December 7, 2021 | 68 minutes, 26 seconds
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Podcast Show Notes
In this episode of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, host John Douillard, DC, CAP, interviews Marc Halpern, DC, AyD, the founder and president of the California College of Ayurveda, the first and longest-running state-approved Ayurvedic educational program in California. Halpern is also the author of Healing Your Life: Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda and Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine.
See also Intro to Ayurveda eBook
Ayurveda’s Take on Meat
Have you been pushed to go vegetarian and it does not feel right for your body? You’re not alone. Not everyone’s body can sustain a vegetarian diet. Some individuals can become protein deficient and it can cause a lot of digestive or even joint issues, according to Dr. John.
On the contrary, the spiritual side of Ayurveda might disagree. Ayurveda says you can use meat to restore yourself, but that the long-term spiritual goal is to be a vegetarian, said Dr. Halpern.
So, if the spiritual goal is to be meat-free does that make you unworthy if you decide it is not sustainable for your body? Some may say yes, but according to Ayurvedic texts, the most important thing to do is to eat meat in moderation and to listen to what your body needs. Eating meat in moderation does not make you any less spiritual in the eyes of Ayurveda.
See also Meat: the Good, the Bad + the Ayurvedic Perspective
A Guide to Ayurveda and Alcohol
Alcohol is part of our culture. In Ayurveda, alcohol is used for celebratory moments, and not as a substance used to distract us from or relieve stress.
If not consumed with caution, alcohol can turn into a domino effect of health problems. Moderate consumption of alcohol can build ojas, but if consumed in excess it can deplete ojas.
So what level of alcohol is okay? According to Ayurveda, the key is to be able to drink in moderation and to know how much is good versus how much is harmful for you. Listening to your body and knowing the correct circumstances and amount of alcohol to consume without sacrificing your health is the best practice.
See also Alcohol, Ayurvedic Herbs, and Your Liver
