Kinesiology

This article is about the scientific study of human movement. For the alternative medicine diagnostic and healing technique, see Applied kinesiology.

Kinesiology, from the Greek words kinesis (movement) and kinein (to move), also known as human kinetics, is the science of human movement. It is a regulated health profession that focuses on physical activity. A kinesiological approach applies science-based medical principles to the analysis, preservation and enhancement of human movement in all settings and populations.^]Kinesiologists work in research, the fitness industry, clinically, and in industrial environments.Studies of human motion may be supported by computer vision, using stereo camera systems for pose recognition and motion modeling. It should not be confused with applied kinesiology, a controversial chiropractic diagnostic method.

Contents 1 Basics 2 Physical activity 3 Scope of practice 4 Licensing and regulation 5 Health services 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

Basics

The definition of physical activity is a highly debated topic. Not all individuals who are associated within the field of kinesiology agree on the technical definition of physical activity. In North America, kinesiologists are conferred a Bachelor of Science degree (or higher) in Kinesiology or Human Kinetics, while in Australia or New Zealand, they are often conferred an Applied Science (Human Movement) degree (or higher). Kinesiologists assess human movement, performance, and function by applying the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and motor learning. Kinesiologists are involved in the rehabilitation, prevention, and management of disorders to maintain, rehabilitate, or enhance movement, function or performance in the areas of sport, recreation, work, and exercise. Kinesiologists also provide consulting services, conduct research, and develop policies related to rehabilitation, human motor performance, ergonomics, and occupational health and safety. The bodily motion utilized from physical motion sets the rhythm for the organs in the body.

Physical activity

There is a large debate centered on the technical definition of physical activity. These debates range from whether or not an action is voluntary or involuntary, purposeful in direction within a specific activity, as well as the difference between movement and physical activity. One way to think about the relationship between movement and physical activity is this: Movement is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for physical activity. If you are performing a physical activity, you are using movement; but not every movement is a physical activity – e.g., blinking an eye, swallowing, contraction of diaphragm. One definition of physical activity is as follows: Voluntary movement intentionally performed in order to achieve a goal in sport, exercise, or any other sphere of life experience. In relation to this definition of physical activity, one definition of movement is as follows: Includes any change in the position of your body parts relative to each other.

Scope of practice

The practice of Kinesiology is the assessment of movement, performance, and function; and the rehabilitation, prevention, and management of disorders to maintain, rehabilitate, and enhance movement, performance, and function in the areas of sport, recreation, work, exercise, and general activities of daily living.

                       Some Useful Books On Kinesiology -Free Download

Clinical Kinesiology-Anatomy.pdf


Neuro kinesiology.pdf


Electrophysiology and Kinesiology for Health and Disease.pdf



Kinesiology.research

kinesiology.ppt

Some Useful Herbal Plants

1. Abelmoschus moschatus (Latakasturika)
Parts used – Root, seed and leaves
Latakasturika is aphrodisiac, digestive, beneficial for eyes, diuretic,
relieves thirst, useful in diseases of mouth, and bladder. (Bp.
Su.su.46)
Bad breath
Seeds of latakasturika are chewed in case of tastelessness
and bad breath. (5-10 gms)
Respiratory disorders
In case of excessive phlegm in respiratory disorders,
decoction of the seeds are used. (30 gms for decoction)
2. Abrus precatorius (Gunja )
Parts used – Root, seed and leaves
Uses – The root, seed and leaves of Gunja is used in the form of
powder to treat avabahuka(frozen shoulder), gandamala(scrofula),
dental caries, baldness, dandruff, for promoting growth of ear
lobes, erysipelas and skin diseases.
Dental caries
Root of gunja made into a paste is applied on affected parts
(5-10 gms). It relieves the pain caused by dental caries
(RM.5.13)
Dandruff
Oil cooked with gunja seeds along with bhrngaraja(Eclipta
alba) in case of itching, dandruff and other diseases of scalp
(10-15 ml)(VM.57.70)


3. Acacia sinuata (saptala)
Parts used: fruits
Useful in skin diseases, ulcers, swelling, stomatitis, and it is
laxative.
Laxative
Ghee prepared with the root is used as a laxative in chronic
cases of skin diseases, rheumatic disorders and body swelling.
(10 ml)(Ch.ci.28)
4. Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga )
Parts used – Root, seed and leaf
Uses – The root, seed and leaf of Apamarga is used in the form of
juice and powder to treat excessive hunger, piles, , calculi, wound,
difficult labour, sinus, wound due to accident, eye diseases, ear
diseases, diseases pertaining to head, dog-bite, , abdominal pain,
jaundice, insomnia, pain in vagina.
Piles
Apamarga, nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) , satavari (asparagus
racemosus) and vasa (adhatoda vasica) decoction cures
bleeding piles (40-60ml) (VD.5.8)
Dysuria
Apamarga root powder (10-15 gms) taken with milk
overcomes dysuria (VD.7.4)
Accidental wounds
Oil cooked with apamarga root along with water is applied
locally to relieve pain caused by accidental injuries (10-15
gms) (RM.26.7)
Abdominal pain
Ghee cooked with decoction of apamarga and paste of pippali
(piper longum)relieves abdominal pain (10 ml) (SY.ghrta.5)
5. Acorus calamus (Vaca)
Part used – Rhizomes
Uses – The rhizomes of Vaca is use in the form of powder, paste
and decoction to treat diarrhoea, epilepsy, oedema, scrotal
enlargement, skin diseases, headache, alopecia, wound, eye


diseases, colic, piles, indigestion, acid gastritis, heart-diseases, ratpoisoning,
diseases of mouth and as rejuvinative.
Diarrhoea
One suffering from diarrhoea should take water boiled with
vaca and prativisa (aconitum)(60-120 ml)(CS.Ci.19.22)
Epilepsy
a) Old ghee processed with brahmi juice (Bacopa monnieri),
vaca, kustha (sassurea lappa)and snakhapuspi (convolvulus
microphyllus) alleviates insanity, and epilepsy (10-20
ml)(CS.Ci 10.25)
c) By using vaca powder (10-15gms) with honey keeping on diet
of milk and rice overcomes epilepsy, VM.21.9)
Headache
In suryavartta and hemicrania pressed snuff of vaca and pippali
(2-5 gms) and honey is useful (SS.U 26.33; also VM 62.38)
Acid gastritis
One should take vaca (5-10 gms) mixed with honey and jaggery
(GN 2.38.25)
6. Adhatoda beddomei (Vasa)
Parts used – Root, leaves and flower
Uses – The root, leaves and flowers of Vasa is used in the form of
juice and decoction to treat fever, intrinsic haemorrhage, cough,
asthma, consumption, skin diseases, obesity, oedema, skin
diseases, leucorrhoea, difficult labour,
vomiting, piles, pox, retention of urine, diseases of mouth and as
rejuvinative.
Fever and cough
Decoction of vasa. Kantakari (solanum xanthocarpum) and
guduci (tinospora cordifolia )mixed with honey alleviates fever
and cough. (40-60 ml) (S.G 2.2.82)
Decoction of vasa, draksa (Vitis vinifera) and haritaki (Terminalia
chebula)mixed with sugar and honey checks cough, asthma and
intrinsic haemorrhage (40-60 ml) (VM.9.13; also SG2.2.80)


Dry cough
Powder of haridra (curcuma longa) cooked with vasa juice and
taken with fatty layer of milk checks dry cough (10-15 ms)
(SB.4.333)
Jaundice (kamala)
Juice of vasa mixed with honey should be taken. It alleviates
fever, cough, wasting, jaundice, kapha and pitta (10-20 ml)
(SG.2.1.8,34)
Sciatica
One should take decoction of vasa, sunthi (zingiber officinale)
and aragvadha (cassia fistula) mixed with castor oil. It is useful
in sciatica (40-60 ml) (BS. 587; BP.Ci.24.140)
7. Aegle marmelos (Bilva)
Parts used – Fruit, leaves and root
Uses – The fruit, leaves and root of Bilva is used in the form of
powder, juice and decoction to treat diarrhoea, sprue, piles,
oedema, jaundice, vomiting, obesity, deafness, eye diseases,
paediatric diseases, fever and as a rejuvinative.
Diarrhoea
1. To treat diarrhoea by taking tender fruits of bilva with honey or
butter milk (10-20 gms) (CS.Ci.19.113)
2. In case of diarrhoea with blood, tender fruits of bilva mixed with
liquid jaggery, honey and oil should be taken. (10-20 gms) (SS.
U.40.119)
3. Decoction of bilva and amra (Mangifera indica) (seed) mixed with
honey and sugar checks vomiting and diarrhoea (10-15
gms)(VM.3.30)
Jaundice
Intake of bilva leaves (juice) mixed with trikatu (piper longum,
piper nigrum, zingiber officinale )alleviates jaundice, (20
ml)(CS.Ci.16.59)


Vomiting
1. Cooled decoction of bilva or guduci (Tinospora cordifolia)added
with honey should be taken in case of vomiting (40-60 ml)
(VM.15.15; BP.Ci.17.25)
2. Perched paddy mixed with sugar and dissolved in decoction of
bilva root (bark) should administered to the child. It checks
vomiting and diarrhoea (40 –60ml) (BS balaroga.49)
8. Aloe barbadensis (Kumari )
Parts used – Leaf and root
Uses – The leaf and root of Kumari is used in the form of juice to
treat spleen enlargement, epilepsy, penile wart, difficult micturition,
inflammation in penis, abscess, jaundice, abdominal distensions,
mastitis, headache and amenorrhoea.
Epilepsy
Ghee cooked with kumari juice and decoction of madhuka
(Glycyrrhiza glabra) and added with sugar is useful in
epilepsy and palpitation of heart (10-15 ml) (SB.4.453)
Abscess
Kumari decocted with tila (gingly oil) and sour gruel or alone
ripens the abscess (10-20 gms)(VD.16.101)
Abdominal distention/
One suffering from gulma should swallow the pulp of kumari
(aloe vera) 5gm mixed with cow-ghee and added with fine
powder of trikatu,(piper longum, piper nigrum, zingiber
officinale) haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and saindhava (rock
salt) (10-15 gms) (BP.Ci.32.44)
Mastitis
Kumari root mixed with haridra (curcuma longa) is applied as
paste on breast to relieve pain ( 10-15 gms) (GN.6.8.23)
9. Andrographis paniculata (Bhunimba )
Parts used – Whole plant
Uses – The whole plant of Kiratatikta is used in the form of powder
and decoction to treat fever, sprue, oedema, for purifying breastmilk,
intrinsic haemorrhage, vomiting.


fever
Hot infusion of kiratatikta mixed with dhanyaka(Coriandrum
sativum) leaves alleviates fever immediately (40-60ml)
(SB.4.32)
Oedema
Paste of kiratatikta and sunthi (zingiber officinale) destroys
chronic oedema (10-15 gms) (CS.Ci.12.42)
10. Anogeissus latifolia (dhava)
Parts used. Bark, resin
useful in diabetes, piles anaemia, digestive, improves taste.
Skin diseases
Bark is made into a paste and applied on affected parts ( as
required)(ch.ci.11)
Ear inflammation
Oil prepared with the bark is used as an ear drop in case of
ear inflammation (3-5 drops) (su.ut.21)
11. ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS (Satavari)
Part used – Root
Uses – The root of Satavari is used in the form of juice, paste,
decoction and powder to treat intrinsic haemorrhage, diarrhoea,
piles, hoarseness of voice, cough, arthritis, poisoning, diseases of
female genital tract, erysipelas, fever, as aphrodisiac and as
rejuvinative.
As rejuvinative/ Rasayana
Ghee cooked with paste and decoction of satavari and added
with sugar is used as a rejuvinative (AH.U.39.157)
As galactagogue / increases breast milk
Satavari pounded and taken with milk increases the flow of
breast-milk (10-20 gms) (YR.P.427)


12. AZADIRACHTA INDICA (Nimba)
Parts used – All parts
Uses – The all parts of Nimba are used in the form of juice and
decoction to treat fever, intrinsic haemorrhage, bleeding piles,
wound, oedema, , arthritis, skin diseases, diabetes, eye diseases,
leucorrhoea, as, poisons, jaundice, for fumigation, diseases of
teeth, heart diseases, as specific digestive and diseases of vagina.
Skin diseases (Kustha)
1. The decoction of nimba and patola (Trichosanthes cucumerina)is
efficacious in skin diseases (40-60 ml) (CS.Ci.7.97-99)
2. Intake of haritaki (terminalia chebula)and nimba or nimba and
amalaka (Phyllanthus emblica) for a month overcomes all types
of skin diseases (40-60 ml) (GN.2.36.87)
3.Local application of the juice of dhattura (Datura metal) , nimba
and betel leaves separately destroys skin diseases such as eczema,
ring worms etc. (10-20 gms) (SG.3.11.52-53)
Diabetes (Prameha)
1. Decoction of bark, leaves, root fruit and flowers of nimba
aragvadha, (cassia fistula) saptaparna,(Alstonia scholaris)
murva (Maerua arenaria) kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) ,
katphala (Gmelina arborea) and palasa (Butea monosperma)
destroys all types of diabetes (40-60 ml) (SS.Ci.11.8)
Wounds
1. Decoction of nimba leaves cleans the wound (120 ml)(CS.CS.
25.84)
2. Nimba leaf mixed with honey acts as cleansing agent. Both of
them added with ghee promote healing (10-15 gms)
(SS.Ci.1.68)
3. Paste of nimba leaves and sesamum mixed with honey cleanses
wound while mixed with ghee it acts as healing agent. (10-15
gms)(VM.44.28)
4. The paste of nimba leaves, by external application, cleanses and
heals wound while it intake it alleviated vomiting, skin diseases
disorders of pitta and kapha and worms (10-15 gms) (SG.2.5.5)


13. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)
Parts used – whole plant
Uses – The whole plant of Brahmi is used in the form of juice to
treat insanity,
epilepsy, paediatric diseases, pox and as a rejuvinative.
Mental disorders
Brahmi, kusmanda(Benincasa hispida ) and sankhapuspi
((convolvulus microphyllus ) separately mixed with kustha
(Saussurea lappa) and honey is used in mental disorders (10-15
gms) (VM.20.3; SG.2.1.18)
Epilepsy
1. Old ghee processed with brahmi juice, vaca(Acorus calamus) ,
kustha (Saussurea lappa) and sankhapuspi (convolvulus
microphyllus )alleviate insanity, inauspiciousness, and
epilepsy (10-15 gms) (CS.Ci.10.25)
To promote intellect
Juice of Brahmi, or mandukaparni(Centella asiatica) are be
taken with honey and ghee to promote intellect (10-15 ml)
(KS.P.5)
14. Baliospermum montanum (Danti)
Parts used – Root, leaves, seed and oil
Uses – The root, leaves, seed and seed oil is used in the form of
powder, seed and oil to treat piles, anaemia, jaundice, skin
diseases, cyst, as purgative, wound and conjunctivitis.
Piles (arasa)
Leaves of trivrt(ipomoea turpethum), danti(Baliospermum
montanum), cangeri(oxalis corniculata) and citraka(Plumbago
indica) fried in oil and ghee (mixed) and added with fatty
layer of curd should be given as vegetable (10-15 gms)
(CS.Ci.14.122)
Skin diseases (Kustha)
Danti (Baliospermum montanum), trivrt (ipomoea
turpethum)and brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) powder together
should be taken with honey and ghee. It is beneficial for skin
diseases, diabetes and numbness (10-15 gms) (AH.Ci.19.34)


15. Bixa orellana (Sinduri)
Parts used – Root, bark, seeds
Uses – The root, bark and seeds of Sinduri is used to treat
intermittent fever, gonorrhoea, as mosquito repellent, dysentery
and for colouring edible materials.
16. Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava)
Parts used - Root and leaves
Uses – The root and leaves of Punarnava is used in the form of juice
and decoction to treat anaemia, oedema, internal abscess, calculi,
eye diseases, oedema during pregnancy, haemoptysis, for inducing
sleep, fever, rheumatic ailments, difficult labour, vaginal pain and
as rejuvinative.
Oedema
1. Paste of punarnava, sunthi (zingiber officinale) and mustaka
(Cyperus rotundus) should be taken in dose of 10gm with
milk 640ml (CS.Ci.12.23)
2. Punarnava, guduci (Tinospora cordifolia) and guggulu
(Commiphora mukul) pounded in equal quantity alleviates
oedema, abdominal distension, (5-10 gms)(HS.3.25.14)
Eye diseases
Punarnava root powder or the paste removes itching, when
taken with milk, honey, ghee respectively,(5-10 gms)
(BP.Ci.63.210)
As Rasayana
As a rejuvinative therapy, paste of fresh punarnava 20gm,
with milk continually more than a month (AH.U.39.155).

Haw thorn Crateagus

Hawthorn

Crataegus spp.

Regarded by herbalists as a “food for the

heart,” hawthorn is one of the most

scientifically validated of all herbal medicines,

exerting specific benefit on the heart. Both

berries and flowering tops improve blood flow

through the coronary arteries to the heart.

Medicinal Uses

 Parts used
 Flowering tops • Fruit
• Leaf
Key actions
Antioxidant • Heart tonic
• Lowers blood pressure
 • Relaxesblood vessels
Coronary diseases
Hawthorn is not a cure-all for heart and circulatory
disorders, but if used carefully and
when taken long-term, it will lead to
improvement in cardiovascular health.
Hawthorn works directly on the heart to
slow its rate, improve oxygen uptake, and
increase its pumping efficiency. Specific
indications include palpitations and
heart irregularity, mild angina, and early
signs of heart weakness. Evidence from
clinical trials supports hawthorn’s use
in the early stages of heart
disease. In such situations,
and especially where
prescribed medicines
are being taken, seek

professional advice from an herbal or
medical practitioner before starting
treatment with the herb.
High and low blood pressure The
berries, flowers, and leaves contain
high levels of procyanidins, flavonoid
compounds which have a strong
antioxidant activity that supports
healthy circulation. Until
recently, the berries were preferred for treating high blood
pressure, but the leaves and flowering
tops have been shown to have the
greatest concentration of procyanidins
and are now more commonly used to
treat high blood pressure. It is thought
that the leaves help to normalize blood
pressure by slowing the heart rate and
lowering blood pressure in overactive
states, and stimulating the heart rate and
raising blood pressure in underactive states.
Circulation Hawthorn contains several
substances that actively support the
health of the arteries, and may also be
used to treat or prevent circulatory
problems such as atherosclerosis and
poor peripheral circulation. Other
conditions that may benefit from the
herb include intermittent claudication
and Raynaud’s phenomenon (poor
circulation to hands and feet).

Ama

Áma

Áma has been discussed throughout this blog.

When áma (undigested food toxin) is present it can

cause many diseases. Thus, one can follow a special

áma-reducing diet that mainly decreases excess

Kapha (because foods that increase Kapha increase

áma). An anti-áma diet is depleting, so the length of

time persons should adhere to this diet depends upon

their physical strength. Kapha doßhas can stay on this

plan for long periods of time. Pitta doßhas eventually

need to introduce rejuvenation therapies. Váyu

doßhas, the weakest of the constitutions, are advised

to stay on this diet for only 1 week before adding

rejuvenating herbs and foods.

Ulcers

Ulcers

Inflamed ulcers are discussed in the next Post.

Here stomach ulcers are reviewed. When the mucus

lining of the stomach becomes inflamed, one

experiences pain, burning sensation, and eventual

bleeding. The current Western view of ulcers is that

they are caused by bacteria. Both viewpoints are

discussed below.

Bacterial Therapies:

Áyurvedic therapies include antibacterial

therapies.

Váyu: Garlic, sandalwood, jasmine, turmeric.

Pitta: Chiráyatá, golden seal, aloe, sandalwood,

jasmine, turmeric.

Kapha: Garlic, golden seal, aloe, sandalwood,

turmeric.

Inflammation Therapies:

Usually these conditions develop from mental

stress, worry, overwork, nervous sensitivity, etc. Foods

also can play a part in this condition: for example,

eating overly hot and spicy foods and drinking excessive

amounts of alcohol.

General: It is best to follow a bland food plan with

easily digestible items. A milk fast is beneficial. Alcohol

and smoking aggravates ulcers, as do garlic,

onions, pickles, vinegar, and salt. Bananas and the

nightshade family of vegetables and fruit can also

cause trouble. Therapies for hyperacidity are recommended

here. Herbs to protect the mucus lining of

the stomach are useful, and include aloe gel,

¤hatávarí, and licorice.

Váyu: Symptoms include more pain than burning,

feeling cold, light-headedness, anxiety, with insomnia,

gas, constipation, abdominal distention, and

palpitations. Heat applied to the stomach brings relief.

Excessive meals of dry and light foods can dry

up the mucus secretions causing an ulcer. Thus a

Váyu-reducing diet is recommended. After a bland

diet is followed for some time, spices can be safely

used, such as hi´gwasták, lavaò bháskar chúròa, and

t^ikatu (unless the tongue is dry, cracked or reddish).

These herbs are taken with warm milk or ghee.

Pitta: Burning sensation is the predominant

symptom. Anger and impatience are mental causes

of Pitta ulcers. A Pitta-reduction diet is advised, along

with bitter herbs like aloe, barberry, chiráyatá, kaóuká,

and mahásudarßhan chúròa; also demulcents like

¤hatávarí.

Kapha: Ulcers are rare for this doßha. Physical

symptoms include white or clear phlegm, nausea,

lack of appetite, dull pain, and heaviness. Mental

causes include greediness, grief, or emotional attachment.

Herbs to digest mucus are recommended

(e.g., t^ikatu, pippalí, black pepper, and dry ginger).

Candida

Candida (Yeast)

Cause: Usually starts in GI tract, then moves to

the blood and other organs. Candida is generally

caused by weak digestion due to áma (toxin). It is

usually due to high Váyu or Kapha, but it can also be

caused by Pitta. Excessive use of sugars, drugs,

antibiotics, frequent colds and flu, weak nervous

system, worry, fear, grief, and anger can also cause

candida.

Symptoms:

General: Chronic low energy, low-grade fevers,

variable digestion, poor immune functioning, and

food allergies.

Váyu: Insomnia, lower back pain, dry skin,

nervous, restless, light-headedness, ringing ears,

depression, gas, bloating, constipation, and variable

energy.

Pitta: Fever, thirst, burning, hyperacidity, and

infections.

Kapha: Phlegm, frequent colds and flu, swollen

glands, edema, heaviness, dullness, and excess

sleeping.

Dual and Tridoßha: Symptoms of 2 or all 3 doßhas.

Therapies:

General: This condition is treated similarly to

parasites. The goal is to destroy the yeast and boost

the immune system. This is achieved through

restoring digestive and immune strength.

Refined sugars, white bread, yeast products, dairy,

sweet fruit, raw foods, and cold drinks are avoided.

Váyu: Antifungal herbs include asafoetida, garlic,

ginger, pippalí, t^ikatu, triphalá, viæa´ga, musta.

Viæa´ga and musta are antifungal but deplete the

immune system, so they are best used for only 1 or 2

weeks. Digestive herbs include cardamom, cumin,

ginger. Immune herbs include bráhmí, guæúchí, balá,

yogaraj guggul, and saffron. Later, ¤hatávarí and

a¤hwagandhá are taken.

Pitta: Viæa´ga and musta are used as antifungal herbs.

Digestives include coriander, fennel, and turmeric.

Immune herbs include bráhmí, guæúchí, balá,

kaißhore guggul, saffron, and neem. Later, ¤hatávarí

is used.

Kapha: Viæa´ga and musta as antifungal herbs:

cardamom, ginger, asafoetida, t^ikatu, and triphalá

as digestive herbs. Immune-boosting herbs include

gokßhura, bráhmí, guæúchí, balá, saffron. Also guggul

and neem are used.

Lyme disease has been helped by Pitta-type

candida therapies and antibacterial herbs. We have

found this therapy to be helpful in all lyme disease

cases at our center.

Obesity

Obesity

Causes: Generally, acceptable weight levels

depend on cultural beliefs. Westerners aim at the slim,

Pitta form. More ancient cultures praise Kapha forms

(where physical activity is also more prevalent). Thus

the definition of over-weight may be determined by

whether it causes health problems.

Causes of overweight include overeating, excessive

eating of heavy or cold things, and oversleeping

and lack of exercise. Other causes include hormone

imbalance, emotional sentimentality, clinging, loss

of love or low self-worth, insecurity, and poor digestion.

Weight-reducing and appetite-suppressing drugs

can weaken the digestion and increase air (thereby

aggravating Váyu). When overweight causes poor

digestion, nutrients are not absorbed. Even after eating,

the body does not receive the nutrients. So it sends

a message to the brain to eat again. Even still, the

digestive fire is unable to extract nutrients from the

food. Thus, a vicious cycle of eating and overeating

develops (absorbing little or no nutrition).

Váyu: Sudden and fluctuating weight: (over, under,

normal), variable hunger, eating lots of sugar to calm

the nerves. Eating offers a feeling of security.

Váyu/Kapha: This constitution reflects a nervous

mind and weak digestion. Pitta: Overeating is their

main cause because appetite is strong. There may be

addiction to sugar and red meat. Weight develops

muscle and flabbiness.

Kapha: This is the most common doßha that develops

obesity, slow metabolism, easy weight gain,

continuous appetite (addicted to eating), hypothyroid

or other hormonal conditions that cause retention of

weight, mainly water and fat retention, weak pancreas

and kidneys, low pulse and energy, flabbiness, pallor,

moist complexion and skin, excess phlegm or saliva,

subcutaneous fat deposits and benign tumors may

develop.

Therapies:

General: A mild, long-term reducing plan is more

natural than crash diets. Winter is not a good time to

begin dieting because the cold can lower one’s

resistance and body heat. Reducing or lightening

therapy is needed, with a light diet, fasting, digestive

(spicy) herbs, mild laxatives, and tonics like guggul

(1 gram 3 times daily) or ¤hilájit (1/2 gram twice

daily). This reduces obesity in a few months. Bráhmí

calms the mind for conditions of excessive eating.

Váyu: Váyu-reducing herbs, diet, and lifestyle,

complex carbohydrates (whole grains and starchy

vegetables), avoidance of refined sugar, fewer hot

spices and more sweet digestives like cardamom,

coriander, bráhmí, jaóámáò¤hí, and a¤hwagandhá

calm the mind. Guggul helps cleanse and warm the

body.

Pitta: Pitta-reducing foods, avoiding meat, fish,

oily, greasy, or fried foods, sugars, and desserts. Raw

salads, green herbs, and chlorophyll, digestive bitters

and bitter laxatives are the best foods to reduce weight

and counter sugar addiction. Herbs include aloe vera

gel, kaóuká, turmeric, bhúámalakí.

Kapha: Kapha-reducing foods, avoiding refined

sugars, salt, dairy, sweet fruit, bread, pastry, meat,

fish, fruit juices, cold liquids, and oils. The best foods

for digestion are sprouts: their enzymatic properties

help digestion. Meals are eaten after 10:00 a.m. and

before 6:00 p.m. Hot spices and fasting (if one is

strong) help raise the metabolism. Spice teas,

vegetable juices, steamed vegetables, beans, and

whole grains are also advised. Suggestions include

less sleep, no naps, and strong, aerobic exercise. Hot

digestive herbs like black pepper, ginger, turmeric,

and t^ikatu burn up fat and raise the digestive fire.

Bitter herbs reduce fat and dry water. Bitters include

kaóuká, myrrh, triphalá, and guggul. Gokßhura is a

gentle diuretic. £hilájit helps the kidneys. bráhmí is

a useful nervine to calm the mind.