Ayurvedic Living Nutrition

A few days ago Shantree and I saw the movie, Selma. It chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. We were both very impacted by the movie and it led me to question, as I often do, what the underlying ’cause’ is that would allow a person to see another being as less than oneself, and treat that being with disdain, disrespect and even hatred as though their life didn’t really matter. All of this is so poignantly portrayed in the movie. While this is a complex question in some ways, in others it is simple. Here’s my take on it. My belief is that the root cause of all of our problems is that we have come to believe in the illusion that we are separate and superior to this Earth. Let me explain how this ties into prejudice. For most of human history, we walked in union with nature, perhaps even seeing all aspects of nature as ‘kin’ in some sense. Certainly, an Earth that humans were a part of and dependent upon.   Archeological studies reveal that … Read more

“A faulty fire leads to improper functioning of the tissues which in turn, creates Ama in the gastrointestinal tract and leading to the poor synthesis of tissues.”~Charaka Ayurvedic herbalism, which originates from India and is the oldest recorded form of herbal shamanic medicine, has lots to say about restoring the health of our digestive system. Ayurvedic philosophy speaks of one main cause of all diseases. The cause is rooted in the impairment of the body’s main fire, called Agni, the fire of digestion. Ayurveda views the health of the body as the functioning of biological, fire-governing metabolism. If this essential part is functioning effectively, the whole body will be nourished, full of life and vibrancy. Agni can metaphorically mean the fires within a wood-burning stove. Another term, Ama, can refer to the black cresol build-up in the pipes and chimney. The more efficiently the wood burns in the woodstove, the more heat (energy) that is produced, and the less cresol (toxin) that is created. This metaphor symbolizes very well what happens in our digestive system, depending on the health of this bodily system. Agni and Ama are opposite in properties. Agni is hot, dry, light, clear and aromatic, whereas Ama … Read more

Ayurvedic Live-Food Nutrition is based on the fact that there is no one diet for everyone.  Each of us is unique with different constitutions, and therefore, different nutritional needs. Ayurveda is a holistic health-care system that recognizes that every action we take in life has a reaction. Thus it is a science of bringing awareness to all of our actions: how and what we eat, how we live, what we think, how we relate intimately with others and ourselves. Ayurveda is a compassionate journey of self-discovery, providing you with the tools to becoming your own best doctor. Ayurveda teaches that foods are carriers and balancers of Prana, the Vital Life Force. Each food has its own unique characteristics of energy and flavour through which it produces a specific effect on our bodies, minds and emotions. Ayurveda means “Knowledge of Life” and it embodies the art of living consciously. Raw and Living Foods The Live-Food diet is proving to be the healthiest, most common sense diet on the planet. Why? Because when we eat our foods in their natural state, we receive maximum nutrition and therefore maximum health. At The Living Centre, we feel that the mysteries of nature cannot be … Read more

Interviewer Mariana Bozesan, Ph.D., of Sage Era “When diet is wrong medicine is of no use. When diet is correct medicine is of no need. ” ~ Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb In Ayurveda, enzymes translate into what is called agni – our digestive fire – our spark of life. Therefore, enzymes are especially important when addressing body type imbalances with Ayurveda. One of the keys to good health, longevity and balanced weight is choosing foods that are of the highest quality possible. These foods provide an abundance of energy through their natural life-force. These foods are in their natural organic state, as fresh as possible and in their wholesome form. Ayurveda describes these foods as the spark of life. For life supports life. If a seed does not sprout you know that its life-force has been lost. When a food is denatured it will be deficient in some of its life-giving properties including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential nutrients. One of these nutrients is enzymes. A well-known fact in Ayurveda is that once our fire is gone life ceases to be. What are Enzymes? According to Rudolf Steiner, “enzymes are the bridge between the physical and the spiritual world”. Biologically, enzymes are … Read more

“Cancer cells, lacking oxygen (prana), represent a growth in the body outside the rule of the life-force.” In Ayurveda, cancer is a disease that often involves all three bodily humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), though it typically starts with a predominance of one. When an individual’s digestive fire or enzyme reserves are low, allowing a build-up of toxic substances, this can create an environment for cancer to grow. Cancer represents a negative life-energy, something like a micro-organism, which has become established in the body. Cancer has numerous causes including our toxic environment, denatured and processed foods, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of spiritual purpose or effort in life. It’s most common basis is suppressed emotion or emotional stagnation, which causes accumulation of toxic material. As many may be aware of cancer, at one time, it was not prevalent in North America and was considered a disease of old age. Cancer now afflicts almost one in two of all adults. Yes, we do have better diagnostic methods which may account for part of the statistical increase in cancer cases, however, the fact is these numbers keep growing. Perhaps the time has come to give more energy and money to preventative measures and educating … Read more

Radio Interview with Shantree about Ayurveda his book Ayurvedic Tongue Diagnosis The power of live-foods for optimal vitality is being well supported these days with nutritional science and research. The old saying ‘the closer anything is to the vine is divine’, holds true to both the teachings of Ayurveda and Nutritional Medicine. The true essence of comprehending living-foods is … if it is not broken, don’t fix it. Living-foods are those, which have not been cooked at high temperatures, processed, “pesticided” or “herbicided”, microwaved, irradiated, or genetically engineered. They characterize an unbroken wholeness that is the original creation and nutritional gift of Mother Earth. The basic fact is that the food we eat is an energetic whole, greater than the sum of the parts, reveals a holistic view of nutrition. The Ayurvedic Living Nutrition course at The Living Centre takes into account the ‘full spectrum’ of nutritional needs combined with practical tools to support holistic living. Enzymes are the sparks of life. Without enzymes, there really is no life on this planet. Enzyme reserves seem to be connected to life-force, health, and longevity. Enzymes are living biochemical factors that activate and carry out all the biological processes in the body such … Read more

Ayurvedic Live-Food Nutrition is based on the fact that there is no one diet for everyone.  Each of us is unique with different constitutions, and therefore, different nutritional needs. Ayurveda is a holistic health-care system that recognizes that every action we take in life has a reaction. Thus it is a science of bringing awareness to all of our actions: how and what we eat, how we live, what we think, how we relate intimately with others and ourselves. Ayurveda is a compassionate journey of self-discovery, providing you with the tools to becoming your own best doctor. Ayurveda teaches that foods are carriers and balancers of Prana, the Vital Life Force. Each food has its own unique characteristics of energy and flavour through which it produces a specific effect on our bodies, minds and emotions.   Ayurveda means “Knowledge of Life” and it embodies the art of living consciously. Raw and Living FoodsThe Live-Food diet is proving to be the healthiest, most common sense diet on the planet. Why? Because when we eat our foods in their natural state, we receive maximum nutrition, and therefore, maximum health. At The Living Centre, we feel that the mysteries of nature cannot be duplicated … Read more

“Human immunity is a vital component of the interface between the individual and their world. Human activity is not simply that of resisting the harsh environment, rather it is a complex and beautiful dance of flowing to and fro within our world.” “Seen within the context of ecology, both human and environment, immunity is about harmony and NOT resistance, a dynamic dance with the environment and NOT simply a series of barriers to it.”-David Hoffmann, author of the ‘New Holistic Herbal’ Our immune system is constantly under attack and is the most dynamic component in determining our state of health or disease. Our high-stress lifestyles and the condition of our environment take a toll on our immune systems and our ability to withstand the onslaught of disease. In herbal medicine, there are numerous protocols for helping an individual stay healthy during those cold and wintery days and nights. Using simple and effective remedies and lifestyle changes helps in keeping your immune system strong and your body healthy so that you can be a physically, mentally and spiritually balanced individual. Millions of individuals this winter are going to experience immuno-suppression. This is the result of opportunistic infections. What are the causes … Read more

It is my intention to show you a simple, practical, step-by-step program for reversing ageing through the ancient healing art of herbal juice fasting. Through a seven day fast, or by attending a seven-day fasting retreat for optimal health you will notice immediate improvements in your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. 1. Changing Your Perception & Trusting Nature’s Healing Process The first step is realizing and acknowledging that it is time for a change and a time to embrace a new way of being. This first step is that of trusting nature’s power to heal if we just give it the opportunity. This can be done by stepping out of nature’s way and giving ourselves the nourishing substance we need. 2. Bringing in Restful Awareness & Sleep The next step that follows for this program to work is giving yourself space to have downtime – healing time. When we are in complete rest we are healing. Deep sleep and rest is a time when the body is alkalizing and doing its house cleaning. 3. Eliminating Toxins from the Body The third step is an important key to supporting the healing process. This is to eliminate the impurities from entering the … Read more

You can feel healthier, have more energy, and start “Youthing” NOW – instead of ageing. Where will you be in twenty years? Will you be living an active life with a body full of vitality, purpose and passion?  Or will the wear and tear of “living” leave you worn out and sick?  In the past, the biochemistry of ageing was cut and dried – ageing happens. Not true – and here is why. If we take proper care of our bodies, life-expectancy is unlimited. Both Dr. Bernard Jenson and Gary Young (good name) from Young Living Essential oils travelled the world in search of what creates health and longevity. They met people around the world who were still active and vibrant, living well over 125 years. Yes, it’s true! The body’s ability to maintain health declines as its 75 trillion cells output less and less energy. Stress, toxic environments, improper nutrition, lack of exercise, trauma, and an imbalanced lifestyle all rob the body of its life-force.  A weakened body easily falls prey to disease – and death. It’s never too late to begin ‘youthing’ our bodies. How far can we go? Let’s find out.   The Secret Is Out Observe who … Read more