Author: Dr Mary Jo Cravatta

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Agni and Ayurveda: The Fire of Transformation

ransformation. It governs the breakdown and assimilation of food, thoughts, and emotions, playing a crucial role in maintaining overall health. A balanced agni supports vitality, while an impaired agni leads to imbalances, including the accumulation of toxins (ama) and disease. Understanding and nurturing agni is essential for achieving optimal well-being.

What is Agni?

The Sanskrit word Agni means “fire,” representing the digestive and metabolic forces in the body. Ayurveda recognizes agni as the key to health, responsible for processing everything we consume—whether it be food, experiences, or emotions. When agni functions properly, nutrients are efficiently absorbed, waste is eliminated, and mental clarity is maintained. However, when agni is weak or excessive, it can lead to poor digestion, accumulation of toxins, and disturbances in the body and mind.

Types of Agni

Ayurveda describes different types of agni, each playing a distinct role:

  1. Jatharagni (Digestive Fire) – Located in the stomach and small intestine, it is the primary fire that governs the digestion and assimilation of food.
  2. Bhutagni (Elemental Fire) – Responsible for metabolizing the five great elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) within food.
  3. Dhatvagni (Tissue Fire) – Present in each of the seven dhatus (tissues), it helps in the transformation and nourishment of bodily tissues.

Additionally, Ayurveda categorizes digestive fire into four states:

  • Sama Agni (Balanced Digestion): Optimal digestion and metabolism, leading to good health.
  • Vishama Agni (Irregular Digestion): Linked to Vata dosha, causing bloating, gas, and inconsistent appetite.
  • Tikshna Agni (Intense Digestion): Associated with Pitta dosha, leading to excessive hunger, acidity, and inflammation.
  • Manda Agni (Weak Digestion): Related to Kapha dosha, causing sluggish digestion, heaviness, and weight gain.

Nurturing Agni for Optimal Health

To maintain a strong and balanced agni, Ayurveda recommends:

  • Eating warm, freshly prepared foods that are easy to digest.
  • Avoiding overeating and irregular eating habits to prevent overburdening agni.
  • Incorporating digestive spices such as ginger, cumin, and black pepper.
  • Drinking warm water or herbal teas to support digestion.
  • Practicing mindful eating by chewing food thoroughly and avoiding distractions.
  • Managing stress and emotions through meditation, yoga, and pranayama.

By strengthening and balancing agni, one can enhance digestion, boost energy, and promote overall well-being, paving the way for a vibrant and healthy life.

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Ama: The Root of Imbalance in Ayurveda


Ama, in Ayurveda, is often referred to as the toxic byproduct of improper digestion. It is the residue left behind when our physical, mental, or emotional digestion is incomplete. Ama is considered the root cause of many imbalances and diseases, affecting the body, mind, and spirit. Understanding and addressing ama is essential to achieving optimal health and well-being.

What is Ama?
Ama originates from the Sanskrit word meaning “uncooked” or “undigested.” It represents anything that has not been properly processed or assimilated within the body or mind. Physically, it manifests as sticky, heavy, and clogging substances that block the natural flow of energy (prana) in the body. Mentally and emotionally, ama can appear as unresolved thoughts, feelings, or trauma.

When ama accumulates, it disrupts the delicate balance of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and obstructs the natural functioning of the body’s systems. It is often described as the primary factor in the development of disease.

How Does Ama Form?
Ama can form in various ways, depending on our choices and habits:

  1. Improper Diet: Eating foods that are overly processed, heavy, incompatible, or consumed at irregular times can strain the digestive fire (Agni), leading to the production of ama.
  2. Weak Agni: When the digestive fire is too weak, it fails to metabolize food properly, leaving undigested particles that turn into ama.
  3. Unhealthy Lifestyle: Lack of sleep, stress, and irregular routines weaken the body’s ability to process and eliminate toxins.
  4. Unprocessed Emotions: Just as physical digestion is vital, so is emotional digestion. Suppressed emotions and unresolved experiences create mental and emotional ama, which affects overall well-being.

The Effects of Ama on the Body and Mind
Ama impacts the body and mind in profound ways, creating a state of imbalance:

  • Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, heaviness, sluggishness, coated tongue, poor appetite, and weakened immunity are common signs of physical ama. Over time, it can lead to chronic conditions such as arthritis, skin disorders, and digestive issues.
  • Mental and Emotional Symptoms: Ama in the mind manifests as confusion, lack of clarity, depression, and difficulty processing emotions.

When ama accumulates in the channels of the body (srotas), it obstructs the free flow of prana, nutrients, and waste, leading to stagnation and disease.

How to Detect Ama
Ayurveda provides simple ways to identify the presence of ama:

  1. Tongue Examination: A white or yellow coating on the tongue is a clear sign of ama.
  2. Digestive Clues: Gas, bloating, constipation, or undigested food in the stool indicate weak digestion and ama accumulation.
  3. General Sensation: A feeling of heaviness, lethargy, or mental fog points to the presence of ama.

Clearing Ama: Restoring Balance
The removal of ama is a key principle in Ayurveda. By strengthening Agni and making conscious lifestyle choices, we can eliminate ama and restore harmony:

  1. Strengthen Agni: Eating warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods supports the digestive fire. Spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric can also enhance Agni.
  2. Detoxify: Seasonal cleansing practices, such as Panchakarma, help to eliminate ama from the body and rejuvenate the systems.
  3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, proper sleep, and meditation aid in processing both physical and emotional ama.
  4. Emotional Digestion: Journaling, therapy, or mindfulness practices can help process unresolved emotions and prevent mental ama from accumulating.

Ama and Our Spiritual Growth
On a deeper level, ama can hinder our spiritual journey. Just as physical toxins clog the body’s channels, emotional and mental ama obstruct the flow of prana and our connection to higher consciousness. Cleansing the body and mind allows us to move beyond stagnation and experience clarity, vitality, and spiritual alignment.

Conclusion
Ama, though a subtle concept, is a powerful indicator of imbalance in Ayurveda. By paying attention to our diet, habits, and emotional health, we can prevent ama from taking root and disrupting our well-being. The path to health and harmony begins with the removal of ama and the rekindling of Agni—the transformative fire within us all.

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Ayurveda and the Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra and Our Spiritual Growth

The heart chakra, or Anahata, represents the core of love, compassion, and emotional balance within us. Linked to the air element, the heart chakra governs our capacity to give and receive love freely, forgive, and connect deeply with others. When Anahata is in balance, we experience unconditional love and kindness towards ourselves and others, as well as a harmonious relationship with life’s ups and downs. A balanced heart chakra allows us to grow spiritually by opening our hearts to deeper connections and profound compassion.

However, physical and energetic blocks in the heart chakra can limit our ability to cultivate self-love, trust, and empathy, which are all essential for spiritual growth.

What Constricts the Heart Chakra?

Various life experiences and emotional states can restrict the natural energy flow in the heart chakra. Heartbreak, loss, trauma, or unresolved grief can create blocks in Anahata, leading us to close off from feeling vulnerable or from fully connecting with others. Fears of betrayal or rejection may also cause us to unconsciously guard our hearts, preventing the free expression of love and compassion.

Cultural and personal beliefs around love, self-worth, and trust also have a strong impact on the heart chakra. If we carry limiting beliefs about our worthiness or the safety of opening up, it can impede our ability to experience the fullness of the heart chakra’s energy.

The Impact of Cellular Memory on the Heart Chakra

Cellular memory refers to the stored remnants of past emotions, traumas, and unresolved experiences that linger within our energetic and physical bodies. The heart chakra is especially susceptible to these memories, as it is our emotional center for love, forgiveness, and trust. When cellular memory becomes stagnant or heightened in Anahata, it manifests as difficulty in forgiving, reluctance to trust, or self-imposed emotional isolation.

These stored memories of past hurts or disappointments may lead us to become overly guarded, sometimes resulting in tendencies toward self-sacrifice or an inability to set healthy boundaries. As this stagnant energy accumulates, it can create a cycle of inner pain or isolation, further blocking the heart chakra. This, in turn, may hinder our ability to open up and embrace the healing power of compassion, both toward ourselves and others.

The intensity of these effects depends on the depth of unresolved emotional energy and our willingness to engage in heart-centered healing practices.

How Physical and Lifestyle Choices Impact the Heart Chakra

According to Ayurveda, lifestyle choices significantly affect the balance of the heart chakra. As Anahata is associated with the air element, foods that bring warmth and grounding, such as root vegetables, leafy greens, and foods rich in natural oils, can support heart chakra health. Excessively processed foods, sugary treats, and stimulants can disrupt the energy of Anahata, making it challenging to maintain emotional balance.

Physical activities like walking in nature, heart-opening yoga poses, or breathing exercises such as pranayama encourage a healthy flow of energy through the heart chakra. Engaging in acts of kindness and practicing gratitude are powerful ways to keep Anahata open and balanced, allowing us to release old emotional blocks while cultivating a sense of connection and love. Those with a predominant Kapha dosha may particularly benefit from heart-centered practices that help them break through emotional stagnation and maintain a harmonious heart chakra.

Balancing the Heart Chakra for Spiritual Growth

An open and balanced heart chakra is essential for spiritual growth, as it nurtures our capacity for compassion, forgiveness, and empathy. By working to keep Anahata free of blockages, we cultivate a profound sense of love for ourselves and the world, which is a vital foundation for experiencing peace and unity. Practices that promote forgiveness, self-love, and gratitude are key in sustaining a balanced heart chakra, allowing us to let go of past pain and open ourselves to new, positive experiences.

Through heart-centered practices, emotional healing, and mindful lifestyle choices, we can embrace the power of Anahata to guide our spiritual journey. A balanced heart chakra enhances our emotional wellbeing and fosters the loving relationships and inner peace essential for personal growth and spiritual transformation.

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The Root Chakra And Our Spiritual Growth

The root chakra, or Muladhara, serves as the foundation of our entire chakra system and spiritual growth journey. Representing the earth element, it grounds us in physical existence, providing stability, security, and a deep connection to the world around us. Through the energy of the root chakra, we connect with the earth’s nourishing support, which enables us to experience peace, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

When our root chakra is balanced, it fuels our ability to feel safe, rooted, and spiritually aware of our place within the greater whole. However, energetic blockages within this chakra can impact our spiritual growth and overall wellbeing.

What Constricts the Root Chakra?

Many aspects of our lives and experiences can restrict the natural flow of energy within the root chakra. Traumas, unresolved fears, physical instability, or even environmental factors can disrupt its balance, leaving us feeling ungrounded or insecure.

The root chakra is also directly linked to our basic needs—food, shelter, and physical health—so imbalances may arise from a lack of physical stability or a feeling that our basic needs are unmet. Social and family dynamics can influence this chakra as well; experiences that undermine our sense of belonging or safety can create blocks within this energy center.

The Impact of Cellular Memory on the Root Chakra

Cellular memory refers to the storage of past emotions, traumas, and experiences within our physical and energetic bodies. Because Muladhara is our foundation, it is especially sensitive to the remnants of unprocessed memories and patterns of fear and survival. When cellular memory is stagnant or heightened in the root chakra, it contributes to feelings of insecurity, hypervigilance, or difficulty trusting others.

These unresolved memories of past physical or emotional traumas can lead to imbalances manifesting as a tendency toward control, withdrawal, or a fear-driven approach to life. This imbalance can ripple out into our relationships, creating a pattern of mistrust or a need to feel in control to create stability externally. The depth and intensity of these reactions depend on how much unresolved energy we carry within the root chakra and our ongoing inner work.

How Physical and Lifestyle Choices Impact the Root Chakra

Ayurveda emphasizes the profound connection between our lifestyle choices and our chakra health. The root chakra, being our center of physicality, is directly impacted by our habits, diet, and environment. Grounding foods, like root vegetables, are beneficial, while excessive stimulants like caffeine can disrupt the calm, grounding energy that Muladhara requires.

Regular physical practices like walking in nature, grounding meditations, or simply connecting barefoot to the earth help to balance the root chakra, releasing stagnant energy and promoting a sense of stability. For those with a predominance of Vata dosha, balancing routines and practices are especially vital, as their natural tendencies may lean toward imbalance in the root chakra, manifesting as anxiety or restlessness.

Balancing the Root Chakra for Spiritual Growth

Muladhara is the foundation of our spiritual growth. When this chakra is balanced, we are able to face challenges with calm resilience and expand our spiritual practice with a grounded sense of self. By addressing the energies within the root chakra, we begin to stabilize our journey of self-discovery, opening the doors to higher spiritual growth.

Regular cleansing practices, mindful lifestyle choices, and intentional inner work on resolving fears and unprocessed memories can help us create a solid foundation within the root chakra. As we nurture this energy center, we not only enhance our sense of security but also create a steady base from which our spiritual aspirations can flourish.

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The Navel Chakra And Our Spiritual Growth

by Dr. MaryJo Cravatta

The Navel Chakra

The fire of the navel chakra allows us to transform ourselves on all levels physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Manipura has the potential to instill drive, enthusiasm, and a sense of self mastery within us.

All too often there are physical or energetic blocks that constrict our ability to achieve a balanced sense of power.

What Constricts The Navel Chakra

There are numerous ways in which the full potential of the navel chakra may be affected. This may be caused by past and current experiences that have not been entirely processed.

Our capacity to process or transform emotions and experiences is directly linked to the health and well being of our navel chakra. Manipura will be impeded by our physical choices and habits.

Our soul lessons have a great impact on the well being of the navel chakra.

The Affects of Old Cellular Memory On The Navel Chara.

What is cellular memory? Unprocessed experiences, trauma, emotions, and unfulfilled desires are stored in the layers of the Etheric Bodies. The navel chakra is related to the fire element. The third layer of the etheric bodies is related to the fire element. Manomaya kosher or third layer is governed by fire.

When cellular memory is stuck, stagnant, or increasing it will aggravate the fire. This leads to negative Pitta Dosha emotions being held within us or being expressed outwardly. Just because someone may not convey their inner feelings does not mean that they do not exist. These smoldering emotions, traumas, or experiences manifest as a sense of imbalance, a feeling of not being stable.

This in turn will lead to creating scenarios of trying to bring balance into the environment, into our lives. This will be seen as being demanding, bossy, overly aggressive, and wanting to be in control. Imbalance or lack of control will trigger wanting to forcibly bring back the power.

The level that this will be expressed depends on the amount of cellular memory and whether or not they have been actively working on themselves. Many times it will be a low level that may not be blatantly recognized by either the person seeking control or of the person on the receiving end. The imbalance may be felt as an awkward situation or some feelings of uncomfortableness.

The Navel Chakra Affected by Our Habits and Dietary Choices

Ayurveda recognizes the importance of having a balanced lifestyle and to have balancing dietary choices. Food and drink that is fiery will aggravate the fire element and the navel chakra. This will be particularly true for those who. have Pitta in their body type. Summer is the fire season and will also have an affect on the fire within us. Our hormones are related to the fire element. If someone has an increased fire element this will disrupt the homeostasis of hormones within us. This is especially important to peri and post menopausal women.

I recommend that we cleanse our liver several times per year. This will assist in balancing the fire element and then the navel chakra.

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Staying Balanced This Summer With ayurveda

Summertime is affected by Pitta Dosha.  Pitta is composed of the elements fire with a little water. Since summer is the warmest season of the year, that means that our environment will contain heat. Here are some tips for staying cool this summer.

This environmental heat can increase the fire within us and aggravate Pitta Dosha. As the summer continues on, we could have more and more of this heat buildup inside of us.

How is the heat increased within us?

Be mindful of what may increase the heat within us is very important to maintain a sense of balance and well-being.  The main way that the fire might be increased inside of us will be through our external environment, through the foods that we may eat, and through the emotions that we may experience.

Staying Balanced In Our External Environment

Our external environment can have a considerable influence upon us. Those of us who have more fire element in our body types of experience a larger influence. Also, those who have a heat imbalance such as peri and postmenopausal women. Also, anyone with inflammation in their bodies. This will include those with auto immune conditions, inflammatory joints, skin conditions, inflammation in the digest system.

It is important that we stay out of the sun, particularly in the middle part of the day between 10 AM and 2 PM .

This is what is known as pitta time day when there was more heat in the overall environment.  we know that the sun is at its highest during each time. However, it is more than just the sun because we can also experience more heat during this time of day even on a cloudy day. It is overall effect from the fire element during this time of day.

It is important that we have lunch be the main meal of the day and that will help bring balance.  Be careful not to be so busy during this time of day that you forget to eat. 

10 AM to 2 PM is not a good time to do exercise. The increase in our metabolism during this time day can increase that fire element to a level that is not beneficial for our well-being. 

How Food Affects Our Pitta Dosha

Best to avoid food and drink that would aggravate our pitta.  This would include hot, spicy food, oily food, too much salt, and drinking any alcohol.

Be sure to have cool foods such as fresh fruit, lots of fresh vegetables, and having enough protein. 

Staying Balanced With Our Emotions

Our emotions are related to the fire element. If the fire within us is aggravated, it can make it easier to be experiencing fiery emotions.

If you find yourself easily, becoming irritated or impatient, make a mental check to see if you might’ve been aggravating your fire in some manner.

Staying Cool With Herbs

Here are some of our Shaktiveda herbal products to assist in creating balance. These formulas are offered in both capsules and powder / tea form. 

Soothing Pitta Magic 

This delightful formula assists you in the moment to have a sense of ease with emotions, to decrease Pitta, to feel soothed and nurtured. Soothing Pitta Magic is wonderful to take on a daily basis, or when you are not feeling your best emotionally and want to shift your mood. Tri-Doshic.

Joyful Heart

Joyful Heart allow us to release heaviness of the heart and encourage a positive mood. This amazing herbal formula was created to assist in releasing grief, sadness, loneliness, and despair that comes from an unfulfilled heart.  Through this releasing process, we are better able to begin the journey towards fulfillment. 

Pitta Spicing Blend

Pitta Spicing Blend is a delicious spice blend to balance Pitta Dosha, reduce inflammation, reduce gas, and soothe the digestive system. You will be amazed at how delicious this mixture can be in your favorite dishes. It makes a delicious Kitchari or Red Lentil Dahl. But, go ahead, and sprinkle it on your vegetables – we think you will really enjoy it! This is suitable for all body types – particularly those with Pitta Dosha.

Soothe Within

Soothe Within is perfect to ease a Pitta or fiery digestion. May be used on a regular, daily basis as it is also Vata pacifying and assists in proper digestion. Those of Pitta body type will surely love it – but also great for anyone who is experiencing an uncomfortable Pitta (or fire) in their belly. Soothe Within is effective for peri and post menopausal women to assist with digestive health. Many women will have inflammation from the decrease in hormones. This will help with digestion, inflammation, and intestinal flora. Many women may not even be are of any issues but will improve as they take this formula.

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Successful Weight Loss – 8 Ayurvedic Keys

by Dr. MaryJo Cravatta

Successful Weight Loss – 8 Ayurvedic Keys will assist you in achieving your weight loss goals. Are you wondering which diet is right for you? Paleo, Vegetarian, Intermittent Fasting, Ayurvedic, Detox, Gluten Free, Vegan are just a few that you have to choose from. The mind spins just thinking about all of the dietary choices. My helpful tips will assist you with any diet you plan to use.

What if it was not so much about the food but about how and when you eat the food? Implementing these proper diet plan while incorporating some practical recommendations will enhance the diet plan of your choosing. Try including these 8 suggestions on a daily basis. These ayurvedic principles are designed to enhance whatever diet plan you may choose.

Focus On The Food For Successful Weight Loss

Allowing yourself to be distracted while eating draws your awareness from your stomach and into your head. This increases your probability of eating a few bites too many. Perhaps you are not greatly over eating, but it can be the calories from those few extra nibbles that interfere with shedding those extra pounds. Recommendation: Do not use your phone, watch television, use the computer, drive your car, or talk excessively while eating. Sit quietly and listen to what your body may be telling you. This suggestion is one of the most important of the 8 keys to successful weight loss.

Avoid Cold Food Or Drinks

A strong burning Digestive Fire is necessary to properly process your food. This fiery catalyst is composed of gastric juices, enzymes, HCl, and bile. Putting anything cold into your mouth will dampen the fire and decrease your chances of complete digestion. Your body will store this as toxins and excess weight. Recommendation: Do not have iced drinks while eating or ice cream for desert. Wait several hours between meals if you feel the need for something cold.

Always Sit Down To Eat

Eating while standing up or in a moving car will snuff out your Digestive Fire. Think of holding a burning candle and what happens if you jump up and begin to walk or run – poof, out goes the flame. Recommendation: Resist the urge to get up and down while eating and remain seated for at least 5 – 10 minutes after you are finished.

Eat Your Main Meal At Lunch For Successful Weight Loss

This gives you many more hours in the day to fully digest and burn off these calorie rich foods. Nature’s daily cycles support a brightly burning Digestive Fire in this active, middle part of the day. Recommendation: Best to eat animal protein and fatty foods during lunch. Choose lighter foods for the evening meal.

Do not eat after 7pm For Successful Weight Loss

As the sun is beginning to set, the digestive fire within us is waning. As evening approaches, we are preparing to settle down for the night. Ideally, dinner will be finished by 7pm. Many times, if we desire to snack after dinner, it is due to restlessness or dissatisfaction and not because we are hungry. Recommendation: Eat a smaller portion of easily digested food for the evening meal – you will have deeper sleep and increased energy the next morning.

Only eat when Hungry For Successful Weight Loss

This may sound obvious, but many times we eat out of habit, boredom, or because others are munching. Hunger in the belly is an indication that we have true Digestive Fire. Be aware that your head may try to convince you otherwise. Recommendation: When you “think” it is time to eat, sit quietly and ask yourself if your digestion is really stoked – many times, drinking some water is all that you may need.

Drink Ginger Tea With Meals For Successful Weight Loss

Having a delicious cup of ginger tea with or after meals will maximize your ability to completely digest your food. Many cultures have used this fiery root over the centuries with much success. Recommendation: Use a ginger tea bag or ½ tsp of fresh grated ginger in hot water. Let steep for 5 minutes and enjoy either during your meal or as a soothing desert.

Stop Eating Before You Are Full For Successful Loss

Our last of the 8 keys to successful weight loss is easy if you follow the other 7. The sense of satisfaction may be delayed for several minutes as the signals are relayed to your brain. If you eat until you are full, within just a few minutes, this may turn into slight discomfort. Ideally, finishing the meal will a little extra “space” within the stomach will allow for ease of digestion. Recommendation: Resist the urge to be part of the “clean plate club”. Be mindful of how much you are eating and listen to the bodily may be communication.

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Importance of using an Ayurveda Copper Tongue Scraper

Ayurvedic Tongue Scraping Benefits

Perhaps you’ve heard of the benefits of scraping your tongue in the morning? The tongue represents the whole entire body, and by scraping you are stimulating the release of toxins within every tissue in your body, including your internal organs.

Have you ever seen a coating on your tongue in the morning? If you have not paid attention, I would suggest that tomorrow morning to look at your tongue. 

The tongue can be categorized into three sections. The first section is by the tip of your tongue. This represents your head, neck and upper shoulders. This also includes the thyroid. 

The second section relates to your chest, lungs, thoracic spine, your shoulders, and your heart – both your physical heart and emotional heart. 

The third section is going to include your digestive system, your reproductive organs, your low back, including your hips and sacroiliac joints, along with  all the organs in your pelvic bowl. 

When you look at your tongue in the morning, make note of where you may see more of this coating, which may be white or yellowish or grayish. These colors relate to what doshic (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) imbalance may be associated with your Ama.

Superior Qualities of a Copper Tongue Scraper

At Shaktiveda, we recommend that you use a copper tongue scraper because of it’s superior qualities over any other material. Copper is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal.  Using copper for your tongue scraper helps decrease bacteria in your entire mouth. This will help with having healthier gums and fresher breath.

Copper will also aid in maintaining healthy enamel for your teeth. 

Using a copper tongue, scraper simulates the release of ama and toxins throughout your entire body. Using the copper tongue scraper on a regular daily basis assists you in overall health of your body.  

Proper Technique of Tongue Scraping

I recommend that you scrape each morning using our copper tongue scraper. After brushing your teeth, gently run the wider part of the tongue scraper from the back of your tongue to the front of your tongue. Be sure not to go too far back on your tongue as this may feel uncomfortable.

You do not need to press too firmly as you scrape. After each scrape, run the tongue scraper under water and then repeat the process until you no longer see any coating coming off of your tongue. 

Be sure to thoroughly rinse your copper tongue scraper when you are finished. Dry your copper tongue scraper and it will be ready for your use the next morning. 

Our Shaktiveda Copper Tongue Scraper comes in an adorable reusable Shaktiveda bag.

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Ayurveda and Oral Health

Ayurveda and Oral Health

Importance of Ayurveda and Oral Health

Having a properly functioning digestive system is very important to have good health. The process of digestion begins within our mouths and is key to Ayurveda and Oral Health. Our salivary glands are the first phase of digestion of starches. But did you know there are many other roles that saliva takes?

Without saliva, our mouths would be very dry along with making our throats dry. This in turn affects our ability to moisten food to make it easier to chew and to swallow.

One of the duties of saliva is to protect our teeth from demineralization . This happens by diluting acidic foods to avoid erosion. This super fluid within our mouth also helps to protect against infection because it contains the enzyme lysozyme. This enzyme assists in preventing overgrowth of oral bacteria.

Ayurveda and Oral Health suggests oil pulling

Ayurveda and oral health suggests oil pulling at least once per day. Place 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in our mouth and swish for approximately 15 minutes. This allows the saliva to cleanse itself and become a better environment for the mouth. 

As we oil pull, more saliva is released from the salivary glands. Many people believe that this assists in cleansing the lymphatic system. This cleansing will assist in improving your immune system.

Oil Pulling with Sesame Oil

At Shaktiveda Ayurveda, we recommend to use sesame oil as it is an antioxidant and very beneficial to the delicate gum tissue. Many times someone may have receding gums due to a long-term chronic Vata imbalance. Sesame oil is balancing to Vata Dosha while not aggravating the other two doshas. 

When the saliva is no longer at its optimal, this change within the mouth can affect the pH of the mouth. With this change, bacteria will have the perfect environment to be growing. This will cause you to have more plaque. 

Shaktiveda Gum Assist Oil

Our Gum Assist oil is specifically made to help keep the environment within your mouth healthy and balanced. You may apply some with your finger, put it on a little dental brush, or you may add a few drops to your oil that you will use for oil pulling.

Copper Tongue Scrapers

We are excited to let you know that we will be adding copper tongue scrapers to our list of available items. We had these made from a dental company that carries quality and safe products. As an added bonus, when you purchase one of our copper tongue scrapers, we will be giving you an adorable bag with the Shaktiveda logo. Our next newsletter will have an article on the benefits of using copper to scrape your tongue. Not on our newsletter list? You may subscribe to our newsletter by adding your email address by using the link on our Home page.

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Ayurveda and the Liver

The human body is a miraculous combination of our brain, nervous system, digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system along with many other vital organs. One of the primary players is the liver which is key to our health and vitality. Continue to read more about Ayurveda and the Liver.

Ayurveda and the Liver Functions

The liver, a major organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Essential duties of the liver include detoxification of our blood and other organs, synthesis of numerous biochemicals such as the making of proteins, hormones, and a wide variety of enzymes necessary for bodily and mental processes. Our metabolism is greatly influenced by liver health as it governs the regulation of glycogen storage and when needed releases glucose into the blood to maintain blood sugar levels. The production of cholesterol and triglycerides are performed by the liver. Bile is necessary to begin the digestion of fats. All and all, there are approximately 500 different bodily functions managed within these three pounds of special tissue. 

The Liver is a Pitta Organ

In Ayurveda, the liver is known as Ranjaka Pitta one of the 5 Subdoshas of Pitta Dosha. Those of us who have a bit of Pitta in our Ayurvedic Body Type will have a greater tendency to have a Ranjaka Pitta imbalance. However, anyone could develop an imbalance in the liver / Ranjaka Pitta. The liver is related to the Navel chakra and the Fire element. 

Inflammation of the Liver

The liver is adversely affected by our choices in food, lifestyle, chemicals, alcohol, prescription medicines, stress, malnutrition, air pollution, and negative thoughts / emotions. This variety of liver stressors will increase inflammation within this essential organ.

Toxins in the Liver

Food choices, food coloring, food additives, preservatives, byproducts of metabolism are among the toxins that will inflame or harm the liver. 

Ayurveda and the Liver Quality of Life

When the liver is inflamed, the numerous functions are adversely affected. This can slowly develop over the years. On day, you realize that you are not feeling well. Your reproductive hormones may be affected along with your thyroid hormones. Blood lipid levels, blood sugar levels, liver enzymes, along with respiratory, clarity of thinking, skin issues, sleep, energy levels, digestion, immunity, auto immune diseases, are just a few aspects of your mind / body that might be affected.  As everyone is an individual, we will all respond in our own way with differing symptoms. One thing is evident, the quality of life and ability to age gracefully will be decreased. 

What Can We do to Balance the Liver?

Shaktiveda Liver Group Cleanse is designed to address the effects of the variety of stressors and inflammation within your liver. 

Our group cleanse is designed for everyone to benefit. We offer several options so that it can be customized for your particular concerns and needs. We will be offering our Shaktiveda Group Cleanse 3 times per year – Winter, Spring, and Autumn. The cleanse is offered in two parts with both parts being 14 days. You may choose Part 1 or Part 2 depending on your cleansing needs or decide to join both parts. Most people will join Part 1 (liver cleanse) if they will only be doing one part.

Liver Cleanse and Liver Flush

Ranjaka Shodhana (Liver Cleansing) herbalized oil is taken for the first 5 nights to loosen and release toxins and imbalances from the liver – both physically and emotionally. We are now offering the option to add a liver flush aspect to our liver cleanse. You will need to begin taking our Liver Assist formula and Guggulu at least 10 days before the cleanse begins to soften and loosen the fatty deposits in the liver. Most cleansers do the liver flush aspect of the cleanse and you may also do a second liver flush if you also attend Part 2.

We believe that it is important to not only have a healthy liver to create balance, but also to have balance within our hormones – thyroid and reproductive. During her informative cleanse conference calls, she places an emphasis on sharing information on these and other topics to assist you in creating health and wellbeing within your life.