#western hooded pitta

[spinus-pinus]

Western Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida

2/13/2023 Tracy Aviary, Utah

[herpsandbirds]

Western Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida), family Pittidae, order Passeriformes, Khao Luang National Park, Thailand

photograph by Jack Kittirach

[ayurvedaawareness]

Ayurveda VS. Western Medicine: Comparing the Approached to Health and Healing 

An Introduction To Ayurvedic Practice   

Ayurveda, one of the ancient Indian systems of medicine, has recently gained immense popularity for its holistic approach to health and wellness. Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through a combination of natural remedies, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes.    

We will delve into the world of Ayurveda and explore some of the most effective Ayurvedic practices that can help achieve optimal health and well-being. From explaining the different qualities & attributes of Ayurveda and understanding the doshas to yoga and meditation, we will cover a range of Ayurvedic practices that can help you lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. So, this benefits health practitioners, including yoga instructors, medical doctors, natural health practitioners, and anyone interested in learning about Ayurveda. Join us while we explore the world of Ayurveda, its benefits and how it incorporates into this modern world.  

Ayurveda – A Holistic Approach To Mind, Body & Spirit   

Ayurveda, one of the world’s most ancient medical systems, is based on the principle that health depends upon a balance between the mind, body and spirit. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to wellness by considering our physical but also our mental, social and spiritual needs.   

Ayurveda translates as “science of life” or “knowledge of life.” It originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was developed by ancient Indian physicians who believed that health was dependent on maintaining a balance between three fundamental energies: Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water).   

Ayurvedic practice is rooted in ancient Indian texts and teachings. The Ayurvedic tradition emphasises the importance of achieving balance and harmony in all life features, including physical, mental, and spiritual health. The concepts of Vedas, Doshas, Samhita, Pragya Aparadha, and Chitta Suddhi Yoga are also relevant to Ayurvedic practice.   

Samhita relates to Ayurveda through the ancient texts and teachings that form the foundation of Ayurvedic philosophy and practice. The main text of Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, outlines the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and emphasises the importance of maintaining balance in the body and mind.   

Pragya Aparadha is also relevant to Ayurvedic practice because it acknowledges the mind and emotions’ role in overall health. In Ayurveda, negative emotions such as fear, anger, and worry are believed to disrupt the balance of the doshas or bodily energies and can lead to physical and mental imbalances. Thus, recognising and correcting mistakes in our thoughts and behaviours is essential for optimal health.   

Chitta Suddhi Yoga is also related to Ayurvedic practice because it emphasises the importance of purifying the mind and heart. Ayurvedic treatments such as meditation, pranayama, and self-reflection can help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity. “Chitta” refers to the mind, and “Suddhi” means purity or cleanliness. This practice involves various techniques, including asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, and self-reflection.    

By purifying the mind and heart, we can remove obstacles to spiritual progress and achieve inner peace and clarity. In addition, Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle practices can also support the purification of the body and mind, which is essential for overall health and well-being.   

PPPM Model of Health   

The PPPM model was conceptualised in the early 2000s, with the rise of genetics and other advanced technologies that made personalised medicine achievable. In 2009, Leroy Hood, an American biologist and the founder of the Institute for Systems Biology, introduced the term “PPPM” to describe the healthcare paradigm that integrated predictive, preventive, and personalised medicine (PPPM)   

While PPPM is a modern approach, it shares many similarities with the Ayurvedic traditional healthcare system, which also focuses on preventative care, personalised treatment, and holistic wellness.   

While Ayurveda and the PPPM model of health have several differences, they share some common principles and objectives. Both place a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and patient engagement in healthcare. Additionally, both recognise the importance of personalised healthcare, tailoring treatments to each patient’s specific needs.   

The holistic approach to health and well-being central to Ayurveda aligns with the PPPM model’s focus on holistic healthcare. Both practices recognise that health is a complete condition of physical, mental, and social well-being and not the absence of disease.  

The PPPM model of health is a modern, Western approach that utilises advanced technologies to predict and prevent disease. At the same time, Ayurveda is a traditional, holistic system of medicine that emphasises individualised care and the interconnectedness of all things. Nevertheless, Ayurveda’s emphasis on personalised care, preventive healthcare, and the interconnectedness of everything aligns with the PPPM model’s objectives. Ayurvedic principles may contribute to developing personalised treatment plans by considering an individual’s unique genetic makeup (prakruti or mind-body type), lifestyle, and environment.   

Takeaway 

Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of medicine with a history dating back thousands of years. The PPPM model of health is a modern, Western approach that uses advanced technologies to predict an individual’s risk of developing disease and create personalised treatment plans, preventive medicine and patient engagement. Incorporating Ayurvedic principles into modern healthcare can result in more personalised and effective treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each individual.    

At Ayurveda Awareness Centre, we believe that our minds and bodies require nourishment and proper foods. So, begin enhancing your diet with Ayurveda by following our courses “Foundation Training in Clinical Ayurveda (FTCA)” and “Ayurveda Appreciation Program”, and you’ll understand the significant health benefits of certain foods.   

This Foundation Training in Clinical Ayurveda (FTCA) program educates on the knowledge and skills required to look after one’s health & family’s well-being by integrating Ayurvedic practices into daily life and achieving a balance of wellness in all aspects of life. The course is a hybrid program, Online Live and self-study, with 350 learning hours + 7 two – days of the intensive session, starting from MAY 2023.    

This course benefits health practitioners, including yoga instructors, medical doctors, natural health practitioners, and anyone interested in learning about Ayurveda.    

Take a first step towards enhancing your skills in this field and learn Ayurvedic principles to refine your life.    

To know more about our course, click here

The “Ayurveda Appreciation Program” is a beginner-level program to learn and understand the basic fundamental concepts of Ayurveda. It is suitable for other health practitioners, including yoga instructors, medical doctors, natural health practitioners, and naturopathy students. The course lasts about 30 hours, with 9-10 weeks, an Online Live Program.  

[satcharinationalpark-blog]

Satchari National Park

Satchari National Park (SNP) was established in 2005 with an area of 243 hectares. This small Park is located in Raghunandan hill reserve forest, in Paikpara Union of Chunarughat Upazilla, Habiganj District. “Satchari” is a Bangla word meaning ‘Seven Streams’ and the Park takes its name after the seven streams flowing inside the forest. These streams provide water for wildlife and are an important part of the ecosystem of the park, fossilized tree branches can be found among their sandy beds in the dry season. Satchari National Park has a rich flora and fauna. More than 200 tree species have been identified, including ones typical of tropical evergreen forest such as Garjan (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), Chapalish (Artocarpus chaplasha), various figs (Ficus sp.), and Jarul (Lagerstroemia sp.). This remnant fruitrich forest supports globally threatened primates such as Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, Capped Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon. It is a popular forest for birdwatching, and notable colorful species include Red Junglefowl, Redheaded Trogon, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Green Imperial Pigeon, and in the early monsoon breeding cuckoos and Hooded Pitta.

A tipra ethnic village inhabited by 24 families is located within the National Park. Peaceful Tipra para is a jewel of the Park. This community for long sustained themselves from the forest, with co-management several tipra youths now earn a living as tourist guides, and other families have diversified their professions.

[biogeticahealth-blog]

DIET FOR HERPES

Herpes Diet

DIET FOR HERPES

According to traditional Ayurvedic diet principles, one should eat a low pitta alkalizing diet when inflicted with herpes. According to western traditions, it is generally recommended that people with herpes eat a diet, higher in Lysine and lower in Arginine. A Wondrous synchronicity between ancient and modern sciences is realized when one realizes that foods that are high Pitta (acidic) are also high in the Arginine to Lysine ratio. We are thus pleased to present to you diet advice for herpes outbreaks and cold sores that is advised by both the ancient science of Ayurveda and by modern medicine.

Eliminating Arginine completely is not recommended, as Arginine is important to immune function.

Read More about Herpes Cure

HERPES AYURVEDIC DIET

HERPES DIET

The first step is to balance the doshas (unique physical and mental constitutions) with dietary modifications and herbs. Diet and herbs help detoxify the blood and lymph, expel toxins and balance vitiated Vata and Pitta, and hence rejuvenate the underlying tissues. This reduces the burning, inflammation and tingling sensation.

The second step involves rejuvenation of body, as Ayurveda believes that a disease affects not only a particular organ, but also the entire system. Hence, after balancing the doshas, the body needs to be rejuvenated using Rasayanas (Herbal Tonics), so that it may develop immunity to fight recurrent attacks of the disease.

Finally, certain diet and lifestyle modifications are very beneficial. An anti-Pitta or Pitta Shamak diet is recommended.

Anti-Pitta Diet

Eat More Of The Following:

Fresh Vegetables: Beans, Beetroot, Bitter gourd, Parval (pointed gourd), Bottle gourd, Tanduliyakam (amaranth), Cabbage, Carrot, Gourd luffa (luffacylindrica), Kushmanda (white gourd melon), Drumsticks (moringaoleifera), Radish, Turnip, Asparagus, Yellow melon (ivy gourd).

Fruits: Pomegranate, Sweet lime (mosambi), Banana, Grapes/Raisins, Black-berry (jamun), Lime, Custard apple (sitafal), Mulberry (shahatut), Sugarcane, Aconite / Monk’s hood (Amrud), Amalaki (Emblicmyrobalan),Apple, Avocado, Pears, Figs, Dates (Kharjura).

Non-Vegetarian food: Fish, Chicken, Turkey and Eggs are considered beneficial for people with herpes.

Spices: Turmeric, Cumin seeds (Jeeraka), Coriander / Coriander seeds (dhanyaka), Saindhava salt, Fennel (Saunf), Cardamom, Mangosteen oil tree (Garciniaindica/ Vrkshamla).

Diet Restrictions for People With Herpes:

Honey, hot water, curd, tamarind, groundnut oil, horse gram (kulattha), mustard oil

VEGETABLES RESTRICTED FOR HERPES:

Pungent vegetables such as Garlic, Onion, Peppers (red and black), Tomatoes

Fruits restricted for pitta: Sour fruits such as Pineapple, Papaya, Plums(sour), Falsa (Grewiaasiatica), ripe Bilwa (Aeglemarmelos), Peaches

Spices restricted for pitta: Ajwain (King’s cumin), Ginger, green chilli, Spear-mint/garden mint, hing (Asafetida), Black pepper, Garlic, Tamarind, Tejpatra (Himalayan silver fir), Tulsi (Sacred Basil/Holy Basil).

Lysine Rich Foods:

Lysine-rich foods help empower your immune system to combat and prevent viruses that wreak havoc on your health. Once the reproduction of herpes simplex virus is stopped or minimized, it can significantly reduce the duration and frequency of a herpes outbreak. Here are some Lysine-rich foods:

Fruits: Plenty of autumn fruits contain high amounts of lysine. Try including Apples, Figsand Pears in your diet. Summer treats like Mangoes and Apricots are also beneficial.

Vegetables: Research has shown that Cauliflower, Brussels sproutsand Broccoli are three of the best foods to eat to prevent a herpes outbreak. Most vegetables are high in Lysine and low in Arginine. Beans, Beetroots and Potatoes are some of the other vegetables rich in Lysine that you can include in your diet.

Dairy: Consuming dairy products when you are suffering from herpes will help cure your sores fast. Yoghurthas one of the highest amounts of lysine of all foods. Make sure you eat yogurt that doesn’t contain gelatin or corn syrup. Gelatin has Arginine, which may cause outbreaks.

Meats: Beef, Lamb, Fishand Chicken are all rich in Lysine.

Avoid Foods With High Arginine

Avoid Seeds and Nuts, Coconut (coconut oil is fine since it has no amino acids), Orange juice, Chocolate, Wheat products, Oats, Lentils, Protein supplements, Gelatin, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, and Cucumber.

Tips:

Drink enough water

Take Rasayanas (immune-enhancing supplements)

Decrease your stress and anxiety by doing meditation, Pranayam (breathing exercises) and yoga

20-30 minutes of regular exercise is advisable

Sleep for at least 7-8 hours at night

Sleeping during the day should be avoided

Maintain a diet high in whole, unprocessed foods

Avoid preserved, frozen and canned food

Avoid smoking, tobacco, alcohol and caffeinated beverages

Avoid over-eating, do not eat when you are not hungry

Avoid exposure to excess sunlight, wind and fire

Avoid cheese, curd and milk

Avoid combining food as it is considered incompatible: Meat, fish, chicken, pork, prawns, mushrooms, sour fruits, curd, buttermilk, sprouts, fruits should not be combined or mixed with milk & honey

[spinus-pinus]

Western Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida

2/13/2023 Tracy Aviary, Utah

[spinus-pinus]

Western Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida

2/13/2023 Tracy Aviary, Utah

[spinus-pinus]

Western Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida

2/13/2023 Tracy Aviary, Utah

[herpsandbirds]

Western Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida), family Pittidae, order Passeriformes, Malaysia

photograph by Johnny Loh

[herpsandbirds]

Western Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida), family Pittidae, order Passeriformes, Malaysia

Photograph by Johnny Soh

[herpsandbirds]

Western Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida), family Pittidae, order Passeriformes, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand

photograph by Joseph Jacks