Vata season

 

As we enter October, autumn has arrived, marking a time of year dominated by the vata dosha. Vata is characterised by qualities such as coldness, lightness, changeability, and mobility. In today’s fast-paced society, where stress is common and we are constantly exposed to various sensory stimuli, maintaining a vata balance can be quite challenging. Most of my clients demonstrate some level of vata imbalance. With the arrival of autumn, characterised by cold temperatures and wind, this challenge becomes even greater. 

To maintain vata balance during winter, prioritise regularity, rest, and warmth. Also, consider the following tips for a healthy season:

• Consume warm, cooked, nourishing meals at regular intervals, seated peacefully and solely focused on the food without engaging in any other activities.

• Avoid cold and carbonated drinks. Instead, opt for warm beverages during and between meals.

• Make sure to exercise regularly, but avoid pushing yourself so hard that you become exhausted.

• Keep yourself warm from the cold, wind, and drafts. Ensure your home remains at a comfortable temperature, and dress appropriately for the outside temperature. Make sure to protect your ears, neck, lower abdomen, and feet in particular.

• Go to bed early, before 10 PM, and unwind without screens a few hours before bed.

• Vata is associated with hearing. Enjoy beautiful music and nature sounds, and try to minimise noise and disturbances.

• Loving body contact is ideal for balancing vata, as are massage and marma treatments.

• Take time to meditate and practice yoga to reconnect with yourself.

• Try to avoid stress and conflicts. Spend time with friendly people you like and give them your love and care.

• Live in a way that brings you joy; prioritise what is pleasant and fun. Ensure you feel cosy during the autumn darkness.

Wishing you a pleasant and restful autumn!

The Moon and the woman's cycle

 

What is the connection between the moon and a woman's cycle? As humans, we are profoundly influenced by the natural cycles that surround us. The most apparent cycle is the Earth's rotation on its axis, which creates the alternating patterns of night and day. The second cycle is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis, resulting in varying amounts of sunlight as the Earth orbits the Sun, which is why we experience seasons.

The third cycle is more subtle and relates to the moon's orbit around the Earth. Although its effects are not as obvious, research indicates that the moon can influence our sleep and energy levels. This connection is also recognised in the Ayurvedic concept of marma points.

There is a relationship between a woman's menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle, as both last roughly the same duration. In Ayurveda, menstruation is viewed as a vital and purifying process for a woman's body, and it is important to respect it. Menstruation is primarily governed by the underdosha known as apana vata, which is the descending form of vata. If women engage in strenuous activities or experience stress during their menstruation, it can disrupt the function of apana vata. This disruption may prevent the natural downward cleansing processes from occurring, potentially leading to various health issues.

During menstruation, it is essential for women to rest, take it easy, and avoid exposure to stress or negativity. When they do so, the cleansing processes can work effectively, waste products can be eliminated, and women can feel revitalised with ample energy for the rest of the month.

In ancient India, women would divide their work in such a way that those who were menstruating could rest during that time. However, in today’s society, this is not as common. Women are often expected to carry on with their usual responsibilities even while menstruating. Recently, the issue of female athletes being required to compete during their periods has started to gain attention.

As a woman, it’s important to take care of yourself during menstruation. If possible, try to reduce your workload and allow yourself to rest. While exercise is beneficial, it may be wise to take it easy during this time. Focus on self-care and try to avoid negativity whenever you can. 

If you are a man living with a woman, your support can make a significant difference in her life. Take on household chores, be kind and positive, and help create a calm and happy environment for her. Your efforts will be appreciated and returned throughout the month—and in the long run.

Training

 Exercise is essential for maintaining good health, a view supported by both Ayurveda and Western health science. Lack of exercise can lead to brittle bones, muscle atrophy, and an increased risk of various diseases. As we age, the importance of regular exercise becomes even more pronounced in order to maintain our bodies' optimal functioning. 

Additionally, exercise is one of the most effective methods to manage stress. Stress prepares us for physical activity, helping us to flee from or confront threats. However, the stressors we face today are often not something we can escape or physically fight off. This is why physical exercise is so beneficial; it provides an outlet for the stress hormones that can otherwise disrupt our bodies.

According to Ayurveda, those who neglect to make time for exercise will eventually find themselves needing to allocate time for illness. Ayurveda also emphasises that exercise plays a key role in strengthening digestion, which is crucial for overall health. However, it's important not to overdo it. The approach recommended by Ayurveda is to exercise at about 50% of your maximum capacity. There are various interpretations of what this means in practice. My guideline is that training should always be fun and enjoyable; it should bring joy, not pain. If you push yourself too hard or train too frequently, your body may break down instead of building up. 

Strength, speed, and endurance are not gained during the training itself but during the recovery periods between workouts. This highlights the importance of recovery. It's not just about how long you rest between training sessions, but also about how you recover. Proper sleep, a nutritious diet, and managing stress are essential. Additionally, practices like meditation, especially Transcendental Meditation (TM), can provide deep rest that benefits recovery.

Hypertension

 High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant public health concern. Often referred to as “the silent killer,” it typically presents no symptoms. However, it is a crucial risk factor for various serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, vision loss, and vascular dementia.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, in collaboration with other key organisations in cardiovascular care, have established internationally recognised guidelines for the evidence-based treatment of high blood pressure. These guidelines are considered some of the most reliable globally. American doctors are expected to adhere to them, and many countries base their own guidelines on these standards. 

The recommendations encompass both medications and lifestyle modifications to effectively manage and reduce high blood pressure.

The latest version of the guidelines recognises Transcendental Meditation (TM) as the only meditation and relaxation technique recommended. This designation indicates that TM is viewed as an evidence-based method for treating high blood pressure, setting it apart from other meditation and relaxation practices. This strong endorsement highlights the significant positive effects of TM on health improvement.

Ojas

Ojas is considered in Ayurveda to be the finest substance in the human body. It exists at the boundary between body and consciousness, acting like the “light in the door” that connects the two. Ojas allows the body’s inner intelligence to flow freely and nourishes all organs and tissues at a deep level. It provides strength, joy, beauty, and resistance to disease. When I take a pulse, I can sense ojas as a flow of bubbling deep bliss in positive individuals with high levels of consciousness. 

To increase ojas in your body and life, consider the following suggestions:

- Develop your consciousness through yoga and meditation.

- Avoid stress, as well as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

- Ensure you get enough sleep.

- Eat fresh, healthy food, and always enjoy your meals in peace and quiet, without distractions. Savour your food!

- Cultivate a positive attitude. Spread love and joy, and focus on the good in others. Speak kindly, read poetry, and sing to yourself or with others.

- Don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh, play, and live in a way that brings you genuine enjoyment.

Good luck!.

Investments

 

For a price ranging from 16,000 to 37,000 SEK, depending on the model, you can purchase the armchair called Stressless from a Swedish furniture chain. Alternatively, for a much lower cost, you can enrol in a course on Transcendental Meditation, which numerous rigorous scientific studies have shown to reduce stress and offer various other health benefits. It's good to choose your investments wisely 😊

Theatre of life

 

Quote from the Upanishads (one of the Vedic texts) that David Lynch brings up in his book Catching the Big Fish. We can choose to worry about what will happen in the theatre of life -  or enjoy the play.