Embracing Ayurvedic Wisdom and My Latest Health Check
- Adriana
- Sep 3, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
As part of my regular health routine, I aim to get comprehensive blood work done every 1-2 years. However, after giving birth 9 months ago and noticing some lingering and new symptoms, I decided it was time for a check-up sooner rather than later. I typically include tests for liver and kidney function, CBC, Iron, Ferritin, B12, Folate, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D3, a full thyroid panel (including antibodies and rT3), as well as lipid and insulin/glucose panels. These tests help me get a clear picture of my health, and I often recommend that my clients do the same before or after our initial consultation to ensure we’re not overlooking any significant concerns.
To complement my health check, I decided to revisit the teachings of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on a holistic approach to wellness. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of aligning with the seasons, particularly advocating for cleansing during transitions such as spring and autumn.
As we move out of summer, Ayurveda teaches that the body can accumulate toxins due to the indulgences often associated with the season—travel, late nights, social events, and rich foods. Summer is also the time when pitta, the dosha associated with heat and fire, naturally increases in the body. For someone like me, with a predominant pitta dosha, followed by vatta (air) and kapha (earth), it’s crucial to balance this excess heat. If pitta isn’t managed properly, it can lead to both mental and physical burnout, placing extra stress on the adrenal glands and nervous system. When pitta builds up in the liver, it may manifest as migraines, irritability, skin rashes, and even feelings of anger.
To balance my pitta dosha, I’m focusing on incorporating cooling herbs and foods into my diet—think fresh greens, cucumbers, mint, and cilantro, alongside plenty of hydration. Cooling herbs like coriander and fennel can also help soothe the digestive system and calm the fire within. Ayurveda’s holistic wisdom offers a valuable framework for restoring balance and maintaining health, especially through mindful nutrition and seasonal cleansing.
Curious about your own dosha? Understanding your unique makeup can help guide your diet and lifestyle choices. You can take a quick quiz to find out your dosha here: Ayurveda Dosha Quiz.
In my next post, I’ll be sharing how I’m using these detox principles to help my body transition into the cooler months. It’s all about supporting your body’s natural detox processes in a gentle, effective way.
Best,
Adriana
AO. Wellness, Adriana Osipian
