Kriyas to reduce vata and pitta

Dear Mukunda,

I’ve read Structural Yoga Therapy and many other yoga and ayurveda books. After practicing for many years on my own, last year I earned a yoga teachers certificate from Vivekananda Yoga Kendra in Bangalore. For several months now, I’ve been teaching at a local yoga center. I try to teach the depth of yoga, not simply asana. I’m considering continuing my studies, perhaps in yoga therapy.

Late last year, I was diagnosed with GERD (reflux disease for short) and sliding hiatal hernia, and a few small ulcers near the junction of the esphagus and stomach. (I also saw a cardiologist to, who ruled out any heart issues). My GI specialist prescribed a proton pump inhibitor, which really took care of the symptoms I was having (heartburn, pain under the left nipple area and occassional numbness in my left arm). But, I’m trying to avoid taking medication if possible.

A bit later, I saw an Ayurvedic doctor who diagnosed me as VP with imbalances in vata and pitta. She put me on several herbal formulas, with dubious results. Because they were so expensive, and I just didn’t trust her, I didn’t see her again.

I’m just wondering what a good course of action would be, particularly in terms of any kriyas that might help. I’m trying hard to maintain a good anti-Pitta diet (without aggravating Vata). For the kriyas, it seems that many of them that would be good for Vata might irritate the GERD and/or hernia.

I’d appreciate your advice.

This is a challenging situation, requiring face to face consultation to be of optimal benefit. However i will give what i can in general terms. Ayurvedically the assessment is correct, pitta is increased with these ulcer symptoms, vata is the displacement of energies (hiatal hernia and reflux) from stomach to moving upward due to increased vata in the form of udana prana. Optimal would be to be doing a pitta reducing diet which can be found in any Ayurvedic book as you are doing. I would not recommend any kriyas for this condition without personal consultation. in general the shatkarma kriyas (6 cleansing actions) are for reducing excess kapha in preparation for fuller classical yoga practice. So they are not recommended for these symptoms. If you wish to email me directly for a referral in your area or to schedule one where i travel contact yogimukunda@comcast.net blessings. mukunda