Ayurveda identifies vata dosha, associated with air and space elements, as governing movement in the body, including elimination. When vata becomes imbalanced, its dry and mobile qualities can disrupt the colon's natural flow, leading to constipation. Additionally, weak digestion (agni) can result in ama, a sticky residue that further hinders elimination.
Spring is kapha season and the time when kapha transforms from its winter solid state (ice and snow) to its spring liquid state (rain and mud). When the weather warms and melts kapha the same thing happens inside our bodies. For people with imbalanced kapha, the liquid state can make respiratory and digestive symptoms seem worse. Symptoms of imbalanced kapha include morning sinus congestion, dripping nose, watery eyes, low appetite, nausea, and feeling sluggish.
The skin is the largest organ in our bodies and along with hair, nails, and sweat glands it forms the integumentary system. The integumentary system has many functions and most importantly protects our bodies from pathogens, such as bacteria and fungus, and sunlight.
Ayurveda considers healthy digestion as the most important factor for health and longevity. Healthy digestion creates a healthy life and weak digestion creates an unhealthy life. Healthy digestion ensures your body is assimilating the nutrients you are taking in through the foods you eat. The saying “You are what you eat,” is quite literal in this sense.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder associated with a dysfunctional gut. The main symptoms include chronic abdominal pain with diarrhea that can alternate with constipation. In 2023, Cedars-Sinai conducted a nationwide survey of 89,000 people and found that an estimated 6.1% of the US population have symptoms associated with IBS.
Stomach acidity is usually noticed when there is excess stomach acid, and it flows upward from the stomach into the throat. The stomach acid irritates the lining of the throat and causes a burning sensation and sour taste. According to Ayurveda, when this condition occurs it is known as Amlapitta or sour pitta.