Balance Kapha With Yoga Asana

Check out the article below written by Manas Kshirsagar discussing Ayurveda and Yoga! Article originally posted on Mapi.com. 

Want to read more from Manas? Visit Mapi.com!

by Val Brown, 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher and vpk® by Maharishi Ayurveda Staff Writers on May 15, 2015

According to the ancient system of ayurveda, every season has a dosha, or set of qualities, associated with it. When the sun lingers longer and the earth thaws and begins its renewal, the season of Kapha has arrived — March - June. In early Kapha season, the world is slowly coming out of hibernation. The first spring flowers begin to bloom and release pollen, and the birds sing signals that mating season is beginning. As we move deeper into the season, wet and cold turns to wet and warm, closer to May and into June.

The influences of the season may be felt most by those with primarily Kapha dosha. Comprised of the elements earth and water, we can often feel stuck or heavy during Kapha season. Think earth + water… mud! Our digestion may become sluggish or we may just feel sluggish, lethargic or sad, and have trouble sleeping or waking up. The English word "cough" comes from the Sanskrit word Kapha. The seat of Kapha in the body is in the chest. So as nature begins to awaken and bloom, the Kapha dosha may be aggravated, and the effects are felt in the respiratory system: mucus increases, leading to colds and problems with sinus congestion, allergies and even asthma.

However, the weightiness of Kapha isn’t all bad! It is also responsible for our sweet, stable temperament, long-term memory, strength, stamina, energy and sound sleep.

If you are feeling the heaviness of the season, the best way to shake things up is with a little vigorous exercise each day. Spring is the season to invigorate Kapha, which will bring great strength, endurance, and energy to enjoy this season of renewal!

Kapha-Balancing Asanas

Yoga asanas are the ideal non-strenuous ayurvedic exercise. We can stay balanced during Kapha season by incorporating asanas that fire us up and make us move. Uplifting, heart-opening backbends will open up the chest and lungs, helping with congestion and upper-respiratory heaviness. Invigorating inversions, when our heart is above the head, will get things moving both physically and energetically. And digestion-stimulating poses will do just that — get the digestion moving if it has become a bit sluggish.

Be adventurous, try something new, and be your highest and best teacher as you listen to your body and practice or modify these yoga asanas!

Uplifting, heart-opening backbends:

1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
2. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
3. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Invigorating inversions:

1. Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand)
2. Sirsasana (Headstand)

Digestion-stimulating poses:

1. Navasana (Boat Pose)
2. Apanasana (Knees-to-Chest Pose)
3. Reclining Twist

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.

What Is Dry-Brushing?

Ever wonder exactly what "dry-brushing" is? How it works? Why you should be doing it? In Ayurveda, Garshana, is an ancient practice that is vital for helping rid the body of toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system. In the article below originally posted on Mapi.com, Manas Kshirsagar breaks down this ancient practice and why you should be doing it.

Lymphatic System

Reduce Ama with Garshana Lymphatic Massage

by vpk® by Maharishi Ayurveda Staff Writers on June 6, 2016

Garshana (pronounced gar-shan), often called “dry-brushing,” is ayurvedic lymphatic massage that helps remove ama (digestive toxins). In Sanskrit, garshana means "friction by rubbing."

Garshana massage is usually recommended for people with a Kapha imbalance or predominance — that is, slower metabolism — or with symptoms of ama. (Wondering if you have ama? Take the Ama Questionnaire.) The symptoms of Kapha imbalance may include being overweight, water retention, lymphatic slowness, dullness physically or mentally, slow circulation or blockages in circulation. Lymphatic massage can be a wonderful addition to the morning routine to kick-start your day, for anyone.

In Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary’s book, The Prime, she writes “Dry-brushing is incredibly important for the lymphatic system. Lymphatics don’t have a pump. When you move them, they move. Without movement, they have no momentum. Manually massaging the skin toward the heart and in the direction of the lymph nodes gets the lymph moving more vigorously, which increases the body’s detoxification rate. Essentially, you are helping to direct the biochemical sewage through the channels and into the lymph nodes, where it can be eliminated.”

Need more reasons to practice daily garshana?

The Benefits

• removes ama and helps enliven alertness
• stimulates blood flow to deeper tissue cells by increasing the circulation
• promotes healthy lymphatic circulation
• removes blockages in the physiology
• nourishes the mind and nervous system
• exfoliates the skin
• alkalizes the blood, helping to eliminate stagnant impurities
• detoxes the liver (massage releases impurities in the skin and blood vessels)
• gently dissolves cellulite over time by breaking down impurity deposits in the fat tissue
• boosts skin glow

How to do Garshana Massage

Dry-brushing should be done vigorously, to stimulate the skin. It includes two types of movements:

• circular movements over the joint areas
• long strokes over the long bones

1. Start before your morning shower with dry skin, free from lotion or oil.
2. Using Silk Garshana (Lymphatic) Massage Gloves, vigorously massage your wrists and the tips of your elbows in a circular motion. Then massage from your fingers to the top of your upper arms with long strokes, directing the lymph to the lymph nodes under the arms.
3. Massage your stomach and buttocks in circular motions.
4. Massage your knees in a circular motion, then your thighs in long strokes up the legs, directing lymph toward the lymph nodes in the groin area.
5. Massage the ankles and feet in a circular motion. Then go up the calves in long strokes using medium-to-firm pressure.
6. Take your morning shower!

Please note: Garshana should not be done over the heart or on the breasts.

Different than Abhyanga

Garshana massage has a different effect than abhyanga, the traditional ayurvedic massage done with Sesame Oil. While abhyanga also helps reduce ama, it is calming, while garshana is stimulating (great for Kapha!). Abhyanga and garshana complement each other well, as garshana opens the skin pores so abhyanga oil can penetrate, soothe and deeply nourish the skin. If you wish to practice both, start with garshana and finish with abhyanga.

The Result

The result of garshana massage is that one should feel lighter, with more energy and vitality, better digestion, and enlivened metabolism. There is lightness in the body, clarity of mind, and more happiness and satisfaction in life. This is due to the removal of ama. In Maharishi Ayurveda, we hold that the perfect treatment doesn't balance one part of the body at the risk of unbalancing another part. This is the strength of the ayurvedic system. In following this principle, these detoxification methods flush out the toxins gently without disturbing the body's own natural functioning.

http://www.mapi.com/blog/reduce-ama-with-garshana-lymphatic-massage.html?partner=ManasKshirsagar-HP

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.

The Power Of Sandalwood

Harvested from the Santalum tree, sandalwood originates from India and Australia. With its vibrant, fresh, and woody aroma, sandalwood has been revered and used in ceremony for thousands of years. In fact, it's one of the most popular used scents in China, India, and Japan. Sandalwood is a wonderful base note in any blend and its scent lasts much longer than most others single notes.

Here at Serenity Spa | Soul Yoga we are known for the intoxicating vanilla sandalwood scent that draws you into our temple. This scent that draws souls who are simply walking by our doors into our temple is the Chopra Centers Satwa.

This scent is heavenly, burns clean, and lingers for hours after burning. We literally cannot keep this incense on our shelves. Still not sure? Stop by and buy a box! I promise you will become a believer and consumer of this sacred scent.

Manas Kshirsagar In The Building!

Friday March 16th-Sunday March 18th Ayurvedic Practitioner, Manas Kshirsagar, will be at Serenity Spa | Soul Yoga! His knowledge and experience is vast while his gentle spirit creates a safe space that cultivates a feeling of calm during your session. He books up quickly, so call one of our Guest Coordinators to schedule your appointment now!

He is also giving a complimentary lecture, Friday March 16th, on Spring Cleaning For Well-Being. Space is limited so call to get your seat for this empowering lecture!

What The Sage?!

As we move throughout our day, we absorb energy from those around us. We may not notice or realize this but it happens. As our mood fluctuates during the day, those energy signatures can stay with us if we don't set the intention to clear ourselves. Clearing our body, mind, and energy field of stagnant energy is vital. There are many ways to do this and some may resonate with you more than others.  Although there are many herbs and incense to use in smudging, we'll begin by taking a look at the most popular-sage. The sacred ritual of Smudging or Saging dates back thousands of years. There are several varieties of sage each with it's unique divine scent. Let's take a look at the benefits (both physical and energetic) of sage!

SAGE (member of the mint family)

• Helps reduces digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, and heartburn
• Is also used for depression
• Used for menstrual periods and symptoms of menopause including hot flashes
• Can be applied topically to treat conditions like cold sore, sore mouth, or even gum disease

Physical Uses:

• Sage can be made into a paste or lotion and used topically, can be used in cooking, as an essential oil, or in tea form.

Energetic/Spiritual Uses:

• Sage is most notably known as a cleansing tool. Native American Tribes and Shamans have been using sage for thousands of years as a way to cleanse a space, a person, or even an object as well as used during ceremonies. I find it magical and notice its effects almost immediately.
• Smudging also helps to balance our bodies energetic field, increasing our frequency and vibration. I smudge weekly and more if needed. Anytime I’m in a funk or negative mood, I smudge/sage myself and I feel the power of this herb.  You truly feel lighter!

Do you have an experience or favorite smudging technique? Share it with us in the comments below!

In Love & Gratitude,

Joy Arnold