A 5,000-year-old East Indian healing practice made its way to SF State in a seminar.

Ayurvedic physician Vasant Lad, a practitioner from New Mexico, considered to be the pre-eminent expert in his field, presented an in-depth lecture on Ayurveda and specifically how certain techniques are utilized to cope with and eliminate stress. About 40 people attended the event that began on April 29. It was hosted by Friends of Ayurveda and sponsored by SF State special events and cost $75 dollars for students and $200 for the general public. They also helped raise funds for a future Ayurvedic school and clinic in India.

“Stress is a force that puts the mind under pressure and blocks the flow of thought, and causes the mind to lose its functional integrity,” said Lad, whose work has been endorsed by philosophical guru Deepak Chopra.

Friends of Ayurveda coordinator Suraj McNamara said treating stress is important in Ayurvedic medicine.

“Stress is at the core of all diseases, it suppresses the immune system, leading from one problem to another.”

Lad focused his lecture on the three cardinal physiologic and personality types, or “doshas,” described in Ayurvedic theory: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. To achieve well-being, an individual must balance these doshas.

According to Lad, Vata individuals are often of slight build, and are highly energetic and excitable. Pitta individuals usually have a medium build, fine hair, strong physique, good appetite, and high metabolism. These individuals tend to live somewhat shorter lives because of their tendency to “burn the candle at both ends,” according to Lad. On the other hand, Kapha individuals are heavy set, with slower movements and metabolism, and are relaxed to the point of sluggishness.

Biochemistry major Wahne Powell, 29, was drawn to the lecture by his interest in Ayurveda and his desire to reconcile its principles with his knowledge of science.

“What Western science says situates me in my academic knowledge, but I am looking for connections and ways to integrate philosophy and spirituality,” he said. “I’m in the middle, looking at both sides open-mindedly.”

While every individual has aspects of each dosha in their constitution, Ayurveda determines the influence of each of these on a numeric scale. If a person is primarily Pitta, for example, they are prescribed certain foods and daily rituals that maintain the balance of their doshas.

According to Lad, diet alone can create stress in an individual if they eat foods that aggravate their dominant dosha. Pittas for example are already associated with heat, so eating spicy foods will aggravate their constitution. Likewise, dairy products for Kaphas tend to slow them down even further.

Friends of Ayurveda volunteer Bill Edwards said Ayurveda has given him a better understanding of himself and his needs.

“I have learned to stay healthy by avoiding things which aggravate my Pitta (aspect) such as coffee and alcohol,” he said.
Although Ayurveda is primarily about the different doshas, there are several remedies for health and stress management that are tri-doshic, or meant for all types of people.

Lad recommends a ginger and baking soda bath for all individuals who experience stress.

A common form of stress on anyone’s body is the suppression of bodily functions out of a sense of propriety, according to Lad. The stifling of sneezes, yawns, burps, and flatulence cause stress internally.

Another important tri-doshic remedy for stress is called psychic breathing, the awareness and control of one’s breathing.

San Francisco art teacher Molly Nardone, 32, came to the lecture because she saw it as a rare opportunity given the research she has done, which found that Lad’s practice is commonly regarded as the best in the country.

“It was fascinating because Ayurveda is a way of life, and there was a lot to cover in only two days, and it was done from a very authentic perspective,” she said.