It is a wonderful thing to know that the full power and significance of marma points in our bodies are even greater than we can imagine! Not only do these points give us immediate access to the life force keeping us alive, but as described in the vedic shastras, they are in direct connection to our individual soul, our “jeevatma.” This means  that we can take care of not only our physical, emotional, and mental health through our body’s marma points, but we can even connect with the subtle light of our own souls… What can this mean?
As taught exclusively in Vaidya Mishra’s SVA lineage, Prana is made up of the three cosmic elements by now familiar to us: Soma, Agni, and Marut. Each marma point is connected to different organs and sections in our body on one hand, and on the other hand they all run a direct connection to the individual soul – jeevatma. Because they are in direct connection to the soul, they operate Satwa, Rajas, and Tamas, the three distinct qualities or properties of the mind. Marma points thus have two very important qualities. They are directly connected to the silent part of consciousness, the witnessing Jeevatma, but at the same time they help to operate the dynamic activity of the organs and organ systems in the body. They are the juncture points where nadis (vibrational channels) meet, and that serve as a gateway for Soma, Agni, and Marut.
The Marma Chikitsa (classical textbook of Marma) explains that it is important to avoid incision or punctures on marma points during operation, as these may result in incurable imbalances. This is why Ayurveda does not fully endorse using needles as in acupuncture, especially on marma points. Direct injury of a marma point can results in either different treatable symptoms or irreversible permanent harm. The ancient marma textbook details all known and possible harm and gives remedies.
Since marma points are so delicate and yet such important powerful points in our physiology, it is very important to take the best care of them, not just in protecting them from physical and vibrational harm, but also by maintaining the proper circulation of prana throught good diet and gentle marma massage.

Vaidya’s ancestors always paid the most attention to the marma points and, over time, developed many wonderful approaches to healing through these marma points. Vaidya acknowledges he has been fortunate enough to receive the gift of this knowledge and, in addition to his personal experiences as a healer over the last almost 40 years,  to have put together an easy and practical system that gives immediate results. It is the Transdermal Marma System™. The Transdermal Marma System™ or TMS™ combines the ancient wisdom of marmas (their location, function, relation to different organs etc), it includes the knowledge of which herb will be optimal for which marma point, and in addition, it also gives the specific sound vibration therapy (or mantra) for each specific marma point. In addition, there is a specific way s of touching each specific marma point. Not all marma points can be re-awakened or balanced with the same quality of touch or amount of pressure. The TMS™ supplies appropriate herbs through the skin (transdermally), appropriate touch, appropriate vibrational healing that addresses the deeper levels of imbalances, and appropriate aromatherapy (the aroma molecules serve as carriers for delivering the herbs to their targeted destinations). When Vaidya first developed the TMS™, Dr Douglas Beech and he were working together trying to help several clients with severe fybriomialgia. After incorporating TMS™ into their healing protocol, they got 98% results. Then other doctors, including Dr Marianne Teitelbaum started to use TMS™ for other chronic conditions with great success, including, different chronic pain situations, autism, allergies, and much more.
So how does it all work? As taught in the SVA lineage, the srotas (physical channels) are structured by sandhi-s (gaps). At the meeting point of these Srota-s and Sandhi-s, Marma-s are found. Marma-s, in turn, are connected to consciousness.
When the essential oils and herbs found in a jar of Transdermal Marma System cream are applied onto a marma point, the specific vibrational energy of the creams penetrates and unclogs the channels, awakening the intelligence of the gaps (sandhi). When Sandhi-s and Nadi-s are active and awakened, then they affect the physical channels (Srota-s) and the Prana starts to flow into the different physical organs and organ systems and eventually through the whole body. The physical channels also need Prana. Marma organizes all this activity of the flow of Prana in our bodies on all the levels.
Now we know a little more about how wonderful and powerful these divine marma points are. They are connected to our souls, the root of our silence, and the seed of our dynamism. The three primary Nadi-s: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna, are the most important Nadi-s which support all other Nadi-s in our body. All marma points are connected to Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna, because Ida is Soma predominant, Pingala is Agni predominant, and Sushumna is Marut predominant. Keeping these three primary Nadi-s free from toxic build-up and vibrational pollution, Vaidya  has created many different methods of delivering cleansing and protective herbal formulations. For example: the Ida/Pingala oil for the nostrils can be used morning and evening. On the spine, DGL Transdermal cream can be applied every night, as well as SupertSport Transdermal cream. The Samadhi Set™ is good to use always, as it addresses the heart, mind and senses through the marma points, and hundreds of people have reported how much they love using it twice daily. In addition, for those of you who need to use something more to help them throughout the day Vaidya has now made SuperSport and Flex’nFlo available in a new format. Click here to hear Vaidya talk all about it. ..

If our body creates its own friendly bacteria, why do we need to use synbiotic (prebiotic and probiotic) foods, supplements and skincare? It’s simple; we are depleting our own friendly bacteria through the use of antibiotics, environmental toxins, poor diet, parabens (yes, we have all heard that dirty word!) preservatives, highly acidic food, acidic personal care products, excess alcohol intake, too many anti-bacterial solutions in skin products, chemical peels and more. The overuse of antibiotics is of particular concern as antibiotics not only kill germs and disease, they also kill beneficial bacteria. Simply put, antibiotics kill without prejudice. Over time, these etiological factors have altered our friendly bacteria so much that we have depleted our immune system and we are more susceptible to disease and illness. As discussed earlier, the use of probiotics as a complement to a healthy diet and lifestyle is not new, and has been documented in the Vedas and used for thousands of years for digestive, gastro-intestinal, urogenital, auto-immune and skin ailments. Up until recently, probiotics have always been ingested internally, but are now available as topical solutions that directly improve the composition of the skin’s microflora and friendly bacteria. A growing body of scientific evidence and research is showing that in addition to certain foods and supplements, topical creams, ointments and clays containing certain live and friendly bacteria can alleviate and prevent a variety of skin conditions and symptoms. (see list of sample references at the end of this article). Our skin, our largest organ, is full of little ecosystems that need to be balanced in order to function optimally. Through its layers we absorb the universal pranic energy we need to sustain our life, as well as protect us from hazardous effects of environmental toxins such as chemicals, EMF and EMR (electromagnetic fields and radiation). Our skin also supports our immune system helping to prevent infections. By supporting our skin with prebiotics and probiotics we can reestablish a state of balance and optimize the naturally occurring friendly bacteria in our bodies. Remember, our food is our medicine and our skin is an organ, so feeding our skin adequately with nature-derived nourishment will help restore its balance, luster and vibrancy. Low levels of friendly bacteria in our skin shows up as symptoms of dry and rough skin, thinning and scaly skin, lack of resistance against environmental and seasonal changes and allergies, and flare-ups related to auto-immune conditions. Common bothersome and often painful (both physically and mentally) skin conditions include; eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, allergies, dermatitis, rashes etc.   The symbiotic approach of using prebiotics and probiotics in skincare is a straightforward one; reduce the amount of bad bacteria, while preserving and supporting the beneficial bacteria that protect our skin from infections and other environmental effects. But it should be noted that for optimal results, the application of synbiotics on the skin should be a coordinated one as bacterial equilibrium on the skin can be easily disturbed. The topical application of prebiotics will promote the growth of beneficial bacterial and inhibit harmful bacteria. The topical application of probiotics provides a preventative and alleviating effect of skin issues. Together, they provide a balanced approach that improves the function of the skin and supports the overall immune system. The skin acts as a barrier against harsh chemical and vibrational environmental effects that we sometimes cannot avoid and therefore requires our long-term care and attention.

What are the key differences between conventional antibacterial skincare products and synbiotic skincare products?
  Conventional anti-bacterial skincare products reduce all bacterial growth, good and bad. Synbiotic skincare products fight and limit the growth of infectious bad bacteria, yet preserve and stimulate beneficial and friendly bacteria. Probiotics also aid the skin in absorbing nutrients, sooth inflammation, and boost immune function.
When evaluating your use of synbiotic, prebiotic and probiotic skincare, it is important that you research the validity of the products and educate yourself sufficiently. It is also key to understand that true health is not simply about treating symptoms – it is about considering the mind, body and soul as a whole entity.
The Charak Samhita[1] teaches us that Ayurvedic healing should have a three-pronged or tri-sutra approach; we should understand the etiological factors of those we are healing (hetu sutra), we should analyze the symptoms (lingam sutra), and third, we should use therapeutics (aushadhi gyanam sutra) to prevent and heal. Etiological factors are risks factors that contribute to the cause of a disease and those specifically related to our skin may include; the use of antibiotics, unnatural preservatives, acidic food, intake of high sulphur foods, excessive alcohol, chemical-based personal care items, makeup and sunscreens. The etiological factors will cause symptoms that manifest as dryness, roughness, premature wrinkles, lack of resistance to environment fluctuations, lack of glow, flare-ups related to auto-immune deficiencies, as well as thinning and scaling. Therapeutics should be offered as guidelines in avoiding etiological factors, using safe cleansing agents for our skin, and supplementing our skin with pr biotics (discussed below) and probiotics to support the friendly bacteria.

Vaidya’s SVA Probiotic Line
Vaidya Mishra has developed the SVA pre-and-probiotic facial cleansers, clays, creams and soaps to target common skin ailments, provide anti-aging benefits, and support an environment for healthy and friendly bacteria to thrive. The proprietary formulations are based on ancient Vedic texts, time-tested research studies and practice by the SVA Ayurvedic lineage, as well as basic universal truths and philosophical concepts.  This skincare line is designed to be used as part of the tri-sutra Ayurvedic approach; avoid as many etiological factors as possible to help support the friendly bacteria on your skin, and treat the symptoms and skin with therapeutics such as the SVA prebiotic and probiotic skincare line. The prebiotic herbs used in the SVA skincare line are bacteriostatic, as they stop bacteria from reproducing without harming them. They provide a healthy environment of food for friendly bacteria to thrive, and keep the PH level of the skin neutral. Since the bad bacteria are not welcome, they leave or simply do not multiply. The SVA skincare line does not use bacteriocidal substances, which are designed to kill bacteria. Examples of bacteriocidal formulations are disinfectants, antiseptics, and antibiotics. Prebiotic herbs in the SVA line provide a wonderful environment for the yoginies to flourish and include:

• turmeric – immune modulator and bacteriostatic (in body prebiotic clay only)
• neem leaf – supports cellular immunity (in body prebiotic clay only)
• ashoka – binds auto-immune toxins (in body prebiotic clay only)
• lodra – firms and reshapes skin (in body prebiotic clay only)
• triphala – nurturing and helps bind toxins (in body prebiotic clay only)
• iron bhasma – provides extra food and supports immune system (in body prebiotic clay only)
• praval pishti – coral calcium (in body prebiotic clay only)
• baking powder – alkalizing and cleansing effect (in body prebiotic clay only)
• marshmallow root – contains inulin an adaptable substance that helps bind toxins
• slippery elm – similar effects as marshmallow root
• Indian sarsaparilla – fat purifier (fat is acidic which can kill friendly bacteria)
• praval bhasma – neutralizes PH balance
• pranic clay – for enhanced delivery of life-enforcing pranic energy
• Sweet orange and grapefruit – gentle natural preservatives
• manjistha – immune corrector
• vegetable glycerin – emulsifier
• ylang ylang, jasmine, lavender – fragrances

The probiotic creams in the SVA line include an organic base of coconut and vegetable glycerin, ylang ylang, jasmine, sweet orange and grapefruit as natural preservatives, neem, turmeric, manjistha, indian sarsaparilla, guduchi, aloe vera, and lactobacillus bulgaricus as the active probiotic ingredient.
The SVA pre and probiotic products should be used together and provide a safe and effective two-step solution for detoxification and restoring balance to the skin and include:

–        Step 1 for face: Prebiotic facial cleanser

• Clean your face with a thin layer of prebiotic cleanser
• Leave it on for 2-3 minutes, then rinse off
• Should be kept in a cool and dry place

–        Step 2 for face: Probiotic facial cream

• Apply a thin layer of probiotic facial cream
• Keep in the fridge and finish within one month of opening
• If aroma disappears or goes off, discard the cream

–        Step 1 for body: Prebiotic cream clay

• Apply a thin layer of clay on your body
• Leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse off
• Should be kept in a cool and dry place

–        Step 2 for body: Probiotic body cream

• Apply a thin layer of probiotic body cream
• Keep in the fridge and finish within one month of opening
• If aroma disappears or goes off, discard the cream

In addition, Dr. Mishra has developed a line of synbiotic soaps with prebiotic and probiotic ingredients that are extra-strength and should only be used by licensed Ayurvedic practitioners and physicians. This soap is designed for affected areas of the body only and should not be used on the face. Afterwards, one should apply probiotic cream on the body. A lesser-strength soap is available for daily use. After following the two-step SVA pre and probiotic application, users have reported that their skin felt instantly nourished, hydrated and provided them with an overall feeling of bliss.
Based on divine guidance, the wisdom and knowledge of ancient Vedic texts, and the Shaka Vansya (SVA) Ayurvedic lineage, Vaidya Mishra and his team have been able to capture the essence of a revolutionary skincare formula that balances and strengthens the immune system, and protects, enhances and enriches the skin.

References and further reading on probiotic studies:
There are now hundreds of studies that show the direct connection and relationship between probiotics, the skin, and immunity. Below are a few references:

• Coordinated application of pre and probiotics to get optimum results on skin.[2]
• Conventional cosmetic strategies use antibacterial methods which reduce the amount of bad bacteria, but also effect beneficial bacteria. A prebiotic strategy would rebalance the composition of the skin’s microflora by inhibiting the growth of P. acnes and at the same time preserving the growth of beneficial bacteria.[3][4][5]
• Probiotics may alleviate and even prevent eczema in infants.[6]
• Significant improvement in atopic dermatitis has been reported in infants given probiotic-supplemented elimination diets.[7]
• Probiotics administered pre-and post natal for 6 months may be able to reduce the prevalence of atopic eczema in children at high risk for atopic diseases as compared with placebo treatment.[8]
• Double-blind, randomized clinical study has shown that as 24-week skin nutrition intervention with a fermented dairy product in female volunteers having dry and sensitive, but otherwise healthy skin significantly reduced trans-epidermal water loss and thus improved stratum corneum barrier function compared to a placebo product.[9]

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[1] The Charaka Samhitā Sutra is the canonical and authoritative early Ayurvedic text on internal medicine
[2] Journal of Dermatological science. Leyden JJ, McGinley KJ, Bowels B. Propionibacterium acnes colonization in acne and nonacne. Dermatology 1998; 196:55-8.
[3] Journal of Dermatological Science. Pre-and probiotics for human skin by Jean Krutmann.
[4] Bockmuhl D, Jasoy C, Nieveler S, Scholtyseek R., Wadle A, Waldmann-Laue M. Prebiotic cosmetics: an alternative to antibacterial products. IFSSC Mag 2006; 9-1-5
[5] Freter R. Factors affecting the mircoecology of the gut. In: Fuller R, ed. Probiotics, the scientific basis. London: Champan & Hall, 1992: 111-44.
[6] Food allergy, anaphylaxix, dermatology and drug allergy. Probiotics in prevention of IgE-associated eczema: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. By Thomas R. Abrahamson, MD., Ted Jakobsoon, PhD, Bengt Bjorksten, MD, PhD, and Goran Oldaeus, Md, PhD (Linkoping, Stockholm, and Jonkopimg, Sweden
[7] Isolauri E., Arvola T, Sutas Y, Moilanen E, Salminen S. Probiotics in the management of atopic eczema. Clin Exp Allergy 2000; 30:1605-10, Rosenfeldt V, Benfeldt E, Dam Nielsen S, Fleichsler Michaelsen K, Jppesen DL, Valerius NH, et al. Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus strains in children with atopic eczema. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 111:389-95., Viljnen M., Savilahti E, Haahtela. Et al. Probiotics in the treatment of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndromein infants: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Allergy 2005; 60:494-500, Weston S., Halbert A, Rihmond P, Prescott SL. Effects of prebiotics on atopic dermatitis: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Dis Child 2005: 90:892-7.
[8] Kalliomaki M, Salminen S, Arviommi H, Kero P, Kaskinen P, Isolauri E. Probiotics in primary prevention of atopic disease: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2001; 357:1076-9.
[9] Puch F, Samson-Villeger S, Guyonnet D, Blachon JL, Rawlings AV, Lassel T. The consumption of functional fermented milk containing borage oil, green tea and vitamin E enhances skin barrier funtion. Exp Dermatol 2008; 7:668-74.

Lori M. from Sacramento asked: “I am really enjoying your newsletter, and I must say, I never considered the possibility that skin may also need probiotics! This is really exciting news, and thank you for writing about this. My question: I have often wondered if some of my chronic health problems might be due to the way I treat my skin. One thing I love is a very long, hot shower, or a bath which gets very steamy. But I think perhaps I strip my skin, while I’m singing in the shower??? Do I have to give up my favorite showers, or is there a way to protect my skin while I am getting a long, hot soak?”

Dear Lori: thank you for your question. Yes. Long hot showers are not good for the yoginis of the skin – regardless of body types (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) or season. In addition, that is why in the SVA lineage, after every long “swedana” (herbal steaming) there is a special exfoliation program which includes a mixture of chickpea flour and yogurt that is applied to the skin to replete the friendly bacteria. For you situation, try to cut down on the temperature of your showers, and try not to be in the hot water for longer than 6-7 minutes. Then, once a week, do a full body treatment with the Pre- and Pro-biotic cleanser and creams for the body every week. Also use the Probiotic cream for the face every day to replenish the yogini-s.
In the big picture, however, you may also want to see why you feel the need to have these long hot soaks/showers. It may be that your overall circulation is slow, your body needs more thermogenesis and you are intuitively seeking that through hot showers and soaks. There are many ways of turning things on internally through ayurveda. And you may find that once you do improve overall circulation and your body’s thermogenesis, your need for hot showers/soaks may diminish or disappear. We would recommend a session with a SVA practitioner to determine things further. Hope this helps.

Anne O. from Seattle asked: “Hello Prana Center:  I have just seen the newsletter today and am excited to see the new probiotic skin care products you are offering.  I have had a rash on both underarms area for 2 years now.   I keep hoping it will eventually go away but it never does!   It can be itchy at night, and also after eating pitta-provoking foods – spicy foods in particular.
It seemed to have started after using tea tree oil in that area, which (I am speculating) may have killed off all the good flora.
So my question is, would you recommend the pre/probiotic clay and cream for this type of problem.
Thank you.   Your products and newsletters are a joy to my life.”

Dear Anne: Thank you for your feedback, we appreciate it.
Your rash may be related to the use of Tea-tree oil. I have seen in my practice, and some researh ahs been conducted that indicate that Tea-tree oil can in fact cause such rashes. But you may also have some amavisha (reactive toxins)  in your fat tissue stored there or that are being released through that area. So: yes, you can try to use the pre- and pro-biotic cleanser and creams. You may also alternate applying Surya Maha Shanti cream one day and Pro-biotic cream on the next. Do this for a couple of weeks and see how you feel. In the big picture, you may also need to consult with a SVA practitioner who would check the “hetu” (etiological trigger factor) of your condition.
MVM from Northern California asked: “I was chronically constipated all my life, until the past few years practicing SVAyurveda. So, I now consider it a big success that I have a daily bowel movement. But the BM does not happen right when I awake. It usually occurs after drinking a cup of tea (1 clove, 1/2tsp coriander, 1/2tsp fennel, 3 mint leaves), which I have after I get up. I dream of the day when I will have a BM upon awaking, but in the meantime, is there anything one can do to encourage a BM immediately upon arising, besides of course, a sattvic diet and lifestyle?”

Having a first-thing-in-the-morning BM is also a learnt process, that is: your body learns that that is what you want it to do at that time, so you may want to train it by spending a minute or so giving it a chance to happen first thing in the morning. When you do so, calm your mind and do not think about anything else, as we know the mind and the gut are closely connected. In general, however, delay of BM first thing in the morning is usually due to the channels not being fully open and energy flowing. That is why your channel-opening tea recipe (with clove and mint, etc) is helping you. With time, as you refine your diet and train your physiology, you will find that it will happen…  The science behind this is the connection behind Prana and Apana through the Sushumna Nadi by enhancing the reception of Prana from the environment. Apply the Mahamarma Oil on your Adipathi Marma and Supersport or Mahakanchenar Transdermal creams on your lower spine. On a final note: make sure you avoid reading material or listening to news or any such distracting mental activities while attempting to have a BM!

Benoit G. from Canada: “Hi everybody !
You should add a “Recipe” page to your website; and also, a recipe book ! Learned in your last newsletter about “Mum’s ghee”; but how do we make it ???
Best regards,
Namaste, Benoit”

Dear Benoit: thank you for your suggestions. We will add a recipe section to our website. Vaidya’s Recipe book is in its final editing stages and should be out very soon. We will keep all informed. Making Mum’s ghee is a long process (first start with raw cream and make yogurt, churn the yogurt to make butter, cook the butter to make ghee). We have discussed this elsewhere and we also have a brochure on www.chandika.com that discusses it (look up Mum’s Ghee). We may make a video available in the future. But in the meantime, we like to make things easier by making Mum’s Ghee available for sale through www.chandika.com.

Jim P. from Santa Barbara wrote:  “It has been so good reading the newsletters. I have been soaking up the knowledge. Especially the knowledge in the recipes.”

Thank you for your feedback dear Jim.

Linda from Argentina asked:
“Dear Malavika,
You are mentioning in your recipe on youtube “yoghurt starter” – there is some special kind you use? could i use my probiotic capsules instead and empty them in the coconut milk – i am in argentina and dont know where to get youghurt starter as mentioned…
Also i am not clear on why its not good to consume the probiotics in capsules in large cuantities. I read the newsletter from today completely but still not understanding this point…
thank you
Linda”

Dear Linda: thank you for your question. The yogurt starter that I use is from a company called “Natren: Probiotic Yogurt Starter,” it containsLactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria (plus Nonfat milk solids and whey as carriers). You can order this brand through the Prana Center (1.818.709.1005) or directly from Natren (1.800.992.3323).  Depending on what is in your capsule of probiotic, it may or may not be a good idea to use. Check the ingredients. In Argentina, see if you can find a yogurt starter with similar minimal ingredients and additives. As to your final question: it is an excellent question. A very quick answer would be given by Vaidya Mishra in the following manner: Probiotic bacteria are living organisms that need a specific environment and temperature to grow and thrive. You know this from making yogurt for example. If your milk is too hot they die and the milk does not turn into yogurt. Similarly if your milk is too cold they cannot be activated and thrive. In the same manner, when you ingest probiotic bacteria they have to be able to survive in your physiology, to safely bypass the low pH of your stomach (normally so for everybody) and end up in your gut so they can thrive. If your body’s overall pH is too low, and if you don’t protect these bacteria by ingesting them with a Soma-genic medium, then they will die in your body and create gas, and other problems. That is why SVA does NOT recommend just swallowing the capsules on their own. I hope this clarifies your question. Let me know. Thanks.

Mary from Northern California asked:
“Thank you for another wonderful newsletter. I am very grateful to have the rest of a SVAntastic day outlined for me. I tried the upma recipe and am delighted to have a savory breakfast alternative. However, as a high pitta, I found 1/8 tsp of fenugreek made me feel like a volcano with the hot lava roiling around in my chest for a few hours. Are there any spices that a high pitta could substitute for fenugreek?
Also, I wonder if exercise is part of a SVAntastic Day, and if so, when is the best time for exercising?
Thank you,
Mary”

Dear Mary: Thank you for your feedback, we appreciate it. And we definitely want to avoid aggravating the pittas out there! So: if you find fenugreek too heating for you, you may substitute it with cumin seeds. They will flavor up your quinoa upma and help with digestion without overheating your system. As for exercise: SVA recommends gentle yoga, however, exercise is definitely an option if/when you prefer it. It is best done during the Kapha times of each day when you have more Soma available in the environment, thus either between 6-9am or 6-9pm. If you do it in the evenings, unless you have a really sturdy somagenic built, it is best not to be too vigorous otherwise it may affect your sleep. Hope these answers help!

MVM from Northern California asked: “I was chronically constipated all my life, until the past few years practicing SVAyurveda. So, I now consider it a big success that I have a daily bowel movement. But the BM does not happen right when I awake. It usually occurs after drinking a cup of tea (1 clove, 1/2tsp coriander, 1/2tsp fennel, 3 mint leaves), which I have after I get up. I dream of the day when I will have a BM upon awaking, but in the meantime, is there anything one can do to encourage a BM immediately upon arising, besides of course, a sattvic diet and lifestyle?”

Having a first-thing-in-the-morning BM is also a learnt process, that is: your body learns that that is what you want it to do at that time, so you may want to train it by spending a minute or so giving it a chance to happen first thing in the morning. When you do so, calm your mind and do not think about anything else, as we know the mind and the gut are closely connected. In general, however, delay of BM first thing in the morning is usually due to the channels not being fully open and energy flowing. That is why your channel-opening tea recipe (with clove and mint, etc) is helping you. With time, as you refine your diet and train your physiology, you will find that it will happen… On a final note: make sure you avoid reading material or listening to news or any such distracting mental activities while attempting to have a BM!

Lisa A.W. asks:

“You sell Mum’s Masala and Pitta Masala. The detox recipe(s) [from last week] recommend Mum’s Masala. What I’m wondering is … if Pitta predominant people should substitute Pitta Masala?” – Yes! Specially if you are a high pitta type. The Mum’s Masala is tridoshic, unless you are high Pitta, and unless it bother you, it is a somewhat better option to use. But Pitta Masala is a good replacement option for Mum’s Masala in all detox recipes.

Vidhya asks:

“I have been seeing a SVA practitioner for my child and also following the great newsletters in my email. Why is sauerkraut not recommended in SVA practice? I hear cabbage is healing, but why is it not recommended in sauerkraut form? (And) should lentils be soaked for a few hours before cooking to reduce the phytic acid, so it is easier on digestion?” – Dear Vidhya: Sauerkraut is not recommended in SVA simply because it is a highly acidic food. Even though  the healing benefits of sauerkraut may be extolled because of the lactic acid bacteria produced as a side-effect of the pickling process. Healthy human colons contain many beneficial bacteria which feed on the waste left over from our digestion, creating lactic acid. Without these beneficial bacteria the human digestive system becomes home to harmful parasites and yeasts, resulting in the condition of candida.This is in addition to the health benefits offered by all cruciferous vegetables (a category which includes cauliflowers and brussel sprouts as well as cabbage), such as being high in vitamins A and C. Studies have shown the cruciferous vegetables can help lower cholesterol levels. Cabbage also provides a rich source of phytonutrient antioxidants. However, Sauerkraut is an extremely acidic food that can aggravate Pitta Dosha on very deep tissue levels. While it may be beneficial to consume cabbage, pickled cabbage prepared as in the Sauerkraut recipe is not recommended. And there are better and safer, according to SVA, sources for populating your gut with beneficial bacteria, such as Probiotic Coconut drink, (watch our SVA Health channel on yourtube.com). Yes, you may soak your lentils but it is not necessary. Cooking with a good spice blend always helps with digestion. However, soaking may also reduce cooking time. 

Ann D. asks:

“Is the Guduchi nectar in a matrix of orange and grapefruit gel? Are there any products that are not in this base. It appears that I must take a cholesterol lowering drug and ingestion of grapefruit is contraindicated. I currently use several of your products and am concerned about this.” – Dear Ann: Vaidya’s nectar drops all contain Grapefruit and/or Sweet Orange as part of their synergistic formula, even if in very minimal negligible quantities. Please check with your medical doctor about possible herb/drug interactions.

Before one can begin the process of self-nourishment, it is helpful to understand the practices and basic concepts behind the methods. Shakha Vansiya Ayurveda, a unique lineage of knowledge, has a rich history, meaning, and purpose. But what does the name mean?

“Vansiya” is the lineage and “Shakha” is the name of that lineage. In addition, “Ayu”, means life and “veda” means eternal wisdom. Shakha Vansiya Ayurveda speaks to the idea of one lineage and its wisdom and knowledge about life. With a unique history, one that speaks of ancestors coming to India during Lord Krishna’s era, some 5,000 years ago, this line of Ayurveda provides a compelling, deep-rooted set of methodologies.

For millennia, the philosophy behind Shakha Vansiya Ayurveda has been focused on understanding and supporting the flow of energy, or prana, in our lives. Unlike mainstream Ayurveda,  SV Ayurveda, has a more comprehensive way of understanding and describing ayu, one that is informed by the canonical texts but also by the experiences of the hundreds of vaidyas who have passed down their knowledge from father to son or daughter.

So what are the primary tenets of Shakha Vansiya Ayurveda?

According to this lineage, the circulation of energy or “prana” in the physical body is the essence of Ayu. SV Ayurveda looks to enhance, understand, and focus the perception, flow, and ultimate use of prana in the body. This vibrational energy, prana, creates and nurtures every visible and non-visible material in life as we know it, as well as in the rest of the cosmos.

This energy comes from all corners and all things around us – the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even the laughter and good relationships we have in life. For a healthy, nurtured life, one must retain the prana found in these things.

SV Ayurveda is centered around this very idea: maintaining and enhancing the prana inside and around us. It teaches one how to make food without losing prana; it teaches one to identify foods with either prana or anti-prana; it teaches one to get the most prana from anything in life, be it natural aromas or the gentle, loving touch of another.

It is a principle in SV Ayurveda to avoid that which lacks or blocks prana. This is most often synthetic, unnatural things one encounters in the world, such as the cars many find themselves stuck in or the unhealthy foods that are made of unnatural ingredients not meant for regular consumption.

Practicing SV Ayurveda means understanding these principles in a modern scientific context while continuing to follow and understand the ancient scripture and oral tradition from which it grew. As we begin to develop an understanding of the energy that makes up life and that flows through us just as in any living entity in nature, we grow healthier, wiser, and become better prepared to help and guide others.

1.) Why is Vit D is increasingly in the news?

• Recent findings confirm that 30-50% of Americans suffer from Vit D deficiency.
• Vit D deficiency is now associated with 17 types of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, osteoporosis, asthma, and more recently with autism.

2.) According to the SVA perspective, why is there an epidemic?

• SVA confirms that our immediate primary source of Vit D is sunlight. Sun exposure is an easy, reliable way for most people to get vitamin D. Exposure of the hands, face, arms, and legs to sunlight two to three times a will cause the skin to produce enough vitamin D (the necessary exposure time varies with age, skin type, season, time of day, etc). But getting Vit D through sunlight has become problematic because UVB is absorbed through the skin, and the liver and kidneys play a major role in transforming UVB to Vit D.
• SVA highlights the fact that in this day and age, due to toxins in the food, stress, toxins in personal care, make-up, or the chemicals in the water we drink or shower in, are putting an extra load on the liver because the liver is the organ that has to deal with all kinds of toxins that enter the body either orally or transdermally. So when the intelligence of the liver is compromised due to artificial chemicals artificial colors, flavors, scents, then it is not able to fulfill it functions of transforming UVB into Vit D optimally. The same thing happens to the kidneys. That’s why even though people may eat Vit D rich foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc) and get enough sunlight on a daily basis, their Vit D levels remain low.
• SVA approaches the epidemic from a holistic point of view, not just recommending transdermal creams that bypass the liver in order to get absorbed; SVA also stresses the importance of diet and recommends special regimens for improving the health of the organs.

3) Is the Transdermal approach unique to SVA or are other researchers and scientists also talking about?

• The efficacy of the Transdermal approach is still not as well documented and appreciated as it has been in the ayurvedic and, more specifically, in the SVA tradition. However, scientists are catching on. In Canada, there has been some pioneering work in this aspect, view this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsRvoZNDLSc&feature=youtube_g data_player

4) What specifically is Vit D’s function in the body?

• Vit D has many important functions, most prominent of which is the absorption of calcium. Scientists confirm that calcium deficiency in the physiology is correlated to low levels of Vit D. Vitamin D is required for the regulation of the minerals calcium and phosphorus found in the body. Our bodies need vitamin D in order to absorb calcium from the intestines.
• Ultraviolet light (from sunlight) helps our skin cells convert vitamin D from an inactive into an active state. If we do not have enough vitamin D, calcium that we get from the food we eat is not absorbed properly, causing hypocalcemia (lower-than-normal blood calcium) to develop. Hypocalcemia results in deformities of bones and teeth, as well as neuromuscular problems.

5) How is Calcium related to Vit D and what diseases can result from lack of calcium?

• When calciumis low in thebody and de-mineralization or inadequate mineralization of the bone is in effect, Osteomalacia occurs. Osteomalacia is the softening of the bones caused by defective bone mineralization secondary to inadequate amounts of available phosphorus and calcium, or because of overactive resorption of calcium from the bone as a result of hyperparathyroidism. Osteomalacia in children is known as rickets, and because of this, use of the term osteomalacia is often restricted to the milder, adult form of the disease. It may show signs as diffuse body pains, muscle weakness, and fragility of the bones. The most common cause of the disease is a deficiency in vitamin D, which is normally obtained from the diet and/or from sunlight exposure.
• Many of the effects of the Osteomalacia disease overlap with the more common osteoporosis, but the two diseases are significantly different. There are two main causes of osteomalacia: (1) insufficient calcium absorption from the intestine because of lack of dietary calcium or a deficiency of or resistance to the action of vitamin D; and (2) Phosphate deficiency caused by increased renal losses.

6) Why did Vaidya create a Transdermal Vit D product?

• Vaidya and his father, Vaidya Kameshwar Mishra, used to successfully treat rickets in young children and infantsin India 35 years ago. They used the transdermal method as it was the safest and most efficient. Rickets is a childhood bone disorder in which bones soften and become prone to fractures and deformity. The main cause of rickets is a lack of vitamin D. Not having enough calcium in one’s diet may also be a cause of rickets. Some childhood kidney and liver diseases can cause rickets, as may a digestive disorder complication that affects calcium and phosphorous absorption.
  To understand betterwhy Vaidya choosesthe Transdermal route, you may watch his DVD on Vit D. Vaidya organized his research findings and ayurvedic material into a course to teach the SVA holistic method of addressing Vit D deficiency: a special protocol of herbs that supports the liver and helps enhance absorption in addition to a special diet that supports the liver and its functioning (this course material is available on DVD on www.chandika.com).

7) Are the SVA Transdermal Vit D results clinically confirmed?

• Hundreds who have tried it over the past year have let us know how it has helped increase and balance Vit D levels in their bodies.
• A resident of Southern California, Darci S. was clinically diagnosed with sever Vit D deficiency and kept records of all her tests and progress, through regular blood tests before and after using Vaidya’s SVA Transdermal Vit D cream. She just recently tested completely normal levels of Vit D in her blood report. Darci S. is 65 plus years old. She came to see Vaidya for the first time a little more than a year ago complaining of multiple digestive issues, and acute Vit D deficiency. Doctors had prescribed her high doses of Vit D pills but she had decided not to take them because she was aware of the possible side-effects.[i]She was confident about following the SVA diet and full protocol including the Vit D transdermal cream. Below are her initial and final results as requested by her medical doctor, for Vit D and Hydroxy collected the first time on September 8, 2011 with final results collected January 3, 2012.
  September 8, 2011:
  Component                   Your Result                       Standard
  Range                              Units
  Vit D 25-Hydroxy          25                                            30-100ng/ml
  Vit D, 25-Hydroxy, D3  25                                          NOT ESTABLISHED
  Vit D, 25-Hydroxy, D2  <4                                          NOT ESTABLISHEDJanuary 3, 2012:
  Component                   Your Result                       Standard
  Range                              Units
  Vit D, 25-Hydroxy          52                                           30-100ng/ml
  Vit D, 25-hydroxy, D3   52                                          NOT ESTABLISHED
  Vit D, 25-Hydroxy, D2  <4                                          NOT ESTABLISHEDYou can notice how Darci’s Vit D levels went from 25 to 52 within less than 6 months. She accomplished this with only the Vit D Transdermal Cream and following the SVA diet. Vaidya has now created an even better product, the Vit D Roll-On that is easier to use.

8) What is the difference between the Vit D Transdermals Creams and Roll-Ons?

• Unlike the transdermal creams,the roll-on contains both lipid and water soluble micro-molecules. What does this mean? The classic Transdermal Marma System creams were lipid soluble, in that the herbal and aromatic molecules contained in the jar were best delivered and transmitted primarily through the fat tissue.
• After the creams, Vaidya created the water based formulations that contain no lipids at all so that the herbs would get absorbed into and be carried by the blood tissue and delivered to their destination even faster. The water-based Roll-Ons, such as the Super-Sport Roll-on, can be carried to work and applied freely without fearing the Shea butter grease stains on the desk or office clothes.
• Finally, for optimal benefit, Vaidya created a product that was simultaneously lipid and water soluble, so as to have both immediate as well as sustained deeper and long term delivery, and not leave a greasy film after being applied! This is the new generations of Transdermal Roll-On products: the lipid and water-soluble Roll-Ons!

9) How much Vit D is in the SVA Vit D Roll-On?

• The SVA Vit D Roll-on has lipid soluble Vit D3 along with the ayurvedic water soluble herbal extracts blended in. In one gram of this Roll-On you will get 3400 IU (international units) of Vit D.
• This Roll-on has a non-sticky aromatic base, so you really don’t need to apply too much. Apply it 1-2 times a day on the wrists or armpits in 2 strokes. This is all you will need for approximately one gram to be released into your skin and get absorbed.

10) Are the Roll-Ons greasy and sticky like the Transdermal Creams?

• They are totally non-sticky and non-greasy, highly aromatic, they get absorbed in even faster time, and serve the purpose of both long and short-term herbal delivery into our system.

11) Where do you apply the Vit D Roll-On?

• The Roll-On can be applied on the wrists, the lower back, and ideally, under your armpits where there are some hormonal glands that help with fat metabolism.

12) What is the Vit D Roll-On and Deodorant? How does that work?

• It is a Vit D Roll-On that also serves the purpose of an ayurvedic deodorant with a safe and effective base. With the Vit D deodorant Roll-on, you deodorize and supply Vit D to your physiology in one stroke. And it’s a Roll-on so it’s hygienically sealed, and only a small amount is released when the jar is rolled on. Easy to carry and apply.

Testimonials:

Darci S. : Doctor/Vaidya Mishra: This statement is to attest that I am very happy with the results of Ayurvedic Vit D cream prescribed by you and wish to state the following: I visited my regular doctor and she requested my lab tests for Vitamin D, which were as follows: Result: 25, Standard range: 30-100. My regular medical doctor had prescribed Ergocalciferol, Vit D2, (Drisdol) 50,000 unit oral cap. I did purchase it and after reading about the side effects on the internet, I was surprised to know about the adverse effects on the body so, I refused to take it. I asked Dr Vaidya, for his opinion and he confirmed that the side-effects indicated are not good but that it is up to each person to decide whether or not to  take it. Dr.Vaidya Mishra offered me his Ayurvedic Vitamin-D cream. I accepted it and followed his instruction for use. After three months of its use, I went for a new lab test for Vitamin-D and it was found to be normal. I wish to thank Dr Vaidya for his recommendation.

Respectfully,

Darci S.

Charlene D: Vaidya your new Roll-on Deodorant is simply amazing! It smells even more divine than the first kinds called Sugand, and it is smoother, with no residue, plus it has Vit D. It is the best. I am simply hooked!

Robert Z: Vaidya, thank you for this new generation of Roll-On deodorants, I was hesitant to use the previous ones because of the white film it left on my shirts. This one is totally light, very aromatic, and easier to use. Thank you.

Our bodies need energy to run. We get energy from our diet if we are ingesting: a) fat, b) protein and c) carbohydrates. Fat is essential for our health because it supports a number of our body’s functions. In addition, some vitamins, for instance, must have fat to dissolve and nourish our body. But what type of fat should be we using? Research says there are two categories: healthy and unhealthy fats. In the unhealthy category we find fats that are further categorized as saturated and trans fat.

• Saturated fat. Found mainly from food from animal sources, it has been shown to raise total blood cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Saturated fat may also increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Trans fat. Can occur naturally in some foods, especially foods from animals. Most trans fats are made during food processing through partial hydrogenation of unsaturated fats. This process creates fats that are easier to cook with and less likely to spoil than are naturally occurring oils. These trans fats are called industrial or synthetic trans fats. Research studies show that synthetic trans fat can increase unhealthy LDL cholesterol and lower healthy high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Then there is the category of healthy fats:

• Monounsaturated fat. This is found in a variety of foods and oils. Studies show that eating foods rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) improves blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease. Research also shows that MUFAs may benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, which can be especially helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.
• Polyunsaturated fat. This is a type of fat found mostly in plant-based foods and oils. Evidence shows that eating foods rich in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) improves blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease. PUFAs may also help decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.

These categories supply us with one way of helping us find a good fat to add to our diet. But millennia before we started to think in terms of the chemical make-up of our dietary fat, the ancient seers of India confirmed that the best dietary fat for daily human consumption was ghee, or clarified butter.

Ironically, India, the cradle of Ayurveda, or the most comprehensive dietary and lifestyle guidelines for total health, is also the place that has been maligning ghee for decades. But, new research seems to be turning the tides! An article that appeared in the Mail Online India this past Wednesday October 10, 2012, cites research that confirms the health benefits of ghee.

The article entitled: “A spoon of ghee full of health ‘poses no danger to cardiac health’ and could protect us from cancer” starts off by reversing the misguided beliefs about ghee: “Desi Ghee or clarified butter oil – often blamed for obesity and heart diseases – is not that bad after all. Indian scientists have just discovered that cow ghee could protect us from cancer.”1

According to the article, the findings now confirm that ghee is good for you for the following reasons (these findings were done using cow milk derived ghee and do not necessarily apply to buffalo milk derived ghee):

• Cow ghee enhances the availability of enzymes responsible for detoxification of cancer-causing substances and decreases the availability of those responsible for activation of carcinogens
• Cow ghee improves blood HDL level, which is good for heart
• [it] decrease[s] the expression of genes responsible for [cancerous] cell proliferation and raise[s] regulated genes responsible for cell apoptosis
• Cow ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is known to possess beneficial health properties – vegetable oils lack this particular fatty acid.
• Most vegetable oils contain high amount of unsaturated fatty acid as well as linoleic acid – which is considered pro-carcinogenic as it forms free radicals known to damage DNA.

These conclusions echo similar findings here in the West. The choicest fat, butter, got a bad rap a few decades ago and was replaced by the miraculous margarine in the early 1920s2. Past few decades, however, have uncovered the lethal trans fats contained in margarine and have banned it as an option. Since then, we have been in search of the ideal cooking fat. This has led only to the proliferation of a confusing variety of options: tens of bottles daunting the special health benefits of different types of vegetable oils pushed to the forefront by aggressive marketing campaigns and political lobbying.

Are Vegetable Oils an Option?

Vegetable oils have been daunted as the ideal replacement for fat derived from animal source, citing their high content of poly- unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), the idea being that PUFAs in vegetable seed oils were supposed to balance hormones, strengthen the immune system,and prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and all types of inflammation, right? Wrong! say the latest scientific findings. Ray Peat, Ph.D., a physiologist who has been studying hormones and dietary fats since 1968 says “PUFAs in vegetable seeds oils are the bane of human health – they actually cause cancer, diabetes, obesity, aging, thrombosis, arthritis, and immunodeficiencies. Their only use […] is as ingredients in paints and varnishes.”3 But what is the problem with eating PUFA-s?
Poly-unsaturated oils contain long chain fatty acids which are sensitive to heat and unstable. Meaning: when you expose them to heat for cooking, they damage mitochondria4  through oxidization and enzyme suppression. Oxidization is the breeding ground for free radicals, or the formation of toxic build-up in the body that is the number one cause for chronic immune diseases. Even if you consume these oils on salads without heating them, the heat in the physiology is enough to oxidize them and cause their toxic decomposition. The worst thing is these fatty acids remain in your body for a long time after you have consumed them, damaging tissue and cell functioning but particularly the thyroid system. Studies show that slow metabolism, low energy, a sluggish thyroid accompany the consumption of vegetable oils.5

Amongst the highly popular and highly toxic vegetable oils on the market today are Soy Bean oil and Canola Oil. We know, according to SVA precepts, that the soy bean is not a desirable food item. It is a large bean and has therefore a “guru prabhava” – that is: it requires very high agni to be digested, and even then, it has a clogging side-effect in the physiology and interferes with the proper distribution of nutrients, energy, and the flow of prana, causing many chronic problem after long term usage. This is not to mention the negative side-effects that science confirms it has nowadays – it mimics estrogen molecules and imbalances the hormonal system, specially for women.

 What you do not know about Canola Oil

But Canola oil’s name and fame reach far and wide despite research proving its negative impact on health. All kinds of food items proudly proclaim being made with Canola oil: from cookies to salad dressings, frozen dinners, breads and other quick so called- healthy nut and fruit snacks. Canola oil is a mono-unsaturated fat, like Olive oil, and is hence considered a “good” fat. It is even considered to be better than olive oil because it is high in Omega-3 fats that are believed to help prevent heart disease (Olive oil does not contain significant amounts of Omega-3 fats).
So what’s the problem with Canola oil?

For starters, it is not a natural oil. It is made in a lab, the result of chemical and biological manipulation. Did you know that a Canola plant or seed does not exist! Canola oil is industrially derived from genetically modified rapeseed plants. Even if the rapeseed plant was grown organically, yielding organic Canola Oil, you should still not consume any of it. Why? Because the rapeseed plant contains toxic substances known as glucosinolates and a very toxic fatty acid called erucic acid. These two ingredients even deter insects from eating the plant. They are not even fit for animals to consume as they are known to cause metabolic disorders. But why was rapeseed of interest at all?

Rapeseed grows very easily in cool climates (Northern Europe and Canada) and it is thus easier and cheaper to harvest as a commercial crop. It was originally manipulated to reduce its extremely bitter taste and high content of toxic erucic acid in order to serve as cheap and available animal feed. Studies have shown that erucic acid is a mono-unsaturatated fat that causes fatty deposits on the heart and cardiac fibrosis (an abnormal thickening of the heart valve and loss of flexibility which can result in heart failure).6

Natural rapeseed oil contains as much as 50% erucic acid. In the USA, it is illegal to sell rapeseed oil for human consumption if it contains more than 2% erucic acid by weight, and more than 5% in Europe. Therefore plant breeders set out to develop a rapeseed plant that was safer. The genetically modified rapeseed plant contains no more than 5% erucic acid. This new breed was called LEAR oil for “low erucic acid rapeseed” but, for marketing purposes, it was given a new more palatable name and acronym: “Canadian oil low-acid” or Canola oil

To summarize: according to scientific findings, why should you avoid Canola oil in your diet?

• While it may help reduce total cholesterol and LDL (“bad cholesterol”), it also decreases HDL (“good cholesterol”) – HDL has been shown to protect again heart disease occurrences.
• In lab tests conducted on animals: Canola oil increased blood pressure, promoted insulin resistance, caused kidney lesions, shortened life-span.7
• Canola oil causes blood cells to lose their flexibility, hindering circulation and increasing blood pressure. This is caused by phytosterols found in the oil. This hardening of the blood cells also affects their ability to absorb nutrients and expel waste (red blood cells carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide waste as part of their primary function).8
• Canola oil is supposed to have higher heat resistance since it is composed mostly of polyunsaturated fatty acids, but studies show that it produces free mutagenic byproducts just as readily as other oils, when used in cooking. The free radicals produced from this wreak havoc on the body, and the body has to use up its antioxidants to balance itself. Studies find that the use of Canola oil depletes the body’s natural antioxidant reserves, such as Vit E. A deficiency can lead to anemia, muscle degeneration, weakness, increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease.9
• Canola oil is not fit to be consumed either cooked or unheated: it is processed under high temperatures, and during this process all the ALA (Alpha linolenic Acid) or Omega-3 fatty acids it contains are destroyed, yielding only trans fatty acids – the worse fats you can have in your diet. Trans fats have been shown to increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and autoimmune diseases. No amount of trans fat is safe to consume.

So what are our options?

 Butter is Better!

Butter’s health benefits are confirmed:

• Butter does not raise blood lipid levels because it was shown that 20% of the fat in butter consists of short- and medium-chain fatty acids that are directly converted into energy rather than staying around long enough to affect blood fat levels.
• Butter is our best source of Vit A and E, which supports the thyroid and adrenal glands, as well as the cardiovascular system. These are also antioxidants which protect against heart disease and cancer.
• Butter is a good source of dietary cholesterol, an essential nutrient for the brain and nervous system, specially in children.
• Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that protects against cancer.
• Butter is a good source of iodine necessary for proper thyroid unction
• It promotes gastrointestinal health
• It is a good source of K2 which helps prevent tooth decay and build strong teethc and bones. 10

Even Better than Butter is Ghee!

Also known as butter oil or drawn butter is by far the best oil you could consume on a regular daily basis. Why? For one, many people who experience adverse reactions to dairy products are also unable to consume butter. Butter oil or ghee is butter that has been slow cooked and whose casein and lactose have been removed, making it lighter and safe for lactose intolerant people to consume.

Ghee also has an ideal make-up: it contains 8gm of saturated fatty acid (SFA), 3.7gm of monounsaturated fatty acid (MFA) and 0.5 g polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Plus it has the following benefits:

• It is rich in fat soluble vitamins: A, D, K2 as well as CLA (conjugated linoleic acid – we know by know that CLA found primarily in animal grass-fed animals may protect against cancer, heart disease, and type II diabetes)

We are just barely beginning to understand the health benefits of ghee; however, we should be also cautious. Ghee, even though an oil, may still cause health problems if consumed in high quantities, specially when it is not prepared in the optimal way. Vaidya Mishra’s SVA lineage, or Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda, particularly highlights the benefits of consuming ghee made from yogurt not just directly butter. This method ensures that the final product is lighter and easier on the metabolic system, thus more readily available for the physiology, due to the presence of probiotics.

SVA discuses the benefits of ghee made from yogurt, in the words of the ayurvedic seer, Bhava Mishra (also known as Bhavaprakash). He says that ghee is:

• a great rasayana (rejuvenator) for the eyes
• enhances the digestive fire while cooling and alkalizing
• binds toxins and pacifies pitta and vata
• with proper combining and processing, it is not clogging or kapha aggravating
• enhances complexion and glow of the face and body
• increases physical and mental stamina
• supports learning, retention, and recall
• increases longevity
• cools and lubricates the stomach wall
• nurtures and cleanses blood tissue

Modern research confirms that ghee:

1. Supports the eyes.
2. Gives satiation.
3. Supports healthy hormone production.
4. Supports mineral absorption.
5. Provides sustaining energy.
6. Promotes healthy bile by supporting the liver.
7. Supports the health of cell-membranes.
8. Maintains anti-inflammatory process and supports the healing power of the body.
9. Helps delivery and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

So ghee is the best fat you can add to your diet. You can make your own or buy some from www.chandika.com where we sell the best probiotic ghee, Mum’s Ghee, made according to the ancient methods. If you choose to make your own, here are some traditional ghee making secrets that can help you along the way.
We know from Ayurveda that in addition to nutritional facts, The vibrational intelligence in the food is paramount. This applies to all foods, but it is especially important in the process of making and using ghee. You can find general instructions for making ghee on www.chandika.com but here are a few more pointers you can follow:

1. ) Use “grass-fed” organic heavy cream to make yoghurt. Churn yoghurt into butter.
2. ) To avoid burning the fat molecules, heat butter on low-temperature in a special stainless steel pot that heats evenly from all sides. This process slowly evaporates the water content of the butter, separates milk protein molecules like casein, and removes unwanted molecules.
3. ) Ghee must be filtered in a way that removes all micro-molecules of milk solids.
4. ) Pour into glass jar and let all the steam evaporate before sealing.

ENDNOTES

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 1 Mail online India Wednesday oct 10, 2012
Wednesday, Oct 10 2012
A spoon of ghee full of health: ‘Poses no danger to cardiac health’ and could protect us from cancer

By DINESH C SHARMA

Desi Ghee or clarified butter oil – often blamed for obesity and heart diseases – is not that bad after all.

Indian scientists have just discovered that cow ghee could protect us from cancer.

Cow ghee enhances the availability of enzymes responsible for detoxification of cancer-causing substances and decreases the availability of those responsible for activation of carcinogens, scientists from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) have reported in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Medical Research.

The new finding, however, does not mean you can go ahead with liberal amount of ghee in your food.

Ghee poses no danger to cardiac health if the total fat intake is restricted to the prescribed limit, researchers said

One must ensure that the intake of total fat (including ghee) should not exceed the prescribed limit of fat consumption. In the experiments done in lab, scientists studied the effects of cow ghee compared to soybean oil on female rats which were artificially given breast cancer-causing chemicals.

They observed that the initiation and progress of mammary cancer decreased in rats which were fed on cow ghee. However, there was a greater proportion of tumours in animals fed on soybean oil.

Researchers have deciphered the mechanism of ghee’s protective properties.

‘Feeding cow ghee decreased the expression of genes responsible for cell proliferation and raised regulated genes responsible for cell apoptosis’, explained Dr Vinod Kansal, who led the research team.

One probable factor in cow ghee is the presence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is known to possess beneficial properties.

Cow ghee is a rich natural source of CLA, whereas, vegetable oils lack this particular fatty acid.

Most vegetable oils contain high amount of unsaturated fatty acid as well as linoleic acid – which is considered pro-carcinogenic as it forms free radicals known to damage DNA.

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The ghee available in India is mostly made from buffalo milk.

And though the study was done on cow ghee, scientists said buffalo ghee is also expected to be similarly effective because both contain CLA.

Dr Kansal said ‘Ghee poses no danger to cardiac health as long as the total fat intake remains restricted to the prescribed limit.’

Moreover, ghee improves blood HDL level, which is good for heart, he added. ‘I have serious reservation about doctors prescribing vegetable oil brands with highly unsaturated fat which is pro-carcinogenic,’ the researcher said.

2 King, Margie. “Butter: It’s Good For You.” Journal of Well Being. November December, 2012. “Between 1920 and 1060, American’s use of butter declined from 18 pounds per person per year to 4 pounds, yet heart disease went from a relatively unknown condition to the number one killer.” Page 24.
3Quoted in the “Are Polyunsaturated Oils Really Healthy?” in The Well Being Journal, November/December 2012, page 16.
4 In Micobiology, the main function of the mitochondrion is the production of energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The cell uses this energy to perform the specific work necessary for cell survival and function. The raw materials used to generate ATP are the foods that we eat, or tissues within the body that are broken down in a process called catabolism. The breaking down of food into simpler molecules such as carbohydrates, fats, and protein is called metabolism. These molecules are then transferred into the mitochondria, where further processing occurs. The reactions within the mitochondria produce specific molecules that can have their electrical charges separated within the inner mitochondrial membrane. These charged molecules are processed within the five electron transport chain complexes to finally combine with oxygen to make ATP. The process of the charged substances combining with oxygen is called oxidation, while the chemical reaction making ATP is called phosphorylation. The overall process is called oxidative phosphorylation. The product produced by this process is ATP (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_do_all_eukaryotic_cells_have_mitochondria)

5 “Are Polyunsaturated Oils Really Healthy?” in The Well Being Journal, November/December 2012, page 117.
6 Engfeldt, B and Gustafsson, B. Morpological effects of rapessed oil in rats. III. Studies in germ-free rats. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1975; 585:27-40; 41-46.
8 Naito, Y., et al. Blood coagulation and osmolar tolerance of erthrocytes in stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats given rapeseed oil or soybean oil as the only dietary fat. Toxicol Lett 2000; 116: 209-215. And Ohara, N., et al. Dietary intake of rapeseed oil as the sole fat nutrient in Wistar rats – lack of increase in plasma lipids and renal lesion. J Toxico Sci 2008; 33:641-645.
9 Ratnayake, W.M., et al. Vegetableoils high in phytosterols make erythrocytes less deformable and shorten the life span of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Nutr 2000; 130:1166-1178.

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9 Naito, Y. et al. Thirteen-week dietaryintake of rapeseed oil and soybean oil as the only dietary fat in Wistar Kyoto rats – change in blood pressure. Food Chem Toxicol 2000:; 38:811-816.
10 King, Margie. “Butter: it’s good fro you”. Journal of Well Being. November/December, 2012. Pp. 24-25.

You Asked Vaidya…

May more of our readers have written asking all kinds of different questions. Vaidya will be responding to them in our upcoming newsletter. So please stay tuned.

In this issue, he responds to a quick timely questions from Gail H. about Daylight Savings Time: “Anything Vaidya might suggest for adjusting to the change in time?”

Vaidya responds:

Daylight-saving time (DST) is the practice of setting your clock ahead by one hour to provide extra daylight in the evenings. It is a man-made practice that disrupts our body’s metabolic connection to the sun, and may also interfere with our sleep patterns. We have to re-train our bodies to follow an unnatural rhythm. Whenever routine goes off – if we eat late or go to bed late, the first thing that gets affected are the vibrational or energetic  suns channels, or our “nadi-s.” When the nadi-s’ flow gets disrupted, Vata dosha goes off. So the first thing to do is to pacify Vata dosha. Nadi-s are our primary connection to Mother Nature. We communicate with and receive Prana from the cosmos through our nadi-s. So in this case, when our connectivity goes off, it means we need to open our nadi-s more to receive more of Nature’s pranic flow, to enhance the coordination between the environmental cosmic energy and the body’s localized energy. This is the SVA perspective on resetting your internal clock with the DST change.

During the months of DST, you will be tempted to eat later than usual – if you usually were hungry at noon and ate your lunch at noon, you will now feel hungry only at 1pm, which is when the sun will be highest in the sky. This will disrupt your whole routine. So what you can do is advance advance your daily routine by half an hour, eat half an hour earlier, sleep half an hour earlier, to get closer to the original time your body was already attuned to.

You can also make an herbal tea to help with channel-opening and Vata pacification:

• 2 pinches Calamus Root
• 2 rose buds
• ½ tsp coriander
• 2 fresh mint leaves

Bring to a quick boil, filter and enjoy.