Over time, high metabolism burns up oil and fat reserves (ojas) leading to a characteristic thin, lanky Vata appearance of those with thalassemia. Eventually, the high concentration of uncongugated bilirubin in bile crystallizes and may form gallstones of a jet black color (most gallstones are yellow), giving rise to the name 'Black Bile' in Greek medicine.
Individuals with liver stress are visually sensitive. They may be sensitive to bright light and sun. Liver stress can cause frequent migraines and a low pain threshold. On the other hand, individuals with liver stress love beauty & grace. Beauty, delicate smells & a cooling atmosphere may be soothing, such as sitting in a rose garden with fountains at night under the light of the cool moon.
As symptoms progress, you may notice pain in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen and eczema in your extremities, both signs that your liver may need to be decongested and/or nourished. Decongestion may be accomplished simply through twisting yoga poses, which can also provide immediate emotional relief from liver stress symptoms. Avoid harsh liver cleanses, which can further weaken your liver. Instead, focus on nurturing your liver (90%) and cleansing (10%).
The best way to nurture your liver is rest and stress reduction. Keep a good eating and sleeping routine. Avoid late nights. Get to bed on time. Take naps, especially in the afternoon.
Sweet, oily, cooling & sour foods nurture your liver. Bitter & sour foods cleanse the liver. Notice sour is on both lists. That's why many individuals with thalassemia will crave sour foods like vinegar, lemons & pickles. However, vinegar's harshness must be tempered with something sweet, like maple syrup. Strawberries & blueberries are perfectly packaged for relief from thalassemia. Naturally swet & tart, their deep red/blue hue is a sign of beta-carotene, which stimulates the liver. Applesauce is also wonderfully sweet and tart for thalassemia. Coconut oil is cold and oily. Recipes with mild cleansing action include the bitterness of kale tempered with coconut oil, coconut flakes, raisins & fennel.
Heat, spicy foods, rigorous exercise and anything that increases blood movement further weakens the spleen and liver. While moderate exposure to the sun aids the liver and reduces jaundice like symptoms, prolonged exposure to the strong heat of the afternoon summer sun aggravates thalassemia symptoms.
Disclaimer: Conditions such as 'Thalassemia Minor' that cause tissue changes could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.
These supplements are contraindicated / may aggravate 'Thalassemia Minor'.
If you have symptoms in this category it means that your imbalances are becoming stronger and weakening your body's resistance. Most people have a weakness in one or more organs. These areas of weakness are the 'weak link in the chain.' They are first to succumb when an imbalance reaches a tipping point. Repairing imbalances in this category often represent your last opportunity to prevent disease. At any moment, these imbalances could overwhelm weakened tissue and develop into a disease. You may feel pain or discomfort in the weakened area. At this stage you will need to support the weakened tissue with specialized foods and herbs for the weakened tissue.
Symptoms Tell A Story
The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & biocharacteristics. If you notice a biocharacteristic or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.BIOCHARACTERISTIC | DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE? |
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VATA | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Vata' dosha. |
PITTA | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Pitta' dosha. |
COLD | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Cold' guna. |
DIFFICULT | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you need to decrease Difficult to digest foods. |
HOT | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Hot' guna. |
BITTER | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Bitter' taste. |
PUNGENT | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Pungent' taste. |
SOUR | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Sour' taste. |
To learn more about the symbols above, click on them. See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.