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Mental Health ~ An Ayurvedic Perspective
MENTAL HEALTH ~ AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE According to the National Institute of Mental Health [NIH], major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Depression affects more than 10 million Americans each year. It is so common in our society that it is estimated that one in 9 people will be diagnosed with it at one point in their life. Digestion and Feelings ~ An Ayurvedic Perspective – “Gut Health” According to Ayurveda, healthy Agni (digestive fire) creates an overall sense of happiness and joy. When the Agni is suppressed, there is grief, sadness and depression. Interestingly, there are a large number of clinical studies correlating “gut health” to overall wellness, including the effects on mood. Even further, it has been estimated th...
An Ayurvedic Perspective ~ Developing A Sattvic Mind
SATTVIC MIND ~ EXCELLENCE OF THE MIND: Individuals having the excellence of mental faculties are characterized by good memory, devotion, gratefulness, wisdom, purity, excessive enthusiasm, skill, courage, valor in fighting, absence of sorrow, proper gait, depth of wisdom and sincerity in actions and virtuous acts. – C.S. Vimanasthana Ch. VIII Sutra. 110 According to ayurveda, a “sattvic” [pure] lifestyle is the best way to develop strength, clarity of the mind, good health and longevity. Sattvic qualities of the mind are considered to be clarity of the mind, understanding, and compassion. Sattvic foods are those foods which nourish the body and calm the mind. When both the body and mind are balanced only then can one truly appreciate joy and happiness. Basic Sattvic Considerations: &...
BALANCE: CONCEPT IN YOGA & AYURVEDA
WHAT IS BALANCE? The word balance brings about a mental image of equilibrium to both the mind and body. It often reflects a middle path in any aspect of life and relates to a feeling of calmness and steadiness. Balance means to come into our center and being able to function from that center, in each moment. It follows naturally that a well balanced person reflects excellence in health. It is thought that every human being (with exceptions) is born with an optimal blue print aligned with universal principles. However, as we continue the process of development, several factors influence us and may take us away from a balanced alignment [i.e. wrong diet, lifestyle, relationships, trauma, abuse, accidents and past karma]. NATURAL TENDENCY TOWARDS BALANCE: We, as human beings, are constantly ...
Panchamaya Koshas ~ The Five Sheaths
Panchamaya Koshas ~ The Five Sheaths This knowledge is taken from Taittiriya Upanishad. It is said there, that our true nature is hidden from our perception because of the five sheaths which enclose it. Annamaya Kosha The first yoga body, Annamaya Kosha, literally means “body sheath made of food, which is an illusion”. This is our physical body. The physical is created and sustained by food. If the quality of food is high, the illusory nature of the body is more readily perceived. This is one reason why fresh and seasonal food such as fruits and vegetables are recommended as a yogic diet. Eating fresh food prepared immediately before eating results in increased vitality available to nurture this “food body”. When we eat overcooked food, stale food, or even animals t...
Ayurvedic Perspective ~ 5 Cool Ways To Stay Cool This Summer
Ayurvedic Perspective ~ 5 Cool Ways To Stay Cool This Summer Summer is here and for most, the arrival of this season marks the start of sweltering-hot weather. Ayurveda describes the summer heat as being “pitta-aggravating” which implies provoking the fire element within. It’s intuitive that the basic goal during summer is to stay cool so here are a couple ways to help beat the summer heat from an ayurvedic perspective. 5 Cool Ways To Stay Cool This Summer 1. Drink cooling herbal teas such as cumin, coriander, and fennel tea. 2. Eat cooling and more easily digestable meals such as kitchari and salads. 3. Consider applying cooling essential oils to the body, such as sandalwood and khus. 4. At bedtime, consider applying coconut oil to your scalp and feet 5. Perform a daily oil massage with ...
Fasting Therapy ~ An Ayurvedic Perspective
Fasting Therapy ~ An Ayurvedic Perspective The word fasting though denotes complete abstinence from food, Ayurveda does not advocate complete abstinence in general with certain exceptions to the rule as in the case of post-shodhana therapy. At one instance Chakrapani in his commentary states the following as the meaning of “upavasa” – उपवास: क्रोधादिपरित्यागः सत्याद्युपादानं च, वचनं हि– “उपावृत्तस्य पापेभ्यः सहवासो गुणे हि यः|उपवासः स विज्ञेयोन शरीरस्य शोषणम्” इति; || १. दीर्घञ्जीवितीयोऽध्यायः ६|| This echoes the disassociation of the krodha [anger], lobha [greed], moha [illusion], iccha [desire], dvesha [hatred] etc. from the mind and following truth is “upavasa”. By doing so, one negates his sinful activities. However, for that to happen a well fed physique ...