Carolina College of Natural Health Sciences

A Carolina College of Natural Health Sciences

 

Light Biocharacteristic (Guna) (Laghu) - Foods & Herbs ListCLASSIFICATION OF FOOD, HERBS, & LIFESTYLE

Natural Biocharacteristics: Light

Balance My Excess Lightness (Light Guna)

Get the 45 minute presentation 'Balance My Excess Lightness (Light Guna)' given by Joyful Belly founder and director John Immel. This presentation will show you Ayurvedic essentials on fixing this imbalance, including diet, lifestyle, and herbal tips from Ayurveda. Price: $15.95

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AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON LIGHT

Vata aggravating Pitta aggravating Kapha pacifying

Elements: Ether, Air, Fire
Balanced by 'Heavy', 'Sweet', 'Liquid'.
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

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

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HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH LIGHT QUALITY

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CONTRAINDICATIONS / AGGRAVATES / IS AGGRAVATED BY*

'Light' may aggravate, or be aggravated by, these symptoms and causes below.

TYPE: GUNA

Light Recipes Listed By Strength

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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What is Ayurveda?

Founder of Joyful Belly Ayurveda, John Immel, answers the question ‘What is Ayurveda?’

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.