There is an explosion of at home DNA test kits offering
users a chance to understand their heritage while finding the medications or
weight loss plans that will work with their genetics. The technology is impressive,
but we are more complicated than our genetic code. These tests can offer useful
information, but fail to mention that environment plays a large role in how our
genes are expressed. We are more nurture than nature. Which copies of our genes
“kick in” to repair our cells, depends on interactions within our environment.
This reinforces the role of holistic medicine, which considers the whole
person. Many forms of personalized medicine have been available for thousands
of years.
Holistic practices blend conventional and alternative therapies to allow life force energy to flow freely. Care is tailored to the whole person, their unique needs and desires, treating the body in a way that harnesses their own healing powers. Techniques give the mind hope while the body’s own mechanisms restore balance. This includes a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, living in tune with nature, and gentle exercises like yoga.
Stress & inflammation
Newer doesn’t always mean better, in fact our modern
lifestyle can be worse for our health. We are busy and reporting higher levels
of stress despite having access to more forms of leisure than ever. Our culture
encourages sedentary, solitary electronic activities. Many of us feel scattered
as our brains are not designed to connected to devices all day long. With
little time for lunch, even health-conscious people grab prepackaged food or
reheat leftovers. These are only some behaviors that drive chronic inflammation
in the body.
Research is emerging that stress drives autoimmune disease and depression. C-reactive protein (CRP) is just one of several markers that can be measured in the blood that signals inflammation in the body. The level, determined only partially by genetics, increases with a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins. Doctors may see elevated levels in arthritis, lupus, and depression that doesn’t respond to antidepressants, etc. CRP may even play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease and dementia.
Self-care practices like yoga and meditation decrease inflammatory markers in the body. These findings encourage us to view self-care as a medical necessity. With so much driving our stress, a massage once a month or a yoga class once a week is not enough to combat the negative effects of cortisol and other stress hormones on our bodies and mind. Ideally, self-care is a daily commitment to a routine that promotes balance in mind, body, and spirit.
Ayurveda is ancient self-care
A daily self-care routine specific to a student’s needs is
the cornerstone of Ayurveda, medicine originating in India 5,000 years ago. The
ancient wisdom of Ayurveda focuses on improving digestion to decrease
inflammation in the body through a personalized routine of diet and other
practices are dosha specific. According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas or
life forces that exist everywhere in nature: vata, pitta, and kapha. A
combination of doshas exist in all living organisms but one is usually more
dominant than the others.
Each dosha manages different aspects of our body and mind;
it’s essential to keep them balanced to improve overall health and reduce risk
of illness. Signs of imbalance vary by dosha.
Vata Imbalance
Vata imbalance is attributed to an excess of wind element
causing dryness. The skin may appear dry and rough. There is a tendency toward
weight loss, pain, anxiety, restlessness and worry. Dryness in the gut
contributes to constipation. People with vata imbalance may experience joint
pain, weakness, decreased concentration, and insomnia.
Pitta Imbalance
Pitta imbalance is excess fire element: excessive body heat,
inflammation, skin diseases, rashes, heartburn, peptic ulcer, excessive
sweating, excessive thirst, and excessive hunger. Pittas can be hot tempered
with aggressiveness and irritability.
Kapha Imbalance
Kaphas are calm and earthy but when an imbalance occurs
there is slowness, congestion, and cold. This presents as pale-complexion,
lethargy, excessive sleep, dullness. Respiratory symptoms include asthma,
bronchitis, colds and allergies. Excessive weight gain, yeast infections, and
lack of motivation are also common.
An ayurvedic practitioner can determine basic constitution
and design a care routine specific for a client’s current level of health,
appearance, and unique personality. Daily routines begin with measures to
decrease levels of toxicity or ama in the body and restore balance.
Ama reducing measures
(Detox)
Include lemon honey water first thing in the morning,
sipping hot water throughout the day (except pitta), intermittent fasting and
more. Detoxification protocol may include herbal preparations.
Dosha specific diet
The focus is on choosing foods that will pacify your dosha
and strengthen digestive fire (agni). The traditional Ayurvedic diet is
lactovegetarian; there are general dietary guidelines for all doshas. Light and
purification diets are prescribed for patients who wish to reduce weight or
ama.
Other routines (dinacharya)
Start in the early morning with meditation, yoga asanas,
lymphatic stimulation (garshan), oil massage (abhyanga), etc.
An immersive experience during a retreat can eliminate mental fogginess and remove the feeling of being blocked. More intense purification can occur between seasons at a center that offers panchakarma.
The post Retreats are Personalized Medicine appeared first on Retreat Kula.
By: Candace Good
Title: Retreats are Personalized Medicine
Sourced From: retreatkula.com/blog/retreats-are-personalized-medicine/
Published Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2020 12:42:24 +0000
