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By Karen Vasil-Busch
Through the practice of yoga and ayurveda, we tap into the life force that moves throughout our body. Yoga and ayurveda are derived from a 5,000-year-old tradition that addresses body and mind. Often referred to as sister sciences, these practices set themselves apart from many because of their longevity and relevance to modern times.
Modern neuroscience shows that our brain is pliable and has the ability to change. This is called neuroplasticity. Practices that enhance leaning into the positive states of mind include meditation and yoga. When we conjure up feelings of safety, satisfaction and connection, we directly affect those three areas.
Yoga is often referred to as the science of the mind and ayurveda, the science of life. This is because consistent practice of yoga prepares the mind for meditation. The yoga postures, asanas, help steady the mind, and yogic breathing clears the energetic channels in the body. Both build life force.
When coupled with a science based upon ayurvedic life force principles, life becomes anchored in accordance with the laws of the natural world. Each science supports the other.
New ways to experience health that awaken our physical and mental body ask that we participate in relearning the body’s natural state, which is one of relaxation, ease and joy.
This is no small task, for we often find ourselves busy with work and other obligations.
In my 30-plus years of practice as a massage therapist and yoga teacher, I have found that the simplest techniques are often the best. For example, next time you find yourself in a tense situation, breathe deeply and fully three times. The effect is almost immediate because deep, slow, full breaths stimulate the PNS, the “rest and digest” branch of the central nervous system. This sends a signal to our brain that there is no eminent threat. Deep, full breathing is a wonderful practice for anxiety and fear.
Studies indicate that the quality and duration of sleep play an important role in overall health. Modern ayurveda is based upon four pillars of life, one of which involves sleep. We all know how a good night’s sleep leaves us awake and alert the next day.
The unique approach to disturbed sleep in ayurveda is to nourish the body. The western approach may be to sedate to sleep, but in ayurveda, the body will naturally rest if a platform for sleep sculpture is prepared, which involves bedtime rituals as well as a consistent bedtime before 10 p.m.
Another pillar is nutrition. Digestion, assimilation and elimination are all a part of this pillar. Fresh organic seasonal foods, along with cooking meals are a big part of the ayurvedic lifestyle. Another element suggests specific mealtimes and mindfulness at meals, which support healthy digestion.
Meditation, sleep and nutrition, would not be complete without the fourth pillar, purification. Seasonal cleansing is part of the cycle of life. For more information, contact me for my article “Are you ready for a Spring Cleanse?”
Adopting any of these principles will enliven and awaken your body and mind.
Karen Vasil-Busch, LMT, is a nationally registered ayurvedic counselor. Her practice, BodyWise Therapy, is in Buckfield. She can be reached at 207-336-2065.
