8
Interconnectedness o Ideas about the relationships among people, their health, and the universe form the basis for how Ayurvedic practitioners think about problems that affect health. All things in the universe (both living and nonliving) are joined together. Every human being contains elements that can be found in the universe. Health will be good if one's mind and body are in harmony, and one's interaction with the universe is natural and wholesome. Disease arises when a person is out of harmony with the universe. Disruptions can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or a combination of these. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 9
Constitution (prakriti) Ayurvedic medicine also has specific beliefs about the body's constitution. The constitution is called the prakriti. The prakriti is a person's unique combination of physical and psychological characteristics and the way the body functions to maintain health. The prakriti is believed to be unchanged over a person's lifetime. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 10
Life Forces (doshas) Important characteristics of the prakriti are the three life forces or energies called doshas, which control the activities of the body. A person's chances of developing certain types of diseases are thought to be related to the way doshas are balanced, the state of the physical body, and mental or lifestyle factors. Understanding your body type allows a deeper relationship between you and nature the way nature has intended you to live. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 11
Life Forces (doshas) Each dosha is made up of two of five basic elements: ether (the upper regions of space), air, fire, water, and earth. Each dosha has a particular relationship to bodily functions and can be upset for different reasons. Each person has a unique combination of the three doshas, although one dosha is usually prominent. Doshas are constantly being formed and reformed by food, activity, and bodily processes. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 12
Life Forces (doshas) Each dosha has its own physical and psychological characteristics. An imbalance of a dosha will produce symptoms that are unique to that dosha. Imbalances may be caused by a person's age, unhealthy lifestyle, or diet; too much or too little mental and physical exertion; the seasons; or inadequate protection from the weather, chemicals, or germs. The doshas are known by their original Sanskrit names: vata, pitta, and kapha. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 13
Life Forces (doshas) Knowing your body type is knowing yourself. Knowing your own individual needs means you are not going to be bound to society s notions of what you should be doing, saying, thinking, feeling. Every time there is an event in the mind, there is a corresponding event in the body: e.g. a child afraid of the dark his/her fears take physical shape in the form of adrenaline shooting through his/her bloodstream. Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 14
Life Forces (doshas) Ayurvedic practitioners first determine the patient's primary dosha and the balance among the three doshas by: Questioning Observing Checking (NCCAM, 2008) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/category: Products_related_to_Ayurveda#mediaviewer/File:Shirodhara.jpg Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 15
Ayurvedic Constitutions There are three basic human constitutions. These three are called the tridoshas and govern all metabolic activities. Vata Air and ether- Catabolism Pitta Fire and water- Metabolism Kapha Earth and water- Anabolism (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 16
Constitutions Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 17
Vata, Pitta and Kapha (http://therayogastudio.com/workshops/) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 18
Vata Constitution It is considered the most powerful dosha because it controls very basic body processes such as cell division, the heart, breathing, discharge of waste, and the mind. Vata can be aggravated by, for example, fear, grief, staying up late at night, eating dry fruit, or eating before the previous meal is digested. People with vata as their main dosha are thought to be especially susceptible to skin and neurological conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, anxiety, and insomnia. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 19
(http://theayurvedapractice.com/category/blog/) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 20
Pitta Constitution Pitta controls hormones and the digestive system. A person with a pitta imbalance may experience negative emotions such as anger and may have physical symptoms such as heartburn within 2 or 3 hours of eating. People with a predominantly pitta constitution are thought to be susceptible to hypertension, heart disease, infectious diseases, and digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 21
Kapha Constitution Kapha helps to maintain strength and immunity and to control growth. An imbalance of the kapha dosha may cause nausea immediately after eating. Kapha is aggravated by, for example, greed, sleeping during the daytime, eating too many sweet foods, eating after one is full, and eating and drinking foods and beverages with too much salt and water (especially in the springtime). Those with a predominant kapha dosha are thought to be vulnerable to diabetes, cancer, obesity, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 22
Constitutions Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 23
Constitutions Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 24
Constitutions Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 25
Ayurveda: Food As Medicine Ayurvedic nutrition is a vast topic that takes into account the individual constitution, the medicinal value of culinary spices, the theory of shad rasa (or six tastes, which should all be present for a meal to be balanced), and more. Diets are chosen to suit individual constitution e.g. excess Pitta dosha will be caused by excess spicy foods or sour foods. To restore balance, the person would be advised to remove those foods and recommend to eat more foods that inhibit the excess Pitta (e.g. green salads, asparagus etc.) (Dass, 2004) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 26
From an Ayurvedic perspective, one of the main keys to maintaining optimal health as well as supporting the healing process is to help the body eliminate toxins and to reestablish constitutional balance. Ayurveda: Ayurveda: Food As Medicine Provides specific dietary guidelines to maintain health. Emphasizes the need to be aware of what, when and how we are eating. Bad dietary habits must be changed to prevent ama (toxins). (Dass, 2004) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 27
Ayurveda: Food As Medicine In Ayurveda food, drinks, and spices are categorized according to their taste (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent), the energetic effect they have on the doshas, as well as their post-digestive effect on the tissues. This is why when choosing foods it is important to understand our original constitution so as to eat foods that have the opposite qualities to those that are already predominant in the constitution. (Dass, 2004) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 28
Ayurveda: Ama Ama is a toxic, heavy, unctuous and sticky juice which originates as a waste product from digestion and metabolism. Ama can be translated to mean immature or incompletely digested. It builds up in individuals whose digestion is either weak or overloaded with the wrong foods. Simple foods minimize formation of Ama, whereas foods with high protein or fat content result in increased production of Ama. (Sumantran & Tillu, 2012) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 29
Ayurveda: Ama Signs and symptoms of Ama include: A sticky white coating on the tongue which obstructs various internal microchannels Inability to taste food Local or general inflammation Sudden fatigue Heaviness Pain Abdominal discomfort Lethargy Indigestion Constipation http://siklusair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ sore-tongue-with-white-coating.jpg (Sumantran et al., 2012) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 30
Ayurveda: Agni Agni is the primary entity responsible for metabolic and transformative processes at the physiological and cellular levels. There are 13 types of Agni which control all metabolic functions. When Agni is strong digestion of food is normal. A feedback loop mechanism links diet and host factors with the strength and activity of Agni. Maintenance of Agni at optimum levels is important for avoiding disease. (Sumantran & Tillu, 2012) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 31
Digestive Fire (http://theayurvedapractice.com/category/blog/) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 32
Digestive Fire Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 33
Digestive Fire Tips for keeping digestive fire strong: Eat only when you are hungry. Never overeat about 2/3 of stomach capacity is ideal. Sip drinks gradually don t gulp down glasses. Drink water at room temperature or preferably warmer (comfortably hot water). Cook with herbs and spices to assist digestion and absorption. Eat warm or room temperature food (never straight from the refrigerator). Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 34
Ayurveda: Tastes (http://theayurvedapractice.com/category/blog/) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 35
Ayurveda: Food As Medicine Ayurvedic medicine considers the following aspects of a dietary design plan: Seasonal foods Energetics (hot, cold, strong, weak, building, revitalising, calming, stimulating) Qualities (oily, light, heavy, dry, rough, smooth) Tastes (sour, sweet, bitter, pungent, salty, astringent) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 36
Ayurveda: Food As Medicine Another vital aspect of Ayurvedic nutrition is proper food combining. Various factors, such as the tastes, qualities, and energies of certain foods, as well as how long they take to digest, affect how well certain foods will combine. For example, when sour and acidic fruits are combined with milk, which is sweet and cooling, this causes the milk to curdle and become heavy in the intestines. (Dass, 2004) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 37
Comparison Conventional Western Nutrition Chemical elements periodic table; macronutrients, micronutrients and phytochemicals Genes, epigenetics, phenotypes Sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami TCM Earth, metal, water, wood and fire Qi Yin and yang Sweet, acrid, sour, bitter and salty Ayurveda Air, ether, fire, earth and water Constitution (prakriti) Vata, pitta and kapha Sweet, sour, bitter, salty, pungent and astringent Reductionist philosophy Holistic philosophy Holistic philosophy Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 38
Ayurveda: Dietetics Summary According to Ayurveda: Diet needs to be individualised according to constitution of person and dosha imbalance Taste of food is important for good nutrition Diet not only maintains health but a crucial therapeutic modality Vital to maintain optimal digestive fire A meal should include a balance of six tastes Irregular eating habits are not conducive to good health No eating just before bedtime Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 39
Ayurveda: Dietetics Summary Lunch is the main meal of the day agni (digestive fire) is strongest when the sun is at its zenith (10am 2 pm) Breakfast and dinner should be lighter in quantity and quality After meals sit for a while and walk for a while Avoid very cold or very hot foods Include oily foods in diet strengthens the sense organs, increases body strength and brightens the complexion Avoid left-over food Avoid preserved or processed foods Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 40
Ayurveda: Dietetics Summary Don t eat too quickly or too slowly comfortable pace and chew well Water can be sipped during a meal Foods should be fresh, whole foods, freshly cooked, warm, attractive and delicious Honey should not be heated (forms acidity in body) add raw honey to foods before serving Natural foods, prepared from fresh ingredients are easier to digest and provide balanced qualities for health Overeating weakens the digestive system Wait at least 3-6 hours from previous meal before eating again Eat in pleasant company and environment Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 41
Ayurveda: Approaches to Restoring Health Pulse diagnosing Nails, lips, tongue, face, eyes, skin Urine analysis Massage therapy using various oils and especially sesame oil Yoga exercises designed for specific needs and body types Meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises to enhance vitality) Dietary routines specific to one s constitution to restore depletion and remove excesses Herbal medicine Aromatherapy Gemstones, colour therapy Astrology Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 42
Ayurveda: Plant Medicines Ayurvedic treatments rely heavily on herbs and other plants including oils and common spices. Historically, Ayurvedic medicine has grouped plant compounds into categories according to their effects. Sometimes, botanicals are mixed with metals or other naturally occurring substances to make formulas prepared according to specific Ayurvedic text procedures; such preparations involve several herbs and herbal extracts and precise heat treatment. (NCCAM, 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 43
Ayurveda: Plant Medicines In Ayurveda each herb has five categories known as rasa, veerya, vipaka, prabhava and karma. Rasa - the taste or sensation that the tongue experiences when it comes into contact with the herbal. Veerya the energy a herb releases when ingested e.g. cooling or heating. Vipaka post-digestive effect e.g. sweet, sour, pungent, Prabhava special and unique power of a herb that has variable action. Karma therapeutic action e.g. stimulant, digestive, purification, carminative and purgative. (Parasuraman et al., 2014) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 44
Ayurveda: Plant Medicines Here are a few examples of Ayurvedic herbal medicines: Crocus sativus L. (Kumkuma, Saffron) Saffron contains a number of carotenoid pigments generally known for their antioxidant properties. The flower is reported to provide a natural source of two B vitamins, Riboflavin and Thiamin. It is a mild stimulant and is considered as a promoter of the immune defenses in Ayurvedic therapies. Momordica charantia L. (Karela, Bitter melon) Karela has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide considered to be similar to bovine insulin and has been shown in clinical studies to achieve a strong sugar regulating effect by suppressing the neural responses to sweet taste stimuli. (Samy et al., 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 45
Ayurveda: Plant Medicines Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. (Meshashringi, Gurmara) Gurmara, whose Sanskrit name means literally "sugar destroyer", has been shown in vitro to have a glycolytic action and reduce the strength of a glucose solution. It has been used in Ayurveda to regulate sugar metabolism for several centuries. It increases insulin production, regeneration of pancreas cells and the site of insulin production. Another property is abolishing the taste of sugar, so that Gurmara has been effective to suppress and neutralize the craving for sweets. (Samy et al., 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 46
Ayurveda: Plant Medicines Zingiber officinale Rosc (Sunthi, Ginger) Ginger is the delicious common spice used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve digestion and to prevent nausea. These properties for helping bowel movements and relaxing the muscles are controlling the digestive system. Ginger is considered an adjuvant in many Ayurvedic formulas in which it enhances absorption and prevents gastrointestinal side effects. (Samy et al., 2008) Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 47
Session Summary Describe the history and basic principles of Ayurvedic medicine. Discuss the various diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches used in Ayurvedic Medicine. Discuss the role that food and dietary habits play in Ayurvedic Medicine including the importance of digestive fire and the six tastes. Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 48
References Dass, V. (2004). Ayurvedic nutrition: Let your food be your medicine. Retrieved August 22, 2009, from http://ambafrance-do.org/nutrition/21597.php Murthy, V., Ranjekar, P., Ramassamy, C. & Deshpande, M. (2010). Scientific basis for the use of Indian auyrvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha. Central Nervous System Agents Medicine and Chemistry, 10(3), 238-246. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20528765 NCCAM.(2008). Ayurvedic medicine: An introduction. National Centre of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved August 22, 2009, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm NCCAM. (2013). Ayurvedic medicine: An introduction. National Centre of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved November 16, 2014, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm Parasuraman, S., Thing, G. & Dhanaraj, S. (2014). Polyherbal formulation: concept of Ayurveda. Pharmacognosy Review, 8(16), 73-80. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4127824/ Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 49
References Samy, R., Pushparaj, P. & Gopalakrishnakone, P. (2008). A compilation of bioactive compounds from Ayurveda. Bioinformation, 3(3), 100-110. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc2639691/pdf/97320630003100.p df Sumantran, V. & Tillu, G. (2012). Cancer, inflammation and insights from Ayurveda. Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Article ID 306346, 11 pages doi:10.1155/2012/306346. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3398688/pdf/ecam2012-306346.pdf Endeavour College of Natural Health endeavour.edu.au 50
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