Ayurveda has been practiced in the US for only about 30 years, yet it is one of the systems of medicine native to India and is thousands of years old. Readers are invited to submit questions for “Ayurveda Q & A” to ayurveda@layogamagazine.com.
Q: I have been having sharp pain in my stomach due to too much acid. Beside this issue, I also have heavy back, neck and shoulder aches and a headache. I went to see the doctor and he did an ultrasound to check my organs. He did not find anything wrong. The blood test showed no problems I did not even have pylori bacteria. The doctor told me that I need to change my diet to soothe my stomach and esophagus. He said the reasons why I am experiencing other pains in my back, neck and shoulders are probably because of inflammation of my stomach and esophagus. I am right now taking the prescribed Prevacid. Is there anything I can do to myself from Ayurvedic perspective? What would be good food to favor?
Vaidya R. K. Mishra
A: Follow your doctor’s recommendations as to the suitability or non-suitability of any drug, and don’t abruptly alter your medications on your own without his/her supervision. In Ayurveda, some of the etiological or causative factors that can increase the occurrence of these conditions in this day and age are:
- Mental or emotional stress.
- Holding natural urges like bowel movements, urination, burping and others.
- Skipping or delaying meals, eating in a rush, eating leftovers, too much pungent food.
- Going to bed late, working on the computer late in the night and other irregular routines.
- Eating onion, garlic, asafetida or mustard seeds.
The basic premise of Ayurveda is try to find the etiological causes and rectify them. If you are doing any of the above etiological factors, avoid them. Don’t eat heavy food and food that aggravates the etiological causes. Favor light, cooling and nurturing organic food like summer squashes, little overcooked small organic lentils like mung dhal, beluga lentils, and French lentils. Eat small meals four to five times a day.
Recipe to reduce acidity: 50% raw and 50% toasted fennel, mix them together and store in airtight container. Chew 1/4 teaspoon of the seed mix after every meal.
In the situation you have described, stress is disturbing the coordination of the energy moving between the subdoshas: prana vata (mind), udana vata (the upward-moving energy centered in the chest that supports the lungs and other bodily organs), samana vata (the energy of movement located within the stomach that supports proper circulation and flow of solids, liquids, digestive enzymes and other chemicals inside these digestive organs) and pachaka pitta (this governs the acid and enzymatic secretions in the stomach). Due to the above etiological factors, any of these subdoshas can go out of balance. In your case, pachak pitta which is governing the enzyme secretion in the stomach is high. That is why you have this problem. By eating cooling nurturing food, reactivity of pachaka pitta is pacified. Eating in silence will calm the prana vata. This will in turn calm the excess activity, movement and penetration of pachak pitta. Cooling food also helps kledhak kapha (protects the mucus lining in the stomach) which will pacify the pachak pitta. Remember that cooling foods are not icy or cold, but are foods with a greater degree of lunar energy, such as lauki (opo or bottle gourd) or summer squash
Additional tips: Do clockwise massage with clean hands on the abdomen. This is a very gentle massage, much more like a light touch. No oil is necessary to do this as the massage has a vibrational effect. Practice this simple technique after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure your bowel movement is good (daily and preferably in the mornings). Follow good routine and lifestyle.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical care. The above recommendations and guidelines have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). They are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any known or unknown disease or conditions. Before using any Ayurvedic remedies, consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider. This article represents the opinion and recommendation of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health magazine.
Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra is descended from an ancient line of Ayurvedic experts to the royalty of India. Read more about his Shaka Vansiya lineage at: vaidyamishra.com or read about his unique formulations at: chandika.com, His office, The Prana Center, is located in Chatsworth, California. (888) 9 – SHAKTI or (818) 709 – 1005.
Ayurvedic Practitioners:
To find an ayurvedic practitioner visit: California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine: ayurveda-caam.org
National Ayurvedic Medical Association: ayurveda-nama.org
Ayurvedic Practitioners:
LA YOGA and the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine will be holding a series of sanghas for members and people in the Ayurvedic community interested in meeting in person for food, fellowship, music, talks and more. Save the date! The first event will be held January, 17, 7:00 – 10:00 P.M. at Yogaglo, 1800 Berkeley Ave, Santa Monica.Yogaglo.com. Enjoy speakers, music, food, fellowship and more as the Ayurveda community comes together. Donations benefit the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine. $15 suggested donation for members, $25 for nonmembers.
For more information, write: Ayurveda@layogamagazine.com subject line: Ayurveda community or visit: Ayurveda-caam.org.
To advertise in this special advertising section listing Ayurvedic practitioners and practices, contact: ayurveda@layogamagazine.com
Individuals:
Vaidya R. K. Mishra practices at the Prana Center in Chatsworth. (818) 709 – 1005; Vaidyamishra.com
Dr. Mark Vinick, DC, CAS, chiropractic, Ayurveda, Shakti Energy HealingTM, nutrition, anti-aging, marma therapy, stress reduction techniques and meditation. Board certified in pain management, anti-aging and Ayurvedic medicine. 1860 S. Elena Ave, Suite A, Redondo Beach, CA. (310) 375 – HEAL; Drmarkvinick.com
Pilar Chandler, LMT, Ayurvedic Health practitioner, herbalist and aromatherapist in Costa Mesa: pilarchandler@yahoo.com
Dr. Aditya Sharma, Ayurvedic consultations, detoxification, weight management, nutrition and more. Geeta Ayurveda Healing Center. Beverly Hills Office: (310) 623 – 4415. Simi Valley Office: (805) 584 – 9025.
Pancha Karma at Blue Sage Sanctuary with Ragaia Belovarac and a team of well-trained compassionate practitioners. Immersion programs, healing retreats, pancha karma and individualized therapies available in a pristine setting: bluesage-sanctuary.com
James Bailey, LAc, MATCM, MPH and Dipl Ayu. Sevanti Wellness, full service clinic with acupuncture, Oriental medicine and Ayurveda, with limited seva practice and reduced rates available. Sevanti Wellness, 1502 Montana Avenue, CA. (310) 393 – 4124; james@sevanti.com
Ayurveda Resources:
Manjistha Oil & Other Nourishing Oils
Banyan Botanicals: banyanbotanicals.com
TriHealth: oilbath.com
Sarada Ayurvedic Remedies: saradausa.com
Floracopeia: floracopeia.com
Mother of Health: motherofhealth.com
Chandika Products for healthy skin – real rose, brahmi and sandalwood soaps: chandika.com
Nutrition
Detoxification supplements, superfoods and Klamath algae by HealthForce Nutritionals: healthforce.com.
By Vaidya R. K. Mishra
