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THE AYURVEDIC VIEW ON ENHANCING MENTAL POTENTIAL:
Seven Keys to Unlock Your Brainpower!
Ayurveda, the ancient system of healing from India, describes three
aspects to mental performance -- "dhi" -- learning and
comprehension, "dhriti" -- retention of knowledge, and "smriti" --
memory or recall. "For the best mental performance and realization of
the fullest mental potential, each of these three factors
individually needs to be at its peak, and, more important, the co-
ordination among the three factors also needs to be optimal," says
Rama Kant Mishra, Ayurvedic expert. Ayurveda recommends paying
attention to the three fundamental pillars of good health - diet,
sleep and lifestyle -- to achieve this state of mental balance. Here
are some tips from Mishra to help boost brainpower:
Eat pure, "intelligent" foods
"According to Ayurveda, it is very important to eat foods that are
natural and pure for their full benefit to be absorbed by the body,"
says Mishra. When foods are as close to their state in nature as
possible, that's when they deliver the most potent nutrition. Foods
that have been genetically altered, processed or refined have much of
their natural intelligence stripped from them, and Mishra contends
that they disturb the intellect and the co-ordination between the
three aspects of mental prowess -- comprehension, retention and
recall. Also taboo are foods that are canned or preserved with
artificial additives and preservatives, or foods with artificial
colors and flavors. "Cooking with fresh, organic ingredients can take
a little more time and effort," agrees Mishra. "But your brain, and
indeed your entire system will thank you for it and repay the effort
with accelerated performance."
Maintain a supply of balanced nutrition
The recommended Ayurvedic diet is vegetarian. "Grains, beans and
legumes provide nutrients for the brain," says Mishra. "Be sure to
include plenty of cooked leafy greens. Several helpings of fruit and
vegetables are recommended. Sweet juicy fruits are excellent
cleansers - they help flush toxins out of the body. Don't count fat
out entirely, fat performs some essential functions in the body,
including the brain." Mishra suggests cutting down on "empty" junk
foods and sugared drinks that interfere with the absorption of
nutrients by the body. According to Ayurveda, good eating habits are
as important as what you eat. Sitting down to eat, focusing on the
food rather than on work or other activities, and savoring the meal
are important. Ice-cold drinks disrupt digestion and impair the
assimilation of nutrients by the body, and should therefore be
avoided.
Harness the power of antioxidants
The brain is especially susceptible to damage by free radicals,
reactive oxygen-based chemicals that thrive on stress, pollution and
chemicals in your food. Free radicals have been widely linked to
disease and aging. Antioxidants are therefore crucial for effective
functioning of the brain. Recent research showed that blueberries are
powerful brain food, primarily because of their antioxidant value.
Ayurvedic antioxidant supplements contain Amalaki, the Indian
gooseberry, considered the richest natural source of vitamin C, along
with other herbs. Look for an antioxidant that works both inside and
outside cell walls for full-spectrum protection from free radical
damage.
Use herbs and aromas to enhance mental potential
Ayurveda talks about a special class of herbs for the mind,
called "Medhya" herbs. "These herbs individually enhance learning,
retention and recall as well as the co-ordination among the three
factors," says Mishra. "They provide powerful nourishment for the
brain." Shankhapushpi or Aloeweed, the authentic Brahmi or Herpestis
monniera and Indian Pennywort or Centella asiatica, also known as
Gotu Kola, are some well-known Ayurvedic herbs known to promote the
health and functioning of the mind. "Synergistic formulas that
contain not only these herbs but other supporting and balancing herbs
such as Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) to help boost resistance to
stress are ideal," suggests Mishra, "especially for individuals in
high-stress job environments who need to be at the peak of their
mental potential on a consistent basis." Some essential oils are
excellent aromatherapy for the mind. Try rosemary for mental clarity
and alertness or basil oil to help dispel mental fatigue and enhance
your mind's innate ability to focus. Peppermint oil and lemon oil are
also effective pick-me-ups for the mind.
Manage stress levels
Stress and anxiety, whether caused by time pressure or difficult work
relationships, can have a significant negative impact on mental
performance. A calm mind, serene and centered in its equilibrium, is
unquestionably superior in terms of focus, attention span, retention
of knowledge and problem-solving ability. "It is important to manage
stress before it becomes a severe problem," says Mishra, "because
stress has been known to damage or destroy brain cells and many
prescription pills for anxiety can have side-effects that can further
erode mental performance." Planning tasks ahead and managing
timelines, taking occasional short (even five minutes) breaks during
periods of intense mental activity, and maintaining a healthy balance
between work and relaxation can all help. The Transcendental
Meditation technique, or other relaxation techniques are also useful
in managing stress. Listening to relaxing music, diffusing aromas
that help relax you, such as sandalwood or lavender, or a quiet
evening stroll, alone or with a nurturing companion, can all help
balance the mind and emotions.
Get adequate, quality sleep
Related to stress is the other plague of modern society - lack of
deep, restful sleep. "With diet and lifestyle, sleep is a fundamental
pillar of Ayurveda," says Mishra. "Optimal physical and mental
performance is impossible if all three of these factors are not
addressed." Getting eight hours of sleep is less important than
striving for quality sleep, which, according to Ayurveda, occurs when
the mind is totally disconnected from the senses. Quality sleep
recharges and rejuvenates the mind, improving both short-term and
long-term mental prowess. Mishra advises a daily warm oil full-body
massage to increase stamina during the day and promote quality sleep
at night. Cutting down on stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and
nicotine; making work-related materials taboo in the bedroom and
winding down the evening with calming activities, instead of
stimulating ones, to help prepare the mind for restful sleep; are key
to getting your zzzs. Aromatherapy can also help - try a blend of
lavender, chamomile, jasmine and sweet orange, or just plain lavender.
Use it or lose it!
No matter what your age or your occupation; your brain needs to be
constantly challenged to be at its peak in terms of
performance. "Whether it's doing logic puzzles, memorizing lines from
Shakespeare, or learning a new skill, keep your brain busy," advises
Mishra, "if you don't want it to rust away like a car in a junkyard."
Asking questions to clarify things in your mind, visualization
techniques and associative memory games can keep the brain nimble.
Note : This ayurvedic information is educational and is not intended
to replace standard medical care or advice.
Copyright MAPI, 2002.
For more information on Ayurveda or to subscribe to free newsletters,
plaese visit http://www.mapi.com
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