For tension related pain, use muscle relaxants such as valerian, skullcap, and pedicularis. Aromatic herbs such as cloves have an analgesic effect, improve circulation, and at the same time relax muscles. Soothe your nervous system with nervines and massage with oil.
For pain due to buildup of ama, use CCF tea along with a mild laxative such as triphala. Eat a cleansing, easy to digest diet. DO not massage the body with oil if you have ama. Instead, use dry brushing.
Paradoxically, ignoring pain makes it worse. Pain's purpose is to warn you. The more you ignore this alert, the louder it gets. Instead, by paying attention to pain, you'll notice relief. You'll being to relax as well, which will provide relief from muscle tension, emotional eating, irritability, and shallow breathing.
Ayurveda believes pain is a subjective experience that originates in the central nervous system, in response to tissue irritation or damage. The popular view of pain is that it originates in the damaged tissue itself, although recent research refutes this concept of pain. Since pain is a response that originates in the central nervous system, contemplative practices can bring significant relief to chronic pain. The brain contains many pain-relieving chemicals. This is why the placebo effect is particular strong among those who suffer from chronic pain. In studies on arthritis the placebo affect has been shown to last over 2 years.
These results indicate that you have the choice of whether to experience more pain or less. Mood, a nurturing hug, reassurance, and religious beliefs can be powerful mediators of chronic pain. Your beliefs about pain can change your experience of it. For this reason, pain can be a spiritually transforming experience, if you allow it to be. You can even welcome this aspect of pain with the following prayer affirmation, "God, I know you are helping me to grow through this pain, and I promise to do my best to know you through every experience, good or bad."
Disclaimer: 'Aches & Pains - General' could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.
Affecting Blood: Initially, imbalances are localized, often in the digestive tract. As an imbalance grows, it starts to affect your body systemically, via the blood. If you have symptoms in this category it means that your imbalances are starting to spread, have entered the bloodstream, and are now systemic. Pay particular attention to the biocharacteristics, tastes, and doshas out of balance systemically, so you know how to strengthen your body as a whole, and reduce physical stress on your organs. At this stage of imbalance you will begin to experience generalized discomfort, imbalanced emotions, and may develop sensitivities to temperature. It may take several weeks of strict adherence to a specific remedial diet to clear blood level imbalances. Blood cleansing herbs may reduce symptoms. A several day cleanse may shorten the recovery time.
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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TOXIC | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Toxic' guna. |
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.