Recent & Past SVA Newsletters

This page holds all of our most recent and past SVA Newsletters below. Simply click on the newsletter title to read that issue.

Dharma in Ayurveda – Celebrate Memorial Day! – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter May 27, 2021 – #20, Vol 11

May 28, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Most – if not all – of our holy-days in the USA have become commercial shopping holidays, symptomatic of our obsessive consumerism! How can we bring back meaning and heart into the holidays? Perhaps if we took time to look deeper, into the spirit of the occasion, there is much that could inspire us? Memorial Day celebrates the men and women who died during military service. But the USA is a young nation of immigrants, and perhaps Memorial Day does not resonate on a personal level because our ancestors did not live on American soil nor die for its freedom, so how can Memorial Day still hold true significance? Maybe it can be a reminder of the value of one’s duty: the duty one must fulfill towards nation, family, others, and self, with great sacrifice at stake, even death. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Bhagavad Gita where Lord Krishna advises a disconsolate Arjuna of the urgency of fulfilling his duty or dharma after having gained yogic consciousness:
But how do you know what is your dharma? Isn’t that the eternal question? Ayurveda does offer insight in this context. It says that we can neither fulfill dharma – whatever it is, nor enjoy life in any of its aspects or achieve yogic enlightenment, unless our body is free from “roga” or dis-ease. So perhaps our first duty is towards ourselves? Perhaps that is our primordial dharma?
To follow the timeless daily code of conduct as given in Ayurveda, dinacharya, so we can keep our bodies – this vehicle for spirit – well-functioning. Because only when we are in balance in body and mind can we then attempt to be true to ourselves by embracing who and what we already are here and now. And only then can we act for the greater societal good. But watch out: sometimes we tend to have romanticized unrealistic images of what we think we should accomplish…. What if taking measures not to step on an ant were as dharmic as saving a sinking boat? Dharma does not equal heroism. Beware the self-aggrandizing impulses of the ego in the name of self-sacrifice: this is a-dharma at its best! What is dharma then? It is what you are destined to do or be – right here right now – whatever that is. That’s it. Being the best of who you are by taking care of the vehicle that’s your body, that is your dharma. And sometimes that is all that you need to do. Just be. Be you. And that’s enough.

Because even the smallest most insignificant action on your part can have a cosmic impact: remember the “Butterly Effect.” The flapping of a butterfly’s wing can cause a hurricane on the other side of the world…. We are not alone. We live in a world where each one of our actions impacts the whole universe. All we have to do is be true to ourselves and our mere blissful and balanced presence will generate waves of bliss and balance around us for all. Science confirms this. So this Memorial Day, may we all re-discover our duties towards our selves first so that we can then celebrate others – dead and alive… Namaste! 
In our 7th Spring Detox session we covered the most insidious and prevalent of all toxins: EMF. Vaidya Mishra has revived the ancient knowledge of how Ayurveda helps us address these invisible toxins that have become prevalent in our modern culture. James presented the in-depth knowledge and shared memories and anecdotes from Vaidya’s courses as well. We closed our session with “chair Surya Namaskar” and “Nadi Shodhana Pranayam” – thank you Evangeline! Next week is our last session and we will discuss strategies that will help you stay on track after you conclude your SVA Spring Detox. In addition, there will be plenty of recipes recipes recipes – we are all just a bunch of foodies!
Did you miss signing up for detox this Spring? No worries, you can catch up in Autumn 2021. We will be announcing our next seasonal detox shortly. We look forward to having you join us.
Namaste!

We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Why Spice Up Your Sweets? PLUS A 3 Minute RECIPE, & more! – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter May 20, 2021 – #19, Vol 11

May 21, 2021 by Leave a Comment

why do we spice up our sweet dishes & drinks?

Cravings are the ultimate love/hate relationship if there ever was one! But did you know that cravings are our body’s way of private-messaging us? Letting us know we need more soma, more agni, more marut! Perhaps you have noticed that you crave sweets (full of soma thus heavy) when you are stressed out? Or you crave spicy (agni) when you feel down and out and sluggish? Or you crave crunchy salty snacks when you are hungry and vata is going out of balance? Of course, it’s a little more complicated than this – but you get the idea! 
Vaidya Mishra used to say very sweetly – no puns intended: “it’s ok to crave sweets, don’t try to control the craving; instead, eat good sweets.” Well, we know: it is a “good sweet”? Something that does not contain preservatives and flavorings, healthy sugar and fat, and also preferably, made fresh. But it’s hard to find desserts that meet all these preconditions, so: why not make your own? If it only takes a couple minutes? Here are a couple of recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring more balance and bliss to your life – because that’s what it always is about! Enjoy…

Cacao Ladoo-s
Here is another recipe that uses Madhur Masala, or sweet masala, a SVA mixture to be used ideally with sweet foods in order to counter-balance their clogging soma-genic heavy property. The pink peppercorns add a special twist to the recipe and also help counterbalance the clogging effect of chocolate as they belong to the pepper family. However, some people may not like the fruity and slightly pungent taste.
The step-by-step recipe below will make 10-12 bite-size laddoos – a traditional Indian sweet made without baking. The laddoos will also keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks – that’s if they last that long and don’t get eaten up with the hour!
Ingredients:
  • 4 tablespoons Vegan Protein Powder
  • 4 tablespoons organic Quinoa flakes or grind your own quinoa flour in a coffee grinder
  • 6 tablespoons organic brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons slivered almonds (blanched or non-blanched)
  • 1 tablespoon organic Cocoa powder – unsweetened and alkali free
  • 3 tablespoons melted Mom’s Ghee
  • 15-20 organic green cardamoms – crushed
  • 10-15 organic pink rosebuds
  • 1 teaspoon Madhur Masala
  • 1 teaspoon whole or crushed pink peppercorns – optional
  • 1 pinch of Soma Salt – optional
Preparation:
  • Mix the Protein Powder and Quinoa flakes/flour and slowly dry toast on a dry pan. This is the longest part of your recipe, make sure you keep mixing the powder so it toasts evenly. When the color turns a golden light brown, put the mixture into a mixing bowl.
  • Next add the cocoa powder to your mixture.
  • At this point, add Madhur Masala. 
  • At this point, crush the cardamom pods and add along with the rose buds to a pan, add your ghee
  • and melt the whole thing stirring frequently. You may cook this on low heat for 1-2 minutes to
  • better infuse the ghee with the cardamom and the rose.
  • In the meantime, add the sugar to your dry mixture and mix every thoroughly.
  • Now add the sugar to your dry mixture.
  • Next pour the hot melted ghee through a tea filter over your mixture evently and with a spoon
  • make sure all your dry mixture is nicely and evenly blended.
  • Now you can add in the dry toasted and sliced almonds and mix the ingredients a little further
  • You are now ready for your final step of shaping your mixture into little balls or laddus. You can
  • use an ice cream scooper to make sure you are picking up the same amount every time and your laddus will be of the same size. Flatten the mixture in your hand and squeeze tightly to bind all the ingredients together and then gently roll from palm to palm (see the video) and your laddoo is ready.
  • Repeat this step until you finish all the mixture.
  • To top it off, you can shred some pink peppercorns on top with a pepper mill to add a twist of flavor. 
Enjoy!
We had another fabulous knowledge-filled session discussing the wisdom behind making any dish SVA with Carol Nace, certified SVA expert and educator. Recent SVA Marma graduate Jacquie Relkoff led our Samadhi Marma session with grace and humor. The talk was followed by Q&A and sharing. We continue our Spring Detox with many more expert ayurvedic teachers in the weeks to come.
Did you miss signing up for detox this Spring? No worries, you can catch up in Autumn 2021. We will be announcing our next seasonal detox shortly. We look forward to having you join us.
Namaste!

We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Why Does a Daily Oil Massage Detox & Rejuvenate You? and More… – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter May 13, 2021 – #18, Vol 11

May 14, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Detox & Rejuvenation
~ transdermally ~
with
Warm Oil Massage
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, build resistance to physical and mental stress. Massage, when it’s done right, relieves fatigue and stress, relaxes the muscles, calms the mind, improves circulation. It is ideal to get one massage a week, or even two if you can. 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, you can do it yourself! Doing it yourself in the comfort of your own home each morning, or at least once, or twice, per week is the best ritual you can adopt for self-care. The benefits are innumerable:
  • transdermally nourishes the body with minerals and nutrients – depending on the herbalized oil you are using;
  • pacifies all the doshas;
  • relieves fatigue;
  • provides stamina;
  • induces deep restful sleep at night;
  • promotes longevity and decreases the effects of aging;
  • Improves circulation
  • Reduces Stress and gives mental clarity
  • Strengthens Immune system
  • Rejuvenates and moiturizes all 6 layers of the skin making it smooth and supple enhancing the complexion and the luster of the skin;
  • Supports fat metabolism
  • Supports and rejuvenates fascia and eliminates tightness
  • Lubricates and nourishes the joints
  • Calms the nerves
  • Tones the muscles
  • Improves body circulation overall and helps with cold hands and feet
But why does oil massage help with Detox?
Vaidya Mishra explained that the ancient ayurvedic healers were ahead of us! They already knew, thousands of years ago, that a wide range of toxins are lipid soluble. What does this mean? Simply that even without the availability of our modern technology, they understood that many toxins settle and make residence in the fat tissue and get carried and dispersed through the fat molecules. In this sense, the fat tissue and fat molecules of the body easily become the host for these “fat soluble toxins.” When allowed to sit for extended periods of time, these toxins may cause irreversible damage.
For this purposes, when Vaidya formulated an herbal massage oil, he extracted the lipid soluble molecules of the herbs into the oil and coupled them in such a way that they would carry a detoxifying or “shodhana” effect along with the nurturing, “santharpana” and pacifying “shamana” properties. So self-massage with an herbalized oil is the best way to detoxify and to nurture your body. The benefits of oiling your body were known to ancient cultures and it’s time we brought this timeless practice back for its healthful properties. An oil massage:
  • Rejuvenates the body through the skin, by nurturing the tactile nerves through physical touch as well as the delivery of herbal ingredients
  • Reinvigorates the body by enhancing circulation again each morning
  • Detoxes – aids in the discharge of toxic buildup resulting from the night of sleep as well as longer accumulation of deeper tissue toxins
So when you should do it? It is recommended to do a morning oil massage before taking your shower – daily!  You can select the oil based you use upon the whole body skincare program for your age group (and any special needs you may have. 
When Is the Best Time To Do It?
Abhyanga, bathing, and detox can be prescribed for different times of the day according to individual needs and/or seasonal considerations. If you want to do Spring Detox, we recommend starting with a bath the evening before the day of detox. You may also do a bath on the day of detox, mornings are best as they set the tone for the rest of the day, opening channels, initiating detox, and supporting the process through the day. You will feel mentally and emotionally stronger too. However, you may also take a bath in the afternoon, after a gentle abhyanga. Best to avoid doing abhyanga in the evening on your detox day UNLESS you are continuing your detox the next day. In general, on regular work days, it is ideal to do a quick daily abhyanga as the benefits are cumulative. It’s better to do even 5-10 minutes of daily abhyanga ritual than 50 minutes once a week. Your body learns to let go of junk before it becomes accumulated, heavier, and harder to evacuate. Not to mention safer: you catch and escort out the toxic build-up before it has a chance to travel deeper into your tissues and hide there! If you skip a day, it’s ok, don’t feel bad! Just get back to it the next day. The trick is this: once you know something is good for you and you decide to adopt it as part of your daily ritual, do it NO MATTER HOW YOU THINK YOU FEEL that day – don’t give in to your mind’s excuses. Discipline is key. You deserve 10-15 minutes of daily pampering, don’t you?
How It’s Done: Step by Step !
WARM YOUR OIL slightly in the sink by keeping it under hot running water, or in a baby bottle warmer. Warm oil calms and pacifies the body and mind right away, also facilitating absorption. Pour a little warm oil into your palms and apply it onto the area you are working on.
START FROM YOUR TOES: It’s a good idea to start from the feet and the toes first and work your way up, to massage your entire body.
APPLY even gentle pressure with the whole hand — palm and fingers. If you feel some areas are tight and need a more firm grip, apply some more pressure. The pressure should always be to your personal comfort, it should not hurt. Start light and increase pressure when and where needed. You can apply more pressure when swiping down and out and lighter on the upward direction. You want to support the evacuation of used up Prana that flows down and out. In SVA, we ALWAYS go down and out. We also never go up on the spine – always downwards - unless there is a specific local issue/problem where you are focusing on a muscle etc. 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. Go in 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.
DO NOT RUSH Speed is a very important factor: going slow and gentle will allow the body to relax and release, and the mind to settle down. If you are in a rush, it’s best to skip the massage lest your rush through it.  
FINALLY, OIL YOUR HEAD. Use one of Vaidya Mishra’s SVA oils made especially for hair and scalp. Warm it up as well. 
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 every morning. It is not recommended to do this at night or after the sun sets.
Namaste!

Dr Lisa Raskin was our guest lecturer and spoke about the neuro-toxicity of some vegetables from the nightshade family. We were all reminded why we choose to avoid tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and bellpeppers! She shared some memories and anecdotes from her time with Vaidya Mishra. It was a powerful and delightful session. We look forward to doing many more courses with her. Her presentation was followed by another enlightening talk by Elisabeth Innes, on Dinacharya or daily Rituals for Self-Care as well as the role of nutraceuticals for health.
The talks were followed by Q&A and sharing. We continue our Spring Detox with many more expert ayurvedic teachers in the weeks to come.
Did you miss signing up for detox this Spring? No worries, you can catch up in Autumn 2021. We will be announcing our next seasonal detox shortly. We look forward to having you join us.
Namaste!

Shield Your Abode
against
EMF/EMR
for better health
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Vaidya Mishra on his Mom; and More… – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter May 6, 2021 – #17, Vol 11

May 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Below is a beautiful piece from Vaidya from 2012 on the occasion of Mother’s Day. It resonates just as true today as it did when Vaidya was still with us – some things truly ARE eternal… May we all grow to not just love but worship our mothers – as divinity. Happy Mother’s Day…
“Today, I am Remembering You, Mom….”
Vaidya RK Mishra (2012)
Man and woman have been equally revered since the dawn of time in the Vedic tradition of ancient India. It is explained in the Shastras or Vedic scriptures, that none has primacy over the other either spiritually, physically, morally, socially, or politically, because they are both equal parts of one whole, and each plays her and his central role, without which the other would be incomplete. In the active pantheon of Vedic gods and goddesses, Purush and Prakrti (male and female) interact, bringing forth universes through their play. Shiva and Shakti, another name for the eternal couple, also actively help each other, come to each other’s rescue whenever either encounters obstacles, supporting each other to make the world a better place to live for humans and all other creatures under the sun.
Social reality may not always live up to this Vedic or any ideal in fact; even though the mythical stories may inspire us to strive for a better world where equal rights are the rule rather than the exception. In our modern world, women have only recently been regaining their rights as active participants in public aspects of society. And there is still much that needs to be done. For example, it was on the Indian news channel, only yesterday, after highly reputed actor, film-writer, producer, and director Aamir Khan released his latest TV documentary serial, “Satyam Evam Jayate,” (“truth always wins”) casting light on the truth(s) behind social crises in India. His first episode was dedicated to the rampant murder of female fetuses and infants in India. The documentary focused on the misuse of medical technology – in this case ultrasound scans – that help determine the sex of the fetus early on. Khan exposed the existence of an underground network of medical doctors ready and willing to terminate a fetus’ life for just a few thousands Indian rupees when the parents find out it is a girl and would like to terminate the pregnancy. Since the airing of the show two days ago, NGOs and government agencies have already become active in trying to put an end to these criminal practices, particularly in Rajasthan.
It was sad for me to hear that this is still being practiced widely in India. It did not always use to be like this. A girl child, a daughter, a sister are even greater joy for celebration according to the Vedic shastras. We are taught that men and women are not only equal; but that women, especially mothers, are divine.

This sweet idea of mother’s divinity is found even our in our popular bhajans (devotional songs). For example, we call upon Seeta before Raam (the song goes: Seeta Raam and not Raam Seeta, even though after a few repetitions, they are co-mingled as both one beginning!), or within the Krishna tradition where the bhajan starts with Radha first and then Krishna. In India, woman as mother is divine, and we worship our mothers with our full hearts in all aspects, and this devotion or worship also translates into social and public rights. Do the vedic shastras have anything to say about this?
In the Vedic tradition, Purush and Prakrti are both necessary and irreplaceable. But what are they? If we try to understand the vibrational impulses that make them up – that is: the very fine activities beyond the gross physical/chemical and even more refined nuclear level, on the most subtle vibrational level of pure energy- what do we see?
Based on Vedic Sidhanta (i.e., a principle that has withstood the test of time and still holds true for us today, made of the words: Sidaha antaha yastu), Purush is silence while Prakrti is dynamism; or male and female are represented as Beej and Bhumi, a seed and land metaphor for male and female respectively; or Purush is “nistragunya” (that does not carry any creational properties or marks) while Prakrti is marked by all 3 gunas or creational properties (Soma, Agni, and Marut) that bring about worlds; or Purush represents a point, the point of silence, while Prakrti is the infinity of all.
This is why, the Shastras explain, that while masculine vibrational energy is seed for all creation, it remains just that, inert and inactive, lifeless, unless it meets with Shakti, the creational vibrational dynamism of Prakrti, because all creativity and support for the process of creation, nurturing for creation, derives from Prakrti. Shakti is the creational drive that brings about universes through and with Purush, and they then revel together in the dynamic play of multiplicity.
This is why, in India, we worship our mothers, even though we love our fathers just as much! It is our mothers that
create us in their wombs, nurture us during gestation, care and nourish us through their own bodies in infancy. Our mothers are our first school. Mother is our first teacher. Mother is our first guru of self-less love.
Many times, patients used to ask my father, Vaidya Kameshwar Mishra: “you are the Vaidya, the healer, the doctor, but who is your doctor when you are sick?” And my father never hesitated in pointing out my mother, and saying: “she is the healer’s healer!” My mother, in truth, was indeed a great healer. She maintained the SVA tradition alive at home through her cooking and seasonal remedies. But it’s much more than that.
After I graduated from ayurvedic college, my father taught me all that I know today: all the living knowledge that never gets printed and taught, because it is transmitted orally and experientially. Who I am today I owe to my father, in terms of the timeless wisdom he imparted to me.
However, it is my mother who taught me how to use the knowledge. It is she who gave me the confidence to make the recipes and apply the theory in day-to-day life skillfully. I love my father, but I cannot imagine what life would have been without my mother. I received all my wisdom from my father, but how to apply the wisdom
of the lineage with confidence and compassion, that I got from my mother. She kept me true to my dharma, by inspiring me, always reminding me of the good that was yet to come, nurturing me with her sweet unconditional love, years after I had left our home and was thousands of miles away. Due to her dynamic inspiration, I am the one I was born to become. Even though she left her body years ago, I feel her spirit still helps, guides, and loves me in all that I do – I would be no-where and no-thing without you, Mom…

ERRATUM
We apologize for publicizing Henry’s services as “vastu” in our newsletter last week. He offers consultations to help cleanse and shield against EMF/EMR, not vastu.

Shield Your Abode
against
EMF/EMR
for better health
Dr Teitelbaum was our guest lecturer and we got to ask her all kinds of questions to our hearts’ and mind’s content! We had a powerful 4th session yesterday, and we learned so much about “amavisha” – hot toxins. These teachings have been preserved and revived by Vaidya Mishra. No detox can be safe OR effective without addressing amavisha, and the knowledge resides with SVA instructors and healers. We are truly blessed. Our detox and unfolding of more knowledge continue next week as we welcome Dr. Lisa Raskin. She will be our featured guest to cover the much contested topic of nightshades from the scientific and SVA perspectives, and why you should avoid them, specially for detox. Namaste!
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Sneha Gandoosh Oral Care? – PLUS: Vastu For You! Celebrating Pat Layton; and More… – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter April 29, 2021 – #16, Vol 11

April 30, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Oral Health & Detox with SVA Toothpastes plus Sneha Gandush
The use of oils, internally and externally, is a complete care system in Ayurveda. Doing it right, with herbal synergies and different blends, and doing it consistently, can be key to longevity and total health. Ayurvedically speaking, oil, with its unctuous, slimy, and nourishing properties, primarily pacifies vata dosha, the king of all doshas. We have learnt that when vata dosha is in check, all else follows!
Getting your oil on, at SVA, is thus naturally a highly prized daily ritual: we cook with butter oil (ghee); massage our limbs (and scalp) with herbalized oils before shower; apply a drop or two into our ear and nasal cavities for daily maintenance; and now, Vaidya Mishra will help us maintain the health of our oral cavity with his cutting-edge formulation: an oil-pulling Sneh Gandush for daily oral swishing to support the health our oral cavity, gums, and teeth. You might have already tried it yourself, or at least have heard about someone who has, or wants to… As it’s the latest of health fads currently featured on cover pages and magazine.
Ayurveda calls oil pulling (holding and swishing oil in the mouth) gaṇḍūṣa. The Carak Samhita, in the dinacharya (daily routine) section, elaborates on all the benefits of gaṇḍūṣa – and they are many: 
  • gaṇḍūṣa, or gandush, pulls and binds toxins from the oral cavity, and can thus have preventive action on the teeth, gums, and overall oral cavity, in addition to the the tongue, mucus membranes, upper throat and sinus cavity, and jaw;  
  • Gandusha hones the taste buds. This is the natural effect of “detoxing oral cavity” from build-up (ama, amavisha, and garavisha.)  
  • Daily morning oil pulling preps the appetite, clearing any fogs covering the digestive fire of the stomach; 
  • Gandush can help ward off throat inflammation when used regularly and with an herbal synergy formula; 
  • Gandush nurtures and supports lip health; 
  • Gandush can help prevent tooth decay as it facilitates the daily evacuation of food debris left in the teeth crevices; 
  • it can strengthen the roots of the teeth;
  • it can help prevent toothache as the oil balances and nourishes the nerve tissue and nerve endings;
  • depending on whether the oil mixture is fresh and non-rancid, and well balanced with herbs, swishing with it can balance the pH of the oral cavity; 
  • gandush supports the vocal chords – oil lubricates, reduces toxic load, and grounds the vocal chords.
Water or Lipid Soluble?
So you’ve heard of oil-pulling, but you probably did not know that there can be 2 distinct categories of oil pulling products, with different effects, based on the contents of your gandush mixture? Did you know that your gandush formula can be either water-soluble or lipid-soluble? What does this mean?
 
  • Kashaya gandusha – kashaya means herbal decoction  
  • Sneha gandusha - sneha means oil
Most, if not all, oil-pulling products use primarily lipid-soluble ingredients. This means that only toxins that are absorbed in and through the fat medium are addressed and eliminated. In SVADANTA, with the expert SVA approach, we use both water-soluble and lipid-soluble ingredients in the gandush formulas, to provide a total, tridoshic and holistic approach to oral care. 
The water-soluble formulations have been on the market for a few years already and many happy satisfied customers use the water-soluble oral mists – Mukh Shudhi – in peppermint or fennel organic flavors. 
Vaidya Mishra’s Mukh Shudhi is a modern version of the kashaya gandush category of oral care preparation. The Mukh Shudhi formula is based on Carak’s original formula, but presented today as an oral mist for convenience and ease of application to the oral cavity.
Peppermint or Fennel?
Vaidya’s Mukh Shudhi comes in peppermint and fennel flavors. Peppermint can be used by all body types and people; fennel is best for pitta body types, or is for those who tend to have high pitta aggravation. No matter which flavor you choose, the water-based gandush will pull out all water soluble toxins from your mouth. Sugar molecule residues in the mouth are water soluble. These molecules are the main food source for oral bacteria. Due to its herbal synergy content, Mukh Shudhi neutralizes sugar residues immediately, thereby cutting off the food supply needed by the bacteria to survive and multiply. It addresses bacteria-based oral problems and helps also address oral inflammation.  
Modern science supports our SVA understanding, namely, that oral bacteria contributes to tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral cavity diseases. Here’s how it works, ingredient-wise. 
Water-based Gandush
Here are SVA Mukh Shudhi Oral Mist ingredients according to their actions on oral health:
• Gymnema (gymnema sylvestre): neutralizes residue of sugar and carbohydrate
• Cinnamon (cinnamonum zeylonica): supports oral immunity and fights bad breath
• Black pepper (piper nigrum): burns ama of oral cavity and balance bodhaka kapha (enhances 
the ability to taste better)
• Triphala: helps to neutralize and eliminate toxins of oral cavity 
• Clove: (syzygium aromaticum) burns Ama and opens channels of oral cavity
• Neem: (azadirachta indica) leaf creates good environment for good bacteria and bad 
environment for bad bacteria on mucus membrane of the oral mucosa  
• Babul (acacia arabica): bark is called danta dardhyakar means – strengthens teeth and stops 
bleeding gums.
• Ajwain (trachyspermum copticum): burns ama and refreshes mouth
• Holy basil (ocimum sanctum): supports immunity and refreshes mouth
• Nutmeg (myristica fragrans): calming for mind and channel opening for brain
• Peppermint (mentha piperata): refreshing and channel opening
• Tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia): supports oral immunity and channel opening
• Camphor leaf oil (cinnamomum camphora): channel opening and relaxing for jaw
• Sweet orange and grapefruit essential oil as preservatives and to help fight against bacterial 
infection
Lipid or Sneh Gandush  
Through SVA we study that the fat tissue holds endogenous (amavisha) as well as numerous types of exogenous toxins (garvisha) entering the body through the food we eat, the air we breathe, and personal care materials applied on the skin. Whether from heavy metals, pesticides, home cleaning chemicals, etc. these lipid-based toxins gradually accumulate and lodge in the oral cavity. Sneha Gandush gives use a powerful way to address and handle the lipid-soluble toxins in the oral region with oils that draw them out and bind them for safe removal. 
Vaidya Mishra’ new Sneh Gandush formula (based on the ingredients and methods of Carak’s original formula) accomplishes lipid oral detox with a mixture of sesame and coconut oils into which different ingredients have been synergistically infused to address the different needs of the oral cavity.  This tridoshic gandush oil is good for all body types, even though vata dosha gets primarily pacified by it. 
When you are shopping for the best oral oil-pulling product, you must keep in mind the rancidity factor. To make a bottle of gandush oil, in general, herbs are cooked in a sesame oil base; this has many problems. Cooking the herbs thus gives the mixture a bad flavor; and 2) this will initiate the aging process such that the final product can actually go rancid in as little as ten days.  
If it so happens that your sneh gandush product is rancid, every time you rinse your mouth, you will absorb oxidized free radical molecules into your system. We all know what that does to us! 
Vaidya Mishra’s process of making gandush oil, inherited from his ancestors, uses a secret pranic preservation method that stops all oxidization and adds a slightly sweet, pleasant flavor. In addition, Vaidya adds fractionated coconut oil, clove leaf, camphor leaf, and sweet orange to his formula.  This stops free-radical formation and makes the oil very palatable.  
Modern scientific research on oil pulling
 There’s been much written about this of late. The Indian Journal of Dental Research (here) for example, supports the ancient ayurvedic knowledge of gandush connecting it directly to the improvement of conditions of plaque induced gingivitis. There’s currently increased and developing interest in further researching the overall benefits of oil-pulling in general. The article in the Huffington Post gives a good round-up of existing findings and opinions: click here
Your SVA Daily Oral Care Routine 
Do this mornings upon waking up (and before or after brushing – optional), and nighttime before bed and after brushing:
1) Brush/floss teeth
2) Rinse mouth well with cool water
3) Spray Mukh Shudhi (your choice of flavors) 
4) Swish Sneha Gandusha Oil in Mouth. Use approximately 2 TBSP. Swish 3 – 5 minutes. Spit the oil out after 5 minutes. You want to have mouth full – but not too full of a mouth. Leave room to comfortably hold and swish the oil. (Unlike plain oils, this herbal formula quickly pulls toxins). Do not exceed 5 minutes or you may reabsorb toxins. You can, if you want, repeat the process again but with fresh oil. Do not keep swishing for more than 5 minutes with the same oil, and definitely not for 20 minutes! 
5) In the morning, you may lightly rinse your mouth afterwards. At night, do not rinse your mouth. This allows the oil to bind and evacuate more toxins overnight, further nourishing and protecting the oral cavity. 
Ingredient-wise action: 
Sesame oil: Sesame oil is used as medium to pull out lipid-soluble fractions of the herbs. Sesame oil also has the pharmacodynamic properties to absorb the prabhavas (ultimate effects) of the herbs without altering them. It has as a high smoke point (tolerance of heat) around 400 F. This gives higher boiling temperature to pull out lipid-soluble fraction of herbs and spices. Finally, because sesame is agneya (more agni) it works as yogavahi (activates and carries the properties of the herbs into the tissues). 
Fractionated coconut oil: Sesame is agneya and lot of agneya herbs and spices are in the formula (konkol, clove, camphor leaf.) Sesame alone may be a little heating for overall Western mucosa and for pitta or pitta/vata types, who won’t be able to handle the sesame oil unless it is mixed in with coconut oil, which balances sesame and the heating herbs. Coconut oil on its own can clog the channels because of its ‘condensing’ molecules. Fractionated coconut oil however does not clog the channels, as it contains only the medium chain triglycerides. 
Nutmeg: Very good to nourish gums and pull out toxins from them. Also has shamaka (pacifying) effect on the nerves. Calms down prana vata and the mind. 
Kutki: Very bitter used alone. Works very well with the combination of all the yogavahis in the formula. The yogavahis allow kutki to quickly penetrates beyond gums (even going to jaw and roots of teeth) to pull out amavisha and garvisha from deep tissues.
Kankol: A smoother but more powerful yogavahi, helping deliver effects of kutki faster. Also gives nice aroma. 
Clove: Traditionally in almost all countries in the world for toothache. Whole clove is used for extract. Opens the channels; burns ama in oral mucosa; gives nice fragrance. Initially warm but ultimately cool in its effect. Pacifies pitta. 
Green cardamom: Adds wonderful fragrance. According to Ayurveda, the seeds help burn ama of the protein molecules. The cardamom skin binds ama of protein molecules. 
Triphala: Supports the overall formula to keep pH of oral mucosa neutral. Triphala is neutral (little pro alkaline). Unique property of pulling out toxins (shodhana.) Due to amla and bibhitaki, it also acts has a rasayana that nourishes and firms the gums. Best rasayana for the mouth.
Clove leaf oil: Cooler than clove and adds even more value of clove. 
Camphor leaf: Camphor itself is very aromatic and penetrating; so it may burn oral mucosa. Camphor leaf will not do so. Opens channels of oral mucosa and the brain, acting as a refreshing yogavahi. 
Sweet Orange: Adds pleasant orange flavor and neutralizes bitter tastes of herbal ingredients. Very nurturing. 
Here’s to your oral health with SVA! 
Vastu For Your Abode
for better health
Our detox course concluded its third week yesterday. With a group of 28 detoxers from all over the world, we learnt more details about SVA detox and its foundations. In addition, we unpacked our Detox Box of SVA goodies – as one participants said, it was “like Christmas in April!” Discovering all the details of the different herbals blends, teas, creams, that Vaidya Mishra specifically made to suit the western lifestyle and physiology. We then had an open session where each detoxer shared their experiences, anecdotes, and future plans for smooth-er detoxing! It was a full 3 hour long session. We were sad to let each other go, but were ready to step away from our electronic devices for a well-deserved break!
Next week, Dr. Teitelbaum will be our featured guest, sharing her knowledge and experience of decades helping patients through SVA diet and detox. Namaste!

We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Spring Detox news; PLUS: Want to Learn Jyotish? And More! – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter April 22, 2021 – #15, Vol 11

April 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment

We know that our skin is the largest organ of our body, but we tend to forget that it is the best safest and fastest way of detoxifying as well. Rediscover the health benefits of an herbalized ayurvedic bath from the comfort of your own home, and nourish your skin with herbalized soaps made from 100% organic shea butter and filled with ayurvedic goodness. What you put ON your skin travels INside your body within instants. Happy’n safe detoxing!
Our detox course concluded its second week yesterday. With a group of 28 detoxers from all over the world, we learnt how to do Samadhi Marma to support mental and emotional release doing physical detox. We presented the step-by-step detox protocol for the DIY SVA Home Detox and shared recipes and answered lots of beautiful questions. Everybody has already embarked on their detox journey and has started sharing experiences and food pics too. We are just a bunch of foodies detoxing together! Below is an update from Gulnara T. from Puerto Rico who discovered Vaidya Mishra’s Tamarind Amla Preserve Jar, much to the great delight of her 6 year old son…
Awaken your taste-buds with the flavor of exotic fruits and spices in Vaidya’s SVA Tamarind Wild Amla Preserve. Connect your brain centers with your stomach, support your appetite, enhance your digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients, feel energized instead of fatigued after your meals. The Wild Amla berry is ideal for protein synthesis, and for enhancing the dhatu-agnis (metabolic process in all the tissues). Wild Amla is a powerhouse of Vitamin C, and is highly alkalizing. It pacifies all doshas and subdoshas. Sweet Thai Tamarind is a delicious exotic fruit ideal for metabolism, and for maintaining cool and healthy skin conditions. Tamarind also supports the colon’s friendly bacteria and balances all doshas and subdoshas. This ketchup-substitute condiment will help you catch-up with your health resolutions and keep you two steps ahead of the old habits you are trying to kick off!
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Remembering Vaidya Mishra; Spring Detox news; PLUS: Want to Learn Jyotish? And More! – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter April 15, 2021 – #14, Vol 11

April 16, 2021 by Leave a Comment

“… a billion stars go spinning through the night,
blazing high above your head.
But in you is the presence that
will be, when all the stars are dead.”
– Rainer Maria Rilke
As we remember Vaidya Mishra on this 4th anniversary of his passing, we remain eternally grateful to have met him, to be able to continue sharing his priceless knowledge and exquisite formulations, and to grow in the company of past and future seekers of eternal (ayur)vedic knowledge.

We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Tasteful Detox: SVA RECIPES! PLUS: Want to Learn Jyotish? And More! – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter April 8, 2021 – #13, Vol 11

April 9, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Did you miss the
SVA Spring Detox Talk?
below to watch
AND
scroll down for the recipes !

Below are the recipes shared in the course. These recipes are great for detox as they support metabolism and initiate a light detox. You can have them on regular – non-detox – days as well.
Vegan Protein Paddies with a side of Asparagus & Pink Peppercorns, Karela Chips, Tender Loki Slices, Pineapple Salad, & Quinoa with Pine Nuts?
we have a couple more spots left only if you are
interested in 8 weeks of knowledge, recipes, and one-on-one sessions with a
certified SVA educator?

frequently asked questions
about
Spring Home Detox
April 15 – June 3
1) What does the Home Detox course cover? 
WHY/WHEN/HOW to detox safely and effectively with SVA time-tested protocols. This year, you will also learn a powerful pranic meditation for mental and emotional support — Vaidya Mishra’s Samadhi Marma Meditation. Total value of $351 includes herbal formulations and technique – included in your detox package price.
The detox course covers 4 types of toxins, in-depth knowledge of SVA detox principles, plus recipes recipes recipes that you can use throughout the year on days you feel sluggish or need a quick healthy meal.
2) How do I know this is for me?
If you are not sure the SVA detox is for you, you can schedule a “discovery call” where you get to ask any/all questions you may have to an expert SVA educator. These educators are also experienced detoxers: they have been using the SVA protocols for detox and rejuvenation for decades and can share their personal and professional experiences and details and address any concerns you may have or clarifications you may need so you can take your decision in full confidence. 
3) How long is the actual detox? 
8 weeks. You will learn practical baby steps for taking care of yourself with full-on support with products and lifestyle guidance.
4) Why is it so long?
We will be supplying additional educational materials and to help you re-instate long-standing change and habits that will become part of your daily life rather than doing a quick short weekend detox and then falling into old unwanted habits. 
5) Can I do it later if I am not able to do it with you all during the 8 weeks? – It’s ideal to detox at the seasonal junctions for utmost benefit; also you will get live support and interaction when doing with us. Committing to change is the first step towards change…. 
6) Can I use the recipes i learn in this course later on during the year at all times? Absolutely Yes! They are delicious light yet nourishing. 
7) What if I need more products? 
You may purchase more cleanse products at a discounted 20% off rate that is valid just for the duration of the detox course and exclusively for detoxers. 
8) If I have already taken this course before, and I already have a lot of the products, can I just join into the community to be part of the process? 
Yes, you may and are very welcome to do so. We invite you to connect with one of our SVA educators to determine further details of your participation. We are happy to extend the early bird rate for participation/knowledge. 
Interested in SVA Spring Detox? Contact us:
1.818.709.1005 or info@prana-center.com

We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

CONGRATULATIONS to all our Marma Graduates and THANK YOU for an amazing year of delving into deep ayurvedic knowledge in companionship. Each and every one of you made this course extra powerful, specially under the challenging transitional circumstances. We’ve all come out of this experience richer with knowledge but also stronger with new heart connections. Welcome to our SVA Community of healers, educators, and life-time learners.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at: info@prana-center.com, or call us: 1.818.709.1005

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

TOMORROW Spring Detox FREE CLASS – with Q&A; ALA: A Testimonial – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter March 31, 2021 – #12, Vol 11

March 31, 2021 by Leave a Comment

IT’S TOMORROW!
join us for a FREE TALK ON SVA DETOX
Thursday April 1, 3:30pm pacific

interested in 8 weeks of knowledge, recipes, and one-on-one sessions with a
certified SVA educator?

frequently asked questions
about
Spring Home Detox
April 15 – June 3
1) What does the Home Detox course cover? 
WHY/WHEN/HOW to detox safely and effectively with SVA time-tested protocols. This year, you will also learn a powerful pranic meditation for mental and emotional support — Vaidya Mishra’s Samadhi Marma Meditation. Total value of $351 includes herbal formulations and technique – included in your detox package price.
The detox course covers 4 types of toxins, in-depth knowledge of SVA detox principles, plus recipes recipes recipes that you can use throughout the year on days you feel sluggish or need a quick healthy meal.
2) How do I know this is for me?
If you are not sure the SVA detox is for you, you can schedule a “discovery call” where you get to ask any/all questions you may have to an expert SVA educator. These educators are also experienced detoxers: they have been using the SVA protocols for detox and rejuvenation for decades and can share their personal and professional experiences and details and address any concerns you may have or clarifications you may need so you can take your decision in full confidence. 
3) How long is the actual detox? 
8 weeks. You will learn practical baby steps for taking care of yourself with full-on support with products and lifestyle guidance.
4) Why is it so long?
We will be supplying additional educational materials and to help you re-instate long-standing change and habits that will become part of your daily life rather than doing a quick short weekend detox and then falling into old unwanted habits. 
5) Can I do it later if I am not able to do it with you all during the 8 weeks? – It’s ideal to detox at the seasonal junctions for utmost benefit; also you will get live support and interaction when doing with us. Committing to change is the first step towards change…. 
6) Can I use the recipes i learn in this course later on during the year at all times? Absolutely Yes! They are delicious light yet nourishing. 
7) What if I need more products? 
You may purchase more cleanse products at a discounted 20% off rate that is valid just for the duration of the detox course and exclusively for detoxers. 
8) If I have already taken this course before, and I already have a lot of the products, can I just join into the community to be part of the process? 
Yes, you may and are very welcome to do so. We invite you to connect with one of our SVA educators to determine further details of your participation. We are happy to extend the early bird rate for participation/knowledge. 
did you miss our Detox session this past Thursday?
watch the recording below…

Thank you for the article below! I would like to share a testimonial for ALA & Dr. Teitelbaum.
I had a phone consult with her several months ago and she recommended the ALA lotion on neck and face for hormonal headaches. I have had breast tenderness and soreness for many years during my monthly cycle as well. A few years ago I found a lump in my breast although it is not cancerous. 
Over a month ago, I decided to start massaging my breasts with the ALA lotion 1-2 times per day. I’ve had almost no breast soreness for several months now!! Two cycles now with no breast pain and no headaches. I’m absolutely amazed as this has been happening for years! The ALA lotion and soma cal tabs are the only new herbs I’ve added to my repertoire. 
So grateful for Vaidya, Dr Teitelbaum and these amazing formulas. ️️️
Saraswati Embodied Dharma Coaching
Twitter: @swatijr
Instagram: @swatijr
SJ* Jyotish on FB:  www.facebook.com/swatijrjyotish

The Amazing Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid
~ Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum
You’re probably thinking why would an Ayurvedic physician write in an Ayurvedic newsletter about alpha lipoic acid, especially when everyone else is writing about the health benefits of the typical Ayurvedic herbs, such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and numerous others. We should be extolling the virtues of Ayurvedic detox and the wonders of panchakarma. Or perhaps the importance of Dinacharya in balancing the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
But Alpha Lipoic Acid? Was this mentioned in the ancient texts some may ask? Perhaps not, but those ancient doctors were wise enough to recognize that the future will bring new cultural and envinronmental conditions that would necessitate new remedies they could not anticipate in their lifetimes. So they acknolwedged that the ideal physicians of the future would be those who would introduce new remedies based on and without swerving from the ancient foundational recommendations and guidelines. The physicians of the future would modernize Ayurveda without compromizing Ayurveda.
And that is just what Vaidya Mishra, genius that he was, did! He was able to adhere to the strict standards of the ancient texts while adapting those principles to what was needed in the physiology of the modern patient.
So let’s look at why Vaidya was enthralled with the health benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and why he wanted to make it available to all of his doctors and patients. 
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is found in many foods and is made in our bodies as well. If you recall, antioxidants quench free radicals, or compounds that form from toxins as they enter our bodies wreaking havoc causing numerous diseases. Luckily the antioxidants come to the rescue breaking down the free radicals, before they can harm us. 
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants and ALA can actually recycle them once they are used up, breathing new life into them, so they can continue clearing the body of the deadly free radicals. It can even recycle glutathione (our body’s antioxidant) and Coenzyme Q10. 
Some studies have suggested that ALA may enhance the body’s ability to use its own insulin to lower blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. It has been used for years in Europe in treating certain types of nerve damage, especially in the neuropathy or nerve damage that can result from diabetes.
Since it is both fat and water soluble it can cross the blood-brain barrier and is one of the only supplements to do so. Because of this, it is used to treat numerous brain disorders, such as autism, ADHD, MS, Parkinson’s, dementia, Alzheimer’s and brain tumors.
It is THE best remedy for glaucoma and high intraocular pressure. In fact, this is one of the main reasons Vaidya developed this remedy. He had spoken to one of the countries best ophthalmologists in Beverly Hills and asked him what he considered to be a good natural remedy for reducing eye pressure. The eye doctor told him ALA was by far the best remedy for this problem. 
ALA has been used by holistic doctors here in the States for many years now, but most of these physicians are using the synthetic version. As you know, Ayurveda prides itself on using nutrients which are based in nature, grown in the fields, absorbing the vital life essence of the cosmic vibration, or pranic energy, from the sun and the moon. In fact, all the Ayurvedic herbs are processed so as to carefully keep this delicate life force intact. 
We discourage our patients from taking synthetic nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, which are made in a lab and devoid of this health-promoting life energy. This is why these remedies, which while they may have an effect, will also be riddled with side effects and toxicity to the liver and kidneys as these unintelligent nutrients create confusion within our cells. This is because the pranic vibration of nature gives our cellular system the intelligence to do all their important functions. These synthetic “dumb and dead” versions of the real nutrients found in herbs, food and spices cause the numerous side effects we experience when taking them.
Vaidya was very careful when he decided he wanted to make ALA — he found suppliers who made it from spinach and broccoli, the two foods containing the highest amounts of ALA. We are so lucky to have this version of ALA as the research now shows that the ALA made from food is 10 times more potent than its synthetic cousin. 
First he developed the ALA lotion to be used around the eyes, on the forehead, the eyebrows, temples (the locations of the eye’s marma points) and under the skull where the neck begins (the location of the brain’s marma points). Both the lotion or the ALA cream can be applied down the entire spine, on the wrists and the soles of the feet, which represent all the areas which would affect our nervous system. We have reduced intraocular eye pressure in many patients by the use of the ALA lotion over the past several years since Vaidya first released it.
We also use it in the autistic children and just about any other brain/nerve problem we see, as mentioned previously.
I recommend ALA oil to our patients and instruct them on how to do abhyanga, or oil massage, 2-3 times a week with this outstanding oil. Apply the oil over the whole body, leave it on 20 minutes, then wash it off. You may also leave it on if you prefer. If you are sensitive enough, you can feel the cells enlivening, almost as if they become energized with the increased production of antioxidants the ALA is promoting throughout the entire physiology.
I encourage you to try one of these products and see if your health benefits — even if you don’t have any of these health problems — it is always good to stay ahead of the curve and prevent disease from happening in the first place. ALA definitely can do that for you as it increases the levels of all of your body’s antioxidants — vitamin C, E, glutathione and CoEnzyme Q10.
Vaidya Mishra went above and beyond the standard and current Ayurvedic treatments, always interested in applying the latest research to the knowledge buried deep within the ancient texts.
And we are the beneficiaries of his groundbreaking technologies.
Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum
Cinnaminson, New Jersey
856-786-3330
Interested in SVA Spring Detox? Contact us:
1.818.709.1005 or info@prana-center.com

Experience full SVA Marma and massage therapy services in Santa Barbara with Irina. Call or visit the website to book or find out more: www.somaskinspa.com
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

CONGRATULATIONS to all our Marma Graduates and THANK YOU for an amazing year of delving into deep ayurvedic knowledge in companionship. Each and every one of you made this course extra powerful, specially under the challenging transitional circumstances. We’ve all come out of this experience richer with knowledge but also stronger with new heart connections. Welcome to our SVA Community of healers, educators, and life-time learners.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at: info@prana-center.com, or call us: 1.818.709.1005

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters

Spring Detox FREE CLASS on April 1 – with Q&A; Plus ALA: Why It’s Good for You! – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter March 25, 2021 – #11, Vol 11

March 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment

In the SV Ayurveda tradition Vaidya Mishra offered us many tools to support seasonal transition and detox. ALA is one of them. Read all about it in Dr Teitelbaum’s article below. But in a nutshell, here is what ALA is:
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful both lipid- and water- soluble antioxidant. Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage — the common pathway for cancer, aging, and a variety of diseases. An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that produces free radicals. Free radicals are chemical byproducts produced during the process of oxidation that converts nutrients to cellular energy. As they oxidize, these compounds can become highly reactive and harmful to the cell, distorting vital components and reducing metabolic efficiency. Once formed, free radicals are highly reactive. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged, resulting in disease, aging, and overall depletion and exhaustion of our bodies. While the body can naturally manufacture enough lipoic acid for metabolic functions, supplementing can allow more optimal levels to circulate in a free state.
To get the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA, Vaidya Mishra has put together different formulations based on different delivery systems. You can choose from the delivery system that best suits your needs and physiology. 
To improve your body’s overall circulation without heating things up, you can use the ALA massage oil. This is good improve circulation in the cellular system, nourish the nerves, support the supply of blood to the nerves throughout the entire body. If you tend to have poor circulation but are prone to pitta inflammation and heat, this oil is idea for you, specially in the winter time. If you use Pitta massage oil, you can blend the ALA oil with your current oil in the ratio of 50/50 or 80/20 as per your preference. If you are a Vata type and need more thermogenic herbs, you can combine this oil, 50/50 or 80/20 with your vata oil as a mixture and apply. The ALA oil will boost the herbs and ingredients in any other formula that it is combined with. It will act as a catalyst to enhance the effects and supply added circulation so the herbs are delivered even faster and more efficiently. You can do regular abhyanga massage with the ALA oil, warming it applying it leaving it on for 30 minutes and then showering. Or you can also do a daily quick massage on arms and legs only, after shower. You can do this throughout the year for added cumulative benefit. 
join us for a FREE TALK ON SVA DETOX
Thursday April 1, 3:30pm pacific

frequently asked questions
about
Spring Home Detox
April 15 – June 3
1) What does the Home Detox course cover? 
WHY/WHEN/HOW to detox safely and effectively with SVA time-tested protocols. This year, you will also learn a powerful pranic meditation for mental and emotional support — Vaidya Mishra’s Samadhi Marma Meditation. Total value of $351 includes herbal formulations and technique – included in your detox package price.
The detox course covers 4 types of toxins, in-depth knowledge of SVA detox principles, plus recipes recipes recipes that you can use throughout the year on days you feel sluggish or need a quick healthy meal.
2) How do I know this is for me?
If you are not sure the SVA detox is for you, you can schedule a “discovery call” where you get to ask any/all questions you may have to an expert SVA educator. These educators are also experienced detoxers: they have been using the SVA protocols for detox and rejuvenation for decades and can share their personal and professional experiences and details and address any concerns you may have or clarifications you may need so you can take your decision in full confidence. 
3) How long is the actual detox? 
8 weeks. You will learn practical baby steps for taking care of yourself with full-on support with products and lifestyle guidance.
4) Why is it so long?
We will be supplying additional educational materials and to help you re-instate long-standing change and habits that will become part of your daily life rather than doing a quick short weekend detox and then falling into old unwanted habits. 
5) Can I do it later if I am not able to do it with you all during the 8 weeks? – It’s ideal to detox at the seasonal junctions for utmost benefit; also you will get live support and interaction when doing with us. Committing to change is the first step towards change…. 
6) Can I use the recipes i learn in this course later on during the year at all times? Absolutely Yes! They are delicious light yet nourishing. 
7) What if I need more products? 
You may purchase more cleanse products at a discounted 20% off rate that is valid just for the duration of the detox course and exclusively for detoxers. 
8) If I have already taken this course before, and I already have a lot of the products, can I just join into the community to be part of the process? 
Yes, you may and are very welcome to do so. We invite you to connect with one of our SVA educators to determine further details of your participation. We are happy to extend the early bird rate for participation/knowledge. 
did you miss our Detox session this past Thursday?
watch the recording below…

The Amazing Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid
~ Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum
You’re probably thinking why would an Ayurvedic physician write in an Ayurvedic newsletter about alpha lipoic acid, especially when everyone else is writing about the health benefits of the typical Ayurvedic herbs, such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and numerous others. We should be extolling the virtues of Ayurvedic detox and the wonders of panchakarma. Or perhaps the importance of Dinacharya in balancing the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
But Alpha Lipoic Acid? Was this mentioned in the ancient texts some may ask? Perhaps not, but those ancient doctors were wise enough to recognize that the future will bring new cultural and envinronmental conditions that would necessitate new remedies they could not anticipate in their lifetimes. So they acknolwedged that the ideal physicians of the future would be those who would introduce new remedies based on and without swerving from the ancient foundational recommendations and guidelines. The physicians of the future would modernize Ayurveda without compromizing Ayurveda.
And that is just what Vaidya Mishra, genius that he was, did! He was able to adhere to the strict standards of the ancient texts while adapting those principles to what was needed in the physiology of the modern patient.
So let’s look at why Vaidya was enthralled with the health benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and why he wanted to make it available to all of his doctors and patients. 
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is found in many foods and is made in our bodies as well. If you recall, antioxidants quench free radicals, or compounds that form from toxins as they enter our bodies wreaking havoc causing numerous diseases. Luckily the antioxidants come to the rescue breaking down the free radicals, before they can harm us. 
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants and ALA can actually recycle them once they are used up, breathing new life into them, so they can continue clearing the body of the deadly free radicals. It can even recycle glutathione (our body’s antioxidant) and Coenzyme Q10. 
Some studies have suggested that ALA may enhance the body’s ability to use its own insulin to lower blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. It has been used for years in Europe in treating certain types of nerve damage, especially in the neuropathy or nerve damage that can result from diabetes.
Since it is both fat and water soluble it can cross the blood-brain barrier and is one of the only supplements to do so. Because of this, it is used to treat numerous brain disorders, such as autism, ADHD, MS, Parkinson’s, dementia, Alzheimer’s and brain tumors.
It is THE best remedy for glaucoma and high intraocular pressure. In fact, this is one of the main reasons Vaidya developed this remedy. He had spoken to one of the countries best ophthalmologists in Beverly Hills and asked him what he considered to be a good natural remedy for reducing eye pressure. The eye doctor told him ALA was by far the best remedy for this problem. 
ALA has been used by holistic doctors here in the States for many years now, but most of these physicians are using the synthetic version. As you know, Ayurveda prides itself on using nutrients which are based in nature, grown in the fields, absorbing the vital life essence of the cosmic vibration, or pranic energy, from the sun and the moon. In fact, all the Ayurvedic herbs are processed so as to carefully keep this delicate life force intact. 
We discourage our patients from taking synthetic nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, which are made in a lab and devoid of this health-promoting life energy. This is why these remedies, which while they may have an effect, will also be riddled with side effects and toxicity to the liver and kidneys as these unintelligent nutrients create confusion within our cells. This is because the pranic vibration of nature gives our cellular system the intelligence to do all their important functions. These synthetic “dumb and dead” versions of the real nutrients found in herbs, food and spices cause the numerous side effects we experience when taking them.
Vaidya was very careful when he decided he wanted to make ALA — he found suppliers who made it from spinach and broccoli, the two foods containing the highest amounts of ALA. We are so lucky to have this version of ALA as the research now shows that the ALA made from food is 10 times more potent than its synthetic cousin. 
First he developed the ALA lotion to be used around the eyes, on the forehead, the eyebrows, temples (the locations of the eye’s marma points) and under the skull where the neck begins (the location of the brain’s marma points). Both the lotion or the ALA cream can be applied down the entire spine, on the wrists and the soles of the feet, which represent all the areas which would affect our nervous system. We have reduced intraocular eye pressure in many patients by the use of the ALA lotion over the past several years since Vaidya first released it.
We also use it in the autistic children and just about any other brain/nerve problem we see, as mentioned previously.
I recommend ALA oil to our patients and instruct them on how to do abhyanga, or oil massage, 2-3 times a week with this outstanding oil. Apply the oil over the whole body, leave it on 20 minutes, then wash it off. You may also leave it on if you prefer. If you are sensitive enough, you can feel the cells enlivening, almost as if they become energized with the increased production of antioxidants the ALA is promoting throughout the entire physiology.
I encourage you to try one of these products and see if your health benefits — even if you don’t have any of these health problems — it is always good to stay ahead of the curve and prevent disease from happening in the first place. ALA definitely can do that for you as it increases the levels of all of your body’s antioxidants — vitamin C, E, glutathione and CoEnzyme Q10.
Vaidya Mishra went above and beyond the standard and current Ayurvedic treatments, always interested in applying the latest research to the knowledge buried deep within the ancient texts.
And we are the beneficiaries of his groundbreaking technologies.
Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum
Cinnaminson, New Jersey
856-786-3330
Interested in SVA Spring Detox? Contact us:
1.818.709.1005 or info@prana-center.com

Experience full SVA Marma and massage therapy services in Santa Barbara with Irina. Call or visit the website to book or find out more: www.somaskinspa.com
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.

CONGRATULATIONS to all our Marma Graduates and THANK YOU for an amazing year of delving into deep ayurvedic knowledge in companionship. Each and every one of you made this course extra powerful, specially under the challenging transitional circumstances. We’ve all come out of this experience richer with knowledge but also stronger with new heart connections. Welcome to our SVA Community of healers, educators, and life-time learners.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at: info@prana-center.com, or call us: 1.818.709.1005

Calendar of Upcoming Events
looking for a live SVA event in your area or online?

Check out our Calendar page for upcoming courses and community events & for full contact and registration details:
Upcoming new SVA events across the US & Canada coming soooooon
stay connected….
a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips – thousands of articles and questions answered by Vaidya Mishra and his team of experts; and so much more…
home to Vaidya Mishra’s unique pranic exquisite formulations – with weekly specials and give-aways. Learn Ayurveda as you shop!

Filed Under: Newsletters
« Previous Page
Next Page »