Ayurvedic Tips and Reminders- Breathe In- Breathe Out

Dear friends,

In a time of “upheaval” all over the world, the closest friend you have inside to access inner calm is the breath. I am not making a political statement nor am I judging your personal choice of presidents. I’m referring to the general state of energy in the world right now. This upheaval can be a catalyst for change- that is how I see it at least. However, the media can easily make us feel agitated, worried, and scared causing anxiety, stress and even depression.

Ayurveda teaches that feelings and symptoms in the body are known as “qualities”. If you know the “quality” then you find the opposite quality to heal. For example, if you are consistently cold, get anxious, have insomnia or get easily constipated, have dry skin, your Vata dosha may be out of balance- that means too much movement on the outside such as driving too much, overworking, staying up late, skipping meals, overindulging in negative news will only increase those qualities much like the wind outside causing dryness, constipation, insomnia, compromised immune system, and dry skin. It will particularly agitate your mind and emotional state often causing ungroundedness and confusion.

How can you return to your inner source of sustenance?

Through your very own breath. Yet how much time do we spend paying attention to our breath? If you practice yoga you are already learning that the breath is what moves your body and is the bridge between mind and body.Yogis understand that the breath is “prana”- life force energy which nourishes and circulates to every cell in your body. Stress, negative emotions such as trauma, grief, worry, anxiety, shorten the breath and can excite the mind. Therefore yogis put great emphasis on the practice of breathing and actually use it in the healing of disease.

But for today, wherever you are right now you can close your eyes( except in a car) and inhale to the count of five and exhale through your nose to the count of five. Inhale 1,2,3,4,5 and exhale 1,2,3,4,5. Notice how your mind is slowing down, notice how your thoughts begin to stop racing, and notice if any emotion comes up; just notice not get caught.  Breathe in- breathe out!

Let’s practice together the opposite qualities of what’s happening outside and harness the renewable energy that is inside.

New news;

I’ve recently been formulating some essential oil roll on blends. You all know how much I love to share using essential oils.  I’m excited to launch and share these with you.The first one below is called “Calming and Refreshing”.  Simply roll on the wrist points and behind the ears. The wrist is the “marma point” to relieve stress and anxiety according to Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. I hope you will enjoy these handmade oils- All therapeutic grade. Essential oils also make great gifts to anyone suffering grief, anxiety, depression and loss. Just send me a note @ gedaliahdoc@gmail.com and will respond with details of the purchase. With fierce love, Gedalia