(To spread the knowledge of Ayurveda and to help the people for
their health problems, this is an humanitarian service to the society)

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All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions.

- Leonardo da Vinci

From Classical texts (Samhitas):

1) Dear Dr. Shah, I just graduated from Aveda Institute in massage therapy here in Minneapolis, MN and was wondering if you could put me in contact with any holistic health practitioners in my area that I could team up with. Thank you for making Ayurveda a little more accessible. Sincerely, Rachel Orman, USA

2) I'm very curious about how asana practice ties into ayurveda and an individuals balance of the doshas.

I know almost nothing of this system even after studying yoga for 25 years. Any reference books or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Namaste, Don Wenig, USA

3) I M AN AYURVEDIC STUDENT HAVING COMPLETED THE BACHELORS DEGREEE (BAMS-PASSED JULY2000),FROM POONA.I RECENTLY GOT MARRIED AND HAVE COME TO CHICAGO HERE. IT WOULD BE KIND IF U GUIDE ME OR HELP ME BY TELLING HOW TO KEEP MY CAREER GOING IN THE HEALTH FIELD OR THEN WHAT CAN BE DONE NEXT EVEN IF U KNOW ANYONE HERE WHO CAN GUIDE ME PELASE DO INFORM. THANKING U. KOMAL SWADAS, CHICAGO, USA

4) Regarding Nail care in last issue - If nails are brittle misshaped or brown bringaraj asav & mrig shring bhasma/ prawal pisti ( in summer ) or aja asthi may help. with all humility, yours sincerely - om prakash seth

5) We are working in herbal drug research field. We have scientifically developed a number of herbal products with emphasis on quality control of raw materials and finished products, and conducted pharmacological, toxicological and clinical trials (in humans)of all products. We would like to know that for registration of herbal products in USA/Canada, what are the requirements for clinical evaluation and minimum number of centres and patients to be covered into the study. - Vandana Modi

Interesting Question of the Month:

We got many replies and mails from our friends for last article I.Q.O.L. (Improved Quality of life) through Detoxification Therapy by Dr. Chauhan, so we requested him to send his some more articles and new thoughts. Here is another article from him. -- Editor

While the benefits of an active life and physical exercise have been conveyed in the chapters of Dincharya (daily routine), a special mention is made on the virtues of the i) right food habits, ii) regular sleeping habits and iii) sensible indulgence in sex in Ayurveda and they are collectively titled as Swasthya Traya Upasthanbhas, i.e., the three pillars supporting the structure of health.

Besides the suitability of different Aahar, i.e. types of food and the recipes made thereof to different body types, Ayurvedic literature offers elaborate guideline on the importance of nutritional values, the methods of food intake; cooking techniques; compatibility and incompatibilities of different recipes and their affect on digestion and metabolism.

Similarly the phase of sleep that helps a tired body to get relaxed and instill the energy for the next day matters a lot in holding the physical as well as mental well being. In other words Nidra i.e. sleep is that essential activity which takes us into the world of Tama (darkness) so as to strengthen our Sattwa (Brightness of mind) and activate the Raja (Agility) thus create a harmony by providing adequate rest. While lack of sleep takes off the mental balance, its excess results into lethargy, inertia and metabolic diseases.

For a well-grown adult, the fulfillment of carnal desires is almost as necessary consumption of food but, Ayurveda believes that the mankind, who is superior to other animals by virtue of its improved mental faculties and who is used to live a disciplined life should indulge into sex sensibly so that it contributes to good health, mental peace and longevity. The knowledge of Brahmacharya i.e., interaction with the almighty revolved around controlled engagements in carnal knowledge.

Age old scientific views with regard to following the rules on food, sleep / rest and sex shall be discussed.