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Ayurveda Post | May 2024
Namaste,
Welcome to the May edition of Ayurveda Post, where we explore the Ayurvedic perspective on managing the impact of heat on health during the summer extremes. This issue delves into the Ayurveda principles that guide us in maintaining harmony and resilience during the warmer months.
Furthermore, I have been actively engaging stakeholders in the United States, with a particular focus on Illinois, to bolster support for integrating Ayurveda within the existing healthcare framework. The highlights of these efforts are featured in this newsletter.
We hope you find this edition insightful and valuable.
Happy reading!
Warm Regards
Prof Abhimanyu Kumar
Chairman & CEO
Centre for Ayurveda Education, Innovation & Technology (CAYEIT)
Insights
Heat Wave: Fact Sheet from WHO
Key points from the WHO fact sheet on ‘Heat and Health’:
- Climate change is increasing population exposure to heat, with more frequent, longer, and intense heatwaves globally.
- Excessive heat exposure has broad physiological impacts, worsening existing conditions and causing premature death and disability, particularly for respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes, and renal diseases.
- Heat’s negative health impacts are predictable and mostly preventable with specific public health measures.
- Elderly, infants, children, pregnant women, outdoor and manual workers, athletes, and the poor are more vulnerable to heat stress.
- Heat also indirectly affects health by altering behaviour, disease transmission, health services, air quality, and critical infrastructure.
- Public actions during hot weather: keep homes cool; avoid heat; stay cool and hydrated; help others; seek medical care if unwell. Extra precautions needed for those with health issues.
Interesting Reads
| 1. Beat the Heat : Ayurvedic and Scientific Tips for Staying Cool in Summer Read Here |
| 2. Emerging effects of temperature on human cognition, affect, and behaviour Read Here |
| 3. Research on the effects of extreme heat exposure on human health Read Here |
Best Ayurveda drinks to counteract the impact of heat
Amla Juice Recipe
Ingredients:Fresh Amla (Indian Gooseberry): 4-5 fruits or 1 cup of amla pieces, Water: 1 cup, Honey: 1 tablespoon (optional, for taste), Mint leaves: 5-6 leaves, Black salt: A pinch, Cumin powder: A pinch, Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions: Wash and cut the Amla fruits into small pieces, removing the seeds. Blend the amla pieces with water until you get a smooth juice. Strain the juice to remove any pulp. Add honey if you want to sweeten the juice. This is optional. Add mint leaves, black salt, and cumin powder for added flavor and cooling effects. Mix well and pour into a glass. Add lemon juice for an extra refreshing taste, if desired. Serve chilled.
Benefits: Amla juice is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, providing a cooling effect, hydration, and improved digestion, while promoting healthy skin and combating heat-induced oxidative stress.
Alternative Cooling Ayurveda Drinks:
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) Water: Infuse water with fresh tulsi leaves for a cooling and refreshing drink.
- Coriander Seed Water: Soak coriander seeds overnight and drink the strained water the next day.
- Cucumber Mint Cooler: Blend cucumber with mint leaves and a bit of lemon juice for a refreshing drink.
- Sandalwood Sherbet: Mix sandalwood powder with water and a bit of sugar for a traditional cooling drink.
These drinks not only cool you down but also provide various health benefits according to Ayurveda principles.
Efforts to Streamline Ayurveda in Illinois USA by CAYEIT
Prof. Abhimanyu Kumar is spearheading efforts to popularize Ayurveda in the state of Illinois, USA. He is garnering support from local communities, organizations, administrators, and political figures. Mr. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a U.S. Congressman (Member of Legislature of Federal Government of United States), representing Illinois, has acknowledged Ayurveda’s potential as a viable healthcare system to improve the health of Americans. He has pledged to support initiatives to make Ayurveda more accessible and integrated within the existing healthcare framework.
Additionally, several Illinois officials have expressed their conviction in Ayurveda’s positive role for public health. Mr. Kelvin B. Morrison, the Cook County Commissioner, Mayor William D. McLeod of Hoffman Estates, Chicago, and Mayor Karen Darch of Barrington have all voiced their support. In fact, Mayor Darch herself participated in a 3-day ‘Corporate Wellness Retreat’ held at the International University of Vedic Wellness (IUVW) in Streamwood, Illinois US.
Furthermore, TV Asia has also lent its backing to the efforts to promote Ayurveda in the region.
As we close this special issue, we hope you found inspiration in this newsletter. Your feedback helps shape our content, so do share your thoughts at contact@cayeit.com .
Thank you for your continued readership. Here’s to health, harmony, and the transformative power of Ayurveda and Yoga. Until next time,
Warm Regards,
Ayurveda Post Team