Ayurveda: A Guide to Health and Harmony
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, promotes balance and harmony in our body, mind, and spirit. At the heart of Ayurveda are the doshas—three unique energy forces that influence our physical and mental well-being. These doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and each one is linked to specific characteristics and traits. Understanding your dosha is an empowering way to enhance your health and well-being, making Ayurveda a valuable path to holistic healing.
Let's learn about the three doshas in Ayurveda and their impact on our health and well-being. We'll explore reasons our doshas may become unbalanced and some of the symptoms that indicate imbalance. We'll also highlight tried-and-true methods to restore and maintain balance within the body systems.
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What Is Ayurveda?
The word Ayurveda is Sanskrit for "the science of life", and practitioners have used it for over 3000 years. The primary concept of this ancient lifestyle is the theory of five elements that form the universe and human body—earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space) (The Ayurvedic Institute, 2024). These five elements form three doshas:
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Vata: dosha of air and ether (space)
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Pitta: dosha of fire and water
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Kapha: dosha of water and earth
Your dosha represents unique characteristics determined by the environment of your ancestors and inherited genetics. For example, if your ancestors originated in an arid, desert climate, the element of water might help you survive drought and heat. Likewise, if your ancestors were of northern European descent, the element of fire would help you survive a cold environment. People frequently relocate from their place of ancestry, making particular element traits unhelpful. You can't change your dosha, but learning to manage its characteristics and adapt accordingly allows you to live in harmony, no matter your environment.
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How Are Doshas Imbalanced?
Our bodies are in a constant state of maintaining balance, or homeostasis. We breathe in air and breathe out carbon dioxide. We eat nutrients to feed our cells and expel what the body no longer needs. When these cycles aren’t balanced, mental and physical illness and disease often manifest. Many factors influence your dosha—diet, exercise, environment, age, and even the seasons. The signs of imbalance you experience are often linked to your dominant dosha.
Vata Imbalance
Imbalance in Vata elements may present as aches and pains that come and go in multiple areas. Symptoms include the following:
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Anxiety
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Constipation
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Dehydration
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Eye problems
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Migraines
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Panic attacks
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Pitta Imbalance
Symptoms of Pitta imbalance often arise as digestion problems and may also include the following:
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Burnout
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Diarrhea
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Fever
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Infection
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Inflammation
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Stomach issues
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Skin conditions
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Kapha Imbalance
Kapha symptoms tend to develop over longer periods of time and may include the following:
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Dehydration
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Excess mucus
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Fatigue
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Constipation
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Sore throat
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Restoring Balance
Ayurveda emphasizes maintaining a healthy and holistic lifestyle rather than resorting to curative measures after an imbalance arises. Ayurvedic lifestyle habits include yoga and meditation, yogic cleansing techniques to detoxify the body, and nutritious, whole-food diets and herbal remedies. Gentle treatments for chronic conditions—such as asthma, diabetes, digestive issues, high blood pressure, and skin conditions—aim to minimize side effects and offer effective alternatives to conventional Western medicine (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.).
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Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Ayurvedic practices have become popular in Western culture over the last century, and practitioners are available throughout the US to optimize a health plan specific to your individual needs and goals. Visit The Ayurvedic Institute to find a practitioner in your area and begin the journey to health, happiness, and harmony.
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References
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 10). What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ayurveda
The Ayurvedic Institute. (2024, November 22). What are the five principles of Ayurveda? https://ayurveda.com/what-are-the-five-principles-of-ayurveda/
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Ayurveda. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda
From Classroom to Career: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Registered Nursing
A nursing career offers many advantages, including job security, competitive pay, flexibility, opportunities for professional growth, and the rewarding experience of making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. Demand for nurses continues to steadily increase, offering a path to endless opportunity. Here are the steps to guide you from high school to landing a job as a Registered Nurse.
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Exploring Your Interests and Setting Goals
Embarking on the path to a nursing career requires planning and preparation. You'll want to begin by gaining hands-on experience, such as volunteering at a local clinic or hospital. This is a great way to determine whether the healthcare field aligns with your interests and strengths. If you decide that nursing is the right fit for you, start by researching various specialties and the level of education and certification needed to achieve your goals. Some specialties require quite a bit more schooling than others.
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Top 7 Nursing Specialties:
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CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) - Requires Master’s or Doctoral degree
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FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) - Requires Master’s or Doctoral degree
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Pediatric Nurse - Certification of Pediatric Nursing (CPN)
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Critical Care Nurse (ICU Nurse)- Certification in Critical Care Nursing (CCRN)
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Labor and Delivery Nurse - Certification in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
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Oncology Nurse - Certification in Oncology Nursing
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PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) - Requires Master’s or Doctoral degree
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Building Your Academic Foundation
A strong academic foundation is crucial to creating a path to success. Focus on biology, chemistry, social sciences, and math, while maintaining a strong GPA. Taking a college prep course can be a smart move. It helps you build solid study habits, sharpen your note-taking, and learn test-taking strategies that make nursing school a lot more manageable.
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Choosing the Right Nursing Program
When it comes to nursing education, there are two primary pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse:
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Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN):
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Typically a 2-year program offered at a community college
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Ability to enter the workforce faster than a BSN program
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Eligible for most entry-level job opportunities
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Less expensive​
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
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A 4-year degree offered at a university
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Greater flexibility to pursue a higher level of education
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Generally required for higher-level management, education, and public health positions
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Commands a higher salary
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Deciding between a two-year or four-year program depends on factors like cost, location, and what best suits your lifestyle. Research several schools, focusing on their prerequisites and admissions criteria. Consider whether volunteer experience or other achievements enhance your application and give you an edge over another applicant.
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Exploring Financial Aid
Explore all available scholarships and grants to help pay for your education. Financial resources can significantly reduce the amount of student debt accumulated. This will make it easier to focus on your studies without the added stress of working long hours while trying to study and complete clinical rotations. Many organizations, universities, and professional nursing associations offer scholarships specifically for nursing students. Take the time to research and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Look into federal and state grants that often don't need to be repaid. Some grants are based on financial need, while others may be offered to students pursuing specific nursing specialties or those committing to work in underserved areas after graduation (Kumok, 2025).
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Preparing for Nursing School
Once you're accepted into nursing school (congratulations!), treat it as if it were your job. Many programs advise against working while attending, so plan accordingly. The amount of new information you'll be asked to learn will seem overwhelming, and keep in mind that nursing school teaches you the fundamentals; you'll learn many practical skills on the job after graduation. Phlebotomy, catheter insertion, and computer documentation are skills acquired after you are hired and have access to valuable "hands-on" training.
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Preparing for the NCLEX Exam
Once you’ve completed nursing school and passed your final exams, it’s time to focus on preparing for the NCLEX. New grads are encouraged to complete an NCLEX review course or plan to study for at least a month or two before attempting the exam.
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Tips for NCLEX Exam:
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Create a study plan and stick to it.
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Practice test-taking strategies like eliminating incorrect choices, and prioritizing patient safety and nursing processes when selecting answers.
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Prioritize getting good sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction, before taking the exam.
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Manage your time effectively during the exam; you will have 5 hours to complete the exam, so you’ll need to pace yourself and not spend too much time on any one question.
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During this time, you might also start applying for jobs with the understanding that your employment will begin after successfully passing the NCLEX and receiving your nursing licensure.
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Starting Your Nursing Career
Many hospital nurses start their careers in graduate programs, developing essential skills such as advanced life support, reading EKGs, and understanding hospital protocols. As your skills and confidence grow and experience is gained in your chosen specialty, mentors and educators will gradually allow you to practice more independently. This may be a good time to explore your next professional goal, such as pursuing an advanced degree or earning specialty certifications.
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Developing Leadership Skills
Consider precepting students and new hires to reinforce your own knowledge, enhance your teaching skills, and demonstrate initiative to leadership. Taking on these responsibilities will not only solidify your expertise but also showcase your value as a future leader in the field.
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Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and life while recognizing the signs of burnout is essential for building a long, successful nursing career. Nursing is a diverse field with endless opportunities, so if you ever feel stuck or exhausted, remember there are always new paths to explore. Your mindset is key—stay positive and adaptable. Most importantly, remember why you chose nursing: your compassion and skills make a real difference in people’s lives.
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Getting Started
Start by taking a quiz to find out which nursing specialty might be the best fit for you. Then, visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to learn about accredited nursing schools in your area and which prerequisites you’ll need to complete. Look into financial aid options like grants and scholarships to help cover the costs of your education. Consider shadowing a nurse to gain firsthand insight into the profession, or connect with your local ANA (American Nurses Association) chapter to get involved with nursing groups in your community.
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Your Nursing Journey Begins
Nursing is a fulfilling and meaningful career. By following these steps and staying focused on your goals, you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impact on patients’ lives and building the career you’ve dreamed of.
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References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (n.d.). CCNE accredited programs. https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation/find-accredited-programs
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). American Nurses Association. https://www.nursingworld.org/
Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). Types of financial aid: Loans, grants, and work-study programs. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types
Johnson & Johnson. (n.d.). Nursing specialty finder. https://nursing.jnj.com/find-my-specialty
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). National Council of State Boards of Nursing. https://www.nclex.com/
Kumok, Z. (2025, March 21). Nursing scholarships. Scholarships.com. https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-major/nursing-scholarships
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Reversing Type 1 Diabetes: How Stem Cell Therapy Could End Insulin Dependence
What If You Could Stop Daily Insulin Injections? Freedom from daily insulin injections has been a long-held hope for the 1.6 million Americans with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).[1] Recent breakthroughs in stem cell therapy are now making this hope more achievable than ever before. This article explores the transformative possibilities of stem cell therapy, determines who might benefit most from these treatments, and discusses what the future may hold for managing Type 1 diabetes.
The Silent Epidemic: 76% of Nurses Report Exhaustion—Are We Ignoring Healthcare's Breaking Point?
As National Public Health Week coincides with Stress Awareness Month this April, I want to shine a light on a critical public health crisis hiding in plain sight: burnout among our frontline healthcare practitioners.
Beyond Burnout: Reclaiming Your Well-Being During Stress Awareness Month
Nursing is challenging on the best days. Add in staffing shortages, demanding schedules, and the emotional weight of patient care, and it's no wonder so many of us feel stretched thin. April is Stress Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about something too many of us know firsthand: burnout.