AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON LIGHT

Light & Many Meanings

In the body, lightness creates agility and swiftness. It is the opposite of heartiness. Lightness of mind is associated with clarity and alertness. Lightness is inspiring: it improves oxygen levels and creativity. Lightness of being can also mean frivolous behavior, a lack of appropriate seriousness. It is the opposite of heavy drama. Mental lightness can create spaciness, ungroundedness, and distraction. Pathological lightness creates emaciation and weakness. Discomfort and pain are very light.

Light, Cleansing, & Longevity

Foods that are light aid weight loss. Examples of light foods include popcorn (without butter and salt), salads, and black pepper. They also convince the body to scavenge for food, and this metabolizes residues in the blood, cleanses all fluids, and aids the healing of wounds. For this reason, Lightness is associated with purity. Light quality reduces viscosity of the blood.

Eating lightly, including gentle fasting and smaller portions, directly increases lifespan in laboratory studies. Fasting in general is an ancient cleansing practice to create lightness and lose weight, however it is often too harsh. Pathological lightness creates dryness and can aggravate Vata. Osteoporosis is lightness in the bones.

Treatments for Excess Lightness

Although the mind enjoys lightness, it can aggravate Vata to the point of emaciation if unchecked. The body prefers stability to freedom. Sleep, rest, routine, and reducing stress are the most important ways to gain weight and become grounded and centered. Ojas building foods, such as a teaspoon of ghee with meals, helps nourish the body and bring heaviness. Ashwagandha ghee is a medicated ghee that helps ground the nervous system while nourishing Vata. Licorice root and salt help retain and rebuild fluids. Daily oil massages soothe and nourish Vata.

INGREDIENTS WITH LIGHT QUALITY

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.

John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his 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.

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