8/27/18. Course Content and Meditations available at:

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1 Course Content and Meditations available at: 1

2 Ayurveda is based in the Vedas earliest written texts from India. Ayurvedic terms originate in the Sanskrit language. Sanskrit pronunciation guide: Translated to mean the science of living/life Ayurveda is concerned not just with caring for the physical body through diet, but also nurturing our emotional, mental and spiritual lives using breathing, meditation, chanting, massage and other techniques. While yoga originated as a science of self-realization, Ayurveda originated as a science of healing. Spiritual growth and transformation cannot happen if the body and mind are weak/confused. These two sciences are partners. Ayurveda specifies ideal ways of living without prescribing a one-size fits all approach. These ideas were drawn from observation of self and observation of nature. Our ancestors saw themselves part of nature and they watched the way that nature constantly works to find balance. 2

3 Everything in the universe is composed of the same 5 energies humans are composed of the same ingredients as our food and the environment (trees, rain, clouds) around us. How is our body made up of these energies? We don t have fire in us!? Earth (prithvi) = Tissues, bones (and marrow), organs Water (ap) = Blood, plasma, reproductive fluids Fire (agni) = Acids and digestive enzymes Air (vayu) = breath/prana Space (akash)= space within which the vital systems of the body vibrate There are an infinite number of ways these energies combine as many people as there are combinations. It s important to assess your unique nature. You were born with a unique combination of the elements within you. This is called your Prakruti or original state. Knowing your original state helps you to better understand your natural patterns, tendencies and characteristics. It also allows you to asses what lifestyle choices and environments are most healthy for you. To simplify these combinations, Ayurveda combines the 5 elements into three aspects called doshas doshas are the elements within each of us that are most vulnerable (dosha means fault or that which goes out of balance. ) The three doshas as Vata, pitta, kapha 3

4 Each dosha can be identified in nature and in our own bodies based on its characteristics/attributes. 3

5 Each of us has a unique combination of the doshas passed on to us at the time of conception referred to in Ayurveda as your Prakruti (constitution/natural State) think of this as your genetic code. This constitution does not change; it influences the way you look, the way you respond to life, and how experiences affect you. To simplify, Ayurveda lists several Prakruti combinations: Either we primarily share attributes with one dosha - Vata, Pitta, Kapha Or we share attributes primarily with two doshas - Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Vata, Kapha-Vata, Vata-Kapha, Pitta-Kapha, Kapha-Pitta Or we share an even number of attributes with all doshas tridoshic (RARE) It s important to have an idea of which dosha(s) are most prevalent in your constitution so that you can seek experiences that balance your primary dosha. You can take a Prakruti Quiz Two examples (no endorsement) OR - as you answer the questions, think of your characteristics over the course of your life/how people have described you, especially as you were a pre-teen/identity becoming more fixed. (NOTE: I got different results with both quizzes, so keep in mind the quizzes can confuse what your intuition is telling you there is a great meditation at the end of the course that can help you determine your unique nature: which asks you to reflect on a time when you have felt most like or most at home in yourself? 4

6 As we move through the next slides, can you see any correlation of this memory with the qualities/characteristics of the Vata, Pitta, or Kapha constitution? 4

7 Vata is responsible for all movement within the body. It makes its main home in the large intestines/colon, and has an affinity for the joints and ear canals. Vata dosha presents the attributes of dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile, clear, dispersing. Vata has 5 subdoshas. Each subdosha is like a current it moves in a different way and likes to accumulate in a different place. The subdoshas are termed vayu meaning wind and include: Prana vayu (located in brain, head and chest; upward movement), Apana vayu (located in colon and lower abdomen; downward movement), Samana vayu (located in stomach and small intestines; cyclical movement), Vyana vayu (throughout the body via skin, circulatory and nervous systems; dispersing movement) and Udana vayu (located in throat and lungs; ejecting movement) 5

8 Pitta is responsible for transformation/digestion within the body. It makes its main home in the small intestines, and has an affinity for the blood and eyes. Pitta dosha presents the attributes of hot, light, intense, penetrating, pungent, sharp, acidic. Pitta has 5 subdoshas. Each subdosha is like a fire; it burns in a different way and likes to accumulate in a different place. The subdoshas are termed agni meaning fire and include: pachaka agni - good digestion of food (e.g. nutrients separated from wastes) located in small intestine sadhaka agni - good digestion of thoughts (e.g. discernment, remembering, comprehending) located in the heart ranjaka agni - regulated blood chemistry (adds color to the body) located in red blood cells, liver, and spleen alochaka agni - good vision and balanced emotions; located in the eyes bhrajaka agni - glowing complexion and clear skin; located in the skin 6

9 Kapha is responsible for structure and immunity within the body. It makes its main home in the stomach, and has an affinity for the lungs, heart, tongue and nose Kapha dosha presents the attributes of heavy, slow, cold, oily, slimy/cloudy, dense, soft, static. Kapha has 5 subdoshas. Each subdosha is like a lubricant; it nourishes in a different way and likes to accumulate in a different place. The subdoshas include: Kledaka kapha - Strong and lubricated stomach lining; located in the stomach Avalambaka kapha - Strong muscles/good stamina; focused in the heart, chest and lower back Bhodaka kapha - Sensitivity to taste and right amount/combinations of food; located in tongue Tarpaka kapha Lubricated organs of perception (includes the sinuses, nose, mouth and eyes) and healthy brain/spine (cerebralspinal fluid is mobile w/o congestion) Shleshaka Kapha - Stable joints (imbalance = loose/hypermobile joints) located in the joints 7

10 If Vata dosha predominates, movement and change are characteristic of your nature. You will tend to always be on the go, with an energetic and creative mind. As long as Vata is in balance, you will be lively and enthusiastic, with a lean body. Physical Characteristics: Those with a predominance of Vata dosha usually have a thin, light frame and excellent agility. Their energy comes in bursts, and they are likely to experience sudden bouts of fatigue. Vatas typically have dry skin and hair and cold hands and feet. They sleep lightly and their digestion can be sensitive. When the Vata dosha becomes imbalanced, it manifests in the body as weight loss, constipation, hypertension, arthritis, weakness, restlessness, and digestive challenges. Emotional Characteristics: Vatas love excitement and new experiences. They are quick to anger but also to forgive. When Vatas are in balance, they are energetic, creative, and flexible. They also take initiative and are lively conversationalists. When unbalanced, they are prone to worry and anxiousness and often suffer from insomnia. When they feel overwhelmed or stressed, their response is, What did I do wrong? Description adapted from the Chopra Center and Eat, Taste, Heal: 8

11 If Pitta dosha predominates, you will have a fiery nature that manifests in both body and mind. You will be driven, passionate and ambitious. As long as Pitta is in balance, you will be intelligent and warm with an athletic build. Physical Characteristics: Pittas are usually of medium size and weight. They sometimes have bright red hair, but baldness, early graying, or thinning hair are also common to a Pitta. They have excellent digestion, which sometimes leads them to believe they can eat anything. They have a warm body temperature. They sleep soundly for short periods of time and have a strong sex drive. When in balance, Pittas have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. When out of balance, Pittas may suffer from skin rashes, burning sensations, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, and indigestion. Emotional Characteristics: Pittas have a powerful intellect and a strong ability to concentrate. When they re in balance, they are good decision makers, teachers, and speakers. They are precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often outspoken. Out-of-balance Pittas can be short-tempered and argumentative. When Pittas are overstressed, their typical response is What did you do wrong? Description adapted from the Chopra Center and Eat, Taste, Heal: and 9

12 If Kapha dosha predominates, you will have a steady, grounded nature that manifests in both body and mind. You will be nurturing and loyal. As long as Kapha is in balance, you will be patient and loving with a resilient and hearty build. Physical Characteristics: Kapha types have a strong build and excellent stamina. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick hair are also common Kapha characteristics. Those who are predominantly Kapha sleep soundly and have regular digestion. But when Kapha builds to excess, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies manifest in the body. When they re out of balance, Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression. Emotional Characteristics: Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive. People with an excess of Kapha tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer nourishing or necessary. Excess Kapha in the mind manifests as resistance to change and stubbornness. In the face of stress, the typical Kapha response is I don t want to deal with it. Description adapted from the Chopra Center and Eat, Taste, Heal: and 10

13 In addition to your Prakruti (innate constitution/genetic code), Ayurveda evaluates each individual based their Vikruti (current state of imbalance.) Vikruti changes constantly based on your environment, lifestyle and experiences. Our goal is to live as closely to our original selves as we can. If we are born with a predominance of Kapha, and our body is naturally hearty, our goal is not to create the lean body of a vata. Our goal is to be a healthy version of ourselves. Doshas become aggravated/imbalanced when your lifestyle and environment add or decrease their levels within you. Like increases like. The cure for imbalance therefore is to become more aware of our original nature and of our current surroundings, and if necessary, introduce qualities/attributes that bring these back into balance. 11

14 Antidotes to vata imbalance: Mitigate the imbalanced qualities of vata with food, breath and sound sadhanas that will introduce grounding and warming qualities, as well as, increased stability, predictability, and routine. 12

15 Antidotes to pitta imbalance: Mitigate the imbalanced qualities of pitta with food, breath and sound sadhanas that will introduce cooling and calming qualities, as well as, increased moderation of activities. 13

16 Antidotes to kapha imbalance: Mitigate the imbalanced qualities of kapha with food, breath and sound sadhanas that will introduce buoyant and stimulating qualities, as well as, increased non-attachment. 14

17 Maya Tiwari describes sadhana as a practice that reflects and realigns the energies of the universe within you. It recovers your natural rhythms. Sadhana is gradual but, life-long. It is meant to be applied over time and done with devotion rather than a quick fix to an ailment or imbalance. Ayurvedic sadhana can be prescribed, but it is best identified by you. Your ancestry, heritage and story play a role in determining what is most healing. Trust your body s intelligence to harmonize with nature by using the gifts of food, breath and sound. There is so much more on this topic, please see any of the works by Maya Tiwari, Vasant Lad, John Doillard, Robert Svboda and Deepak Chopra. If you would like to study with me, I periodically run Ayurveda Immersions, you can me to find out more at hannah@hannahleatherbury.com In Ayurveda, we can focus on what is out of balance (looking at our doshas, prescribing certain remedies), but I find it more inspiring and helpful to focus on what balance looks like (commune with nature to remember that you are not broken you are designed intelligently, you are whole, and you will be given signs to bring you back to balance when your lifestlye and environment have caused you to move away from it.) 15