An Ayurvedic Path To Calm

The Ayurvedic Path to Calm is a simple but powerful one. It requires that the seeker be dedicated to their needs and in tune with their body. Our emotions can affect our bodies and become physical imbalances if we let them go untreated. Below are six practices that will help you attain the level of calm that you are seeking.

Sleep

A restful sleep is vital to the body and sleeping 7-8 hours each night is just as important. According to the National Sleep Foundation “Researchers have also shown that after people sleep, they tend to retain information and perform better on memory tasks. Our bodies all require long periods of sleep in order to restore and rejuvenate, to grow muscle, repair tissue, and synthesize hormones.” It is beneficial for the body to wake early, before the sun. During this time of the morning nature is becoming more lively which can awaken your senses and peace of mind. Together with a restful sleep you may wake feeling better already.

Walk Outdoors

Take a walk outside while the sun is rising. This exercise will help to awaken the body and the inside you. Awakening the becomes a cathartic experience as it helps to burn emotions that have been building inside. While walking, listen to the birds, the rustle of the leaves, the sound of the wind as it blows past your collar. Enjoy the moment that you’ve taken for yourself. Exercise releases endorphins in the body which trigger a positive feeling. Taking a walk outdoors is bound to leave you feeling calm and happy.

Daily Elimination

Eliminations are integral to the bodies daily functions. Constipation can leave you with headaches, low mood, fatigue and intestinal dysfunction. If your elimination is blocked, begin your day with a warm glass of water and two ripe yellow bananas. Before bed you can combine 2 teaspoons of ghee in a cup of milk. This recipe makes for a gentle laxative and is especially good for Vata and Pitta types.

Meditation

Meditation is a quieting of the mind. Our minds can be so busy that we don’t give them the chance to breathe. Your meditation practice doesn’t have to start at an intimidating half hour, a simple five minutes a day of gazing softly into the distance and allowing your mind to empty while you focus on the breath is enough. Set a timer to begin. You’d be surprised at how fast five minutes can go.

Yoga

Yoga stretching is recommended for all body types: Kapha, Vata and Pitta. Yoga helps the blood to circulate, encourages balance, allows the muscles to stretch to their fullest and connects the mind, to the body, to the breath. Yoga allows , the universal life force, to flow freely through the body.

Abhyanga (warm oil massage)

Give yourself a daily warm oil massage (abhyanga) using large amounts of oil. Abhyanga increases circulation, lubricates the joints, stimulates the internal organs of the body and calms the nerves. You should massage your body with love and generosity for at least 10 minutes a day. The following oils are best for abhyanga: Jojoba, Almond, Coconut, and Safflower.

Eat Balanced

Eat organic, eat unprocessed, eat natural. These types of foods are easy to digest, create balance in the body and bring you closer to nature. Proper nourishment plays a vital role in your health and healing while poor nourishment can significantly impact your body’s natural functions and in turn make you feel less calm. The Ayurvedic Tradition offers insight into what foods will create harmony with each individual Dosha. Some foods, for instance ketchup, may be okay for Vata Dosha to consume but are best avoided by Pitta Dosha.

Hello September, Hello Fall!

The month of September ushers in the Fall season. Children return to school, the sun sets sooner, the leaves begin to change color and a chill sets in the air. September is the time of harvest when we can enjoy the summer’s hard labor. Fall is alive with color and inspiration, warmth from the fire and long walks through Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches. The days of eating astringent foods will subside and we begin to eat warm soups which soothe the Vata Dosha.

Climate

The climate of September may be a shock to the body. Chilly mornings, hot midday sun, and brisk nights can aggravate Vata. In order to prepare, one must dress for the occasion. It’s time to put away flip flops and bathing suits and bring out those sweaters and scarves. Keeping your layers handy is key to help your body adjust to the sudden shift in the evenings.

September For Kapha

Kapha Dosha is balanced by the light, dry nature of fall. They are energized by the change of season that September brings. They will be inspired and focused as the heaviness of summer will no longer bog them down. Kapha Dosha should resist sedentary activities (like naps) and engage in the mobile nature of fall to reach optimal health.

September For Pitta

September is a welcome respite from the heat for Pitta Dosha. Now is the time to clear out all of the excess Pitta that was built up during the summer. Pitta types can be aggravated by the light, cool nature of fall. Therefore they must focus on becoming grounded and finding routine. The most important consideration is to try not to allow yourself to heat up to much. Avoid hot baths and aggressive workouts. For Pitta, fall is the time for relaxation. Take advantage.

September For Vata

Fall, like Vata Dosha, is dry, erratic, cool, subtle and clear; this is why Fall is considered Vata season. In order to balance Vata in September they must ground themselves with warmth, hydration, oiliness, stability and routine. It

is important to eat substantial foods in order to maintain your reserve of moisture; foods that are rich with fat, oil and spice. Vata Doshas should be careful not to fill their days with activity and become flighty as their Dosha is wont to do. They should make time for meditation and to relax.

Herbs for September

Ashwagandha - An aptogen for combating stress, calms the mind and promotes restful sleep, promotes proper function of the adrenals, increases energy and vitality.

Chyavanprash - Promotes proper function of the immune system, healthy metabolism, and rejuvenates the mind and body.

Licorice - promotes clear breathing and proper function of the lungs as well as soothes the mucous membranes and stomach lining.

September Diet

The diet for September is reminiscent of an animal preparing for hibernation. Now is the time to eat hearty, rich foods. Your meals during the day should consist of cooked grains, soups and stews, meat and eggs. For people who eat dairy, this is a great time to enjoy it. This is also the time to reduce raw and frozen vegetables as well as light, cooling and drying foods i.e. foods with too much Vata in them. Eating foods like popcorn would be counter intuitive to balancing your digestion for the season.

This September, remember that balance can be achieved if you stay grounded and maintain a schedule for yourself. A gradual adjustment in your body, like the leaves in trees, is the best way to transition between Summer and Fall. Enjoy the change of seasons and remember to stay warm.

Falling Leaves of October

The chilled air rushes past your face as the burnt orange leaves rustle past your feet. You walk under the dark night sky as the stars twinkle above your head. October is finally upon us, a time to soothe the Vata in you. October is a month of harvest and ghost stories, of little ghouls and tiny princesses. Family celebrations become more frequent and keeping our bodies nourished is a priority.

Ayurveda teaches us that we must be balanced. In order to maintain balance during the fall season, it's important to create and maintain a schedule. The weather during October can be unpredictable, the change of the sunset against the time can throw your bodies rhythm off, and getting back into the swing of work and school can make you feel sluggish. Keep a constant schedule in order to assist your bodies natural balance. Rise with the sun, eat your meals at the same time each day, eat an early dinner. Mind your Dosha.

October is a cool, dry month; it shares the same characteristics as Vata Dosha. That’s why the the fall is the Vata season. The best way to soothe Vata Dosha during this time of year is to stay hydrated and eat foods that are warm, oily, heavy and build immunity (ojas). Now is the time to trade in your salads for soups and your fresh fruit for pureed fruit.

Pumpkin is a seasonal vegetable that is delicious when made into a soup. It’s creamy, hydrating, and warms up your insides.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe

• 2.4 lb pumpkin (any) , unpeeled weight (Note 1)

• 1 onion, sliced (white, brown, yellow)

• 2 garlic cloves , peeled whole

• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth , low sodium

• 1 cup 250 ml water

• Salt and pepper

• 1/2 - 3/4 cup cream or half and half

1. Cut the pumpkin into 2.25" slices. Cut the skin off, scrape seeds out, cut into chunks.

2. Place the pumpkin, onion, garlic, broth and water in a pot - liquid won't cover all the pumpkin. Bring to a boil, uncover, then reduce heat and let simmer rapidly until pumpkin is tender.

3. Remove from heat and blend until smooth.

4. Season to taste with salt and pepper, add cream

5. Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle a bit of cream, garnish with pepper and parsley.

October is an enchanting month for a warm night in with your loved ones. So, grab a blanket and a scary movie. Make some pumpkin soup to satisfy your Dosha and enjoy. Happy Halloween!