Top 5 Ayurvedic Secrets to Cancer Prevention

by | Feb 9, 2025 | Ayurveda

Top 5 Ayurvedic Secrets to Cancer Prevention

Cancer, a word that evokes uncertainty and fear, has become one of the most formidable health challenges of our time. Yet, within the folds of Ayurveda, the ancient science of life and longevity, lies a philosophy that inspires hope: the belief that balance is the cornerstone of health and that disease, including cancer, thrives in its absence.

What if we told you that by aligning with nature’s rhythms, nurturing your inner vitality, and understanding the subtle signals of your body, you could build a fortress against such illnesses? The wisdom of Ayurveda offers a tapestry of practices, not just for prevention but for cultivating a life brimming with vitality and harmony. Let us unfold the Ayurvedic approach to cancer prevention—a journey as enlightening as it is transformative.

A Journey to the Root: Understanding Disease in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the origins of disease are deeply rooted in the accumulation of toxins (“ama”) and an imbalance in the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These disturbances often stem from a disconnection—from our natural surroundings, our inner rhythms, and our state of mind. Chronic inflammation, cellular dysfunction, and oxidative stress, recognized in modern science as precursors to cancer, are seen in Ayurveda as the outcomes of this disharmony.
To prevent such disharmony, Ayurveda doesn’t just treat symptoms; it delves into lifestyle, diet, environment, and emotions to create a holistic strategy for well-being.

1. Agni: The Flame of Life
At the heart of Ayurvedic health is “Agni,” the digestive fire. Agni is not merely about digestion; it governs transformation on every level, ensuring that what we consume—food, emotions, experiences—is assimilated into energy and vitality. A sluggish or erratic Agni can lead to the buildup of ama, creating a fertile ground for disease.

Daily Practices to Nurture Agni:

  • Begin your mornings with a ritual: sip warm water to gently awaken Agni and clear residual toxins.
  • Honor mealtime as a sacred pause; eat mindfully, avoiding distractions, and give thanks for the nourishment.
  • Incorporate seasonal spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger, which gently stoke Agni and support digestive balance.

2. Detoxification: Aligning with Nature’s Cycles
Nature itself embraces cleansing; seasons transition, rivers flow, and winds change direction. Ayurveda invites us to harmonize with these rhythms through regular detoxification practices that prevent the stagnation of toxins.

Seasonal Detox Routines:

  • As spring and autumn usher in seasonal shifts, listen to your body’s needs and adopt a detox regimen accordingly. Light detoxes with leafy greens, warm broths, and herbal teas can support cellular renewal.
  • Engage in Abhyanga, the art of self-massage with warm oils. This not only detoxifies but also nurtures the nervous system, fostering resilience.
  • Embrace the practice of fasting—gentle and appropriate for your constitution—to allow the body to reset and rejuvenate.

3. The Dance of Immunity: Strengthening Ojas
In Ayurvedic thought, “Ojas” is the essence of vitality, the subtle energy that governs immunity, stability, and radiance. When Ojas is depleted, the body becomes vulnerable to disease. Cultivating Ojas is less about “boosting” immunity and more about nourishing it in a sustainable, balanced way.

Nourishing Ojas Through Lifestyle:

  • Prioritize restorative sleep by creating a calming bedtime ritual. Disconnect from screens and immerse yourself in quiet reflection or gentle breathing practices.
  • Relish foods that are wholesome, fresh, and alive with prana (life energy): vibrant fruits, nourishing grains, flavour-enhancing herbs, and vegetables.
  • Seek joy in simplicity: a walk amidst nature, heartfelt laughter, or time spent with loved ones. These intangible elements are profound builders of Ojas.

4. Harmony in Mind and Spirit: Addressing Stress
The mind’s state has a profound impact on physical health. Chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence disturb the body’s equilibrium, creating pathways for illness. Ayurveda’s approach to mental well-being is deeply integrative, offering tools to calm the mind and ground the spirit.

Rituals for Emotional Balance:

  • Explore meditation practices that resonate with you—be it the silent stillness of mindfulness or the rhythm of mantra chanting. Both cultivate a serene mindscape.
  • Practice Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), a technique known to balance the nervous system and enhance mental clarity.
  • Surround yourself with uplifting environments: declutter your space, bring in fresh flowers, and infuse your home with soothing aromas like sandalwood or lavender.

5. Food as Medicine: The Ayurvedic Plate
Ayurveda regards food as the most accessible form of medicine. The focus is not just on what we eat but how, when, and why we eat. A personalized diet, mindful of one’s dosha and the seasons, becomes a powerful ally in disease prevention.

The Ayurvedic Plate for Balance:

  • Favor fresh, organic, and minimally processed foods. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, flavour-enhancing herbs, and spices create a symphony of nourishment.
  • Balance tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) in every meal to maintain optimal Agni and harmony of Dosha.
  • Avoid extremes—overeating, skipping meals, or relying on heavily processed foods—as they disturb Agni and create imbalances.

An Ancient Science for Modern Living
Ayurveda’s secrets are not locked in ancient texts or distant monasteries; they are woven into the fabric of daily life. The wisdom of this timeless science reminds us that prevention is not a one-time act but a continuous dance with balance. By honoring the body, mind, and spirit’s innate connection, we can create an environment where health thrives and disease finds no foothold.

As you journey through life, let Ayurveda be your guide—not just as a science, but as an art of living beautifully and harmoniously. Embrace its principles, integrate its practices, and discover not just the absence of illness but the presence of radiant vitality.

A Note of Reflection:
Health is not a destination but a journey. Each choice, each ritual, and each mindful act brings you closer to a life of balance and joy. May this ancient wisdom inspire you to walk your path with grace and awareness.

Speak with our team at ASHAexperience to explore how you can integrate these Ayurvedic principles into your life and embark on a transformative journey toward holistic well-being.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

Motherhood and Ayurveda

by | Mar 3, 2022 | Lifestyle

Motherhood and Ayurveda

Mother is the first and special person in everyone’s life. In recent years the modern world came up with the idea of celebrating mother’s day to pay gratitude for all the sacrifices that she makes for her children.

Whereas Ayurveda has always given the emphasis on mother and motherhood even 5000 years ago. Back then one did not have to wait for Mother’s day to celebrate motherhood. Ayurveda clearly believed that the creation of life is the reflection of the divine aspect within us. It beautifully justifies what is written by Mitch Albom “ behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because here is where yours begins”

The ancient treatise of Ayurveda such as Sushrutha Samhitha and Charaka Samhita has special references to Garhini Paricharya and Garbha Vyakarana, i.e detailed information regarding the importance of diet, hygiene, preventive measures, Antenatal and postnatal health, and also the process of development of Embryo. These books give an elaborate explanation of the important regimen a woman needs to follow and the significance of care she should get not just before or during pregnancy but also after delivering the baby. Therefore, it prepares each and every woman for her motherhood by offering sustainable natural and nutritional measures for her growth and protection.
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Ayurveda advocates a specific regime for Pregnancy that extends from food, diet nutrition to physical and mental activities she needs to follow regularly. A few of the important tips are listed below for all the women who wish to be a mother.

Dosha Type- Know the body

We all know that a woman needs to be physically strong from her birth, the time of Menarche, the time of her fertility and conception when she carries the child in her womb till she attains Menopause, and the life after that. Also, the duration of conception, delivery, and recovery plays a vital role in various levels. Hence the focus on immunity should start from the very day she prepares herself to become a mother.

Therefore, It is very important for each and every mother to know one’s Prakriti/constitution as per Ayurvedic science. These constitutions are described as Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha or combinations of the same. A woman’s body behaves very differently as per her own constitution. Hence it is important for a woman to start knowing the body before she prepares herself for motherhood. These Prakriti shall be analyzed and the Dosha, the deviation if any, would be diagnosed by an Ayurvedic doctor which is based on a set of physical and mental parameters. Once she is aware of these factors, it will be easier for her to start planning for nutrition and an ayurvedic lifestyle.

Nutrition – Build the immunity

Women are usually vulnerable to various kinds of health problems due to the constant changes in their bodies from Pre menstruation till menopause. Therefore, Ayurveda advocates that the diet and nutrition of the mother is the most essential factor to combat the emotional, psychological, and physical changes she goes through during motherhood.

A wholesome adequate timely diet and nutrition not only play an important role in building the immunity of the mother but also can be passed to her children as a legacy. The Ayurvedic diet always involves the food that is eaten as per Prakriti. Ayurveda always offers personalized diet plans to every mother explaining the food to be eaten or to be avoided as per the body type

Abhayanga – Self Massage

A mother is not only the most important role a woman can play in her life. As a primary caregiver to the family and children, the mother needs a holistic approach by offering Abhyanga to her body along with the right nutrition. Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic oil massage regime that each and every mother should inculcate. Abhyanga can also be done as per Prakriti.

This not only relaxes the body from all the changes that a woman goes through during motherhood but also increases the strength of bones and muscles.

Blissful- Learn to be joyful

The world of the mother revolves around her children and family. Hence the entire life of the mother can be very stressful. Despite taking the right nutrition, being physically fit Ayurveda always recommends each woman to be joyful during the journey of motherhood. When a mother is joyful it helps her to handle the stress more effectively, focusing more on the development of her children and family. Pregnancy Yoga and meditation also play a vital role in maintaining not only physical health but also mental vigor.

A healthy mind in a healthy body, as well as physical mental equilibrium, is the key behind a healthy mother thereby a healthy child.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

Asthma – Thamaka Swasa

by | Dec 25, 2021 | Ayurveda

Asthma – Thamaka Swasa

Tips to boost immunity against Asthma – the most common winter problem

Ayurveda gives tips to boost immunity against asthma. Ayurveda doesn’t only focus on physical entities of life but is a wholesome source of knowledge dealing with the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual construct of life. Therefore it is the most rational and scientific knowledge which aims at treating the disorders of distressed/diseased as well as promoting the health of a healthy individual.

With this regard, Ayurveda has certain basic concepts which when followed rightly protect and nourish body and mind. This includes the conduct and pursuits of life derived from the five elements of nature- the Panchamahabhuta. The routine and regimen are based upon the natural factors mentioned under the context of Dinacharya (the daily regimen) and Rtucharya (the seasonal regimen) in the treatise Ashtanga Sangraham / Ashtanga Hridayam written by Vagbhata Acharya. The manifestation of diseases depends upon the external environmental factors when it is not in sync with the internal components of the body. Therefore, following a seasonally conducive regime plays an important role in the context of health.

How Seasons Define the Functioning of Our Body?

Let us understand the connection between seasons and the functioning of our body; We need to look into the structuring of the year according to Ayurveda. The 12 months of a year are classified under 6 Ritu (seasons), with two Māsa (Months) under one Ritu. The whole year is divided into two parts with 3 Ritu for each.

The 3 consecutive seasons of SiShira, Vasanta, GrìSma (January till July) comprise “UttaraayaNa” – the period when Sun is traversing to the north of equator, though it is the equatorial inclination of the earth, let us just assume that the sun “travels” for simpler understanding as we can see the directional reference. This period is called “AdānaKāla i.e. period of extraction/taking away strength.

The seasons of VarSha, Sarad, Hēmanta (July to January) comprise Dakshinayana – sun traversing to the south of the equator. This period is called VisargaKāla i.e period of discharge, it gives back strength and vitality.

The basis for health is Hita Bhuk, Mita Bhuk, Ritu Bhuk- which is to eat mindfully which is conducive, only what is needed and what is “SEASONAL”.

In order to maintain health, following the nutrition & regime as per season is important. It is interesting that in Ayurveda diseases are treated considering all these factors attributing to the seasonal regime.

Every season has important characteristics and specific regime to be followed. One of the most common problems faced by many during colder months, is the difficulty in breathing which is explained in terms of Bronchial Asthma. This is commonly seen in colder months due to accumulation of Cold in the body in addition to the colder temperature and weather externally.

What is the root cause of Asthma – learn from Ayurveda?

According to Ayurveda, Asthma which is termed as Tamaka Swasa is caused due to imbalanced Kapha, which is usually associated with discomfort in breathing and problems related to respiratory organs.

The underlying cause of all asthmatic conditions is increased Kapha dosha in the stomach. From there it moves into the lungs, trachea and bronchi. The increased kapha blocks the natural flow of air, creating spasm in the bronchial tree and resulting in asthma and wheezing.

Environmental and lifestyle factors also play a role in asthma. Consuming cold or stale foods are not easy to digest and lead to the formation of ama (mucus) thereby causing blockage in the respiratory channel and difficulty in breathing. Living in a cold and damp environment is also a reason for asthma.

What happens during an Asthma Attack?

If an asthma attack is not controlled in time, it can leave a person breathless. In simpler words, an attack could be triggered due to allergic reactions to irritants, or some other triggers or stimuli like dust, smoke, fumes or chemical allergens like pollen or grass. This causes imbalance in Doshas in various levels leading to difficulty in breathing and other symptoms. The typical characteristics of Kapha, Pitta Dosha causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, fever and irritability. Asthma caused by Vata Dosha can be acknowledged by wheezing, dry mouth, thirst, dry cough, dry skin, anxiety and constipation.

Ayurvedic practitioners also focus on diet, exercise, and deep breathing techniques to help reduce asthma symptoms.

Herbs like vasa, pushkarmula and yastimadhu have been known to control the symptoms of asthma. These herbs may have antihistamine, bronchodilating, and anti-asthmatic properties.

The general line of treatment includes treating the symptoms and ease the respiration followed by balancing the doshas (elemental imbalance of our individual body).

The following formulations are beneficial in treating Asthma but to be strictly followed under professional advice from an Ayurvedic Practitioner.

  • Swasari Vati
  • Tulasi
  • Vasaavaleha
  • Sitopaladi Churna
  • Abraka Bhasma
  • Yashtimadhu Churna

Few home remedies and combinations that help mild Asthmatic conditions.

Ginger helps to deal with inflammation. Half cup of ginger tea mixed with 2-3 crushed garlic cloves is effective to release the kapha accumulation in the airways, thereby preventing asthmatic attacks.

“Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4th teaspoon trikatu (trikatu is a combination of three (tri) spices or herbs that are hot (katu). It is a blend of equal parts of Pippali or long pepper, black pepper and dry ginger ) into a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes and add 1 teaspoon of honey before drinking,” suggests Dr. Vasant Lad in his book on Ayurvedic remedies.

Golden milk or Turmeric milk with a pinch of cardamom helps reduce tightness in chest.

Licorice has anti inflammatory properties. Licorice tea helps in reducing pain in the throat and inflammation.

Half teaspoon of bay leaf and 1/4th teaspoon of pippali/long pepper mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey soothes the respiratory tract and is useful in chronic Asthmatic conditions.

Pepper Ginger Honey combination is a very well-known home remedy for respiratory symptoms.

YashtiMadhu/ Licorice is said to help enormously in various symptoms of Asthma. Yashti Madhu consumed as Khada/ Tea helps relieve inflammation. It can also be administered with pepper and Rock sugar. Sometimes it causes vomiting but it is a progressive indication of expulsion of Phlegm. Thereby Yashti Madhu acts in various ways in treating Asthma.

These are the self-awareness in terms of lifestyle that one needs to follow in
case of Asthma both as preventive as well as line of treatment:

  • Pulses like rice, wheat, barley, beans should be consumed regularly.
  • Avoid exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution, cigarette smoke, and allergens.
  • Add Honey to your drinks and teas (should be lukewarm not hot).
  • Nuts and dry fruits can be taken in moderate amount.
  • Eat foods rich in antioxidants.
  • Heavy foods like milk, cheese, curd, buttermilk and banana should be avoided.
  • Oily, greasy and fried foods should be avoided.
  • Try to avoid the cold and refrigerated foods and drinks.
  • Avoid excessive activities or physical exercises.
  • Yoga and meditation can be helpful.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when stepping out in cold weather.
  • Avoid processed foods, additives, white sugar and artificial sweeteners.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.