Ayurveda, Digestion and Bone Broth for Winter Health and Immunity
Many people who come to Ayurveda might believe that the ancient Indian sages were strictly vegetarians, but this is a misconception and far from the truth. In fact, all whole foods are medicine in Ayurveda, and under certain health conditions and circumstances meat is used for healing purposes.
One of the ideal foods for depletion, sickness, and digestive complaints is to in fact eat bone broth for its many rich health benefits.
Rejuvenate and Restore this Winter
In Ayurveda, there is no one size fits all approach, but if you are suffering from leaky gut, immune issues, and digestive complaints, then you may want to consider bone broth as part of your winter repertoire in the kitchen.
Winter time is a time to restore and rejuvenate the body due to the cold, harsh and dry elements of the winter. Oftentimes in the winter, we turn to creature comfort foods that are processed and do not have a lot of nutritional value like breads, muffins, pies, and holiday desserts.
Homemade bone broth packs a punch in nutritional content and upgrades your system. It’s full of minerals and substances that the body will absorb and appreciate. Bone broth acts as a tonic to drink up the nutrient content offered by this superfood elixir.
The best part of bone broth is that it pacifies VATA Dosha. Vata is catabolic in nature and depletes the body when it seeps deep into our tissues, we’ll get issues! The warmth and density of bone broth grounds and soothes the nerves after a long, cold wintery day outside.
Due to its rich iron content it restores the rasa dhatu or strengthens the blood due to its rich iron content. The rasa dhatu or blood is the first way to build up ojas or deep immunity within the body. When our rasa is depleted, then we have weak ojas or vitality and strength to ward off viruses, colds and flus.
Boosts Immunity and Anti-Inflammatory
In addition to boosting immunity, this potent tonic is anti-inflammatory. It reduces excess Pitta, (the fire element in the body) but still stabilizes our agni or digestive fire, so that it is in balance or homeostasis. We need a balanced agni for digestive health to assimilate and absorb nutrients and for proper elimination of toxins. Amino acids in bone broth such as cystine, histidine, and glycine are also known to reduce gut inflammation.
Gut Health
If you’re anything like me and have battled gut issues most of your life, then bone broth is a perfect way to aid digestion. If you experience constipation, diarrhea, IBS, leaky gut, Crohn’s disease, then drink bone broth to restore your gut flora and heal the gut lining. The collagen content of this meal will not only heal your gut, but help with beautiful hair, skin, and nails.
Bones, Hairs, Nails and Teeth
And last but not least it increases bone strength, so if you are concerned with osteoporosis or osteopenia as you age then you don’t have to buy expensive supplements to support your bones. Bone broth contains collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, all essential ingredients for joints, ligaments and bones.
Simple Recipe and Ingredients
In the attached photo I bought a grass-fed chicken and used the bones. All you have to do is add the bones to your crock pot for up to 24 hours with the following: two stalks of carrots and celery, half an onion, an inch of ginger, two or three cloves of garlic, 1 TBSP of turmeric, 2 TBSP of apple cider vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Once the broth is done you can strain and add to any soup or stew recipe.
There are many different types of alternative medicine. But the idea is that it is using the body’s natural ways of healing. It promotes the body to heal, rather than invasive procedures or the use of chemical drugs. Let’s take a look at the different types of alternative medicines.
Homeopathy
One of those is homeopathy which is an alternative treatment for diseases. These treatments typically involve prescribing drugs that are made from natural sources such as plants and animal products. Nature has provided us with many natural medicines that can help build our immune system to fight off various diseases. Homeopath medicines do not have to endure the same regulations as other medicine. They are used to treat various health issues such as musculoskeletal pain, vertigo, digestive problems, and allergies. For example, ginger root is said to help with an upset stomach. It has been used for years for pregnant women.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy is an alternative medicine that is used to help treat illness. It is a holistic approach that does not use any of the conventional medicines. It is based on the view that all living beings are made up of energy. This energy is called ‘chi’ in Chinese. It is believed that everything in the world has a corresponding opposite force. When these forces are out of balance or held too long, illness can occur.
Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient healing art that helps people with illnesses. The word Ayurveda means “the science of life,” and it’s the oldest known system of holistic medicine in the world. It focuses on things like nutrition, exercise, and meditation to create a healthy lifestyle. This then boosts the immune system and reduces anxiety and stress.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine has been around for centuries, yet it is still widely used today. It can be used to help remedy a variety of different illnesses, such as the common cold. There are many different methods that people use to treat illness in traditional Chinese medicine. But there are two main types of treatments: herbal remedies and acupuncture.
What is the Evidence for Alternative Medicine?
Many people in the modern world are skeptical of medical treatments that they cannot see, touch, or feel. They question the effectiveness of natural remedies. They often do not believe that these alternative treatments can be as effective as what is offered by science-based medicine.
However, alternative medicine treatments have been used for centuries. History provides us with the evidence we need to ensure their safety. There may be skeptics. However, the proof is in the history of many of these ancient methods. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves naturally with proper diet and exercise. But, sometimes, it needs a boost, and that is where alternative medicines come into play.
Why Use Alternative Medicine as Opposed to Traditional Medicine?
Alternative medicine is a term that describes all forms of medical treatment that do not fall into the traditional Western paradigm. This means that it does not typically involve surgery, drugs, or other invasive treatments. Alternative medical treatments help assist patients in various areas without being invasive or body-altering in any way. If you are interested in a more holistic approach to disease and medicine, then alternative medicine is the way to go.
Wondering what exactly Holistic Medicine is? Luv Yourself is a Holistic Medicine Center in Louisville, KY and we treat many different issues with holistic medicine. The word holistic means to view all the parts as a whole, to be concerned with the well-being of the entire person. Holistic medicine includes a variety of health care disciplines, such as acupuncture, naturopathy, chiropractic medicine, and herbalism.
In today’s world, where people work more hours and have less time for themselves, it is important to find ways to take care of yourself. The best way to do this is by taking a proactive approach by self-managing your health. This means taking an active role in your healthcare needs by making healthy lifestyle choices, also by seeking out appropriate healthcare providers – both traditional and non-traditional – for diagnosis and treatment.
What is Holistic Medicine & How Can It Help You?
Holistic medicine is a broad term that includes a wide range of treatments. It can refer to an alternative approach when conventional medicine has been unsuccessful. These treatments incorporate various things such as physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, and nutrition counseling.
Holistic medicine oftentimes takes into account spirituality and emotions as well.
How Does Holistic Medicine Work?
Holistic medicine considers all of the factors that could be affecting your health to find a solution for you. It doesn’t focus on one aspect of your life, but rather all of them. Unlike the traditional medical approach where they have surgeries and throw chemical medications at everyone, a holistic approach is less invasive. Holistic medicine looks at the overall body, posture, and sometimes spirit.
For example, a chiropractor is a holistic type of doctor. They look at your overall posture and stance and adjust your spine and other parts of the body to get the posture correct. Over time our posture gets affected by daily activities and accidents. But, rather than treat the knee pain with knee surgery, they look at what is causing the knee pain and try to adjust the way a person might come down on their knee. While this holistic approach can help many injuries and pain, there are times when surgery might actually be needed. However, many prefer to exhaust their options before going under the knife, and holistic medicine is perfect.
The Benefits of Holistic Medicine:
Some of these holistic medicines are Ayurvedic, i.e., treatments that come from traditional Indian medicine. The other holistic medicines include traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, and chiropractic.
The benefits of holistic medicine are that it is more personal than Western medicine. The treatment is less invasive than Western treatments. It focuses on prevention which can then lead to better health outcomes. Other advantages are:
It can be more cost-effective too.
There are fewer side effects.
The treatment plans are usually less complex.
They tend to be more culturally sensitive.
Your treatment will be personalized and tailored to suit you and what you need in order to feel your best.
You’ll get treated not just physically but also mentally and spiritually
If you have alignments that bother you or chronic pain, a holistic approach is an option that you should consider because of this list of benefits.
Naturopathic Medicine is a holistic, natural approach to medical care. It is an outgrowth of the natural healing arts, such as herbalism, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Naturopathic doctors examine the whole person, including; Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, to find the underlying causes of disease.
According to Luv Yourself, a Naturopathic Wellness Center In Louisville, KY, It is an outgrowth of the natural healing arts like herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine. Naturopathic doctors examine the whole person to find underlying causes of disease. It is a holistic approach to medical care that focuses on treating illness through diet and lifestyle changes rather than medication or surgery. Doctors who practice this type of medicine are known as naturopaths or naturopathic physicians (NMD). This type of doctor is a real doctor as well.
How Does Naturopathy Work?
Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine. It relies on using natural remedies to help patients with their health problems. The treatments usually involve diet and exercise as well as lifestyle changes and supplements, such as vitamins and minerals.
Naturopathy isn’t a type of medical treatment recognized by the American Medical Association or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been around for about 130 years, but it’s still not very common in the U.S. It is used mainly by those who want to avoid surgery or other more expensive and invasive treatments.
What are the Side Effects of Naturopathy? Are There Any Risks That I Should Be Aware of?
Naturopathy, a form of alternative medicine, is a system that relies on the idea that the human body has the ability to heal itself from most diseases and conditions through natural or holistic means. Naturopathic practices include things like:
Taking care of your general health
Medicinal herbs and plants
Homeopathic remedies
Massage therapy and hydrotherapy.
Naturopathy is not a regulated medical profession in the U.S., so it’s difficult to know if there are any side effects or risks associated with it. If you’re interested in pursuing naturopathy as a way to deal with your health issue, speak with a doctor first before making any changes to your lifestyle. A naturopathic doctor is a real doctor, but they take a different approach than you will find in an MD’s office. They often will have suggestions to try to help heal your body naturally.
Stress reduction and an improved sense of well-being.
It’s not surprising that naturopathic medicine has grown in popularity over the last few years. This is because more people are looking for alternative treatments for their health problems.
This treatment is particularly popular with people who have experienced chronic inflammatory disease symptoms, allergies, or autoimmune disorders.
Why Should You Consider Using a Naturopath as Your Primary Healthcare Provider?
Many people don’t know that naturopaths are primary healthcare providers. A naturopath is a holistic practitioner who can help you address all of your ailments, not just your health problems.
It’s important to find a practitioner that you feel comfortable with and qualified in the type of care or treatment you are looking for.
With the right Naturopath, you’ll be able to improve your mental and physical health. They can help you with an array of conditions such as allergies, anxiety, autism, arthritis, cancer & more. A Naturopath can also help you prevent sickness through an increased level of immune system functioning.
Marma Therapy is similar to acupuncture or cupping in that it helps to maintain health by cleansing blocked energy. Marma literally means the likelihood of death or damage when these points are inflicted, it also means hidden or secret. Marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints.
107 Marma Points in Ayurveda
These points are doorways into the body and consciousness, and the mind is considered the 108th marma. These points correspond to the 7 chakras, or energy centers in the body. These points range in size from 1 to 6 inches.
What happens during Marma Therapy?
Marma therapies work on many levels – emotional, mental and spiritual and can create dramatic shifts in the body.
Relief from chronic or acute pain, both locally and distally
Significant improvement in bodily/organ functions: immunity, digestive, respiratory, neural, and psychological
Healthier skin and a radiant appearance
Balances body temperature and the doshas
Releases neurochemicals such as serotonin, melatonin for improved cognitive function and deeper sleep
Marma works on prana (energy) levels, our sensory and motor organs, and eventually the entire mind-body complex
When I was a little girl, my dad would ask me the day of my birthday, “What is it like to be _?_ (age)?” I used to just laugh, and say it feels the same. However, as the years pass I look back, and I can clearly see how each passing year is a milestone and that so much changes from decade to decade.
Symbolism of 40
Like my entire generation, colleagues and friends, we are turning 40 this year. If you look up the symbolism of 40, it has many meanings. In the Bible, the number 40 represents transition or change; the concept of renewal, a new beginning. There are approximately 100 examples of 40 in the Bible: 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, 40 days of Jesus resurrection, the flood of Noah lasted 40 days, Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days, and in Kabbalah 40 represents the four sides of the world (esoteric powers). It is said that the gestation period of an embryo lasts 40 days.
It’s not just the Bible, but it’s cross cultural: some Hindus fast last 40 days. In Ayurveda, it is said that it takes 35 to 40 days to cleanse the body. In my own studies of Ayurveda there are 7 dhatus (tissues) in Ayurvedic medicine. It is said it takes up to 30 to 40 days to rebuild Ojas or immunity. It takes 5 – 7 days to eliminate doshic imbalances from each dhatu (tissue). During my Yoga Training, we had 40-day challenge to personal revolution.
Throughout human history 40 has been symbolic of testing, trial and deep learning. I believe what makes 40 so special is that you’ve had enough time on this earth to grow, to play, to acquire material knowledge, but at 40 you begin to ask yourself, “What mark can I make on this world that makes my life meaningful?” If you haven’t contributed to the world, then there is this deep calling in you to make it all worthwhile at 40.
Perspective Through the Decades
When I was 14, my dad took me to Chicago to see the Sears Tower. I remember looking down from the top of the building and seeing all the small cars below, and thinking man I am not the hot stuff I thought I was. And then I felt this again, when I was about 18 and went to the top of the Empire State Building. Who was I to make my mark on the world in such a vast populated world?
My last year of College, I applied to UC Berkeley to study Environmental History. My senior thesis in College was on the impact of the Colorado River, underground water supply, and its impact on California’s economic growth. It was essentially the untold history of the environment. Deep inside of me, I could see that humans were using the environment for personal and collective advancement at the costs of protecting the earth with no foresight into the long-term ramifications of how this was impacting the environment.
Instead of going to UC Berkeley, I was a typical 20-year-old who wanted to make my mark on the world. I went to work for OSPIRG, the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group in Portland, Oregon. It was started by Ralf Nader as a nonprofit advocacy group. They were doing a lot of work to protect the urban growth boundaries, air quality, mass transportation, etc. While there, I decided to get my Masters in Urban Planning with the mission of changing my hometown.
Upon returning to Louisville, I began looking at how Louisville could grow sustainably. By 2006, I graduated with my MPA with a focus in Urban Planning and went to work for a Louisville Developer who was using historic tax credits to restore historic properties. It was my first time working in the Public Sector. I have been in the Public Sector ever since, and I can say that I also have a deep appreciation of housing and affordability. I now have a deeper respect for why people live outside of the urban boundaries – affordability, demographics, and an appreciation for being closer to nature.
Awakening
Without going into any more detail about my job experiences, I have always been passionate about the environment. It has been a thread throughout my entire life. As a young mother, I nursed my children, and I made all their baby food with organic fruits and vegetables. I began to feel on a very spiritual level how toxic our world had become and that my children will inherit this world. I became very sick with fibromyalgia, and that’s when I began to awaken to all the harm I was doing to my own body with processed foods, sugar, GMO foods, and all the pesticides and chemicals in our food and water supply.
It was through this maternal nurturing that I turned in-ward and I realized that to make massive change on the environment that change needs to happen in each household with the foods and goods we consume. I realized how blind we are as consumers on the harmful products we consume whether it be food or cleaning products – you name it. While I never made huge changes in the political realm, I realized I oversaw my own life – the microcosm to the larger macrocosm. I believe deeply that to make planetary change, it has always been at the grassroots level with each of us (the butterfly effect).
I never liked politics, but I have been passionate about health and wellness for as long as I can remember. This passion began as a cross country runner. I have also been deeply spiritual for as long as I can remember. I was reading books on Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism when I was 16. What does this mean for me at 40?! I have grown to acquire this knowledge throughout my life, but it is time to truly actualize it out into the world.
Dharma – Planetary Thrive
My dharma or right way of living is to create planetary change and Thrive for myself, my family, and for all that I touch along the way. Motherhood taught me that one of the best ways to make change is to model change. If I want my child to behave a certain way, then I should model the behavior I want to see in my child. Humans influence one another. We are all derived from monkeys, and we model one another’s behavior. I hope that by holding up the values that I know to be right in health and wellness that I can inspire this change and transformation in others. At the age of 40, I realize that I am extremely powerful. When I stood on top of the Sears and Empire State Building at 14 and 18, I hadn’t evolved and grown to realize how powerful I can be. At the age of 40, I have no doubt. I welcome 40 with open arms!
21 HOURS of FREE content is available for you.. Plus, each expert speaker is offering a FREE GIFT as part of the summit. You have so much to gain by joining us.
Click here to book an Ayurvedic Consultation, Ayurvedic Body Therapy or Infrared Sauna Treatment!