Eat this! Drink that! Cleanse your liver! Flush your gut! A detox frenzy has taken us over these days, and we forget that our bodies are actually already perfectly equipped with the best daily detox functions. All we really have to do is support the default mechanisms of daily bowel movement, urination, and sweating. These are the primary detox pathways that we are naturally endowed with at birth. So if you are maintaining these natural channels in fully operational mode, then you don’t really need any additional harsh detox protocols. Why?

This is how it works: our bodies are in constant operation mode (even when we are deep in sleep), transforming, distributing, re-routing, consolidating and discarding all kinds of nutritional data and sensorial materials acquired throughout the day. Our bodies transform the data into what is useful for our body’s subsistence, discarding bi-products that are not needed. These bi-products are called “mala.” They are not, by definition, toxic. Ayurveda has another word for toxins, and that is “ama.”

Mala-s are not ama. Mala is the waste-product of any/all transformation in the body. Hair and nail are mala-s too. The stool is the mala of the food we eat – all that is left over, after the body has taken in and transformed the food we ingested into nutritional packets and energy.

Mala can become toxic, or ama, when they are not evacuated. When they are not discharged in due time, daily. In addition, mala-s can host amavisha or garavisha – two sub-categories of toxins very well described in SV Ayurveda. Mala-s are outward bound by nature, that’s why they serve as a good vehicle to aid in the process of eliminating amavisha and garavisha. So if they are not released in a timely manner, they become double trouble: there is accumulation of unwanted unusable bi-products, mala-s, plus the actual toxins that would have been discharged along with them get to extend their unwanted stay…

This is where detox starts, if we are at all interested remotely in Ayurveda, it starts with the early morning bowel movement. If you are having one a day, every day, then you don’t need to flush, cleanse, wash or spray anything in your body! In fact, the colon, and its daily functioning is at the heart of the matter in even more ways.

In the early stages of the 7-year internship with my father, Vaidya Kameshwar Mishra, it sadly dawned on me that I would never be as expert a Vaidya as my father was. He was such a brilliant man, diagnosing and treating complicated cases with such great ease. I had to tell my dad that I would always disappoint him, and he expected so much of me, because I could simply not be as good a healer as he was. He had to know.

On that day, I bared my heart to him, and he quietly listened to me and then gently added: “You need to do only one thing, in order to become a great, even a world-famous ayurvedic physician: just take care of your patients’ bowel movements!”  That was it? “Wow,” I thought, “that’s easy enough! I can do that!”  My internship continued with him with greater zeal.

Seven years later, towards the end of my tenure with him, as we were wrapping things up, one day, he reminded me of that conversation we had had, and said: “Do you remember that conversation we had about having to take care of only one thing to become a perfect ayurvedic practitioner?” I said, “yes.”  He added, “Well, now I need to add a small but crucial detail: you know how everybody’s face and features are different, well, same goes for everybody’s bowel tendencies – no two people will ever have the same bowel tendencies, and each needs to be addressed individually.”  That comfort zone I had been basking in had just come undone.

It was a big realization. But by that time, through his training, he had instilled in me enough confidence in my abilities as a healer, so that I was not shaken by the enormity of his statement.  But even more importantly, I understood that my father was emphasizing two things that I needed to always remember, as a healer:

1. as a healer, I should never forget to address the health of the colon, as proper daily bowel movements are essential for good health, and
2. most important of all, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to everyone’s bowel problems.

This, in a nutshell, is detox demystified, according to SV Ayurveda terms. If you are not having daily bowel movements, or your stool is not as it should be – it’s too dry, or loose, etc – then no detox will help you; and reversely, if take care of your daily bowel movements then you don’t need detox! This is a big statement. But it is a true statement.

Did you know that your colon is as central to your survival as your brain?

This is how it works. Your colon is a large physical channel of approximately five feet length – for the average adult  – consisting of three sections. The colon removes water, salt, and some nutrients, forming the stool. Muscles line the colon’s walls, squeezing its contents along towards evacuation. Billions of bacteria coat the colon walls thriving in its contents, living in a healthy balance with the body.  At first glance, the colon seems like an innocuous tub passively moving the stool out of the body.  However, the colon is as precious and as important as the brain for your very survival! My father used to repeat, “the brain of the brain lies in the colon.” I later understood his leitmotif when I found out that the colon synthesizes neuro-transmitters – essential for brain activities – through the colonizing flora of healthy friendly bacteria in the colon walls. In my SVA lineage, these bacteria are aptly called yogini-s.

So, you see, the colon is not a ‘dumb tube’ that can be flushed here and there to clean it of residual faeces. The colon actually ‘decides’ what material to receive and what to release. It has an active intelligent role to play in our overall physical and mental health. This means you SHOULD NOT manage constipation, and other bowel disorders, by, in any way, torturing, forcing, or taking over your colon’s functions, to release its contents, or so called “cleanse” it. And this is exactly what we are being pushed to do with the use of harsh colonics; or ingesting high doses of castor oil; inserting suppositories; using senna cascara; administering strong enemas, among other things.  These measures may offer short term relief and are to be used only in emergency situations. Long term, they will only prove to be more disruptive of health.

In the SVA tradition, we look at the colon, and colon care, not from a structural or ‘engineering’ point of view, but from the understanding that the colon is, or at least should be, an ‘intelligent’ organ vital for our total health.

When you start from that point, your approach to addressing intestinal imbalances shifts completely. This is why, all the SVA products I have formulated, and all the SVA protocols I use for colon care target one primary factor: to awaken the colon’s natural intelligence of what to receive and what to eliminate; and: when to do so, and how much.

My father’s words have been my guiding light: everybody’s bowel tendency is distinct. For this reason, I have formulated several SVA products for healthy bowel functioning.  To see what works for you, let’s first look at the big ayurvedic picture of three distinct types of bowel tendencies, in general.

The Charak Samhita explains that there are 3 types of innate bowel tendencies in an individual.  Everybody is born with different proportions of these kostha prakriti-s, or innate natural bowel tendencies.

1. Krur kosthi: this tendency means an individual is, by birth, prone to constipation, regardless of what kind of diet they keep.  Krur kostha people have a tendency of getting constipated no matter what.  They experience vivanda (constipation) by default.

2.Madhya kosthi: a bowel tendency that is neither loose nor constipated.

3.Mridhu kosthi:  bowels that tend to be always on the soft, even loose side, naturally.

Once you know where you fall in the big picture, you can then address your bowel imbalances accordingly, adjusting also diet and other daily lifestyle factors that can be causing your colon condition.

SVA Colon-care products for all types of kosthi:

Triphala:

of those who have a very sensitive physiology. This is most appropriate for pitta types, or high pitta imbalances. It addresses mild bowel imbalances. So: whenever anyone is experiencing mild imbalances in their daily bowel discharge, then the classical triphala formula helps correct it by re-establishing the intelligence of the colon, and thus supporting bowel evacuation. That’s the operating principle behind the SVA classical triphala formulation as well: unlike other natural or synthetic laxatives, it does not “force” and take over the colon to bring about a bowel movement, rather it re-initiates the natural functioning and intelligence of the colon so it can resume its own work as and when needed.

Triphala Herbal-Memory Nectar: as the name indicates, my nectar drops carry the herbal memory of the molecules, rather than the actual physical molecules. SVA Triphala Nectar was made to address the imbalances

Prakrit Tablets (haritaki): Prakrit means “nature” in Sanskrit.  This formulation is designed to return you to your balanced natural state.  It does so through its shodhana, purifying effect, by

shamana, pacification of the doshas, and by acting as a rasayana – slowing the aging process, and removing imbalances in the physiology.  Prakrit is used when Triphala is unable to help.  A lot of Ayurvedic practitioners give triphala to almost everybody as the underlying conviction is that triphala is good for everybody.  This simply is not the case.  For one, triphala, made with mature haritaki fruit, can be too heating for some individuals.  I only use young tender haritaki fruits in this formula, which gives all the benefits of haritaki without any excess heat production. Furthermore, I process that fruit pranically in a blend of Castor oil, with Soma Salt – an ancient lineage recipe. The results speak for themselves!

When is Prakrit Useful? In general, when people tend to have chronic slow bowel movements, especially due to a lack of communication between prana Vata, that governs the mind, and apana

vata that governs the colon, then I use Prakrit to help correct it. Prakrit is a unique SVA formulation that contains a specific kind of the haritaki fruit as its main ingredient.  There are seven different species of the haritaki fruit. For the Prakrit formulation, I use the best one, called vijiya haritaki – “victorious haritaki.” I use vijiya haritaki collected from dense forests in the same season it matures, not from past seasons. I then infuse it with medical grade castor oil in homeopathic dosage – below 0.01 %, weight by weight – in order to support and enhance the ability of haritaki through the prabhava of the castor oil. Castor oil is a laxative but even short term usage can cause dependence if used in large quantities or in its raw physical form. The amounts I use are only for processing, and do not take over the colon’s intelligence, but rather support it, by enhancing the properties of haritaki.

Haritaki, we should elaborate on as it’s such a divine herb. It is one of those rare herbs that can take care of almost all the vyadhi, all the diseases.  My father told me to always carry haritaki with me when traveling to a foreign land.  He said if you have enough wisdom you can use this haritaki almost on any disease, in any situation – if you know how to use it – along with knowing what other things to combine (samyog) with it.

Specifically, you must understand the prabhava (ultimate effect) and actions of haritaki as given to us in Ayurvedic sutras.

 Haritaki pancarasa lavana tuvarah param:  It has same all five rasa, like amlaki, except lavan, the salty taste.

 Ruksosna: These two guna, ruksha and ushna. Ruksha – it’s dry and creates dryness in the body. Ushna, its hot. Why does it create dryness?  It scrapes the toxins.  That’s how it creates dryness. God has given haritaki the kshaya, astringent taste, and also the amla (sour) taste – which has agni.  If a channel in the body has a problem, the ushna guna of haritaki can clean the channel.  That’s why this is special.

Dipani:  It increases the pachak agni of stomach, bhuta agni (all five agni of liver) and all seven agnis of the tissues.

Dipani medhya:  It’s medhya, means enhancing medha.  Dhi – power of learning, dhriti – power of retaining and smriti – power of recall.

Svadupaka:  The vipak is swadu, or sweet.  Sweet tastes of this herb makes a lot of difference, as it will not create a lot of agni long term.  So, nothing can stop haritaki on the way of digestion or assimilation, but at the end it cools off.  It cools the body and at the end it has all somagenic qualities.  The prabhava is very rasayana (rejuvenating.)

 Caksusya:  Gives healthier life span to the eyes.

Laghurayusya: laghu=light; ayushya=supports longevity;  It is laghu, not creating any heaviness in the system.  Burns the toxins and opens the channels.  Laghu quality means it is good for those people who are overweight.  But you have to be very careful if somebody is underweight you have to use this with caution – as in, use ith with other ingredients, such as the Triphala formulation, where Two somagenic herbs, two somagenic fruits are there.  As mentioned, in my lineage we use baby haritaki which has more soma.  Mature haritaki has more agni and more marut.  Furthermore, I don’t use fully mature haritaki for the person who has high pitta, high vata or a hard time gaining weight.  Baby haritaki retains the other properties but it is more soma predominant and safer to use.

Laghurayusya bringhani: bringhani=nurtures all the tissues and enhances shukra dhatu.  These two words bringhani and vrishya should be understood together.  Vrishya means increasing shukra dhatu.  It goes to the gap between majja and shukra and works there to enhance the transformation.  Bringha means nourishing all the seven tissues.

Ca anulomani:  Ca means also.  Anuloman is a prabhava.  Anuloman means which is pushing the apana down.  Or making the whole body intelligent enough to release all the used prana.  That’s how our lineage recognizes

this prabhava.  This fruit has a lot of divine power.  It can clean the nadis (vibrational channels.)  It has the swara, the primordial vibrational sound of nature.  Therefore, haritaki can communicate with the swara and

connect.  Why I am saying this?  Because all the herbs or fruits or spices that have this anulomana prabhava have the divine energy to give more communication and connection between the individual energy and the

universal energy.  All the used prana, all the used material, all the waste products not only the fecal matter, the urine, sweat, everything can get out of the body on time.

Prakrit Herbal Memory Nectar: this formula carries only the nano-particles and prabhava of the Prakrit tablets. It is meant for those high-pitta and high vata – highly delicate and sensitive colons, who sometimes cannot handle any physical colon support products, this works very gently and effectively for the highly sensitive colons.

Prakrit Transdermal Cream:  this cream is applied on the lower abdomen and the lower spine before bed. It connects prana vata and apana vata, the colon, through the spine. When there are stress induced problems in the bowel movement, it addresses them perfectly. Sometimes people who cannot handle Prakrit tablet use the Prakrit drops (2-5 drops) in one glass of water, along with Prakrit TD cream on the lower abdomen and the spine for extra delicate colon types – by birth, not induced by medical or disease conditions.

Triphala for High Pitta:  My experience as a Vaidya here in the West has taught me that the gentle classical triphala formula may prove to be too harsh for some high pitta constitutions! For high pitta body types, and all severely pitta aggravated people in general, even the natural warmth of the fully matured haritaki fruit seems to be too much to handle. For them, I had to put together a unique SVA Formulation. I call it “Triphala for High Pitta.” In addition to haritaki, bhibhitaki, and amla, I have added Rose and Fennel. But I also use the almost mature, not fully mature fruit of haritaki in this formulation, in addition to the organic rose and fennel that are synergistically infused to cool pitta further. The rose and fennel are a pitta type’s best friends, they pacify the pitta dosha so that the remaining ingredients can initiate the bowel cleanse without aggravating and irritating the pitta. High pitta body types are prominent in the western world, and countless SVA clients have benefited from this High Pitta Triphala formulation.

SVA EasyLax Capsules: Triphala and High Pitta Triphala sometimes aren’t enough whenever layers have accumulated in the colon along with toxic amavisha.  For that I created SVA Easy Lax to get the most out of your daily colon cleanse.  This herbal synergy combines the ancient benefits of Triphala with the detoxifying and cooling properties of Aloe Vera, Slippery elm, Marshmallow root. Long-term lack of safe colon cleanse leads to the accumulation of highly virulent toxic amavisha. Cleansing crusts of accumulated amavisha can take months if not years, given that we can only discharge a little of the toxic waste at a time without aggravating the colon environment and negatively affecting the health of the overall physiology. With this formula, Aloe Vera will work to cleanse the accumulations by reinstating the intelligence and safely discharging the waste-matter. This is a powerful and effective formulation so a little goes a long way.  Use under the supervision of your SVA expert.

SVA EasyLax (Mild) Capsules:  This formula is the MILD version for general, safer usage.

SVA EasyLax Nectar:  Provides an even gentler alternative to the capsule form, as it contains nanoparticles of Easylax. Many people, particualrly high pitta and high vata body types, or high pitta types alone, cannot handle SVA EasyLax, even in the mild version, because of the irritable nature of their colons. For those people, I made SVA Lax Nectar drops – take 1-2 drops in a glass of room temperature water before bed. To cool off pitta further and support bowel activity, apply DGL TD on your lower abdomen and the lower spine.

SVA Dietary tips for mild constipation:  

•  Add more vegetables to your diet, specially zucchini squash and yellow crookneck squash. Make sure you have them in some form with at least one meal a day.
•  Make a drink with 20% yogurt and 80% water, mix in well and drink with your lunch.
•  Eat on time! Never delay or skip your meals.
• Use balanced tri-doshic spice blends such as Mum’s Masala.
• Use only Soma Salt, because common table salt can increase absorption and may cause constipation
•  Make sure you have enough water during the day.
• Adding prune and tamarind chutney to your dinners at night (call the Prana Center at 1.888.9SHAKTI for recipes or browse our blog).

This chutney will enhance the balance between absorption and elimination.

Disclaimer

This product and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.

Nowhere is the science of ayurvedic transdermal healing better illustrated than in the chapter on Abhyanga. Abhyanga is the time-tested ancient method of massaging the body with warm herbalized oils to make the limbs supple, relax and energize the mind, building resistance to physical and mental stress.

With unique SVA formulations, you can now safely supplement your body with Magnesium, Vit D, Turmeric, and many more unique herbal and floral synergies. Massage, when it’s done right, relieves fatigue and stress, relaxes the muscles, calms the mind, improves circulation. It is ideal to get a massage a week, or even two! But if you can’t afford to get the time for one, or can’t seem to find that perfect therapist who does not leave you bruised after a too deep-tissue massage session, why not do it yourself? That’s right, you can do this yourself in the comfort of your own home each morning, or at least once, or twice, per week.  The benefits are innumerable:

• it transdermally nourishes the body with minerals and nutrients – depending on the oil you are using;
• pacifies all the doshas;
• relieves fatigue;
• provides stamina, and induces deep restful sleep at night;
• enhances the complexion and the luster of the skin;
• promotes longevity;

But wait, there is more:

• Improves circulation
• Gives mental clarity
• Increases Longevity
• Decreases the effects of aging
• Reduces Stress
• Strengthens Immune system
• Rejuvenates skin to make it smooth and support fat metabolism
• Softens and moisturizes the skin
• Lubricates the joints
• Calms the nerves
• Tones the muscles

What does the Carak Samhita say about Abhyanga?

With proper oil, abhyanga gives the skin firmness even as it makes it soft. In the second sentence we read that all body parts (anga) become more efficient, firm and more tolerant against physical stress.

So the first line of the verse says “doing full-body massage gives more strength and better complexion to the skin.  The second line tells us that abhyanga pacifies all vata disturbance and gives more endurance for exercise.”

Here Carak explains that if there is sensitivity of skin created by vata dosha imbalance, then it will get pacified, and acquire better tolerance to touch pressure. In addition, massage nurtures all six layers of skin. The health of the skin, its lustre and suppleness improve even more with regular weekly massage. Overall, all vata-pacifying health benefits accrue with daily or weekly oil massage sessions.

What Oil to Use?

Over the years I have formulated several SVA massage oils to address different constitutional types and their needs. You don’t need to use SVA formulations, as long as you have good massage oils appropriate for your constitution and the season, provided they do not have any chemicals or a chemical preservation system.  You also have to make sure your massage oil has not been adulterated. Finally,  there is a high chance that it is, or soon will be after opening, rancid and active with free-radical causing molecules in your body through transdermal absorption.

The SVA massage oils undergo pranic prepping and special preservation methods that stop oxidization without compromising the intelligence of the oil base or the herbal infusions. We have a wide range of oils to choose from:

• Men’s Rasayana Oil;
• Organic Coconut Oil;
• Pitta Massage Oil;
• Vata Abhyanga Oil with Magnesium & Vitamin D;
• Vata Massage Oil;
• Women’s Rasayana Oil;
• Magnesium Massage Oil;
• Magnesium Body Massage Oil – with Ashwagandha;
• Turmeric & Magnesium Massage Oil;
• Pitta Massage Oil with Magnesium;

Consult your SVA practitioner or follow the link to each product to find out which SVA Massage Oil is best for you.

How It’s Done!

Warm your oil slightly in the sink by keepin under hot running water, or in a baby bottle warmer – this calms and pacifies the body and mind right away, also facilitating absorption.  to give more comfort and absorption. Pour a little warm oil into your palms and apply it onto the area you are working on. It’s a good idea to start from the feet and the toes first. Work your way up, and massage your entire body, applying even pressure with the whole hand — palm and fingers.

Finally, oil your head. Use one of our SVA oils made especially for hair and scalp. Warm it up as well. When massaging sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart, use very light pressure. Circular motions on chest area are best done clockwise; same for the lower abdomen.  Do circular motions over rounded areas such as head and joints, and straight strokes on your arms and legs.  For arms and legs massage outward from core to extremities.

Leave the oil on for 20 minutes. Cover yourself. You may leave the oil on for longer but you must cover your head with a cotton scarf or towel and make sure you warm and stay away from cold drafts.  The longer the oil is on, the deeper it penetrates.

It is very important to follow your abhyanga with a relaxing warm shower to remove excess oil and toxins that got released through the skin.

When you want to do an abhyanga, but don’t have time, do the quicky version:  massage only arms and legs and your lower back.  It is ideal to indulge in a full body massage, at least once a week; but if it is just not happening, it is then best to at least get a quick massage on your limbs and lower back.

Precautions:  Oil is slippery.  Take extra precaution in your shower to avoid slipping.  Oils can be combustible on towels, clothing, etc. with oil residue.  After washing, do not over-dry or over-heat them in your dryer.

Here are some of the SVA best-selling massage oils. We have many more online, at www.chandika.com, where you can choose the oil that’s just right for you, with or without turmeric, with or without

Magnesium, Vit D, and so many other options.

Men’s Rasayana Oil  
A daily massage oil especially formulated for the biological and psychological needs of men.  Men will find that this oil nurtures and maintains not only the intelligence of their skin, but their entire masculine physiology and stamina, with immediate and long-term benefits.  Men’s Rasayana Oil is Tridoshic; but mainly pacifies vata through santarpana – nourishing – effect, and through shamana – pacifying – effect.

Ingredient-wise benefits:

Ashwagandha: Famous adaptogenic herb that helps us adapt easily to stress mentally and physically.  Nourishes and enhances the function of the nerves;

Mucuna: A tonic legume which gives physical, mental and spiritual energy. Transdermally, mucuna increases dopamine, a bliss enhancing nero-transmitter;

Lata Kasturi (musk substitute):  Provides aromatic energy to increase bliss;

Amla: alkalizes and nourishes the skin transdermally;

Musli: is a great Vajikarana ingredient – it promotes masculine stamina. Musli supplies transdermal nourishment for the male physiology;

Shatavari: Lubricates and nourishes the skin.  Shatavari combined with musli supports the male phsyiology;

Guduchi: A maharasayana that nurtures the skin and has cumulative beneficial effect over long term;

DGL:  Cools, alkalizes, and nurtures the skin;

Shankapushpi: Transdermal support for balancing the mind and its three functions (dhi, dhriti, and smriti). Shankapushpi with ashwagandha provide mental stamina and nurture the physical brain

organ.

Women’s Rasayana Oil

A combination of aromatic herbs, this formula was designed for the unique biological needs of women’s physiology.  It is overall tridoshic, but it specifically balances vata through a total approach of santarpana, or nourishing, effect, as well as through its shamana, pacifying, effect.

Ingredient-wise benefits:

Dashmoola is an ancient formula that is particulalry nurturing to women’s physiology and the skin. “Dash” means ten and “moola” means root. The combination of these 10 roots affects the health and balance of all seven tissues in a woman’s body. It also regenerates and detoxifies all these 7 tissues.

Jatamansi:  has a calming effect on the mind and body

Shatavari: supports the body’s ability to enhance estrogenic activity

Jasmine: enhances the repair of wear and tear of the skin and maintains the integrity of the skin layers through sandhaniya, unifying, effect.   Jasmine also gives a feeling of bliss through its aromatic properties.

Ylang-ylang:  Balancing and bliss enhancing aroma

Lime: Alkalizing, and a natural preservative

Sesame: Ayurveda’s favorite oil – prized for its balancing and nourishing properties.  Warm and unctuous, it is a rasayana for all layers of the skin.

Vata Massage Oil:

Did you know that Vata is called the “king of the doshas”? Because if Vata stays in check, other doshas remain balanced. If Vata goes off, Pitta and Kapha are fast to follow too.  Vata is the principal that governs the 

intelligence of proper timing and quantity of movement and circulation within the body. This intelligence can become compromised as aggravation accumulates over time. So if you want to manage your overall health, keep your vata dosha in balance! Vata gets easily imbalanced because it is governed by the air and space elements. Anything that disrupts those elements, increasing or decreasing them, will imbalance vata.Our modern lifestyles are, by definition, vata imbalancing! We are always rushing, from the crack of dawn, late into the wee hours, getting things done, and still falling behind schedule, running on adrenaline or mental stress. To compensate for the hectic rhythm, we eat clogging heavy foods to get the sense of grounding that always eludes us, further blocking vata dosha and impeding circulation of energy and nutrients. So that we aggravate vata dosha and then supress its flow further. Once Vata goes off, Pitta and Kapha are not too far behind! Did you know that there are overall 80 listed Vata diseases, as opposed to 40 for PItta, and 20 for Kapha?  Abhyanga is the well-kept secret for Vata pacification, because the skin is a crucual site of vata dosha. A daily warm oil massage goes a long way to keep vata balanced overall and to nourish those areas of the physiology disturbed by vata, not allowing imbalances to go into deeper tissues and systems.

What else can you do to pacify vata?

1) Address and eliminate the etiological causes (hetu) which have aggravated vata:  this could be one or more of the following – stress; EMF; physical fatigue; dehydration; malnutrition; over- use of the senses; eating too dry or drying food; poor daily routine; etc.

2) Vata can also become aggravated if you are deficient in specific nutrients needed by the body. This can be alleviated by supplementing the deficiency.

3) As the body ages, and particularly crosses 50, we move into the vata time of life according to Ayurveda. In this sense, we will be more predisposed to high vata or vata aggravation, depending on our body types. In this case, we have to make a little more effort to further pacify vata, and keep it in check on a daily basis.

Daily mini-abhyanga with warm oil, Vata oil, is ideal. I have put together a SVA Vata Oil for massage, with herbs specifically chosen for their prabhava – ultimate post-digestive and post-metabolic action. The herbal synergy in this massage oil is formulated to address and keep in check vata imbalance and aggravation, as these herbs have the special ability to restore the intelligence to the physiology in addition to pacifying the accumulation of vata.

Ingredient-wise benefits:

Brahmi: a highly prized ayurvedic herb that stimulates the medhagni – the transforming metabolic power of the brain. Brahmi optimizes cerebral activity, supports efficient information processing by the brain centers of acquistion and recall.  Brahmi in this herbal synergy formula is key for vata imbalances, especially when vata has been aggravated by undue stress. An imbalance caused by external stress, can become source of stress itself – a vicious cycle is set into place, where stress breeds stress, keeping the mind and body in a constant state of panic;

Shankapushpi:  Transdermally supports the power of the mind (dhi, dhriti, and smriti) with long term use;

Ashwagandha:  a famous adaptogenic herb that empowers the nervouse system to maintain calm when faced with stress. Nourishes and enhances the function of the nerves;

Jatamansi:  a powerful herb that calms and grounds the mind;

Pushkarmool: dilates physical channels, improving circulationl; enhancing the coordination between physical and vibrational channels;

Lavender:  a calming flower and plant, for physical, mental, and emotional equanimity;

Grapefruit: a great anti-oxidant that helps balance and preserve the subtle qualities of this formulation;

Jasmine:  maintains the integrity of the skin layers through its “sandhaniya” (unifying) effect;  Jasmine also uplifts the emotions and calms the mind through its therapeutic aroma;

Organic sesame oil: warm sesame oil is one of the best carriers for pacifying vata, because its warm and unctuous qualities are soothing to the dry and cold condition that accompanies vata aggravation.

When it’s clogged, stuffy, runny, itchy, we can’t think; otherwise, we don’t bother to think about it, even though our nose performs daily functions essential to our very survival. The nose is not only the gateway to our respiratory system, filtering unwanted air pollutants and particles, it also adjusts the temperature and the moisture of the air we breathe, helping maintain our overall body temperatures. And, did you also know that our sense of smell is deeply embedded with emotional and intellectual charge, associated with memories that help us navigate temporality and space? Even more, in some animal species, olfactory information is vital for daily survival and orientation. But if you look at it in terms, you will see that our nose performs an even greater task: it channels in the cosmic creational energies of Soma and Agni, and ensures the supply of prana to the sushumna nadi – our vital life-supporting spinal pranic channel.

But, the nasal cavity is exposed daily to bacterial infestations that can wreak havoc in many aspects of our health. We can develop allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies, allergy to animals, dust, etc.); respiratory-tract infection (cold, pneumonia, etc.); chronic congestion; acute or chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses); chronic dryness; bleeding; etc. Your pharmacist or medical doctor may recommend saline water to help clean and disinfect the nasal passage for daily maintenance and for alleviating nasal infections. Saline water, even though effective and many a times necessary, can be, with long term use, harsh, drying, and depleting for the nasal canals. In direct contrast to this, Ayurveda recommends the application of oil for daily maintenance. Let’s uncover the full panoply of ayurvedic options and strategies to help us maintain the daily hygiene and health of the nasal cavity.

In Ayurveda, we read about the term “nasya” – the application of (herbalized) oils into the nasal cavity. This procedure is said to not only support and balance the nasal pathways, keeping bacterial growth at bay in the nose, but it is also said to bring balance and lubrication to the brain and sense organs overall. Ayurveda lauds the use of oils for the nasal cavity, explaining that insufficient lubrication of the nasal pathways can make one dizzy, spacey, and even anxious!

Ayurveda introduces us to the daily care of the nasal cavity, suggesting different herbal preparations. In my SVA lineage, overtime, we have developed different formulas to address specific needs. Oftentimes, my ancestors had to custom-make herbal preparations based on the needs of the individual. I have perused those recipes to put together formulations that are almost fully tridoshic, and can help almost all, based on the severity of the imbalance in the nasal cavity. But before I elaborate about the ingredient-wise SVA Nasya formulations, let’s take a look at some of the benefits the reputed ayurvedic author, Bhava Prakash, lists about nasya.

 Different Benefits at Different Times of the Day

In the BhavPrakash Nigantu we read:

The primary point of interest here is that there can be different benefits to oiling the nose at different times of the day. It is clear that doing it daily is the best strategy, for cumulative benefits and immediate results as well.  When applied daily, and with the proper preparation, one can expect to reap the following benefits.

Nasya in the morning is more kapha pacifying – that is: it can help relieve congestion and stuffiness, clearing up pathways. When applied in the middle of the day, it will help pacify pitta dosha – imbalances associated with pitta dosha would be inflammation, itchiness, bleeding, etc.   Dryness can also result from excess pitta aggravation, so when applied during pitta time, the dryness will also be addressed. When nasya is applied in the evening, it will pacify and balance vata dosha, also helping calm the mind. Coincidentally: applying nasya oil on the airplane just before a flight is a great way to help avert jet-lag and nasal dryness resulting form cabin air conditioning that can imbalance all 3 doshas. But it also helps calm the mind that can wonder helter-skelter while flying.

Next we have another verse from the BhavPrakash:

The first line explains that nasya oil can make the body aromatic, and lubricate the head area too! If you take a look at the image of the nasal cavity, you will understand why! The nasal cavity is a large extended space in the front of our head, connected to the rest of the cranium through pathways, as well as to the lower body and body organs through a complex structure of pathways and channels. In addition, according to the ancient texts, nasya can help the sense organs evacuate daily mala-s or toxic bi-products left behind by metabolic processes. Nasya helps make the body toxin-free or ama-free. Locally, nasya keeps the mala-s of the nose from combining with garavisha (environmental toxins in the air.)  The second line of the sutra adds that nasya even improves the health of the scalp by delaying the graying, falling, and thinning of the hair.  Nasya can even help prevent the appearance of dark patches on the face. However, the key is to use nasya applications daily to get these benefits.

 Four SVA Nasya Oils to Chose From

Nasya oils are dripped directly into the nostrils, or with the help of a q-tip applicator. Maintain the purity of each oil, do not touch the dropper to the nose or any other surfaces to prevent contamination.

1. Ida & Pingala Oil  

 This oil was specially designed to balance and enliven the vibrational ida and pingala nadi-s. Its primary task is to support the nadi-s or vibrational channels, which, in this EMF era, often get into trouble. Different individuals will experience different symptoms varying from twitches, itches, dryness, burning, etc. Ida & Pingala Oil helps the nadis cope with EMF waves without getting overwhelmed. 

To get best results from this oil, follow this protocol: apply Lalita’s Age-Defying Facial Cream on the phana marma (if you do not have this cream, just massage the points gently without a cream) – the lateral marma points at the base of each nostril.  Then, tilt your neck back lying down.  Drip two drops in each nostril with the dropper.  You can do this three times a day – morning, noon, evening.  Doing nasya with this oil before meditation will balance the ida and pingala and make the sushumna nadi active for a deeper meditation experience.

2. Gymnema Nasya Oil  

This oil is for very specific conditions in the sinus and nasal cavity where unwanted bacterial growth may be happening due to exposure to bacteria and depleted local friendly bacteria. It will help reestablish a proper nasal environment and protect the sinus and nasal cavity from bacterial growth.

How it works:

• we immuno-modulate the sinus cavity with kutki, guduchi, clary sage oil, benzoin, and sweet basil;
• Neutralize sugar and carbohydrate residual molecules with gymnema, indian Kino, saptaparini, and cinnamon – these herbs effectively neutralize the food source needed by bacteria to grow in the sinuses;
• Supply the cellular system the ability to protect against allergens with the herbs daruharidra
• Jantughna group of herbs – oregano, clary sage, and cyprus –  have a bacteriostatic action such that bacteria can’t further multiply;
• Channel opening black pepper, boswellia, peppermint, and neroli help the absorption of the oil and the release of toxins.

Precaution:  These herbs and essential oils make this nasya oil very powerful. If you are unsure, it is best to use under the supervision of your SVA expert.  It should be used with caution for pitta and vata types.  The mixture may be a little irritating.  Start with only one drop in each side of nose.  If you can handle that comfortably, then can go up to three drops.  May be used three times per day.  Special precautions: Do not use in following circumstances: menses (for women); immediately after eating; or when having a cough.

 3. Maha Nasya Oil with Kanchanar

Maha Nasya Oil is the more powerful version of the regular nasya oil. It will unblock the channels, nourish the nostrils, calm the mind, and support the immune system.  Best for Kapha body types or kappa congestion conditions.

• Magnesium in the oil will nurture and detoxify
• Black pepper opens channels
• Indian sarsaparilla is anti-inflammatory and aromatic
• Turmeric is anti-inflammatory
•   Calamus root is calming
• Cinnamon is aromatic
• Nutmeg is channel opening and calming
• Clove is channel-opening and cooling
• Kanchanar hinders unusual growths
• Vidanga is immuno-modulatory
• Frankincense helps the body fight inflammation
• Neem leaf powder is detoxifying
• Babul is nurturing
• Rose and vetiver are aromatic and cooling
• Jayphal is channel-opening

Precautions: Vata and Pitta body types use with caution – if unsure, best to use under the supervision of your SVA expert.  Start with one drop to see if any irritation occurs. If there is no discomfort, you may work up to three drops.  Use this oil only in the mornings.  Special precautions: do not use in following circumstances: menses (for women); immediately after eating; or during times when experiencing or carrying a cough.

 4. Tridoshic Nasya Oil:

This is the original SVA Nasya oil that I made available initially. Balanced and Tri-doshic, this oil can be used safely three times per day by all for all seasons.  This is the best nasya oil to help maintain the health and hygiene of the physical nasal channels on a daily basis.

• Black Pepper & Boswelia: opens channels
• Turmeric: anti-inflammatory
• Cinnamon: is aromatic
• Cumin, Sunthi, Cardamom, Large Cardamom, Tulsi, , Greater galangal, Bacopa, Lodhra, Guduchi, Kantakari, Manjishta, Saffron, Jatamansi
• Clove leaf oil: soothing and channel-opening
• Sweet Basil: aromatic and immuno-modulatory
•  Sesame and Jojoba oil base.

This is your oil of choice during cold seasons, or for daily regular nasal cavity hygiene and maintenance. Daily use will give you cumulative benefits, not just for breathing, the sinus cavities, but also all the associated benefits that Bhav Prakash mentions, that we discussed earlier.

In general, however, I would definitely caution you not to use any type of nasya oil – at all – if you have one or all of the following situations and/or conditions:

• After consuming alcohol
• After drinking too much liquid – water or juice, etc
• During Pregnancy
• Presence of on-going or intermittent nose bleed
• Presence of vomiting or nausea
• Respiratory conditions
• For 45 days after delivering a child
• Presence of on-going or intermittent cough
• Bleeding – in general

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