Most doctors treat the body. For example, is the knee rotating within normal limits? Is the skin condition clearing up? Health according to Ayurveda is a fusion of body and spirit. If the spirit is healthy, the body seems to function better and perceives less pain. Ayurveda uses healing techniques that are directed to the emotional and mental state, not just the physiology.
There is now a new trend among some doctors to look at a patient's mental state before beginning treatment for a chronic physical ailment. They are examining the patient's personal life which includes things like social interaction and activity levels. These factors affect the course of treatment chosen. The varying side effects of drugs, surgery or treatments can impair a patient's lifestyle. Knowing a patient's priorities allows the doctor to choose a plan that is best suited to the patient.
Clearly, this trend is something you should look for in a doctor. While Ayurveda has always looked at the whole person to define health, you should begin to look at yourself in this way. For example, exercise is a good thing. If someone overexerts themselves or chooses an exercise that does not challenge the body enough, the benefit of exercise will not be achieved. Aim to balance your body and spirit in your actions to achieve total health. You can be a part of the "new" trend too.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Love And Valentine's Day
The holiday of love. It is the time to express your love and affection to your significant other. Personally, I do not like national commercialized holidays telling me what to do and how to do it. Yet, sometimes we all need reminders to show how much we care for and appreciate the special people in our life.
Sadly, it seems today there are many people seeking love. Either they cannot seem to find that special someone or they cannot seem to make love last if they have a relationship. Love is one of the main joys of life. It is something all human beings universally desire. Why is it so elusive?
When I am stumped, I usually look to higher sources and the Bible is the highest source for me. The Bible commands us to love our neighbor like our self. How can we be commanded to love? Do we really have the control to force ourselves to love? The answer may lie in the Hebrew word for love which is ahava. The root of the word is hav which means give. This expresses the idea that loving is achieved through giving. The strongest and most satisfying love connections are based on giving. For example, think of a parent's love for a child or a pet owner's love for their dog - the parent and the pet owner are doing all the giving, but the love is deep and meaningful. It is ok to benefit from the other person in our love relationship. However, if the benefit is the only goal and the only pattern in the relationship, the love will not sustain and be soul nurturing.
Enjoy the chocolates and the other luxuries on Valentine's Day, and remember you can be the creator of the love in your relationship.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
Sadly, it seems today there are many people seeking love. Either they cannot seem to find that special someone or they cannot seem to make love last if they have a relationship. Love is one of the main joys of life. It is something all human beings universally desire. Why is it so elusive?
When I am stumped, I usually look to higher sources and the Bible is the highest source for me. The Bible commands us to love our neighbor like our self. How can we be commanded to love? Do we really have the control to force ourselves to love? The answer may lie in the Hebrew word for love which is ahava. The root of the word is hav which means give. This expresses the idea that loving is achieved through giving. The strongest and most satisfying love connections are based on giving. For example, think of a parent's love for a child or a pet owner's love for their dog - the parent and the pet owner are doing all the giving, but the love is deep and meaningful. It is ok to benefit from the other person in our love relationship. However, if the benefit is the only goal and the only pattern in the relationship, the love will not sustain and be soul nurturing.
Enjoy the chocolates and the other luxuries on Valentine's Day, and remember you can be the creator of the love in your relationship.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
Saturday, February 4, 2012
My Brain Injury Makes Me Eat Fatty Foods...
Did you know that eating high-fat foods changed the brains of humans and rodents by causing inflammation and structural damage in the hypothalamus area of the brain? If the humans and rodents continued to eat high-fat foods, the damage became greater. The hypothalamus regulates weight.
It is as if the individual who has indulged in a high fat diet over a long period of time has impaired the brain area responsible for body weight control. The body has become biologically reprogrammed.
The excuse of a brain injury is not far fetched. People think that small lifestyle choices are not that important. In Ayurveda, simple lifestyle recommendations are used to balance one's health. One's diet, sleep habits and exercise routine need to be suited to one's body type and the natural cycle for the body in general for optimal health. The choices we make can create the freedom to live life fully with health in body and spirit. Choosing things that harm us may feel like freedom at the time, but if the choice limits us later on - that is not freedom.
Ayurveda believes in the intelligence of the body to heal itself. It is a natural process that takes time, and it starts with one's lifestyle choices one step at a time.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
It is as if the individual who has indulged in a high fat diet over a long period of time has impaired the brain area responsible for body weight control. The body has become biologically reprogrammed.
The excuse of a brain injury is not far fetched. People think that small lifestyle choices are not that important. In Ayurveda, simple lifestyle recommendations are used to balance one's health. One's diet, sleep habits and exercise routine need to be suited to one's body type and the natural cycle for the body in general for optimal health. The choices we make can create the freedom to live life fully with health in body and spirit. Choosing things that harm us may feel like freedom at the time, but if the choice limits us later on - that is not freedom.
Ayurveda believes in the intelligence of the body to heal itself. It is a natural process that takes time, and it starts with one's lifestyle choices one step at a time.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Chia and the NFL
No, I am not referring to a chia plant that grows in the shape of a football. You might be able to find that at Walmart or Kmart, but the chia I am talking about is a black, little seed. It is a nutritional powerhouse that has omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, fiber, iron and electrolytes. Baltimore Running Back Ray Rice eats them as part of his training routine.
Athletes want their bodies to be in peak physical shape for maximum performance. There is a lot at stake for professional sport teams. Chia seeds are considered a super food. Since they are a natural food and a natural source of nutrients, chia seeds' nutrients are more easily absorbed and digested by the body. If the body can't absorb a food's vitamins, then the body will not benefit. Digestion is one of the pillars of good health in Ayurveda. Without proper digestion and assimilation of food, the body does not have the proper fuel for the body to function optimally.
Try adding chia seeds to your diet and you may perform like an athlete. Better yet, eat all wholesome, natural foods and you can jog to your local store to get that chia plant in the shape of a football.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
Athletes want their bodies to be in peak physical shape for maximum performance. There is a lot at stake for professional sport teams. Chia seeds are considered a super food. Since they are a natural food and a natural source of nutrients, chia seeds' nutrients are more easily absorbed and digested by the body. If the body can't absorb a food's vitamins, then the body will not benefit. Digestion is one of the pillars of good health in Ayurveda. Without proper digestion and assimilation of food, the body does not have the proper fuel for the body to function optimally.
Try adding chia seeds to your diet and you may perform like an athlete. Better yet, eat all wholesome, natural foods and you can jog to your local store to get that chia plant in the shape of a football.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Two Kinds Of Happy
We all want to be happy and many people spend most of their lives trying to feel that way. Yet, sometimes when we try to pursue a goal relentlessly, we can lose sight of what we really wanted.
When is happiness is defined as experiencing pleasure (like good food, movies, television, sports teams wins, etc.) and being in a constant positive state, happiness is rarely achieved. This is known as hedonic well being and is usually found in short term spurts. The pressure to always be happy becomes a psychological burden. The second type of happiness is found when when one is engaged in meaningful, purposeful activity. Known as eudaimonic well being, this type of happiness allows for better health, less cognitive decline in aging, stronger mental health and an overall positive attitude. In fact, a little bit of stress that comes from doing the things you value makes you more resilient, adaptive and strong.
Defining what is meaningful and purposeful varies for each person. If one volunteers for a charity because one feels pressured to do so or is looking for an extrinsic reward, the sense of eudaimonic well being will not be accomplished. Conversely, going to sporting events, eating food you enjoy and going to a movie can bring you eudaimonic well being if done in moderation and as an activity with people you care about. The hard part is finding the balance in attitude. We may not always like what we are doing in the moment, but if we value its purpose and meaning as well as trying to find some joy along the way- we can be happy both ways.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
When is happiness is defined as experiencing pleasure (like good food, movies, television, sports teams wins, etc.) and being in a constant positive state, happiness is rarely achieved. This is known as hedonic well being and is usually found in short term spurts. The pressure to always be happy becomes a psychological burden. The second type of happiness is found when when one is engaged in meaningful, purposeful activity. Known as eudaimonic well being, this type of happiness allows for better health, less cognitive decline in aging, stronger mental health and an overall positive attitude. In fact, a little bit of stress that comes from doing the things you value makes you more resilient, adaptive and strong.
Defining what is meaningful and purposeful varies for each person. If one volunteers for a charity because one feels pressured to do so or is looking for an extrinsic reward, the sense of eudaimonic well being will not be accomplished. Conversely, going to sporting events, eating food you enjoy and going to a movie can bring you eudaimonic well being if done in moderation and as an activity with people you care about. The hard part is finding the balance in attitude. We may not always like what we are doing in the moment, but if we value its purpose and meaning as well as trying to find some joy along the way- we can be happy both ways.
Stay healthy & well,
Lisa
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