Each dosha has certain attributes. Charaka, the great Ayurvedic physician of ancient times found that all organic and inorganic substances as well as thought and actions have definite attributes. These attributes are paired into opposite pairs. These opposite forces function together. Basically, the universe is the manifestation of the two opposites, male and female energy. These paris of opposites must be understood as having relative relationships, relative to subject, individual, etc…

Vata represents dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile, and clear qualities.

Pitta is similar, hot, sharp, light, liquid, mobile, and slightly oily qualities.

Kapha’s are heavy, slow, dull, cold, oily, liquid, smooth, slimy, dense, soft, cloudy, and static.

In Ayurveda it is law that like increases like.  Thus these attributes are increased during the doshas time of year which can cause aggravated states of imbalance in the body. The concepts of Ayurveda therapeutics, pharmacology, and food preperation is all based off the twenty attributes.We will now consider each attribute and the effects on the dosha.

1.) Heavy: The heavy quality increasesKapha and decreases Vata and Pitta. Meat, cheese, and sugar are heavy in quality. Eating heavy foods causes weight gain. Sleeping more than 10 hours creates a heaviness through out the day. Eating too much and not exercising is heavy. We need the quality of heavy in our lives to be grounded and centered, but too much slows digestion, metabolism, and creates dullness of all the senses.

2.) Light: This quality increase Vata and Pitta and decreases Kapha. This quality makes the body alert and attentive. But, too much causes spaciness, instability, insecurity, fear, and anxiety.

3.) Slow/Dull: Increases Kapha reduces Vata & Pitta. This quality creates sluggishness, slow action, relaxation, dullness, as well as calm, quiet, and silence. Rich and fatty foods induce this quality.

4.) Sharp: Sharp increases Vata and Pitta and decreases Kapha. This quality is present in spicy foods and spices such as cayenne pepper. It improves learning, concentration, and comprehension. In excess to much spice can create ulcers and acid reflux especially in Pitta.

5.) Cold: Increases Vata and Kapha decreases Pitta. It creates numbness, unconsciousness, contraction, stagnation, fear, and insensitivity in the body. Cold creates accumulated states of mucous (kapha). It slows digestion and reduces immunity.

6.) Hot: Increases Pitta and decreases Vata and Kapha. Heat stimulates the digestive system, improves circulation, absorption, and assimilation. It liquefies Kapha and calms Vata. Hot can cause irritability in Pitta.

7.) Oily: Increases Kapha and Pitta decreases Vata. It creates smoothness, lubrication, moisture, and vigor. It is nourishing and promotes compassion. In Ayurveda fat is called Medas and Medas means Love.

8.) Dry: INcreases Vata and decreases Pitta and Kapha. It makes the stool dry and hard (constipation) , It stimulates fire because fire is dry. This brings constriction to airways, spasms, pain, coughing and choking. Dry weather aggravates Vata and causes dry skin. The emotions of fear, loneliness, and nervousness are dry in quality. When a person is lonely the dry quality is aggravated. It also creates, isolation, seperation, and rejection.

9.) Smooth/Slimy: Increases Pitta Kapha and decreases Vata. Cheese and oils increase pitta while avocados and dairy increase Kapha. This quality lubricates and makes the body flexible. It prevents arthritis.

10.) Rough: Increases Vata and decreases Pitta and Kapha. It increases dryness and constipation.All raw vegetables are rough and provoke Vata. This quality is in all beans even after cooked, they are still rough, astrigent, and produce gas (vata).

11.) Dense: Increases Kapha and decreases Vata and Pitta. Meat and cheese are dense. It helps ground. When Vata is high you may crave a juicy hamburger or a sweet potato something grounding. It helps bring a sense of stability. Density promotes solidity and strength (Kapha).

12. Liquid: Increases Pitta Kapha and decreases Vata. This liquid quality promotes salivation, compassion, and cohesiveness. Excess intake of liquid such as water can cause water retention and bloating.

13.) Soft: Increases Pitta and Kapha and decreases Vata. It creates delicacy, relaxation, tenderness, love, and caring. It provokes mucous, and increases Kapha in the system. The soft quality calms Vata because Vats is rough. Love is soft anger is hot, sharp, and penetrating; fear is dry and rough. Sleeping in a soft bed especially a water bed will increase Kapha energy.

14.) Hard: Increases Vata and Kapha and decreases Pitta. It increases hardness, strength, rigidity, selfishness, and insensitivity in the mind. With Pneumonia the lungs become hard. Sleeping on a hard bed increases vata. Callouses on the hand and feet are of hard quality.

15.) Static: Increases Kapha decreases Pitta and Vata. It promotes stability and support. Sitting quietly like meditating brings static quality and helps heal.

16.) Mobile: Increases Vata and Pitta decreases Kapha. It promotes motion, shakiness, and restlessness. Our thoughts, feelings, and emotions are mobile. Insecurity comes from a mobile quality.  Jogging, running, jumping, and physical activity are samples of mobile quality and it increases Vata in the whole system.

17.) Subtle: Increases Pitta and Vata decreases  Kapha. Many herbs and essential oils are subtle in their quality.

18.) Gross: Increases Kapha and decreases Vata and Pitta. Meat and cheese are gross in quality and can cause obstructions and obesity.

19.) Clear: Increases Vata Pitta decreases Kapha. It creates pacification and division. An access of clear quality can come from too much cleansing aggravating Vata and Pitta.

20.) Cloudy: Increases Kapha and decreases Pitta and Vata. It creates both a lack of clarity and perception.

Kapha has the elements of water and earth. What do you get put water and earth together? You usually get mud, Ayurveda says Kapha ‘that which sticks.’ Kapha energy provides the body with lubrication and physical form. The qualities of Kapha are moist, cold, heavy, dull, soft, sticky, and static. A kapha individual will display physical and mental characteristics that reflect these qualities in both a balanced and imbalanced states.

Kapha individuals are blessed naturally with good health, rugged bones, and mental peace. When balanced Kaphas are warm, loving, compassionate, gentle, and make great teddy bears for hugs.

The main locations of kapha in the body are the chest, throat, lungs, head, lymph, fatty tissue, connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons. Physiologically Kapha moistens food, gives bulk to tissues, lubricates joints, and stores energy.

When Kapha becomes imbalanced it weighs down the body and clouds the mind. Kapha orders are moist such as congestion in the lungs, mucous, coughs, sinus congestion, over weight, colds, etc… Kapha is related to many of the diseases today such as obesity, diabetes, & heart disease.

Psychologically Kapha governs love, patience, and forgiveness. Mentally Kaphas tend to store their emotions. They are the least likely to be aware they need help. They become interverted and seek isolation from a cruel world. Deep seated emotions usually lead to depression, attachment, hoarding, and greed.

The good news is Kapha responds well to lifestyle and dietary  changes.

Element #1 Ether: In Ayurveda Ether is considered to be omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. This all pervading Ether serves as  a ‘home’ for all objects in the Universe. Ether, is the first expression of consciousness. In the development of matter Ether comes first it is expansive and has no resistance. Ayurveda says that within Ether there is a pure presence of spiritual energy that manifests. Without Ether there is no love or freedom. Ether manifests as nuclear (cell) energy.

Element #2 Air: This same consciousness when it moves in a particular direction becomes air. Air is the principle of movement necessary for keeping the body in constant motion and manifests as electrical energy. Prana is the basic principle of Air element. It is the flow of consciousness from one cell to another in the form of intelligence. Prana is the vital life force and is necessary for all subtle and gross movements within the cell, within the system, within the physical body. All sensory stimuli and motor responses happen because of Prana. Everything that moves in the body including the heart and respiratory systems are governed by the principle of Air, Prana (life force).

Element #3 Fire: Where there is movement there is heat. Where there is movement there is friction and where there is friction and heat there is Fire. This is the next level of awareness. Fire is called Agni. All transformations are governed by the principle of Fire. It resides over our metabolic processes in regulating the transformation of food into energy and is responsible for regulating body temperature, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. Fire is carried throughout the body in the blood and plasma as heat. Poor circulation results in cold hands or feet. Where the body is cold there is little blood flow and the heat supply is being cut off. The Fire element is radiant energy, and is present in the body as the flame of attention.

Element #4 Water: Next comes the element of Water which is associated with chemical energy. Water is necessary in the human body for cleansing,assimilation, and for maintaining electrolytes. The plasma in our blood is made up of 90% water and this water carries nutrients to every cell in the body. Oxygen particles and minerals are carried from once cell to the next from one system to the next through this river called plasma. The body’s lymphatic system is also governed by water. This is the water of life. This why it is vital to drink 6-8 glasses a day of clean filtered water. Any other liquid or beverage does NOT count. If it is not called water its not the water the body needs to replenish itself with. The body is simple and only recognizes water as its refueling source.

Element #5 Earth: This  solid, hard, and dense element is called Earth. The ground for a global life. It holds all living creatures of the planet giving them food and shelter. All solid structures, hard, firm, compact tissues are derived from the Earth element (bones, nails, teeth, skin, hair etc..) Earth is associated with mechanical energy.

These Five elements help create our physical bodies and give birth to the names we are all familiar with Vata, Pitta, & Kapha. (see my posts on the three doshas.) They support life and maintain harmony in our inner worlds. When these energetic elements are out of balance however, they can cause discomfort and threaten life. The predominance of each element is constantly changing and we need to adjust to those changes (humidity, seasons, climates, temperature, etc..)

A combination of these elements vary in each individual that is what makes Ayurveda unique from other healing modalities that try to put you in a generalization. Keeping these five elements balanced helps bring total health to the body/mind/spirit system. When we maintain them we are in good health. But, when we dont disease and unhappiness is the result. Example an increase in Air can cause anxiety, spaciness, aches and pains in the body, worry, fear etc..; increased pitta can cause acid reflux, ulcers, fever, eczema; increased earth can cause obesity, tumors, growths, depression, lethargy; water can cause edema, bloating, etc..

Looking at our world, our bodies, the food we eat, the beverages we put into our systems with new eyes can help us restore balance. We are not forever sick or diseased. There is nothing wrong with us except we have driven our own elements out of kilter. We have the power to restore health and well being to ourselves.  Cells regenerate every 6 months! Every 6 months essentially we have anew body, but it can only reproduce with the memory or information it has been given. This is the greatest gift of intelligence and that intelligence is within everyone of us and our cells. Give your cells new information new energy and they will start to reprogram and reproduce into healthier cells.

Namaste’ G.

Ayurveda is the oldest healing system known to man. Some say the original texts are 10,00 years old though they don’t exist anymore. One of the oldest books known to man is still in existence. They are called the ‘Sutras’ they are dated back to 400 C.E. There is much emphasis on the three doshas that create our physical bodies in Ayurveda. Everything we do is to help balance these energies, so we can feel balanced physically, emotionally, and spiritually to lead happy and healthy lifestyles. But, how did these elements come together in the first place to create the physical? That’s what this post will try to explain in a simple way. The knowledge and depth of the information in which the original enlightened Rishis (seers) gave never ceases to amaze me.

First, we must begin with (Shad Darshan) the six philosophies of life. I could write a whole post just on these! Maybe I will one day. Sankhya, Nyaya, & Vaisheshika all deal with the material world. They try to understand and explain everyday experiences on the physical level. Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta, observe inner realities as an attempt to understand the outer reality. They more concerned with philosophy than physical. In Buddhism they say, ‘In studying Shad Darshan we try to understand ‘what is’ and how to relate to it in order to achieve self realization.’ An enlightened Rishi (seer) by the name of Kapila is the original author and creator of Sankhya philosophy. Sankhya means to know the truth. There are 24 principles in Sankyha philosophy, but we are only going to focus on a few.

First and most important is Purusha and Prakruti. Purusha means pure consciousness that exists, dwells, and lives in the city of the senses. Purusha is the transcendental state of being and existence. It is pure energy, choiceless, passive awareness. It is formless and colorless and takes no active part in creation. It is considered to be of male energy wanting to experience himself through creation which he can not do without a partner. This partner is Prakuti.

Prakuti is primordial will, matter, and creative potential. Prakuti has form, color, and attributes. It has awareness with choice, the one who desires to become many. The universe is the child born out of the womb of Prakuti, the Divine Mother. Prakuti creates all form while Purusha is the witness. There is no matter without energy, but there can be energy without matter. Prakuti can not exist without Purusha. Prakuti is creativity, the feminine energy. She is Divine Mother for all creation came from her womb. Purusha (male) and Prakuti (female) energies are together to experience creation. Prakuti creates the first expression of creation which is Mahad. The meaning of Mahad is supreme intelligence, that which puts everything in its proper place. Mahad has self awareness. In every indvidual cell of our bodies is pure intelligence and each cell has a unique function. There is intelligence and right order in the cells, and that order is cellular intelligence and memory. That is Mahad, the communication between the cells.

From the experience of (Mahad) pure intelligence (Ahamkara) is created Ahamkara means ‘I am’ the ego. ‘I’ is the center. The moment you identify with an object you give birth to Ahamkara focusing on one thing making it the center of attention. It is the identification based in previous accumulated experience. Mahad becomes Buddhi, which is reasoning capacity, intellect, and individual awareness. Mahad is the universal principle. Buddhi is the individual principle.

Next comes the Gunas these three universal qualities also could have a whole post written about them, but in the interest of time I will keep it brief. Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas are consciousness broken up into qualities which pervade all creation. They can be perceived as distinct, separate, and defined. Sattva is the principle of pure essence of light, right action, and spiritual purpose. Rajas is the principle of movement, change, and excitability. Tamas is the principle of inertia, darkness, and confusion. These three universal qualities influence our bodies and minds. On the individual level Sattva is perception, the knower, Rajas is the movement of perception, which becomes the process of attention, and Tamas is the experience of the known. Without Tamas there is no experience. Sattva is the observer, Rajas is observation, Tamas is the object being served.

The five elements (Either, Air, Water, Fire, & Earth) are born in the womb of Tamas and contain all three gunas Sattva, Rajas, & Tamas. Earth is Tamas, Water is Tamas and Sattva, Fire is intense Rajas and Sattva, Air is Rajas and Sattva, Ether is pure Sattva. These 5 elements help bring our bodies into form. We are the dweller in the body we are not our bodies. We are Purusha (pure consciousness.) We are Prakruti (creation.) Learning to apply the philosphies of the 24 principles of Sankyha philospy into our daily lives helps us heal at a deep level. We all must heal ourselves. Finally, the Five Senses (hearing, touch, vision, taste, and smell) and the Five Faculties of Action (speech, grasping, walking, procreation, elimination) come from Sattva. Through Tamas we can experience (sound, touch, form, taste, and odor.)

From this perspective you can start to get a sense we are something higher and nobler. We are Purusha wanting to experience himself in all experiences and we are Prakuti longing to manifest into many to allow Purusha the pleasure of experience. We are not our anger we are the observer of anger within our own bodies. We are not the fear we are the witness to the fear. You are not bored or tired you are the observer of these qualities and emotional states of being. The shceme of cause and effect are the keys to creation this is the journey of consciousness into matter.

Ayurveda is all about Self Acceptance and Self Love. It is the stepping stones to bliss.

Namaste’ Gary

This concept of forgiving our addictions/compulsions can be scary for some of us especially since I believe what I am writing about is in shedding a new light upon an old concept. This though is the beauty contained within the C.M.R. process to reconnect with our bodies. The body-mind system is ONE! It is not separate as some might have you believe. We are all created from the ‘ONENESS’ there is no separation in us or between anything and anyone else. It is the neurotic EGO that glorifies separateness.
However, if forgiving your compulsions is not speaking to you right now lets look a little more closely at for giving yourself; after all your compulsions may not trust your new intention to heal. A compulsion is the energy that creates the addiction when left unchecked.

As in Step 3 (made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of GOD as we understood him) we need to have willingness to begin to forgive ourselves. This may be hard after many years of our minds convincing us we do not serve and all the reasons that follow. However, we owe ourselves this mercy.

In step 8 (made a list of all person(s) we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all) my AL-Anon sponsor had me do something different with this step. She, yes, I said she made me put myself at the TOP OF THE AMENDS LIST. What? I didn’t need forgiving! I had done all these horrible things to others revealed through my 4 step!

I was guided to the 12 steps and 12 traditions book pages 79-80. Where it says and I quote: “In many instances though we may find the harm we have done to others has not been great, the emotional harm we have done to ourselves has. Very deep, sometimes quite forgotten, damaging emotional conflicts persist below the level of consciousness.”

The persisting ‘emotional conflicts below the level of consciousnesses’ are our compulsive energies and unmet needs. I think there is much more awareness work that can be done with step 8. Most people in recovery just want to get to step 9 and there is usually little time spent examining what this step is really asking of us.

It deals with the surface stuff making amends and forgiving ourselves for the attitudes, judgments, behaviors, and inappropriate actions with others.

But, what if we started to look for and make a list of the ‘compulsions’ that were behind the behaviors? And ask ourselves what ‘NEED’ was I trying to meet in that experience?
A good beginning is to start every morning when you’re looking in the bathroom mirror and say, ‘I forgive you’ and add your name at the end. Say it like a mantra. Forgive all the parts of yourself that are unacceptable and unlovable. You will see where you are still closed. Allow yourself to feel the contracted energy. It is through the contraction you will find your way back to your heart and your own Vast Intelligence within you.
Your mind will put many obstacles in the way of this process. For the neurotic EGO wants nothing to do with ‘oneness’ or ‘forgiveness.’ It is life threatening to the EGO.
Watch and observe the mind without judgments just notice what is there.
Reaction and resentment are buried deep inside us. They are a part of the ‘collective consciousness’ and this energy have been passed down through the millennium. In the willingness to explore our own forgiveness we will see the protective walls we have put up around our hearts. Forgiveness is not just about hearing the anger or grief; it is also about listening for the longing that is deep within us; reconnecting with ourselves, to create more space within.
When we can learn to accept our lives as they are past and present we can begin to live in a more present state of awareness.
When we process the wounded energy around the addiction then we can forgive ourselves and love ourselves.
Our healing starts with a commitment. Our recovery started with a surrendering and willingness. In learning to forgive and love ourselves again we make a commitment to become willing and teachable so we may love and celebrate life after the addiction. Taking responsibility and making a commitment to your healing is like working steps 4-10. It acknowledges ‘this is me feeling this now’. This is your beings creative expression! Give thanks and feel the gratitude that wells up from within and pat yourself on the back for doing this work. There is nothing inherited that is wrong with us we were always LOVE.

Namaste’ Gary

Each of the 3 Pillars of Life is related to one another and, therefore if one “pillar” is compromised the other two can become imbalanced as well. For example, if one does not get enough rest he/she may try to compensate by drinking too much coffee or eating refined sugary foods to boost energy levels the next day. The long-term result of this practice is to deplete the body’s energy reserves and cause a desire for more coffee.  Coffee is a dehydrating beverage causing high acidity and nervous symptoms even though it temporarily enables us to get by with less rest.  And so, the cycle is repeated day after day until tissues begin to break down, and disease sets in.

Many examples of unhealthy methods of coping with stress through diet, exercise and sex can be found in our society today. Ayurveda offers common sense, healthy substitutes which help restore the harmony and balance to body and mind so that we can feel happy and fulfilled, especially in our love life.

Three Pillars of Life:

The three pillars of life are a part of the bedrock that Ayurveda is built upon.When digestion is proper, a person is able to rest well and sexual energy is maintained and the body and mind reach their full potential.

Food – Through proper digestion, our bodies are able to extract from the food all the nutrients present as well as the life energy (prana) of the food.  The end result of proper digestion is ojas, a subtle energy that protects the body and the mind from disease.  Proper digestion requires the intake of the ideal food for a person’s constitution.  It also requires that food be consumed properly with due regard for how the foods are combined, when and how the food is eaten, how much is eaten and other environmental factors surrounding the meal.  When any of these things is disturbed, food is not digested properly, ama (toxins) is formed and eventually disease occurs.

Rest – Getting the appropriate amount of sleep is the second pillar. Proper rest is essential for the well-being of any person.  Many people try to get away with less sleep, sometimes only 3-5 hours per night. We take pills and drink stimulants to push the body into going further than it is made to go. If the body does not receive enough sleep, it can not repair the damage caused by stress and strain of the day. This leads to breakdown in both the body and mind, and often causes mental and emotional illness.  Too much sleep can also cause problems such as tissues that become excessive, stagnant, lethargic and immobile. The proper amount of sleep is different for each dosha, Vatas need the most sleep, Pittas the are in the middle and Kaphas need the least.  The reality is often reversed, with Vatas becoming overstimulated and anxious, unable to sleep; Pittas not sleeping well due to overfocusing/thinking and worrying about their work, and Kaphas sleeping the most as the heaviness and lethargy of their constitution makes it hard not to do so.

The third pillar of life is the management of sexual energy.  The issue of sexual restraint if very difficult to approach openly due to the many varying beliefs regarding sex, individual freedom, biological roles, religious upbringing, male/ female differences in sexual wiring, and so on. The sexual restraint recommended from the ancient Vedic texts does not come from a place of judgment but rather it is a practical concern for the Yogi seeking enlightenment as well as for the sick individual who desires a return to health.  Sexual release is understood to reduce the energy available for supporting the healing of the body and mind.  Excessive sexual indulgence can leave a person in a weakened and exhausted state.  This state is not conducive to healing.  Sexual energy, called “shukra”, is needed to build “ojas”, the energy that provides stability to the body and the mind and underlies the strength of the immune system.  When shukra is depleted, ojas becomes depleted as well.  Chronically ill patients are advised to avoid sexual release for at least 30 days and sometimes longer.  Regarding the Yogi, ojas is needed to support the body and mind as higher yogic energies course through them. If ojas is not sufficient, the body and mind break down under yogic practice and physical and psychological disease result.  Again, the recommendations for sexual practice are different for each of the three doshas, with Kaphas being the strongest and most able to sustain an active sex life, Pittas next (although they often would prefer to put this energy into their work) and Vatas the most vulnerable to sexual exhaustion and weakness, although they would like to be different in this respect as well.

5 Ayurvedic Recommendations for balancing the 3 Pillars of Life:

1. Eat a diet that is appropriate for your constitution. (If you don’t know your constitution, you can get an evaluation by one of our many qualified Ayurvedic Specialists on-line, in person, or by phone).

2.     Modify lifestyle habits so that they will support the building of ojas and balance your doshic constitution.

3.     Learn how to give a nurturing massage to your partner and vice versa to develop intimacy while also building ojas if you are weak and exhausted. (Take a couple’s massage class) Allow time to heal from acute or chronic disease.

4. Take supportive herbs that will give you the energy and stamina for a happy, satisfying love life. Medicinal ghees such as Ashwaganda/Rose for men and Shatavari/Rose for women are great choices.

5.     In general, Vatas can safely enjoy sex every two weeks without becoming imbalanced.  Pittas once a week or more.  Kaphas have the most stamina and can enjoy sex more often, some every day, depending upon their constitution and ojas. These are only broad guidelines as most people have multiple dosha influences.

The person who wisely manages the three pillars of life is benefited with a healthy, productive life.

Written by: Lauire Millar

The number #1 complaint I get as a health practioner is ‘I feel tired or fatigued.’ There are many things that can zap our energy. Drugs, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and processed foods are #1 on the list. Chronic pain, depression, grief, toxins, sleep disorders, thyroid dysunction, liver & galbladder dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, and chronic fatigue are just a few of other things that can drain the bodies energy levels. These are symptoms of a bigger problem. This is the bodies way of communicating with you that something needs to be balanced. We spend millions of dollars trying to feel better and  have more energy. It should not be this difficult afterall we are ‘Energy Beings.’

Human beings are complex or atleast we like to think we are. The reality is the functioning of the human body today is really no different than it was 5,000 years ago. Everything around us such as technology has evolved at a lightning quick pace, but the bodies evolution is much slower. Experts now say that babies thumbs are now believed to be longer as the texting age is upon us, but thats another topic. The body frankly is quite simple.

The body does not want to die nor does it want to be unhealthy. The food you are putting in your mouth is what creates all 7 layers of the body. The body is a complex epicenter full of intelligence. Every cell communicates and holds vital informaiton. The body runs on a biological clock that is synched with natures bio-rhythms. When we upset this order this is what starts to cause imbalance and ultimately disease.

The body functions much like a young child. The child comes into this world only knowing unconditional love, trust, and faith. It has no reason to doubt or be suspicious of its care givers. These responses and patterns are learned, observed, and repeated over time until that child no longer trusts. The body does the same thing, but it never quits trusting or obeying. The body is designed to obey the mind. It is that simple. The body follows and the mind leads. The body in its subtle way can tell you it does not like something or tries to warn you. Remember the pit in the stomach feeling? Definitely a good time to listen to the body and not the mind. However, as humans we usually over ride our ‘instincts’ and follow our mind (EGO).

We all have the power to heal to be healthy and have energy, but its a choice and its not an easy one in todays world. Why? I dont know we all have excuses and reasons. Its our societal thinking for one. Many of us view ourselves as victims and we blame others for our conditions. We point the finger and play the balme game. We do not want to take responsibility and we do not want to ‘look within.’ We become hopeless and talk about change, but the only thing that creates change is action. Reversing a condition in the body takes time! Just because you do not see the desired result does not mean it si not working or something is not reversing. Patience and time are your friend when it comes to undoing a condition.

Being tired all the time is not how we were designed. Each and everyone one of us has to become our own private investigators digging through the files of our lives, cleaning out dirty closets, and becoming conscious of our choices. The trick is not to beat yourself up when you slip. We are human afterall. Always show yourself compassion even if your doing something you know you do not want to be doing. We have to claim and take back our own power. No one can give you energy or power except you. Record your symptoms start keeping a daily log. The more information you can share with a health practioner or doctor. The better chance you have of recovering. Do you wake rested, or do you pull yourself out of bed, do you get tired at certain times of the day etc… Write down what yo ueat and drink this is a good eye opener. Denial can be thick, but denial does not give us our energy back. Its about becoming real with ones Self.

Namaste’ Gary

The Role of Ojas on the Mind

The ancient Rishis who are the creators of Aurveda said, “The body was given 7 drops of Ojas; once used the body dies.” This is one reason why Ayurveda puts such a heavy emphasis on proper digestion.The end product of proper digestion and assimilation at a cellular or tissue level is the formation of Ojas. Ojas is a biological substance that is necessary for maintaining immunity.  You can think of Ojas as a battery charger. When the body does not have enough energy to drive it then it dips into its reserve (ojas) to keep it running. We always should be asking ourselves if we are depleting or replenishing our Ojas. Below I have given you some concepts for you to decide.

Ojas is the by-product of a healthy, efficient, contented physiology. It is the “juice” that remains after food has been properly digested and assimilated. When you are producing ojas, it means all your organs have integrated vitality and you are receiving the nourishment your mind and body need. Your whole being hums with good vibrations because you are producing and feeling bliss, not pain. However, when your agni isn’t working properly, you don’t produce ojas. Instead food, thoughts, and feelings turn into ama. Ojas is the subtle glue that cements the body, mind, and spirit together intergrating them into a fucntioning human being.

A.       It is a stabilizing force balancing tejas and prana.

B.       It can be seen as the container within which tejas and prana circulate.

The Role of Ojas in the Physical Body

A.       Ojas is the essence of our immune system. 

B.       Ojas gives our body the ability to endure physical and chemical stress.

 

The Signs of Low Ojas

Eyes that are unable to withstand the sun

Symptoms of vata imbalance

Poorly formed sexual organs

Symptoms of high tejas or prana

Suicidal person (extreme case of all gunas being extremely low)

 

Factors that Directly Weaken Ojas (improper use of the senses)

Overindulgence in sex: Ojas is directly released through semen.

Excess noise stimulation, mass media, and bright light

Drug use

Inappropriate breathing techniques

Too much use of red or black

Not being loved as a child or an adult

 

Factors that Build Ojas

Proper nourishment and digestion (healthy agni), rest, meditation, right use of the senses,

sexual abstinence for one month or longer, practicing love, faith, and compassion. 

Special foods and herbs such as:

Chavanprash, raw milk, raw honey, raw sugars, cooked onion, almonds and sesame seeds,

nourishing tonic herbs, and Ghee

 •    Colors: Gold

 •    Aromas: Basil, rose, sandalwood, saffron, frankincense, lavender, and lotus (Rose and lotus are the best aromas) aromas in general do not have a great impact due to their lightness.

Article by: Debotah King

What’s the one big thing on everyone’s minds these days? The H1N1 flu. There is a ton of controversy about the flu vaccines, the reality of the numbers being posted, and whether or not the risk is as bad as the hype. Whatever the truth may be, here are a few simple facts that will help you get through the flu season with your health intact.

The number one best preventative measure against the flu is Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin. It protects you from colds and flu and works to boost your immune system. Good quality vitamin D is easily available. I take approximately 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 a day during the cold and flu season (check with your health care practitioner to see what level is appropriate for you). Our bodies produce vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun, so getting out in the sun every day—always a great prescription—also helps. And some foods, like salmon and sardines, naturally contain vitamin D. Maintaining healthy levels of Vitamin D in your body can also protect against cancer!

Another important factor in maintaining your health and keeping your immune system in fighting mode against infection is to get enough sleep. Go to bed in a totally dark room to ensure melatonin production. Melatonin not only helps you sleep better, but is also a powerful antioxidant—more protection against the flu.

And finally, try to stay emotionally balanced. If you are living in fear of getting the flu or worrying excessively about your health (or anything else), the stress leaves you more vulnerable to infection. Do whatever works best for you to maintain balance—exercise, meditate, journal, get out in nature, do creative projects, and find the inner joy and happiness that will sustain you through the winter months ahead.

Deborah King is an author, lecturer, contemporary healer, and recognized expert in the health and wellness field. Visit www.DeborahKingCenter.com.

Pitta (Sanskrit for “bile”) is the dosha made up of the elements of fire and water. While heat is one of its predominant qualities, Pitta is also sharp, light, liquid, spreading, and oily. How those qualities manifest in the psychophysiology of a Pitta person (or someone with a Pitta imbalance) will be somewhat unique to the individual, but may include a higher body temperature and a hot, strong appetite, a sharp nose and sharp mind, light eyes (often hazel, green or blue), a tendency toward loose or liquid stools, and oily skin and hair.

Pitta governs the same specific functions, organs and tissues all bodies, no matter what the dosha. All transformative and metabolic activities are directed by Pitta, as are maintenance of body temperature and coloration, appetite, thirst, digestion, absorption and assimilation of food, intelligence, visual perception and comprehension. Pitta is found in the brain’s grey matter, in the eyes, heart, blood, liver, spleen, gallbladder and lower portion of the stomach, in the small intestines, and in the skin, secretions,  fat and sweat.

To balance Pitta, apply the opposite quality. Because Pitta is already hot, don’t go out in the hot mid-day sun to exercise. That will only make you hotter and push you into a Pitta-aggravated state. Instead, experience the coolness of an air-conditioned space. Eating oily, fried food will increase the oiliness of Pitta and result in indigestion or diarrhea. Astringent and bitter foods are better choices for Pitta, as their drying effects counter the oily, liquid nature of Pitta dosha.