# llms-full.txt Generated: 2026-08-14T02:45:55.188Z Source index: https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms.txt Documents included: 62 --- title: "Home" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/home" lastmod: "2026-08-13T12:24:17.494Z" --- Align & Thrive with Ayurveda ™ ## A healing framework to move from ## Surviving... ## to ## Thriving ! Learn how I can help ### "I help perimenopausal women on the brink of burnout, hormonal imbalance and chronic diseases to regain their spark for life with integrative Ayurveda." ### - Dr. Leena Sripada #### PROFESSIONAL MEMBER OF ## You want to live your fullest, but feel like your body is getting in the way? ## Overwhelmed with health information and don't know where to start? We are in an era where we have more access to health information than ever before. Yet, many women are struggling with more health issues than ever before, juggling demanding careers and family life and feel pulled in many directions with no time for themselves. Ayurveda has a way. A way that is simple yet insightful. A blueprint that is aligned to the rhythms of nature & the seasons of life to help you navigate your journey back to vitality. You just have to choose. ## My Story... As someone with a Vata-Pitta constitution, my life has been an ongoing journey of finding balance between overdoing and nurturing. As a child, I struggled with chronic headaches and insomnia — for no obvious reasons. The thought of popping pills just didn't seem right as a band-aid solution so by age 11, I was determined to figure out how to manage this naturally. This led to a life-long quest in healthy living which took me from yoga centres in India, volunteering abroad to completing rigorous naturopathic medical school and finally coming 'home' to Ayurvedic training. Fast-forward to now, as a woman who manages a family, small kids, and a career, I intimately understand the challenges of modern life and daily expectations. Through ongoing curiosity, learning and self-care trial, I discovered the strategies that worked through natural medicine. Not as a treatment but simply a way of living. I honed my skills and became an expert in my field, not just by luck or endless years of studying, but by facing the same challenges you're dealing with now. But why work with me? I'm not just another trending online health coach or a naturopathic doctor who will prescribe a bagful of supplements. I'm someone who's been there and felt what you're feeling and has gone through a journey of yoga, meditation, music and Ayurveda as part of my life. My experiences have shaped my approach, making it not about being perfect or getting everything done - but about understanding, human connection and coming back home to yourself. Watch how I can Help ## Nurture Yourself, Inside and Out EMBRACE THE POSSIBILITY ## What if I told you there is another way? Imagine yourself six months from now — waking up with steady energy instead of exhaustion, feeling calm in your body instead of constantly “wired and tired.” Your digestion feels lighter, your sleep deeper, your moods more balanced, and your mind no longer overwhelmed by the endless mental load you’ve been carrying. You’re no longer pushing through the day on caffeine, stress hormones, and sheer willpower. Instead, you feel grounded, nourished, and supported by rhythms that actually work with your body — through Ayurveda, nervous system healing, and restorative daily practices. ### Your life BEFORE You wake up already exhausted, relying on caffeine to get you going. Your hormones feel unpredictable - mood swings, irritability, anxiety and sleep struggles. You put everyone else first and are left depleted, disconnected, and running on empty. Digestion feels sluggish, bloated, inflamed, or inconsistent no matter how “healthy” you try to eat. You feel constantly overstimulated, mentally overwhelmed, hard to wind down and stuck in “fight-or-flight.” You feel frustrated that conventional approaches haven’t addressed the root cause of your burnout and hormonal symptoms. ### Your life AFTER You wake feeling more rested, grounded, with sustainable energy. You feel calmer, more emotionally balanced, and more connected to your body’s natural rhythms. You have nourishing Ayurvedic daily rituals that refill your energy instead of draining it. Your digestion feels lighter and more resilient, with meals and routines tailored to your Ayurvedic type and the season. Your nervous system begins to shift out of overdrive into safety, creating more calm, clarity, and emotional resilience. You finally understand your body through Ayurveda and receive personalized care that supports deep, lasting healing. ### DR LEENA SRIPADA You’ve spent years showing up for everyone else — now your body is asking for something different. If you are 35+ and feeling the effects of hormonal shifts, burnout, and fatigue, you’re not alone. Perimenopausal changes, exhaustion, overwhelm and feeling disconnected from yourself are common — but they are not something you have to just push through. Dr. Leena Sripada is a naturopathic doctor and Ayurvedic Practitioner with over 15 years of experience supporting women through midlife transitions & chronic health concerns. Her approach blends modern naturopathic medicine with the depth of Ayurveda as a framework to help you understand your body type, restore energy and feel yourself again. THE PROCESS ## How to get started ### Your journey from surviving to thriving begins with a choice - a choice to prioritize your health and well-being. #### Let's explore together how Align & Thrive with Ayurveda™ can help guide you. ## 01 ### WATCH THE WEBINAR Find out what your body's signals are telling you and the 3 things signs that no one is talking about from the Ayurvedic perpective. Gain clarity on your path on this wellness journey BOOK NOW ## 02 ### BOOK YOUR MEET n GREET After watching the webinar, get started by booking a meet n greet with Dr. Leena. This is a 15 minute video call to assess your commitment towards your health and understand how the 1:1 consultations through my Align & Thrive with Ayurveda™ framework. Only a limited number of new patients are taken each month. BOOK FIRST VISIT ## 03 ### THE FIRST VISIT Your initial Ayurvedic dosha & naturopathic assessment forms will be provided to you to complete online. In the initial visit, this is where we take the time to understand you - your story, your concerns, your health goals and the pace at which you are ready to take the next steps. We identify your unique Ayurvedic constitution and start laying the foundation for you to Align & Thrive with Ayurveda. BOOK FIRST VISIT ## Free Resources # Deeper Insight with Ayurveda # By Dr. Leena Sripada, ND New Release 2026 # Cool the Fire: Your Summer Survival Guide Summer is more than just a season — it's a time of emotional, physical, and energetic overheating. Get "Cool the Fire" survival guide today. ## Your Ayurvedic Summer Guide to Cooling Burnout, Balancing Pitta, and Finding More Ease, Energy & Joy. You don't need more wellness advice. You need a way to feel better. Combining the wisdom of Ayurveda with modern science, self-discovery, seasonal rituals, nourishing recipes, and simple daily practices, this guide is a roadmap to help you feel calmer, clearer, more energized, and more aligned within yourself and the season. This is a practical guide to help shift the way you experience this season and your health — regardles s of your body type — by Dr. Leena Sripada, ND. Learn More --- title: "Burnout Quiz" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/burnout-quiz" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/burnout-quiz" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.882Z" --- _No content available._ --- title: "Contact" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/contact" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/contact" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.730Z" --- # Consultations ### Let's Get Started ! Clinic is open Tuesday - Friday. In person and virtual visits offered. New Patient FAQ Welcome Handout & FAQ can be viewed here. Treatment Fees WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT FOR 1:1 PERSONALIZED CONSULTATIONS ? Care that works to support your transformation with guidance and care. Initial visit (up to 80 min): $325 2nd Visit Follow-up (45 min): $155 Subsequent visits (based on concern): Follow-up visit 1 hour: $195 Follow-up visit 45 min: $155 Follow-up visit 30 min: $108 Follow-up visit 15 min: $60 Seniors discount 65+ available for all visits except 15 min visits. Tax does not apply for all Naturopathic visits. Consultations and treatments offered by Dr. Leena Sripada (Athparia), ND may be covered under your extended health coverage. Check with your insurance provider on your naturopathic coverage. Align and Thrive with Ayurveda As part of the program, you will receive 1:1 individualised consultations with Dr. Leena working through 3 phases of health: Know your Nature Alignment Maintenance These visits are monthly or bi-weekly over the course of 6 months. Resources to deepen your understanding of your Ayurvedic constitution Quizzes, checklists to help you stay on track. Nutrition and lifestyle guidance rooted in Ayurveda Nervous system and stress-regulation tools Practical daily rituals based in ayurveda Customized herbal & supplement protocols to support your healing View the OUTLINE OF CARE here. ### CONTACT DETAILS Please fill in the contact form for your inquiry or book directly online. [workwithme](https://www.doctorleena.ca/workwithme) [About 2](https://www.doctorleena.ca/about-2) [Home](https://www.doctorleena.ca) ##### Fill in the form below to connect with us. --- title: "Cool the Fire INSIDE" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire-inside" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/cool-the-fire-inside" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.911Z" --- Sneak Peak # Cool the Fire: # Your Ayurvedic Summer Guide You're about to gain instant access to Dr. Leena's guide for managing heat, emotional overwhelm, and Pitta imbalance this season with Ayurveda. ## It's Time to Cool the Fire. ## Let This Be the Summer Everything Shifts. --- title: "Courses" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/courses" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/courses" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.848Z" --- PATHWAY DISCOVERY ## Your journey starts with self-discovery Quick Overview Our digital courses are set to launching in fall 2026. In the meantime, use these 3-minute Ayurvedic-Naturopathic self-assessments. True wellness is never one-size-fits-all, it is a seasonal, deeply personalized flow that blends clinical science with ancient diagnostic wisdom. ### 1. Dosha Balance (Ayurvedic Body Types) Deeply analyze your patterns, symptoms and mood-energy patterns. Uncover how Vata, Pitta, or Kapha dynamics influence your health to find your baseline. Get Started ### 2. Burnout & Vitality Index For busy urban professionals and caregivers feeling perpetually depleted. Measure your adrenal reserves and nervous system capacity through a compassionate clinical lens. [Start Stress Assessment →](#) coming soon ### 3. Digestive Fire (Agni) Explorer Are you fully absorbing your nutrition and vitality? Evaluate your gut motility, metabolic warmth, and toxicity markers using simple, powerful Ayurvedic diagnostic steps. [Analyze Your Gut →](#) coming soon ## Real Life Ayurveda ## Educational Youtube Channel Are you curious about how Ayurveda can help restore energy, strengthen digestion, and support your hormones, but feel overwhelmed by complex protocols? Our educational YouTube channel explores the timeless intelligence of Ayurvedic medicine through a practical, highly accessible clinical lens. Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, translates diagnostic wisdom into daily actionable steps designed specifically for busy women trying to reclaim their vitality. - Dosha Alignment: Understand your personal Vata, Pitta, or Kapha constitution. - Digestive Intelligence: Clear tools to stoke your internal metabolic fire (Agni) and reduce inflammation. - Hormonal Resilience: Practical guidance on navigating stress, adrenal fatigue, and biological transitions. Watch on YouTube → ## Follow me on social... Dr. Leena shares practical Ayurveda in a way that feels easy to understand and simple to use in real life. You will find thoughtful guidance on Dosha balance, digestion, burnout, hormonal transitions, and seasonal routines, all translated into small, supportive steps for busy days. It is a space for women who want grounded wellness advice that blends modern insight with ancient wisdom. Watch on YouTube → --- title: "Digestion Quiz" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/digestion-quiz" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/digestion-quiz" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.632Z" --- _No content available._ --- title: "Disclaimer" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/disclaimer1" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/disclaimer1" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:20.125Z" --- # Health Disclaimer NOTES FOR THIS TEMPLATE *REMOVE THIS BLOCK BEFORE SAVING* [Privacy Policy](https://www.doctorleena.ca/privacy-policy-2) [Terms](https://www.doctorleena.ca/terms-2) A) ADD THE FOLLOWING PERSONALIZATION TOKENS UNDER SETTINGS -> PERSONALIZATIONS 1. business name = Happier Hormones 2. business email = jen@happierhormones.co 3. website url = happierhormones.co 4. business phone = 877-888-7777 5. business address = 123 King Street, Toronto, ON B) Add the update date of this policy at the end. 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Contact Information If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: Happier Hormones 123 King Street, Toronto, ON 877-888-7777 jen@happierhormones.co --- title: "Summer Mood Quiz" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/summer-mood-quiz" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/summer-mood-quiz" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.595Z" --- A 2-Minute Seasonal Ayurvedic Self-Check # What’s Your Summer Mood? When the summer heat peaks, your inner fire can easily run too hot. Discover how seasonal shifts affect your emotional state, energy levels, and hormonal balance. “ In Ayurveda, summer is the season of Pitta, the fire element. When the heat rises outside, our inner fire can easily overheat, showing up as irritability, impatience, or sudden fatigue. Finding your balance starts with simple, seasonal awareness. Dr. Leena Sripada, ND Naturopathic Doctor & Ayurvedic Practitioner The Experience ## How the Summer Mood Check-In Works This is an excerpt from the book ["Cool the Fire: Your Ayurvedic Summer Guide "](https://www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire) Reflect on Your State Answer 10 straightforward questions about your current sleep, mood, digestive state, and heat tolerances. Get Your Summer Profile Instantly get your results to view whether you are Vata, Pitta or Kapha dominant and how it manifests in the summer. Receive Free Preview of the Book Access a curated set of three cooling foods and lifestyle micro-habits designed to restore your ease. ## Ready to Find Your Summer Cool? Take two minutes to check in with your mind and body with the quiz. Go deeper with practical recommendations tailored specifically to your unique Ayurvedic type and seasonal rhythm with personal guidance from [Dr. Leena Sripada, ND.](/about-2) Book an Appointment --- title: "Terms" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/terms-2" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/terms-2" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:20.092Z" --- # Terms NOTES FOR THIS TEMPLATE *REMOVE THIS BLOCK BEFORE SAVING* A) ADD THE FOLLOWING PERSONALIZATION TOKENS UNDER SETTINGS -> PERSONALIZATIONS 1. business name = Happier Hormones 2. business email = jen@happierhormones.co 3. website url = happierhormones.co 4. business phone = 877-888-7777 5. business address = 123 King Street, Toronto, ON B) Add the update date of this policy at the end. Terms and Conditions [Privacy Policy](https://www.doctorleena.ca/privacy-policy-2) This website located at happierhormones.co (the "Site") is owned and operated by Happier Hormones ("us" or "we"). 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Contact Information If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at: Happier Hormones 123 King Street, Toronto, ON 877-888-7777 jen@happierhormones.co --- title: "Test" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/test" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/test" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:20.020Z" --- _No content available._ --- title: "Webinars" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinars" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/webinars" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.667Z" --- # UPCOMING WEBINARS with ## Dr. Leena Sripada ### JuLy 29, 2026 ##### 12:00 PM EDT Badge Join Dr. Leena Sripada ND as faculty of [CAISH](https://www.caishayurveda.org/) for a practical session designed for busy individuals and overwhelmed minds. Discover simple, clinically validated Ayurvedic strategies to soothe summer inflammation, balance internal heat, and restore energy and support digestion. Register for Webinar “Dr. Sripada has such a beautiful way of sharing Ayurveda in a way that feels simple and practical. Her sessions are always so eye-opening that I always walk away with a new perspective on my health. "Thank you! This session was so insightful and relatable, learning how our energy can dip throughout the day based on our dosha an gentle ways we can be more mindful and finding remedies beyond caffeine and sugar - which are the quick fix these days. - Past webinar attendees ##### THE TAKE AWAY ## What We Will Cover in this Session To move through summer with more ease, Ayurveda encourages the qualities that balance Pitta’s hot, sharp and intense nature. Dr Leena will explore how summer Pitta imbalance may show up in your own body, mind, digestion, sleep, and daily rhythm — and how to begin choosing cooling practices that fit real life. ### Understand How Pitta is Showing Up Make sense out of patterns like irritability, overheating, acid reflux, or feeling mentally overworked before they start to feel overwhelming, in the context of summer season. ### Self-Care Tips Beyond generic suggestions, understand how Ayurvedic tips can apply to you and walk away with understanding how these actually work and how to apply them in your daily summer routine. ### Nervous System Support for Pitta Season Learn how to 'cool down' an overheated nervous system and reduce burnout. Helpful for high-achievers, over-doers and driven caregivers. Limited spaces available. Live Q&A at the end. Register for Webinar ##### Knowledge Base ## Past Webinars & Presentations Review our previously recorded sessions to explore Dr. Leena’s seasonal and clinical approaches. ### Nourishing Your Agni: Digestive Fire Strategies to strengthen your digestion and immunity during seasonal changes. Recorded Oct 2025 [View Talk →](#) ### Stress, Burnout, & Your Hormones Clinical naturopathic and Ayurvedic insights for exhausted professionals. Recorded Dec 2025 [View Talk →](#) ### Spring Cleanse: Kitchari & Beyond A detailed guide to seasonal digestive rest and practical Ayurvedic cleansing. Recorded Mar 2026 [View Talk →](#) ## Are You Ready to Align & Thrive ## with Ayurveda? Even if you cannot attend the live webinar, register anyway. You will receive the replay. Register for Webinar --- title: "workwithme" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/workwithme" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/page/workwithme" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.987Z" --- # Ready to find your way... back [home](https://www.doctorleena.ca) to yourself? If you are a woman on the brink of exhaustion & perimenopause, feeling overwhelmed with all the health information out ther e - just pause and breathe for a moment. This doesn't have to be hard ! There is a way to connect with your body's innate intelligence to rekindle your spark for life with practical Ayurveda. Let's do this together ! Book a Consultation Dr. Leena Sripada Align and Thrive with Ayurveda™ is a framework for healing with Ayurveda, guided by Dr. Leena Sripada, naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner. Welcome! ## Let's Go From Surviving to Thriving... I want you to take a moment and just see - the way you feel right now, what does it feel like? ## If nothing changes, how do you envision what you will feel like in 5 years? In 10 years? You're here because you've felt the silent whispers of your body, signalling a need for change. Even if no one has called it out, you know your body is telling you something and you know its not going away just by waiting and hoping.... And know this - you're not alone in your quest for rejuvenation. Through my Align & Thrive with Ayurveda™ framework for healing, I have integrated 15 years of clinical practice to help women understand their unique Ayurvedic body type and realign with their own natural rhythms — so they rekindle their spark for life and trust their body again to heal the way it was always meant to. #### Let's Explore How Ayurveda Can Transform Your Life #### Personalized Ayurvedic Health Assessment Benefit: We start by understanding your unique constitution, current symptoms, and health history so your Align & Thrive program is built around what your body needs most. #### Comprehensive Support Benefit: Using a thoughtful blend of Ayurveda and naturopathic care, including herbal support, targeted therapies, and realistic lifestyle and diet shifts, we work to restore balance and help you feel more steady day to day. Further detailed testing for adrenals, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone and other hormones may be suggested. #### Nourishing Nutrition Guidance Benefit: Food is not just fuel. It is support for your hormones, digestion, and energy. We use an Ayurvedic dosha lens to create simple, personalized food guidance that fits your real life, whether you need more grounding, more cooling, or more digestive support. The goal is to make eating feel steady, nourishing, and sustainable. #### Mind-Body Rhythm and Resilience Practices Benefit: Gentle daily rituals, breath practices, and seasonally aligned routines help calm the nervous system and support your body through hormonal transitions. When life feels full and your system is running on fumes, these small Ayurvedic practices can help restore rhythm, ease digestive strain, and build resilience in a way that feels practical and doable. Watch how I can Help Why Choose Me? ## The Transformation You Deserve You're not just receiving a service - you're gaining a partnership and deeper understanding of yourself. We understand the intricate dance of health through Ayurveda. Through our comprehensive approach, you'll experience relief from symptoms and a profound transformation that touches every aspect of your life. Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, with energy that lasts throughout the day. Envision a life where mood swings don't dictate your days, and your body feels like the powerful, capable vessel it is meant to be. ### DR LEENA SRIPADA You’ve spent years showing up for everyone else — now your body is asking for something different. If you are 35+ and feeling the effects of hormonal shifts, burnout, and fatigue, you’re not alone. Perimenopausal changes, exhaustion, overwhelm and feeling disconnected from yourself are common — but they are not something you have to just push through. Dr. Leena Sripada is a naturopathic doctor and Ayurvedic Practitioner with over 15 years of experience supporting women through midlife transitions & chronic health concerns. Her approach blends modern naturopathic medicine with the depth of Ayurveda to help you understand your body type, restore energy and feel yourself again. Her work is deeply rooted in using Ayurveda as a framework for healing for women leading busy lives to help them feel grounded, clear, and resilient again. Clarity & Guidance ## Your Questions, Warmly Answered Navigating naturopathic care and Ayurveda shouldn't feel overwhelming. Here is a friendly guide to how we work together, blending clinical science with time-tested wisdom to restore your vibrant self. What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Ayurveda? Naturopathic medicine focuses on modern clinical diagnostics, laboratory testing, and evidence-based natural therapies, nutrition and supplements. Ayurveda is a 5000 year-old holistic system of wellness that centers on your unique metabolic constitution (dosha), digestive fire (agni), circadian rhythms (dinacharya) and seasonal living (ritucharya). Dr. Leena combines both to create a highly personalized, deeply rooted care plan. Are hormones, burnout, and digestion actually connected? Yes, beautifully so. In both modern clinical practice and Ayurveda, your nervous system directly influences your digestive strength (Agni) and your endocrine health. When chronic stress depletes your vitality, it disrupts your hormones and slows down digestion, leading to fatigue, bloating, and mood changes. How does the "Align & Thrive" program work? This is our signature program designed for overwhelmed women and busy caregivers. It is not exclusive  only to women - anyone can benefit from this approach including children. We translates ancient Ayurvedic wellness principles and seasonal rhythms into simple, daily micro-habits that easily fit into an urban professional lifestyle without feeling like another chore. This is geared to be a 6-month program with 1:1 check points along the way. Are your naturopathic services covered by insurance? Yes. Naturopathic consultations are typically covered under the extended health care benefits plans of most major Canadian employers. We recommend checking with your specific insurance provider to confirm your exact coverage details. Can Ayurvedic nutrition work for a busy modern schedule? Absolutely. Dr. Leena focuses on practical, approachable adaptations. You won't need to learn complex cooking methods. We introduce easy culinary shifts, mindful eating strategies, and simple restorative routines like our gentle 3-day kitchari cleanse to reset your system. Do you offer virtual care across Ontario? Yes. All of our consultations are available virtually for residents living anywhere in Ontario. Due to health-care regulations, we cannot take patients from outside of Ontario. However, you may still participate in webinars and many of our online courses , resource and newly released book regardless of where you live. What should I expect during my initial assessment? We begin with an in-depth discussion about your health goals, medical history, and patterns of daily energy, diet, digestion and concerns. We will also evaluate your Ayurvedic constitution, assess pulse and tongue and if necessary, recommend modern lab tests to build an integrated treatment plan tailored to you. In the first visit, you leave with a plan that includes modern & Ayurvedic understanding of your health concerns, clarity on your dosha type and the foundation of a plan suited to you. Get Started Virtual consultations available Ontario-wide. ## 01 #### WATCH THE WEBINAR Find out what your body's signals are telling you and the 3 things signs that no one is talking about from the Ayurvedic perpective. Gain clarity on your path on this wellness journey BOOK NOW ## 02 #### BOOK YOUR MEET n GREET After watching the webinar, get started by booking a meet n greet with Dr. Leena. This is a 15 minute video call to assess your commitment towards your health and understand how the 1:1 consultations through my Align & Thrive with Ayurveda™ framework. Only a limited number of new patients are taken each month. BOOK FIRST VISIT ## 03 #### THE FIRST VISIT Your initial Ayurvedic dosha & naturopathic assessment forms will be provided to you to complete online. In the initial visit, this is where we take the time to understand you - your story, your concerns, your health goals and the pace at which you are ready to take the next steps. We identify your unique Ayurvedic constitution and start laying the foundation for you to Align & Thrive with Ayurveda™. BOOK FIRST VISIT ## Submit an Inquiry Reach out to us if you have questions, would like to book a complimentary meet n greet or find out more about Ayurvedic care. --- title: "Cool the Fire" entity: "funnel" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/funnel/cool-the-fire" lastmod: "2026-08-13T04:08:50.251Z" --- # Cool the Fire: Your Summer Survival Guide Summer is more than just a season — it's a time of emotional, physical, and energetic overheating. Learn how to reconnect and cool down, inside and out with the wisdom of Ayurveda. This is not about more information overload — this is a practical guide to help shift the way you experience this season and your health — regardless of your body type. Get the Guide for $17 "The complete practical guide to Summer health - through the Ayurvedic lens." — Dr. Leena Sripada ND ## It’s Not Just the Heat — It’s Your Inner Fire Out of Balance. Do you feel more irritable lately? Is your skin flaring up, or is your digestion feeling "acidic"? For many people, summer brings more than just sunshine—it brings a surge of Pitta energy that can lead to emotional overwhelm and physical burnout. When your internal fire is too high, it manifests as frustration, inflammation, and a feeling of being constantly "on edge." This isn't just about the temperature outside; it's about how your unique Ayurvedic constitution reacts to the season. “Cool the Fire” was created to give you the practical tools to recognize the patterns and douse the flames before they lead to deeper exhaustion. ## How Summer Shifts Your Mood, Energy, and Inner Fire. ## Discover Your Ayurvedic Pattern. Take the Quiz. ## What’s in this Book? ### A one-of-a-kind handbook packed with self-assessments, relatable stories, insightful explanations on Pitta in today's world and ### recovery rituals to find your cool in 100+ easy-read pages. ### This resource will become your best friend this summer. Practical Ayurvedic Summer Guide Doctor-approved tips to balance body, mind & emotions. Practical for busy lives. Perfect for beginners as well as Ayurvedic enthusiasts. How to spot Pitta Imbalances: Recognize signs like irritability, overheating, burnout & flare-ups. Not just dosha theory. Understand how these patterns show up in you. Pitta Archetypes Understand your personal fire pattern (The Perfectionist, The Competitor, The Caregiver, The Silent Burner and more). Real-life examples that you can relate to. Cooling Food & Herbal Suggestions Easy recipes & natural remedies to soothe inflammation & inner heat. Bring Ayurveda into your kitchen easily. Self-Care Rituals for Summer: Grounding, calming body therapies & rituals for hot days and nights. Rituals that soothe and inspire you to actually practice self-care. Insightful quizzes & workbook sections integrate the resources into practical life with fun quizzes and tools to help track your progress over the summer. ### Your life BEFORE You feel irritable and snappy when it’s hot, like everything and everyone is bothering you. Your skin feels flushed, inflamed, or more prone to breakouts and heat rashes. You’re more likely to overdo it, push through, and end up feeling burned out by evening. Your digestion feels hot, acidic, loose, or easily upset after meals. You feel mentally overstimulated, restless, and unable to fully cool down. You get frustrated that stress, hormones, and summer heat seem to amplify each other - even if you are trying to eat right and exercise regularly. ### Your life AFTER You wake feeling rested, grounded, and steady through the summer heat. Your mind feels clear and uncluttered, with less overthinking and inner pressure. Your body feels cool, comfortable, and supported by simple daily rhythms. Your digestion feels calm and resilient, with meals settling easily instead of stirring heat. Your emotions feel softer and more balanced, so small stressors don’t tip you into irritability. You feel more like yourself: calm, cool, and able to move through summer without burning out. I’m here to bridge the gap between modern diagnostics and traditional healing, helping you move from "just getting through the day" to truly thriving. ## Meet The Author: ## Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC I’m Dr. Leena, and I’ve spent over 15 years helping individuals navigate frustration and confusion with health. As a naturopathic doctor with extensive training in Ayurveda, I’ve realized that modern health often is so focussed on managing symptoms and it misses the most important piece of the puzzle: you. This is where Ayurveda changes everything. It isn’t just a collection of ancient tips — it is a 5,000-year-old, time-tested framework designed to help you decode your body’s unique language. It gives us the map to see the patterns in how you react to stress, food, and the world around you. Instead of guessing why you feel "off," Ayurveda helps you understand why your fire overflows when life gets intense—and more importantly, how to bring it back into balance. I wrote "Cool the Fire" to give you that exact framework. It’s a guide to help you stop fighting against your nature and start working with it, using root-cause solutions that actually stick. My approach isn't about rigid rules or complicated protocols. It’s about listening. It’s about understanding your unique body type and learning how to realign with the natural rhythms that have been there all along. When I’m not in the clinic you’ll likely find me practicing what I preach — finding small ways to stay cool, grounded, and connected to the world around me. Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC ## Your Questions Answered. ## Still want to know more about ## “Cool the Fire”? Your to-do list is already long, and the last thing you need is another complicated health protocol that doesn’t work or a book about theory. This book is different. ### “Is Ayurveda too complicated for my busy life?” Ayurveda can sound intimidating with its ancient terminology, but its core is beautifully simple: it is about aligning with the natural rhythms around you. I don’t ask you to move to a Himalayan cave. I show you how to take small but meaningful shifts, like choosing the right spices or adjusting your meal spacing, that slip effortlessly into your existing schedule as a busy professional. ### “I don’t live in a hot climate. Do I still need this?” While we use seasonal heat as a guide, “heat” in clinical Ayurveda isn’t just about the physical weather outside. It’s about the intensity of how you live. If you are dealing with professional burnout, chronic stress, or hot emotions like sudden irritability and frustration, your Pitta is likely overflowing regardless of the temperature. These tools are tailored for anyone running a high-intensity lifestyle. ### “Is this only for people with South Asian roots?” While these ancient principles originated in India the laws of biology and nature are universal. Whether you grew up with these kitchen traditions or are hearing the word “Agni” for the very first time, this simple framework belongs to anyone who wants to understand their body on a practical, deeper level. ### “Can’t I just find this info on Google?” Google and AI tools give you information, but it won’t give you an integrated, clinically tested pathway. Cool the Fire is based in Ayurveda, with the laws of nature and a framework based on 15 years of my work as an integrative naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner. With integrative quizzes, self-assessments and guides, this book is designed specifically to make this a simple, personalized map for healing in just over 100+ pages. Get Started ## What are others saying? - Dr. Julia Segal, ND, Toronto - Rita, Nutritionist, Toronto ## What are others saying? “ "Cool the Fire" by Dr. Sripada caught my eye as a medical professional with deep interest in knowing more about Ayurveda. She has succeeded in conveying the concepts in a simple, easily understandable and logical manner. All Ayurveda enthusiasts must read this primer and the easy to follow remedies provided. - V.S. Opthalmologist, US "It’s tough to find balance in our modern lifestyle, and Cool the Fire really sheds light on how we can live more consciously with the rhythms of the seasons. I’ve always been interested in Ayurveda, but I found myself looking for a practical way to understand how seasonal changes affect my body, mind, and emotions. As someone with a Vata-Pitta dominant constitution, I particularly enjoyed learning about how the different doshas can become imbalanced during summer. One of my favorite parts was the Pitta archetypes . The five characters made the concepts much easier to relate to because they showed how different patterns like perfectionism, overachievement, emotional intensity, or caring for others can show up in everyday life. It helped me become aware of such patterns within myself and find practical ways to balance them. I appreciated the practical nature of the book. - Aman Sarup, Hatha Yoga Teacher & Emotional Intelligence Coach US ## Ready to Reclaim Your Calm? Get the complete Cool the Fire survival guide and starting reading it today! NEW LAUNCH - OFFER ENDING SOON ! Claim Your Copy for $17 Secure Checkout & 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Don't let the summer heat burn you out. Whether you're navigating a busy career or caring for your family, your health deserves a cooling anchor. Homepage --- title: "Cool the Fire - Order" entity: "funnel" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire/order" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/funnel/cool-the-fire/order" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:20.408Z" --- Final Step # Cool the Fire: Your Summer Survival Guide [Thank You](https://www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire-thank-you) You're about to gain instant access to Dr. Leena's guide for managing heat, emotional overwhelm, and Pitta imbalance this season with Ayurveda. Badge ## It's Time to Cool the Fire. ## Let This Be the Summer Everything Shifts. ### Your life BEFORE You feel irritable and snappy when it’s hot, like everything and everyone is bothering you. Your skin feels flushed, inflamed, or more prone to breakouts and heat rashes. You’re more likely to overdo it, push through, and end up feeling burned out by evening. Your digestion feels hot, acidic, loose, or easily upset after meals. You feel mentally overstimulated, restless, and unable to fully cool down. You get frustrated that stress, hormones, and summer heat seem to amplify each other - even if you are trying to eat right and exercise regularly. ### Your life AFTER You wake feeling rested, grounded, and steady through the summer heat. Your mind feels clear and uncluttered, with less overthinking and inner pressure. Your body feels cool, comfortable, and supported by simple daily rhythms. Your digestion feels calm and resilient, with meals settling easily instead of stirring heat. Your emotions feel softer and more balanced, so small stressors don’t tip you into irritability. You feel more like yourself: calm, cool, and able to move through summer without burning out. ## Secure Checkout Complete the form below to receive your guide and start cooling your inner fire today. [Sales Page](https://www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire-sales-page) [Questions about your order? Contact Support](/cool-the-fire/thank-you) "My mission is to make traditional Ayurvedic wisdom practical for your modern, busy life. I can't wait for you to experience the cooling relief of these seasonal rituals." — Dr. Leena Sripada, ND --- title: "Cool the Fire - Thank You" entity: "funnel" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire/thank-you" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/funnel/cool-the-fire/thank-you" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:20.199Z" --- [Order](https://www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire-order) Confirmed # Thank you for choosing to nourish your inner fire. Your copy of Cool the Fire: Your Summer Survival Guide is on its way to your inbox. I'm so glad to support you in finding balance this season. ## What to expect next Check Your Inbox Look for an email from info@doctorleena.ca with the subject line "Your Cool the Fire ebook is here." Download & Save Inside the email, you'll find a link to download your PDF guide. Save it to your device for easy access all summer. Begin Your Shift As you read the book, make sure to take the quizzes and fill in the workbook questions to help make small daily shifts. ## A quick note of encouragement... In Ayurveda, summer is more than just a season—it’s an energetic state. If you’ve been feeling irritable, physically overheated, or mentally burnt out, please know that these are simply signs from your body that your "Inner Fire" is out of balance. "Cool the Fire" is designed to give you practical, time-efficient tools that fit into your busy life. You don't need to do everything at once; even one cooling kitchari meal or a simple sandalwood ritual can make a profound difference. Stay cool, stay grounded, and I’ll see you in your inbox soon. Back to the main website --- title: "Leads" entity: "funnel" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/leads" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/funnel/leads" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:20.055Z" --- # Discover Your Ayurvedic Type... [Home](https://www.doctorleena.ca) ##### “Your Body Is Speaking… Do You Know What It’s Saying?” ##### Are you feeling like your day is a marathon you never signed up for? ##### What if there was a way to decode your body's messages and live a life aligned to your true self? ##### Ayurveda can show you the way. ##### TAKE THE QUIZ! We respect your privacy. This is for educational purposes only. [Thank You](https://www.doctorleena.ca/leads-thank-you-2) [Signup](https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinar-signup-2) FEATURED IN: #### Here's What You'll Learn: Your unique Ayurvedic pattern (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) and how your body experiences stress & overwhelm. How stress is affecting your nervous system, energy, digestion, and mood — through the Ayurvedic lens of imbalance. Simple, personalized Ayurvedic shifts to begin calming your system, restoring your energy, and bringing your body back into balance. ### Hello! I'm Dr. Leena As a licensed naturopathic doctor and Ayurvedic practitioner with over 15 years of experience, I've supported thousands of individuals through fatigue, burnout, perimenopause & menopause and more. I combine modern diagnostic tools with the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda to help patients understand the deeper patterns behind their symptoms - not just manage them. My approach is rooted in restoring balance to the nervous system, digestion, and energy through a personalized and practical approach, using Ayurveda as the framework. Dr. Leena is one of the few naturopathic doctors in the Canada with extensive training in Ayurveda. She is the author of Cool the Fire , she is on the faculty with CAISH, an international speaker at conferences, and was recently voted #1 in Naturopathic Services for Richmond Hill for 2025 in Reader's Choice Awards. Most of all, her patients appreciate her professional and compassionate approach where they feel involved in the health journey. # Discover Your Ayurvedic Type #### This is not just a typical dosha quiz. #### This quiz can open up a door to a completely new way of understanding your health patterns. #### Through the lens of Ayurveda. ## “From Surviving to Thriving — Reclaim your energy by aligning your body with nature’s wisdom through integrative Ayurveda & naturopathic medicine.” --- title: "Webinar" entity: "funnel" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinar" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/funnel/webinar" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:20.306Z" --- # Feel like yourself again with a steadier rhythm. If your energy is crashing, your mood feels less predictable, and the routines that used to work no longer help, you’re not imagining it. In this gentle educational webinar, Dr. Leena Sripada ND introduces Align & Thrive with Ayurveda—a practical whole-body approach to rebuilding energy and supporting perimenopause with more clarity, calm, and sustainability. [Signup](https://www.doctorleena.ca/leads-signup) [Thank You](https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinar-thank-you-2) [Watch](https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinar-watch-2) Shop Now Holistic, practical, and designed for busy women who want long-term change—not another all-or-nothing plan. Hosted by Focus Approach One of the few Toronto-based naturopathic doctors with extensive Ayurveda training—translating traditional wisdom into realistic care for modern lives. Understand the pattern Why energy and mood suddenly feel inconsistent Reconnect with rhythm How hormonal shifts affect sleep, digestion, and resilience A sustainable next step Discover a practical Ayurvedic approach that supports steadier energy, clearer mornings, and a gentler relationship with your changing body. A calm clinical experience Thoughtful care that feels both informed and human Dr. Leena blends naturopathic assessment with certified Ayurvedic practice, helping women understand their symptoms without reducing them to a single lab value or quick recommendation. What this webinar is—and isn’t This webinar is educational and designed to help you understand your patterns more clearly. It does not replace individualized medical care, but it can help you recognize a more supportive direction for your next step. You’re in the right place if… ## Your body feels different, and you want answers that are practical—not extreme. • • • • Featured client reflection “For the first time, I understood why I was waking tired, snapping more easily, and feeling unlike myself. Dr. Leena made it feel clear, doable, and deeply validating.” — Webinar attendee and ongoing patient, Toronto Why women trust this approach Care is framed around root patterns—stress load, digestion, daily rhythm, and hormonal transitions—rather than isolated symptoms alone. Clinical credibility Dr. Leena brings together modern naturopathic reasoning and extensive Ayurvedic training—an uncommon combination in the Toronto wellness landscape. What this helps you move toward ## A steadier body, clearer mind, and a more trustworthy rhythm. The goal isn’t to chase perfection. It’s to help you understand what your body is asking for so you can support energy, mood, sleep, and digestion in a way that actually feels sustainable. Steadier energy Less boom-and-bust. More consistent support for the days that ask a lot from you. Better body trust A framework that helps symptoms make sense instead of feeling random or discouraging. Gentle next steps Clear ideas you can apply without turning wellness into another full-time job. A simple next step ## Join the webinar and learn a calmer way to support perimenopause. If you’re tired of feeling off, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, this is a supportive place to start. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what may be driving your symptoms—and how the Align & Thrive approach can help. Hosted online for women in Toronto and beyond Designed for busy women navigating burnout, low energy, hormonal shifts, sleep changes, and digestion issues with a whole-body lens. Shop Now Warm, educational, and low-pressure—just a clear invitation to feel more steady in your body again. --- title: "Webinar - Book Now" entity: "funnel" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinar/booknow" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/funnel/webinar/booknow" lastmod: "2026-08-13T03:48:19.766Z" --- ## Book Your First Appointment [Thank You](https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinar-thank-you-2) [Watch](https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinar-watch-2) [Signup](https://www.doctorleena.ca/webinar-signup-2) --- title: "Is Your Joint Pain Linked to Your Emotions?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-22" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-22" lastmod: "2017-12-14T21:20:47.000Z" --- By [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) Have you ever taken a moment to tune in to how your joints really feel? If you suffer from arthritis you may not be able to ignore the pain or stiffness in your joints. Most joint diseases develop gradually, with initial signs of discomfort, stiffness, reduced mobility that might come and go with weather changes, activity, stressful events and life changes. [Read more.....](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/10/is-your-joint-pain-linked-to-your.html) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Is Screen Time Impacting your Health?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-23" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-23" lastmod: "2017-09-14T15:02:22.000Z" --- The use of cell phones, tablets, computers and other electronic devices has multiplied dramatically over the last decade at work, school and at home. We are witnessing the first generation of children that are growing up with continuous screen exposure in their environment. While there are numerous benefits and conveniences of technology, we are beginning to realize the long term health implications of screen exposure. [Read more here](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/08/is-screen-time-impacting-your-health.html) about natural tips to help minimize adverse effects of screentime... [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Top 10 Nutrients from Food" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-24" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-24" lastmod: "2017-06-26T19:16:05.000Z" --- Do you sometimes ask yourself why you can't just get your multivitamins & minerals from food? Learn about how you can get your multivitamins and minerals from food this summer. [Read more...](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/05/back-to-basics-top-10-nutrients-from.html) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Spring Detox: Your Skin" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-25" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-25" lastmod: "2017-04-21T12:56:05.000Z" --- When we talk detox, most people think of the colon, liver and kidneys as the organs that [eliminate toxins](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Elimination_of_Toxins) from the body. While these organs play a critical role in detoxifying, other routes often go unnoticed such as the lungs, menstruation and most notably your skin which helps eliminate up to a third of all body impurities. Read more on tips to for skin detox [here](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/04/spring-detox-your-skin.html). [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Ayurvedic Therapies : Gharshana (Dry Skin Brushing)" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-26" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-26" lastmod: "2017-03-15T22:40:39.000Z" --- Gharshana is a traditional Ayurvedic form of dry skin brushing which helps stimulate blood & lymphatic circulation, tonify the skin and release accumulated toxins. Perfect support for spring detoxification. [Read more...](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.ca/2017/03/ayurvedic-therapies-part-3-gharshana.html) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "5 Tips to Relieve Arthritis Pain" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-27" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-27" lastmod: "2017-02-24T22:46:23.000Z" --- Chronic pain doesn’t just hurt – it can be debilitating, frustrating, and can impact daily activities such as walking, cooking, dressing, bathing etc. If you are dealing with [arthritis](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Arthritis) – no matter what stage it is – it is important to address it to help prevent progression of the disease and to relieve your pain. Read the full article [here](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/02/5-tips-to-relieve-arthritis-pain.html) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Awarded Top 75 Naturopath Blog!" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-28" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-28" lastmod: "2017-02-23T01:51:05.000Z" --- Dr. Athparia's Blog has been awarded in the top 75 naturopathic blogs globally! http://sahajawellness.blogspot.ca [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Beat Winter Lethargy with Ayurveda" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-29" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-29" lastmod: "2017-01-25T23:11:00.000Z" --- Stay healthy and energized this winter by keeping Kapha in balance. [Read more for tips](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/01/beat-winter-lethargy-with-ayurveda.html)... [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "5 Ayurvedic Tips for a Healthy New Year!" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-30" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-30" lastmod: "2017-01-08T22:52:00.000Z" --- Whether we like it or not, the new year is a time to reassess what may not have gone smoothly last year, and what changes we can make in the coming year. According the Ayurveda, winter is the time of Kapha - when the elements of earth and water are at their peak. This often manifests as lower energy and less motivation. Making changes towards wellness will help you move forward into to the new year with clarity and motivation. You might make resolutions and then fight yourself for not being able to stick to them. Rather than making a bunch of resolutions at once, try changing one thing for a month and focus on making it a part of your life. Below are a few tips to help inspire you to make realistic goals going forward. You can think of Ayurveda as being a lifestyle, rather than a "diet". As you incorporate these lifestyle suggestions into your life, you can make Ayurveda a part of your life, rather than something you "should do". ## 1. Understand your Constitution Before jumping to conclusions on which diet is the fad, you need to understand your constitution (your physiological and mental makeup) so you can better understand what your body needs. A diet that works for one person, may not work as well for you. According to Ayurveda, the [3 doshas](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/ayurveda/) not only exist in nature, but in your body. Once you understand which dosha is dominant in your system, you can get a better idea of what you need to do to bring balance - in terms of diet, herbs, exercise and more. There are many online quizzes that can help you identify your dosha balance, however to get a more accurate assessment, it is best to see a qualified practitioner: [https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/prakriti-quiz/](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/prakriti-quiz/) ## 2. Eat According to your Constitution What is "eating healthy"? For one person it may mean avoiding junk food, for another it may mean eating a low-fat diet, or for another it may mean eating a raw food diet. But what is healthy for you? Once you understand your constitution, it is much easier to know what kinds of foods are more suited to you. For example, Vata dosha types may not do so well on a raw food diet which is cooling in nature. Instead they feel more grounded and nourished with warming food such as soups and stews. Kapha dosha types don't do well with much fat in the diet as they gain weight easily however, Vata types tend to do better with healthy fats such as ghee or olive oil. When you know your constitution, you can eat according to your dosha type. Banyan Botanical's has good resources on Ayurvedic diet: Vata Pacifying Diet: [https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/vata-pacifying-diet/](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/vata-pacifying-diet/) Pitta Pacifying Diet: [https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/pitta-pacifying-diet/](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/pitta-pacifying-diet/) Kapha Pacifying Diet: [https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/kapha-pacifying-diet/](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/kapha-pacifying-diet/) Instead of trying to change your diet 360 degrees, try making small, realistic changes that you can do to consciously change your eating patterns. ## 3. Improve your Digestion Once you know your constitution and have more clarity about which foods support your body type, you shouldn't overlook the digestive system. You may be eating a healthy diet and taking multivitamins - but are you really digesting and absorbing it? According to Ayurveda, the concept of [agni](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.ca/2015/12/agni-digestive-fire.html) relates to your digestive fire - your capacity to digest and process not only food, but emotions and experiences. Agni can be dampened by stress, poor eating habits and so forth. Strengthening agni can improve your digestion and help you make the most of everything you are eating. Herbs such as ginger are excellent for supporting digestion, as are lifestyle habits such as sitting while eating and eating meals at regular times. ## 4. Address Health Issues as They Manifest Don't wait for your health issues to get worse before you address it. Ayurveda and other systems of health use tools to help identify imbalances in the body before they manifest as disease. Minor issues that are persistent, such as aches & pains, weakness, irritation, restlessness can indicate deeper issues that can bubble to the surface. If you wait until the issues become diagnosed conditions, it may take more intensive treatment to treat. Practice daily self-care ( dinacharya ), balanced eating and work with your naturopathic doctor to maintain health. ## 5. Start moving ! Are you making unrealistic goals for exercise? Going to the gym and giving up in a few days? First, assess your daily exercise habits and see what are obstacles to being active. Once you have a realistic idea of where you are at, see where you would like to be. Break it down into steps that are realistic, create a plan and go with it. Maybe you want to get off your bus one stop earlier and walk to work everyday. Maybe you want to join a yoga or dance class if you find it difficult to be self-disciplined, or sign up for a walking group. Staying active has many benefits: it improves your circulation, keeps you warm, and helps release endorphins which help you feel good. Choose 1 or 2 tips that you can start with this month and integrate it into your daily routine. If you need some motivation or customized guidance, work with your naturopathic doctor or ayurvedic practitioner to help you move forward in the new year! [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a naturopathic doctor with specialized training in Ayurveda and can help you identify your constitution to guide you on a customized health plan – whether you have specific health concerns or just want to promote general wellness. To book an appointment with [h](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/)er, please write to her here: [Dr. Athparia](mailto:leenaturopath@gmail.com) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Tips for Healthy Travelling" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2017-31" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2017-31" lastmod: "2016-12-10T15:55:00.000Z" --- ### By Dr. Leena Athparia, ND Are you travelling this winter? Learn more on how to stay healthy, naturally for family-friendly travel. [Read more...](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2015/12/healthy-travelling.html) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Natural \"First Aid\" Tips for Summer" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2018-12" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2018-12" lastmod: "2018-09-09T23:59:03.000Z" --- by [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) What's in your First Aid Kit? It's likely to have an assortment of bandages, gauze, gloves and the like for emergencies, but what about for the less critical injuries you might get while camping, hiking or for the kids spending time outdoors this summer? What do you use if you get a burn while cooking? Or a knee scrape while hiking? What do you use for kids' mosquito bites? While critical emergencies require a visit to the ER, most common injuries are minor and can be treated with natural remedies which have fewer side effects and are gentle but effective for speeding up recovery. Naturopathic first aid involves using [naturopathic principles](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/naturopathic-medicine/) when treating acute concerns such as burns, bites, stings, rashes, strains and sprains etc. Naturopathic doctors use a variety of modalities to help heal naturally and effectively: botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, laser and light therapy, TCM & acupuncture and counselling. Read more about the most common concerns and natural tips for your First Aid Kit. These remedies can be further customized by your Naturopathic Doctor depending on if you are camping or travelling or need a kit for kids. ### Burns Too much [fun in the sun](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/search?q=sun) (at peak time especially) can lead to sunburns. Children, those with sensitive skin, or on certain medications can be more prone to burning. To soothe irritated or peeling skin, use a natural [aloe](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Aloe_vera) gel which is cooling and soothing for the skin or Manuka honey that you can apply directly to the affected area to help speed up healing. This applies for other kinds of [burns](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Burns) such as in the kitchen. While outdoors, protect yourself from strong sunlight by wearing a hat or thin, cotton clothing that protects the skin. ### Bites Insect bites from mosquitos, black flies, bees or spiders are inevitable if you spend time outdoors. Bites are not only itchy, painful and irritating, but can also transmit infectious disease. Prevent yourself by being bitten in the first place by wearing appropriate clothing that provides a barrier for bites and using natural bug repellants made of [essential oils](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Essential_oils) such as citronella. It is not just a myth that mosquitos are attracted to "sweet" blood. When you eat a diet high in sweet (bananas, juice, sugar), you become a palatable target. Increase bitter foods such as leafy greens and consider supplementing with neem capsules which are blood cleansing. Speak to your ND about essential oils for bites and natural homeopathic pellets or creams for after-bites such [Apis](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Homeopathic_Apis_mellifica). ### Cuts & Scrapes Minor wounds to the skin such as cuts and scrapes disrupt the barrier and can lead to infections and scarring if not treated properly. Your natural first aid kit should contain a herbal antiseptic cream to apply to injured skin to disinfect the area. Some examples are creams that contain [calendula](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Calendula_officinalis), neem oil, [tea tree oil](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Melaleuca_alternifolia), [yarrow](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Yarrow) and [comfrey](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Symphytum_officinale). Other creams such as vitamin E cream or aloe are very beneficial to promote skin healing and reduce scarring. Essential for moms to keep on hand for active kids! ### Bumps & Bruises A must-have for everyone in their natural first-aid kit for any injury or trauma is [Arnica](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Homeopathic_Arnica). This well known herb appears in many formats such as creams, gels, oils and homeopathics. This herb is well known for healing [bruises](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Bruises)and speeding up any injury. Homeopathic arnica can be used in creams or taken orally to help with any physical or emotional shock. In addition for injuries, lymphatic creams are handy to help with reducing swelling as are anti-inflammatory supplements which may contain herbs such as [turmeric](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Curcuma_longa) or boswelia. Speak to your ND to learn more about which anti-inflammatories would be good for you. Putting together a natural first-aid kit can be fun and very handy to keep on hand this summer. Most of these suggestions are safe to use alongside with other conventional treatments. When you are empowered with knowledge, you can be more equipped to help yourself and family members with minor injuries to speed up healing. At [Naturopathic Foundations Health Clinic](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/), we accept walk-ins for acute naturopathic care for concerns such as sprains & strains, skin reactions, bites, scrapes, hives and other conditions. You don't need to be a patient of the clinic to use these services. Read more about [naturopathic walk-in services](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/naturopathic-medicine/walk-in-acute-naturopathic-care/). [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus in joint health, pain and chronic disease. If you are healthy and looking into preventing disease or learning more about your constitution, [Dr. Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) can help you. Please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment. [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Constipation? Get Moving Naturally" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2018-13" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2018-13" lastmod: "2018-05-13T23:01:23.000Z" --- Let's face it - most people don't pay much attention to their bowel movements or make elimination a top priority in their day. A large percentage of people have unhealthy bowel movements and don't even realize it unless symptoms become uncomfortable. For many, [constipation](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Constipation) means not going to the bathroom for many days and straining. However, chronic constipation is more common than you might think, and is an indication of imbalance, so it is important not to ignore it. A healthy person should have around 1-3 bowel movements daily with the consistency of a ripe banana. [Read more here...](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.ca/2018/05/constipation-get-moving-naturally.html) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Spring Cleaning: Your Home" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2018-14" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2018-14" lastmod: "2018-05-13T22:59:42.000Z" --- When you clean with conventional products, unfortunately you are exposing yourself to [chemicals](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Environmental_Chemicals) that interfere with health - often unknowingly. Common products that contain chemicals are laundry detergent, softeners, dish soap, air fresheners, bathroom cleaners, drain cleaners and many more common household cleaners. These chemicals can enter through your skin, eyes or respiratory tract and can be very toxic to adults, children and pets. [Read more....](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.ca/2018/05/spring-cleaning-your-home.html) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "11 Self-Care Tips for the New Year" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2018-5" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2018-5" lastmod: "2018-01-03T21:28:05.000Z" --- How many of you find yourself motivated to make New Year's resolutions, only to drop them and end up feeling discouraged ? Maybe you want to lose weight, exercise more, eat a healthier diet or have more time for yourself. When you start integrating simpler, more manageable healthy habits into your daily routine that you do consistently , it is much easier than making ambitious goals. The small things that you do for your health add up, allowing you to prevent disease and feel better every day. Read more [here...](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.ca/2018/01/start-new-year-with-self-care.html) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Digestion: The Mind-Body Connection" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2019-13" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2019-13" lastmod: "2019-09-16T19:51:19.000Z" --- by [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd), ND, AAWC The gut is often referred to as our 'second brain'. The Ayurvedic system of medicine has examined the connection of mind-body for thousands of years and now modern medicine is beginning to understand that the gut makes serotonin - an important neurotransmitter also made in our brain that helps us feel good. So, does what we eat affect our mood or does our mood affect our digestion? When you are angry or upset - how's your appetite? When you are happy - how's your appetite? When you are nervous - how's your appetite? Everyone has experienced a time when their appetite was instantly affected by a thought, bad news or something someone said to them. There is no doubt a link between your mental state and the quality of your digestion. In Ayurveda, there is a concept called '[agni](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.com/search?q=agni)' which means fire. This metabolic fire is omnipresent in your body: from your cells, to your mind and your digestive system. An example of this metabolic fire is stomach acid that your body makes to break down food. When you are stressed, the stomach doesn't make as much stomach acid. People who are chronically stressed have hypochlorhydria or lack of hydrochloric acid which leads to a host of other issues such as parasites, yeast and undigested food. Whenever the nervous system gets a jolt, 'agni' immediately dwindles. This happens in every part of your body including your stomach. Just think of what happens when wind (vata) blows your campfire out and you can't cook your hot dogs! This is a rough analogy of what happens in the body as well. There is a lot of focus on the physical aspect of digestion - digestive enzymes, probiotics, healthy foods - all of which play a very important role in breaking down your food. However, we need to address some of the subtler aspects of digestion and support a balanced nervous system. When you experience stress, your sympathetic nervous system is dominant (your survival response) meaning your body is preparing for fight-or-flight and digestion is not a priority at that moment. IBS is commonly associated with stress leading to abdominal cramping, diarrhea and constipation and it's a common fact that your stomach acid is altered by increased stress levels which has a cascade effect for next stages of digestion. Taking steps to build resilience to stress, support ease of mind are critical aspects to healthy digestion. # Here are a few tips to support digestion from a mind-body perspective: 1. Do a diet diary: track what you ate and any associated symptoms such as digestive upset, gas, acidity and note how you were feeling that day (such as rating your stress levels from 1-10). You can bring it into your ND to help make connections on what factors in your mental-emotional state may be weakening your digestion. 2. Eat in a relaxed environment: when you are in fight-or-flight (sympathetic mode), your body's resources divert away from digestion, and towards your muscles for survival. When you are relaxed, (parasympathetic mode) your body is in a state when digestion is at it's strongest. To support relaxation, minimize talking at meals and focussing on your meal. Keep your phone away, or turn it on silent to minimize distractions. You can play relaxing music or practice mindful eating - bringing awareness to your experience of eating. 3. Have a routine before you eat: say a prayer, a chant, take a few deep breathes or simply close your eyes to give gratitude for the meal you are eating. When you take a minute or two to settle your mind before your eat, this creates a healthy routine to prepare you to eat in a relaxed way. Sit in a comfortable position and avoid eating on the go (walking, in the car). Here's a simple [5 minute yoga practice](https://isha.sadhguru.org/ca/en/yoga-meditation/yoga-program-for-beginners/yoga-videos/peace) you can try involving breathing which helps balance your system. 4. Eat food prepared with love and care: many people say their mom (or grandma's) cooking is always the best. Compare that to a take-out meal. Regardless of the recipe, food that is prepared with care, always tastes better! When food is prepared with positive intentions, the food imbibes those qualities. If you are preparing food for your family, try paying attention to what intentions you are putting into your food. When you put your heart into it, everyone will notice it tastes better - and will digest better. 5. Replace food cravings: when you are feeling a certain way (sad, upset, angry, stressed), subconsciously people tend to go for food to feel better. Food cravings are often a sign of a deeper imbalance, rooted in the mind. Instead of looking for food for instant nourishment, work with your practitioner to find other ways to help support and nourish you in a deeper way. This can be through meditation, exercise, healthy food preparation, homeopathics and more. According to Ayurveda, sugar cravings are associated with the feeling of lack of love. Is it a coincidence that sugar intake in modern society has increased dramatically? With busy lifestyles, it is not always possible to create a perfect atmosphere to eat your food, but as you bring more awareness to your eating habits and as you feel more at ease at meals, you will notice your digestion will also be more at ease. If you are taking probiotics, enzymes and other supplements for digestion but still not noticing enough change, speak with your ND to address subtler aspects of digestion. There are many tools, from herbs to yoga, to help you enjoy your food and digest with a relaxed frame of mind. When you take steps to be mentally at ease in your day, your digestion will thank you for it - and you will feel better! [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a Naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus on joint health, pain and chronic disease. If you are healthy and looking into preventing disease or learning more about your constitution, [Dr. Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) can help you. Please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment. [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Is Google your Doctor?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2019-15" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2019-15" lastmod: "2019-03-12T02:50:52.000Z" --- by [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) How often have you looked up your condition or googled your symptoms? You most likely have. In the process, you may have found that your symptoms could indicate a health risk and you have concerns spinning through your head. In all of history, we have never had so much access to information, and today, we can access almost anything through the internet. Most people are using the internet as a tool to find out health information to understand their conditions or search for treatment options. Information at your fingertips can be a powerful tool but only when applied properly. When it comes to health, there is a plethora of information available; some of it valuable and some of it unhelpful. So we need to distinguish what can be applied to us, and what is not relevant. This is what conscious healthcare is about, understanding what is relevant for your unique constitution rather that judging things as good or bad. For example, coffee may be "bad" for you because of its stimulating properties that make the nervous system hyperactive, yet there are many studies out there that show that caffeine can have beneficial effects on cognitive decline such as dementia. So is coffee good or bad? It depends on your body, lifestyle, age, state of health and many more determinants of your health. So how do you know what you should do? How can you distinguish the valuable from the useless? The quality of information on the internet varies significantly since anyone can post anything and it can be challenging to distinguish medical information from personal opinions or sensationalized info or marketing that is trying to sell you a miracle pill or guaranteed cure. It may look or sound good, but is it good for you? Each individual is unique so you should always check with your ND to check if that product is suitable for you. ### Benefits Let's look at some of the ways you can use the internet for health advice and navigate through websites. You can: - Learn the basic facts such as what is soluble vs. insoluble fibre, which foods are highest in pesticides and best to eat organic or what developments are happening each week in pregnancy. - Research about a health condition and prepare questions before your appointment. - Understand symptoms that need immediate care and prompt you to seek treatment. - Gain access to a community of people with similar conditions in forums, reducing the feeling of isolation. ### Cautions Reserve web searches for the basics, not for serious concerns, multiple health issues or if you are several medications or supplements. Here are some guidelines on what to avoid: - Online treatments may not be relevant and are symptom focused. Naturopathic medicine identifies the cause of the illness and treats according to the root cause. Online articles are often focused on a specific symptom or condition, whereas individualized medicine looks at how all the parts of the puzzle fit together. - Credibility of articles can vary and sometimes it is not easy to distinguish between medical pages from blogs with personal opinions. The pages that show up at the top of a web search are not necessarily the most reliable. - Avoid websites that are recommending a certain product or program. It is likely biased towards selling a product and may not be relevant for you. - If you are on multiple medications or supplements - Researching symptoms creates anxiety. The more you search, the more you might find out that it could be cancer or a virus or a severe condition. Before you work yourself up, it's good to have a doctor do an assessment. The internet is a great tool for information, but it can never replace an assessment by a real doctor and their experience. Naturopathic doctors spend over 7 years of formalized training to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions and when to refer you for serious conditions. Your ND is not only providing you with medical knowledge but is providing you with clinical experience to make informed choices about your health care. They can also help guide you to trustworthy sites with current, evidence-based information. Together as a team, you can work together to make the best decisions for your well-being. [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a Naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus on joint health, pain and chronic disease. If you are healthy and looking into preventing disease or learning more about your constitution, [Dr. Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) can help you. Please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment. [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Breathe Better with Self Care Techniques" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2019-16" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2019-16" lastmod: "2019-02-10T03:02:10.000Z" --- By [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) How often do you tune into your own breathing? Have you noticed that your breathing changes depending on what you are doing and how you are feeling - happy, angry, excited? Are you breathing more through your right or left nostril? Shallow or deep? Breathing involves more than just providing oxygen to the lungs; it provides qi or prana (life force) to your entire system and is a bridge between the body, mind and consciousness. From the moment you are born, until your last breath, breathing is an automatic activity that goes on continuously whether you are aware of it or not. The more you can bring it into your awareness, the more you can pick up on cues that your body is telling you. For example, if your nose is always stuffy after meals, it could indicate that you have sensitivities to certain foods or that digestion is sluggish. If your breathing is often shallow and rapid, this could be a reflection of tension in your body and mind. The quality of your breathing determines your quality of life. Here are some self-care techniques that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help you breathe better. These can be adjusted based on your state of health, climate and current concerns. ### Self Care Tips for Breathing # Neti Pot Neti, which means "nasal cleansing", is an Ayurvedic technique that dates back to ancient India and was used by yogis to improve breathing. This is a daily cleansing routine that involves gently irrigating the nose and sinuses with warm saline water to help flush out excess mucous, dust particles and waste from the sinuses. It can reduce congestion, prevent colds, reduce dryness and open up your breathing. Neti practice can be done in the morning, daily or weekly and can be customized with antimicrobial herbs, homeopathics and even probiotics to help restore balance in the sinuses. If the neti pot intimidates you, or if have never tried neti pot, your ND can show you how to do it safely and effectively. # Nebulizer For individuals who suffer from lung concerns such as chronic cough, sinusitis, COPD, mucous in the chest and asthma, the nebulizer is a tool to help deliver medicine directly to the lungs through inhalation. [Glutathione](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Glutathione) is used in the nebulizer and is considered the best antioxidant to quench free radicals, increase immune function and decrease mucous in the respiratory tract. Glutathione is absorbed best through nebulized form or [IV](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/dr-lloyd-nd/intravenous/). Homeopathic remedies can be added to the nebulizer to relieve specific symptoms. This is a treatment that is done in clinic initially under supervision by your naturopathic doctor, and can then be done at home. It is painless, easy to administer and can be done even for children to open up the respiratory tract. # Steam Inhalation One of the most popular DIY treatments for colds and coughs is steam inhalations. To do a steam inhalation, boil water, place into a bowl and sit with a towel over your head and inhale the steam through the nostrils for 5+ minutes. Warm steam helps relax breathing muscles, opens the bronchioles, lubricates the mucous membranes and loosens phlegm. Adding additional essential oils, such as eucalyptus, camphor or pine, can enhance the therapeutic effect. A short cut version can be done in the shower by applying a few drops of diluted essential oil into the tub and inhaling the steam in the shower in the morning. Essential oils can be customized based on your concerns. Oils with antimicrobial properties, such as tea tree, are good for fighting infections, and oils, such as camphor and eucalyptus, help open up breathing. In the clinic there are a variety of specific blends that can be used for infections, sinus issues and other respiratory issues. An add-on to the steam inhalation is the Ayurvedic nasya treatment which involves applying warm oil to the nasal passage and is often preceded or followed by steam inhalation to enhance the effect. Read more about [nasya here](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/dr-lloyd-nd/ayurvedic-therapies/nasya/). # Pranayam Exercises to help breathing are not a new concept. In the eastern traditions of yoga, Ayurveda and martial arts, specific techniques were refined over thousands of years to harmonize prana or qi and direct life energy to specific areas. This mastery over the breath is called pranayam. Alternate nostril breathing is one of these techniques which has become popularized and has been studied to reduce anxiety, promote mental clarity and much more. Increased energy, clarity, balanced breathing are some of the benefits. Pranayam can be practised by anyone, including children. If you can incorporate a minimum of 5 minutes in your daily routine to dedicate to bringing awareness to your breathing, the quality of your health will reflect the investment in your health. You can learn pranayam through many yoga or meditations instructors, or learn on your own with videos such as this one: [Nadi Shuddhi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5m6tMjcF8k) By paying more attention to your breathing and incorporating these tips, you can experience better breathing. If you have questions on your breathing, your ND can do an assessment and customize treatments and self-care techniques that you can do at home. Self care is the basis of a healthy lifestyle and the investment in wellness. [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus in joint health, pain and chronic disease. If you are healthy and looking into preventing disease or learning more about your constitution, [Dr. Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) can help you. Please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment. [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Water Element: is Yours in Balance?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2019-17" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2019-17" lastmod: "2019-02-10T02:56:00.000Z" --- by [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) When you think of water, what comes to mind? It may be a river or an ocean, or a glass of water. You may not immediately think of the 60-70% of water that makes up your body. According to [Ayurveda](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/ayurveda/), there are 5 elements that exist in nature and manifest in the plants, animals around us, and within our body: ether (space), air, fire, [water](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Water) and earth. In the winter and early spring when the climate is cool, damp and wet, [kapha dosha](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/search?q=kapha) (which is composed of the earth and water element) is dominant in the environment. Your surroundings impact your body, mind and emotions, so an imbalance in kapha can contribute to common concerns such as weight gain, [fatigue](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Fatigue), dullness or having trouble getting out of bed in the morning. Water element reflects the fluidity of movement and manifests as nourishment, growth and lubrication. Some examples of water element in your body are digestive fluids, mucous membrane secretions, plasma and lymphatic system. Water element cools, smoothens, moistens and softens tissues in the body. When your water element is in balance, weight is consistent, skin and mucous membranes are soft and moist, joints are well lubricated, emotions are stable and you feel connected to the people around you. When the water element is either too high or too low, this can lead to health issues. Read more to find out signs of excess or deficient water element. ### Signs of Excess Water Element When water element accumulates in your body you may gain weight or experience swelling around your ankles or other joints. Your hands may feel clammy, your skin may feel damp and sticky and you may experience increased urination. Excess water tends to put out your [digestive fire](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.com/search?q=agni) so you may experience weak appetite, heaviness after meals, thick coating on your tongue and excess mucous. If you struggle with [candida](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Candidiasis) or yeast infections, it's likely that your water element is out of balance. Water element in excess can often indicate that there is an electrolyte imbalance, as electrolytes are responsible for the movement of water throughout the body. Emotions can also affect water levels. Water related to imbalanced water are attachment, fear of letting go, being guarded or excessively emotional, feeling lack of nurturing and relationships that are not flowing. ### Signs of Deficient Water Element What happens if you lack sufficient water? You can relate to this on a day that you don't drink enough water, for example, and feel thirsty, have a dry mouth, dry skin and eyes etc. In Ayurveda, this relates to '[rasa dhatu kshaya](http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/Ayurveda/rasa-dhatu-closer-look-plasma-ayurvedic-perspective)' or plasma deficiency. When plasma is well hydrated, your blood and lymph flows smoothly and all the tissues are well lubricated. Deficient water can also lead to health concerns such as dry joints, [arthritis](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/02/5-tips-to-relieve-arthritis-pain.html), lack of sweating, [constipation](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2018/05/constipation-get-moving-naturally.html) and overall lack of nourishment in body, mind and emotions. Speak to your ND if you have some of these health concerns to help identify and treat the imbalance. ### Tips to Harmonize Water Element When imbalances are identified, it is easier to treat the root cause. Keeping your water element in balance, along with all other elements is the key to living a life that is harmonized and flowing. Here are some tips to try at home : - Exercise: helps unblock channels in the body. It allows the body to sweat, eliminate toxins and regulate water. Sun salutations in yoga are an excellent way to help harmonize the elements in your system and regulate excess water. - Hydration: often overlooked but be sure to not miss the obvious. Drink at least 8 glasses of pure water a day. In addition, hydrating herbal teas, coconut water and electrolytes can replenish deficient water element. - Diet: foods rich in water such as melons and squashes help you hydrate, while drying foods such as vegetable chips, dry fruit, black pepper and dry ginger powder help regulate excess water. Salty and sweet foods also tend to increase water element and can lead to concerns such as water retention. Each individual has a unique constitution so speak with your ND on which foods and herbs are best for you. - Lifestyle: if water element is deficient for you, keeping a water fountain or pictures of the ocean can bring this element back into your life. Swimming is another easy way to connect with water element. If water element is in excess, work with incorporating movement in your day, and finding healthy ways to express your emotions. According to Ayurveda, health is a balance between body, mind, spirit and environment. When you understand how nature influences your health, you can make subtle but powerful changes to harmonize the 5 elements within you and restore balance. Speak with [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) if you would like an assessment to help you find out if your water element is in balance. [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus in joint health and chronic disease. Please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment with [Dr. Athparia. ](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Is Change Causing Your Anxiety?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2019-18" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2019-18" lastmod: "2018-11-11T02:55:00.000Z" --- by [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) Fall is a season of transition - from warm summer months of outdoor activity to the cold winter season of indoor activities. Change not only happens with the seasons, but is a continuous process with life situations, relationships and work. Take a moment and reflect on what is stable currently in your life right now...and what is changing. How does change feel? Do you cope well with change or does it make you feel unsteady? Do you feel afraid? Are you holding on or letting go? For some people, change results in anxiety. Often, feelings of worry and anxiety are reactions to thoughts of the future or fear of the unknown. You may experience instability, fear and a general sense of "holding on" as you step out of your comfort zone and face the unknown. Anxiety is a natural response to danger - or perceived threat. Your system is trying to protect you with the fight or flight response even though there may not be any actual danger. It may be a change of season, change in career, change of life stage (ie. puberty, menopause) - whatever change you are going through can lead to anxiety characterized by signs such as running thoughts, chronic worry, elevated heart rate, shallow breathing, sweating, short temper and many other signs. While temporary anxiety is a normal reaction, when it impacts daily activities or continues for extended periods of time, it can be disruptive and reduce quality of life. Chronic anxiety can even lead to other conditions such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, substance abuse and other conditions. ### What are the symptoms of anxiety? Anxiety can affect anyone at anytime and can be acute or chronic. The most common symptoms relate to: - heart palpitations - pain in the chest or tightness - sighing or hyperventilation - muscle tension - causing spasms, headaches or pain - excessive sweating - dizziness - difficulty concentrating - sleep disturbances ### What causes anxiety? Anxiety is often a complex issue with more than one factor. Sometimes you may be able to identify the cause, especially when it is related to a specific event, but for many with chronic anxiety, routine daily activities can provoke constant worry. Lifestyle factors and nutrition are a commons causes of nervous system imbalances. In addition, if you are on new medications, speak with your doctor since some pharmaceuticals such as stimulants, thyroid medication and analgesics can have side effects leading to anxiety. Many times, zooming the lens to re-examine your fears can help bring them to the surface so you can start working at the tip of the iceberg. ### Ways to treat anxiety: Naturopathic doctors treat the person, not just the condition, to restore balance. Your age, your health issues, prescriptions medications and symptoms are taken into account when creating a tailored health plan. Below are a few ways to help ease anxiety: 1. Address Lifestyle Factors First identify any stimulants that may be in your diet or environment and eliminate them. Caffeine in the form of coffee or chocolate stimulates the nervous system and if you are prone to anxiety, cutting caffeine out is a first step. Drugs, alcohol, and even sugar can also contribute to anxiety. Other stimulants in your environment such as loud noise, cell phones, TVs put your body in fight-or-flight more. Reducing stimulants, in addition to adequate sleep, exercise, yoga, meditation and 'down time' support nervous system balance and allows your body to relax. It is also helpful to identify factors in your life which have changed, such as jobs: relationships, homes, routine, outlook on life etc. Write these down in chronological order for the past month or year(s). This can help narrow down some factors contributing to feeling unsettled. When you identify factors, you may notice the anxiety softening by simply bringing it to your attention. 2. Get Grounded through Bodywork According to Ayurveda, anxiety is predominantly an imbalance of [vata dosha](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2015/10/balancing-vata-in-fall.html), characterized by increased air & space elements and not enough earth element. During times of change, you may feel unsteady or like the ground below you is shifting as you try to hold your footing through life situations. Treating anxiety starts by supporting you to feel more grounded. There are many ways to do this. Grounding foods such as root vegetables, warm liquids, healthy fats and protein nourish and stabilize the body. Sitting, squatting or keeping your feet on the ground help you connect with the earth. Bodywork such as massage, cupping or acupuncture is very effective for treating anxiety by connecting you with your body. [Ayurvedic oil massage](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/dr-lloyd-nd/ayurvedic-therapies/abhyanga-ayurvedic-oil-massage/) or abhyanga is an excellent therapy for anxiety since it helps ground you and promotes deep relaxation. 3. Support Nutritional Factors Common causes of anxiety on a physiological level are through nutrient deficiencies and food intolerances. Food sensitivities and allergies can also stimulate adrenaline and make you feel anxious. Speak to your naturopathic doctor if testing for food sensitivities is beneficial for you. Many vitamins, minerals and [amino acids](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Amino_Acids) are lacking in our food and lead to deficiencies. When the nervous system is lacking nutrients, it cannot perform its functions properly. Speak to your ND if supplements such as [B vitamins,](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/B_Vitamins) [magnesium](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Magnesium), glycine, inositol would suit your symptoms and constitution. There are numerous herbs that promote relaxation such as [skullcap](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Scutellaria_lateriflora), lavender and [lemon balm](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Melissa_officinale). How much to take, when and how can be tailored to your specific concerns. 4. Seek Counselling Managing anxiety on your own can make you feel like you are going in circles. Speaking about it with someone can help give you a different perspective and allow 'rambling thoughts' to find verbal expression. Sometimes speaking with friends and family can be supportive, but can also be a source of worry and fear of judgement. Consider working with a counsellor or psychotherapist to help identify triggers, especially if there is history of trauma or if you are having difficulty going through a life transition. Addressing the mental-emotional causes of anxiety along with supporting the nervous system with nutrients and bodywork can support you in a wholistic way if you are struggling with anxiety. While temporary anxiety is a normal response and can be managed with self-care techniques, if anxiety is a chronic concern for you or if you find that it is affecting your daily activities, speak with your naturopathic doctor. There are many ways to assess causes of anxiety and develop a treatment plan that is customized using nutrition, supplements, botanical medicine, counselling, acupuncture, homeopathy and other therapies to bring balance to your system. As we wrap up this year, it is a good time to identify your challenges and stressors, and work through old patterns to make room for new growth. Take some time this fall to reflect on ways to stabilize yourself and open up to positive change. For many people, this can be challenging to do fully on your own, so work with your practitioner who can support you through times of change. [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus in joint health, pain and chronic disease. If you are healthy and looking into preventing disease or learning more about your constitution, [Dr. Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) can help you. Please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment. [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Ayurvedic Skin Care for Summer" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2019-8" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2019-8" lastmod: "2019-07-31T19:44:00.000Z" --- by [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND, AAWC](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/ayurveda/) Do you have dry skin? Oily skin? Mixed skin or sensitive skin? If you pay attention to your skin, you will notice that it will respond differently based on the season, weather, your activities and your diet. The more you pay attention, the more you will also know what your skin needs. Your skin is the largest organ in the body and it breathes. It removes waste from inside the body through sweat as a route of elimination. Your skin also absorbs what you put on it – creams, oils, lotions etc. So what you put on your skin should be clean to the extent you could eat it! Just take a look at your bathroom counter and see if you would eat any of your skin creams. If not, it may be time to re-evaluate your personal care products. According to Ayurveda, skin can be qualified by dosha type. The five elements in nature are also at work in your body: space, air, fire, water and earth. For example, if you have excess fire element, your skin may be triggered by hot weather or internal changes like too much spicy or fried food. Inflamed, red or breakout skin can be prevented by taking steps to keep your skin clean and cool. ### Ayurvedic Skin Types Although each person’s skin is unique, most people have a dominant skin type. Read below to see which skin sounds most like yours: # Vata skin: This skin type tends to be dry, rough, thin, cool and worse with dry, cold, windy weather. Vata skin is most affected in the winter. This skin type does best with nourishing oils such as sesame or almond oil, warm oil massage, thicker creams topically along with frequent hydration, and a diet rich in healthy oils. # Pitta skin: Pitta skin type tends to be red, inflamed, oily and warm with sensitivity to the sun and hot summer weather. Treatments for pitta skin types include cooling oils or creams such as coconut or olive oil, pitta balancing diet and bitter herbs to clean the skin from the inside out. # Kapha skin: Individuals with kapha skin tend to have naturally moist skin that can get cold, clammy or oily easily. This skin type is worse with humid weather. Treatments for kapha skin involve oils or creams that are very light and warming such as mustard or almond oil, herbal scrubs, dry skin brushing and toners that are astringent. ### Treatments for Summer Skin Health In the summer, heat and humidity can easily push your skin out of balance leading to common concerns such as: acne, hives, rashes, rosacea, sun spots, redness and sun-sensitive skin. In addition, a diet rich in spicy, oily food and acidic foods (such as excess red meat, alcohol, caffeine and sugar) can cause pitta imbalance in the digestive system to ‘overflow’ into your circulatory system and out through the skin as the body attempts to detox excess waste. Spending too much time in the sun or overdoing your work can add to skin breakouts. You can read more about pitta imbalance and ways to keep cool in the summer [here](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2016/06/keep-cool-this-summer-with-ayurveda.html). Below are some tips on a few natural compounds in skin products for pitta skin: # Neem Neem is a tropical plant with so many uses. For skin, it is found in soaps, creams and shampoos. It has cooling qualities so assists the body in removing excess heat. It is very anti-microbial so good for conditions such as fungal skin infections. It is available as an oil but has a strong odour so is more manageable mixed with other ingredients. It can be also taken as a capsule internally to clean the skin inside out. Speak with your naturopathic doctor on how to take neem based on your health concern. # Aloe [Aloe](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Aloe_vera) is a well-known plant that grows in the desert, but very versatile to keep at home to heal burns or inflamed skin. It is very soothing for sensitive skin and makes a great base for skin gels and creams. Try taking a small piece of aloe gel from your plant and apply it to your skin – observe how it feels. Great for pitta and vata types in the summer. # Rose Rose is known for its aromatic scent associated with love, romance and feminine qualities. As an herb, it is cooling and rose water or hydrosol is extremely refreshing. Rose oil or creams work well with pitta skin types to help calm and cool the skin and refresh the mind. Rose mist can be kept handy in the car or at work to spray at the hot times of the day to refresh you, or used as a toner as part of your skin care routine. Rose hip oil, from the fruit of the rose, has a slightly different quality but is also very beneficial for healing burns and scars. # Clay Clay comes from the earth and is rich in minerals. There are many different types of clays that will have different qualities but essentially clay works well in soaps or cleansers due to its exfoliating nature. Clay is drying and tightens the skin due to its astringent qualities. It is excellent to detoxify the skin by pulling out toxins. It is great to use as a cleansing mask in the summer. Great for all skin types but vata skin types may need a moisturizer after using clay as it can dry out the skin. # Calendula [Calendula](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Calendula_officinalis) is a flower which has been used traditionally in healing burns and rashes. It is commonly found in diaper rash creams, salves for burns, or as an oil infusion to apply on the skin. It is excellent in pitta skin conditions especially where there is irritated or red skin as it is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It can be used as a cream, oil, ointment or infusion. # Coconut oil Coconut oil is cooling for the skin and is great for pitta skin issues. It has been used for centuries to strengthen skin and promote healthy hair growth. It grows in tropical climates so it often suits hot climates – best to avoid using in the winter or those with very vata skin since it cools the body down but great in the summer. These are just a few of the herbs that are used in naturopathic & Ayurvedic treatments to heal skin. These systems treat not only by condition, but by the underlying constitution of the person. Different care is needed for each skin type. If you have chronic skin concerns, topical skin care may not be enough – you may need internal approach to cleaning skin from the inside out. Triphala, burdock, neems are just some of the cleansing herbs used for skin conditions. Use these tips for healthy, glowing summer skin or speak to your ND if you have chronic skin issues that you would like to address. And don’t forget – hydration is the foundation to healthy summer skin! [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a Naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus on joint health, pain and chronic disease. If you are healthy and looking into preventing disease or learning more about your constitution, [Dr. Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) can help you. Please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment. [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Connecting with Nature: Grow Herbs & Veggies" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2020-10" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2020-10" lastmod: "2020-04-30T22:23:00.000Z" --- # Connecting with Nature: Grow Herbs & Veggies by [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND, AAWC](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) Cultivation has been part of the human lifestyle for thousands of years and in the recent months, many people are turning towards their gardens to become more self-sustainable. Whether it's fear of food shortage, the hassle of picking up groceries with long line-ups, the disappointment from online orders with missing or wilted vegetables, or the concerns of grocery budgets, ma ny individuals are seeing how their can take matters into their own hands. While the idea of providing all the groceries for your family is unrealistic in a cooler climate like Canada, there are still many ways of supplementing your diet with home-grown produce. I am not an expert gardener but in this blog I want to share that its possible for anyone to supplement their diet with fresh herbs & vegetables that they can grow even without a garden space or experience! ### Benefits of Gardening Gardening is not only a way to provide food for your family, but it has added benefits of fresh, local produce loaded with nutrients & vitality and a beautiful way to connect with nature. Here are just some of the benefits to help motivate you: - Connection with nature. [Earth element](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/exploring-the-elements-earth/) is one of the 5 foundations of this existence. Spending time with the earth has a grounding effect on your whole body & mind. - Relaxation. Spending time with the soil has a meditative effect and encourages us to be in the present. - Self-sustainability. There is something so rewarding about seeing your hard work bear fruit. It deepens our appreciation for what we eat when we are involved in the process. ### Sprouting If you don't have garden space or it's not warm enough outside, sprouting is a wonderful way to grow something nutritious and fresh at home without soil! Sprouting is very cheap and easy to do at home, turning grains, nuts, seeds and lentils into delicious sprouts that you can add to salads, sandwiches, soups or stirfries. They are packed with concentrated nutrients and full of prana or life source. You can read more about the benefit of sprouting in this [blog here.](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.com/2015/05/sprout-to-life.html) Depending on the type of seed and size, soak the seeds for a few hours or overnight, then drain and place in a colander, glass jar with a net or a sprouter. It's best to purchase organic lentils, beans, seeds & nuts since they are more likely to sprout than conventional seeds that have reduced viability. You can buy sprouting seeds online or in health food stores: simply search for 'sprouting seeds' . Here's an example of a video which highlights [5 easy sprouting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sMvtFgy2Gs) ideas with instructions. # Sprouting seeds or legumes you may already have in your kitchen: - Lentils (French, green or brown lentils) - Dry peas - Mung beans - Chickpeas # Additional ideas for nutritious seeds to buy and sprout if you like variety: - Alfalfa seeds - Broccoli - Mustard - Radish - Sunflower seeds (with shells) - Arugula and [many more ideas](http://sprouting.com/category/226/Sprouting-Seeds.html) Don't forget, it is always important to wash sprouts frequently to prevent bacteria contamination or mould. ### Growing Vegetables from Groceries Did you know there are ways to regrow plants from vegetables you may already have at home? Instead of throwing out your lettuce stubs or onion tops, try saving them and planting them in water or soil in small containers at home. This can be an educational activity for kids at home and is fun way to see the veggies grow! # Top Vegetables & Herbs to Replant: - Lettuce - Celery - Green onions - Garlic - Potatoes - Bok choi - Herbs: basil, mint, sage, rosemary Check out this [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJuXpiEjdcc) for some more inspiration and this [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtmyE12e8LI) to help guide you. Most of these can be started indoors and transplanted outdoors in warmer weather. For the leafy greens, you can usually start harvesting a few leaves after 1-2 weeks! ### Planting Seeds from Groceries The trend for buying and planting seeds has shot up incredibly over the last few weeks with many Canadians turning towards growing their own food. Currently, many seed companies are backordered and unable to turn out seed orders quickly. If you are waiting to order seeds, there are several saplings you can grow in the meantime by harvesting the seeds from your veggies in the fridge. Such as: - Tomatoes: simply slice the tomatoes or scoop out the seed pulp and place in pots under ~1cm of good quality soil or compost. Keep moist and in the sun and within 1-2 weeks, you will have tomato saplings! (see photo - these are sprouts from organic tomatoes at home after 2 weeks) - Squashes (ie. butternut): instead of throwing the seeds away, scoop, wash and soak them overnight. Then place in a moist paper towel in a clear container in the sun. Keep moist and within a few days you will see sprouts. Once they are sprouting, you can plant indoors in the soil and transplant outdoors in warmer weather. - Peppers & Chillies: wash the seeds and follow the same instructions as the squashes. - Peas: if you have dry green or yellow whole peas, soak overnight and drain. You can keep in a clear container with moisture, in the sun until sprouts start to form and then plant in the soil. ### Further Resources If you feel you still need some guidance, reach out to friends or family who have experience in the garden. Everyone starts as a beginner and like anything, gardening skills get better with practice. Here are a few additional resources in the community that offer free classes, webinars, documentaries or even seeds to encourage people to start growing their own veggies: - [20 Free & Inspiring Documentaries](https://www.epicgardening.com/20-inspiring-gardening-documentaries/?fbclid=IwAR1P0rH-ikexVftbCeZfaFKG4uUhsUIiuECark2rfHnV8TEPEqrV2TnWNEM) - [Backyard Groceries](https://www.backyardgroceries.com/): a sustainable local business that offers set-up and hands-on guidance on growing your organic garden. - [Richter's Herbs](https://www.richters.com/): supplies seeds and saplings of many medicinal herbs and exotic plants such as Ashwagandha, Ayurvedic herbs, Curry leaf plants and other local plants. - [Food Up Front](https://www.transitiontoronto.org/food-up-front): offers free seeds while supplies last to encourage people in Toronto to grow vegetables in their yards or balconies and share with neighbours. Your chances of sprouting are higher with organic veggies. While there are many other vegetables and herbs you can grow this season, the above ideas are simply suggestions to help get you started right away with what you have at home. If you have never done any gardening, now's the time to break your shell and give it a try! There may be trial and error, but in the end, you will have fresh, local, organic produce from your own home with the benefit of boosting mental health and connecting with the earth! Speak with your naturopathic doctor for customised suggestions on nutrition and veggies that are best suited for your body type or Ayurvedic dosha type this season! [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a naturopathic doctor at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus in chronic disease and health promotion with Ayurveda. She has a keen interest in Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle. If you would like to work with [Dr. Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/), please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Self-care Tips for Pain Relief" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2020-11" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2020-11" lastmod: "2020-04-15T22:21:00.000Z" --- By [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) Chronic pain doesn't just hurt - it can be debilitating, frustrating and can impact daily activities such as walking, cooking, dressing, bathing and getting around. It can further lead to other concerns such as insomnia, fatigue, depression and anxiety. In the current situation of self-isolation, not having access to the usual bodywork therapies such as massage, acupuncture, cupping etc. can feel overwhelming and distressing. In addition, lack of physical activity topped with feelings of worry can aggravate pre-existing conditions. If you are dealing with muscle tension, arthritis, back pain, headaches you don't have to live with the pain. Pain generally responds well to simple changes in diet and gentle exercise. The following are some tips that we wanted to share with you to help relieve pain during self-isolation and beyond. ### Tips for Reducing Pain As a baseline, anyone with arthritis or inflammatory join conditions should be taking natural anti-inflammatories such as fish oil, turmeric, [boswellia](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/diy-with-frankincense-boswellia-serrata/) (known as frankincense). Most anti-inflammatories work in a similar way as prescription medication and are natural without causing major side effects. It is important to speak with your naturopathic doctor to choose the right supplements for you to ensure the dosage and quality is effective for your condition and to ensure that there are no other interactions with medications you may be currently on. In addition to supplements, below are tips that you can do on your own to relieve muscle and joint pain - many of them can be easily done at home with ingredients from your kitchen. ### 1. Diet & Herbs Customized supplements and herbs will speed up healing and give your body the foundation to rebuild joint tissue and reduce inflammation. However, even if you are taking the best supplements, if you are not eating a supportive diet, your joint pain may not improve as well as it could. - Avoid: foods that cause inflammation: sugar, artificial sweeteners, deep fried foods, refined flour, additives, red meat & alcohol. Different foods can cause different reactions in each person. To personalize your diet and identify the foods that you are sensitive to, your naturopathic doctor can run a simple food sensitivity test. If you are struggling with cravings or making changes to your diet, your naturopathic doctor can guide you on how to include anti-inflammatory foods into your diet while still enjoying your meals. - Include: a diet that is suited to your constitution, dosha type and condition. Bone broth soups can easily be made at home and provide minerals and nutrients to nourish your joints. If you are vegetarian, there are alternative supplements or herbs such as nettles that are rich in minerals. Anti-inflammatory foods and herbs can be included in your meals such as ginger, turmeric and leafy greens. Below are some recipes: [Turmeric & Ginger Tea](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/ginger-turmeric-tea/) is a super easy way to get these powerful anti-inflammatories while staying hydrated. If you don't have fresh ginger or turmeric, you can use small amounts of powdered spices. - [Ginger Pickle](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.com/2015/11/digestive-support-with-ginger.html) is a simple homemade blend of chopped ginger and mild seasoning that can be stored in the fridge and taken as a condiment alongside your meals or as a digestive tonic before your meal that is great for joint pain. - [Turmeric Milk](https://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-recipes/beverages/golden-milk.html) has become a popular drink these days and turmeric is better absorbed through a medium like milk or alternative milk because of the fat content. Keep in mind that turmeric can thin the blood at higher doses so if you are blood thinners, check with your naturopathic doctor to see how much turmeric is safe for you. ### 2. Movement It may be difficult to move if there is significant pain, but gentle exercises can help you decrease pain, increase range of motions and flexibility, strengthen muscles, improve circulation and help you feel uplifted. It is important to discuss with your practitioners to guide you with the right kind of exercise for you. - Avoid: pushing yourself to exercise or doing repetitive movements which can strain the joints. Listen to your body and don't push beyond what is comfortable. If you are working from home or currently in isolation, avoid sitting on soft couches, slouching over or sitting for long periods of time in front of screens. - Include: gentles exercises that improve flexibility and blood flow to the muscles and joints. Restorative yoga, tai chi, walking and water exercise are examples of low-impact exercise that you can include into your day. If working on the computer, take stretch breaks every 30 minutes. Some ideas for gentle stretches for people with joint issues or healthy people: [Neck Stretches](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsHJT_OP4fs) - [Arm Stretches](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9VSpOiwwDU&t=131s) - [Leg Exercises](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7L5KUIHnic) - [Home workouts for beginners](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC_L9qAHVJ8) or fun [Dance Workouts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBHEH1TfZXk) for active people ### 3. Hot and Cold Therapies [Ayurveda](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/ayurveda/) & Traditional Chinese Medicine are systems which evaluate the presence of hot (yang) or col (yin) in the body. The eastern systems of medicine examine the causes and manifestations of joint issues and treat accordingly with the opposite quality. If your joints are warm and inflamed, cold treatments are recommended. If your joints are painful and stiff due to cold weather, warm treatments are recommended. - Avoid: cold weather or cold treatments on arthritis that is aggravated with cold. Avoid excessive heat on arthritis that is worse with warm weather or is inflamed. Speak to your naturopathic doctor who can guide you on what kind of arthritis or body type you have and what is the best way to manage it. - Include: warm baths for arthritis or stiff muscles that is worse with cold weather. If you have difficulty getting into the tub, you can try foot or hand baths or apply heat packs to affected areas. For arthritis where the joints are inflamed, you may find relief with cool washcloths or topical ointments with cooling ingredients such as menthol or peppermint. Hot or cold packs are simple and effective ways of relieving pain at home and are part of one of he modalities of naturopathic medicine known as [hydrotherapy](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Hydrotherapy). Here are some more resources: [Hot & Cold Contrast Showers](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/files/5813/7088/0734/NF13_Contrast_Hydrotherapy.pdf) promotes general wellness, and improves circulation to the joints, organs and skin. - [Epsom Salt Baths](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/files/6613/7088/0737/NF13_Epsom_Salt_Baths.pdf) relieve achy joints and muscles and calms the nervous system. ### 4. Herbal Compresses Herbal compresses known as potli in Ayurveda have been used traditionally to relieve pain. They are made with specific herbs in a thin muslin cloth and applied over your problematic joint or body part. There are ways to make simple but effective compresses at home with ingredients in your kitchen! Here are some ideas you can try for quick pain relief at home: - [Cooling Compresses](https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/articles/diy/cold-herbal-compresses/) are great for hot, swollen joints or any inflammation. A well-known cooling compress is chamomile tea bags (cooled in the fridge) placed over your eyes for soothing eye strain. - [Ginger Compress](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mviGdYGCdeQ) to soothe sore muscles. You can use grated ginger from the grocery store. - [Ajwain Ayurvedic Poultice](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tddNBy3dwY) is a common treatment applied over the chest for children with coughs and cold but can be used by anyone to bring heat and circulation to any part of the body. ### 5. Self-Massage with Oils or Creams If you are missing your bodywork treatments and looking forward to your next massage that seems months away, why not start your own self-care regime? While it seems nicer to receive a massage from someone else, self-massage is very easy and brings quick relief to tired muscles and achy joints. - Avoid: straining yourself by trying to do self-massage. Avoid positions that could put you at risk of falling or using essential oils directly without diluting them. - Include: oils suited to your constitution and type of pain. Ensure that the oil or cream is not rancid and is good quality (organic is best). [Castor oil](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Castor_Oil) is an excellent anti-inflammatory oil for arthritis. Warm castor oil can be massaged gently into affected joints before bed and wrapped with a cloth and heating pad to penetrate deeper. - Ayurvedic & Essential Oils can be customized to your dosha type. Read more in this [handout](https://www.doctorleena.ca/new-patients) page on choosing the right oils for you. ### 6. Positive Attitude The mind-body connection cannot be overrated. Mood can play a significant role in managing chronic disease, and it’s common for individuals with arthritis to feel frustrated and discouraged by the pain and inability to do daily activities. Depression and anxiety can further increase the experience of pain and decrease your ability to cope. Rather than fighting arthritis, try focussing your attention to nurturing yourself. Self-love and self-care promotes healing in the body, mind and spirit. Knowing that you can get better with self-care treatments and professional guidance can give you strength and hope. - Avoid: negative thoughts (“I wish I…I should have…I’m useless) and avoid focussing on what you can’t do. If you find yourself having difficulty coping with chronic pain, speak to your naturopathic doctor. There are many options to help alleviate depression, fatigue, anxiety often associated with chronic disease. - Include: meditation and gratitude on a daily basis. Plan activities or events to look forward to: lunch with a friend, a short vacation, outings with family, book clubs, hobby groups etc. Focus on your strengths and what you can do. Individuals who have a positive attitude towards life and look forward to the day are better equipped to cope with illness. Managing chronic pain on your own may not be enough. If you are struggling with arthritis, you are not alone. Talk to your naturopathic doctor who can identify the root cause of your pain and customize treatments to bring relief - even if you are already on medications. There are numerous treatments such as [acupuncture](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Acupuncture), cupping, [massages](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/dr-lloyd-nd/ayurvedic-therapies/abhyanga-ayurvedic-oil-massage/), [diet](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/dr-lloyd-nd/ayurvedic-therapies/abhyanga-ayurvedic-oil-massage/) and supplements that are very effective in reducing pain and managing chronic arthritis, but they need to be customized based on your condition, constitution and other factors. Taking the time to do activities that you enjoy, pampering yourself with treatments, taking suitable supplements and eating a diet which replenishes your body are all ways of improving your condition. You don’t have to live with chronic pain. There is hope. Take steps forward to pain-free living today! [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a naturopathic doctor at [Naturopathic Foundations](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) with a focus in chronic pain management related to aging, metabolic issues and chronic disease. She is skilled in pain relief with naturopathic & Ayurvedic treatments. If you are experiencing joint pain, please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment with [Dr. Athparia. ](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Coping with Change & Anxiety: Ayurvedic Tips" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2020-12" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2020-12" lastmod: "2020-03-30T22:19:00.000Z" --- # Coping with Change & Anxiety: Ayurvedic Tips By[ Dr. Leena Athparia, ND, AAWC ](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) We are currently living in a time of constant change. With the recent pandemic, it may feel like life has turned upside down for some and for others it can be a scary time of uncertainty. You may be scared about getting sick or worried about finances and job security or you may be concerned about the wellbeing of your loved ones. Whichever the case, fear is a natural response to the unknown - a natural instinct to a perceived threat. While it is normal to experience stress, long term anxiety can be consuming, exhausting and detrimental to your health. It can also spill over into your daily life and relationships. In this blog, I want to share a few tips from the wisdom of [Ayurveda](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/ayurveda/) & [naturopathic medicine](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/naturopathic-medicine/) to help you cope during this time and make this an opportunity for positive change and raising consciousness. We won't elaborate on the symptoms and causes of anxiety in this blog, but you can read more in this previous blog [Is Change Causing Your Anxiety](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2018/11/is-change-causing-your-anxiety.html)? . ### Stress Response In times of stress, what is your response? Choose from the below options if any sentence resonates with you: 1. I feel anxious, restless, edgy. My mind is racing and I can't fall asleep. 2. I feel frustrated, irritable and angry. I don't like when things are not under control. 3. I feel defeated, lethargic and unmotivated. I feel like 'giving up' and 'what's the point of doing anything'. Do you relate to any particular sentence? #1 is primarily a Vata response to stress. These types of people are naturally worriers and feel anxious quickly. They may feel tightness in their chest, have trouble taking deep breaths and feel 'wired and tired'. #2 is a Pitta response to stress. These types are generally very organised and like things in control. When things get out of control, they may feel frustrated and angry and take it out on the people around them. They need tools to help them 'cool' down and make room to 'allow'. #3 is a Kapha response to stress. These dosha types may handle stress the best - at least on the outside. However, their coping mechanism is to shut down and feel defeated. They may stop exercising, doing activities and can get depressed. If you have friends and family like this, you need to support them by keeping them motivated and checking up on them. When you understand your constitution and your response to stress, it becomes easier to take charge of what you need to do to stay balanced. Here's a link to a brief [Ayurvedic Quiz](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/583e337dd482e9bbbe0ee084/t/5c5fa43ae5e5f0cc90081396/1549771838678/Ayurvedic+DOSHA+QUIZ+-+pdf+template.pdf) if you want to learn more about vata, pitta, kapha and which dosha may be dominant at this time. Rather than wait and hope for the problem to go away, we can take ownership of our body, mind & emotions to improve our resilience to stress. Below are some of the tools that you can use. ### Ayurvedic Tips to Stay Grounded Regardless of whether you are anxious in the midst of a pandemic or general life stress, Ayurveda has many tools to support a healthy, balanced body, mind & spirit. There is a lot of information circulating around including health tips, so it is important to pick a few tips that you can do on a regular basis to keep yourself healthy. Lifestyle: With recent changes in lifestyles or routines, you may feel more easily 'thrown off'. Working from home, adjusting to new schedules can be initially chaotic until you find your new pattern. Incorporate these fundamentals into your day to help stay balanced. - Set Routine: you may find it helpful to plan a schedule of your day to include work time, exercise, meals, breaks as well as time for self-care (warm bath, reading a book, listening to music, or [Ayurvedic self-massage](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/dr-lloyd-nd/ayurvedic-therapies/abhyanga-ayurvedic-oil-massage/)). - Sleep: set a goal for bedtime, ideally by 10-11pm and ensure around 7-8 hours of sleep. According to the the Ayurvedic clock, 10pm-2am is the Pitta time of the night. If you stay away during this time (watching tv, reading news etc), you may be more prone to insomnia, anxiety and poorer quality sleep. While most Canadians are sleep-deprived, over-sleeping can be lead to fatigue and lack of motivation. - Limit News: while it may be tempting to keep up to date with the latest happenings, news can make you feel worried, upset, anxious about the future. Especially if you are vata dominant, news can have a significant impact on your nervous system. Set a limit as to how much you read and limit to 1-2 times/day, ideally not before bed. - Nature Time : as many people are limiting their commuting and staying more indoors, it is crucial to get fresh air and connect with nature - earth element, which can help balance vata and pitta doshas. Find a nearby park where you can walk safely, maintaining social distancing. Diet & Nutrition Food plays a vital role in managing anxiety and supporting you through change. Here are a few Ayurvedic tips: - Dosha Diet: the best diet is a diet that is suited to your dosha type. In times of prolonged anxiety, many people will benefit from a [vata diet](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2015/10/balancing-vata-in-fall.html) which includes grounding foods. Those who are feeling sluggish or gaining weight will often benefit from a [kapha](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/01/beat-winter-lethargy-with-ayurveda.html)-friendly diet. - Support Agni: essentially, healthy eating is about keeping healthy agni - or digestive fire. By keeping your agni in good shape, you are also able to digest well. Read more in this [blog about supporting agni](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2020/01/agni-digestive-fire-how-is-yours.html). - Fasting: if you find yourself at home and constantly craving food, you may want to consider doing a cleanse or [juice fast](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2019/05/fasting-is-it-right-for-you.html) o reset your system. This needs some planning and guidance from your ND to see what is safe for you. This is especially great for Kapha types who are concerned with gaining weight during social distancing/working from home. - Read other blogs on diet: [Food and Immune Health](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2020/03/food-and-immune-health.html) - [Back to Basics: Top 10 Nutrients from Food](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/05/back-to-basics-top-10-nutrients-from.html) - [But What Can I Eat?](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2019/05/but-what-can-i-eat.html) Mental, Emotional, Spiritual Wellness While lockdowns and efforts to maintain social distancing have their purpose, many people are already experiencing the impacts of reducing social contact. Humans are social beings and when they are restricted, many people start to anxiety, frustration, restlessness and depression. Mental health is critical to holistic wellness. Yoga, the sister science of Ayurveda is a deep science that looks beyond the physical body to support the subtler aspects of life and is an excellent way of building ojas and prana. Below are some resources and tools to help you take charge of your wellness. - Breathing: when we feel anxious, we tend to hold our breath. Gaining awareness over your breathing can help you manage anxiety and promote oxygenation and lung capacity. You can try this simple but powerful technique, known as pranayam, which helps promote relaxation: [Nadi Shuddhi - alternate nostril breathing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5m6tMjcF8k) - Yoga & Meditation: many yoga studios are offering live online yoga classes. If your gym is closed and you're needing some motivation, this is a great way to improve physical activity while dissolving stress. If you don't already have a favourite yoga studio, you can check out [this studio](https://forwardmotionyoga.com/) currently offering online classes. You can also check this resource for many [free yoga & meditation practices](https://www.innerengineering.com/free-yoga-and-meditation-sadhana) geared towards building health & immunity. Herbs & Spices Many herbs, spices and supplements can support your nervous system and immune system, but remember, no two bodies are the same! Herbs and spices are easily accessible, can even be grown at home and add lovely flavour to your food. - Tulsi : known as Holy Basil is a very popular Ayurvedic herb used for lung health as well as for stress. It is soothing, calming and very easy to take as a tea. - Brahmi/ [Bacopa](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Anxiolytic) : a therapeutic Ayurvedic herb that supports the brain and nervous function. This is an excellent tonic that reduces cortisol levels and elevates mood. - Saffron: this exotic spice can be warmed in a little milk or alternative milk as a bedtime drink with other spices according to your dosha. Saffron has been studied to improve depression and is a great tonic for the nervous system. While you may be experiencing anxiety and worry about the future, keep in mind that many people may be experiencing the same. Be patient and understanding with your friends, family members, colleagues and don't be afraid to ask for support. Speak with your naturopathic doctor if your worry or anxiety is getting in the way of your daily activities. There are many ways we can help and provide you with ways to build your resilience to stress - whether it is through counselling, customised herbs or re-evaluating your treatment plan. Together, we will get through challenging times and come through stronger and more resilient! [Dr. Leena Athparia](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) is a naturopathic doctor with advanced training in Ayurveda and can help you identify your constitution to guide you on a customized health plan – whether you have specific health concerns or just want to promote general wellness. Please contact [Naturopathic Foundations Health Clinic](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/) at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment. References: Safety and Efficacy of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for Treating Mild to Moderate Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32221179](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32221179) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Spring Tips for Vata, Pitta & Kapha" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2020-9" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2020-9" lastmod: "2020-05-15T22:25:00.000Z" --- # Spring Tips for Vata, Pitta & Kapha By [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) If you feel like this spring is different, you're not alone. With the past two months of being mostly indoors, many people are feeling mixed emotions of renewed hope along with uncertainty of the future. Spring is generally a time of letting go of the old, and making space for the new. If you have been caught up with the chaos of the world around, now is also a good time to bring the focus back to you and your health. You can use this time where nature supports the process of letting go and making space for new growth. Spring symbolizes renewal and rebirth. Just look around you - pay attention to the green grass coming up, the tulips shoots and spring flowers coming out. This is a season of inviting light, laughter and play into our lives. According to [Ayurveda](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/ayurveda/), spring is the season of Kapha, moving towards the summer heat of [Pitta](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2016/06/keep-cool-this-summer-with-ayurveda.html). The qualities of spring Kapha are moist, damp, heavy where the [water element](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2019/01/water-element-is-yours-in-balance.html) is dominant but as the daylight hours increase and the temperatures rise, the heat of Pitta starts to show up. In your body, when Kapha accumulated, this can show up as sluggish lymph, congestion, weight gain or puffiness and feelings of dullness and low mood. ### Seasonal Food Take a look at what may be in your farmer's market or starting to grow around you. Foods that are in season are generally what your body needs. In a colder climate, we may not have as much variety but spring greens (such as dandelion leaves) and [sprouts](http://sahajawellness.blogspot.com/2015/05/sprout-to-life.html) are a perfect example of seasonal foods. You need less hearty, heavy food as in the winter, and you can focus more on light, fresh food. # Vata: Spring is generally a very balancing season for [vata](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2015/10/balancing-vata-in-fall.html). This body type should focus on a vata pacifying diet but you can start incorporating small amounts of raw food or sprouts with a generous amount of healthy oils or dressing. Steamed greens are also great for this season. Avoid large amounts of raw or cold food. Favour spices such as ginger, black pepper and hingvastak. # Pitta: Favour foods that are bitter and astringent such as leafy greens and vegetables. Dandelion leaves, arugula, endives, swiss chard, mung sprouts are all great options to include daily. As you progress towards summer, you can enjoy more raw food such as salads and sweet juicy fruits. You may have been able to enjoy sour or heating foods over the winter but now is the time to slowly reduce these foods such as citrus, tomatoes, hard cheese, sour cream and oily foods. This season, you can tolerate more spices than in the summer but be cautious not to overdo garlic, dried ginger and cayenne pepper. # Kapha: If you are dominant in Kapha, changing your diet accordingly is critical in this season to reset your body after winter. It's time to shift from hearty, heavy, winter food to a light, refreshing spring menu. Small amounts of sprouts or raw foods with digestive spices (trikatu, ginger, black pepper) and an abundance of dark, leafy greens will help your body detoxify this spring. Spices to favour are cinnamon, cayenne, turmeric and ginger. Avoid foods that are heavy and sweet such as excess cheese, yogourt, sweets, yeast or foods that are very moist and liquid. Favour lighter foods that are dry (like kale chips). [Am Pachan Ayurvedic tea](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/583e337dd482e9bbbe0ee084/t/5c5fa3a953450a883a1db392/1549771689738/Ayurvedic+Am+Pachan+tea+HANDOUT.pdf) is a perfect tea to take this season to strengthen digestion. ### Focus on Cleansing Spring cleansing is more than just a fad. It is generally one of the best times of the year to detoxify and is often more successful than cleansing in the winter when your body wants to hold on to its reserves. When it comes to cleansing, you will get better results when you work with your ND on a customized plan according to your body type and health status. # Vata: # Cleansing for this body type can either be done in the spring or in the fall. Vata types often need strengthening and rejuvenating more than detoxing however, a gentle detox can be done with herbs to strengthen digestion, promote healthy elimination and Ayurvedic oil massage. A [kitchari](https://www.ayurveda.com/recipes/kitchari) mono diet is also nourishing but detoxifying for vata types. Speak to your practitioner to see if this detox plan will suit you. # Pitta: The best season for pitta cleansing is usually at the end of summer when the focus is clearing out the excess heat from the body. However, if this dosha is out of balance for you before the summer, spring is a good time to be proactive about your health. Bitter herbs such as neem or [burdock](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Arctium_lappa) are excellent for cleansing the blood and can be taken to treat or prevent skin issues that worsen in the summer. Spring is also a great time to focus on the liver, an organ often impacted by pitta imbalance. # Kapha: This body time usually requires some kind of detox every spring. The accumulation of body fat and fluid over the winter should be cleansed on a regular basis to stay healthy. Cleansing herbs that are bitter and herbs to move lymph are a priority during this season along with [dry skin brushing](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/files/7513/7088/0736/NF13_Dry_Skin_Brushing.pdf) and [dry herbal scrubs](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/clinic/dr-lloyd-nd/ayurvedic-therapies/gharshana/). ### Get Outside & Move Don't let fear keep you inside. As long as you maintain social distancing and follow public health guidelines, getting fresh air will do you more good than harm. While it may seem counterintuitive, if you are feeling lethargic and unmotivated, you probably need to exercise the most. Find a park or trail that you like. Schedule a time in the day such as morning or afternoon to get outside - rain or shine. # Vata: This body type doesn't need strenuous exercise but will benefit from movement. This could include spontaneous activities such as dancing or forest walks to connect with the earth element. Routine is crucial for vata types. # Pitta: This is a good time to increase your physical activity, but be cautious not to overheat as we move into the warmer heat of summer. Avoid intense exercise around the hottest time of the day (noon to early afternoon). Strike a healthy balance between challenge, routine, play and relaxation. # Kapha: If you're still thinking about exercising, now is the time for action. This body type needs to move to break the lethargy of winter. Sign up for a class (online) or have a walking buddy. Morning is the best time for exercise for Kapha types. Nature provides the template of health. If you pay attention to what is happening in the change of seasons, you can support and enhance your own healing. If you are unsure about which dosha applies to you - vata, pitta or kapha, speak to [Dr. Leena Athparia, ND](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/) for a customized assessment. At this current time of uncertainty in the world, this is a crucial time for us learn and draw inspiration from the beautiful season of rebirth - spring! [Dr. Leena](https://www.doctorleena.ca) Sripada is a naturopathic doctor with a focus in chronic disease and health promotion with Ayurveda. She has a keen interest in Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle. If you would like to work with her , you can [book a complimentary meet n greet or appointment here](https://app.outsmartemr.com/online-booking/2959/DrLeena) . [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Sweet Cravings: Why We Crave Sweet — and What To Do About It" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-19" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-19" lastmod: "2025-12-26T20:03:25.000Z" --- #### Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC For many people, sweet cravings intensify during the holiday season. Shorter days, colder weather, festive gatherings, emotional triggers, and an abundance of treats around can make it feel nearly impossible to say no to sugar — even when you tell yourself you are going to be careful this year. We all know its not good for us, and sometimes we don’t even feel good eating sweet…. so why are we stuck in the craving loop? From an Ayurvedic perspective, sweet cravings aren’t a failure of willpower. They’re a signal from the body asking for nourishment, grounding, comfort, or energy. Understanding why these cravings arise is the first step toward working with them in a supportive and sustainable way instead of against them. ## The Sweet Taste in Ayurveda: One of the Six Tastes Ayurveda recognizes six tastes that make up a balanced diet: - Sweet - Sour - Salty - Bitter - Pungent (spicy) - Astringent The sweet taste is the first and most foundational of the six. In balance, it is nourishing, grounding, strengthening, and soothing. Sweet taste builds tissues, supports immunity (ojas), calms the nervous system, and promotes feelings of safety and satisfaction. Naturally sweet foods include: - Whole grains - Root vegetables - Milk - Fruits - Honey, maple syrup, dates etc. When sweet taste is consumed in its whole-food form , it is deeply supportive. Problems arise when sweet taste is overconsumed — especially as refined sugar — or used to compensate for deeper imbalances. —> Before we move on….can you take a moment to look at how much on your daily plate is “sweet in taste”? This includes carbs, dairy, sweet veggies like carrots, peas, beets and the obvious sweets like cookies, cakes, chocolates, juice. ## Why We Crave Sweet Foods ### 1. Blood Sugar Imbalances One of the most common reasons for sweet cravings is unstable blood sugar. Skipping meals, under-eating protein, or relying heavily on refined carbohydrates can lead to blood sugar crashes. When glucose drops, the body urgently seeks quick energy , and sugar becomes the fastest solution. This cycle can be especially pronounced during busy holiday schedules when meals are irregular. This is common in individuals who are pre-diabetic (and may not know it) but also when you have a vata constitution where stress triggers blood sugar to go up and down. If you are concerned about this, speak with your naturopathic doctor to have additional testing done including Ha1c, fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin ( a test most GPs are not doing but should be checking). ### 2. Stress and Nervous System It’s important to understand that wweet taste is calming to Vata and Pitta doshas. During times of stress, overwhelm, or burnout, the nervous system craves grounding and comfort — and sweet foods temporarily provide that sense of relief. This is why cravings often intensify when you’re tired, emotionally drained, or juggling too many responsibilities. Sweet taste also “cools” down Pitta dosha. Think of when you eat something too spicy, you want something sweet to cool down your tongue. ### 3. Candida and Gut Imbalances An overgrowth of yeast such as candida can drive intense sugar cravings. Yeast feeds on sugar, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of craving and consumption. This is often accompanied by digestive symptoms, fatigue, brain fog, or recurrent infections. This may manifest as yeast infections — but not always. Candida can grow anywhere in the body especially in the digestive tract leading to significant gas & bloating. You naturopathic doctor can help you identify if you have a candida issue and treat it accordingly. ### 4. The Body Seeking Instant Energy At a basic physiological level, sugar is a fast fuel source. When digestion (agni) is weak, stress hormones are elevated, or nutrient intake is inadequate, the body looks for the quickest energy available — refined sugar fits that role perfectly. When you are rushed and on the go, it is a quick source of fuel to get you by — but you will inevitably crash aftewards. ## Why Refined Sugar Makes Cravings Worse Refined sugar is stripped of fiber, minerals, and life force (prana). It causes rapid blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, increases inflammation, feeds harmful gut microbes, and strains the adrenal glands. Over time, excess refined sugar can: - Worsen insulin resistance - Disrupt gut health - Increase anxiety and mood swings - Deplete minerals needed for energy and hormone balance - And it is no doubt “addictive” ## Better Sweeteners from an Ayurvedic Perspective Ayurveda doesn’t say you can’t enjoy sweet — it encourages better forms of sweet taste and understands which body types need what. Healthier sweeteners include: - Raw honey (never cooked) - Pure maple syrup - Jaggery - Coconut sugar These sweeteners still require moderation, but they provide nourishment rather than depletion when used mindfully. Then there is monk fruit extract and stevia which are used to mimic sweet taste naturally without spiking your blood sugar. ## The Emotional Side of Sweet Cravings On a deeper level, sweet taste is emotionally comforting, reassuring, and nurturing . It’s often our first association with love — breast milk, warm meals, family traditions, and celebrations. During the holidays, sweet cravings may arise not just from physical hunger, but from: - Loneliness or grief - Emotional overwhelm - Feeling ungrounded or unsupported - A need for rest, pleasure, or reassurance Recognizing the emotional layer of cravings allows us to respond with compassion rather than restriction. Pay attention to how you are feeling. Simply making space to feel what you are feeling and listen to what is going on is the first step to addressing cravings. ## Simple Tips to Curb Holiday Sweet Cravings If sugar is something you struggle with, take a look at the suggestions below. Can you commit to 1-2 changes this week? - Eat regular, grounding meals with protein, healthy fats, and warm cooked foods - Include naturally sweet foods like roasted root vegetables, oats, and stewed fruit - Balance your plate — ensure all six tastes are present - Pause before reaching for sweets and ask: “What do I actually need right now?” - Support your nervous system with warm teas, meditation, and adequate sleep - Choose better sweeteners and savour them slowly, without guilt ### A Gentle Reminder Sweet cravings are not something to “fight.” They are information. When we listen closely, they guide us back to nourishment, balance, and care — especially during the emotionally rich and demanding holiday season. Working with cravings rather than against them is the most sustainable path to lasting health. And if this is something you have tried but find it hard to do on your own — its ok, this is a very common challenge. You can work with your practitioner In my practice, I have seen people struggle for years but I have also seen many people come out of cravings within weeks with the right customized approach with Ayurvedic understanding, balanced diet, cleansing herbs and the right mindset — to the point where they feel like their taste buds have changed and they no longer crave sweets. Then they feel truly free. If this is something you would like to work on, speak with [Dr. Leena Sripada, ND.](/contact) 6 Flavours in the Ayurvedic Plate www.doctorleena.ca [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Digital Fasting: Resetting Your Brain in an Always-On World" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-20" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-20" lastmod: "2025-11-14T18:56:00.000Z" --- We’ve all heard of intermittent fasting — taking scheduled breaks from food to detox the body, reset digestion, and improve blood sugar balance. But there’s another kind of fasting that’s just as vital for our well-being: digital fasting . Do you remember what it was like around 15-20 years ago when there were no smartphones? Digital fasting means consciously taking breaks from technology — your phone, laptop, TV, social media, and even notifications. It’s a reset for your brain and nervous system in a world that never stops pinging, buzzing, or demanding your attention. #### The Hidden Drain on Our Energy Last week, I offered a webinar on women’s health and burnout and we were talking about all the factors that lead us to feeling depleted. Later that week while I was reflecting on our discussion, there was once obvious ‘drain’ that I had overseen: the digital drain . We often talk about overwork, lack of sleep, emotional fatigue and lack of vitamins — but few of us recognize how constant digital exposure depletes our internal battery. And its happening more and more and to YOUNGER PEOPLE as well - including teens & children. Every beep, vibration, and pop-up nudges our nervous system into “on” mode. Even when we’re not consciously reacting, our bodies are subtly preparing to respond — a continuous low-level stress that keeps adrenaline trickling and prevents full rest. Over time, this leaves us frazzled, distracted, and strangely tired even after a “quiet” day online. #### The Dopamine Loop Have you heard about dopamine? Each scroll, click, or notification gives us a tiny hit of dopamine — the same neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward. This creates a powerful feedback loop: we keep checking, refreshing, and consuming to feel that next micro-burst of pleasure. There is an empty sense of accomplishment. But the problem? Our brains were never designed for such constant stimulation. Over time, we build tolerance , meaning we need more digital input to feel satisfied — just like any other form of addiction. That’s why many people feel anxious when they try to “unplug.” #### Why Digital Fasting Works Just like intermittent fasting allows the body to rest and repair, digital fasting gives the mind space to recalibrate. When you consciously unplug: - You stop energy leaks. Constant notifications drain your attention — and attention is energy. Reducing digital noise allows you to reclaim mental clarity. - Your nervous system resets. The absence of digital triggers lets your body downshift from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest.” - You reconnect with the present. Without the pull of screens, conversations become deeper, food tastes better, and you notice small joys that often go unseen. - Creativity and focus return. When your mind isn’t overstimulated, it naturally finds flow again. #### How to Practice Digital Fasting There’s no one right way to do it — start small and build gradually. Here are some ideas: - The 16-Hour Digital Fast – Similar to intermittent fasting, pick a 16-hour window (for example, 8 p.m. to noon) where you completely unplug. Use mornings for reflection, journaling, or movement before logging on. - No Phone First Thing – Delay checking your phone for the first hour after waking. Protect your mental space before the world’s noise enters. - No Social Media Before Noon – Give your brain time to focus on creative or meaningful work before the dopamine hits of scrolling. - 24-Hour Digital Break – One day a week, disconnect entirely. Read, walk, cook, or spend time with loved ones — screen-free. - Tech-Free Zones – Keep phones out of bedrooms and dining areas. Create sacred spaces for rest and connection. #### Tools That Can Help Ironically, a few smart apps can support your digital fast: - [Freedom](https://freedom.to/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21005890927&gbraid=0AAAAADriA-DxzerCBsOE4e7WCC_vT331L&gclid=CjwKCAiA_orJBhBNEiwABkdmjEEr9Jv4ifp8mRjzV64mWEtkKNFDYLxZ8oBfeBah9ZQViwZeDjlq_hoCLUYQAvD_BwE) – block distracting sites and apps for set periods. - [Forest](https://www.forestapp.cc/) – gamifies focus by growing a virtual tree each time you stay off your phone. - [Digital Wellbeing](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.wellbeing&hl=en_CA) (Android) or [Screen Time](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/iphone/iphbfa595995/ios) (iPhone) – track usage and set limits. In the end, digital fasting isn’t about rejecting technology - it’s about reclaiming balance and using it wisely instead of being ‘run by it’. By stepping back from the constant noise, we conserve energy, restore focus, and return to what truly matters: being fully present, grounded, and alive in our own lives. If you struggle with anxiety, lack of focus, exhaustion or burnout - consider a digital fast as part of your routine. Don’t just think about it, make a plan. Need some support with this? Let’s talk about a strategy to support your nervous system. 👉 [www.doctorleena.ca/contact](https://www.doctorleena.ca/contact) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Reset Your Rhythm: Daylight Saving Cortisol Balance & Ayurveda" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-21" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-21" lastmod: "2025-11-03T00:41:31.000Z" --- # Reset Your Rhythm: Daylight Saving Cortisol Balance & Ayurveda #### Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC As daylight saving time arrived this past weekend, it prompted me to reflect on our circadian rhythms and what it takes to maintain a smooth transition with a 1- hour difference. Many of us feel subtly “off.” Our mornings may more relaxed….or groggier with sleeping in and our evenings more restless or tired with the earlier sunset and it can take days—or even weeks—to feel in sync again. While this may seem like a small modern inconvenience, Ayurveda recognized the importance of these internal and external rhythms thousands of years ago. This seasonal clock change is an invitation to pause and realign our body’s natural rhythms—especially the delicate dance between cortisol, our primary stress hormone, and the body’s circadian clock. ### The Science of Cortisol and the Circadian Rhythm Cortisol is an essential hormone - its not just a stress hormone, but a hormone which helps us feel alert, awake and energized. It follows a precise daily rhythm: it peaks in the early morning, helping us wake up with energy, and gradually decline through the day, reaching its lowest levels at night to allow rest and repair. But when our light exposure, meal timing, or sleep schedule shift—even by an hour—this rhythm can become disrupted. You might notice: - Difficulty falling asleep or waking up, - Midday drops of energy or “wired but tired” energy at night, - Increased cravings or stress sensitivity. Cortisol is deeply tied to our body’s internal clock , influencing metabolism, mood, digestion, and immune balance. A sudden time shift can feel like mild jet lag to our adrenal and nervous systems. ### Ayurveda’s Wisdom on Daily Rhythms Long before modern chronobiology, Ayurveda described the importance of aligning with the cycles of nature —what we now call circadian rhythms. Through dinacharya , or daily routine, Ayurveda teaches that the body, mind, and spirit thrive when we rise, eat, work, and rest in harmony with the movements of the sun. Each time of day is governed by a different dosha : - Kapha (6–10 a.m./p.m.) – grounded, steady energy; ideal for gentle movement and consistency. - Pitta (10 a.m.–2 p.m./p.m.) – sharp, focused energy; best for digestion and productivity. - Vata (2–6 a.m./p.m.) – light, creative energy; ideal for meditation or reflective evening wind-downs. When we follow these natural doshic cycles, cortisol naturally aligns with its intended rhythm. When we resist them—staying up late, skipping meals, or working through the night—our hormones, digestion, and sleep fall out of sync. ### What the Time Change Teaches Us The shift in daylight is more than a logistical adjustment, it’s a reminder to come back to rhythmic living . Our bodies rely on consistency: light cues, mealtimes, and rest cycles are all anchors for hormonal balance. Ayurveda views this transition as a Vata-aggravating moment, when instability and overstimulation increase. To ground this energy, we can emphasize warmth, nourishment, and steady self-care rituals that restore calm and structure. Even simple acts like stepping outside into morning sunlight, maintaining regular mealtimes, and winding down with warm oil massage or herbal tea in the evening can help reorient the body. ### Ayurvedic Tips to Reset After the Time Change 1. Morning sun. Within an hour of waking, expose yourself to natural light, ideally outdoors. This signals your brain to raise cortisol naturally and reset your circadian clock. It is the simplest thing to help us reset, yet how many of us do it, in modern day? 2. Keep consistent wake and sleep times. Try to wake and sleep at the same time daily—even on weekends. Regularity is medicine for Vata imbalance. 3. Eat your main meal at midday. Follow the sun’s peak energy (Pitta time) for your largest, most nourishing meal. This reinforces healthy digestion and energy flow. 4. Ground your evenings. Dim lights after sunset, avoid overstimulation, and include calming rituals such as abhyanga (warm oil self-massage), gentle yoga, or sipping spiced herbal milk or tea. 5. Support your adrenals with adaptogens. Herbs like ashwagandha , shatavari, rhodiola and licorice help buffer stress and promote a balanced cortisol rhythm. Speak with your Ayurvedic practitioner. ### A Moment to Realign This subtle one-hour shift in time can serve as a powerful reminder: our bodies are always in dialogue with nature. When we honor the rising and setting of the sun, eat and rest with consistency, and live in rhythm with the earth’s cycles, we restore balance not just to our hormones—but to our sense of ease, clarity, and vitality. As the clocks change, let this be your gentle nudge to reset your rhythm —to bring awareness, anchor your routines, and let your internal clock find harmony once again. ### Want to learn more? 🌿 Join me for an upcoming webinar on “Avoid Burnout with Ayurveda” We’ll explore how to naturally support your cortisol, daily rhythms and strengthen your energy, to prevent burnout with Ayurvedic and naturopathic tools. 👉 [Click here to reserve your spot](https://ca01web.zoom.us/meeting/register/q-ZkxnANQSmlo-lnXa029g#/registration) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Feeling Burnt Out?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-22" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-22" lastmod: "2025-10-16T17:06:00.000Z" --- ## Understanding the 4 Stages of Adrenal Fatigue — and How Ayurveda Can Help Do you ever hit that afternoon crash , reaching for coffee or sugar just to make it through the day? Do you wake up tired even after a full night’s sleep , or feel wired but tired late at night? You’re not alone — and it’s not “just stress.” It could be adrenal insufficiency , also known as adrenal burnout or adrenal fatigue is your body’s way of saying enough is enough . It’s time to find the leaks and start rebuilding. ### What Is Adrenal Insufficiency (or Adrenal Fatigue)? Your adrenal glands are two small but mighty glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They produce hormones like cortisol , adrenaline , and DHEA , which regulate energy, metabolism, stress response, and immune balance. When life’s stressors pile up — emotional strain, overwork, poor sleep, or chronic inflammation — your adrenals are forced to stay “switched on” for too long. This constant cortisol output keeps you in survival mode and gradually leads to depletion, leaving you fatigued, foggy, and less resilient. While “adrenal fatigue” isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, in naturopathic and Ayurvedic medicine it represents a functional imbalance — the stage between optimal health and burnout. Ayurveda describes this as a loss of ojas , your deep life essence that governs immunity, vitality, and emotional stability. ### The 4 Stages of Adrenal Fatigue #### Stage 1: The Alarm Phase – Wired for Survival Your body responds to stress with a rush of cortisol and adrenaline. You feel alert, driven, and capable — maybe even unstoppable. Sleep might feel optional, and your to-do list never ends. But inside, your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Ayurvedically: This is a Pitta imbalance — fire in overdrive. Signs: Racing thoughts, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and digestive upset. #### Stage 2: The Resistance Phase – Running on Reserve The stress continues. Cortisol remains moderately high to keep you going. You’re functioning — but fatigue starts creeping in. You rely on caffeine or sugar for energy and may notice afternoon crashes , bloating , or PMS symptoms . Ayurvedically: Both Pitta and Vata are now disturbed — the fire flickers, and the wind fans it unpredictably. Signs: Brain fog, irregular sleep, caffeine dependence, mild weight gain, and restlessness. #### Stage 3: The Exhaustion Phase – When the Tank Is Empty Now cortisol production begins to decline. You wake up tired, feel tired all day, and crave salty or sweet foods. Small stressors feel overwhelming. Your immunity dips, and you may experience depression or hormonal irregularities. Ayurvedically: Vata predominates — the system is dry, depleted, and unstable. Ojas (vital energy) is low. Signs: Fatigue, dizziness, low mood, low libido, and frequent illness. #### Stage 4: Burnout – Adrenal Insufficiency Your adrenals can no longer meet the body’s demands. You feel detached, flat, and unable to recover from even minor exertion. Thyroid imbalances, chronic fatigue, and blood sugar instability often appear. Ayurvedically: Profound ojas depletion and dhatu (tissue) weakness . Signs: Emotional numbness, exhaustion, poor stress tolerance, and deep physical fatigue. ### Why It Happens In today’s world, we often live in constant output mode — caring, managing, achieving, and rarely pausing. Emotional suppression, multitasking, nutrient-poor diets, and lack of true rest create a chronic stress loop . From an Ayurvedic perspective, burnout is the result of Vata aggravation (nervous system overactivity) and ojas depletion (loss of essence and resilience). It’s your body’s way of saying, “You’ve been giving more than you’ve been receiving.” ✨ SO WHERE TO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE STAGES ABOVE? ✨ ### How to Prevent and Support Burnout Naturally Healing from adrenal fatigue is about restoring rhythm , nourishing deeply , and rebuilding ojas — your body’s sacred reserve of energy and immunity. #### 🌿 1. Prioritize Rest and Routine Create a soothing daily rhythm (dinacharya) : Wake and sleep at consistent times, eat warm meals, and build mini-rest moments into your day. Going to bed before 10 p.m. supports natural cortisol rhythms. #### 🧘‍♀️ 2. Calm the Nervous System Gentle yoga, pranayama, meditation, and nature walks help retrain your stress response. Ten minutes of deep breathing daily can signal to your body that it’s safe to relax. #### 🥣 3. Nourish Deeply Favor warm, grounding foods : root vegetables, soups, ghee, oatmeal, dates, and soaked almonds. Avoid skipping meals or relying on caffeine and sugar which only temporarily give energy but deplete you in the long-run. Adaptogens are herbs that are strengthening tonics and may include - Ashwagandha – Calms the mind and rebuilds adrenal strength. - Shatavari – Restores feminine hormones and vitality. - Licorice root – Supports cortisol balance (avoid with high blood pressure). - Gingsengs and more This is always best customized by your practitioner as herbs that are aligned to your system will be the most efficient and safe. #### 💛 4. Rebuild Ojas Replenish your ojas with daily abhyanga (warm oil self-massage), spiced milk with nutmeg or cardamom before bed, and cultivating joy, gratitude, and meaningful connection. #### ☀️ 5. Address Root Causes Work with a qualified naturopathic or Ayurvedic practitioner to uncover underlying stressors — such as nutrient deficiencies, thyroid issues, emotional burnout, or chronic inflammation and to support you based on which stage you are in. Healing requires addressing both the physical and emotional roots. THIS TAKES TIME AND GUIDANCE TO HEAL. ### 🌸 Ready to Prevent Burnout — the Ayurvedic Way? Burnout isn’t a personal failure — it’s a wise message from your body to pause, replenish, and return to balance. By aligning with your natural rhythms, nourishing yourself deeply, and restoring ojas, you can rediscover calm, clarity, and vibrant energy. Your body has an incredible capacity to heal — when you give it permission to rest. Join me for my upcoming FREE WEBINAR: “Preventing Burnout with Ayurveda” , where we’ll explore how to understand your unique dosha patterns, balance your nervous system, and rebuild resilience naturally. ✨ Reserve your FREE SPOT on Saturday Nov. 8th ——> [here](https://ca01web.zoom.us/meeting/register/q-ZkxnANQSmlo-lnXa029g) : ✨ [REGISTER](https://ca01web.zoom.us/meeting/register/q-ZkxnANQSmlo-lnXa029g#/registration) [REGISTER](https://ca01web.zoom.us/meeting/register/q-ZkxnANQSmlo-lnXa029g#/registration) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "End of Summer Cleansing: Cooling Pitta, Calming Vata" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-23" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-23" lastmod: "2025-09-07T00:04:01.000Z" --- By Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC September is an interesting combination of hot days and cooler nights representing an interplay of Pitta and Vata . If your constitution is a Vata-Pitta, this is an especially important time to tend to balance: cleansing the excess Pitta heat that has built up over the summer, while gently pacifying Vata as the winds of fall begin to stir. ## Summer’s Pitta Build-Up Summer is the season of Pitta dosha , with its qualities of heat, intensity, sharpness, and drive. For many, this is the time of year when Pitta imbalances begin to show up. Think of: - Skin issues like acne, rashes, hives, or redness. - Digestive heat such as loose stools, heartburn, or acidity. - Overwork and burn-out from the fiery drive to “do it all” while the sun is high. - Irritability, frustration, or impatience in the mind. By the time we reach September, Pitta has accumulated. If this is not released, this heat can carry into autumn and winter, contributing to chronic inflammation, fatigue, and stress. Ayurveda emphasizes cleansing at the transition of each seasonal change. ## An Ayurvedic End-of-Summer Pitta Cleanse Ayurveda recommends a gentle seasonal detox , not through harsh fasting, but through foods, herbs, and routines that cool, soothe, and release excess heat . ### Diet for Pitta Detox - Favor cooling, hydrating foods - Choose lightly cooked meals rather than heavy or oily foods, to give digestion a rest. - Avoid excessive spicy, fried, or sour foods which fuel Pitta. - Opt for bitter and astringent tastes (like leafy greens and legumes) to naturally detoxify —> eat what grows in your garden or farmer’s market (swiss chard, rapini, herbs) ### Herbal Allies - Neem – cooling and purifying for skin, blood, and liver. - Manjistha – supports lymphatic cleansing and skin health. ( Burdock is similar to this as well). - Triphala – gently regulates elimination, clearing excess Pitta from the GI tract. *work with your Ayurvedic practitioner for specific herbal suggestions customized for your constitution. ## The Rise of Vata As the days shorten and evenings become crisp, Vata qualities begin to dominate: light, dry, cold, and mobile. You can see Vata in the natural world—in the cool wind, dry leaves, and shifting seasons. In the body and mind, this can show up as: - Dry skin and hair - Gas, bloating, or constipation - Anxiety, worry, or restlessness - also a sense of loneliness or emptiness - Irregular sleep patterns Without care, the combination of lingering Pitta heat and rising Vata dryness can leave you feeling depleted, irritable, and ungrounded. ## Tips for Fall Vata Care - Warm, grounding meals – Shift toward soups, stews, roasted root vegetables, and warm grains with ghee. - Daily oil massage (Abhyanga) – Use warm sesame oil to nourish skin, calm the nervous system, and counter dryness. - Stable daily routine – Eat, sleep, and work at regular times to calm Vata’s irregular nature. - Gentle movement – Choose yoga, walking, or stretching instead of high-intensity exercise that further depletes energy. ## Seasonal wisdom The transition from summer to fall is a powerful opportunity to restore balance. By cleansing accumulated Pitta heat and protecting against rising Vata , you prepare your body and mind for the months ahead with steadiness and resilience. Think of it as clearing the slate—releasing summer’s excess fire so you can welcome autumn’s winds with calm, grounded strength. If you would like to discuss end of summer cleansing or transition into fall, you can book your consultation here with[Dr. Leena Sripada, ND](/doctor-leena-bio). The transition of seasons are always important for your Ayurvedic checkup to prevent immune issues, digestive imbalance and aggravation of current health issues - especially if you are a combination of vata + pitta. If you would like to read more about ways to address pitta, check out the NEW BOOK released [“](/cool-the-fire) [Cool the Fire”](/cool-the-fire) with 100+ pages of practical Ayurveda. —> Contact: [https://www.doctorleena.ca/contact](https://www.doctorleena.ca/contact) Cool the Fire , is a practical guide to help you calm the summer flames. Inside, you’ll not only discover simple recipes, soothing rituals, and cooling remedies — you’ll also meet the Pitta archetypes which help you identify and understand more about your Ayurvedic type. Read more —→ [COOL THE FIRE: Read more](/cool-the-fire) [COOL THE FIRE: Read more](/cool-the-fire) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "More Info, More Confusion? Google & ChatGPT Health Advice" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-24" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-24" lastmod: "2025-08-08T19:24:00.000Z" --- # More Info, More Confusion? Google & ChatGPT Health Advice ### A Conversation About Technology, Health Information & Human Connection A few years ago, I wrote a post called “ [Is Google Your Doctor?](/blog/2019/3/11/is-google-your-doctor) ” about the growing trend of turning to the internet for medical advice. I had many patients coming in with self-diagnosed conditions and wanted confirmation about what they had read. Or I had the patients that were terrified that there benign symptoms might be cancer. Fast forward to today, and the conversation has expanded. Now we have intelligent tools like ChatGPT, health tracking apps, symptom checkers, and AI-powered diagnostics — all designed to make information more accessible than ever before. But while technology in healthcare has made remarkable strides, it’s important to pause and ask: is more information always better? And are these tools replacing something essential — the human connection, strategy, and personalized care that true healing often requires? Let’s explore this together. ### 1. How Technology Has Changed Medical and Patient Care There’s no denying it — technology has transformed the way we manage our health. Today, you can: - Track your heart rate, sleep patterns, and blood sugar with wearable devices. - Look up symptoms, treatment options, and natural remedies with a quick online search. - Use AI tools like ChatGPT to explain lab results or suggest lifestyle changes. Even conventional healthcare systems are integrating telemedicine, AI-based diagnostic tools, and virtual health coaches. This increased accessibility empowers people to be active participants in their health, saving time, money, and reducing the intimidation that often comes with medical jargon or in-person consultations. Its save time, money and the need for wait times. ### 2. The Rise of Google, ChatGPT & AI for Health Advice People are increasingly using Google and AI tools like ChatGPT to: - Research symptoms and conditions before deciding whether to visit a doctor. - Look up natural remedies, Ayurvedic herbs, and home treatment options. - Create diet or exercise plans based on popular trends or AI recommendations. - Find online communities for support and shared experiences. And on the surface, this seems helpful. It’s fast, free, and convenient — giving people a sense of control over their well-being. But does it come at a cost? ### 3. The Pitfalls: When Too Much (or Misguided) Information Can Be Harmful But here’s the reality: technology can be a double-edged sword. Information without context can lead to: - Misdiagnosis: It’s easy to mistake a minor symptom for a serious illness — or overlook warning signs when self-diagnosing through a screen. - Overwhelm: Endless scrolling through articles, forums, and AI suggestions can leave you more anxious and confused than when you started. - Generic advice: AI tools, while intelligent, don’t know you . Your unique health history, lifestyle, emotional patterns, and (from an Ayurvedic perspective) your body type (dosha) matter immensely when determining what’s right for you. - Mismatched remedies: For example, someone with a fiery Pitta constitution might read an AI-recommended diet high in spicy, stimulating foods — worsening their imbalance without realizing it. While tools like ChatGPT can offer general education and even interesting insights, they lack the nuance to recognize how a recommendation might affect you personally . ### 4. Is ChatGPT Your Doctor? The Value of Human Guidance Technology can be a helpful ally when used wisely. It can: ✅ Provide general education. ✅ Help you ask better questions at your next appointment. ✅ Offer reminders about lifestyle habits and track progress. But it’s not a replacement for human care . In today’s world, what people truly need isn’t just more information — it’s a STRATEGY . A personalized, thoughtful plan that respects your whole being: mind, body, and spirit. And sometimes, most importantly, you need someone experienced in your corner — to help interpret, filter, and prioritize where to start and what matters for you . ### Why Work with a Naturopathic or Ayurvedic Doctor? As a practitioner in this field, my role isn’t just to provide information — it’s to: ✨ Understand your unique constitution, health history, and current challenges. ✨ Create a personalized strategy for your healing journey that we co-create in discussions. ✨ Offer both conventional insight and time-tested natural approaches that have worked for so many people. ✨ Provide the human connection, accountability, and compassionate guidance that no app or AI can replace. Because real healing happens through conversation, intuition, and relationship — not just algorithms . ### Final Thoughts Technology will continue to evolve, and it’s wonderful that tools like ChatGPT can empower people to learn about their health. We are way more educated than one generation ago. But remember: more information isn’t always better . Personalized guidance and teamwork is what leads to true, sustainable wellness. So go ahead — use the tools. But also find your trusted human guide, whether it’s a naturopathic doctor, Ayurvedic practitioner, or other holistic professional. Together, we can turn information into wisdom and action that works for you. Ready to start (or re-start) your personalized health strategy? Let’s work together — I’d be happy to support you. 🌸 Dr. Leena Sripada, ND | [www.DoctorLeena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca/) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Ayurveda & Ice Cream" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-25" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-25" lastmod: "2025-07-07T18:55:16.000Z" --- # Ayurveda & Ice Cream ## Ayurveda & Ice Cream: Can You Have Your Scoop and Stay Balanced Too? Ah, ice cream. That creamy, dreamy, melt-on-your-tongue summer treat we all adore. But if you’ve dabbled in Ayurveda, you’ve probably heard that cold, heavy, and overly sweet foods aren’t exactly celebrated in the traditional texts. So what’s an ice cream lover to do? Good news: Ayurveda is a science of living in harmony with nature and yourself , not about rigid rules. The key lies in understanding how, when, and what kind of ice cream you indulge in to minimize digestive and doshic imbalances. Let’s dive in, shall we? ## 🍨 Why Ice Cream Is Tricky in Ayurveda From an Ayurvedic perspective, ice cream is: - Cold → weakens agni (digestive fire), can slow digestion, and create ama (toxins). - Heavy → hard to digest, especially when combined with other foods. - Sweet → increases Kapha and of course, not good for glycemix index (blood sugar). Dairy can be another sensitivity that adds to heaviness and congestion. However — Ayurveda isn’t anti-pleasure. The goal is mindful indulgence. You can enjoy ice cream as a summer treat if you honor your dosha type, choose wisely, and eat it with intention. ## 🍦 How to Enjoy Ice Cream — Ayurvedically - ### Choose the Right Time - Best time: Midday into early afternoon (1–3 pm) when agni is naturally strongest. You want to wait at least an hour after lunch though so you don’t compromise digestion. - Avoid late nights or directly after a heavy meal (prime ama-building moments). ### 2. Choose Flavours & Ingredients based on Dosha ### Vata Tends to have weak digestion, cold hands & feet, and sensitivity to cold foods. Best Choices: - Small amounts of warmer , spiced dairy-free options (almond or oat milk based) - Flavours like vanilla, mango, or cardamom - Add warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger Avoid: - Frozen, super-cold desserts straight from the freezer. Let it soften a little first. Tip: Pair with a warm herbal tea afterwards (like ginger or cinnamon tea) to aid digestion. Keep portions small. ### Pitta Already hot by nature — they crave cooling things but need to avoid heavy, mucus-forming dairy and overly sugary treats which cause inflammation. Best Choices: - Coconut milk or almond milk ice creams - Flavours like rose, mango, vanilla, saffron - Sweeten with natural options like maple syrup or coconut sugar Avoid: - Overeating - Excessive sugar Tip: Add cooling herbs like cardamom, fennel, or mint. ### Kapha Prone to sluggish digestion, congestion, and weight gain. Already cold by nature. Best Choices: - Light, dairy-free options (almond or oat milk) - Flavours like spiced chai, ginger-cardamom, or fruit-based sorbets - Sweeten lightly with stevia or minimal coconut sugar Avoid: - Heavy dairy ice cream, especially at night - Overly sweet, dense desserts Tip: Enjoy ice cream after a brisk walk or some light exercise to stoke agni. ## 🍨 Ayurvedic-Inspired Ice Cream Ideas Golden Milk Ice Cream - Coconut milk base - Turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper - Sweetened with maple syrup Mango-Rose Sorbet - Fresh mango puree - Rose water - Coconut sugar Spiced Chai Almond Ice Cream - Almond milk base - Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom - Sweetened with dates ## Final Thoughts In Ayurveda, it’s not about deprivation — it’s about wisdom. Yes, ice cream may not be a textbook Ayurvedic food, but summer joys are meant to be savored, mindfully and moderately. By choosing appropriate flavours, eating at the right time, and honoring your unique constitution, you can enjoy your ice cream without freezing your agni or upsetting your doshas. So go ahead — have your scoop in moderation and enjoy summer! ———————-> If you’d like to learn more about your Dosha Type, you can access your free dosha quiz [here .](/s/Dosha-Quiz-2025.pdf) For more detailed constitutional assessment, you can book a consulation with Dr. Leena Sripada [here.](/contact) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Hormonal Health in Women: Ayurvedic Insights" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-27" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-27" lastmod: "2025-05-12T22:29:26.000Z" --- Hormonal shifts are a natural part of every woman’s life, from menstruation to menopause. While these transitions can bring challenges—like PMS, mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep issues—Ayurveda offers powerful tools to restore balance gently and effectively. Understanding the root causes through an Ayurvedic lens can help women navigate hormonal changes with more ease and vitality. These are natural phases of life, when acknowledged, can be dealt with at ease. ### The Ayurvedic View on Hormonal Imbalance Ayurveda sees hormonal health as deeply connected to the balance of the three doshas: Vata , Pitta , and Kapha . Each dosha governs specific physiological and emotional functions: - Vata (air + ether) regulates movement, nervous system activity, and elimination. - Pitta (fire + water) governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation. - Kapha (earth + water) supports structure, lubrication, and emotional stability. Hormonal imbalances arise when these doshas go out of sync due to imbalanced diet, stress, lifestyle, environmental toxins, and disharmony between our body-mind-spirit. ### PMS Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) often reflects a Vata-Pitta imbalance , especially in the nervous and reproductive systems. Symptoms like anxiety, irritability, bloating, cramps, and insomnia point to excess Vata (irregularity and dryness) and Pitta (inflammation and intensity). We must remember that in a healthy woman, PMS symptoms typically should go almost unnoticed - which is uncommon these days because most people are out of balance! Ayurvedic Support: - Diet : Favor warm, cooked, grounding foods like stews, kitchari, and root vegetables. Include lots of ginger to promote circulation and reduce inflammation. Avoid caffeine and refined sugar which increases inflammation and avoid cold/raw foods which dampens agni. - Lifestyle : Balance activity with rest, gentle movement (like yoga or walking), and routine (dinacharya). Self-massage (abhyanga) with warm sesame oil calms Vata. Castor oil packs can reduce inflammation and strengthen digestion. - Herbs : Many of the root adaptagens like Shatavari, Aswagandha, Licorice help soothe the nervous system, tone the reproductive system and manage anxiety and fatigue. When to take them, how much and when is all part of a customized Ayurvedic health plan as each herb has unique actions. ### Perimenopause: A Vata Surge In perimenopause (the transitional years before menopause), Vata becomes dominant , leading to irregular periods, mood instability, dryness, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. Stress, multitasking, and overexertion can aggravate these symptoms. There is no set age, but typically this starts 40+ but can even start earlier in some individuals. Ayurvedic Support: - Diet : Eat nourishing and grounding foods—think ghee, avocados, cooked grains, and spiced milk with nutmeg. - Lifestyle : Stick to a calming daily routine. Prioritize sleep, warm baths, and restorative practices like yoga nidra or meditation. - Herbs : Shatavari remains a foundational herb, supporting estrogen balance and vitality. Vitex plays a role with supporting progesterone while Brahmi soothes the mind and nervous system. It is very crucial to implement rejuvenation treatments at this phase since if addressed early, it paves way for a smooth menopause. Many women however, don’t realize these hormonal changes are at the root of their symptoms and often don’t seek treatment until they feel they are losing control over their health. ### Menopause: Fire Meets Air As menstruation ends, women may experience hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and thinning tissues . This is a combined Pitta-Vata imbalance —Pitta’s fire shows up in heat and frustration, while Vata contributes to dryness, instability and unexplained anxiety. Ayurvedic Support: - Diet : Emphasize cooling, hydrating, and grounding foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, dates and ghee. Spices such as saffron, coriander and fennel are also supportive. Mung beans are excellent for liver cleansing as well. Avoid alcohol, spicy food, and stimulants. - Lifestyle : Embrace a slower rhythm. Practice self-care rituals that calm and cool—moon salutations, journaling, or cooling pranayama like Sheetali breath. - Herbs : Shatavari , Licorice , Ashoka, Kumari and Amalaki are all excellent as customized based on your dosha type and health concerns. These herbs nourish and lubricate tissues while supporting hormone balance and liver detox. ### Holistic Tips for All Hormonal Stages Regardless of age or health status, these Ayurvedic tips support hormonal resilience: - Eat with the seasons and honor your digestion and dosha—don’t skip meals or eat late at night. - Sleep is sacred —aim for 7–8 hours of quality rest before 10 p.m. - Acknowledge stressful factors: unravel old patterns through daily breathwork, nature time, or creative expression. - Stay hydrated with warm herbal teas like CCF, lemon balm, ginger, or chamomile. - Track your cycle or symptoms with a journal to notice patterns and respond early. ### Final Thoughts Ayurveda reminds us that hormonal changes are not problems to fix, but natural shifts to honor. By listening to your body, staying in rhythm with nature, and nourishing yourself deeply, you can experience your hormonal journey not as a burden—but as a gateway to greater wisdom and balance. Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC is an experienced naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner who blends the best of both healing systems. She integrates the abundance of health information into a relevant, practical approach for patients to promote deeper health transformation in individuals who are seeking positive challenge and change. BOOK YOUR VISIT HERE: [https://app.outsmartemr.com/online-booking/2959/DrLeena](https://app.outsmartemr.com/online-booking/2959/DrLeena) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Let's Talk about Sweat" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2025-8" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2025-8" lastmod: "2025-06-16T17:00:41.000Z" --- By [Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC](https://www.doctorleena.ca) In a passing conversation, I heard that some people are getting their sweat gland removed from their armpits. Why? So you can’t see their sweat. As health care practitioner, this was almost disturbing for me to hear… Sweating is essential for detox, sweating is essential to regulate our body temperatures. If we suppress our sweat, it is bound to show up as toxins in other ways with repercussions. And as we enter the hot, summer, sweaty season, let’s talk about it! When was the last time you broke a good sweat? Was it during a workout, a summer heatwave, or perhaps a nervous moment before a big presentation? However it happened, sweating is one of the most natural — and essential — processes our bodies perform. Yet, we often overlook its importance or even try to suppress it. Let’s dive deeper into why sweating matters for your health, how it functions in both modern medicine and ancient healing traditions like Ayurveda, and how to support healthy sweating and hydration for optimal wellbeing. ### Why Do We Sweat? At its core, sweating is your body’s natural way of regulating temperature. When your internal body temperature rises, your brain signals the sweat glands to release fluid onto the surface of your skin. As this moisture evaporates, it cools your body down. But sweat isn’t just about temperature control. It also plays a vital role in: - Detoxification : Eliminating certain waste products and toxins. - Immune support : Creating a less hospitable environment for harmful microbes - Skin health : Helping to clear pores and improve skin tone and moisture. - Emotional release : Reflecting our inner state during stress, anxiety, or excitement ### Ayurveda’s View on Sweat In Ayurvedic medicine, sweda (sweat) is considered one of the essential waste products ( mala ) of the body. Healthy sweating is seen as a natural expression of balanced pitta dosha — the energy associated with heat, transformation, and metabolism. According to Ayurveda: - Excessive sweating may indicate aggravated pitta or aggravated vata through anxiety. - Minimal or absent sweating can suggest a sluggish metabolism, excess kapha, or blocked channels ( srotas ) or simply a cooler body type like vata. - Foul-smelling sweat may be a sign of accumulated toxins ( ama ) in the system and should not be suppressed with antiperspirants but should be dealt with by balancing the whole system. Balanced sweating maintains clear skin, supports digestive fire ( agni ), and helps maintain emotional equilibrium. ### The Benefits of a Good Sweat Beyond ancient wisdom and modern physiology, here’s what a good sweat session can offer: - Boosts circulation - Supports lymphatic drainage - Improves mood by releasing endorphins - Promotes skin detox and glow - Strengthens immune defenses - Reduces stress and tension ### Is It Possible to Sweat Too Much — or Not Enough? Yes. Both extremes can be signs of imbalance. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) may stem from: - High pitta constitution or imbalance - Anxiety and stress - Overstimulation from caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods - Certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism Insufficient sweating (anhidrosis or hypohidrosis) can be linked to: - Excess kapha dosha - Dehydration - Blocked sweat glands - Underactive thyroid - Chronic fatigue or certain autoimmune conditions ### Simple Ways to Encourage Healthy Sweating If you tend to feel heavy, congested, or emotionally stagnant, you might benefit from therapies that promote gentle sweating: - Sauna or steam baths (Ayurveda favors herbal steam therapy known as swedana often done after Ayurvedic oil massages to drive in the medicinal oils) - Brisk walks or gentle exercise - Dry brushing and abhyanga (warm oil massage) to open the channels - Drinking hydrating fluids (like natural electrolyte drinks) - Wearing natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo and silk to support natural perspiration ### When to Pay Attention to Your Sweat While sweating is normal and healthy, certain signs might warrant closer attention: - A sudden increase or decrease in sweat without obvious cause - Strong, unusual, or foul odors (indicating toxins like Candida ) - Night sweats without a known trigger - Drenching sweats paired with fever, weight loss, or fatigue In these cases, consult with your naturopathic doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner to identify underlying causes. ### Final Thoughts Sweating is far more than a messy side effect of summer heat or gym sessions — it’s a vital expression of your body’s intelligence and resilience. In both naturopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, we see it as a powerful tool for detoxification, emotional release, and maintaining energetic balance. So, the next time you feel a little glisten on your brow, thank your body for doing its beautiful work. ## Did you miss the Summer webinar with Ayurvedic tips to stay cool? Watch the replay —> [here](https://ca01web.zoom.us/rec/play/xDdTR5jXCGp8afLrj1n1bQKNG5EW67hp99hf5YDbyxJ06utLANMa5Lwn88UMMKijXWeilaEFfyUnZgvX.BmoxILHSOUsqusqG?eagerLoadZvaPages=sidemenu.billing.plan_management&accessLevel=meeting&canPlayFromShare=true&from=my_recording&continueMode=true&componentName=rec-play&originRequestUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fca01web.zoom.us%2Frec%2Fshare%2Fo01kIFZx_qt7u3Xe6kv6YFuarHf-vzwn_qYa126AEUpg4bY73eLd4W4p-zkycMLS.v2gjoAOqmX4C4uan) ## Replenish & Recharge: Citrus-Mint Electrolyte Drink Scrap the Gatorade full of artificial colour and sugar. Opt in for a naturally cooling, mineral-rich drink to replenish your body after sweating, promoting hydration, mineral balance, and digestive comfort - that is cheap and easy to make! ### Ingredients - Juice of 1 fresh lime (key limes are best) - 1–2 tsp pure maple syrup (or raw honey) - A pinch of natural rock salt or Himalayan pink salt - 6–8 fresh mint leaves, lightly crushed - 1½ cups (350 ml) fresh water - Optional : ¼ tsp magnesium powder ### Instructions - In a glass or jar, combine the lime juice, maple syrup, and salt. Stir until dissolved. - Add the crushed mint leaves. - Pour in the water and stir well. - Stir in magnesium powder if using. ### Ayurvedic Variations: Balance Your Dosha 🌿 Vata Balancing - Use warm water instead of cool - Add a pinch of ground ginger for warmth and digestion. 🔥 Pitta Balancing - Stick with slightly cool or room temperature water - Add extra mint leaves or a few rose petals for enhanced cooling - Use coconut water in place of filtered water for added natural electrolytes 🌱 Kapha Balancing - Use warm water - Add a pinch of black pepper or cayenne for metabolism support - Replace maple syrup with raw honey ( stir only after water cools slightly ) Doctor’s Tip: Sip this after your morning walk, post-workout, or any time you’ve worked up a healthy sweat to keep your body balanced and refreshed. ### Why This Works This simple drink replenishes vital minerals lost in sweat, soothes digestion, calms the nervous system, and keeps your doshas balanced after physical activity or heat exposure. 🌸 Crafted with care by Dr. Leena Sripada, ND | [www.DoctorLeena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Perimenopause: An Ayurvedic Perspective" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2026-13" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2026-13" lastmod: "2026-04-22T17:21:57.000Z" --- By Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC Have you noticed your fuse getting a little shorter lately? Maybe you’re waking up at 3:00 AM for no reason, staring at the ceiling while your mind races through a to-do list you haven’t even written yet. Or perhaps you’ve realized that the foods you used to love now leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. If you’re a woman in your 40s, you might have been told that this is just “part of getting older” or that you’re “just stressed.” But in Ayurveda, we see this differently. Perimenopause, in the years that lead into menopause is not a disease. It doesn’t mean you are breaking down. It is a natural transition. If you are in balance, this transition does not have to be as difficult and dramatic as we may hear. If you are not, this phase will amplify all the underlying issues you thought were just passing symptoms. As women, we often prioritize others and put ourselves last. We carry the weight of the household, the kids, the career, and the extended family, often running on 1% battery fueled by coffee – while wondering why we feel so ‘off.’ This phase of perimenopause is a natural shift that deserves a much better roadmap. Let’s explore this through the lens of Ayurveda. ## Moving into the ‘Wisdom Years’ In Ayurveda, life is divided into three stages governed by the doshas. Your childhood was the Kapha stage (growth). Your middle years – the ones you’re likely finishing up now – were the Pitta stage (productivity and achievement). Perimenopause marks the transition into the Vata stage of life . Vata is governed by air and space. It is light, cold, dry, and mobile. When we transition into this stage, we move away from the ‘doing’ and into the ‘knowing.’ It is traditionally called the ‘Wisdom Years.’ However, if your ‘fire’ (Pitta) was burning too hot for too long, or if your ‘foundation’ (Kapha) is depleted, this transition into the airy Vata stage can feel like walking into a windstorm. This is what many call the “chaos zone” of hormonal health. ## Understanding Your Imbalance Because everyone has a unique constitution, perimenopause doesn’t look the same for everyone. Your symptoms are simply your body’s way of saying, “I need a little help with this handover.” This is a unique perspective so I want to highlight this through the Ayurvedic lens. ### 1. Vata Imbalance Symptoms If Vata is high, you might feel like a leaf in the wind. You may experience: - Increased anxiety or ‘racing thoughts.’ - Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns. - Constipation and gas. - Takeaway: If you feel ‘wired but tired,’ your Vata likely needs grounding. ### 2. Pitta Imbalance Symptoms If you have a lot of internal heat, your perimenopause might feel a bit more… explosive. Look for: - Hot flashes and night sweats (usually later in menopause). - Irritability, anger, or even rage. - Heavy periods. - Takeaway: If you feel like you might snap at any moment, we need to cool your Pitta. ### 3. Kapha Imbalance Symptoms Sometimes, the transition feels heavy and stuck. Kapha symptoms include: - Sudden weight gain that won’t budge. - Feeling lethargic or ‘brain fog.’ - Fluid retention and swelling. - Depression or a sense of “heaviness” in the heart. - Takeaway: If you feel stuck and heavy, we need to clear the stagnation. ## How Ayurveda Supports the Shift In the Ayurvedic perspective, we look at your current transition through the framework of the 3 doshas – this is the foundation. - Digestion (Agni): If you aren’t absorbing your nutrients, your hormones don’t have the building blocks they need. - Adrenal Support: As your ovaries begin to ‘retire,’ your adrenal glands are supposed to take over estrogen production. If you are burnt out, they can’t do their new job effectively. - Rebuilding Reserves (Ojas): Ojas is your ‘vital essence.’ In our 40s, our Ojas is often depleted from years of over-working. Ayurveda uses specific foods and herbs to ‘juice up’ your system again. ## Join Our Upcoming Webinar If any of this resonated with you – let’s help you find your way back to center. We are hosting a webinar specifically for women navigating this transition. We will go beyond the basics, discussing specific Ayurvedic rituals, dietary shifts for your Dosha, and how to protect your energy during this transition. In this webinar, you will learn: - Perimenopause through the lens of the 3 doshas – to help you understand your type. - Ways to nourish your adrenals and hormones - Tips to build your ojas This is your time to move from ‘surviving’ to ‘thriving.’ You’ve spent years taking care of everyone else – it’s time to nourish yourself and find your roadmap back home. [Click here to register for the upcoming webinar](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0gtUphcGRUaXNahzgwmwNA#/registration) ! Join us on Wednesday, April 29th at 12:00pm. Dr. Leena Sripada helps women with chronic and complex health concerns reconnect with their body’s innate intelligence, through a unique integration of naturopathic medicine and Ayurveda. With over 15 years of clinical experience, she is among the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto, Canada with extensive training in Ayurveda, bridging modern diagnostics with time-honored healing systems. Visit: [www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca/) Original article published here: [https://www.caishayurveda.org/perimenopause-an-ayurvedic-perspective/](https://www.caishayurveda.org/perimenopause-an-ayurvedic-perspective/) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "FOOD AS MEDICINE & JOY: part 1 of 3" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2026-14" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2026-14" lastmod: "2026-03-10T03:56:47.000Z" --- # FOOD AS MEDICINE & JOY: part 1 of 3 Part 1 A Winter Reflection: Beyond the Supplement Part 2 Spring Fatigue, Allergies and Low Immunity Part 3 One Food. Every Season. Every Age. # A Winter Reflection: Beyond the Supplements By Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC On mung beans, real nourishment, and the ancient wisdom that speaks to everyone — across every season and every age. Winter is a beautiful season….if we are balanced enough to enjoy it. It’s festive, grounding and rich with family time and shared meals. In many ways, winter is the season that most naturally invites us back to the table. And yet every January, after the holidays, I notice the same thing — in my practice and on pharmacy shelves. Immune supplements, energy capsules, vitamin stacks. We reach for them with good intentions. I take supplements myself and they are part of my treatment plans. Part of why we need them is real — our soil is depleted, our food's nutrient profile is lower than it was for previous generations, and our lives are fast. They have their place. But I want to offer a gentle reminder. In the midst of optimising our nutrient intake, are we losing sight of something more fundamental — the profound, irreplaceable nourishment of real food? It might sound obvious…but let’s read on. #### Rasa: The Juice of Life In Ayurveda, there is a concept I return to again and again — in my practice and in my own life. It is called Rasa. Rasa is a beautifully layered word. It means: - taste and flavour - the essence of sensory enjoyment - experience - the very juice of life itself Rasa dhatu is the first tissue formed after digestion. It governs hydration, lymphatic flow, emotional nourishment, and the foundation of our vitality. When we eat real food with presence and enjoyment — when flavours open on the tongue and warmth spreads through the chest — we build healthy Rasa dhatu. When we eat without presence… rushing, distracted, stressed… Rasa becomes thin. This shows up as fatigue, anxiety, dryness, and that particular emotional hunger — a lack of satisfaction after meals that no supplement can touch. The body receives information, but not nourishment. There is a real difference between the two. And we feel it. A capsule can deliver nutrients. It cannot spark delight, create warmth, evoke memory, or satisfy the deep human need for real nourishment. #### The Power of Warm Broths in Winter Winter makes a specific and often underestimated metabolic demand. Our bodies work continuously to maintain core temperature — drawing on iron stores, protein reserves, and digestive fire — Agni — to convert food into usable energy and warmth. This is not depletion. It is the body doing exactly what it is designed to do. But it does mean that winter rewards deep, warming nourishment above all else. If you look across cultures that lived in cold climates — almost every one of them developed a tradition of warm broths, slow-cooked legumes, and spiced soups in winter. Not by coincidence. By centuries of accumulated wisdom about what a body needs when the temperature drops. "Food prepared with love and care, eaten in a calm and happy environment, nourishes us not just in the body — but in the nervous system and whole being." #### The Power of Mung Bean Soup in Ayurveda Among all the foods Ayurveda recommends for winter, mung beans hold a uniquely revered place. They are considered the most sattvic of legumes — bringing clarity and peace of mind alongside physical strength. Unlike heavier beans that can cause gas and sluggishness, mung beans are light enough to digest with ease, yet dense enough in nutrition to genuinely sustain. In my own home, one of the first things I make when the cold settles in is a lentil soup — a simple soup with split mung beans, veggies, simmered with turmeric, cumin, and ginger. It is warm, satisfying, and grounding in a way that is hard to describe but easy to feel. In my practice, it is often the first food I recommend to patients who are depleted, stressed, or simply in need of something real. A warm mung broth delivers on every level: - Plant protein: highly digestible, building immunity and strength without burdening digestion. - Iron: carrying oxygen to every cell, directly supporting warmth and sustained energy. - Prebiotic fibre: feeding beneficial gut bacteria, supporting immunity, and slow-release energy through cold, dark days. - B vitamins, magnesium and choline: supporting liver function, nerve health, and adrenal resilience. When mung beans are sprouted before preparation — as Ayurveda has always recommended — this nourishment deepens further. Sprouting breaks down antinutrients, making protein, iron, and B vitamins substantially more bioavailable. More absorbed. More delivered. More felt. This is not just a nutritious meal. It is Rasa dhatu being built in real time — hydration, vitality, and emotional ease replenishing with every warm sip. I recently discovered Moong Pani, which makes mung bean broths and meals, right here in Toronto. For those who don't have time to sprout and slow-cook traditionally — and most of us don't — Moong Pani bridges that gap. Sprouted mung beans, spiced with intention, ready in minutes. Not a supplement. Food. #### The Energetics of Eating In Ayurveda, how we eat matters as much as what we eat. There is a whole science of lifestyle — of daily rhythm, of eating at the right times for our constitution — that shapes how deeply food nourishes us. When we rush and eat without presence, even the most nutritious food does not fully nourish us. But healthy, fresh food prepared with love and care, eaten in a calm and happy environment, nourishes us not just in the body — but in the nervous system and whole being. The ritual of sitting with a warm cup of mung broth — holding it, breathing in the steam, tasting the spices — is as nourishing as the broth itself. #### A Final Thought In a season as rich and connective as winter, this is the invitation: return to the table. Let food be your first medicine. May we feel nourished, hydrated, and supported. May our Rasa be full and flowing. #### Next — Part 2: Spring Fatigue, Allergies and Low Immunity — Why That Happens and How to Change That → [Discover Moong Pani — sprouted mung bean broth for real nourishment](https://www.moongpani.com) Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC is a Naturopathic Doctor and Ayurvedic practitioner writing at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern health. To work with Dr Leena, you can visit: [www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) To learn more about Moong Pani, visit: [https://moongpani.com](https://moongpani.com/) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Struggling With Constant Noise?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2026-15" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2026-15" lastmod: "2026-03-03T20:23:34.000Z" --- Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC Many people don’t know this … but I am a musician. I was musician first before I became a doctor - and my experience of music and sound has also been a gateway to my nervous system. Trained through the conservatory since I was 6 years old, daily practice for years with commitment and dedication. Music has taken me to perform professionally around the globe, in areas as remote as the Himalayas, to popular venues in NY and beyond. But for me, the sound of the violin is something that can become so meditative for me, that I can forget about everything and just tune into the music. It doesn’t matter where I am or who I’m with, the experience of sound can be very profound. This means that I am also sensitive to sounds - not just loud sounds, but sounds that have certain frequencies - which includes sounds on phones, on tv, from electronics etc. So I want to bring this article to you to share something that most people don’t think about or know…but sound can be a gateway to healing as well….. Have you ever notice how you can be physically exhausted but still can't quiet your mind? Or how even in "silent" moments, your nervous system feels like it's still buzzing? Here's something you might not have considered: your ears are absorbing more stress than you realize . And in a world of pinging notifications, traffic hum, and the endless drone of devices, your nervous system is paying the price. The good news? Ayurveda has been working with sound as medicine for thousands of years: and it's not about adding more noise. It's about giving your system the right kind of sound to actually heal. ## The Ayurvedic View: Your Ears Are Portals to Space In Ayurveda, each of your five senses corresponds to an element. Your sense of hearing is governed by Akasha (Ether or Space): the most subtle element, the " container " from which everything else emerges. Think of it this way: space is the emptiness that allows sound to travel. When your sound environment is cluttered: constant background noise, overlapping conversations, the hum of electronics: it's like cramming too much into a container. There's no room for anything else to land. Including rest. The ear is also closely connected to Vayu (Air element), which governs movement, communication, and your nervous system. When Vata is aggravated (which happens easily in our modern, overstimulated lives), you feel it as anxiety, racing thoughts, restlessness, and that "wired but tired" sensation so many of us know too well. Here's the thing: Your nervous system doesn't distinguish between "important" and "unimportant" noise. It registers all of it as stimulation. And when you're constantly exposed to chaotic, unpredictable sound, your body stays locked in sympathetic mode - fight or flight - even when there's no actual danger. ## Modern Noise Pollution Is Hijacking Your Healing Let's be real: our ancestors didn't have text notifications every three minutes. The constant auditory input we experience daily keeps your nervous system on high alert, blocking your body's natural ability to enter the parasympathetic state (rest, digest, and repair). For women in perimenopause or dealing with burnout, this is even more critical. When your nervous system can't downshift, your hormones stay dysregulated, your sleep suffers, and inflammation runs rampant. You might be eating clean, taking your supplements, and moving your body: but if your ears are still processing stress signals all day, you're missing a major piece of the healing puzzle. This is where Ayurvedic sound therapy: called Naada Chikitsa : comes in. Unlike the chaotic noise that keeps you activated, therapeutic sound uses intentional, rhythmic vibrations to do the opposite; slow your brainwaves, release muscle tension, and guide your nervous system back into safety. ## How Sound Healing Actually Works Sound baths and Ayurvedic sound therapy aren't just "relaxing background music." They work through a process called brainwave entrainment : your brain literally synchronizes its activity with the vibrations it's receiving. When you're exposed to the deep, resonant tones of singing bowls, gongs, or chanting, your brain shifts from beta waves (alert, thinking mode) to alpha and theta waves (relaxed, meditative states). This isn't just a nice feeling: it's measurable nervous system regulation. Studies on singing bowl meditation show significant reductions in tension, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood after just one session. And unlike popping a pill or forcing yourself through another breathwork session when you're already depleted, sound therapy requires almost nothing from you. You just receive . In Ayurveda, we call this Sattvic sound - pure, balancing vibrations that restore harmony without adding more demands to your already-overloaded system. ## Your Sound Diet: Simple Practices for Home You don't need a crystal sound bath studio in your basement to benefit from this. Here are some ways to bring Ayurvedic sound healing into your daily routine 1. Morning Humming Before you even check your phone, sit quietly and hum with your lips closed. The vibration stimulates your vagus nerve - the main highway of your parasympathetic nervous system. 2. Intentional Silence Create pockets of true quiet in your day. No podcast, no music, no TV in the background. Let your ears rest . If you're someone who fills every moment with sound, this might feel uncomfortable at first: and that's exactly the point. 3. Chanting or Toning You don't need to be religious or know Sanskrit. Simply chanting "Om" or humming a single tone activates the same calming pathways. You can also try [AUM chanting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCrls7zpIic). 4. Sound Bath Recordings There are beautiful recordings of singing bowls, gongs, and tanpura available online. Even 10 minutes before bed can shift your nervous system into deep rest mode and improve sleep quality. 5. Notice Your Sound Environment Start paying attention to what your ears are taking in throughout the day. Can you turn off the TV when you're not actively watching? Silence your phone more often? Choose one room in your home to be a "quiet zone"? ## Nervous System Healing Is the Foundation In my practice, I see this pattern constantly: people doing all the right things: eating well, exercising, taking their herbs: but still feeling stuck because their nervous system never gets the signal that it's safe to heal. Sound is one of the most direct pathways into nervous system regulation. It bypasses your thinking mind and speaks directly to the ancient parts of your brain that control stress response, hormone balance, and immune function. When you give your ears: and by extension, your entire nervous system: the gift of healing sound, you're not just "relaxing." You're creating the conditions for deep cellular repair, better sleep, balanced hormones, and a mind that can finally quiet down. So maybe this week, instead of adding another supplement or wellness hack to your routine, try subtracting some noise . Create space. Let your system rest in intentional sound: or intentional silence. Your nervous system has been working overtime. It's time to give it what it's been asking for all along: permission to be still. Dr. Leena Sripada is a naturopathic doctor who integrates Ayurveda, for nervous system healing. If you're struggling with burnout, hormonal imbalances, or chronic stress, [book a consultation](https://www.doctorleena.ca/contact) to explore how Ayurveda can support your healing journey. [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "What is Oil Pulling?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2026-16" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2026-16" lastmod: "2026-03-02T16:41:06.000Z" --- ## A recently popular ancient Ayurvedic practice - revisited. [By Dr. Leena Sripada, ND, AAWC](/ayurvedic-doctor) Recently there has been lots of hype about the health benefits of oil pulling – a process of swishing oil in the mouth for about 10 to 20 minutes and then spitting it out to pull out toxins from the mouth. This technique, which claims to originate from [Ayurveda](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/ayurveda/), is a modern adaptation of some of the traditional Ayurvedic methods of daily self care known as gandusa and kavala . These therapies are not only prescribed to detoxify the oral cavity, but are also used to strengthen muscle tone in the neck, throat, jaw, and face in addition to treating systemic conditions such as arthritis and migraines. Substances such as ghee, oil, milk or herbal decoctions are gargled, swished or retained in the mouth for a specific duration at a specific time of the day. The type of treatment, the duration and the oil used is always customized to your constitution for maximum benefit. The technique has been around for centuries, but the term oil pulling is a modern term adapted by Western practitioners and this technique has spread in the last decade to the point where even dentists are starting to advocate the technique as part of a daily health routine. ### How does Oil Pulling work? There is no doubt that your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria and toxins. The oral cavity is constantly exposed to food which feed bacteria that reside on the teeth, gums and tongue. While bacteria naturally reside in the oral cavity, when an overgrowth of non-beneficial bacteria flourish, they produce unwanted toxins. This leads to cavities, bad breath and other health concerns.While regular dental visits are important, as you know, daily self-care such as brushing and flossing are essential. Sometimes daily brushing and flossing are not enough, and further self-care is needed. In Ayurveda, oils are used therapeutically topically and internally. Oil has a lubricating and grounding quality and is beneficial for imbalances related to [vata](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2015/10/balancing-vata-in-fall.html) ( air and ether element). Externally, specific oils are used for massages and therapies, and internally, they are beneficial for lubricating the digestive tract and tissues. Oil Pulling involves retention of specific oils which help cleanse the oral cavity, fight unwanted bacteria and plaque while rejuvenating the gums. If you have ever tried oil pulling, you will know that your cheeks and mouth muscles get tired. The technique involves active use of muscles in the oral cavity which helps strengthen muscle tone in addition to increasing blood flow which bring nutrients to the tissues and carries away waste products. From a [TCM](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/TCM) perspective, stimulation of the oral and facial muscles can activate acupuncture points and reduce stagnation in the area to increase flow of qi or energy. ### Benefits Of Oil Pulling: - Strengthens teeth & gums - Maintains healthy oral pH - Promotes flora balance - Reduces inflammation - Prevents plaque build up - Increases circulation to oral tissues - Draws toxins out of mouth - Reduces frequency of colds and infections ### How Is It Done? Oil pulling can be done on a regular basis, however the specific duration and type of oil that is best for you is determined by your Ayurvedic practitioner based on your age, constitution, and state of health. For some individuals, it may be recommended to do daily for several weeks and for others, 1-2 times a week may be sufficient. Here is a general example of oil pulling that you can try: - In the morning, after brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue, take 1 Tbsp. of coconut oil or sesame oil and swish it in your mouth. - Continue swishing actively for about 10 to 15 minutes, involving all of your mouth muscles until you feel them getting tired. The oil will liquefying and the saliva will build up. (You can even do this as you shower.) - Once finished, do not swallow - discard the oil in the garbage (not down the sink so that you don't clog up the drain). Feel free to brush your teeth and clean your tongue again if there is a lot of residue. While the common oil used for oil pulling is coconut oil, other oils such as sesame or herbal oils with antimicrobial herbs must be individually tailored to you. Coconut oil has excellent anti-viral and cooling properties, and can suit a person with a [Pitta](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2016/06/keep-cool-this-summer-with-ayurveda.html) constitution and is better suited in the warmer season while sesame oil may suit individuals who have a [Vata ](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2015/10/balancing-vata-in-fall.html)constitution or better suited in the fall and winter. Turmeric may be blended with the oil to increase anti-microbial effects. O il pulling can be done preventatively for individuals who are prone to colds and respiratory infections at change of seasons. Since oil pulling is a gentle detoxification therapy, it is always best to do it under guidance of your practitioner for long-term so that the duration of treatment can be customized, along with any additional natural therapies that will support detoxification and healing of the oral cavity. [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Fasting: Is it Right for You?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2026-17" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2026-17" lastmod: "2026-02-05T18:14:16.000Z" --- #### By [Dr. Leena Sripada ](http://www.doctorleena.ca/) Does the thought of going off food for a few hours scare you? How about going off food for a day? While skipping meals may not be good for you, therapeutic fasting under guidance can have many health benefits. In a world where we are inundated with information on what foods to eat, sometimes taking a short break from food can reset the digestive system and metabolism to process your nutrition more efficiently. While intermittent fasting is a newer trend that you may have heard of, fasting is not a new concept. If you look at most of the major traditions in the world, fasting was observed in many of the religious and spiritual times of the year: Lent for Christians, Ramadan for Muslims, Passover for Jews, Ekadasi and Shivratri for Hindus. Fasting was often aligned to the natural cleansing periods of the solar and lunar calendars. Spring is one of those significant periods where food is naturally scarce and we can burn up the excess fat stores after winter. Fasting essentially means abstaining from food for a period of time, but the actual practice of fasting may vary from completely avoiding food and water to taking lighter foods or juices such vegetable broths, coconut water or fruit juices. ### What are the different types of fasting? We will explore common types of fasting and their therapeutic benefits. Speak to your ND before you start any of these fasts for more than one day so they can guide you on the safest and most effective method for you. - Water fasting: this is the most stringent type of fasting where you avoid food and beverages completely other than water. This should only be done under guidance by a health professional and avoided in individuals with blood sugar imbalance. Individuals with a [Kapha](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/01/beat-winter-lethargy-with-ayurveda.html) constitution often respond well to this type of fasting, but you should only do it for a short period of time. - Juice or broth fasting: this fasting involves avoidance of solid food and includes drinking only light beverages that are either fresh pressed fruit or vegetables, herbal teas or cooked broths. These liquids provide nutrition that can be absorbed by the body without taxing the digestive system. Kapha body types do better with vegetable juices with bitter, astringent and pungent tastes like leafy greens and ginger and [Pitta](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2016/06/keep-cool-this-summer-with-ayurveda.html) types respond well to fresh, cooling juices such as cucumber, celery or watermelon. This type of fasting may be difficult for vatas, but may be done for a short period of time. - Mono diet or Kitchari fast: this fasting doesn't mean you avoid food altogether; you choose specific healthy foods that are simple and easy to digest. Choosing the same combination of food over a period of days allows the body basic nutrition without taxing the digestive system. A typical example is an Ayurvedic [kitchari](https://www.ayurveda.com/recipes/kitchari) fast where you eat an Ayurvedic stew for each meal of the day and typically is vegetable based and free of common allergens such as wheat, dairy and eggs. Or you may eat only steamed vegetables in a mono diet. This type of 'fasting' is suitable for vata body types. - Intermittent fasting: this method has recently gained popularity and involves eating food during specific times of the day and avoiding food for 16 hours or more. For example, you would skip breakfast and eat lunch & dinner between 1pm - 8pm and avoid food after that. Another method may involve eating a brunch at 10pm, giving a break and eating dinner at 6pm. ### What are the benefits of fasting? Rest is an essential part of healing, and there's no exception for the digestive system. During evolution, humans would alternate between periods of abundant food to scarcity and it would be common to go through days with little food. Fasting activates a process called ' [autophagy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6107789/) ' where cells break down cell components and damaged structures and use them for energy. This is an essential process of renewal which increases longevity. This process is triggered by around 12-24 hours of fasting. There is a lot of growing research in this field of the benefits of autophagy. When you take a break from eating, initially you may feel weak, but once you pass a certain point, the body kicks start another process to generate fuel. Some of the benefits you may experience with therapeutic fasting: - Weight loss - Improved energy - Enhanced clarity & focus - Improved digestion - Reduced [insulin resistance](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Insulin_Resistance) - Reduced [inflammation](http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Inflammation) - Increased longevity ### Who can benefit from fasting? If you have never fasted before, it is important that you start slowly and work with your ND to make a plan based on your body type and health concerns. If you have blood sugar imbalances (diabetes, pre-diabetes or adrenal insufficiency due to stress) fasting may be less advisable for you, though fasting is recommended for some individuals to reduce insulin resistance. Those with a Vata constitution do not do as well avoiding food. Cleansing for this type may include doing a mono-diet (eating the same foods over a period of days or weeks) such as a kitchari cleanse in Ayurveda. Pitta types and Kapha types generally experience many benefits from fasting. For these types, doing a warm herbal tea in the morning and fasting until lunch can support the body in detoxification. It is always recommended to work with your ND on ways that fasting can be incorporated safely for your body type and lifestyle. Always drink water or herbal teas while fasting (unless you are doing a ‘dry fast’). Incorporating therapeutic fasting into your daily routine will allow your digestive system to rest and your body to go into cleaning mode. When your body has a chance to clean up, you will burn your fuel better, feel lighter and absorb your nutrients more efficiently. For those of you who would like to do a cleanse, but many be newer to fasting, we invite you to join our 21-day Spring Renewal reset which includes meditation, yoga & a guided kitchari cleanse as part of the program. PROGRAM STARTS MID FEBRUARY, 2026. [Learn more - RESET & CLEANSE](https://www.poornawellness.com/21dayreset) [Learn more - RESET & CLEANSE](https://www.poornawellness.com/21dayreset) [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "Obstacles to Healing - Ayurvedic Do's & Don'ts" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/2026-18" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/2026-18" lastmod: "2026-01-22T20:09:01.000Z" --- # Obstacles to Healing - Ayurvedic Do's & Don'ts by [Dr. Leena Sripada](/doctor-leena-bio), ND, AAWC Health is a natural state of balance of harmony - anything that gets in the way of this is an obstacle to healing. You may be doing many things "right" to be healthy, but have you looked at what might be "in the way"? For example, maybe you prepared a delicious, well-balanced meal and suddenly, you get a call from a friend that is upset with you...and you have a tummy ache the rest of the day. Or you have planned to go to the gym every morning in the new year, only to realize that you struggle to wake up in time to do so? Obstacles to healing can be for example, emotions such as anger or jealousy or lifestyle habits such as eating inappropriate food for the time of day or season. [Ayurveda](http://www.naturopathicfoundations.ca/practitioners/leena-athparia-nd/ayurveda/) has long recognized the importance of daily routines ([dinacharya](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/lifestyle/introduction-to-daily-routine)) and seasonal routines ( ritucharya ) to prevent disease. While some of these routines may have been considered as superstitious or old fashioned, there are many which have a scientific basis. You might be doing all the right things - eating organic, eating healthy, exercising, taking your supplements but, if certain lifestyle habits are out of alignment, it could be slowing you down. Let's look at a few of the lifestyle habits below and what to avoid: ## Ayurvedic Don'ts ### 1. Cold Smoothies Smoothies seem like a convenient way to pack in fruits, veggies and proteins in one meal, but when they are loaded with ice or frozen berries it will put out your digestive fire. Digestion requires heat , provided by your metabolic activity and blood circulation to the stomach. Ayurveda considers the digestive fire ([jatharagni)](https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-banyan-vine/details/the-digestive-fire) to be a driving force in breaking down food in your stomach so when you eat anything cold, digestion quickly slows down. If you are a [vata](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2015/10/balancing-vata-in-fall.html) or [kapha](http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/01/beat-winter-lethargy-with-ayurveda.html) type, it's like you already struggle from gas or bloating and cold will worsen it. In the morning, your digestive fire is just beginning to wake up. When you eat anything cold, it will take around an hour for it to return to normal temperature depending on your body type. It is best to have smoothies that are room temperature (thaw out berries the previous night or keep the ingredients out of the fridge before blending). Other suggestions include avoiding cold fruits in the morning for breakfast, ice water with meals, or ice cream after meals. ### 2. Eating While Distracted You digest best when you are relaxed. When you eating on the go, while walking, driving, or watching tv, your body is in sympathetic mode where the nervous system is activated. When you're distracted, you're less likely to pay attention to your chewing, notice signals from the body that you are full and enjoy the experience of the meal. Ayurveda suggests eating meals when relaxed, sitting down with minimal conversation to digest at your best. How often do you do this? The more you try this, the more likely you will feel satisfied from your meal. ### 3. Suppression of Natural Urges How often to you stifle a sneeze, hold your bladder until it's bursting, hold back a yawn in public? Due to hectic schedules or social situations, you may find yourself holding back natural urges until a convenient time or until the urge is gone. Natural urges like going to the bathroom, sneezing, yawning, crying, coughing, feeling hungry, thirsty or tired are natural signs from your body. Ayurveda has actually identified how suppressing specific urges can lead to imbalance and specific illnesses over time by disturbing the flow of doshas in the body and allowing toxins to accumulate [(read more)](https://ayurvedicscience.com/articles/suppression-of-natural-urges-becoming-aware-of-dharniya-and-adharniya-vegas/). In some cultures, belching after meals is considered a sign that you have eaten well and in other cultures, passing gas goes unnoticed in public. While it may seem unpleasant or socially inappropriate, it is important that you pay attention to what your body is telling you and allow a natural release when possible. Next time you feel like sneezing, try allowing it to happen and see how you feel. ### 4. Improper Food Timing You might be eating the "right" food for your body type or health concern, but are your timings off? Your body is tuned to the natural cycles of the day. As the sun rises and reaches peak, so does your digestive strength. As the sun sets and night rolls in, metabolic activity slows down. Tuning your mealtimes according to your digestive strength allows the body to work at its best. When you eat when you are not hungry, or eat large meals at times when digestion is weak, or ignore hunger when you are busy, you are working against the natural forces of nature. The recommendation is to eat a wholesome breakfast before you start your day, followed by a well balanced lunch between 11-1pm (largest meal at the peak of the day when digestion is at peak) a light afternoon snack, and an early dinner before sunset. For many people, breakfast and lunch are light and quick and they are starving by the evening and either end up eating a very heavy dinner, or snacking before dinner. If you consistently skip breakfast because you don't have time or are not hungry, this creates havoc with your stress hormones. Heavy and late dinners are difficult to digest and lead to bloating, sluggishness and weight gain. By simply adjusting the timings of your meal to optimize your digestion, you will notice that you feel lighter and healthier. Speak with your ayurvedic practitioner who can help guide you on an eating regime customized to you while supporting your digestion ### 5. Overstimulation of the Sense Organs Your 5 sense organs are constantly receiving information from your surroundings through vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch. While the senses are crucial for survival, your body's resources are constantly processing this information. When the senses are overstimulated, you may experience sensory overload, and divert energy needed for healing the body. How do you do this? It means reduce screen time, computer games, tv, bright lights and anything which stimulates vision and consequently the the nervous system. We live in an era where we constantly need to respond to sounds - such as cell phone beeps and calls which easily puts you into sympathetic mode where the body is unable to relax. Impressions through our senses are processed by the brain and leave an impression on the mind. When there is imbalance, this can lead to anxiety, ADHD, hyperactivity and general disturbance. In yoga and Ayurveda, there are several techniques to help you gain control over the 5 senses and currently, "float tanks" (which minimize noise, light and other stimuli) are becoming very popular due to their relaxation benefits. When you can identify and remove obstacles in your diet and lifestyle, you are allowing the vital healing force of nature doing it's work. Living in disharmony with the environment, the people around us and within ourselves, is the first step of dis-ease. Work with your Ayurvedic practitioner to help you identify obstacles to your health and find harmony in your daily routine. Sometimes doing “less” is actually doing more. Start your New Year with SIMPLICITY. Dr Leena Sripada is a naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner She applies the Ayurvedic approach to help you realign to your state of healthy balance. If you are healthy and looking into preventing disease or learning more about your constitution, [read more here](/doctor-leena-bio) . [Leena Sripada](/blog?author=583e337cb3db2b245174f8b1) Dr. Leena Sripada is a compassionate ND dedicated to helping you to incorporate Ayurveda into your life - regardless of how busy you are. She is passionate about helping you transform your health and enabling you to improve your resilience to stress and function at your best in all aspects of life. Blending modern diagnostic tools with traditional systems, Dr. Sripada treats the person as a whole and takes cultural background into consideration with her customized treatments. She is one of the few naturopathic doctors in Toronto with extensive training in Ayurveda. She has a family practice with a focus in chronic autoimmune health issues and women’s health. [http://www.doctorleena.ca](http://www.doctorleena.ca) --- title: "5 Red Flags Your Adrenals Are Overworking" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/5-red-flags-your-adrenals-are-overworking-and-how-to-catch-the-burnout-before-it-hits" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/5-red-flags-your-adrenals-are-overworking-and-how-to-catch-the-burnout-before-it-hits" lastmod: "2026-04-01T22:01:58.000Z" --- # 5 Red Flags Your Adrenals Are Overworking How many cups of coffee did it take to get you through this morning? Does your day feel like a marathon you never signed up for? If you’re currently hitting that dreaded 3 PM wall: where the screen starts to blur and the only thing on your mind is a mid-afternoon latte or a secret stash of chocolate - you aren't alone. In our "always-on" culture, we’ve been conditioned to believe that exhaustion is just a prerequisite for success. But in my experience as a naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner, I want you to know that your body is trying to talk to you. Stop pushing for a moment and aknowlege what you feel - it may be bone deep fatigue that you are desperately trying to run away from. When your adrenals (those tiny but mighty glands sitting atop your kidneys) are constantly pumped for cortisol to meet the demands of stress, they eventually start to sputter. This is the "health debt" we often talk about in ayurveda for burnout. Here are five red flags that your adrenals are overworking and how to spot them before you hit total burnout. 1. The "Wired but Tired" Feeling Have you ever felt physically exhausted all day, only to have your brain switch on the second your head hits the pillow? This is a classic Vata imbalance symptom. Your nervous system is so habituated to being in "high alert" mode that it forgot how to power down. If you’re tired at 2 PM but suddenly get a "second wind" at 10 PM, your cortisol rhythm is likely flipped. In Ayurveda this is typically a vata imbalance but common with Vata-Pitta types that are pushing through. 2. The Afternoon Energy Crash The 3 PM (or it can be 4PM) crash isn't just about what you ate for lunch. It’s often a sign that your adrenals can no longer maintain steady blood sugar or energy levels throughout the day. Instead of reaching for more caffeine or sugar - which just whips an exhausted horse, it’s time to look at why your battery is sitting at 1%. 3. Irritability or "The Fiery Burnout" (Pitta Imbalance) Do you find yourself snapping at your partner or feeling irrationally angry at a slow driver? When we are pushed to our limits, our internal "heat" rises. These Pitta imbalance symptoms: irritability, impatience, and feeling "short-fused"- are your body’s way of saying it has zero resilience left to process external stressors. 4. Sleep Issues and Waking Unrefreshed If you’re sleeping ~8 hours but waking up feeling like you haven't slept deeply, or if you're waking up between 2 AM and 4 AM with a racing mind, your adrenals are likely out of balance - they can no longer cope. This combination of dosha imbalance symptoms signals that your body is struggling to enter the deep, restorative stages of sleep needed for repair. 5. Intense Salt or Sugar Cravings When the adrenals are overworking over long-term, they use up minerals at an accelerated rate. If you find yourself craving salt or sweets constantly, your body is desperately signaling for quick fuel and electrolyte balance. This may also point to other hormone imbalance as well around monthly cycles. The Ayurvedic Path Forward: Calm Your Core In my Align & Thrive with Ayurveda™ framework, we don't just "fix" the fatigue - we work through an integrative framework to understand your system, rebuild and restore. By understanding your unique body type, your response to stress, herbal treatment plans, rhythmic living, and nervous system support, we can help those adrenals step back from the edge. And it's not just about the adrenals - its about the whole framework of your mind and body in its amazing intricacy & complexity. Catching the signs early is the key to preventing a total collapse - and I've seen it in practice, much too often. Even in young 'healthy' adults. If you recognize yourself in these signs, don't wait until you're forced to stop. Let’s work together to restore your vitality. You can learn more about my integrative framework to go from surviving to thriving here: www.doctorleena.ca/align-thrive Take the [Ayurvedic Burnout Quiz here](/leads/signup) Dr. Leena Sripada is a licensed naturopathic doctor who integrates Ayurveda, for nervous system healing. If you're struggling with burnout, hormonal imbalances, or chronic stress, book a consultation to explore how Ayurveda can help you go from surviving to thriving. --- title: "Why Summer Makes You Snappy (And How to Cool Your Inner Fire)" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/blog/beat-the-heat" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/blog/beat-the-heat" lastmod: "2026-06-27T16:56:40.000Z" --- 4 min read. Short-cut to the quiz here: [Summer Mood Quiz](/summer-mood-quiz) Maybe you’ve noticed that as the mercury climbs, your patience drops. You might find yourself snapping at your partner over a small mess, or feeling a surge of irritation when an email hits your inbox at 4:55 PM. Why am I so frustrated today? Is it just the heat, or is it me? ## What Does Heat Do? Europe just experience a record-breaking heat wave at the start of this summer (last week). In Canada & US, we are set for the thermometer readings to spike over 40C, jolting us into full on summer sweltering heat. And while we can debate whether global warming is real or not, the reality is the heat impacts us in many more ways that just 'feeling hot'. Read more... Many people notice that as summer heat builds, patience gets thinner. You may find yourself snapping at your partner over a small mess, feeling irritated by a busy inbox, or wondering why everything suddenly feels more intense. Or its the red car zipping past you as the driver mutters something you'd rather ignore. Sometimes it is the heat. Sometimes it is a sign that your system is already carrying too much. With stronger heatwaves showing up more often across Canada, the US, and Europe, many of us feel the effects in both body and mind. Ayurveda looks at this through the lens of [Pitta](/blog/2025-23). When Pitta rises too high, it can show up as irritability, sharp words, restlessness, skin sensitivity, or digestive upset. ## What Pitta Imbalance Can Feel Like As Canadians, we really love summer and look forward to the warm months after winter hibernation. In my practice as a naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic here, I often meet people who assume their summer mood changes are just personality or stress when actually, it is an accumulation of heat in the mind and body. That is why an Ayurvedic approach can be so helpful. It helps connect the dots between burnout, emotional reactivity, digestion, sleep, and daily routines. If you have been feeling more judgmental, more reactive, or simply more “on edge,” you may be noticing a Pitta flare. Taking the [Summer Mood Quiz](/q/whats-your-summer-mood-quiz?pbQuizLightbox=1) can offer a simple first step in understanding which pattern feels most familiar right now. ### 5 Ways to Cool the Fire This Week To move through summer with more ease, Ayurveda encourages the qualities that balance heat: coolness, softness, steadiness, and space. If you are looking for practical Ayurveda for busy lives, these simple shifts can help support your nervous system and digestion. - Skip the cold drinks. While it might sound counterintuitive, ice cold drinks can be hard on agni, or digestive fire, especially when your system is already running hot. Try room temperature water with something cooling like cucumber or mint instead. - Eat with the season. Summer is a good time to enjoy sweet, bitter, and astringent foods such as watermelon, leafy greens, asparagus, and coconut. These foods can feel lighter and more balancing when the weather is intense. Spices like cumin, coriander seeds, fennel are cooling while still strengthening for digestion. Juicy summer fruits are the perfect natural 'coolant'. - Protect your sleep. Ayurveda teaches that Pitta time runs from 10 PM to 2 AM. Staying up late can leave you feeling wired and more reactive the next day. A calmer evening routine can make a real difference. Sleeping by 10 PM allows your system to cleanse the pitta in your organs as you sleep. - Adjust your workouts. If intense exercise or hot yoga feels draining, try a gentle swim, an evening walk, or a restorative yoga practice instead. Doing peak exercise at the hottest part of the day is not advised in Ayurveda (yet the lunch hour is when the Pitta people want to get their workouts in as scheduled!) - Use cooling natural scents . Rose, lavender, sandalwood, and jasmine are traditionally used in Ayurveda to support a more settled mind and a softer emotional state. Keep a bottle of rose mist by your work desk or car to spritz as often as needed. It will refresh you instantly! ## Support for Summer Burnout and Digestive Reset Summer is meant to feel energizing and refreshing, but for many people it can also bring burnout, short tempers, poor sleep, and digestion that feels unsettled. If that sounds familiar, it may be time to look at your habits through an Ayurvedic lens and see what your body is asking for. If you’ve been feeling more judgmental or "on edge" lately, you’re likely experiencing a Pitta flare-up. To help you understand how this fire shows up uniquely in your life, I’ve developed the [Summer Mood Quiz](/q/whats-your-summer-mood-quiz?pbQuizLightbox=1) an excerpt from my new book, [Cool the Fire: Your Ayurvedic Summer Guide.](/cool-the-fire/sales-page) If you are already familiar with Ayurveda, this quiz will help you understand — based on your dosha type (vata, pitta, kapha) — how do you respond in the summer Pitta season. And if you are lucky to be a Pitta, then you've got more work to do this summer !! Cool the Fire includes practical worksheets, quizzes, and simple guides you can actually use in real life, so you’re not just reading about Ayurveda, you’re applying it to your meals, schedule, sleep, and summer routines. ### Ready to understand your patterns and cool things down? You can grab your copy of [Cool the Fire here](/cool-the-fire/sales-page). ### Start your summer off right ! If you want to identify your dosha type, understand your health issues through the lens of Ayurveda, and move from surviving to thriving, you can work with [Dr. Leena Sripada, ND](/about-2) and book your [consultation here](/contact). --- title: "BOOK: Cool the Fire" entity: "store" canonical_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/store/book-cool-the-fire" markdown_url: "https://www.doctorleena.ca/llms/store/book-cool-the-fire" lastmod: "2026-06-26T18:49:01.104Z" --- # BOOK: Cool the Fire Type: digital Summer wellness guide, Pitta, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic self-care, Burnout, Inflammation ## Description Summer is the season of fire — not just outside, but within. If you’ve been feeling overheated, irritable, restless, or burned out, you’re not alone. Ayurveda teaches us that this is the time when Pitta dosha naturally rises, and with it comes emotional and physical heat. This new book, Cool the Fire , is a practical guide to help you calm the summer flames. Inside, you’ll not only discover simple recipes, soothing rituals, and cooling remedies — you’ll also meet the Pitta archetypes . These powerful mind-body patterns explain why some of us become perfectionists, hotheads, or hyper-achievers in the heat, while others burn out in silence. This unique approach will help you understand yourself on a deeper level and offer practical ways to soothe your specific imbalances.