In terms of Physical body
VYANA Governs the movement of energy from head down to the Naval which is the Pranic center.
APANA Governs the movement of energy from the Naval down to the mooladhara and all the way down to the feet.
UDANA Governs the movement of energy from the naval up to the head.
The naval is the main Prana center in the body, in which all Pranas are held like the spokes in the center of the wheel.
Special Note: Most of us are only “PART TIME YOGIS” and a judicious combination of all the above diets will give us enough strength – Physically, Mentally and Spiritually.
Non-Vegetarians often ask a question --- “What about Proteins?”
Protein is built from amino acids. There are 22 amino acids used in the body. The body itself is able to produce 13 of them. The other 9 are referred to as “essential amino acids” which the body gets from the food. Most of the essential amino acids are found in abundance in food (Yes, even in Vegetarian diet). So eating a variety of food would help us get most of the amino acids. For the critical amino acids, remember the grains are relatively high is tryptophone and methionine and legumes are relatively high in lysine. So combine one grain and one legume to get a complete protein (Ideal is 2/3 grain 1/3 Legume). Eg;: Rice & Beans, Pasta & Tofu. We also get “Complete” protein by combining a grain or legume with milk.
Eg; Oats meal with milk.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
PRAANA(Forward moving AIR)
ACTIVITY
It governs reception of all types from eating food, drinking water and inhalation of air to the reception of sensory impress ions. This is the vital energy in the head primarily the region of the third eye, which nourishes the brain. It provides positive energy for all the other Praanas
FOOD INTAKE
Green leafy vegetables and sprouts that grow quickly. These are stimulating, cooling and purifying. These foods, particularly if combined with mild aromatic spice combined with mild aromatic spice like ginger, coriander or mint promote Praana considerably.
APAANA(AIR that moves away)
ACTIVITY
Apaana moves downward and outward. It governs the elimination of stool and the urine, the expelling of semen, menstrual fluid and fetus and the elimination of the Carbon-di-oxide through the breath. On a deeper level Apaana eliminates the Negative sensory, emotional and mental Experiences. It is the basis of our immune Functions at all levels.
FOOD INTAKE
Apaana foods are that grow beneath the earth. Mainly root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes. They increase strength endurance and Ojas but can be a little heavy. Roots can contain great vital energy. This category includes special powerful root Herbs like Aswagandha and Shatavari as powerful tonics to Reproductive system, which is Ruled by Apana. At the same time foods that develop from the ground like garlic, onion and mushrooms are tamasic in nature and hence yogis should avoid them.
UDAANA(Upward moving air)
ACTIVITY
Udaana moves upward. It governs growth of our body, the ability to stand, speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. This is the vital energy in the throat that governs speech and self-expression and holds the head up through the neck.
FOOD INTAKE
Udaana foods are fruits and nuts that grow above the trees. They contain more of ether elements and nourish the deeper mind and heart. They can be taken by themselves and are very wholesome, light and balancing
SAMAANA(Balancing air)
ACTIVITY
Samaana moves from the periphery to the center through a churning and discerning action. It works in gastro intestinal tract to digest food. In the lungs to absorb oxygen and in the mind to digest the experiences whether sensory, emotional or mental. It is the vital energy in the naval where our energy is centered and where digestion occurs.
FOOD INTAKE
Samaana foods are mainly whole grains which have balancing effect, particularly rice, this is why whole grains should be foundation of all diets. Diary products, which are predigested food, come under Samana as well as does honey and raw sugars. Such foods are nourishing but not heavy, unless taken in excess and very easy to digest.
VYAANA(Outward moving AIR)
ACTIVITY
Vyana moves from the center to the periphery. It governs circulation on all levels. Vyana moves the water and oxygen through out the body and keeps our emotions and thoughts circulating in the mind, imparting movement and providing strength. In doing so, it assists all other Pranas in their work. Vyana is the vital energy in the heart and lungs where our energy expands.
FOOD INTAKE
Vyaana food are those which spreads on the ground like squash, melons, strawberries, tomatoes and beans. These are strengthening and stimulating and help our energy expand. They are usually taken along with grains or Samana food. Please note that strawberries and tomatoes have a tendency to develop rajasic quality. So yogis can avoid or use less of these items.
ACTIVITY
It governs reception of all types from eating food, drinking water and inhalation of air to the reception of sensory impress ions. This is the vital energy in the head primarily the region of the third eye, which nourishes the brain. It provides positive energy for all the other Praanas
FOOD INTAKE
Green leafy vegetables and sprouts that grow quickly. These are stimulating, cooling and purifying. These foods, particularly if combined with mild aromatic spice combined with mild aromatic spice like ginger, coriander or mint promote Praana considerably.
APAANA(AIR that moves away)
ACTIVITY
Apaana moves downward and outward. It governs the elimination of stool and the urine, the expelling of semen, menstrual fluid and fetus and the elimination of the Carbon-di-oxide through the breath. On a deeper level Apaana eliminates the Negative sensory, emotional and mental Experiences. It is the basis of our immune Functions at all levels.
FOOD INTAKE
Apaana foods are that grow beneath the earth. Mainly root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes. They increase strength endurance and Ojas but can be a little heavy. Roots can contain great vital energy. This category includes special powerful root Herbs like Aswagandha and Shatavari as powerful tonics to Reproductive system, which is Ruled by Apana. At the same time foods that develop from the ground like garlic, onion and mushrooms are tamasic in nature and hence yogis should avoid them.
UDAANA(Upward moving air)
ACTIVITY
Udaana moves upward. It governs growth of our body, the ability to stand, speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. This is the vital energy in the throat that governs speech and self-expression and holds the head up through the neck.
FOOD INTAKE
Udaana foods are fruits and nuts that grow above the trees. They contain more of ether elements and nourish the deeper mind and heart. They can be taken by themselves and are very wholesome, light and balancing
SAMAANA(Balancing air)
ACTIVITY
Samaana moves from the periphery to the center through a churning and discerning action. It works in gastro intestinal tract to digest food. In the lungs to absorb oxygen and in the mind to digest the experiences whether sensory, emotional or mental. It is the vital energy in the naval where our energy is centered and where digestion occurs.
FOOD INTAKE
Samaana foods are mainly whole grains which have balancing effect, particularly rice, this is why whole grains should be foundation of all diets. Diary products, which are predigested food, come under Samana as well as does honey and raw sugars. Such foods are nourishing but not heavy, unless taken in excess and very easy to digest.
VYAANA(Outward moving AIR)
ACTIVITY
Vyana moves from the center to the periphery. It governs circulation on all levels. Vyana moves the water and oxygen through out the body and keeps our emotions and thoughts circulating in the mind, imparting movement and providing strength. In doing so, it assists all other Pranas in their work. Vyana is the vital energy in the heart and lungs where our energy expands.
FOOD INTAKE
Vyaana food are those which spreads on the ground like squash, melons, strawberries, tomatoes and beans. These are strengthening and stimulating and help our energy expand. They are usually taken along with grains or Samana food. Please note that strawberries and tomatoes have a tendency to develop rajasic quality. So yogis can avoid or use less of these items.
Friday, July 23, 2010
WHAT IS A CORRECT DIET?
Ayurvedic cooking and dietic approaches are mainly concerned with physical health and do not always address the issues of Sattva. Hence they may discuss certain food types that are not very Sattvic in nature. Yoga, on the other hand emphasizing a Sattvic diet, may include foods that can aggravate certain doshas. For an optimal dietary regimen one should combine a Sattvic diet with a diet appropriate for one's doshic type.
The correct diet additionally emphasizes natural foods, food grown in harmony with nature, on good soils, ripened naturally, cooked in right manner and with right manner and with right attitude of love. Such foods are carriers of Prana and consciousness. Correct diet, further, is a matter of timing of meals as well. One should avoid heavy food in the morning or in the late evening, as it is more likely to clog the system at these times. The morning meal should be light & stimulating. The main meal should be at noon (not afternoon) and in the early evening. Eating late at night, except some light food like fruits or milk, weights the body and mind down. We can divide the food into five categories in terms of the Prana – ‘the vital force'. In Ayurveda Prana is divided into five namely Prana, Apana, Udana, Samana and vyana. Each of them has different duties in our system, which in combination will energize the physical body, mind and the subtle body. Our food intake hence should be to activate all Pranas in balance. The following tabulation will give a study of activities of each prana in our system and food that would activate each prana.
Ayurvedic cooking and dietic approaches are mainly concerned with physical health and do not always address the issues of Sattva. Hence they may discuss certain food types that are not very Sattvic in nature. Yoga, on the other hand emphasizing a Sattvic diet, may include foods that can aggravate certain doshas. For an optimal dietary regimen one should combine a Sattvic diet with a diet appropriate for one's doshic type.
The correct diet additionally emphasizes natural foods, food grown in harmony with nature, on good soils, ripened naturally, cooked in right manner and with right manner and with right attitude of love. Such foods are carriers of Prana and consciousness. Correct diet, further, is a matter of timing of meals as well. One should avoid heavy food in the morning or in the late evening, as it is more likely to clog the system at these times. The morning meal should be light & stimulating. The main meal should be at noon (not afternoon) and in the early evening. Eating late at night, except some light food like fruits or milk, weights the body and mind down. We can divide the food into five categories in terms of the Prana – ‘the vital force'. In Ayurveda Prana is divided into five namely Prana, Apana, Udana, Samana and vyana. Each of them has different duties in our system, which in combination will energize the physical body, mind and the subtle body. Our food intake hence should be to activate all Pranas in balance. The following tabulation will give a study of activities of each prana in our system and food that would activate each prana.
Monday, July 12, 2010
CORRECT TYPE OF FOOD
Here, we have to differentiate a yoga diet and an Ayurvedic diet. Ayurveda works to improve bodily health, yoga helps you more beyond bodily limitations. For this reasons most traditional yogic disciplines are ascetic in nature including fasting and light diet, raw food and detoxification methods, as well as sensory deprivations, pranayama and meditations. All these factors not only tend to reduce physical consciousness but can aggravate Vata. Traditional Ayurveda, on the other hand emphasizes cooked food and nutritive diet to build physical strength and prevent the doshas, particularly vata, from accumulation. Hence, a correct type of food is that which balances all the three doshas and hence activate the three vital essences.
WHY NO NON-VEGETARIAN?
If you personally ask me this question the answer is “I don't want my intestine to be the burial ground of dead animals.”
Ayurveda always recommend sattvic or pure food because sattva creates, balance, eliminates harmful factors and helps reduce vitiated doshas. The basis of sattvic diet is first of all vegetarian, avoiding any products involve killing of animal, even for the sake of eating. So the meat eating violates the principles of ahimsa or non-violence.
We cannot readily breakdown animal tissues in a right components for human tissues. Instead of digesting and transforming meat in to the appropriate human tissue. ‘Its' animal energies are preserved and become substituted for our human tissues. Hence meat increases animal fire in the body bringing the tendencies of these animals to function within us. This promotes anger, lust and fear and other negative emotions. Further meat produces a heavy or tamasa type of tissue that clogs the channels that tends to make the mind dull. Not only violence and crime but also religious intolerance has been more common among meat eating groups. Even economically, the grain used to produce meat to serve one family could serve easily five families. The whole economic status of a nation can change if everybody in the country resolve to be vegetarians.
Here, we have to differentiate a yoga diet and an Ayurvedic diet. Ayurveda works to improve bodily health, yoga helps you more beyond bodily limitations. For this reasons most traditional yogic disciplines are ascetic in nature including fasting and light diet, raw food and detoxification methods, as well as sensory deprivations, pranayama and meditations. All these factors not only tend to reduce physical consciousness but can aggravate Vata. Traditional Ayurveda, on the other hand emphasizes cooked food and nutritive diet to build physical strength and prevent the doshas, particularly vata, from accumulation. Hence, a correct type of food is that which balances all the three doshas and hence activate the three vital essences.
WHY NO NON-VEGETARIAN?
If you personally ask me this question the answer is “I don't want my intestine to be the burial ground of dead animals.”
Ayurveda always recommend sattvic or pure food because sattva creates, balance, eliminates harmful factors and helps reduce vitiated doshas. The basis of sattvic diet is first of all vegetarian, avoiding any products involve killing of animal, even for the sake of eating. So the meat eating violates the principles of ahimsa or non-violence.
We cannot readily breakdown animal tissues in a right components for human tissues. Instead of digesting and transforming meat in to the appropriate human tissue. ‘Its' animal energies are preserved and become substituted for our human tissues. Hence meat increases animal fire in the body bringing the tendencies of these animals to function within us. This promotes anger, lust and fear and other negative emotions. Further meat produces a heavy or tamasa type of tissue that clogs the channels that tends to make the mind dull. Not only violence and crime but also religious intolerance has been more common among meat eating groups. Even economically, the grain used to produce meat to serve one family could serve easily five families. The whole economic status of a nation can change if everybody in the country resolve to be vegetarians.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
FOOD CONTINUATION (2)
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Further, Prana, Tejas and Ojas give energy to the immune system. Ojas is the basic capacity of the immune system to defend our selves against external pathogens. It provides endurance, resistance and strength to ward off diseases.
Tejas is the immune system that is able to burn and destroy toxins, when activated. It generates the fever to destroy Pathogens that attack the body. Tejas is our ability to attack and overcome to acute disease, which are generally infectious in nature.
Prana is the long tern activation of the immune functions to project and develop life energy, which manifests when we are dealing with chronic diseases. It is the adaptability of the immune system and sustains all long term healing process. With sufficient Prana, Tejas and Ojas no disease can approach us.
Ayurveda emphasize “right diet” as the foundations of all healing therapies. Food is the first and most important form of medicine. Ayurveda recommends sattva or pure food because Sattva creates balance, eliminates harmful factors and helps reduce all excessive doshas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Further, Prana, Tejas and Ojas give energy to the immune system. Ojas is the basic capacity of the immune system to defend our selves against external pathogens. It provides endurance, resistance and strength to ward off diseases.
Tejas is the immune system that is able to burn and destroy toxins, when activated. It generates the fever to destroy Pathogens that attack the body. Tejas is our ability to attack and overcome to acute disease, which are generally infectious in nature.
Prana is the long tern activation of the immune functions to project and develop life energy, which manifests when we are dealing with chronic diseases. It is the adaptability of the immune system and sustains all long term healing process. With sufficient Prana, Tejas and Ojas no disease can approach us.
Ayurveda emphasize “right diet” as the foundations of all healing therapies. Food is the first and most important form of medicine. Ayurveda recommends sattva or pure food because Sattva creates balance, eliminates harmful factors and helps reduce all excessive doshas.
Monday, June 21, 2010
I am planning to write on "FOOD" on a regular basis (may be once a week). Readers are welcome to give suggestions and their views on the subject.
Why food is taken?
Definitely it is not just for filling the stomach or to satisfy your taste buds.
Here, we have to introduce a deeper level of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that is important relative to healthy life. Vata, Pitta & Kapha have subtle counter parts called Prana, Tejas & Ojas that could be called “the three vital essences”. These are the roots or master forms of Vata, Pitta & Kapha (the three doshas) that control ordinary Psychophysical functioning and if reoriented properly, energize higher spiritual potentials as well. They are not simply forces of the physical body but of the subtle and casual bodies, as well.
PRANA (Primal life force) is the subtle energy of AIR as the master force and guiding intelligence behind all psychophysical functions, responsible for co-ordination of breath, senses and mind. On an inner level, it unfolds and harmonizes all higher state of consciousness.
TEJAS (Inner radiance) is the subtle energy of FIRE as the radiance of vitality through which we digest out air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level, it unfolds the higher perceptual capacities.
OJAS (Primal Vigor) is the subtle energy of WATER as the stored up vital reserve, the basis of physical and mental endurance. Ojas is the internalized essence of digested food, water, air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level it is responsible for nourishing and developing of all higher facilities.
These three forces are interrelated Prana and Tejas are rooted in Ojas and can be regarded as aspects of Ojas. Tejas is the heat and light energy of Ojas. Prana is the energy and strength that come from Ojas after it has been kindled into Tejas. Ojas is the Potential, the stamina of the mind and nervous system for holding Tejas and Prana. Ojas has the capacity to turn into Tejas (heat), which has the capacity to turn into Prana (electricity).
According to Ayurveda, when these doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are too high or too low, they cause disease. But these vital essences (Prana-Tejas, Ojas) unlike doshas promote health, creativity and well-being and provide the support for deeper yoga meditation practices.
Why food is taken?
Definitely it is not just for filling the stomach or to satisfy your taste buds.
Here, we have to introduce a deeper level of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that is important relative to healthy life. Vata, Pitta & Kapha have subtle counter parts called Prana, Tejas & Ojas that could be called “the three vital essences”. These are the roots or master forms of Vata, Pitta & Kapha (the three doshas) that control ordinary Psychophysical functioning and if reoriented properly, energize higher spiritual potentials as well. They are not simply forces of the physical body but of the subtle and casual bodies, as well.
PRANA (Primal life force) is the subtle energy of AIR as the master force and guiding intelligence behind all psychophysical functions, responsible for co-ordination of breath, senses and mind. On an inner level, it unfolds and harmonizes all higher state of consciousness.
TEJAS (Inner radiance) is the subtle energy of FIRE as the radiance of vitality through which we digest out air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level, it unfolds the higher perceptual capacities.
OJAS (Primal Vigor) is the subtle energy of WATER as the stored up vital reserve, the basis of physical and mental endurance. Ojas is the internalized essence of digested food, water, air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level it is responsible for nourishing and developing of all higher facilities.
These three forces are interrelated Prana and Tejas are rooted in Ojas and can be regarded as aspects of Ojas. Tejas is the heat and light energy of Ojas. Prana is the energy and strength that come from Ojas after it has been kindled into Tejas. Ojas is the Potential, the stamina of the mind and nervous system for holding Tejas and Prana. Ojas has the capacity to turn into Tejas (heat), which has the capacity to turn into Prana (electricity).
According to Ayurveda, when these doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are too high or too low, they cause disease. But these vital essences (Prana-Tejas, Ojas) unlike doshas promote health, creativity and well-being and provide the support for deeper yoga meditation practices.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
INDIAN POPULATION
All of us are worried about the alarming population explosion in India, which has already crossed 1.15 Billion as of now. However all of us, "Bhaaratheeyaas" can get consoled by the statement of Yudhishtira in the Epic Mahaabharatham about people died in Kurukshetra war.
In Sradhaa Parva,- sub section of Sthree Parva of Maha Bharatham - Chapter "Sesha Kriya" when King Dhritharashtra asks Yudhishtira about the death toll in Kurukshetra. The reply given by yudhishtira is fascinating. ---"Twenty thousand Crore sixty six warriors died in the war . Ten thousand warriors are missing. Also another One thousand sixty five." By learning that people died just in Kurukshetra war is over 20000 Crore in" Dwapara Yuga", those in Kali yuga must get relieved that Bhaaratham is not overpopulated now and we should not feel we are indiscriminate!!!!!!
Now, my philosophy - Let us not worry about such small problems like population in India and get depressed - let us have a bottle of beer in the evening and enjoy life !!!! As Ulysses said -"drink the life to the lease".
Dr. NEDUNGADI with Love
(Adea Courtesy - Baby, Mumbai)
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