As reported in the Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine’s research paper, “Dosha brain-types: A neural model of individual differences,” the authors present a framework for seeing the brain functions represented by the three doshas—vata, pitta and kapha doshas. For instance, the prefrontal cortex, which includes the anterior cingulate, ventral medial, and the dorsal lateral cortices, would exhibit a high …
Pitta Dosha Diet, the Ayurvedic Nutrition Series (Part 2 of 3)
Ayurveda’s three doshas—vata, pitta and kapha—are made of a combination of the five elements—air, ether, earth, fire and water. And, the fire element (or, tejos in Sanskrit, but also called agnis in the body) is the source of the Pitta Dosha. This is the second installment of three in the Ayurveda Nutrition Series, so if you missed Vata Dosha (Part …
Vata Dosha Diet, the Ayurvedic Nutrition Series (Part 1 of 3)
Your body is consistently in a state of trying to maintain homeostasis, or equilibrium of all of its systems. In the traditional Hindu medicine system, Ayurveda (sometimes called “yogic science”), good health is maintained and corrected through balancing nutrition, herbal remedies, and yogic breathing. Of all the principles of Ayurveda, none are more powerful than an understanding of the doshas. …
Traditional Thai Medicine: Healing Traditions in the Kingdom of Thailand
Did you know that the Thai government has recently announced that it has the best marijuana in the world? But, marijuana is not yet legal (again) in Thailand, and that’s all about to change. As reported in Globe Southeast Asia’s article, “Making green: how weed could push Thailand’s economy to new highs,” Thai government officials have moved forward a draft …
Traditional Tibetan Medicine: An Ancient Healing Practice of Asia
In October 2016, 400 Traditional Tibetan Medicine practitioners, scholars and experts conferred in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital city. They came together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Men-Tsee-Khang, also known as the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute, a Tibetan hospital that was pivotal in the development and preservation of Traditional Tibetan Medicine throughout the ages. Since the 1950’s, Tibet, or Xizhang …
Traditional Healing in Colombia
One of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, Colombia is nestled in the northwest corner of South America. Nearly 70 languages and dialects are spoken in Colombia, many of which are indigenous, ethnic languages that may date back to the first inhabitants of the region around 12,000 BCE. Once a mostly agricultural society, Colombia experienced a large migration …
Australian Bush Medicine: Australian Aboriginal Healing Practices
When you say “the bush” in the United States, you likely think of shrubbery and landscape design. But, the bush in Australian culture is as iconic as the Outback. To Australians, the bush means lush, barely-inhabited regions of their mainland (whereas Outback represents the more dry, interior areas of the continent). And, Aussies have attached bush to many terms over …
Ancient African Healing Methods, Part 2: Traditional African Medicine
“The future must come and look at the past, to learn from the past.” ~ Erick Gbodossou, MD (traditional healer and Western-trained physician) from the Andrew J. Young documentary, Strong Medicine: The Secret Power of African Healing. Dr. Gbodossou’s words ring true today more than any other time in history. Scientific advances have learned (using CRISPR technology) to …
Ancient African Healing Methods, Part 1: History, Healers and Herbalism
While it’s common for us to discuss (and we will do so here) Africa as a whole, it’s important to remember that the second-largest continent on our planet is home to more than 50 sovereign nations. The African continent is split by the Equator and Prime Meridian, meaning that it is our only continent that sits in all four hemispheres. …
Ancient Egyptian Medical Texts, Modern Medical Research
Over 3,500 years ago, Egypt, a country that sits on two continents (northeast corner of Africa and a southwestern portion in Asia), experienced some of the primary forms of literature, agriculture, urban development, and precursors to the sciences we know today. While astrology and religion were among those “sciences” back then, the Ancient Egyptians were renowned for their medical knowledge. …