A holistic approach to eating that takes into account your unique body type, aims to prevent disease and make you a more happy and healthy person. Ayurveda is an ancient medical practice from India with mainstream appeal, appearing on Dr. Oz, for example. The three doshas, which are the Ayurvedic body types, are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha which each carry a set of behavioral and physical characteristics and a prescription for foods to eat and avoid for optimal well-being. The Astoria Co-op’s monthly food and wellness lecture series, Beers to Your Health, will cover the basics.
The Co-op’s guest speaker for May is Yogacharya Dharmananda, also known as Swamiji. Swamiji is a prominent scholar and teacher of the Science of Yoga, Hindu Philosophy, and Comparative Religion.
As the former Director of the International Vishwaguru Yoga and Meditation Institute (Rishikesh, India), he has given these teachings to students from all over the world for more than 25 years.
“The benefit (of the Ayurvedic Diet) will be health, including cancer and diabetes prevention, for example. Food-related sicknesses will be increasing with seasonal changes now in spring and with summer coming. There has to be a change in diet with a change of weather. As summer approaches, heat outside increases and so does heat in the body. There are substances which should not be taken much; coffee for example, onions, and garlic which add heat into the body,” Swamiji said.
Swamiji currently resides in Longmont, Colorado and works with Longmont United Hospital’s award-winning spirituality program. Columbia Memorial Hospital is bringing him to Astoria for a series of workshops for nurses and other caregivers called Healthcare from the Heart.
“We feel extremely fortunate that we are able to have Swamiji speak at our lecture while he’s in town. It is a unique opportunity and I hope anyone who’s interested in eating better can come,” Astoria Co-op Marketing Director Zetty Nemlowill said.
The lecture happens on Thursday May 8th at 7 p.m. in the Fort George Lovell Showroom at 14th and Duane Streets in Astoria. Doors open at 6 p.m. for food and drinks. The event is free and open to all ages.