Ayurveda addresses the alignment of the outer and different levels of our being with our inner or immortal self. As well as, our karmic reincarnating being that connect to the supreme self, the divine essence within us. Yoga and Ayurveda are integrative systems and combined help us live life with grace. The meaning of Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge.
Veda yoga or inner cognitive science is born out of samadhi. This is the state of inner knowing or self realisation beyond the mind. Veda is knowledge and Yoga is its practice. They are two sides of the same truth. Yoga leads us to and expresses Veda. Veda embodies itself through yoga as its expression.
Ayurveda is part of broader system of knowledge. Vedic science addresses the consciousness of life as a whole. This is based on our physical body looking out to the greater immortal essence of our inner being.
It originates from the ancient Vedic tradition of India where Ayurveda has been practised for more than 6,000 years. It comprises 9 out of 40 branches of this complete system of Vedic Health-care.
Ayurveda’s broad view of spirituality, mental awareness and clarity of mind an integral part of our wellbeing and causes disease such as:-
The physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing to move beyond our karmas
External pathogens and disease
Opposites of heat/cold, the change of seasons, bacteria and viruses.
Constitutional factors of vata, pita or kapha
Movement of the elements and life force within us
Gunas – satva – rajas and tamas
Karmic issues from past or present life
Ayurveda has a broad view of healing
Ayurveda includes the physical, psychological, energetic, spiritual and yogic modalities for right living and higher consciousness – or subtle energy systems. Yoga with Ayurveda is a vast system that requires deep contemplation and examination. There are many branches and fields for application. Together they form a broader modern medicine or natural system of healing.
Ayurveda combined with Yoga teaches us to live life with grace
The relationship of Ayurveda with Yoga is very important and it evolves out of the Yoga philosophy. The practical side of Vedic science is the system of Yoga. Yoga develops the ideas of Vedic philosophy into the tools of the development of consciousness. Asanas or postures are only one small aspect of Yoga. Traditionally Yoga has eight limbs as taught by Patanjali that covers areas of life.
The science of meditation and enlightenment which are an aspect of Yoga combined with Ayurveda cross over in many ways. Both are an integral system that show us how to live life with grace.
Overall Yoga and Ayurveda combined provide an understanding of the mind, consciousness, karma and rebirth. Each is not stand alone and combined they take into account:-
About Vastu Science
Astrology – the science of karma and how it impacts us throughout time.
Medicine towards a physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing.
Integration, contemplation and self realisation.
Vastu science is the directional influences and energy patterns on the earth. Texts from the Indian subcontinent describe Vastu as principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry. The aim is to create a congenial setting or a place to live or work, in a most scientific way. It takes advantage of the benefits bestowed by the five element earth, water, fire, air and ether. These five elements that are in all living things are earth, fire, water, air and ether.
There are a great many types of chronic pain that can start troubling you in later stages of life. Often this is regardless of how active or sedentary your lifestyle is. They can greatly restrict your mobility and impact your everyday life. As well as contribute to stress if the pain is permanent or widespread. Depending on how lucky you are, you may be enduring pain from multiple sources or none at all! Our Yoga Therapy Pain relief program shows you how to use the natural and sustainable methods of Yoga and Ayurveda.
Whatever your current situation is, these ailments could be just around the corner. It is so important to take measures and get in shape before they do! This is precisely what we strive to achieve at Yoga Works For Over 40’s. We work closely with you to help you get ahead of any potential problems and relieve any pain you might already have.
In our introductory offer the new Yoga Therapy Pain relief program. With this program you will be given all the attention and guidance you need. Learn to make every day changes that are natural and sustainable with no nasty side effects. However, before trying to address the issue, it’s important to establish what kind of pain you’re dealing with. Read below about some of the more common types of pain.
Backache
You’ll have a hard time finding someone who didn’t face some kind of back-related pain during their life. Back pain boils down to a misalignment in some segments of the musculoskeletal system. Through yogic breathing and relaxation asanas, we can remove the inflammation. Often this will prevent the pain from spreading.
Back pain, just like most other types, also has an emotional element that negatively affect daily functions like respiration. It can restrict breathing and airflow between the chest and abdomen and make any movement painful. These issues can keep adding up and become chronic and disturb various bodily functions.
Yoga therapy has great success in dealing with backache regardless of its cause. By taking control of your breathing, you can correct the natural flow and relax the skeleton muscles. Asanas stretching is particularly useful as it focuses on the surrounding muscles as well, alleviating stress from the spine. While you’re stretching muscles with yoga, analgesia or pain relief sets in and you’ll immediately notice the benefits.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is usually caused by damage to the nerve endings in the skin. Additionally it can be a difficult one to predict or prevent. Likewise it can cause severe sensory damage and negatively affect your mood or add further stress. Due to its properties, this type of pain is best treated with a holistic approach and multiple forms of treatment. With Yoga Therapy we guide you to become aware of general body flexibility and everyday posture alignment. This is an excellent means of preventing neuropathic pain, or at least reducing its effects.
Another successful yoga method for treating these issues come from Yoga Nidra. This entails the techniques of visualisation, full awareness of breath and body, meditation, muscle group stretching and strengthening asanas. Using these methods and improving your overall posture helps you to avoid joint-related issues like the carpal tunnel syndrome.
Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the main causes of disability in the form of Osteoarthritis, that many people suffer from. Our main strategy for dealing with knee pain, is to alleviate the pain itself. We do this by improving the circulation through mobility and functionality. Once again, learning awareness through techniques and some light stretches can go a long way in eliminating discomfort. There aren’t any disease-modifying agents available for knee pain treatment other than surgery. With Yoga Therapy we provide the optimal conditions by improving your joint health.
Migraine
Most commonly identified with headaches, migraines are a result of a problem in the vascular system. We find they are directly tied to again cause and effect. Such as the person’s levels of stress, which can amplify the pain that ties back more stress and so on. Migraines can be positively affected by Yoga therapy by calming the stress response system. Also the autonomous nervous system can also be balanced out to cure various stress-related problems. We find some of which are a direct cause of migraines. In Yoga we cultivate a state of “calm alertness” and stimulate the neuroendocrine release of hormones and thalamic generators. In turn you will have relief from constant headaches.
Senior woman suffering with severe headache. .
How Asanas Affects the Musculoskeletal System
Asana (exercise) Pranayama (breathing) Kriyas (cleansing) and Ayurveda (diet and lifestyle) are our primary treatments for people with chronic pain issues. Sedentary lifestyle is the norm in modern society, along with all the pain it causes. Likewise, all the sitting can cause stress to our musculoskeletal system. This often forms in the upper and lower back area, adding tension to the core muscles. Aside from inducing pain, these issues also cause sleep problems and deprivation, impacting our life and work.
Yoga brings awareness to your breathing and posture and mends spinal misalignments. It helps regulate blood flow and through progressive relaxation, helps regain control over the body. Through practice, you can strengthen your muscles and either mitigate or fully rid yourself of any back pain you’re having!
What Can You Expect From a Standard Yoga Therapy Session?
We usually start the session with a few breathing exercises to help prepare you body and mind. The new members especially need time to learn how to focus and let go of their burdens. You should first learn how to breathe deeply and then some general sitting and standing postures. We call these “asanas” and they make up the core of yoga.
Some of them should last a few seconds while others go on for minutes. The more practice and focus you have, the more benefits you’ll feel when dealing with stress and pain. Mastering these asanas in conjunction with the breathing brings you a step closer to true inner peace. Stretching is a big part of yoga but don’t force it beyond what feels natural to you at any point.
What is unique about our Yoga Therapy for Pain release program is, we adapt the techniques to suit your needs. Firstly to reduce inflammation then build flexibility and strength while calming the nervous system. We work with your unique strengths and weaknesses considering your age and any past or current conditions. Don’t be afraid to let us know if you’re having any difficulties with a part of the program! We only have one body and it’s constantly telling us what it feels and wants at any moment. The problem is that we often ignore it, and fail to miss the vital signs.
Our Goals at Yoga Works for Over 40s
At Yoga Works for Over 40s, we teach you how to listen to your body and follow life’s natural rhythms. With light, daily activity, most of the injuries that people face can easily be prevented or mitigated. We can show you how to bring yoga into your daily life in a manageable way. Through a regular yoga practice, you will learn to focus on what is useful in all areas of life. It can help you filter out the distractions and white noise around you, and focus on what matters. We achieve that by coordinating breathing with movement in a relaxed and controlled manner. Listen to Bessell van der Kolk explain How to Overcome Trauma with Yoga
Our aim is to help you to improve your daily awareness of how you use your body and mind. Improve your posture, and core stability and cleanse the body of any toxins it might have. Our daily life and work often force an unhealthy lifestyle upon us that requires extra attention to set straight. By combining Yoga and Ayurveda your metabolism calms, with a more balanced appetite. Likewise improved circulation creates a healthier heart, and even a more functional digestive system. It takes practice to learn how to relax every individual muscle and body part, which we often take for granted.
Listen deeply to your body
While we advise that everyone should work on improving their health, never go to extremes while doing it. Listen deeply to your body and if it is telling you it is feeling pain then pull back. There is a skill in knowing when we are over extending in life to prevent any further problems. There is a middle ground between injury and a mildly painful stretch that we always try to find. It’s precisely in this moderation where progress happens.
The aim of our Yoga Therapy for Pain release program is, to bring you back to a state of pain free balance with a renewed zest and confidence in life.
Call today and lets have a chat about how we can help you at Yoga Works for Over 40s give Zoe a call on +61 407 956 071 or email contact@yogaworksforover40s.com There is an optional stay at our Sancrox Yoga Ayurveda retreat.
India’s traditional, natural system of health and medicine Yoga and Ayurvedahas been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Yoga is the union between the mind and the body. Ayurveda is the science of life. Both are traditionally practiced together. One-on-one without the other is only half the benefit. Together they provide a naturally sustainable method to maintain health and wellbeing.
Yoga is a science, a philosophy of life.
By practicing Yoga Ayurveda therapy we enhance our physical well-being, mental peace, harmony, moral elevation and become spiritually uplifted.
Each person is unique
Ayurveda states disease comes in six stages and Yoga provides the bridge to listen to our bodies messages.
Ayurveda holds that specific disease conditions are symptoms of an underlying imbalance. It does not neglect relief of these symptoms, but its main focus is on the big picture. With Yoga and Ayurveda we learn to listen deeply and restore balance. Likewise we begin to create such a healthy lifestyle that the imbalance won’t occur again.
Yoga is a conduct, an attitude and an approach, as well as an art of living.
Consideration for each persons individuals dosha (body type) Vata, Pita or Kapha. With this knowledge a the natural healing approaches and recommendations for daily living are determined. This method is in alignment with modern science which views individuals as unique in the universe, with a unique DNA.
Take responsibility for your health with Yoga and Ayurveda therapy
Ayurveda teaches us to take responsibility for our health. We have so many options to choose from and choosing wisely will enable you to live a full life. In contrast poor choices makes life smaller. As the years go by without listening to what we need, we are left to rely on others.
Every day of our lives, every hour of every day, we can, and do, choose either health or illness. When we choose wisely, nature rewards us with health and happiness.
When we persistently choose unwisely, nature, in her wisdom, eventually sets us straight. Unfortunately she makes us sick and gives us a chance to rest and rethink our choices.
Living in harmony with nature, the seasons and your body is living a balanced life. You will learn to listen deeply to your body and choose food, places, people and things that suit your dosha.
About Zoe Campbell
Zoe is a Yoga Ayurveda therapist and the founder of Computer Coach Australia. Juggling life as a mother, carer and business woman Zoe has worked with technology for over 30 years. She can guide you to implement Yoga and Ayurveda into your daily life.
We invite you to learn more about the following services:-
Many of our clients are complaining of a sore neck and back with disturbed sleep patterns from working at the dining room table. To relieve aches and pains while refreshing your pineal gland try our Chair Yoga lunchtime class. Making a commitment to attend this class encourages you to stop in the middle of the day. It is not unusual for people to sit on a chair for up to eight hours in front of a screen.
Prolonged sitting is a health risk
Sitting for prolonged periods of time is a risk to your health. It is often accompanied by poor posture and inappropriate ergonomics. In view of this, it is important to understand how to keep your spine, breathing, circulation and muscles tension free.
Ensure you have the correct desk and chair height, lighting and that laptops are inline with your eyes. Because sitting with poor ergonomics for hours at a time locks the body into abnormal positions creating pain and strain.
Are you one of those people with a sore neck, shoulders or back?
Live smarter with Yoga when using technology
The pineal gland is for creativity and intuition
We want to share with you the how the glow of a digital screen suppresses the endocrine and pineal gland in the brain.
By the way, melatonin produced in the pineal gland is activated by darkness and is suppressed by light.
Electromagnetic fields released by mobile phones and other wireless devices suppress the pineal gland. Also the happy chemicals in the brain are transformed into melatonin in the pineal gland.
Melatonin affects the stress hormone levels called cortisol. Low melatonin levels increase cortisol which disrupts our sleep patterns. Sleep disturbance occur after a busy day in front of a screen. A healthy pineal gland is crucial to healthy cell growth.
Effects of an impaired pineal gland are:-
Mood swings, depression and seasonal disorders
A decrease against free radicals.
Triggering the ageing process
Disturbed sleep patterns
Ancient art traditions depicted the pineal gland as associated with enlightenment and mortality. It is a chakra energy centre, source of intuition and clairvoyance. The pineal gland provides perceptions beyond plain sight.
Whether we look at the pineal gland from a philosophical or scientific point of view it plays a vital role in mental, physical and spiritual health.
The Chair Yoga lunchtime class relieves stress, aches and pains and our Sleepy time Class improves the quality of your sleep.
You will wake up in the morning with better energy and you will enjoy life more.
will increase by simply integrating Yoga combined with Ayurveda into your daily routine.
Dangers of Modern Living
Have you heard the saying that with all the wealth in the world you can’t buy good health?
Furthermore we really do need to take responsibility for this vehicle our body, however most modern-day experiences are spent looking at a screen.
Every day we encouraged to ingest continuously, in a gluttony and unconscious way through our senses – eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin. Read the effects of modern technology in lockdown
Yoga for over 40s (online) classes
Busy people will re-energise, reset and recalibrate life in a digital world with our Yoga Works for over 40s (online) classes.
Our ChairYoga Lunchtime Therapy classes encourage you to take a break and connect with how you are using your body. Gain access to our private Facebook group Yoga Works Better with Ayurveda to watch class replays. There is a Q&A session after the Lunchtime Chair Yoga therapy.
Our classes show you how to integrate these natural healing techniques into your schedule. You will come back to a state of balance and calm your nervous system. Read how to prevent technology from controlling your life.
Computers and Yoga Ayurveda are the perfect combination
Personalised Yoga Ayurveda therapy programs
Have your own personalised Yoga therapy program that fits into your your daily life.
Ayurveda views each person as totally unique and not one practice will suit all people.
Zoe our Yoga Ayurveda therapist is a Hi-Tech-Yogi. She is the founder of Computer Coach Australia. Zoe has learnt ways to keep healthy with a busy professional life. She combines Yoga and Ayurveda and will show you how to keep healthy with a busy schedule.
Ayurveda provides an awareness of your digestive capabilities.
There are several types of enemas used by Ayurveda and an easy one to self administer is made from sesame oil. Some of this information is from my own personal experience as well as from a site Ayurvedic enemas that has some interesting information.
I have found sesame oil useful for many everyday conditions such as:-
When my body suffers any of the above conditions I know it is either my Vata or Pita that are out of balance. Imbalances occur so easily. That is why it is so important to take time out just for you to come back to your senses. We need to do this on a regular basis. Even a conscious breath in the middle of your day will bring you back to the present moment. It is in the present moment that we can feel what is going on. We are not feeling the past or the future, we are feeling now.
Learning about Ayurvedic Basti in India 2004
The best way I know how to come back to my senses is to combine Yoga and Ayurveda. This way I receive all the information that I need. My senses notify me that something about me that feels different to my ‘normal’ Do I have less energy today or am I bloated, did I wake up with some aches and pains? These are the things I am grateful to notice. To combine yoga and Ayurveda into my routine I hear these messages. Yoga Works for Over 40s “live-online” classes teach you how to combine Yoga and Ayurveda as a therapy.
Click this link to learn more about different types of basti enemas.
Ayurveda enemas
Basti (Vasti) is the Ayurvedic name for an enema to clean out the colon. Ayurveda uses Bastis (Vastis) which can be very helpful in a variety of complaints and should be used in discretion. This section is for general information only. As Ayurveda is a very complex topic and includes diet and lifestyle changes please visit a Ayurvedic practitioner before attempting to administer an ayurvedic Basti.
“Basti” literally means bag/container/bladder. In ancient times, sterilised urinary bladders of animals were used to instil the enema, hence the name of the procedure is Basti Karma.
Sacred peaceful cow
They involve the introducing of liquids like medicated oils, herbal concoctions and milk through the perineum (through the anus, urinary meatus or vaginal orifice in women) in order to clean or heal the lower part of the body (below umbilical part). The toxins (ama) accumulated in the lower part of the body or the toxins pushed to the colon, urinary tract or reproductive tract by previous ayurvedic procedures like Oil-therapy (snehan) or Sweat-therapy (swedan) can be cleared with bastis.
What is the Ayurveda basti?
There are significant multiple effects from using Ayurveda enemas. They cannot be compared with contemporary enema, which is used for bowel cleansing or nutritive therapies. Though Basti practices directly affect the colon they are much more than a localised, symptomatic treatment. In administration, effects and intent the Basti differs significantly from Enema and Colonic treatments which only address the eliminative capacity of the colon.
Training in Ayurveda and Yoga therapy
The Basti procedure restores the balance of the body types (doshas) in particular VATA body type (there are 7 body types in Ayurveda). It increases weight in emaciated people, decreases weight in the obese, improves vision, prevents ageing, brings back lustre and strength, and healthy longevity. They are specifically for vata disorders. Likewise there is relief from constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints. Many other Vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches may also be treated with Basti.
Basti is effective for digestive disorders
Training in Ayurveda India 2004
Basti is effective for most of the digestive disorders like dry colon, dry rectum condition and the tendency towards constipation resulting from such conditions. It also provides relief in conditions like distention of abdomen, flatulence, spastic colon, dryness of digestive tract observed in chronic fever, etc. A Basti can treat conditions such:- as body debility, senile debility, impaired immunity, muscular dystrophy and bed ridden conditions like paralysis can also be treated by Basti. The Basti can also be used to give some energy supplementation to the body, as the mucous membrane of the rectal canal is a semi permeable membrane.
The oil enema will moisturise and rejuvenate your entire system and if any part of the body feels dry.
Preparation:
Dr Majosh Ayurvedic teacher
Pour 50 ml of lukewarm oil (preferably Black Sesame Oil) in a glass, suck the oil into the syringe by putting the tip into the oil and pulling on the syringe handle.
Connect the rectal tube to the syringe.
Turn the syringe and tube with the tip up and slowly push any air out of the tube.
Lie on your left site with the left lower leg straight and the right leg flexed at the knee and at the hip joint.
Lubricate the Anus and the tip of the rectal tube with Black Sesame seed oil.
Carefully insert the rectal tube (about 5 cm).
Then slowly and steadily inject the oil.
Stay lying on the side for 15 minutes before getting up.
Aim to retain the oil for 24 hours or more. This will happen naturally, more so if you do it at night time. If there is a tendency to release wind it is recommended to wear a pad during the day.
4 to 6 hrs after a meal or in the morning is the best time. Evacuate the bowel and bladder prior to the treatment. If possible give yourself a light belly massage with warm oil then put a hot water-bottle on your tummy for 10 minutes.
You will need a 60 ml syringe, a rectal tube, 50 ml of Black Sesame Oil
What to do after your Basti enema
Take a light diet for one day after the Basti as well as reduce the following activities:-
Ayurveda benefits your digestion
sitting for a long duration
standing for long duration
excessive talking
traveling
sleeping during the day
coitus
exposure to cold
too much sunlight
sexual relationship
anxiety
anger
untimely meals
an incompatible diet
suppression of natural urges (e.g. sneezing, farting, burping, elimination of faeces)
Contraindications for Basti
Avoid Basti for all types of diarrheas, dysenteries, rectal bleeding, diabetes, severe anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, breathlessness associated with any problem and pulmonary tuberculosis (raj-yakshma) avoid the Basti treatment. As well as infantile problems and senile debility.
When the treatment is incomplete spasmodic pains, burning sensation, anorectal itching and pain, anorexia, blockage of stools and wind can be noticed. If given in excess, it causes anorectal inflammation and ulceration, fissure, weakness, and muscular cramps.
If you experience pain in abdomen after Basti, massage the abdomen gently!
For headaches apply a gentle head and forehead massage followed by Ginger and Nasya (special Ayurvedic treatment to cleanse the sinus area).
Combine Yoga and Ayurveda as a therapy
We are currently running 3 Yoga therapy classes a week online in our Yoga Works for Over 40s online series. They come right into your home and all you have to do is click on the link and show up. It can’t get much easier. What you will learn is how to come back to your senses and how to manage your health. From this you will learn to listen deeply to your bodies signals. Yoga means union with the body and mind and it is surprising how many things there are in the big wide world that can distract us from ourselves. It is in these classes you will learn how to combine yoga ayurveda.
Combining Yoga and Ayurveda as a therapy
Join our Yoga for over 40’s class here
Online Yoga Therapy for over 40’s class is perfect because Zoe is a senior herself who has over 35 years of training and experience using yoga therapy to maintain excellent health. She will guide you to look after yourself through the many transformational changes in life. And as a free bonus, we will invite you into my FB group – where you can run class replays at a time that suits you.
The groans and moans can be heard from people who do not make the seasonal adjustments. Ayurveda teaches us how to stay well in the change of season. We need to make conscious changes to our diet and lifestyle. My father used to say to me, when it is raining go to bed like the animals do. However if we need to be at work each morning or we have families to attend, this is not always feasible 🙂
To alleviate many painful symptoms of dis-ease knowing my dosha or body constitution and living a Yoga Ayurveda lifestyle is the answer. I know how to bring myself into balance. I think the quest of life is to know how to bring our body to a balanced state. For this I need to have an attitude of enquiry to review what does and doesn’t work for me. A small example is that we are constantly moving around from artificial heating into the fresh air. The temperature change is a shock to the internal body. This results in a weakening of the immune system with a susceptibility to colds and flu.
Ayurveda and Yoga the sister sciences
An article below from the Deepak Chopra centre brings to attention the often missed aspect of Yoga and Ayurveda combined. Ayurveda is likened to The Science of Life.Combining Yoga with Ayurveda as traditionally taught, compliments the other. Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences. Ayurveda speaks of what we ingest through our senses. The eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin and even the people we hang out with.
Many overlook Ayurveda as they only know a little bit and pass it off as too complicated. In my experience the principles of Ayurveda are seen all around us. This can be as simple or as complicated as we make it. Likewise, even in the people we meet, tolerance is brought about by understanding the unique doshic challenges. Even the doshas are within the animals my cat is a Pitta! Simply speaking with people on the phone after some time their dosha becomes aparant. It is also very obvious in government representatives by the way they communicate and act etc. A Pitta person can often display control and competitiveness for example.
Acceptance comes through the sister sciences of Yoga Ayurveda
Knowing the principles of Ayurveda and the body constitution of a person has given me acceptance and tolerance. When out of balance people can not help but be the way they are. Similarly behaviour and moods are effected by what we put into our senses. Often people are attracted to what increases their dosha – “like increases like”. For instance a Pitta person will push themselves even harder and stoke their fire. A Vata person will fight against a routine and increase their instability, whereas a Kapha person will lie around and decrease their motivation.
Fortunately as I have matured and learnt more about myself, I recognise that my self enquiry has been a great gift. As well as, I can see how this benefits others. I love to share my everyday view of Yoga and Ayurveda.
The ‘qualities’ or characteristics of Vata are light, dry, rough, clear, active, cold and mobile, and pungent, bitter and astringent in taste. Therefore, choosing more of the qualities or characteristics in food and lifestyle choices which have the opposite effect such as heavy, moist, smooth, sticky, slow, warm, stable, salty, sour and sweet helps to maintain balance or bring excess Vata back into equilibrium.
Kapha Dosha qualities
The ‘qualities’ or characteristics of Kapha are cold, moist, heavy, dull, static, smooth, dense, oily and soft, and sweet, sour and salty in taste. Therefore, choosing more of the qualities or characteristics in food and lifestyle choices which have the opposite effect such as hot, dry, clear, light, sharp, active, rough, bitter, pungent and salty helps to maintain balance or bring excess Kapha back into equilibrium.
Pitta Dosha qualities
The ‘qualities’ or characteristics of Pitta are oily, sharp, hot, light, fleshy, spreading and liquid, and salty, sour and pungent in taste. Therefore, choosing more of the qualities or characteristics in food and lifestyle choices which have the opposite effect such as rough, dull, cold, heavy, static, hard, dry, bitter, astringent and sweet helps to maintain balance or bring excess Pitta back into equilibrium.
Learn to adjust and stay well in change season
We are all part of nature and as a result, are affected by her doshas. Taking better care to feel balanced moving through the seasons will enhance health. Our doshas is affected by internal and external sources.
Greater health and well-being is achieved by staying in harmony with the change in seasons. Knowing what dosha is dominant is how to stay well and stave off any colds and flu. When our fighting cells are being used to keep warm we are vulnerable to attack.
For instance, the transition from winter to spring is considered a Kapha season because it is wet, even though it is getting warmer. So therefore the excess water can increase kapha.
Seasonal eating learn how stay well in change season
As summer approaches and the temperatures rise, the Pitta is strong this is the fire element. Pitta when out of balance already has an excess of fire and like increases like. Whereas Vata and Kapha are cold doshas and are soothed in the heat. Likewise the digestive fire is strongest in the middle of the day, and for those with weak digestion it is advisable to eat at this time.
During Kapha season, those who are of the Vata dosha would benefit from eating more warm foods and incorporating sweet tastes. In turn they help to create mass and keep Vata’s grounded. Kapha’s should focus on lighter, crispier foods to bring some lightness back into their bodies. Pittas feel more in balance when they integrate astringent and bitter tastes into their meals.
Seasonal Exercise
Exercise is important for all people, and the type of activity you choose can have a balancing effect on each dosha. People with a dominant Kapha dosha need to stay committed to, or even increase, exercise during the wetter months. Energising activities such as running, spin classes, flow yoga, and other enlivening routines are best.
Activity is also highly recommended in order to balance the water component of the Pitta dosha. However, Pittas would be best served engaging in energetic exercises that do not entail too much competition. Again like increases like and competition will cause the fire element to become imbalanced.
Vata’s enjoy activities like yoga, tai chi, or long nature walks when weather permits, to help them stay grounded. The Vata nature is very changeable and their challenge is to maintain a routine.
Year-Round Meditation
All mind-body types benefit from meditation. During the winter and spring months, stay committed to your meditation practice.
Vata’s will find this practice stabilising, especially when focusing to be centered. Kapha’s will benefit by adding energising pranayama, or breathing techniques. A good idea is to the start and end their meditation routines with these techniques. Those with a predominantly Pitta dosha will feel balanced from the calming effects of a regular meditation practice.
The Role of Temperature
Temperature affects each mind-body type differently. Thanks to Pitta’s natural fire, those who are Pitta dosha can find themselves feeling warm, even in winter. Heat aggravates this dosha, so it’s important for Pittas to go outside into the cold weather once in a while. Conversely, Kapha’s and Vata’s both should do what they can to stay warm.
Changes in weather and the seasons affect your mood. For instance, short, grey, and damp days sometimes make people feel sad or depressed. Those with a Kapha dosha are particularly sensitive to cloudy and colder weather. Kapha’s should try to wear bright colours and surround themselves with uplifting shades. Vata’s find greater balance from muted, grounding colours; and those who are Pitta dosha do well with earth tones in both clothing and living spaces.
Find balance as you transition between seasons by following these tips:
Give yourself a daily Ayurvedic self-massage, also known as an abhyanga. Or at least once a week.
Engage in a detoxifying one-day cleanse to prepare for the new season ahead. The cleanse need not be a complete fast. Instead, consume all food in liquid form to help gently detoxify the body.
As the end of spring nears, begin to incorporate a more Pitta-balancing diet into your daily routine. Reduce spicy, sour, and salty foods are ways Pitta’s find balance. Similarly every dosha will benefit by adopting this healthy eating style.
Each season is rich and full of unique gifts. Fall presents us with beautiful colours and crisp clean air. Winter feels as though the world around us is asleep. Yet it is simply preparing for the beautiful show of the lushness of spring. And summer offers us longer days, and more time to relax with family and friends.
As you embrace the beauty of Nature’s bounty, reflect on your own connection to Nature and move in harmony with her rhythms as the seasons change.
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center’s Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.
So many people today are feeling tired and say they just don’t get enough sleep. With a Yoga Nidra practice you will experience a deep yogic sleep as it is commonly known. Yoga Nidra is an immensely powerful meditation technique, and one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain. Likewise this yoga relaxation technique rests you comfortably into a savasana (corpse pose). So then you are systematically taken through the pancha maya kosha (five layers of self), leaving you with a sense of wholeness. Therefore no longer will you dread spending hours sitting on the floor waiting for liberation. Hence here are five benefits of developing a yoga nidra practice.
1. Experience this psychic sleep
Intense vinyasa flows are not for everyone and as we age this has the potential to become a risk. To begin with our Yoga Therapy class includes Yoga Nidra with a focus on 40+. Furthermore our class is a practice that everyone easily does at any age. Also with Yoga Nidra all your body needs to do is lie down on the floor. In brief even if you can’t lie down on the floor, the practice is just as good seated.
2. You cannot practice incorrectly
As you lie down, supported in savasana, all you have to do is follow the voice that is guiding you. In this case it is likely that you will remember certain parts of the meditation and not others. Every time you come to the practice you encounter a new experience—none of which is wrong. Incidentally falling asleep is okay too, as you will receive benefits while the unconscious mind is absorbing the practice.
3. Easy to Incorporate Yoga Therapy into daily life
Seated meditation can be frustrating—trying to clear the mind, bring awareness back to the breath, or find inspiration for focusing. Especially the yoga relaxation technique of Yoga Nidra is always guided, so there is no intense thinking or wondering why you are staring at a blank wall. A yoga nidra practice may be as short as five minutes or as long as an hour. Subsequently you will find outside of the yoga studio that you would like to introduce a Yoga Nidra practice as part of your daily bedtime routine. Put the headphones on, practice right in your bed, and then drift off to sleep. Although this is not the most conventional way to practice Yoga Nidra, you have no excuse not to do it if you’re going to be lying down anyway.
4. Yoga Nidra is a simple way to de-stress and relax
This Yoga Nidra relaxation technique promotes deep rest and relaxation that isn’t found in your average meditation practice. For example the stages of body scan and breath awareness alone can be practiced to calm the nervous system, leading to less stress and better health. Likewise connecting to the body through yoga nidra is one of the main benefits of Yoga. This way we can hear if there are any niggling sensations that we need to take heed of. For instance Ayurveda states that disease comes in 6 stages and with yoga nidra you can hear the whisper of the body and choose to take action.
5. Learn About Yourself Intimately at Yoga Nidra
Some people crave the yoga relaxation technique that this practice instills. Likewise other practitioners use the non-judgmental and secure atmosphere that yoga nidra provides as a window into themselves. In the first place Yoga nidra offers a space to explore what you need in the moment, as well as an opportunity to work on releasing long-held emotions. During yoga nidra you are able to experience an emotion and come “face to face” with what you want to overcome. Also without “diving into the emotion” so completely that you become overwhelmed. Over time you continue to experience the emotion and associated feelings, moving deeper into the practice.
Soothing mental impressions
Yoga Nidra provides a space to explore what you need in the moment, as well as an opportunity to work on releasing long-held emotions. Especially Yoga Nidra will serve as a pathway to freedom without creating bodily stress. A samskara (mental groove) is formed by a repetitive thought or habit. Soon that is deepened in the mind and body, creating a mental impression (groove) over time. Likewise these impressions cause negative reactions and emotions which prevent a unification of the five layers (koshas) of one’s self. In summary if these negative emotions continue to plague you, the mental/emotional layer of the self is unable to integrate with the other layers. For example the physical, energetic, higher wisdom, and bliss body. In summary this is where yoga nidra can be especially helpful.
Powerful relaxation technique
A sankalpa is used as a statement of intention at the beginning of the Yoga Nidra practice. You might come into the practice knowing what you would like to work on. In this case the intention, often prompted by the teacher, is then set at the beginning of the practice. Accordingly when a samskara arises during the practice, you could touch upon the feelings that arise, and then allow yourself to experience these feelings more and more. So then working with this method (and feeling secure throughout the journey), with each subsequent practice you move deeper into a samskara. As a result you are better able to understand your reaction, and then ultimately allow the samskara to release into the ocean of consciousness. At that point, it is no longer a deep impression. Finally you are liberated from that samskara!
Yoga Nidra
Now you know Yoga Nidra is an accessible meditation practice that focuses on cultivating multiple levels of well-being. For instance if it is practiced with consistency and awareness, you will likely discover that you find a good amount of peace in a short period of time. As an example, Patanjali wrote the Yoga sutras which give clear directions on how to achieve the most out of life. Still not convinced read our article on the 7 benefits of Yoga Seniors Bondi.
Please note all face to face classes are temporarily cancelled until social isolation regulations are relaxed.
There are so many benefits to choosing to commit to a regular Yoga Therapy class. Currently our classes are online – you can find out more here.
Online Yoga for over 40’s is perfect for you if you experience:-
aching stiff muscles,
ageing creaks and groans,
neurological conditions,
bladder issues,
digestive problems,
constricted breathing
stress related conditions
or pre and post surgery etc..
Boost your immune system with Yoga
Yoga combined with Ayurveda is a Therapy suitable is for everyone. You will experience long lasting effects throughout the week. It is gentle and feels like an internal massage.
Online Yoga Therapy for over 40’s class is perfect because Zoe is a senior herself who has over 35 years of training and experience using yoga therapy to maintain excellent health. She will guide you to look after yourself through the many transformational changes in life. And as a free bonus, we will invite you into my FB group – where you can run class replays at a time that suits you.
Yoga and Ayurveda therapy program for Women's health.
A Yoga Ayurveda therapy program designed for women, to soothe and enhance health and fertility. The ancient tools of Yoga and Ayurveda address the cause of underlying symptoms and offer suggestions to change your life. Therefore tools such as exercises - asanas, breathing, meditation, chanting and relaxation can improve any mind and the body condition. Similarly using these tools will create a gentle daily discipline which can be termed prudence. I love this word and its meaning which is disciplining one-self for a higher purpose.
We all have the opportunity to take our life to the next level. There is evidence all around us of the proven benefits of Yoga Ayurveda. Likewise we see the anti-ageing benefits and gentle sustainable approach. In other words all you need is a mat on the floor and quiet space with a heart that is open and willing.
Our Women's Yoga Ayurveda therapy program is rich with instruction, video "how to" footage and images. In addition they can be screened on a phone computer or tablet, and are available on iTunes and Amazon. Each program is designed from a consultation, physical assessment and research. Zoe has over 30 years experience with Yoga and Ayurveda and is a registered Yoga Therapist with the AAYT.
Women's health daily Yoga program
This program is designed for a women in her late thirties based on her daily rhythms. Such as posture, sleep, digestion, when, how and what is eaten to how the body and mind is treated. Uniquely we focus on any imbalances and design a program to fit into daily life to promote health and vitality. Anyone could follow this program and achieve peace and tranquility, health and vitality.
There are many benefits from incorporating Yoga and Ayurveda into your daily life for everyone no matter your age. We are so lucky today that yoga is all around us. By combining Yoga with Ayurveda as traditionally taught, we look at your life holistically not just when you are on the mat. These tools combine breathing, stretching, relaxing and chanting.
Actor Jim Carrey wishes more people could realize “all their dreams and wealth and fame,” just so they “could see that it’s not where they’re gonna find their sense of completion.”
Carrey told this to graduates last weekend at the commencement ceremony for Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa. All students at the school practice Transcendental Meditation, something Carrey does as well.
Actor Jim Carrey wishes more people could realize “all their dreams and wealth and fame,” just so they “could see that it’s not where they’re gonna find their sense of completion.”
Carrey told this to graduates last weekend at the commencement ceremony for Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa. All students at the school practice Transcendental Meditation, something Carrey does as well.
“Like many of you, I was concerned about going out into the world and doing something bigger than myself, until someone smarter than myself made me realize that there is nothing bigger than myself,” Carrey said. ” My soul is not contained within the limits of my body, my body is contained within the limitlessness of my soul.”
Carrey is best known as a comedic actor starring in everything from “In Living Color,” “Ace Ventura” and “Dumb & Dumber” to more recent films like “Bruce Almighty” and “Kick Ass 2.”
“Like many of you, I was concerned about going out into the world and doing something bigger than myself, until someone smarter than myself made me realize that there is nothing bigger than myself,” Carrey said. ” My soul is not contained within the limits of my body, my body is contained within the limitlessness of my soul.”
Carrey is best known as a comedic actor starring in everything from “In Living Color,” “Ace Ventura” and “Dumb & Dumber” to more recent films like “Bruce Almighty” and “Kick Ass 2.”
How much colour do you bring into your life? Moving towards 2018 have you thought of any new people, places and things you can bring into your life?
First we need to remove any clutter old stale bits n pieces to make room.
Does the thought of moving things out of your life bring a sense of anxiety, trepidation, overwhelm or total black out – can’t go there?
When you eat are you aware of what colours you are putting into your system? Do colours make your meal look healthy?
Colours are used in many therapies and have been shown to have positive Emotional effects on health. Therefore positive effects on your mind.
Red can stimulate a feeling of heat and energy- green for me is the calmness of nature – brown is stability earthing groundedness, yellow I get a sense of ego self centred & bringing in the new – possibly why yellow is used for selling goods – blue for coolness and effective communication- mauves third eye inner vision or intuition- white light for spiritual connection and gold for wisdom – there is so much more depth to this subject.
The same applies to my food. Yellow of the eggs is for strength – green my nervous system cleanse – red blood cleanse etc.
I do see a lot of people who eat browns – processed foods – a plate completely of the one colour – makes me feel bogged down just by looking at it.
Breakfast like a princess, lunch like a queen and dinner like a pauper helps enhance my digestion of food and life experiences.
Combined with sleep hygiene principles that suit my vata dosha type of early to bed and early to rise provides me with more energy balance and calmness into my life.
I have noticed the majority of rubbish that is left on the beach is from fast food outlets – eat it fast without a breath, little mastication and awareness which coincides with people leaving the packaging where they ate it, with no present awareness of reposition into the bin.
The other waste I see on the beach is straws, balloons and plastic water bottle containers – a decadent and unnecessary waste. They end up in the oceans killing the sea life and health of our oceans, rivers and streams.
If you haven’t been informed with this knowledge YouTube video before – you just might change your view on waste after.
