Dr. Varalakshmi’s Personal Journey:
Dr. Varalakshmi, an Ayurveda practitioner, shares her personal journey of overcoming severe gut health problems during her teenage years. Helped by an Ayurveda practitioner, she delves into her experience of learning about different mind-body types and pulse assessment. After two years, she seized an opportunity to study Ayurveda, obtaining a medical degree and practicing for over nine years. As the Director of Ayur Wellness and Pain Centre, she offers Ayurveda therapies for chronic pain and gut health conditions. Additionally, she has taught Ayurveda at Europe Ayurveda Academy and regularly speaks in public. Ayurveda remains integral to her life, influencing her daily routines, dietary choices, and professional practices.
“Ayurveda teaches us that harmony within can be achieved by living with intuition that is attuned with nature and its immense wisdom.”
Dr. Varalakshmi’s Understanding of Ayurveda:
In the holistic system of Ayurveda, the foundational understanding of the tridoshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – is considered crucial for individual well-being. These doshas, akin to unique genetic codes, exist in distinct ratios within each person, influencing physical, psychological, and physiological aspects throughout their life. The delicate balance of these doshas is intricately influenced by both internal and external factors. In a Q/A with Dr. Varalakshmi opened up about how ayurveda helps in holistic way of living, moreover she mentioned that bloating, particularly associated with Vata imbalance, is recognized by Ayurveda as a symptom of poor digestion.
Causes of Bloating in Ayurveda:
Bloating, according to Ayurveda, is primarily attributed to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, leading to the formation of “ama,” a toxic food waste. Several contributing factors include unwholesome and incompatible foods, carbonated drinks, stale or packaged foods, improper chewing habits, chronic stress, and distractions during meals. Neglecting these signs may result in persistent bloating, impacting daily activities.
Ayurvedic Approaches to Manage Bloating:
1. Mindful Cooking:
Ayurveda recommends the incorporation of digestive-friendly spices like cumin seeds, cardamom, fennel seeds, ginger, and black pepper into meals to facilitate digestion.
2. Eliminate Trigger Foods:
Avoid raw, windy foods such as beans, cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and fat rich foods as they are more likely to cause bloating.
3. Mindful Eating:
Choosing warm, fresh, and cooked foods over processed and packaged options; following proper mealtime routines; eating when hungry; and avoiding distractions can contribute to improved digestion.
4. Healthy Living Practices:
Maintaining regular mealtimes, eating at a moderate pace, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle are recommended. Additionally, incorporating a post-meal walk of 100 steps is suggested to enhance digestion.
Understanding Agni and Ama:
Ayurveda posits that any disease arises from the derangement of agni (digestive fire), leading to improper digestion and the formation of ama. Recognizing symptoms like gas, bloating, tummy ache, and indigestion indicates the presence of ama. In an article Dr. Varalakshmi explained How eating is associated with bloating.
10 Rules for Eating Well According to Ayurveda :
- Maintain Optimal Food Temperature: Keep meals consistently warm for better digestion.
- Integrate Healthy Oils: Incorporate healthy fats for nourishment and ease of digestion.
- Don’t Overeat: Emphasize moderation to achieve dietary balance.
- Time Your Meal Strategically: Consume the next meal only after the complete digestion of your previous one.
- Harmonize Potencies in Ingredients: Ensure compatibility among food constituents to promote overall well-being.
- Create a Tranquil Dining Space: Foster a serene ambiance for a pleasurable dining experience.
- Don’t Rush: Avoid hurried eating to support proper digestion.
- Cultivate Mindful Eating Habits: Focus your attention on the act of eating, and minimize unnecessary distractions.
- Select Foods Aligned with Your Individual Constitution: Choose dietary options tailored to your unique constitution and psychological disposition.
Conclusion:
Listen to the podcast on how Ayurveda underscores the intrinsic link between well-being and daily choices, particularly in terms of diet and lifestyle. By understanding one’s unique dosha composition, being mindful of dietary choices, and adhering to Ayurvedic principles, individuals can maintain digestive health and overall vitality. These practices not only address bloating but also promote a harmonious balance of the tridoshas for long-term well-being.
Reference links:
https://www.drvaralakshmi.com/post/how-to-debloat-with-ayurveda
https://www.ayurnilayam.co.uk/post/2017/09/23/a-to-z-about-bloating
https://www.jasminehemsley.com/friends-of-east-by-west/2020/5/1/dr-varalakshmi-yanamandra
