| Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical healing system, relies on a holistic approach to physical and mental health. An Ayurveda therapy starts with internal purification and improvement of digestion and metabolism as well as diet and lifestyle suggestion. These first steps can help to reduce symptoms, increase immunity, reduce worry and anxiety, and increase wellbeing of the client. In addition to “diet and lifestyle” suggestions, a protocol will also include herbs, different parts of plants, spices, and oils in a wide range .  One important component in Ayurveda diet and healing is the inclusion of the six tastes, called rasa in Sanskrit. They too have a connection to nature, our organs, and our health.In order to pacify all organs in the body it is essential to include all six tastes in our daily meals. The sweet taste enhances our vital essence of life and nourishes all tissues. It gives us strenght, improves complexion, healthy skin and hair. It relieves thirst and burning sensation (pacifies pitta). Emotionally is it comforting and grounding. In excess, the sweet taste can aggravate a cold, cough, congestion, heaviness laziness and obesity. It also increases the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites Affected tissues: All tissues   The salty taste is a digestive, a laxative and anti-flatulence. It helps absorb and eliminate waste. It helps maintain our electrolyte balance and improves the flavor of food .In excess, salt causes hypertension, water retention, swelling, wrinkles, hair loss, ulcers, hyperacidity, and bleeding disorders. Affected tissues: Plasma, blood, muscle, fat, and nervous tissue  The sour taste stimulates appetite, salivation, and enhances digestive juices. It enhances the senses and decreases flatulence. In excess, it creates inflammation, indigestion, skin rashes, diarrhea and burning sensation. It can encourage hate, jealousy, and criticism.Affected tissues: All tissues, except reproductive  The pungent taste kindles our agni, our internal fire which improves digestion and absorption. It clears the sinuses, scrapes fat, and helps with elimination. It improves circulation and breaks up blockages. The pungent taste brings clarity, vigor, and vitality. Our mind becomes more focused. In excess, it can kill sperm and ova, cause burning and fatigue. It can be the cause of peptic ulcers, colitis, and heartburn. Emotionally, it can trigger anger, violence, jealousy, and irritability. Affected tissues: Blood and reproductive tissues  The bitter taste enhances all other tastes. It is a liver cleanse, stimulates digestion, relieves gas and it is an anti-inflammatory,I In excess, it depletes bodily tissues, inhibits sexual energy, causes dryness and roughness in the body. Affected tissues: Plasma, blood, fat, nervous, and reproductive tissu es  The astringent taste improves absorption, is anti-diarrhea, anti-inflammatory, and scrapes fat. It promotes clotting and supports grounding. In excess, it causes stagnation in circulation, dryness in the body and constipation. It can cause insomnia, nervousness, and anxiety. Affected tissues: Plasma, blood, muscle, and reproductive tissues.  |
| In summary, we must insure to intake all six rasas in appropriate proportions. All tastes provide the necessary nutrients to all tissues and to all doshas. A good balance is important for body, mind, and soul to be in perfect harmony and health. “The goal of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy person and heal the illness of a sick person. Staying well is much easier than curing an illness. That’s why prevention is so strongly emphasized in Ayurveda medicine.” Dr. Lad “The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies” |
Five Elements 