Ayurved Counseling with IHA
South Asia, USA, Canada, Worldwide
Ayurved
Treating Mucus
​
Due to Contaminated Food, Water , Air and Compromised immune systems, our body is continuosly producing mucus leading to Sinus, Cold, Fever, Pnemonia, Breathlessness, Asthma, Heart Disorders, Digestive issues etc. Our body is made up of 70% water, if the water / mucus crystallizes, thickens, blocks blood stram, we need more Remedies, and rather more Preventative Remedies. Let us learn how Ayurved Helps.
​
What foods reduce mucus in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda Herbs:
Ginger can help expel mucus, stimulate the metabolism, and kickstart sluggish indigestion. Balancing for vata and kapha, may aggravate Pitta. Turmeric: Astringent turmeric has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Kapha dosha is governed by the elements of water and earth. Nourishing and reliable, Kapha provides structure and stability in our inner and outer worlds. Like the elements it represents, Kapha physical properties are moist, heavy, slow (or dullish), cool, stable, oily, and smooth.
Balanced Kapha supports earthiness, endurance, strength, and dependability. It protects critical systems from our immune system and personal boundaries, down to our stomach lining and the fluid in our joints. Out of balance, Kapha manifests as physical and mental “dullness.” We may put on a few extra pounds, or feel weighed down, lethargic, foggy, or depressed, and we might have excess mucus.
According to Ayurveda, the color and texture of your snot are indicators of our overall health. If our mucus is discolored, or too little or too much, this may indicate an imbalance in the doshas. When we understand how to analyze our mucus, we can proactively address health issues— as opposed to waiting until our symptoms become conditions and diseases.
"Ayurvedic snot or mucus diagnosis, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can see inside us. Think of snot, bowel movement, fingernails, urine, eyes, and sweat as a sort of bio-physiological MRI machine."
How Ayurvedic Mucus Analysis Can Help You
By whatever names we call it, snot gets a bad rap. We see it (and so does everyone else) in our noses as a nuisance and embarrassment, but let’s step back and give mucus a chance to earn the respect it deserves.
When we think of mucus, we tend to think only of our noses and maybe sinuses, but the truth is there is a mucosal lining in all of the moist areas of our body including our eyes, mouth, nose, stomach, sinuses, and our thirty-foot-long digestive system. That's a lot of surface area.
According to Ayurveda, mucus, (aka Kapha dosha) has two jobs: 1. Kapha protects as it serves as a first line of defense. According to the National Institute of Health, we inhale thousands of microorganisms every hour. Think of snot like those sticky bug strips, bacteria lands on the mucus, and gets trapped.
Now consider pollen, dust, and smoke added to the mix, and we're starting to respect mucus the role snot plays a whole lot more. Mucus serves as a filter (protector) against anything we inhale. It's part of our immune system in that it protects us from the world we inhale. Pretty cool, isn't it?
2. Kapha lubricates the tissues to prevent them from drying out. Dry tissue is not much of a bug trap, so when our moist tissues are dry, they no longer function optimally. Think of dry eyes, dry skin, dry lips, dry digestive tract--constipation—and we quickly appreciate the importance of the moist quality of mucus.
How Does Healthy Mucus (Kapha) Work?
We inhale thousands of microorganisms, dust, and allergens hourly. These invaders land on our mucosal lining and get trapped like bugs on fly paper. The cilia (tiny hairs) have the job of pushing mucus up and out of the lungs, like microscopic janitor's broom sweeping away viruses, bacteria, allergens, smoke, and dust.
From our eight sinus cavities, mucus flows like a gentle stream down the back of our throat and we never notice it when our doshas are balanced and healthy--it's just part of our swallowing routine that we perform unconsciously 18-400 times per hour, according to the National Institute of Health.
The mucus and all the crud in it is filtered out to protect us, it goes down stream to the stomach and well, out of our bodies and into the toilet.
Genius, right? Are you starting to respect Kapha in the form of mucus now?
Our bodies produce about one liter (or more) of mucus daily and its mostly water, which is another reason to hydrate well. Mucus "also contains special proteins, sugars, and molecules that help the body control harmful germs," according to the National Institute of Health.
We don't think about mucus as a liter of fluid flows through us daily as it protects and lubricates. But, once we get sick, all we can do is think about snot!
" Think of mucus as a firewall between us and the world. Kapha's job of protecting and lubricating is important, and it plays a significant role in keeping us healthy."
Too Much Mucus (Kapha)?
Let's face it, we don't pay attention to snot unless it increases in quantity and/or changes qualities be that color or consistency. Color, consistency, and volume are some of the characteristics of Ayurvedic mucus analysis.
When we experience postnasal drip, throat clearing, sore throat, a cough, a clogged or runny nose, or phlegm in the chest, we definitely take notice of our mucus factory then.
What Causes Excess Mucus?
Imbalanced Kapha dosha is the main culprit when we're flowing and blowing. Where does it all keep coming from?!
Ama (toxins)
Dust
Cold (virus which makes thicker mucus)
Pollen
Dander
Allergens
Exhaustion
Fire smoke
Spicey foods (watery mucus)
Incorrect diet
Sinus infection (bacteria which makes thicker mucus)
Microorganisms
Imbalanced doshas
Being in a cold climate
Stress, fatigue, exhaustion
Incorrect food combinations
Compromised or imbalanced digestive fire (agni)
Living in a climate that is not supportive of your doshic picture
What Else Causes Excess Mucus?
"Allergies can also cause your body to make extra mucus. When we have an allergic response, our immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, like pollen, dust, or animal dander...Histamine can make us sneeze. It also causes the mucous membranes in the nose to swell and the glands to make more mucus, " according to the National Institute of Health.
It gets even more mind (and nose) blowing. "An infection can make mucus thicker and stickier. Infections also may lead to inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the nose and the rest of your airway. This can cause certain airway glands to make more mucus. That mucus can get thick with bacteria and cells that arrive to fight the infection. That can stimulate even more mucus production." (National Institute of Health. ) And around and around it goes.
When our nose is running it's miserable, yet insufficient flow of mucus isn't healthy either. It's all about gaining and maintaining dosha balance in Ayurveda.
What Does the Color of Your Mucus Say About Your Health?
Plus Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Mucus and Phlegm to Relieve Congestion
Let's look at the color of mucus and its meaning and how to remove phlegm or mucus that cause congestion. There's a rainbow of colors of mucus. As part of Ayurvedic mucus analysis, let's explore the colors one by one, the dosha imbalances at the root, and some Ayurveda tips for how to get rid of excess mucus.
Ayurvedic herbs offer a variety of health benefits and can balance aggravated doshas. Saumya Ayurveda’s Healing Trifecta uses Ayurveda herbs, food is medicine, and Ayurveda lifestyle tools to regain dosha balance.
1. What does clear mucus mean in Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, thick clear mucus indicates imbalanced Kapha, and thin clear mucus indicates Vata. Cold weather and spicey, hot foods can increase watery mucus production. Allopathic medicine views clear mucus as "normal."
Ayurvedic Remedies for Excess Clear Mucus
1. Ayurveda Herbs:
Ginger: Ginger generates ignite agni (digestive fire) and promotes heat in the body. Ginger can help expel mucus, stimulate the metabolism, and kickstart sluggish indigestion. Balancing for vata and kapha, may aggravate Pitta.
Turmeric: Astringent turmeric has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is cleansing and mobilizing – while supporting immune system function. Balances all three doshas, but get too much and it may aggravate Vata and Pitta.
Cinnamon: Enkindles digestive and other fires (agni), helps to eliminate toxins (ama), reduces Kapha dosha in the respiratory system, and it increases circulation to the extremities (warm up those cold toes!) Heating and sweetly delicious, cinnamon is balancing to Vata and Kapha, but may aggravate Pitta.
Tulsi: A sacred plant for body and mind, tulsi is also known as holy basil. It is warming, clears the mind, and imparts is sattvic qualities. Ideal for Vata and Kapha, for Pitta tulsi needs to be used moderately.
Pippali: An effective decongestant, pippali is great for managing coughs and releasing mucus. Supportive for Vata and Kapha, but Pitta needs to enjoy tulsi in moderation.
2. Ayurveda Food is Medicine
If thick mucus is present, follow a Kapha Ayurveda diet focusing on foods that are warm and light, are pungent, bitter and astringent. Enjoy plenty of cooked and properly spiced vegetables. Dairy, fried foods, cold foods, fatty foods, sugary and salty foods need to be avoided.
If thin mucus is present, follow a Vata Ayurveda diet focusing on foods that are warm, moist, oily, well spiced, easy to digest such as Vata kitchari Favor flavors that are sweet, salty, and sour and avoid pungent, bitter and astringent tastes.
3. Ayurveda Lifestyle Tools
Move daily. Walking, swimming, cycling, and hiking. Kapha needs vigorous movement and Vata benefits from slow, fluid movement that does not overly strenuous.
walking offers several health promoting benefits, including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and relieving depression.
Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) is the chief morning yog-asana. This series of 12 gentle poses opens you to greet and internalize the sun's energy into your own system.
Vata benefits from slow, gentle yog-asana with an emphasis on restorative postures such as:
Viparita Karani (Legs Up Wall)
Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)
Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Yog-asana/Movement: Yog-asana refers to the physical postures of yogic practice. Morning yog-asana stimulates the digestive fire and prepares your body for a healthy breakfast. It also releases stress and tension and energizes the body and mind.
What does green mucus indicate according to Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, green mucus indicates excess Pitta in the respiratory system. Green may mean a stronger infection than yellow.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Green Mucus
1. Ayurveda Herbs:
Sitopaladi
Digestive tea
Salt & Turmeric: Gargle warm salt and turmeric water, which have anti-microbial properties.
2. Ayurveda Food is Medicine
Follow a Pitta pacifying Ayurvedic diet focusing on foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and avoiding pungent, sour, and salty foods. Meals should be well cooked and properly spiced.
Avoid overeating as it will tax the digestive fire.
3. Ayurveda Lifestyle Tools
Relax your forehead and the rest will follow.
Breath diaphragmatically
Use our free daily guided practices
Especially during healing, find ways to laugh such as a funny movie or a lighthearted book
If the weather is agreeable, take a moon bath and avoid the intense sun times of day.
Breathwork (pranayama)
Heal with Ayurved
Your Journey of healing begins with
Ancient Ayurved
What I do...
​
The Process of Counseling
​
​
The traditional counseling process includes the following six important, yet separate components.
​
Opening: The opening process is perhaps, one of the most important parts of the interaction with your client. It is your chance to get to know your client and for them to get to know you. It is also where you will set the tone External link for the rest of the therapeutic relationship.
​
Exploring Client Understanding: The exploration process is where you will begin to understand your client. You will explore their past and evaluate their current concerns. Here, you will together establish goals and set expectations.
​
Understanding: Important in developing a strong relationship with your client, you can demonstrate understanding by using verbal and nonverbal cues, as well as reflections and paraphrases.
​
Intervention: The intervention process is about choosing the appropriate counseling techniques that will encourage growth within your client.
​
Exploring Problems:Exploration is the process of learning more about your client and why they have come to counseling. Exploration is necessary in truly understanding a client’s thoughts and feelings in relation to their pressing problem.
Empower to Create Own Solutions: Empowering your client is not about providing them with all the answers. It is about empowering them, with your counseling skills, to find their own solutions.
​
​
​
​
Ayurved Doshas and Chakras
Like the doshas and the chakras, the koshas are a model of reality that helps to describe our experience as humans.Examining the state of our koshas can help us uncover where there might be “malnutrition” throughout the mind-body-spirit system, and then choose the right foods to help restore balance.Any imbalance might fall under Annamaya kosha, but focusing on the name gives a clue as to what we might look to as a root cause, as well as a solution.Even as the most physical of the koshas, the annamaya kosha isn’t immune to the movements of the mind.Pranamaya Kosha | The Water ElementRight away in the second kosha, the pranamaya kosha, we move out of the realm of the gross and into the realm of the subtle.Still, this kosha is something most of us can experience on a daily basis through our breath.If someone complains of a lack of energy, inability to focus, brain fog, or difficulty sleeping, their pranamaya kosha might need some love.Manomaya Kosha | The Air ElementThe next two koshas are closely aligned with the nervous system in the Western medical perspective, which is seen as divided into two parts: the lower, reptilian mind, and the higher, conscious mind. The former is associated with the manomaya kosha.It is responsible for our more immediate, unconscious reactions to physical stimuli, as well as our emotions.The manomaya kosha, while established in many ways through evolution, can nonetheless be affected by our environment and habits.Practices like mantra meditation, yoga nidra, and dinacharya all promote vibratory cycles that align our cells with nature’s circadian rhythm.This higher-level discernment, or intellect, is the job of the vijnanamaya kosha and has an interesting anatomy.While Western psychology locates sophisticated cognition in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, Eastern traditions situate the intelligence of the system in the heart.In the heart resides the light of clarity and truth, and the observer or “witness” who can take in information with equanimity, interpret what’s going on, and make decisions from there—hence the connection to the transformative fire element.When it’s nourished, we feel optimistic, grateful, and hopeful, we stand by our values with conviction, and we accept others for who they are with compassion and love.Anandamaya Kosha | The Space ElementAccording to the eight-limbed path of yoga, the goal at the end of the road is samadhi, or bliss, which is situated in the anandamaya kosha. Most of us won’t directly engage with this kosha, or perhaps only have glimpses of it in our lifetimes—and that’s fine.The anandamaya kosha offers obvious benefits and pleasures, but it’s simply not practical to be in this sheath all the time.The anandamaya kosha has a simple answer to this question: You are everything, and you are enough.Small, regular doses of wonderment are what this kosha thrives on.