A Healing Exercise For The Mind And Body – Kapalbhati Breathing And Benefits
Kapalbhati is a breathing technique known to heal the mind and body of many negative conditions and diseases.
When used in conjunction with Neti or Nasya Kapalbhati breathing can help to treat and prevent colds and other sinus, throat and lung conditions.
Kapalbhati increase your consumption of oxygen and elimination of carbon dioxide in the blood, purifying and cleansing your whole respiratory system.
The practice increases red blood cells and haemoglobin in your blood which in turn increases your heart rate, blood circulation and the concentration of oxygen – stimulating a greater level of whole body activity.
It is an excellent practice for Vata, Pitta and Kapha types but, especially for Kapha Dosha or those who have excess Kapha.
Kapalbhati is also practiced to enhance your nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system and digestive system.
It balances both your sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous system and revitalizes all the cells of your body.
The breathing technique brings a sense of calm, peace and tranquility to those who practice it.
It often leads to a thoughtless state of mind bringing balance and bliss. Continue reading
Breathe Your way Into Bliss
The science of Ayurveda helps us bring more happiness and bliss into our daily lives.
In order to find our bliss and follow our bliss we need to create that awareness or bliss consciousness.
The easiest and quickest way to do this is through a daily meditation practice that involves simple breathing techniques.
This article outlines some simple techniques on how to breathe your way into a state of bliss, harmony and balance, that can be practiced by almost anyone.
Simple Breathing Practices For Meditation
Stage one: 1:1 breathing.
The posture for this exercise can be done lying flat on the floor or in a seated position (for meditation purposes) keeping your head, neck and trunk in one line.
In one to one breathing you’re matching your inhalations to your exhalations.
For example if you are breathing in for a count of five then you need to breathe out for a count of five.
On your inhalation your belly rises (your diaphragm muscle contracts) such that the ribs flare out slightly, and pulls the bottom of your lungs downward to bring in air.
On your exhalation, your belly falls or draws inward to releases the air out. Continue reading
What Stage Of Life Are You In?
The stages of life relate to the three constitutions or dosha and are important in determining why we think and act in certain ways.
Knowing these stages of life can also be beneficial to our wellness because we can take the appropriate measures to stay balanced and healthy.
Most importantly, when we know what stage of life we are in, we can learn to accept ourselves more fully and embrace what we do in a more positive way.
Ayurveda stages of life
Kapha: From conception to late puberty (around age 15) is considered a Kapha stage of life because at this time we are still in the elements of water and earth, undergoing conception, growth and development.
Tissues are growing, expanding and becoming denser as we put on weight. Because Kapha is connected to emotions and feelings, it is at this time that we are emotionally dependent and receptive.
Our diet is more Kapha in nature so the body requires more dairy products and rich foods to provide nutrients for growth.
Most childhood diseases are of Kapha nature, with mucus, phlegm, colds, flu and swollen glands. Note: the elderly can also be Kapha in nature as they get more sluggish, put on weight, become less active and sometimes accumulate things. Continue reading
An Ayurveda Secret For Preventing Colds – Nasya
Right functioning of your nasal passage way and breathing freely through your nostrils is the secret for preventing colds.
It allows prana (energy) to directly enter your brain.
This subtle prana or life-force stimulates and rejuvenates your brain keeping it active, sharp and adaptable.
In addition, proper functioning of the nostrils help maintain your immune system and prevents disease as prana is able to flow more freely to all the tissues of your body.
Prana absorbed in the nasal passages becomes purified so that your lungs are able to absorb and extract the life-energy from it.
But, in order for prana to be absorbed effectively, you must keep your nasal passage clean.
The best way to clean your nostrils and nasal passage is through the Ayurvedic art of Nasya
What is Nasya? Continue reading
The Importance Of Niyamas – Inner Discipline And Responsibility
As mentioned in the last article both Yamas and Niyamas are very beneficial in cultivating “Sattva” – a state of balance, harmony and equanimity.
Cultivating Niyamas allows you to cultivate discipline and responsibility.
The Niyamas are ultimately designed to help purify your body, mind and emotions.
Here are my interpretation of the 5 Niyamas and how I have come to understand them and apply them in the practice of yoga and Ayurveda.
Saucha: The practice of Saucha means to cultivate cleanliness and purity both outwardly and inwardly.
Purity is also achieved by practicing the five yamas, which help clear away the negative physical, mental and emotional states of being.
Keep yourself, your clothing, and your surroundings clean.
In Ayurveda a good way to practice Saucha is to eat clean, fresh and healthy food and treat your body like a temple. Continue reading
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