Dr. Parla Jayagopal
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: For years now, I often have problems with canker sores in my mouth that are extremely painful and take a long time to heal. Is there anything I can do to prevent these from happening or anything that I can do once they occur?
A: Canker sores are commonly seen when there are irregular sleep and food habits. Stress and tension can very easily instigate the condition. Both the vata (air) and pitta (fire) doshas are responsible for this derangement.
Methods of preventing their recurrence include maintain regular eating and sleeping habits. Regularizing bowel movements plays a significant role in reducing the discomfort. Taking three triphala capsules at night just before bed with warm water could help.
If you are lactose tolerant or if you eat dairy products, make the following preparation and have after lunch:
Mix together:
3/4 cup nonfat yogurt
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 inch grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
1/4 teaspoon hing (Ferula asafetida)
10 stems of cilantro
Blend in a mixer or juicer for five minutes.
Herbal Remedies
Chew on 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds until they become pasty in the mouth and then expose the sores to this mashed up liquidy cumin. Swallow, then drink some water. Repeat twice a day after breakfast and dinner.
Mix together one tablespoon licorice with 1/2 cup almond milk and 1/4 cup water. Boil this mixture for five minutes. Since licorice reduces acidity, drinking this on an empty stomach in the morning can benefit in reducing the sores.
Taking combination of 1/2 teaspoon musta (Cyprus rotundus), 1/4 teaspoon vidanga (Embelia ribes), 1/2 teaspoon of anantmul (Hemidesmus indicus) with 1/2 cup hot water after food three times a day helps to create a harmony within the vata and pitta doshas.
Dr. Parla Jayagopal has an M.D. degree in Ayurveda from India and works as an Associate Professor at American University of Complementary Medicine; he teaches clinical doctorate courses and schedules consultations at the university clinic in Beverly Hills. Dr. Jay also serves on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM). Reach him at (310) 550 – 7445. Visit: aucm.org or ayurveda-caam.org for more information.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical care. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before using any Ayurvedic remedies, consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider. It is important to rule out serious conditions when appropriate. This article represents the opinion and recommendation of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health Magazine.
Dr. Parla Jayagopal’s teacher, Dr. U.K. Krishna will be teaching a one-day seminar cosponsored by the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine and the American University of Complementary Medicine on Sunday, April 11 on Metabolic Disorders and Ayurvedic Nutrition and Supplements. For more information call: (310) 550 – 7445 x 201.
To Find an Ayurvedic Practitioner visit:
California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine: ayurveda-caam.org.
National Ayurvedic Medical Association: ayurveda-nama.org.
Ayurvedic Practitioners:
James Bailey, LAc, MATCM, MPH and Dipl Ayu. Sevanti Wellness, full service clinic with acupuncture, Oriental medicine and Ayurveda, since 1990. Tuesday is seva day, with sliding scale treatments are reserved for those in financial hardship. Reduced rate treatments available for people with cancer. Sevanti Wellness, 1502 Montana Avenue, CA. (310) 393 – 4124, james@sevanti.com
Pilar Chandler, LMT, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. Consultations, nutrition, stress reduction, massage, aromatherapy, classes in cooking and natural remedies at Shri Veda Wellness. 445 E. 17th Street, Suite J. Costa Mesa, CA. (949) 310 – 3226
Arun Deva, DASc, AYT. Practicing Ayurveda, Ayur*yoga Therapy and Vinyasa Krama Yoga. Offering Panchakarma, Ayurvedic Lifestyle & Dietary Guidelines, Yoga Therapy, Yoga Classes and coming soon: MRS2000! (310) 358 – 9555; yogarasayana@gmail.com; yogarasayana.wordpress.com
Andrea Emmerich, CAS, CYT, LMT, specializes in Ayurvedic treatments, Panchakarma seasonal cleanses and detoxification programs, Thai massage and private Yoga sessions.andreaemmerich.com
Vaidya R. K. Mishra practices and teaches at the Prana Center in Chatsworth and across the country. For more information about his schedule and consultations, call (818) 709 – 1005. Vaidyamishra.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.
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
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.
To advertise in this special advertising section listing Ayurvedic practitioners and practices, contact: ayurveda@layogamagazine.com
LA YOGA and the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM)will be holding a series of sanghas for members, practitioners, Ayurvedic students, Yoga teachers, students and anyone who is interested in meeting in person to learn more about Ayurveda and share food, fellowship, knowledge and more. Stay tuned to LA YOGA for more information, sign up for our email list or write: edit@layogamagazine.com, subject matter: Ayurveda community. Here is a selection of upcoming events:
Ayurveda and Spring Cleanses
Tuesday, April 13
Dinner, networking, community, Ayurveda and spring cleanses.
6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
Vegetarian dinner, $12 reserve in advance: brownpapertickets.com/event/104171
8:00 – 10:00 P.M.
Talk on Spring Cleanses by Dr. U.K. Krishna and Dr. Parla Jayagopal, suggested donation: $15 (adv) $20 (door).
Location: The Rose Temple, 305 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291. (310) 266 – 2123. Dpacla.com
Ayurvedic Mondays: May 3
The first in a monthly Monday morning series. Sivananda Center, 13325 Beach Avenue, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. Sivananda.org/la. Feel free to join in for the entire morning or whatever segment is possible for your schedule. Suggested donation of $10 supports the nonprofit CAAM. No one turned away.
Schedule:
8:00 A.M. Movement with Caitlin Kamala O’Connor
9:00 A.M. Tea
9:30 – 11:00 A.M. Talk and Q & A
11:00 A.M. – Noon Potluck lunch (vegetarian, please), mingling and networking.
Monday, May 3
Cathy Durga O’Neill,
CAS – Yoga of Recovery
How techniques of cleansing, rejuvenation and more support ongoing recovery.
Monday, June 7
Felicia M. Tomasko, RN – Yoga and Ayurveda to Strengthen Immunity. Practical techniques to boost the power of your immune system.
Monday, July 5
Arun Deva DASc, AYT Alchemy of Consciousness. The power of practice for transformation.
Ayurveda Resources
Nourishing Oils
Banyan Botanicals: banyanbotanicals.com
TriHealth: oilbath.com
Sarada Ayurvedic Remedies: saradausa.com
Floracopeia: floracopeia.com
Chandika Products for healthy skin – real rose, brahmi and sandalwood soaps: chandika.com
Nutrition
High potency liquid nourishing multivitamin and multimineral supplements which include kelp, Himalayan crystals and micronutrients that are specifically designed to support health and achieve homeostasis. Formulas for pets, people, plants and soil:
ambayagold.com
Detoxification supplements, superfoods and Klamath algae by HealthForce Nutritionals: healthforce.com
By Dr. Parla Jayagopal
