Ayurveda is the art of daily living in harmony with the laws of nature.  It is an ancient natural wisdom of health and healing, a science of life.  The aims and objectives of this science are to maintain the health of a healthy person and to heal the disease of an unhealthy person.  Both prevention (maintenance of good health) and healing are carried out by entirely natural means. 

According to Ayurveda, health is a perfect state of balance among the body's three fundamental energies, or doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) and an equally vital balance among body, mind, and the soul or consciousness. 
Ayurveda is a profound science of living that encompasses the whole of life and relates the life of the individual to the life of the universe.  It is a holistic system of healing in the truest sense.  Body, mind, and consciousness are in constant interaction and relationship with other people and the environment.  In working to create health, Ayurveda takes into consideration these different levels of life and their interconnectedness. 

As a science of self-healing, Ayurveda encompasses diet and nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, rest and relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, and medicinal herbs, along with cleansing and rejuvenation programs for healing body, mind, and spirit.  Numerous adjunct therapies such as sound, color, and aromatherapy may also be employed.  The purpose of this blog is to acquaint you with these natural methods, so you can make the lifestyle choices and learn the self-healing modalities that are right for you in order to create, maintain, or restore health and balance. 

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means, “the science of life and longevity.”  According to this science, every individual is both a creation of cosmic energies and a unique phenomenon, a unique personality.  Ayurveda teaches that we all have a constitution, which is our individual psychobiological makeup.  From the moment of conception, this individual constitution is created by the universal energies of Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. 

These five elements combine into the three fundamental energies, or doshas.  Ether and air constitute vata, which is the energy of movement, fire and water constitute pitta, the principle of digestion or metabolism, the transformation of matter into energy; and water and earth make up kapha, the energy of structure and lubrication.  When the male sperm and the female egg join at the time of fertilization, the vata-pitta-kapha factors from the parents’ bodies that are most active and predominant at that moment, due to the season, the time, the emotional state, and the quality of their relationship, form a new individual with a particular constellation of qualities.  

In modern terms we speak of this blueprint of the individual as our inherited genetic code; form ancient times Ayurveda has called it our prakruti or individual constitution, a constant factor that does not change throughout life.  It is our own unique pattern of energy, our combination of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics and predispositions.  

Though the underlying structure of our prakruti remains a fixed reality, our home base or essential individuality, it is constantly bombarded by numerous forces.  Changes in age and in our external environment, alternating heat and cold as the seasons pass, our endlessly shifting thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and the quality and quantity of the food we eat continuously affect us.  Unhealthy diet, excess stress, insufficient rest or exercise, and repressed emotions all disturb our doshic balance.  Depending on the type of changes and the individual’s underlying constitution, various ailments may develop:

·      Some individuals experience an increase or aggravation of kapha, leading to conditions such as colds, congestion, sneezing, and allergic manifestations, as well as attachment, greed, and possessiveness. 

·      A pitta individual may become highly critical, angry, or perfectionistic, or may develop physical symptoms such as acid indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, dysentery, hives, rash or acne. 

·      Vata imbalances may manifest as constipation, abdominal distention, sciatica, arthritis, or insomnia, along with psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety, and insecurity .

All these illnesses and conditions, in addition to the countless others that lead to human suffering, are due to alterations in the body’s inner ecology.  These upset the individual’s balance, creating subtle biochemical changes that ultimately lead to disease.  This is why the Ayurvedic system of medicine speaks of the need for healing for every individual in every walk of life. 

As the internal and external conditions of our lives change, if we are going to remain healthy we need to constantly adjust in order to maintain equilibrium.  Some of this adjusting takes place automatically due to the beautiful wisdom and intelligence with which our bodies have been designed.  But much demands conscious choice. 

To maintain health and balance, we have to juggle with the three doshas, taking action to increase or decrease vata, pitta, or kapha as conditions demand.  This requires moment-to-moment awareness, moment-to-moment healing. 

Thus healing – healthy, balances, conscious living in the fullness of the present moment – is really a way of life.  Ayurveda is not a passive form of therapy but rather asks each individual to take responsibility for his or her own daily living.  Through our diet, our relationships, our job, our numerous responsibilities, and our daily life as a whole, we can take simple actions for prevention, self-healing, wholeness, and growth toward fulfillment. 

According to Ayurveda, our life has a purpose.  Simply stated, that purpose is to know or realize the Creator (Cosmic Consciousness) and to understand our relationship with That, which will entirely influence our daily living.  This great purpose is to be achieved by balancing four fundamental aspects of life: dharma, which is duty or right action; artha,material success or wealth; kama, positive desire; and moksha, spiritual liberation.  These are called the four purusharthas,the four great aims or achievements in the life of any individual. 

The foundation of all these facets of life is health.  To maintain dharma and to carry out our duties and responsibilities to ourselves and others, we must be healthy.  Likewise, in order to create affluence and achieve success in action, good health is indispensable.  To have creative, positive desire, we need a healthy mind and consciousness, a healthy body, and healthy perception.  (Desire – kama – is sometimes translated as sex and refers to progeny and family life, but it is really the positive energy or force of desire that generates and propels any creative work.)  And moksha or spiritual liberation is nothing but perfect harmony of body, mind, and consciousness or soul.  Thus the whole possibility of achievement and fulfillment in life rests on good health. 

In the six years that I have been practicing yoga and studying Ayurveda, I have repeatedly observed that lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and daily routine, can be a potent source of healing as well as a cause of disease.  Many health problems seem intertwined with the stresses of daily life, family and relationship problems, and worries about job and money.  Others are directly connected to eating the wrong kinds of food or getting too much or too little exercise. 

I have also grown more and more aware that illness provides us with an invitation for self-transformation, an opportunity to change our way of thinking, feeling, eating, and in general caring for ourselves and our lives.  It never ceases to amaze and delight me how quickly and powerfully life can be set on the right track and balance restored simply through a proper diet, herbal medicines, meditation, an appropriate exercise program, and other purely natural means. 

The remedies and notes in my Ayurveda Studies come from my own personal experience and studies, based on principles and practices developed over centuries.  The tradition of Ayurveda extends back over more than five thousand years of continuous daily practice, from ancient times to the present day.  It is not a recently developed system of “alternative healing” but an enduring science of life that has never lost its integrity and essential nature.  You can imagine how much wisdom it contains and how much practical knowledge it has accumulated over a span of five millennia!

About three thousand years ago (around 900 B.C.), the long oral tradition of Ayurveda took new form when three great scholars – Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata – wrote down the principles of this ancient wisdom.  Their textbooks are still used by students, practitioners, and teachers in Ayurvedic medical schools and colleges throughout India. 

In a profound sense, Ayurveda is the mother of all healing systems.  From its eight principal branches (pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, ophthalmology, geriatrics, otolaryngology, toxicology, general medicine, and surgery) have come the main branches of medicine as it is practiced today, as well as many modern healing modalities, including massage, diet and nutritional counseling, herbal remedies, plastic surgery, psychiatry, polarity therapy, kinesiology, shiatsu, acupressure and acupuncture, color and gem therapy, and meditation.  All these have roots in Ayurvedic philosophy and practice. 

The great sage-physician Charaka, one of the founders of Ayurvedic medicine, said, “A physician, though well versed in the knowledge and treatment of disease, who does not enter into the heart of the patient with the virtue of light and love, will not be able to heal the patient.”  To the best of my ability, as I continue my own self-education and as I share with you what I have learned, I will follow this advice and I would urge you to follow it in using this knowledge to help others and to heal yourself. 

Love is the essence of our life.  I have written this section of my website with love, and I offer it to you, dear reader, with the hope that the suggestions offered here will become a vital part of your self-healing and continued well-being. ​

I would like to share with you my studies and experiences in the realm of Ayurveda.  I beseech you to ask me questions so that I may better learn the answers myself and to be patient with me as I step along this path... this journey is to me a very blessed one and I am hoping that as we learn this science of life together we may in fact grow more closely together. 

In the many years that I have been practicing yoga and studying Ayurveda, I have repeatedly observed that lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and daily routine, can be a potent source of healing as well as a cause of disease.  Many health problems seem intertwined with the stresses of daily life, family and relationship problems, and worries about job and money.  Others are directly connected to eating the wrong kinds of food or getting too much or too little exercise.  I have also grown more and more aware that illness provides us with an invitation for self-transformation, an opportunity to change our way of thinking, feeling, eating, and in general caring for ourselves and our lives.  It never ceases to amaze and delight me how quickly and powerfully life can be set on the right track and balance restored simply through a proper diet, herbal medicines, meditation, an appropriate exercise program, and other purely natural means. 

The remedies and notes in this blog come from my own personal experience and studies, based on principles and practices developed over centuries.  The tradition of Ayurveda extends back over more than five thousand years of continuous daily practice, from ancient times to the present day.  It is not a recently developed system of “alternative healing” but an enduring science of life that has never lost its integrity and essential nature.  You can imagine how much wisdom it contains and how much practical knowledge it has accumulated over a span of five millennia!
  
The great sage-physician Charaka, one of the founders of Ayurvedic medicine, said, “A physician, though well versed in the knowledge and treatment of disease, who does not enter into the heart of the patient with the virtue of light and love, will not be able to heal the patient.”  To the best of my ability, as I continue my own self-education and as I share with you what I have learned, I will follow this advice and I would urge you to follow it in using this knowledge to help others and to heal yourself. 

Love is the essence of our life.  I have written this blog with love, and I offer it to you, dear reader, with the hope that the suggestions offered here will become a vital part of your self-healing and continued well-being. 

    Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.  
                                                        ~~Ashley~~

1. Nourishes the entire body—decreases the effects of aging
2. Imparts muscle tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body
3. Lubricates the joints
4. Stimulates the internal organs of the body
5. Stimulates circulation – especially to nerve endings
6. Increases mental alertness and the level of stamina throughout the day
7. Assists in the elimination of impurities from the body
8. Soothes and invigorates the sense organs
9. Calms the nerves
10. Benefits sleep patterns—better, deeper sleep
11. Enhances your vision
12. Makes hair (scalp) grow luxuriantly, thick, soft and glossy
13. Softens and smoothens the skin; wrinkles are reduced
14. Pacifies Vata and Pitta dosha; Harmonizes Kapha dosha
15. Reduces stiffness and soreness in the body and tones the muscles
16. On a subtle level, abhyanga dislodges mental ama (toxins) such as repressed emotions

"By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age." ~ Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89

Abhyanga provides the means for trans-dermal absorption of the healing qualities of the material used in the massage, and it helps the skin, which is the largest organ in the body, perform its diverse functions efficiently, whether it is allowing toxins to be released from the body or nourishment to be absorbed by the tissues.  It is like oiling the engine of your car — if you do it regularly, your engine will be in peak condition, and give you years and years of trouble-free performance.

Technique - What exactly is the technique?  Fill the neti pot with the prepared salt water.  Hold the bottom of the pot with one hand, as shown.  Gently insert the end of the nozzle into the end of the left nostril (or, if this is blocked into the right nostril). 

There should be no force involved, but the nozzle should press firmly against the side of the one nostril so that no water leakage occurs.  Progressively tilt your head to the right side while simultaneously raising the neti pot in such a way that water runs into the left nostril.  Make sure that you keep your mouth wide open so that you can breathe.  Some people say that the mouth should be closed and the breath held during the practice, but we feel this complicates, especially for beginners, a practice that is essentially very simple.  If the pot is in the correct position, if your head is tilted at a suitable angle and if there is a tight fit between the nozzle and the sides of the nose, then the water should flow in through one nostril and out through the other nostril.  It doesn’t matter if water flows into your mouth or throat, but if the practice is performed correctly with relaxation this should not happen.  Allow the water to flow through the nostrils for 10 to 20 seconds. 

Then remove the neti pot and remove the water and impurities from your nose by closing the left nostril and breathing quickly and forcibly through the other nostril.  Don’t blow so hard, however, that you damage your nose and cause bleeding.  In this respect the practitioner should use his/her discretion. 

Now close the right nostril and blow forcibly through the left nostril. 
Now pour water into the right nostril for about 20 seconds and repeat the same process. 
Again pour water into each of the nostrils in turn, repeating the same technique just described. 

Personally, if I am using a large stainless steel neti pot (which I like to call the Cadillac of netis) I use one half of the water in one nostril, pause to blow, then use the remaining half of the water in the other nostril, pause, blow.  Done.

Drying the Nostrils: After completing this practice the nostrils must be dried and any further impurities removed. 

Stand erect.  Bend forwards so that the trunk assumes a horizontal position.  Close one nostril by pressing the side of the nose with the thumb.  Breath in and out vigorously up to 10 times in quick succession.  The exhalation should be especially emphasized to expel the moisture from the nostrils.  Repeat the same procedure with the other nostril closed.  Then repeat the same procedure with both nostrils open. 

This simple practice should remove most of the moisture from the nose.  If moisture remains the vigorous breathing should be repeated until the nose is perfectly dry. 

Duration - How long will this take?  Once the practitioner is familiar with the technique, the whole process can be completed in a short period of time.  Not including preparation of the water, the whole process should take less than five minutes. 

Neti is ideally practiced early in the morning before breakfast.  However, if necessary, it can be practiced at other times of the day, excepting straight after meals.  Once a day is sufficient, though if one has a nasal catarrh, a cold or any other specific ailment, it may be practiced more times. 

Limitations and Precautions: People who suffer from chronic bleeding of the nose should not do neti without expert advice.  Make sure that the water is not too hot when you introduce it into the nostrils.  Do not breathe in and out too deeply when removing the moisture from the nose; we are trying to improve the condition of your nose, not damage it.  Also, if sinuses are blocked with mucus, be careful not to blow your nose hard.  It is very easy to push the mucus further into the cavities.  Ensure that the salt fully dissolves in the water before pouring it into your nose. 

Be careful to hold the head correctly and not to hold the neti pot too low.  In order for the water to flow into one nostril and out the other, the water level in the pot must be higher than the region at the back of the nose, where the two nostrils merge with each other.  If you tilt your head too much then the water will go down your throat instead of the other nostril.  If you tilt the pot too much the water will merely overflow out of the pot.  You must adjust the position of your head and the pot so that they are at correct levels. 

People who have great difficulty passing water through the nose may have a structural blockage such as a polyp.  Expert advice should be sought.  If there is a slight burning sensation in the nose during your first attempt with salt water, don’t worry.  This will disappear as your nose tissue becomes accustomed to contact with water. ​

Neti is the best method of preventing and eliminating colds.  An effective cure for the common cold has not yet been found.  Neti is not foolproof, but it goes a long way to solving the problem.  A cold indicates something significant, namely that your body is in a weakened condition.  If this was not the case, the cold virus would be unable to penetrate the defenses of your system; your auto therapeutic powers would be strong enough to withstand such an attack.  The cold virus flourishes in nerve tissue, particularly the olfactory nerves in the nose.  During a cold, neti greatly helps by removing the accumulated mucus in the nose, this being a breeding ground. 

Regular practice of neti when you don’t have a cold keeps the nasal passages working at optimum efficiency and thereby helps to maintain a healthy body.  Remember, breathing through the mouth or insufficient treatment of the inhaled air prior to entry into the lungs, due to nasal blockage and congestion, can encourage the onset of disease, by allowing germs to infect the lungs, or by generally weakening the state of health in the body. 

Neti is also a help in curing sinusitis, ailments of the eyes, nose and throat, tonsillitis, catarrah, as well as inflammation of the adenoids and mucus membranes.  It is effective in removing headaches, insomnia and tiredness.  Neti has a subtle influence on the various nerves which end in the nasal passages, such as the olfactory bulb and other adjacent nerves which innervate the eyes, ears, etc.  This has a very soothing influence on the brain and can help to relieve such ailments as migraine, epilepsy, depression, tension, etc. 

Neti helps in no small manner to prevent and cure lung diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, etc., for the reasons already mentioned.  Respiration becomes much easier, which leads to an improved intake of oxygen, improved removal of carbon dioxide and consequently better health. 

Importance of neti in yogic physiology:  The science of yoga maintains that the flow of air in each nostril alternately changes.  If you test this for yourself, you will find this to be true.  At present one of your nostrils is admitting more air that the other.  After some time the other nostril will admit the greater amount of air. 

This alternate flow of breath through the two nostrils in turn has a profound influence on the energy cycle of man.  It controls our thinking and physical activity, our introversion and extroversion.  This cycle has a great bearing on our mental and physical health.  Now if one or both of the nostrils are permanently blocked, then this natural alternation of breath flow cannot occur.  Our health can suffer.  This is another reason why jala neti is so important; it cleans both nostrils and allows the breath to alternate freely between the two. ​

Infuse: As night falls, light a stick of incense or a sandalwood and vanilla candle. Consider adding a few drops of these aromas, in the form of essential oils, to a warm bath.  From an Ayurvedic perspective, these scents have a calming, balancing, and grounding effect.  When we consistently associate these aromas with a particular state of being, such as relaxation, we create a memory in the brain.  The next time we breathe in these aromas, our neurophysiology remembers that state of relaxation.​

You may also find that there is good reason to deviate occasionally from this traditional tri-doshic routine.

Seasonal Adjustments: Each of the seasons arrives with its own unique personality.  We can support an improved state of balance throughout the year by making a conscious effort to live in harmony with the cycles of nature and by making small adjustments in our routines in order to accommodate the arrival of each new season.  For more information on how you might adapt your routine as the seasons change, view my Ayurvedic Lifestyle Programs services and then contact me... or wait for future blogs.

Adjustments for Imbalances: Similarly, if we are dealing with imbalances that do not line up precisely with our constitutions, it is often helpful to adopt a routine that pacifies the dosha(s) that are most aggravated. If you are unsure of your current condition, contact me today and I will help you determine your current dosha. If you know your current imbalances and would like to adapt your routine to better support those doshas, let me know and we can create a routine suited just for you. 

In Conclusion
At the most fundamental level, our physiology is very much adapted to – and supported by – some sense of regularity.  Actually, this is precisely why the daily routine is such potent medicine.  In effect, having a daily routine offers the grounding, stability, and predictability that are largely absent from our hectic modern lives.  The routine itself creates a number of familiar and comforting reference points throughout each day that send a resounding affirmation to the deep tissues of the body that all is well, that we can be at ease.  And so, when the body becomes accustomed to – and learns to count on – a daily routine that includes things like adequate rest, appropriate exercise, and a nourishing spiritual practice, the nervous system can finally begin to relax.  As a result, a daily routine can elicit profound rejuvenation throughout the body without requiring any conscious awareness of the healing process.

Adopting a daily routine is also a very purposeful and enduring act of self-love.  Each day, our routines provide us with a tangible opportunity to prioritize our own health and wellbeing, regardless of what else might be going on in our lives.  They quickly become poignant reminders that we are in fact worthy of a healthy dose of loving attention every single day.  The cumulative affect of caring for ourselves in this way is quite powerful.  And for many, committing to a daily routine results in a greatly improved sense of wellness in a very short period of time. ​

At the most fundamental level, our physiology is very much adapted to – and supported by – some sense of regularity.  Actually, this is precisely why the daily routine is such potent medicine.  In effect, having a daily routine offers the grounding, stability, and predictability that are largely absent from our hectic modern lives.  The routine itself creates a number of familiar and comforting reference points throughout each day that send a resounding affirmation to the deep tissues of the body that all is well, that we can be at ease.  And so, when the body becomes accustomed to – and learns to count on – a daily routine that includes things like adequate rest, appropriate exercise, and a nourishing spiritual practice, the nervous system can finally begin to relax.  As a result, a daily routine can elicit profound rejuvenation throughout the body without requiring any conscious awareness of the healing process.
​
Adopting a daily routine is also a very purposeful and enduring act of self-love.  Each day, our routines provide us with a tangible opportunity to prioritize our own health and wellbeing, regardless of what else might be going on in our lives.  They quickly become poignant reminders that we are in fact worthy of a healthy dose of loving attention every single day.  The cumulative effect of caring for ourselves in this way is quite powerful.  And for many, committing to a daily routine results in a greatly improved sense of wellness in a very short period of time. ​​

Gradually weaving some or all of these practices into your daily routine, or dinacharya, will help you to restore mind-body balance and experience heightened awareness.

Keep in mind that it takes some time to establish a habit or new routine, so be gentle with yourself if you miss a day. Just come back to the routine the next day.  The benefits of dinacharya to your health and wellbeing are immense, so it’s worth putting your time and attention on developing a nurturing balancing routine for yourself.

When I do my dinacharya, there’s a sense that I am taking really good care of me.  My ability to meditate, teach and practice feels steadier and easier. And I experience more peace of mind.

To get back in sync, make over your daily routine with the simple Ayurvedic practices.  The morning practices are cleansing and energizing; they will infuse you with a calm sense of presence.  The evening ones (which I'll share with you tomorrow) will help you wind down for a restful sleep.  Movement, such as yoga asana, and meditation are also essential to dinacharya. Consider incorporating asana before breakfast and meditation in the morning and evening.

Choose one or two of these practices to start, and after a week, take note of your energy level and mood.  Then add a few more and repeat the observation process.  Over time, these practices may become as routine as brushing your teeth.

Let’s begin our dinacharya  by exploring our morning dinacharya routine.  Tomorrow we will explore the evening dinacharya routine.  In the following days we will explore in more detail the benefits of jala neti, abhyanga and meditation.  ​

1. Wake Up Early in the Morning
It is good to wake up before the sun rises, when there are loving (sattvic) qualities in nature that bring peace of mind and freshness to the senses.  In fact, it is the most fresh and pure time of the entire day and the time when Prana-vayu is flowing (air carrying the purest form of oxygen).  Sunrise varies according to the seasons, but on average vata people should get up about 6 a.m., pitta people by 5.30 a.m., and kapha by 4.30 a.m. (If you would like to know your dosha (vata/pitta/kapha), contact me and I will gladly help you decipher which dosha you are at the moment.) 

In the healing system of Ayurveda, morning is a special time when we are ready to be renewed for the day to come. Incorporating a few Ayurvedic practices to your morning routine will ensure that you are optimizing immune function, balancing mind and body, and preparing yourself to face the day with a calm mind and rejuvenated soul.

Let’s start here.  To be healthy you need the energy to “perform.”  Our body also has a natural rhythm of when it prefers to sleep and eat.  There are three phases recognized in Ayurveda that occur throughout the day.  The Vata phase (2 – 6), Kapha phase (6 – 10) and Pitta phase (10-2).  They occur twice, one in the morning (a.m.) and once in the evening. (p.m)

Vata Phase (2-6): This is the time of day when the vata principle predominates.  It’s in this phase that you are supposed to wake up and prepare to meet the day.  It’s also “Brahma” time, which is the “time of God", which is also why it feels so good to be outside in the mornings and on a beautiful day.  This is the quietest time of the day.  In the early hours before dawn, the mind slowly becomes more aware.  If the body has gotten to sleep early and is not chronically fatigued, it is quite natural to wake up at this time before the sunrise.  This is a great time for meditation, which will help to entrain the body with the silence of nature.  This is the best time to reset your internal clocks. Since they are in every single cell, and we have 100 trillion cells in the body, this may be the most important time of day of all.  

In the afternoon, during Vata time, especially around 2-4, you may feel a little tired.  Your body has hopefully been working to digest the lunch you just had and it's probably feeling sluggish at this time.  During this cycle, the nervous system is most active.  This is when the brain is demanding fuel from the previously digested large meal.  If the fuel is not there because you skipped lunch or only had a salad, the brain will scavenge any available glucose or energy it can find and the blood sugar will fall.  This can result in an afternoon lull, craving, or moodiness.  If you find yourself reaching for a sweet, coffee, chips or a nap at this time, it may be that the brain is straining to get the fuel it needs to cruise through the afternoon.  To give yourself a kick-start, consider going for a walk right after lunch.  Also, consider practicing yoga nidra for 15 minutes after your meal if possible.  It’s like a nap without actually sleeping.  You might also consider having a cup of tea and some nuts or fruit to give the body a little extra energy.

In the later part of this cycle, between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m, there is a period of stillness in nature.  If you watch a lake at this time of day, it begins to calm down and often becomes very flat.  This is an opportune time to meditate.  It is when nature’s cycles become still that we have the opportunity to entrain our rhythms with those of nature, still the mind and de-stress.

Pitta Phase (10-2): This phase takes place when the sun is reaching the middle of the sky, and the fiery pitta principle is at its strongest.  The digestive fire is most hot at this time and it is the best time to eat the largest and heaviest meal of the day, when the sun is at the highest in the sky.  Studies have shown that when the largest meal of the day is eaten earlier in the day, there is significantly more weight loss compared to when the largest meal of the day is eaten later in the day or evening.  Your agni in your body is at its peak and will have an easier time burning and breaking down your food as well as processing the nutrients it needs. 

It’s important that you go to bed by 10:00 p.m.  At 10 p.m., our bodies go into Pitta (Fiery) time.  This is the time when pitta, which can be very stimulating, can rev the mind into thinking you are a night person.  This will burn you out over time and weaken your immune system (hence my problem).  Here is the rub: this is the time when the liver, which is the body’s major pitta or fire organ, is actively detoxifying and preparing the body for the next day.  Late meals and late nights disturb this cycle and compromise the body’s ability to detox efficiently.  Of course, this is no big deal when it happens on occasion.  But when it happens for years, the liver can become congested and the body can build toxicity levels in the fat cells in the brain and throughout the body.

Kapha Phase (6-10): This is the kapha time of the day, during the first phase, the a.m. phase, the muscular and structural strength of the kapha principle naturally increases.  This is the time of day for physical labor when the muscles are the strongest and the heat of the day has not yet set in. 

The second kapha cycle, which lasts from 6 p.m.  to 10 p.m. is the time of day when the body’s energy hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, are decreasing.  This is the natural time to start slowing down metabolism to prepare for sleep.  Digestive strength is much weaker after sunset, which is why most traditional cultures always had a light supper.  Even the word “supper” is an attempt to denote a smaller, supplemental or soup-like meal.  A heavy meal at this time will be inefficiently digested and cause weight gain.

2. Jala Neti: To flush out any germs, pollen, dust, or congestion that have accumulated overnight, try jala neti, a nasal cleansing technique that rinses the sinuses with warm saline with the aid of a teapot-like vessel called a neti pot. Jala neti is a nice prelude to a morning pranayama or meditation practice.  According to yoga tradition, it equalizes the flow of breath between the nostrils and balances the ida and pingala nadis—two energy channels that pave the way for inner exploration.

Pour a cup of warm water (sterilized or distilled) into a neti pot. Add 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt (kosher or sea salt), stirring until it dissolves. Insert the spout into your left nostril, lean over the sink, and tilt your head slightly to the right so the water flows through the sinus passages and out of the right nostril. Gently blow your nose and repeat on the other side.  When you are finished, lie on your back, tilt your head back, and put a few drops of warm sesame oil or ghee (clarified butter) in your nostrils. (I will include a detailed explanation of Jala Neti in the following blog posts.) 

3. Tongue Scraping: Ayurveda recommends a practice called tongue scraping to remove the coating that appears overnight, which contains ama, or toxins, said to eventually cause illness. Using a tongue scraper, gently comb your tongue from back to front several times. Rinse the scraper between sessions. Doing this before you brush your teeth is thought to stimulate the digestive response and get your body thinking about its first meal. After you finish scraping your tongue, brush your teeth. 

4. Sip Hot Water: Before you eat or drink coffee, mix the juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water (with an optional pinch of rock salt and 1/2 teaspoon of honey), and drink up.  This drink flushes the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract and stimulates your agni (digestive fire) so you are ready to metabolize breakfast.

5. Eliminate: Going to the bathroom upon waking will help clear your digestive system. A healthy “motion” will have a soft brown log quality, little odor, and will be well-formed (like a banana). Undigested food, foul smell, mucous, blood, excessive dryness or “pellet-like” quality, as well as “sinkage” indicates digestive imbalance.  Altering diet, lifestyle and using herbs will help better this.  If you find that you are still unable to have a daily bowel movement, consider adding triphala to your routine (taking a couple of tablets before bed). 

6. Abhyanga (massage): Self-massage, or abhyanga, is one of our best allies for radiance.  In fact, the old texts say its better to pay the “oil man” today than the doctor tomorrow.  Massaging your skin daily nourishes and soothes the nervous system, stimulates lymphatic flow and aids in detoxification.  It also improves circulation, boosts your vitality, and makes you feel more balanced emotionally and mentally.  Use a high-quality organic oil such as sesame, sunflower, or coconut.  Warm the oil in your hands or by placing the bottle in hot water, then rub down, making sure not to skip any parts.  Let the oil soak in for at least 20 minutes and then shower. 

I suggest standing on a towel in your bathroom with warmed, organic, cold-pressed oil (type of oil depends on the season and your dosha) at the ready. Using circular strokes, begin with your scalp, followed by your face and neck. Apply oil to your palms as needed, and work your way down one shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand, using long, up-and-down strokes along your limbs and circular strokes on your joints.  Repeat on the other side.

Massage your chest and back, and then gently massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction. Rub your hips in a circular motion, and massage one leg at a time, using long strokes on your leg bones and circular strokes on the joints. If you have time, relax and let the oil soak in for 10 to 20 minutes. Then, standing on a wet towel in the shower to prevent slipping, scrub off with a mild cleanser. (I will include a detailed explanation of Abhyanga in the following blog posts.) ​

Our first stop is Delhi, to experience The Holi Festival (the Festival of Colors/Love).  Holi, the liveliest of all Hindu festivals, is observed all over North India. It heralds the end of the winter and the beginning of the spring and marks the rekindling of the spirit of life.  It is a festival of joy when all is forgiven.  People throw colored powder at each other and make merry.  Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion. In Delhi, the capital, it is said to be an outstanding event.

Our next stop: Agra, to see the breathtaking Taj Mahal. And finally… Rishiskesh, Kashmir, Rajasthan and the Himalayas.  If time permits (Daniela has to return to the U.S.A someday), we will venture into Nepal and Kathmandu!  All the while, practicing everything we've learned here at KPJAYI, deepening our yoga practice with our newly developed self-discipline, and lacing it all with a grand sense of adventure. 

I will miss Mysore and the “compound” as its fellow students affectionately call KPJAYI.  But India offers so much around every corner.  Every day provides me a new lesson to learn, a new smell or sight, a new feeling.  This country is amazing.  The awe-inspiring scale and diversity of India’s terrain is calling out to me…  So on March 2nd, I will lovingly grab my mat, my backpack, my mom’s ashes and all my books, and I'll venture forth into the incredible world of India, with an open heart, a clear mind, and a smile upon my face.  Life is a blessing. Everyday is a blessing. ​

I’m going to make the assumption here that you are reading my blog because you either have a yoga practice or are interested in beginning one.  But for now, let’s say there are two types of people in this world. Those that practice yoga and breath work, and those that do not.  When you’re the person that practices pranayama or yoga on a daily basis, no matter what level, and then you find you can't breathe through your nostrils because they are clogged up, or that you can't hold a downward dog due to a headache, well, it’s a little frustrating, don't you agree?  Especially since yogi’s KNOW from experience that yoga postures can help heal us… It's tempting to push ourselves but it is so very important that we do not.  It's important that we set our ego’s aside for a moment and remember that yoga postures can still be done very gently, and the result is just as beneficial because it still helps us start moving the negative energy and toxins out of our body while allowing the positive, healing energy to flow more freely through our body. 

Whether you are a regular practitioner or not, it’s very important that while you are ill, that you give the body plenty of time to REST. When an illness has happened, now I am speaking very generally because it will vary a little bit depending on what the problem was, but when an illness has happened, if you allow the body to recover, it will.  But if we keep doing things that will challenge our body, pushing it back to the edge of illness, then the recovery process will take much longer.  So the very most important thing first in healing yourself is REST.  

Here's a thought:  So often I have people say to me, “Oh but I can't rest, I have to take care of my family, I have to go back to work, etc…” In my case, I originally thought to myself, “Oh, but I can't rest, I need to explore Budapest!!”  We know it may really feel like we have to do those things, however if we go too soon, we're just going to end up sick again or continue to be sick.  This applies to injuries as well.  And this happens so often to people we know doesn't it?  Let’s assume that once in our lives, we ignored the number one principle of getting well, REST.  Let’s assume that we went on about our business, forcing our bodies to continue.  Did we continue our work or yoga practice or exploring the world at our highest level?  Or, did we instead live our life at an inferior level?  In other words your performance at work while ill might not have been very good because your head was pounding.  Or your way of taking care of your family might not be very good because you find your fever makes you sit more often than standing.  So if you think about it, the people you work with, the world around you and your family might appreciate it much more if you rested and then could be fully present in the incredible being that you are, without the illness.  Right? So... REST. Selfishness while being selfless ;) 

We start the second step now, which is checking in with our body in order to determine the level of physical rest that is needed to heal ourselves.  And you do this by becoming aware of the nature of your natural breath.  With time, as you develop a familiarity and relationship with your breath, you will learn that this is truly your life force and the one thing that determines how good you feel in your life.  Your breath will tell you the story of what’s happening within your mind or body. If you find that you can not breathe easily and smoothly, then your body or mind is still under a lot of stress, and if this the case maybe it’s not time to even do any physical yoga postures yet.  Maybe you need to REST completely.

However as you start to feel better, there are certain types of yoga postures that would be helpful depending on what kind of illness you have, and what your constitution is, and your state of balance and imbalance.  And those are all the things that can be determined and assisted with through yoga and Ayurveda or through a teacher like myself or Zac Occhiline for example.  (If breathing consciously is not something you are familiar with, then I suggest finding a knowledgeable teacher; someone that has good experience working with people recovering from illness.  I will suggest here a teacher that I have a deep respect for, Zac Occhiline  of 7 Centers Yoga Arts Academy in Sedona, AZ.)

So, to begin for myself today, I started with simply breathing… A place to start with getting to know your breath is to pause now, stop what you are doing, and take 12 nice, slow, conscious, deep breaths.  And then at the end of it, just smile to yourself without any judgment.  It's a simple practice that puts you in touch with your body and mind... that allows you to consciously check in with your level of physical or mental stress.  Whether you found that it was easy and you are ready for a gentle asana practice, or whether you found it difficult to take 12 deep breaths and that you feel more apt to maybe start with six or four or whatever feels appropriate for you and that realize you should probably not begin an asana practice today; either way I bet you feel differently than you did when you first sat down. Remember, that what you're looking for is the ability to just breath smoothly and with a sense of calm... Without force… Very calm, smooth, easy breaths. 

I practiced this simple breath check-in before writing this blog, and I realized that despite my clogged up nostrils I can breathe pretty smoothly just sitting here, even if I have to open my mouth. So afterwards I began a simple and gentle hatha practice of poses that I knew would help me with certain ailments I was experiencing.  In my case it is basically impossible for me to do any yoga asana at the moment besides deep breathing while in Childs Pose, Marjariasana (Cat/Cow), Downward Dog, and a few heart opening poses that I find a little more difficult to describe with the written word at this time, as well as Lion Pose to ease my sore throat.

And that's okay. ​