HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SIGNS: MOVING ALONG WITH THE ANNUAL PHASES: FOOD FOR THOUGHT
/It’s that time of year, again!
Here we are at the beginning of September, wherein Ayurveda, there is a general understanding that around this time of year we enter into a window known as Rtu Sandhi (read the link in references), Seasonal Transition. On top of what normally occurs during this time of year, we have the apparent advancement of climate concerns around global warming occurring. Weather patterns have become more volatile, unpredictable, and extreme which can further confusion around even how to plan for each day, let alone each season and through seasonal changes. Don’t forget to add that we are also amidst a pandemic and trying to still figure out much of our way around it, globally! Much of this has been discussed previously by Ayurveda, thousands of years ago under in the chapter of Caraka Samhita Vimana Sthana Chapter 3 known as “Janapadodhvansaniya Vimana.” (See reference for this chapter and specifics below.) Caraka discusses how pandemics occur, what elements are necessary, literally and figuratively, and how to help return things back to a better place.
This is the time of year that many people tend to become ill because of the trickiness around letting go of the previous season and entering into the next phase. Allergies increase or worsen, digestion can have many “hiccups” and for some constitutions more than others, other respiratory and immune challenges, and simply the adjustment to the decrease in sunlight with each day can certainly cause the beginning phases of winter blues. With all these changes simultaneously occurring, Ayurveda provides us with time-tested insight as to how to address our health in the best way possible, considering the circumstances of the present moment. We can depend on these scientific principles as a necessary foundation to support us.
Traditions such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have spoken for millennia about the importance of transitioning properly through these windows in order to prevent disease formation and/or progression by means of cleanses. Cleansing is more of an appropriate way of describing what the New Age approach calls “Detoxing”, but to holistic medical systems such as Ayurveda the action of ‘detoxing’ has a very specific definition and protocol. Otherwise, we are cleansing not detoxing. Similarly, Ayurveda implements protocols range from light to moderate cleansing, known as Shamana Chikitsa (palliative treatment), to intense cleansing/purging/maybe detoxing, known as Shodhana Chikitsa (deep cleansing treatment), in which Panchakarma tends to be the process. Such rituals have been implemented for thousands of years by these cultures and other cultures that honor such practices or versions thereof.
Certain practices are put into place that requires a certain level of commitment, awareness, and discipline in order to secure a successful outcome as we navigate through such conditions, pun not intended and intended. Generally, suggestions for cleansing become appropriate during these times of years, and as an important guide Ayurveda provides us with a clear list of qualities/characteristics that define good/healthy digestion (Jirna) and not good/unhealthy digestion (Ajirna.) Ayurveda states that ill health is generally caused by factors involving choices we make and don’t make (Prajnaparadha), mismanagement of the senses (Asaymendryarthasamyoga), the elements of time progression (Parinama), Ahara (diet), and lifestyle (Vihara.)
This list is of Jirna Ahara Lakshanas as follows (you can read more in the below reference link):
1- Clear belching
2- Enthusiasm, energetic, spirited, especially after meals/between meals.
3- Sense of lightness.
4- Natural, healthy, and timely sense of hunger and thirst.
5- Proper evacuation of bowels and urine.
We can then infer that the expression of these opposite qualities would be an indication of digestion being compromised, and it is within this context that we can begin to see how diseases can start or perpetuate, based on Ayurvedic Science. Oftentimes, the incompatibility of foods can contribute to the malfunctioning of digestion. (See the reference below) Furthermore, in cases when we feel heavy Ayurveda says to go “light” (laghu/langhana) and when we feel light (laghu) we go heavy (guru/brmhana.)
Take some time to review the below references for more details, and learn and/or improve upon your ways to transition as optimally as possible now, during all “windows”, and transitions in general. Additionally, meet with me or another qualified clinician to guide you through this time of year with cleansing and supporting you no only as the season is changing but also as the world turns.
REFERENCES
DINACHARYA GENERAL PRACTICAL TEMPLATE
DIGESTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION
EPIDEMICS/JANAPADODHVANSAVANIYA
DISCLAIMER: This information is meant for educational purposes only and is not considered medical advice. Any changes in lifestyle should be reviewed with a qualified practitioner and/or primary care physician if you are currently under their care for specific conditions.