Ayurveda
Chakras – The Reservoirs Of Consciousness
Chakras – The Reservoirs Of Consciousness The ascent through the chakras can be viewed as an upward journey of consciousness refined by a process of awareness. Chakra is a Sanskrit word which literally translates into a spinning wheel. According to ancient traditions of yoga, there are seven major chakras in the body. In essence, chakras can be thought of as reservoirs of consciousness. The chakras are not physical and are to be understood as being situated, not in the gross body, but in the subtle or etheric body. That said, the chakras do appear to interact with the physical body mainly through two major systems, the endocrine and the nervous system. Each chakra correlates to specific bodily ailments and physical dysfunctions. When we have a physical issue, it often creates ...
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Ayurveda Oil Massage [Snehana & Abhyanga]
Ayurveda Oil Massage The ancient Sanskrit word “Sneha” means compassion and the word “Snehi” refers to a loving friend. Daily oil massage [snehan] implies making a person loving by unfolding the healing qualities innate to the human body. In fact, Charaka – the ancient scholar of Ayurveda states that if you really want to bring happiness and joy to a client, don’t try to discuss their problems but do an oil massage and all the problems will simply dissolve. “Love is oily, soft, and gentle.” – Dr. Vasant Lad The skin provides the ability to heal through touch. The healing touch may include various modalities of healing such as massage. Ayurveda describes in great detail the benefits of daily oil massage. Not only is massage comforting to the body but essential for ...
Stress Free Holiday Travel Tips
Stress Free Holiday Travel Tips Long delays and canceled flights – traffic jams – inclement weather – crowds – wrangling little ones…. all these factors and more can make traveling during the holiday season stressful. Yet, getting together with friends and family is a big part of what makes the season so special. Is it possible to travel stress-free? Once we understand what imbalances are caused by travel, we can take steps to protect ourselves and prevent them from developing. Imbalances Caused by Travel Vata dosha in general tends to get disturbed during travel. In particular, continuous sitting disturbs Apana Vata, which controls the downward movements of elimination and purification. Traveling in fast-moving vehicles and an unpredictable routine aggravate...
Ayurveda – Deep Rest & Blissful Sleep
by Jody Berger Ayurveda – Deep Rest & Blissful Sleep There was no siren nor light nor gentle nudge that woke me up. Nothing external interrupted me and yet, suddenly, in the middle of the night, I was awake and my brain was racing. I wanted sleep; I needed sleep; and none was coming. All I could do was lie there, frantically making mental lists and composing what seemed to be brilliant and urgent plans that I would no doubt forget in the morning. I didn’t even need to look at the clock. I knew what it would say. It had said the same thing every night for a week: 2:30 a.m. “because your mind is going too fast…” “If you wake up between 2:00 and 3:00 and can’t go back to sleep because your mind is going too fast, that’s the hallmark of a Vata imbalance,” said Dr. ...
The Ayurvedic Consultation
The Ayurvedic Consultation Health is not simply the absence of disease, but is a state of balance that provides for wellbeing, clarity, and joy. Ayurveda – “The Science Of Life” is considered to be the longest continuously practiced system of traditional medicine and emphasizes on creating balance in all areas of life. Not only does Ayurveda examine the body but inquires further about daily diet, lifestyle, relationships, stress, and overall sense of well-being. THE INITIAL CONSULTATION The initial consultation involves a thorough examination allowing the consultant to identify key symptoms and potential causes of imbalance and to eventually determine suitable food and lifestyle recommendations. Observation [Darshan]: An Ayurvedic practitioner is able to evaluate the state of ...
Ayurveda Daily Rhythms
Ayurveda Daily Rhythms According to Ayurveda, a person is a miniature reflection of nature and the rhythm of life is governed by cycles. In order to maintain health and balance we need to learn how to live in accordance to nature’s daily cycle. Ayurveda speaks about biological time as a function of three doshas [vata–pitta–kapha] in relation to chronological time with each dosha being more active at a particular time of day and night. “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” – Benjamin Franklin Daily Rhythms: Early Morning [2 am – 6 am] – Vata Time Morning [6 am – 10 am] – Kapha Time Mid-day [10 am – 2 pm] – Pitta Time Afternoon [2 pm – 6 pm] – Vata Time Evening [6 pm -10 ...
Want Good Karma? Then Do Your Dharma.
Want Good Karma? Then Do Your Dharma. According to Ayurveda, every human being has four basic responsibilities. The four responsibilities are dharma [righteous actions], artha [wealth], kama [desire] and moksha [liberation]. Ultimately, these four responsibilities provides the seeker the highest ideal of eternal bliss while enjoying the worldly joys. Prithivim dharmana dhritam – Mahabharata “This world is upheld by dharma.” The Four Basic Responsibilities Dharma is the first responsibility. Dharma is the path of righteousness and living according to the codes of conduct – living truth. Want good karma? Then do good dharma. Artha is the next responsibility which is to acquire life’s basic needs – food, shelter, and clothing. One meaning of artha is mone...
Ayurveda – Healthy Skin Care
AYURVEDA – HEALTHY SKIN CARE Skin is a remarkable organ. In fact, skin is the human body’s largest organ, which regenerates itself by shedding off dead skin and regenerating a new layer approximately every 28 days. More importantly, skin can reveal information about our overall state of health. For example, rash, hives, and itching may reveal an allergic response, a bacterial or viral skin infection, or even an underlying autoimmune condition. Likewise, a mole may be a sign of skin cancer. In essence, the skin reveals what’s happening within. Diet In general, ayurveda recommends healthy, whole foods, consisting mainly of a vegetarian diet for all types of constitutions. Foods which are fatty, fried, refined, and processed are more likely to cause skin conditions – therefore avo...
Ayurveda – Do Emotions Matter?
Ayurveda – Do Emotions Matter? The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda aims to promote health, happiness, and longevity by taking into consideration the trinity – body, mind, and spirit. In fact, Ayurveda explains further that only when the influences of the body, mind, and senses are balanced and one experiences the sense of happiness is one thought to be in good health. Let us now explore the realm of emotions. e·mo·tion [noun] instinctive or intuitive feeling as distinguished from reasoning or knowledge. Storehouse Of Emotions Many ancient cultures have described feelings and emotions to be a refined and subtle aspect of the intellect; intellect being the act of discrimination or discernment. The science of Ayurveda explains that the connective tissue of the body serves as a ...
Ayurveda – Healing Through The Doors Of Perception
Healing Through The Doors Of Perception According to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, the two governing principles of creation are “Purusha” [i..e. Awareness] and “Prakruti” [i.e. Creative Dynamism]. The ancient teachings explain that this model of creation exists as a whole – the universe and the individual being the same separated only by degree. In essence, all creation is one. “As a child is born in its mother’s womb, so the universe is born within the womb of Prakruti, the divine mother.” – Dr. Vasant Lad, Ayurvedic Physician Purusha – choiceless passive awareness; bliss; pure being Prakruti – creative intelligence, potentiality, dynamism What Is Ayurveda? … “Ayurveda Is The Science Of Right Living.” The Doors Of Perceptions The ancien...
Awareness – The Mirror Of Life
Awareness – The Mirror Of Life The mind can either be a beautiful servant or a dangerous master [Osho]. It’s fascinating that in a world of change, one of life’s greatest challenges is simply to sit still and to do absolutely nothing. Ayurveda – ‘The Science Of Life’, talks a great deal about meditation and cultivating a sense of moment-to-moment awareness. mind [noun] a beautiful servant, a dangerous master. “The Troubled Mind” According to the wisdom of Ayurveda, the mind is present throughout the body permeating every cell and that every cell of the body is the center of awareness. Likewise, “Prana” – ‘the vital life force’, governs all communication of the body and mental confusion arises due to repressed t...
Ayurvedic Recipe – Acorn Squash Delight
Ayurvedic Recipe – Acorn Squash Delight Ayurveda explains a concept of “like increases like” – which means the increased cold quality of autumn and winter for example will also increase the cold quality within; hence the tendency to catch a “cold” during this time of year. Therefore, in order to remain balanced during the season we should consider nourishing warm meals. No better reason to enjoy this delicious Acorn Squash Recipe Seasonal Considerations: – eat warming, soothing, and easily digestible meals – eat foods which are primarily sweet, sour and salty in taste – drink warming herbal teas such as ginger, cinnamon and cardamom tea – keep warm and stay out of strong winds – do regular yoga, meditation, and pranayama breathing exercises “Acorn Squash Delight” I...