Ayurvedic Practitioners and Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Western herbal healers in Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, El Cerrito, San Mateo, Redwood City, the San Francisco Bay, plus Palo Alto, Marin, Santa Rosa, Ukiah, Mendocino, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, San Jose, Silicon Valey: Medicine Buddha Healing Center: Ayur-veda & Traditional Western Medicine: ayurvedic therapy : Pancha-Karma, ( panchakarma ), Indian ayurvedic herbs, ayurveda acupressure massage, acupuncture, Ayurvedic healing, ayurveda therapy, vata pitta kapha constituional medicine, Tibetan Medicine. This graphic is either reprinted with permission or is made available under the "fair use" provision (17 USC §107) of the U.S. Copyright Act for research and non-profit educational and religious purposes only. Picture source: http://community.webshots.com/photo/2866967/15808348gsxQrfQDEs White Beauty by By Luís Peres

 

Medicine Buddha Healing Center

"We do House-Calls" - Indo-Tibetan Ayurvedic and Chinese
Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture
 www.Ayurveda-Berkeley.com - Acupuncturists and Ayurveda in Santa Clara, San Jose, Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin County, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Walnut Creek, Concord, 510-292-6696, Oakland, Santa Rosa, and Mendocino Communities

Consultations are held at our Downtown Berkeley Medicine Buddha Healing Center clinic at 2210 McKinley Avenue, #4, (1 block west of Martin Luther King at Allston Way) Berkeley, 94703 - a 6 minute, 3 block walk from the Downtown Berkeley Shattuck BART (Allston Avenue Stairs Exit) station.

Director: Ven. Losang Jinpa (formerly Michael Reid Kreuzer), D.Ayur, M.A.H., Ph.D Buddhist Ayurveda   (1) 510-292-6696  Call to Book Appointment www.Ayurveda-Berkeley.com     Please CALL US, no e-mail available

 

 

 

Indian Ayurvedic Medicine

An Ancient Sanskrit Sutra: The Ayurvedic Concept of a Healthy Individual:

 

Lord Dhanwanthari - Master Ayurvedic Healer - God of Medicine. OM DHANVANTARAYE NAMAHA: Painting by Jaya Rama Dasa (1977) oil on canvas, for illustration in Shrimad Bhagavatam Copyright BBTI. Dhanvantari Lord of Ayurvedic Healing. According to the Puranas this incarnation of Vishnu was a ruler of Benares who originated a universally effective system of traditional herbal medicine. He holds a golden leech (symbolic of blood purification) and a medicinal plant in his right hand, and the conch of wisdom and pot of rejuvenating nectar in his left. The tulsi-seed mala around his neck, plant-wreath halo, and his sometimes blue-tinted skin emphasize his connection to Vishnu the Preserver. The origins of the ancient healing science known as Ayurveda are lost in cosmic antiquity. According to the ancient text Caraka-samhita, this "Science of Life and Longevity" is eternal and is revealed in each universe in each of its infinite cycles of creation and destruction. This healing science is generally revealed by great sages or demigods. Occasionally, the Supreme Lord Himself descends as the avatara (incarnation) Dhanvantari and re-inaugurates the tradition of Ayurveda. This extremely rare appearance of God is recorded in the Vedic literature of ancient India. Dhanvantari's appearance is celebrated each year on the 13th day (trayodasi) of the waxing moon a few days before the Divali festival in October or November of each year. This graphic is either reprinted with permission or is made available under the "fair use" provision (17 USC §107) of the U.S. Copyright Act for research and non-profit educational and religious purposes only. "Sama dosa samagnis ca
Sama dhatumalakriyah
Prasannatmendriyamanah
Svasastha ityabhidiyate"
  - from Susruta Samhita Sutrasthanam 15.38, an ancient Ayurvedic text from around 500 A.D.

"He, being established in Self (which is no self! self-less, ego-less),
who has balanced doshas (the governing principles of physiology)
Balanced agni (healthy appetite and digestion)
Properly formed dhatus (tissues), proper elimination of malas (wastes)
Proper functioning kriyas (bodily processes)
And whose manah (mind), atman (soul), and indriya (senses) are full of bliss 
is known as a healthy person."


Ayurveda, practiced in India for the past 4,000 years, is a comprehensive system of holistic medicine that focuses on union of body, mind, and spirit. With prefix ayur standing for life and root veda standing for science, the term is literally translated as the “Science of Life.”

The ultimate purpose of both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine is give self-less help (relentless joyful service - Seva) to ALL living beings to realize liberation (Bodhi-Moksha) and cessation (nirodha) of all suffering by 1. understanding, 2. preventing, 3. avoiding, and 4. removing the causes (samudaya) of suffering (dukkha) using a time-tested path and a clinically-proven method (Dharma marga).

For more than 1000 years, Ayurveda was deeply influenced by the compassionate-wisdom path of Shakyamuni Buddha (550 B.C.) and the Medicine Buddha (Akshobhya) and by the broadening influence of the Silk-Road interchange with wandering Indian-Chinese-Tibetan-Sri-Lankan-Burmese-Thai Buddhist monks and itinerant Chinese Taoist priests causing a rich hybrid cross-pollination with Chinese Medicine. Ayurveda was founded on the Yoga-Veda-Vedanta morality-ethical (yama-niyama) path and then broadened by the Islamic-Sufi-Sikh Oneness path for almost 1000 years.

This system’s personalized approach to the treatment of disease is unique, focusing on the individual and how a particular illness uniquely manifests in that individual. At the root of this medicine is the concept of prakruti, an individual’s unique constitution determined at the moment of conception, which is fixed for the duration of one’s life. One’s prakruti is the specific combination of the three doshas vata, pitta and kapha. The proportion in which these doshas express themselves in one’s physiology and personality is one’s prakruti. It is the blueprint that reflects one’s innate tendencies. 

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Prakruti - Genetic Constitution of the Individual:

Determining an individual’s prakruti is the first essential step an Ayurvedic practitioner must take; this is the cornerstone for understanding the patient and for all subsequent treatment.

All three doshas are present in varying degrees in everyone, but one or two usually predominate. A vata person is characterized as unpredictable, enthusiastic, impulsive, and imaginative. Physically, vatas are slender, have prominent features, and cool, dry skin. In contrast, the pitta type of personality is predictable, intelligent, passionate, and articulate with a medium build. A kapha personality is characterized by a heavyset body type and are loving, compassionate, affectionate, tolerant and forgiving in nature.

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Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) - The Three Constitutions of an Individual:

These three doshas are formed from the combination of two elements. The panchamahabhuta (five elements) Ayurveda discusses are ether, air, fire, water and earth. Vata is formed from the combination of ether and air, pitta from fire and water, and kapha from water and earth. The five elements govern the physical structure of the body, while the three doshas govern the functional aspect of the body. 

Vata is responsible for all movement, the physical movement of body parts, mental movement of the mind in the form of thoughts, feelings and emotions, and the process of respiration. Pitta is responsible for digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients. It also digests thoughts and feelings and transforms them into understanding, comprehension and perception. Kapha functions to provide the body with structure, stability, support and strength. It aids in the retention of memory, lubrication of joints, and repair of body parts. 

Each of these doshas has its home site in the gastrointestinal tract: vata in the colon, pitta in the small intestine and kapha in the stomach. In addition, vata is located in the pelvic cavity, bones, skin, ears, and thighs. Pitta is also found in the stomach, sweat glands, blood, skin, and eyes. Kapha also resides in the chest, lungs, joints, and spinal fluid.

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Vikruti - Imbalance in the Body: 

When these doshas go out of balance, then imbalance results. Vikruti is the present altered state of the dosha which must be addressed. The purpose of all Ayurvedic treatment is to balance one’s prakruti and vikruti so the doshas are in harmony. Five factors that cause aggravation are: diet, lifestyle, emotions, exercise (including too much, too little, or the wrong kind), and external influences of the seasons, weather, or trauma. However, diet is the principal cause of disease, and therefore, one of the primary methods of treatment.

Deranged vata can result in hyperactivity, restlessness, anxiety, insecurity, fear, doubt, nervousness, insomnia, spaciness, dizziness or ungroundedness. Physical manifestations are constipation, bloating, abdominal distension, gases, dehydration and emaciation, to name a few. When pitta is disturbed, it manifests as anger, rage, irritability, frustration, impatience, jealousy, violence, and being critical or judgmental. Physically, pitta can cause diarrhea, nausea, acid regurgitation, skin disturbances such as hives, rash, urticaria, increased perspiration, bleeding tendencies, inflammation, infection, and increased body heat. Disturbed kapha dosha is revealed through attachment, greed, depression and trouble letting go. It results in cold, congestion, weight gain, heaviness, shortness of breath, water retention, edema, and solidification of tumors, fibroids and lumps.

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Treatment - Balancing the Doshas while Treating the Symptoms and Root Cause: 

Ayurvedic treatment entails a comprehensive personalized approach to balancing the doshas through diet and lifestyle that is tailored to each individual. Thus, what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Instead of emphasizing treatment of acute conditions, the strength of Western medicine, Ayurveda focuses on chronic illnesses. By teaching the individual how to manage diet and lifestyle, it takes a preventative approach instead of waiting to deal with illness after it has already manifested. This may involve exercise, yoga, pranayama, meditation, dietary changes, fasting, oleation through massage, sweat baths, nasal medications, purgative therapies, medicated enemas and herbal tonics. 

The therapeutic effects of botanical medicines or herbs has been vastly undervalued in the West despite its continuous use over the centuries in the East. Ayurveda has a rich pharmacopeia of hundreds of herbs that work in harmony with the body’s innate intelligence. Herbal formulas can specifically address an individual’s prakruti, vikruti, and symptomatology. They are natural substances that can be taken long-term without side-effects.

Ayurvedic treatment involves cleansing (shodana), palliation (shamana), rejuvenation (rasayana). 

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Thus, Ayurveda is a modality that utilizes a number of techniques in order to remedy illnesses and lead the patient towards increasing levels of health. The Ayurvedic practitioner must be a skillful guide who reduces toxins, balances the doshas, achieves harmony between body/mind/spirit and empowers the patient to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Links to Ayurvedic Web Sites:

The Ayurvedic Institute:  
http://www.ayurveda.comThe Ayurvedic Institute, founded by Dr. Vasant Lad, where both Losang Jinpa and Vijaya Stallings of Medicine Buddha Healing Center have studied. The Ayurvedic Institute is the only school of Ayurvedic Medicine in the USA to offer a complete comprehensive formal program instructor-led classroom training during a 4 year period taught by a world-renowned Ayurvedic Physician from India with more than 39 years of Indian medicine clinical experience. Michael apprenticed with Dr. Lad for 6 years (1800 hours) and served on the faculty as an Ayurvedic Herbology Instructor. This graphic is either reprinted with permission or is made available under the "fair use" provision (17 USC §107) of the U.S. Copyright Act for research and non-profit educational and religious purposes only. Picture source: http://www.ayurveda.com

11311 Menaul NE, Albuquerque NM 87112 USA. Ph: 505-291-9698
Directed by Dr. Vasant Lad, renowned Ayurvedic teacher and author (Ayurveda, the Science of Self-Healing etc.).
Courses, seminars, India programs, books, products, treatment, excellent overall resource center.  The most complete Ayurveda program in the USA.

 

 


National Association of Ayurvedic Medicine:  
http://www.ayurveda-nama.org

Excellent national organization on Ayurveda for practitioners and for licensing issues with strong membership on the West Coast. Acknowledged by the Ayurvedic Institute (Dr. Vasant Lad), the Medicine Buddha Healing Center and the Ayurveda Healing Arts Institute. Pioneering Ayurvedic educational principles and Ayurvedic standards.

 

California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM)
http://www.ayurveda-caam.org

Ground-breaking state-wide organization in California focused on supporting Ayurvedic practitioners and lobbying for licensing in California for Ayurveda. Acknowledged by the Ayurvedic Institute (Dr. Vasant Lad) the Medicine Buddha Healing Center and the Ayurveda Healing Arts Institute.  Spear-heading Ayurvedic certification / licensing, ethical principles and education standards.

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      C.A.A.M. supports the establishment and growth of Ayurveda as an independent healing profession in the state of California. As a non-profit professional organization, C.A.A.M. aims to safeguard the quality and integrity of Ayurvedic practice. Furthermore, C.A.A.M. serves to bring this ancient healing science into our communities through education. Our goals include professional peer support and review, public and legislative education about Ayurveda and its remarkable benefits in health and healing. The Association’s founding members are professional Ayurvedic practitioners, teachers, and students who have joined to work toward these goals. This graphic is either reprinted with permission or is made available under the "fair use" provision (17 USC §107) of the U.S. Copyright Act for research and non-profit educational and religious purposes only. Picture source: http://www.ayurveda-caam.org       The National Ayurvedic Medical Association is a national organization representing the Ayurvedic profession in The United States of America. Its mission is to preserve, protect, improve and promote the philosophy, knowledge, science and practice of Ayurveda for the benefit of humanity. The purpose of the Association is to provide leadership within the Ayurvedic profession and to promote a positive vision for Ayurveda and its holistic approach to health and wellness. We will carry out our mission by creating and implementing a dynamic strategic plan to ensure the professional growth and success of Ayurveda. This graphic is either reprinted with permission or is made available under the "fair use" provision (17 USC §107) of the U.S. Copyright Act for research and non-profit educational and religious purposes only. Picture source: http://www.ayurveda-nama.org

 

Source: Losang, Jinpa, Ven., D.Ayur, Ph.D., Himalayan Ayurvedic Handbook – Notes from a Six Year Apprenticeship with Dr. Vasant Lad and other Yogic Buddhist Healing Masters, Berkeley, California: Medicine Buddha Healing Center, 2008: Online: Available: www.ayurveda-tcm.com, June 20, 2008.  E-Mail: No E-Mail Available     CALL US at (1) 510-292-6696.

 

Disclaimer

Although information presented by the Medicine Buddha Healing Center (www.Ayurveda-Berkeley.com) and its partners and employees is based on traditional Indian Ayurvedic and Tibetan Medicine and Chinese Medicine principles practiced for thousands of years, it should not be taken or construed as standard medical diagnosis or treatment.  For any medical condition, always consult with a qualified primary care physician.   Neither Ven. Losang Jinpa, D.Ayur, Ph.D nor nor any other of our practitioners, partners, volunteers, employees or authors shall be held responsible in any way for problems encountered by the use of the products, substance, procedures and therapies mentioned in information presented on Ayurveda-Berkeley.com or by our partners. Nothing whatsoever here is intended to diagnose, mitigate, prescribe, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness or symptoms as defined by the FDA and the State of California except where allowed as a constitutionally protected religious practice. We declare that nothing whatsoever here is intended to augment a particular therapy or drug action that is intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent a disease or class of diseases, illnesses, or symptoms, nor do we treat, prevent, or mitigate adverse events associated with a therapy for a disease, if the adverse events constitute diseases except where allowed as a religious practice. We declare with respect to all of our respective products sold or offered to the public that “The evidence in support of this claim is inconclusive and this statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product or service is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease...” except where allowed as a religious practice  You should read carefully all product packaging and their associated website descriptions. We hereby declare and claim the right to constitutionally protected free speech (including but not limited to commercial and religious free speech).  Viewing this page signals your agreement to the terms listed in this disclaimer .  The links on this page will let you leave this Ayurveda-Berkeley.com site.  The linked sites and others are NOT under our control, and we are not responsible for the availability or information content of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such site.  We are providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by the us of the site.   We declare, all rights reserved without prejudice. 

 

 

 

For more information on Pancha Karma, Chinese Medicine and other healing therapeutic services and classes offered in Ayurvedic Medicine, please CALL US (no e-mail available):

Medicine Buddha Healing Center
 in Berkeley, California (click here for location of consultations)
Losang Jinpa, D.Ayur, M.A.H.

www.Ayurveda-510-292-6696.com

 

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 in service to all living beings by the Medicine Buddha Healing Center who Dedicates the Merit to the Dharma Realm.
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Medicine Buddha Healing Center is a  non-profit 501(c)3 educational project of
the Medicine Buddha Wholistic Ministry and its Center and Temple
 

We are a Buddhist Ayurveda church school,
as proven by our duly and ceremonially notarized founding Articles of Association and Organization
and are hence not under any government jurisdiction whatsoever.

"The religious Association (Church), that is to say the Ministry, Institute, Center and Temple is in no way under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, the California State Medical Board, or the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, or any other government organization, agency, or agent (federal, state or local).  Any attempt by any government or private agent or agency to regulate our above described religious educational practices and spiritual practices is in violation of our now declared First, Fourth, Sixth and Ninth Amendment Constitutional rights.  Notice is hereby given to any person(s) who, acting under the color of the law, intentionally interferes with the free exercise of the rights retained by our Ministry, Institute, Center and Temple and its Pastoral Counselors, faculty, students, congregation, and members under the First, Fourth, Sixth and Ninth Amendments, as enumerated in these Articles of Association and Organization and in our Pastoral Counselor’s Declaration of First Amendment Constitutional Rights (Section C2.14) and Pastoral Counselor’s Declaration of First, Fourth, Sixth and Ninth Amendment Constitutional Rights (Section C2.15), that they may be in violation of the Pastoral Counselor’s civil and constitutional rights, Title 42, U.S.C. 1983 et seq. and Title 18, Section 241.  We hereby declare, all rights reserved without prejudice."

Last updated: June 19, 2008