Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science of preventative health and healing. The practice of ayurveda dates back to B.C. 1500. The techniques used in ayurveda balance the three life energies present in all of us: vata, or air; pitta, or fire; kapha, or water. Consistent practice of ayurvedic remedies can help promote weight loss and prevent weight gain. Before practicing alternative medicine, consult your doctor.
Kapha Diet
One of the three life energies known as kapha, represents water. If your kapha energy is imbalanced, you will have the tendency to gain and hold onto excess weight. Kapha people need to monitor their intake of food and incorporate foods that promote digestion such as spicy and astringent foods and pungent and bitter vegetables. Try adding more artichokes, eggplants, broccoli, pears, cherries and cranberries to your diet. Try to avoid eating nuts and sweets.
Kapha Exercise
People with a kapha imbalance will benefit from vigorous, challenging and heat-producing exercise. Director of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dr. Vasant Lad, recommends a yoga practice that consists of several back-bending and inversion poses. Dr. Lad also recommends right nostril breathing because it has a heating effect on the body. Simply close the left nostril and inhale through the right nostril. On the exhale, close the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril. Repeat this breathing exercise 12 to 15 times a day.
Kapha Water
Dr. Vasant Lad recommends drinking copper water to treat obesity due to kapha imbalance. Wash 10 pennies in lime water, then place them in one quart of water and boil until half the water remains. Take two teaspoons of this water three times a day for one month. Dr. Lad also notes this can help treat liver and spleen disorders. He also recommends wearing a copper bracelet.
Additional Tips and Considerations
To avoid weight gain, Dr. Lad advises against taking naps after eating lunch. Dr. Lad also recommends rising early in the morning, as early as 4:30 am for kaphas, and sleeping on your left side. Aromatherapy using rosemary or frankincense may also help create balance. See an ayurvedic professional for a more detailed summary and plan for your imbalance.
References
- "Ayurveda, The Science of Self Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad, 1984
- "Ayurveda: A Life of Balance"; Maya Tiwari, 1995
- Yoga Journal: Know Your Stress Type
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