From The Office of Linda J. Reynolds Ph.D., D.Ay.

978-298-5753

  SEASONAL UPDATE SPRING 2012

1. Season of Kapha (water and earth).

In New England the season of Earth and water goes from February 1 to June 1.

The elements of water and earth predominate this season and are responsible for the body’s structure, and provides the “glue” or cohesion that holds the cells together. When these elements are in balance our joints are lubricated, skin is moist, and immunity and vitality are strong. The expressive emotions of love, calmness and forgiveness flow easily. When the elements of Kapha (earth and water) are out of balance it leads to emotions such as attachment, possessiveness, greed, depression and physical symptoms such as congestive disorders, excess mucus, sinus related problems, allergies, sluggishness, dull aches, water retention, acceleration of arthritic conditions, especially osteoarthritis, fibrocystic changes and upper digestive related problems and weight gain.

Kapha Predominates in the lungs, stomach, pancreas, white matter of the brain, cerebral spinal fluid, plasma, joints and sinuses and is responsible for taste and smell. Any conditions related to these systems are significant to a potential imbalance in this element.

In Ayurveda there is a law which states that like increases like. When similar qualities come together, their quantitative expression increases. For example: Since the attributes of earth and water are heavy, dense, liquid, dull, slimy, hard, and gross these characteristics predominate in the environment thus they can increase in the human constitution. We can offset this by making choices that are of opposite nature. Put away the ice cream, heavy unctuous foods such as nut butters, duck, creamy sauces, and rich foods. Now you can break out the salads, and foods that are drier and lighter in nature. Break out the spices to enhance that digestive fire.

The Ayurvedic concept of health is based on the idea of achieving dynamic balance. The state of the elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) determines the state of all other aspects of the individual- digestion, elimination, tissue integrity, energy level, mental and emotional stability and optimal overall functioning. Striving for balance is an ongoing task especially as we age and is fostered and supported by continuing daily practices that encompass mind, body and spirit Such as: seasonal routines, healthy lifestyle activities that include the material and spiritual dimensions. Care of the mind and spirit includes meditative practices and other self-inquiry pursuits.

This is also the best season for cleansing and detox programs. The energy of the season facilitates this process naturally.

                                   2.

                    Tips for the Season

Here are a few ideas, which are safe and can help all of us, enhance the detoxification process. You should increase your consumption of foods that will help improve digestion; pungent foods like ginger, spicy food and cumin. Increase astringent and bitter foods like green leafy vegetables. Turmeric, lentils, mung beans, and pomegranates are great for this season. Eat plenty of bitter greens as salads Arugula and dandelion greens. Juicing is also favorable this time of year. Drink plenty of warm or hot water throughout the day. Scroll down to the Kapha Pacifying diet.

Tongue Scraping and oral health- tongue scraping is done twice a day AM and PM. The tongue reveals the totality of what is happening throughout the body. Tongue scraping stimulates over 800 different taste buds and the organs of digestion; it also eliminates the bacteria that can accumulate. Don’t forget the Sunflower oil swish, take 1 tbls of Sunflower oil, swish in mouth for 15 min, spit then rinse mouth with a healthy mouthwash or Celtic salt in warm water. This process draws toxicity out of the teeth, jaw, brain and gums and stimulates lymphatic flow.

Nasaya Oil- The nose is the door to the brain and to consciousness. Nasaya (application of oil in nasal passages) helps correct disorders of prana (life force through breath) affecting high cerebral, sensory and motor functions. Lie back and put 4 drops in each nostril once or twice a day, morning and afternoon or early evening is best. This will aid in clearing the dried up mucous that accumulates during early spring and is a great preventative for sinus related problems, ear infections, headaches and eye problems. I personally favor the Super Nasaya Oil by the Ayurvedic Institute 800-863-7721 or contact my office.

Additional Sinus care: Guna also makes two forms of Nasal Sprays - one for Rhinitis (sores and polyps in nostrils), sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose called Guna Rhino nose spray (code RHINO) and the other is for chronic sinusitis, sinus infections and post nasal drip called Guna Sinus nose spray (code SIN16).

Nedi Pot (NASA4 nasal rinse cup by Banyan)– This is a profound practice that should be done every day upon arising. Use non iodized salt.

Trikatu, Avipatikar and Hingvashtak – These are Ayurvedic favorites for enhancing the digestive process. Trikatu with meals to help increase digestive fire, clear congestion in upper GI tract and sinuses,  Avipatikar ½ teas in warm water after meals will enhance the first stage of digestion, indigestion and heartburn and Hingvashtak to aid in relieving lower bowel gas.

As with any season, eating your largest meal at lunchtime is optimal. Consume good quality organic foods. Learns more about the 6 tastes (astringent, bitter, sweet, salty, pungent, and sour), have as much variety of these tastes with every meal.

Specifics for Kapha:

1. Favor foods that are light, dry and warm.
2. Apricots, dried fruit, cherries, cranberries, peaches, persimmons, pears, pomegranates, berries and prunes.
3. Most vegetables are very desirable especially dark leafy greens, all cruciferous, celery, peas, sprouts, garlic, onions, asparagus, parsley, and watercress.
4. Most legumes except cold tofu.
5. Barley is great, Basmati rice, rye, millet, buckwheat and corn.
6. Ghee, goat milk, and 2% milk is the only dairy that is acceptable. Chiefly because these foods produce mucus.
7. Sunflower, olive oil, flax, and ghee are light and in moderation will not increase the water earth element.
8. All spices except salt are good and honey is the best sweetener.

Digestion tends to get sluggish this season so drink plenty of Ginger tea.

If you feel congested, blocked, heavy and sluggish consider Systemic Enzymes. These enzymes are taken in between meals and they work like PacMan, chewing up the debris that is causing the congestion. Wobenzyme (non- vegetarian) code is WOBEN. And AI Enzymes by Pure Encapsulations (code AIE1).

This season is excellent for cleansing and detoxification programs. Attend the Seasonal lecture and learn more.

It is also a great time to loose weight if you follow the seasonal rules. Come in for your spring update and I will help you devise a program for your specific needs and constitution. Or come in for a comprehensive Pancha Karma day treatment.

                                        3.

Pancha Karma, the art of detoxification and rejuvenation.

 Pancha Karma is the ancient Ayurvedic art and science of detoxification and rejuvenation. This process is fundamentally anti aging and rejuvenating. Pancha Karma is the seasonal purification process, which is the backbone of Ayurvedic Health Care. Pancha Karma strengthens the system and rebuilds the body’s cells and tissues after the toxins have been expelled. Some of the benefits of Pancha Karma: Healing and restoration of the tissues, improved circulation, digestion, and mental functions.

We age because of accumulation in the body. This accumulation could be from many sources. The inability to digest food appropriately, environmental toxins (exotoxins) such as herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, chemicals that are contained in processed foods, OTC products/medications and endotoxins, which are toxins produced within ones own metabolism. Every thought has a biochemical reaction so don’t underestimate the power of negative thinking and its ability to enhance toxic accumulation. Are we attached to the emotions we have? If we are we have physical ramifications of this. Or are we able to just experience them and let them flow through us? Maintaining flow is how we obtain health. PK facilitates this and can restructure some of the negative patterns we hold onto that cause us to create disharmony in our bodies.

1. If we over connect to emotions and this could mean that we suppress them or we are over reactive.
2. If we do not supply ourselves with the base elements to enhance our ability to excrete these toxins such as, clean water, whole foods etc.

 We enhance the aging process and leave ourselves open to whatever disease our genetic predisposition has in store for us. These toxins build up within connective tissue, joints, and intracellular space thus compromising cellular intelligence. When Cellular intelligence in compromised we lack the ability to turn on our innate intelligence, which is the inner ability for us to produce spontaneous healing. The body’s ability to let go of mental and emotional stuff and eliminate undigested food particles that clog and restrict the flow of energy dictates how healthy one can be. For pricing see section on Pancha Karma. There are additional ways of making this process more affordable. Feel free to contact Dr. Linda with any questions you may have.

Single Day treatments, Comprehensive Day treatment and full week sessions available in Stow office only.

                                         4.

Prana, Lungs, and the 4th Segment

       Prana means “primary air” or nervous force. This aspect governs the senses, mind, heart, and consciousness and gives them energy, coordination and adaptability. It is pure consciousness, the breath of life.

       All diseases involve some impairment of Prana, the most effective ways of treating an imbalance of Prana is Pranayama (a specific breathing technique), and aroma therapy.

Pranayama is a form of Diaphragmatic breathing. This is the most efficient means of respiration. This form of breathing pulls air into the lower lobes of the lungs first. There are many nerves contained within the lungs that effect different body/mind systems.  The lower lobe contains nerves effecting Alpha brain waves.

       Alpha brain waves reflect a state of mind that is more composed, this state of mind is usually found during sleep, meditation, biofeedback and deep states of relaxation. You can also access this state during the peak of exercise, athletes refer to this as the “mindless state” where everything just happens and you’re not thinking about it. This is the solution to the internal dialog of which seems to be a major obstacle in obtaining optimum health.

Those of you who do not like to exercise, have symptoms of anxiety, fear, distraction, compromised immune function, being in a continual fight and flight response mode are either mouth breathers or upper respiratory breathers. This induces the sympathetic nervous system thus activating Beta brain activity (increasing heart rate, blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, and increases oxidative stress which is a major contributor of free radicals). There are occasions where this state is appropriate but unfortunately most of us live in this state of STRESS most of the time. The flow between body and mind is restricted. Homeostasis can not be obtained.

The Lungs are major eliminative organs. The health of the lungs reflect our ability to end every experience with contentment, and satisfaction. If we have continual emotions such as grief and futility this will increase the potential for weakness in this area. The specific conflicts that create weakness here are:

1. Mental overstrain, weight of the world

2. Withdrawn/deeply hurt

3. Introverted/lack of hope

4. Apprehensive/broken hearted

5. Panic/anxiety

Being attached to any of these conflicts can result in any of these physical manifestations: Asthma susceptibility to lung infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

There are many homeopathic remedies to aid in the treatment of Asthma. As for infections of the lungs try Talisadi powder by Banyan. This only comes in a powder form and should be mixed in warm water up to three times a day at the onset of any weakness in the lungs. You can order this from my office. Children may not go for this pungent powder. For them try Chestal Homeopathic Cough Syrup by Boiron (code CHES3). This is for both dry and wet cough. If you prefer a botanical syrup Gaia make a Cough Syrup for dry cough and one for wet cough (code for wet COU18, code for dry COU17). Another Ayurvedic protocol that works great for pneumonia prevention is Licorice Tea with 10 drops of Mahanaryan oil (code MAHAN) added to it. Yes, this oil is for topical use too.

Of course once you test for one of the associated conflicts and treat it through PSE you may find that your lung problems just don’t exist anymore. 

                                         5.  

                              Kapha Pacifying diet:

*okay in moderation, **okay rarely. Always remember, moderation is the Key, Variety is the spice of life.

Fruits to favor (astringent)

Apples, applesauce, apricots, berries, cherries, cranberries, figs (dry)*, grapes*, lemons*, limes*, peaches, pears, persimmons, pomegranates, prunes, raisins, strawberries*, grapefruit *, Papaya *.

Fruit to avoid (sweet and sour)

Avocado, bananas, coconut, dates, fresh figs,  kiwi, mangoes**, melons, oranges,  pineapple, plums, rhubarb, tamarind, watermelon.

Vegetables to favor (pungent and bitter)

Artichokes, asparagus, beet greens, beets, bitter melon, broccoli, brussel sprouts, burdock root, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cilantro, corn, daikon radish, dandelion greens, eggplant, fennel, garlic, green beans, green chilies, horseradish, Jerusalem artichoke, kale, kohlrabi, leafy greens, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, peas, peppers sweet and hot, white potatoes, prickly pear, radishes, rutabaga, spaghetti squash*, spinach, sprouts, winter squash, cooked tomatoes, turnip greens, watercress, wheat grass.

Vegetables to avoid (sweet and juicy)

Cucumber, green and black olives, parsnips**, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, summer squash, taro root, zucchini.

Grains to favor

Amaranth*, Barley, buckwheat, cold dry or puffed cereal, corn, couscous, crackers, Durham flour, granola, millet, museli, oat bran, dry oats, polenta, Quinoa*, wild and basmati rice*, rye, seitan (wheat meat), spelt, sprouted wheat bread, tapioca, wheat bran.

Grains to avoid

Yeast breads, cooked oats **, pancakes, pasta**, rice cakes**, brown rice, wheat

Legumes to favor

Aduki beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, chick peas, red and brown lentils, lima beans, mung beans*, mung dal, navy beans, dried peas, pinto beans, soy milk, soy sausages,  split peas, tempeh, hot tofu, tur dal, white beans.

Legumes to avoid

Kidney beans, soy beans, soy cheese, soy flour, soy powder, soy sauce, cold tofu, Unad dal, miso.

Dairy to favor
Unless you are lactose intolerant

Buttermilk, cottage cheese form skimmed goat milk, Ghee*, goat cheese*, goat’s milk, diluted yogurt

Dairy to avoid

Salted butter, unsalted butter*, Cow’s milk, Ice cream, sour cream, plain and frozen yogurt especially with fruit.
 

Animal foods to favor

White chicken, eggs, freshwater fish, rabbit, shrimp, white turkey, venison

Animal foods to avoid

Beef, buffalo, dark chicken, duck, sea fish, lamb, pork, salmon, sardines, tuna fish, dark turkey

Condiments to favor

Black pepper, chili peppers, spicy mango chutney, coriander leaves, dulse*, hijiki*, horse radish, lemon*, mustard without vinegar, scallions, seaweed* sprouts

Condiments to avoid

Chocolate, sweet mango chutney, kelp, ketchup**, lime, mayonnaise, pickles, salt, soy sauce, tamari, vinegar

Nuts to favor

Charole

Nuts to avoid

All

Seeds to favor

Chia, flax*, popcorn, pumpkin*,sunflower*

Seeds to avoid

Halva, psyllium, sesame, tahini

Oils to favor

Use small amounts of the following internally and externally: Corn, Canola (only by Repunzel), Sesame extenal only, Ghee, Sunflower and Almond

Oils to avoid

Avocado, apricot, coconut, flax seed**, olive, primrose, safflower, sesame (internal), soy and walnut

Beverages to favor

Dry red or white wine, aloe vera juice, apple cider, apple juice*, Apricot juice, berry juices, spiced black tea, carob, carrot juice, chai, cherry juice, cranberry juice, grain coffee, grape juice, mango juice, peach nectar, pear juice, pineapple juice*, pomegranate juice, prune, hot spiced soy milk.

Beverages to avoid

Hard alcohol, beer, sweet wines, almond milk, caffeinated beverages**, carbonated drinks, sour cherry juice, chocolate milk, coffee*, cold dairy drinks, iced tea, icy cold drinks, lemonade, miso broth, orange juice, papaya, rice milk, sour juices, cold soy milk, tomato juice, V-8.

Teas to favor

All except Licorice (unless there is a lung weakness), marshmallow, red zinger, rosehip**

Spices to favor

All except Salt,

Sweeteners to favor

Fruit juice concentrates, raw honey

Sweeteners to avoid

Barley malt, fructose, jaggary, maple syrup, molasses, rice syrup, sucanat, turbinado, white sugar.

Supplements to favor

Aloe vera juice, amino acids, barley green, bee pollen, brewer’s yeast, minerals, royal jelly, spirolina, blue-green algae, vitamins B6,C,P, and folic acid.

HERBS and Formulas

Mahashudarshan (an Ayurvedic formula for Detox), Talisardi, Sitapolardi (cough, lung and cold formulas),  Sweet Ease (an Ayurvedic formula for sweet cravings).

6.

The significance of Homeopathy (the most sustainable form of Medicine)

One of my Ayurvedic teachers once told me if one shakes apple cider vinegar many times (we call this succussion) it will alter the iron content in the juice making it more easily assimilated thus a great treatment for anemia.

Another Ayurvedic practice is combining herbs with minerals, sealing them in clay containers, which are buried in a smoldering fire and left to bake for months. This creates what is called a Bhasma which is a highly regarded purified medicine. Its qualities before the process is usually toxic but through the processing it becomes harmless and very beneficial.  The procedure augments the healing properties of a substance and decreases any usual adverse effects. The substance seems to be lifted to a higher level – its informational or reorganizational capacity is amplified, while its physical, material aspects are diminished. It is said that the essential qualities of these preparations can trigger a restructuring of our minds, energy, and bodies.  This is Homeopathy.

In the early 1800’s a German physician by the name of Samuel Hahnemann of whom became disillusioned with traditional medical practices because he felt that the medical treatment he learned and studied addressed the symptoms of the patient and not the underlying problem. Intuitively Dr. Hahnemann knew that all beings had an innate intelligence to heal and if they were given a form of medicine that strengthened ones life force the process of true healing would take place (in homeopathy it is called the Art of a Permanent Cure). Dr. Hahnamann was said to have discovered Homeopathy, well based on what I described above we see that the concept has been around for thousands of years. Dr. Hahnamann did in fact perfect this process and made it much more understandable. Another point of fact is in the early 1900’s the first president of the FDA was a Homeopath. This was a highly regarded modality until the pharmaceutical companies and the AMA started to manipulate the system and they were very successful in banning Homeopathy as part of their paradigm.

The base concepts are completely different. Conventional Medicine believes that symptoms are inherently destructive. So, the focus of treatment is to protect the patient by controlling the symptoms. By doing this one may rid themselves of the primary symptoms, but eventually other symptoms start to arise, this form of treatment will also drive a condition deeper into the more vital organs which will end up as a diagnosed disease.

In Homeopathy as well as Ayurveda you change your perception of your condition, symptoms or disease. One’s symptoms constitute a beneficial phenomenon.  Symptoms point to what you need to work on. Think of it as another stage of becoming more self-aware and an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Authentic healing will often involve radical changes that you initiate after you realize that certain habits and attitudes played a crucial role in the development of the disease, symptom profile etc. And because of that Self-Awareness you will watch those habits and attitudes fall away thus the symptoms will also.  

I have practiced a few different forms of homeopathy for years.
 Specifically Homotoxicology which is low dose combination remedies used for subtle
excretion of toxicity from target areas. And the work with REBA I do which is target specific
 to emotional conflicts that affect the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. This past
year I have ventured into constitutional homeopathy with the assistance of a 40 year veteran
in the field of Medical Homeopathy. To put it very simply, the core of this work is to strengthen
 ones base constitution and by doing this one has the power to heal what ever the conditions,
symptoms or disease one has and also keep at bay whatever disease our DNA predisposes
 us to. The strength of ones constitution is dependant on life force, call it Prana, or Qi.
This is vitality from our core. Many people feel they have great energy but when asked further
 we find they rely on external stimulants to provide this. Coffee and caffeine filled drinks,
chocolate, sugar, cigarettes, medications, many nervous system stimulating herbs also.
This is not core energy. This is not a sign of good health.

To help one understand the concepts of constitutional homeopathy better, 
 read “Homeopathy:  “Beyond Flat Earth Medicine”. It is available through Amazon.com
  and American Compounding Pharmacy 617-527-1563.  I find homeopathy to be the most 
 sustainable forms of medicine. Dosing is never everyday, it could be every 3 days or as much
 
 
 

  Short Bio :

 Linda J. Reynolds Ph.D., D.Ay.

 Has more then 20 years of experience in Nutritional Science and has held diplomat status in Ayurvedic Medicine for the past 12 years. Sustains an active practice in Stow, Massachusetts with an affiliated office in West Harwich, Massachusetts. Her practice is dedicated to providing an Integration of several Complimentary modalities with Ayurvedic Practices. Creating a more sustainable and ethical health care paradigm.

Office:  978-298-5753