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

Ritual Postures

I saw many similarities with the ritual body postures from Felicitas Goodman and my own practices of qigong and daoyin (martial arts yoga). Consequently, I decided to purchase her book, Where the Spirits Ride the Wind, to do more research on these methods. Goodman writes about how a specific posture; the “bear posture” can help heal not only the practitioner but for others in the group setting who were not able to hold the posture (Goodman,1990, pg. 33). This goes beyond the thought that we practice healing methods not just for ourselves, but for others in our group or community, quite similar to why people pray for themselves and/or others.

Goodman has named another posture the “Mayan Empowerment posture” and describes it as being able to help generate healing energies (Monaghan, 1999, pg.41). I have again learned and practiced similar exercises in my qigong training. I think as other cultures, such as Eastern Asian, Native American, South American and others merge into Western and US culture there may be more of a need for scientific research. Documented research may help some of these practices to become more acceptable and mainstream instead of being considered alternative, metaphysical, or even a bit far-fetched for some. Unfortunately, many of these practices do not translate well into the standard of randomized double-blind studies.

In spite of this factor, I learned that the holding of physical postures engages specific muscles group while simultaneously engaging the nervous systems. Either the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest response) is engaged with the slow rhythmic breathing or the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) with a rapid rhythmic breathing cadence. Either of these processes can change the blood chemistry to promote healing on different levels. This physiological process can be seen in the other moving meditations practices of yoga, and its offspring of qigong and further spawn of tai chi. I have found (and personally practiced) all of these methods with either slow or fast breathing patterns can put the practitioner in either the meditative or trance state, depending upon background music/sounds, the individual and their intent. This is very much in line with Monaghan’s description of entrainment, where the practitioner’s heartbeat synchronizes with the beat of a drum or other percussion sound (Monaghan, 1999, pg.33). I have learned to practice qigong, tai chi and other martial arts exercises with music consisting of bells, chimes and other percussion instruments with this exact purpose of slowing (or increasing) the heart and breathing rate in order to enter into the meditative state of being.

Some of the postures explained seem simple enough, until one tries to hold the posture for 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes and maybe even longer. Often times people try a posture the first time for say, 15 minutes or so. But their body and more specifically their muscles and nervous system have not been conditioned much to hold the positions. So their body may begin to fatigue and tremble. Then the blood begins to shunt or pool in the muscles under tension and duress, which draws the blood and oxygen away from the brain which is farthest from the legs, where the blood is pooling. Then the person becomes a little light-headed or faint which leads them to believe they are having some type of weird or spiritual experience, where they probably are not but rather at the beginning steps of trial and error.

So my advice is to stay relaxed (especially in the neck, face and shoulders) in spite of the tension that will accompany the holding of the posture. Additionally, take the time to build up the length of holding the stationary positions or postures.

References:

Monaghan, Patricia; Viereck, Eleanor G. (1999) Meditation: The Complete Guide (pg. 33- 41). New World Library. Kindle Edition.

Goodman, Felicitas D. (1990) Where the Spirits Ride the Wind (p. 108). Indiana University Press. Kindle Edition.

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Iron Palm / Iron Body Conditioning

Iron Palm Conditioning started with Shaolin Monks practicing methods to make the hands. legs, and feet, feel as strong as iron. Iron Palm liniment is applied on the hands, legs, shins or any part of the body used to strike during training to prevent pain, strengthen the bones, tendons. ligaments. and connective tissue while helping these areas to heal more quickly. Iron Palm and Iron Body are a more advanced practice of acupressure and/or reflexology. As the specific parts of the body are precisely hit, acupoints on the 12 energy meridians are stimulated. These acupoints directly affect the internal organs of the human body.

This training can consist of punching the hands into large containers of dried beans, sand, rocks, and metal shavings among other media. Kicking bamboo trees, bags of sand, rocks and metal shavings is also part of this training regimen. Proper breathing (Qigong) and concentration develops, literally hands of iron while simultaneously improving blood and energy flow throughout the body and its internal organs.

Iron Palm (Liniment)
Iron Palm liniment was formulated to strengthen and heal bones, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue and sinew from injuries and all types of repetitive contact exercises like hitting a punching bag, all types of Iron Palm bags or if you are advanced enough in training where you are breaking objects like brick, boards. etc. Another powerful benefit of Iron Palm liniment is reducing pain very quickly. Iron Palm herbal liniments are used externally. Iron Palm recipes are also used for reducing pain due to conditioning or from everyday injuries. Iron Palm liniments can also help with chronic conditions related to the above-mentioned areas. A person does not necessarily need to practice Iron Palm conditioning in order to receive the healing benefits of these extracts.

I have learned to produce these Jows ” and have been using them for almost 40 years to externally treat injuries, aches and pains. If overly sore or injured, we can also use curcumin poultices or store-bought plaster patches with cayenne.

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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

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.

Herbal Extracts for Longevity & Healing

Traditional herbal extracts consisting of various liniments, tinctures, teas, etc. are known for their unique properties, which harmonize both the mind and body, allowing the body to find its natural balance in just a short amount of time. Each traditional herbal extract formula targets a specific area of the body, just as different foods and vitamins supply nutrients to specific areas of the body or different medicines are used to treat specific illnesses. During physical exercise or qigong practice, the application of these herbal extracts helps to relax the muscles and increase circulation, allowing you to challenge yourself further. This then allows you to maximize your full strength and speed while preventing injury caused by shocking different parts of the body, such as: joints, nerves, and muscles. Some herbs allow the body to naturally expel toxins from joints and tissues, enabling oxygen and vital nutrients to reach affected areas. Others stimulate the body’s natural energy to accelerate healing in the muscles, joints, nerves, and ligaments.

Blockages of the Qi, or chi (energy) flow usually result in poor blood circulation followed by illness. Acupressure or “pressure point” massage in conjunction with herbal extracts open the blood circulation and energy pathways increasing a flow of vitality that moves throughout the whole body. Response time to this opening of the energy pathways is usually less than 5 minutes.

Why Conventional Methods Don’t Fix Chronic Pain Issues

When in pain, receptors become oversensitive requiring ever increasing amounts of input to dull this signal. Over time, the natural pain-killing mechanism will exhaust itself trying to keep up with the oversensitive receptors. The result being that the pain and inflammatory responses become chronic, and the pain becomes increasingly resistant to conventional pain-relief methods (ice, heat, etc.) and pain medications. Chronic inflammation can destroy our joints completely over time. Pain relievers (NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, etc.) are ineffective against this gradual degeneration. They may help somewhat with chronic pain symptoms but ultimately, they don’t repair the biological pain receptor nor joint damage. Many pain-relieving drugs are known to have serious side effects. COX-2 inhibitors (Vioxx and Celebrex) have previously been shown to cause an increased risk of heart ailments. NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.) can cause bleeding ulcers and do damage to the digestive system and kidneys. Often these medicines are unable to keep the chronic inflammation from continuing to cause cartilage degradation and have little or no power to reverse the process.

Be well!

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lectures 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

Tibetan Meditation – basics

Tibetan medicine seeks to draw attention to the relationship in balancing aspects of the mind, body, and behavior. Meditation is an integral component within Tibetan medicine. Through practices of Tibetan meditation, the practitioner seeks to probe the nature of reality. There is an emphasis to tame the incessant inner dialogue of our thoughts, which is constantly shifting to the barrage of sensory input. This inner dialogue is often referred to as the “monkey mind”. Through these meditation methods one can transform the mind into a conduit to create better health and happiness (University of Minnesota, 2020).

The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to reach nirvana or spiritual enlightenment where there is an absence of suffering or realization of the self and its relation to the universe. Nirvana translates to “cessation”, as in removing suffering and its undesired effects of drama, manipulation, aggression, struggle, etc. Practice of Tibetan meditation is a means that can lead to this goal.

Within Buddhism is the concept of The Four Noble Truths, which are relative to the meditation practices. These truths would be:

Life is painful and frustrating. Everyone experiences painful and frustrating moments.

Suffering has a cause. The cause comes from our attachment to what we know and is familiar.

The cause of suffering can be ended by releasing expectations and attachments. Attachment based on fear of loss and fear of being alone and separate, are the causes of suffering.

Meditation, or the practice of mindfulness and awareness, is the way to end suffering

We can stop dwelling in the past by being focused on the current moment. Keeping these concepts at the forefront of our thoughts, will help with detachment and concentration, and lead to mastery of the mind (Yugay, 2018).

Sitting while meditating is a major component of Tibetan Meditation, I think it is important to note that these practices are more of a lifestyle where these truths are experienced and addressed throughout the whole day, every day, for the practitioner and not just something to ponder once in a while when it is convenient.

I found some information about the Dalai Lama that I found quite interesting. The Dalai Lama actually has his own website! Amazing how he has embraced modern technologies to further spread his teachings of awareness of compassion, suffering and other aspects of Buddhism and Tibetan Meditation. The Dalia Lama is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism. His meditation schedule is a large portion of his daily routine, being quite intense compared to most people who meditate. He starts his days with a few hours of prayers, meditations, and prostrations. After breakfast, he spends another three hours on meditation and prayer. After his 5 p.m. tea, the Dalai Lama concludes his day with another two more hours of meditation and then finishes with his evening prayers. Every day he spends about seven hours a day on mindfulness. He shares that even if you only commit five minutes a day to meditation, one can still gain the benefits of slowing aging, sharpening the mind, and reducing stress.

Be well!

References:

6 Tips for Longevity From the Dalai Lama | Well+Good (wellandgood.com)Links to an external site.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama | The 14th Dalai Lama

University of Minnesota. (2020, May). How Can I Practice Tibetan Meditation? https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-can-i-practice-tibetan-meditationLinks to an external site.

Yugay, I. (2018, January 19). The Secret To Enlightenment With Buddhist Meditation. Mindvalley. https://blog.mindvalley.com/buddhist-meditation/Links to an external site.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lectures 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