Deepana Pachana
Spices are Natures Best Medicine
Deepana pachana is an Ayurvedic approach designed to improve digestion and metabolism. It uses specific herbs, spices, and practices involving *the way we eat* to perform two primary functions for optimal health: kindle the digestive fire (Agni) and break down metabolic toxins (Ama).
Deepana Pachana therapy uses herbal stimulants (often spices from your very own kitchen) to "ignite" or strengthen Agni, the body's digestive and metabolic fire which is responsible for the transformation of all foods. By boosting the power of Agni, deepana pachana improves the metabolism of food, allows us to receive it’s nutrients, and clears blockages in the body caused by Ama. Deepana pachana improves the body’s ability to digest and eliminate Ama, or toxic metabolic waste. These toxins form when Agni is weak and food is not properly digested.
In Ayurveda, and in modern medicine, a healthy digestive system is central to overall well-being. A compromised Agni (digestive fire) leads to the buildup of Ama (toxic waste), which is considered a root cause of dis-ease. Deepana pachana is used to prevent and treat these issues.
Below I share some herbs/spices + guidelines for healthy eating which support healthy digestion, therefore improving long term health and well-being.
HERBAL ALLIES FOR DIGESTION
ALOE (Inner Fillet): Diarrhea, Loose Stools, Indigestion, Ulcers
ALOE (Outer Fillet): Constipation
AVIPATTIKAR: Acidity, Indigestion,
CHAMOMILE: Gas, Stomach Irritibility
CORIANDER: Indigestion, Bloating
CUMIN: Indigestion, Bloating
FENNEL: Gas, Cramps, Indigestion
FENUGREEK: Sluggish digestion, low or high blood sugar
GINGER: Gas, Cramps, Motility
LICORICE: Indigestion, Acidity, Inflammation, Diarrhea
MARSHMALLOW: Colitis, Inflammation, Heat & Acidity in the Gut
SLIPPERY ELM: Colitis, Inflammation, Heat & Acidity in the Gut
TRIPHALA: Constipation, Ama
AYURVEDAS GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHY EATING
Begin meals with grace or by simply taking 3-5 slow breaths with eyes closed. This prepares the body to receive the food and allows us to experience peace while partaking.
Eat in a calm environment where there is little distraction. Put down the book & phone, turn off the television and step away from the computer. Avoid excessive conversation and all conversation about emotionally intense issues.
Chew your food until it is an even consistency. This requires your attention to be on the food in your mouth. Chewing properly improves digestion and absorption of the food.
Eat at a moderate pace and until you are 75% full. Overeating is one of the major causes of disease in our society. When we eat too much, digestion becomes difficult. When we finish eating, we should not feel heavy and we should not feel hungry. We want to feel satisfied.
Following your meal let your food digest before going on to the next activity. It is best to wait 15-20 minutes for food to digest. During this time engage in light conversation or read a light book. You can also go for a slow walk. If you are rushed, take at least 3-5 slow breaths to close the door on this sacred experience.
Additional Tips
It is best to drink only a little bit of liquid with meals. One-half cup of room-temperature water is average. Dry meals may require more. Moist meals, like soup, require none at all.
Take all water and drinks at room temperature or warm. Cold drinks destroy the digestive fire and decrease digestion. This is true not only at mealtime, but also throughout the day.
The body’s rhythms mirror those of the universe and digestion is strongest around noon, when the sun is at its peak. Therefore, it is best to eat a larger meal around noon and have a lighter meal in the morning and the evening.
Allow three hours between meals for food to digest. This allows most people 3-5 meals per day. Those with a vata nature or imbalance may need to eat 4-5 times per day.
Eat food prepared with love. The energy of the cook is always in the food. This is one reason why eating out often can be harmful.
