Basic Concepts of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, meaning the “knowledge of life”, has been practiced for over 3000 years. Perhaps modern society and culture can learn something about health and wellness from the ancients. Many of the basic concepts deal with balance of one’s mind, body and spirit in relation to an individual’s specific constitution. Just because something is considered healthy for one, doesn’t necessarily mean it is healthy for all. Open your mind to other perspectives that maybe there exist other options beyond pharmaceuticals, surgery and other invasive healthcare protocols.

The 5 elements of ether, air, fire, water, earth manifesting from a state of nothingness consciousness or avyakta, to produce the universe and consequently establishing the basic principles behind Ayurveda science. The ancient rishis (sages or seers) believe that each element has its own unique properties, but maybe more important is the inner relationships of harmony that exist within each. The 5 elements consist of:

Ether – came about from the subtle vibration o the soundless sound of Aum
Air – came about from the ether moving
Fire – the movement of air produced friction to generate heat producing fire
Water – came about from the heat of fire dissolving elements to produce water
Earth – water solidified to form the molecules of earth

Each of the elements have corresponding traits or features such as senses, actions, organs and tastes, that again are unique to that element.

From the 5 elements, the Tridoshas or body type constitutions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha are manifested. Dosha means “impurity” or “mistake” but in this context refer more to organization of psychophysiological responses and physical changes within the human body. Each Dosha are comprised of all 5 of the elements and have interrelationships. However, two elements are dominant in each. The three Doshas and their elemental relationships are:

Vata is associated with air and ether
Pitta is associated with fire and water
Kapha is water and earth

Within Ayurveda therapeutics, pharmacology and food preparation are 20 attributes or “Gunas” such as Guru (heavy), Laghu,(light), Shita (cold), Ushna (hot), etc. Ayurveda philosophy uses these 20 attributes as a therapeutic guide or diagnostic tool, in order to evaluate which quality is out of harmony within Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. These gunas are further categorized into 10 opposite pairs.

There are also various states within the combinations of Doshas, as no one is just comprised of one Dosha, but rather a balance of proportions of the three. This is referred to as one’s Prakruti, or the psychophysical makeup as well as functional habits of an individual. There are four categories that describe Prakruti:

Janma Prakruti – also referred to as Karma Prakruti, is genetic so it does not change until the end.
Deha Prakruti – can change by way of the actions of the mother’s lifestyle, diet, and environment. It is the current Prakruti.
Dosha Prakruti – represents the ratio of each Dosha at the time of birth.
Manas Prakruti.- defines the mental constitution and is subject to change. Manas Prakruti is further described in the three Gunas of sattva, rajas and tamas.

Manas Prakruti further breaks down and described in terms of the three gunas of sattva, rajas, and tamas where:

Sattva – expresses qualities of the mind such as alertness, love, clarity, compassion, attentiveness
Rajas – expresses qualities of selfishness, restlessness, and self-centeredness
Tamas – qualities expressed are gloominess, sadness, dullness, laziness

The 3 Doshas can each be further elaborated upon to determine a more concise profile or constitution of the individual. All Doshas have personality and physical traits that can be perceived as positive as well as negative.

Vata comes from the Sanskrit word of “vah” with the meaning of carrying or moving. Vata reflects mobility that regulates bodily activities such as movement of food through the body and thoughts over a particular time. Vata is the commander of our life force or prana. When the vata exits the body, physical life ends. Vata individuals are often alert, quick to act and easily excited. There are many other attributes that can define the vata individual, but this is a very basic and general description.

Pitta comes from the Sanskrit word “tap” meaning heat and represents the fire element within the body. Pitta plays a role in metabolism, digestion, and body temperature. The Pitta individual has a strong capacity to concentrate, learn and understand. Consequently, they become very disciplined and great leaders.

Kapha’s meaning comes from the Sanskrit words of ka (water) and pha (flourish) or that which is flourished by water. Kapha’s elements are water and earth, composing the cells, tissues and organs of the human body. A Kapha type individual harbors a deep and stable faith, a calm and steady mind. This strong constitution possesses strength, love, knowledge, and longevity.

This is just a basic overview of some of the many aspects of Ayurveda philosophy.

References:

Lad,. (2001). Textbook of Ayurveda, Vol. 1: Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda (1st ed., Vol. 1). Ayurvedic Press.

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Qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga are not the only methods that can be used within this formula but have proven the test of time as methods to cultivate harmony of the mind, body and spirit. These exercise practices offer a wide spectrum of physical wellness benefits, stress relief as well as means of self-awareness. Not all teachers nor students practice these for the same goals.

I am currently offering wellness lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

We are the Architects of our own Health or Illness, Destiny or Fate

Perception & Physiology

All of our senses are a pathway into our inner pharmacy where tonic thoughts produce tonic chemicals, and toxic thoughts produce toxic chemicals. Stress and negative emotions help produce cortisol, nor-epinephrine and epinephrine. Relaxation and serenity help to produce dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins.

We truly are the architect of our own healing and destiny, where our perspectives and beliefs can shift our own biology and physiology.

Our consciousness is an interpretation of the information that our senses obtain from our immediate internal and external environment.

Our cells adjust their biology from the chemical messengers produced within our body and circulated throughout our blood chemistry.

https://www.kindervelt.org/2020/12/01/happiness-hormone-hacks/

Most people actually have the ability to change the perception of their own environment, thereby adjusting the functions of the cells.

We need not be the victims of our heredity as we change our perception, change our environment and thereby control our genetic activity. We can become the master of our genetic activities.

Our health can be viewed as something that we can regulate through the choices we make in our lives.

What we think, what we feel, what we believe and the emotions we choose to respond with, all affect immunoglobulin A (IGA) in the blood. IGA is the primary defense against bacteria and viruses. circulated in our blood chemistry and affecting relative organ functions.

American society has been indoctrinated to believe that Western, conventional or allopathic medical doctors know best for everyone’s health and well-being, and the patient should not question this. Pharmaceuticals, surgery and convenience are major components to their healthcare.

Many people have little knowledge of what naturopaphy, chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese medicine and others being legitimate healthcare modalities. Western doctors often will not even acknowledge other modalities beyond being placebos, let alone recommend them for a patient’s specific individual needs. Ironically, the US allopathic healthcare system also relies substantially on the patient’s potential belief in medicine improving their ailment. Factors such as trust in the doctor prescribing the medication, specific details regarding the medicine, like its brand, color, price, name, and place of origin can all affect this perception that medical pharmaceuticals can fix all or many ailments. If placebos can be accepted as a major part of the healing process, more people will be able to take control and accountability of their own well-being. Maybe it truly is “all in our heads”.

Hope & Gratitude

People can resist the unfounded fears in their lives. Our bodies know how to be healthy, but our fear affects our body’s ability to heal itself.

Our lives are as beautiful or terrible as we choose to perceive them. We have as much or as little opportunity as we choose to pursue.

We can choose to see what an amazing gift it is to be alive. We can choose to focus on love in our lives, of our family and other loved ones. We can choose to be grateful for what we have, and often for what we don’t have.

The human body is brilliantly designed to perform seemingly miraculous events of self-regulation and self-healing.

Regardless of how severe or long someone has been ill, there is a hope that they are capable of some level of healing. Many with much less hope or resources, have achieved much more than those with deep pockets, power and celebrity.

We Are Not Our Thoughts

The mind is composed of two independent entities, being the conscious and the subconscious minds.

The subconscious mind is the default autopilot program, which is where we operate most often throughout our waking hours. This is where we execute mundane tasks, seemingly without much thought or effort. The subconscious mind comes primarily from absorbing other people’s behavior and actions.

The conscious mind is the engaged, thinking and creative mind. It is in this state of mind that we can become aware as the observer of our thoughts.

Understand how our mind works, in that it is actually our own consciousness that directs our thoughts and emotions. Once we realize this, we are empowered to become the director of our actions with unlimited potential.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRx4sINzKT8

Healthcare modalities of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine recognize disease as occurring in patterns, cycles or stages. The idea that an individual just becomes ill one day, is hard to acknowledge when obvious patterns in lifestyle choices affect overall health and well-being over the course of a lifetime.

6 Stages of Disease

Six stages of how disease comes into being:

1 – accumulation

2 – aggravation

3 – spread

4 – localization

5 – manifestation

6 – diversified

These stages have everything to do with the individual’s own accountability of their health and lifestyle choices and not so much about what others are doing or not doing.

Focus

The world around us is vastly shaped by what we pay attention to at any given moment. Research shows that most people can only hold their attention for about 90 minutes at a time, depending upon the activity or subject. A huge component of focus is motivation. When properly motivated the human mind, body and spirit are quite capable of accomplishing what might have been perceived as improbable or impossible.

People often demonstrate amazing levels of focus when performing skilled work or tasks while using their hands. A theory for this is that such tasks provide a framework of values. It is here where the mind engages the body. Heal the body by using the mind. Heal the mind by engaging the body. This has worked for thousands of years, but in recent years this concept has lost popularity to modern pharmaceuticals to improve focus.

The mind directs the body, while the body protects the mind. Practices such as yoga, tai chi and qigong, all have proven the test of time for their healing properties of the mind, body and spirit. I have personally healed many physical injuries to my spine, shoulders, and knees from these methods. I have treated my own ailments of headaches, allergies and various other aches and pains. Additionally, I have addressed and managed other issues of anxiety, grief, and anger through my diligent practices. I have shared these techniques with hundreds and possibly thousands of others, over my years whether through in person instruction, lectures, publications, or online video classes.

If we can get ourselves all worked up and stressed by watching disturbing news shows or engaging in other negative issues and activities, we can conversely put ourselves in a state of peace, joy or contentment through our thoughts and actions. We are our own architect of our life, our health, our happiness, our destiny.

References:

Colloca L. (2019). The Placebo Effect in Pain Therapies. Annual review of pharmacology and toxicology, 59, 191–211. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021542

Noonan, K. Schomer, A. 2017, Heal

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Control the body with the mind. Manage the mind by disciplining the body, through physical activity. Learn to be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less – these are the key components to maintaining a strong mind, body, immune system, and outlook on life.

I am currently offering wellness lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

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Masters Council

The Seven Energy Centers (Chakras)

The Seven Energy Centers (Chakras)

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means “wheel.” Chakras and Dimensions are the same thing. Sometimes they will be referred to as the “Seven Dantians.” Coming from traditional Indian medicine, there exist 7 energy centers within the human body. These points are considered the focal points for the reception and transmission of energies. Some believe believe the chakras interact with the body’s ductless endocrine glands and lymphatic system by feeding in positive energies and disposing of unwanted negative energies. Each chakra in your spinal column is believed to influence or direct bodily functions near its region of the spine.

Chakras are energy systems associated with different parts of the body that relay information in the form of energy. It is believed that a chakra is a wheel of energy that spins around its own axis and can spin fast or slowly. These chakras are like spirals of energy, each one relating to the others. A chakra will spin in relation to the energy level of your system, thus understanding your chakras and keeping them in balance can help with all kinds of health and emotional problems.

You can think of chakras as invisible, rechargeable batteries.

Imagine a vertical power current like a fluorescent tube that runs up and down the spine, from the top of the head to the base of the spine. Think of this as your main source of energy. The seven major chakras are in the center of the body and are aligned with this vertical “power line.”

They regulate the flow of energy throughout the electrical network (Meridians) that runs through the physical body. The body’s electrical system resembles the wiring in a house. It allows electrical current to be sent to every part, and is ready for use when needed.

Sometimes chakras become blocked because of stress, emotional or physical problems. If the body’s “energy system” cannot flow freely it islikely that problems will occur. The consequence of irregular energy flow may result in physical illness and discomfort or a sense of being mentally and emotionally out of balance. Blocked energy in our Seven Chakras can often lead to illness so it’s important to understand what each Chakra represents and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely.

The universe contains an infinite amount of dimensions of existence. There are seven that are part of the “human experience.” There are infinite dimensions above our “7th Dimension” and infinite dimensions below our “1st Dimension.” We can concern ourselves with seven, however it is important to understand that just as the universe keeps expanding, so do the dimensions. You could even say that there are “infinity + 1” dimensions. That statement points to the ever-expanding universe.

Heaven and Earth

Man literally stands in between heaven and earth. Heaven begins at your crown chakra – 1/infinity of an inch above your bahui point. Earth begins at the bottom of your foot (K1). If we look at the “energetic body” we just look at the head, midsection and torso. In other words everything but the arms and legs.

Reference:

Leone M., Campbell J., Moltzan J., (2019), Journey Around the Sun

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My goal is to present an education that brings awareness to these time-proven methods. With an intent to de-mystify and simplify explanations, hopefully more people can come to realize that we are all accountable for our own well-being.

More video clips, books, posters & resources at:

http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/MindAndBodyExercises

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

Trust is Earned, and Often Lost

Trust or Faith?

The American people have lost their trust (based on what can be seen from actions) in our leaders and experts. Many have lost their faith (beliefs that can not be physically seen) in people having a moral compass.

Dictionary.com defines ‘trust’ as:

Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence
Confident expectation of something; hope
Confidence in the certainty of future payment for property or goods received; credit: to sell merchandise on trust
A person on whom or thing on which one relies: God is my trust
The condition of one to whom something has been entrusted

Dictionary.com defines ‘faith’ as:

Confidence or trust in a person or thing
Belief that is not based on proof
Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion
A system of religious belief

I often see the daily news, on TV or in print and other specials on the current health crisis, but very few report why people view things a particular way. For example, why are there a significant number of health care and law enforcement workers refusing to be vaccinated and consequently resigning, retiring early or risk being fired? Reports may say that they have lost trust in government or the medical community, but why is this so? Why are licensed and long-experienced doctors opposing vaccine mandates, risking their livelihoods and reputations? One answer is long-term effects cannot be determined in the short-term.

If people are to move in a particular direction that affects the health and well-being of themselves and their loved ones, professionals and leaders need to stop doing things that make some people question these actions. If there is no medical data available yet to support long-term effects of the Covid19 virus nor the relative vaccines, let the public know this and not assume the attitude that people will believe experts if no accurate data is available. I think people would prefer to know the truth even if not good or definitive, rather than feel like the goal post keeps being moved back.

Professionals that have an audience, can start by just putting themselves out there with some transparency, honesty, humility, and empathy regarding these topics at hand. If a physician (Scott Gotlieb) is interviewed as an expert on a particular topic (appearing almost weekly on CBS’s Face the Nation), have them tell their story of being a director for the FDA and now being a board member for Pfizer, instead of people Googling this fact, seeing it maybe as a conflict of interest and then formulating their own conspiracy theory from it. Per the Pfizer investors’ site, Pfizer reported 2021 second quarter revenues of $19.0 billion, and an operational growth of 86%. For those who think that the vaccines were made free to the public, don’t quite understand that Pfizer billed the US government, who then taxes the citizens, who actually paid the $19.0 billion through taxes and loss of other potential investment or purchases.

It is worth noting that Pfizer is a sponsor for the following news media:

Good Morning America

CBS Health Watch

Anderson Cooper 360

ABC News Nightline

Making A Difference

CNN Tonight

Early Start

Erin Burnett Out Front

ABC’s This Week With George Stephanopoulos

Good Morning America’s Weather Report

Today’s Countdown to the Royal Wedding

CBS Sports Update

Meet The Press

CBS This Morning

60 Minutes

Pfizer can be seen as possibly influencing the objectivity of these news outlets, as journalists and reporters might not be as likely to be critical of Pfizer when such powerful companies are spending millions of dollars on advertising during these news shows.

https://www.addictivetips.com/news/who-owns-the-news/

Similarly, if the FDA is going to report that they took 108 days to review documents for licensing of the Pfizer covid19 vaccine and will honor a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, don’t take 55 years to fully release the information to the group of scientists that made the request. Stop creating the perfect storm of events that will undoubtedly lead to more conspiracy theories and consequently, more of a lack of trust and faith in leaders and experts having a moral compass.

I think the best way that political leaders as well as medical experts can help, is by performing any actions that can help rebuild the trust towards the medical community. Interviews, documentaries, news articles, mailing, or whatever mode of information distribution is embraced, do so with transparency, honesty, humility, and empathy.

Our next healthcare crisis is not that far in the future. I would hope that some have a moral compass that would point towards encouraging people to become healthy and maintain their own well-being before another crisis occurs.

Be well, become healthy, be wise.

References:

Elizabeth Warren tells Scott Gottlieb to resign from Pfizer board (usatoday.com) (Links to an external site.)

Former FDA Commissioner Gottlieb defends decision to join Pfizer board (cnbc.com) (Links to an external site.)

Wait what? FDA wants 55 years to process FOIA request over vaccine data | Reuters (Links to an external site.)

Meet the Santa Barbara Doctor Who Refuses to Be Vaccinated – The Santa Barbara Independent (Links to an external site.)

COVID: Why some doctors and nurses hesitate to get vaccinated | Germany | News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond | DW | 07.01.2021 (Links to an external site.)

Many health care workers are refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine – CBS News (Links to an external site.)

An Infectious Disease Doctor Explains Why Some Of His Colleagues Are Quitting In The Face Of Vaccine Mandates (forbes.com)

https://www.outkick.com/pfizer-apparently-now-sponsors-everything-on-mainstream-media/

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

A New Year’s Commitment to Improve Your Life (Using The 8-Step Path)

A Method to Pursue Mind, Body & Spirit Harmony – The 8-Step Path

Quite often I hear people talking about wanting to pursue a better understanding of the mind, body and spiritual (or self-awareness) relationship. Usually, most people have little understanding of this concept beyond repeating someone else’s words. Understanding of this relationship cannot come from someone else, but rather grown or cultivated in oneself from personal knowledge, experience and wisdom. There are no books, shortcuts, seminars, gurus or masters that can do this for the individual, however they may help guide one to reach self-realization. I am sharing here what I have learned and have tried to live as part of my daily life. Spirituality and religion are often lumped together but have rather distinctly different meanings. With this article, I look at spirituality more as a level of self-awareness, purpose and life direction and not necessarily a membership to any particular religion or belief system.

A long-understood method of achieving harmony between one’s mind, body and spirit, is this 8-Step Path. It has its origin in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Daoism but is highly relative to modern culture. The figure “8″ is important to understand that as the infinity circle, there is no beginning nor end to entering into this process. It is a journey of self-awareness that can be entered into at any point throughout one’s lifetime. Life is a challenge, and so is staying on this path of self-improvement. The reward is at the end of one’s journey, knowing that they have pursued a meaningful life with direction and purpose.

The graphic immediately below shows how the 8 steps are all interconnected. Below that are the brief descriptions of each of the 8 steps. This is by no means the only method to find this harmony of mind, body and spirit. It is a time-proven method that I have learned and have tried to cultivate for many years.

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For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

I started my martial arts training at the age of 16, starting with Korean martial arts and evolving into BaguaZhang, Tai Chi, and Qigong. I have been training, studying and teaching for almost 40 years effectively educating hundreds of students.

As a recognized master instructor, I have trained with a diverse group of masters and high-level martial arts teachers of many different disciplines. My specialty is teaching exercises to improve chronic conditions, working with people of all ages, especially senior adults. Offering guidance and instruction, I have also worked with Parkinson Disease patients through Florida Hospital. I offer regular lectures as requested by AdventHealth (Florida Hospital) regarding the benefits of Eastern practices.

I am the author and graphic artist of numerous journals, graphic charts and study guides relative to the mind and body connection and how it relates to martial arts, fitness and self-improvement.

I continue training and teaching in the Orlando, Florida area conducting classes, seminars and lectures as my schedule allows. I balance my teaching and businesses with my own personal cultivation and time spent with my wife and two college-age kids.