The Five Koshas

Essential to an understanding of Yoga is knowledge of the five Koshas. . .

It is from the Upanishads, the texts of the Vedas that this knowledge survives and is part of the basis of our understanding of Yoga today.

“ One of the earliest models of the interior world within the Vedic tradition is found in the Taitriya- Upanishad. This text dating from perhaps 800 BC describes the panca kosha or five sheaths which comprise the human being.  These sheaths are later organized within the three bodies (shariras) which broadly correspond to our current perception of body, mind and spirit. Rather than being abstract philosophical concepts, the koshas and shariras provide a guide to daily living which integrates all aspects of ourselves.

Joseph LePage, Integrative Yoga Therapy

A guide to daily living through an understanding of these sheaths through the Model of the Five Koshas will be the theme for the next nine weeks of regular Yoga classes.

Imagine or draw a circle with five circles surrounding the centre one, each one a little bigger than the last one, like the layers of an onion if you like.  Starting from the outside moving inwards each layer gets progressively more subtle, lighter, until in the center a light shines illuminating this onion from within (apparently) Now imagine that you are this onion and lets begin.

Starting from the most dense exterior level is the physical body. This is what we   identify with because it is so obvious to us.   Our responsibility is to feed it well and practice our Yoga Postures intelligently and safely to keep the ‘Annamayakosha’ healthy.  ‘Anna’ here means food, this physical body does not last forever anymore than food does yet it is very real to us because we experience it and enjoy through. So although it is temporary, we must nurture this part of ourselves so we can enjoy the diversity of life as well as have the health and freedom to continue to look inwards at the other parts of ourselves.

The vital air sheath or  ‘Prananmayakosha’ is the vibratory power that underlies all manifestation. Without this bioenergy that sustains life the body would be lifeless food, no longer animated with life force or Prana.  (There are five different kinds of Prana which we will cover in the 9 week session, these affecting the physiological systems)  For a healthy system it is essential that this level of our being be considered.  We are fueled by Prana from the way we breath, the quality of the air,  the company of wise sages,  eating life filled food and being in nature.  Taking time for these things and making them a priority is how we keep our energy vital. Yoga supplies us with specific breathing practices that influence this dimension of ourselves

This is also the connector between the body and the mind.

Next on our journey inward is the mind, even more subtle than the breath we can barely catch our thoughts before they slip away. The stimulus response part of the mind, or ‘Manamayakosha’ includes the autonomic nervous system, which regulates essential functions such as heart rate, respiration and flight/fight/freeze response.  Basic physiological functions such as thirst, hunger and sex are contained in this sheath. In yoga we are able to influence the function of the lower mind affecting out heart rate, respiration, mind patterns and so on.

As our physical body becomes aligned and at ease, our breathing patten is regulated, the energy moves through without obstruction, the lower mind settles and  the physiological systems are balanced.  The sheaths affect and influence each other.

“ From the perspective of yoga, the body is an interconnected and intercommunicating community of energy and intelligence arranged in a series of layers that vibrate at different frequencies. These levels or layers of energy are called koshas, which means ‘sheaths’. They are interconnected with each other and ultimately, with all other forms of energy and with the Universal Intelligence which sustains creation. The harmony or dissonance of energy flow among these layers determines the health and well-being of the individual”                                 Joesph LePage Integrative Yoga Therapy

Often our greatest challenges are at this level of the mind where there is so much constant change. Our sense of separation in our communities, global communications, mass consumerism and an accelerated time of evolutionary change all cause increased stress. Yoga’s prescription for managing this comes through the next Kosha, the wisdom sheath.

‘Vijnyanamayakosha ‘,our wisdom faculty is the aspect of mind that can illuminate the other aspects of ourselves so that we may see them, accept them, and integrate them.  At a basic level we have an understanding of which of our actions are skillful and which will lead to further pain and suffering.  As we recognize and accept our unconscious patterns, bringing them to light we free ourselves and a space is cleared.

The light begins to shine through.  This higher faculty is often called the Buddhi and in yoga texts is compared to the chariot driver. The chariot is the body, the wild horse is the mind and the driver is the wisdom.   As this inner light begins to glow it becomes our guide on the journey.

Yoga has many practices to facilitate this opening and we will explore a variety over the coming weeks. The mind sheaths are in the subtle body and a major focus of Yoga is to gain increasing access to this part of ourselves, thereby creating a clarity and purity of mind that allows us to continue the journey inwards.

“Anandamayakosha’ This is the Causal Body or Karana Sharira,.  Here the latent effects of past actions are stored.  These Vasanasa are the footprints of out past actions, and as they become ingrained over time we call them Samskaras.  These Vasanas are like seed planted that show up in the Subtle Body as thoughts and feelings and so the Causal Body can be managed at the Subtle level.

From the non-dual perspective all that exists is part of the same divine oneness, so nothing can exist that is not this Spirit or Bliss.  This perspective is supported by the  latest discoveries in quantum physics.

The Atman, the Self, pure Awareness is Self Luminating and is beyond the Sheaths. It is described as being indescribable. The realization of this is ultimately the goal of Yoga            and that goal is achieved by purifying this body/mind/spirit complex through the model of the Koshas so that we are then ready to understand the wisdom of Vedanta and be set free.

According to Vedanta a wise man would discriminate between the Self and the Koshas, which are the non-self.

How can we benefit from exploring the Koshas as a model for living?

“ The word sheath is important here because it denotes a barrier but also a possibility for opening and integration.  The sheaths can be seen as semi permanent membranes. Energy and intelligence are constantly moving through these sheaths. The various facets of yoga allow for opening and integration of the koshas. Each of the elements of yoga provides tools for opening and integrating all the aspects of our being.”

Joseph LePage  Integrative Yoga Therapy

Yoga helps us to create a pure and Satvic mind that is able to discriminate between what is real and what is unreal.  A clear and calm mind benefits us in all areas of our lives. The mind gradually becomes discriminating and dispassionate.  We are then able to observe our own minds and pay attention to our thoughts deciding to act on them or not, thereby making better choices, choices that bring happiness rather than pain and suffering. Our faith grows as we observe the benefits of this path that teaches us that we are ok as we are.  As we accept ourselves we are also more likely to accept others, hence relationships improve.  All areas of our lives benefit from a Yoga practice that is whole in it’s approach.

In this 9 week Yoga course we will explore many tools and practices, you will finish the program equipped with skills you can take with you into your daily life and share with friends and family.

Written by Sandra Sagarmurti Shotton

References: Integrative Yoga Therapy Manual

Bihar School of Yoga

http://www.yogamag.net/archives/2008/dapr08/5kosh.shtml

http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1995/fnov95/koshas.shtml

Vedanta teachings with Ramji – James Swartz

Arthritis is Crippling – Arthritis No More!

It was not so very long ago that I had difficulty walking due to severe joint pain in my knees.  It was crippling.  Anyone can get arthritis, I know many fit and healthy people who have suffered from it from time to time.  It is so discouraging to be athletic, slim and fit then suddenly have trouble getting up the stairs. I put on weight and the troubles began to multiply.  I know I am not alone with this.

I took that period of my life as notice from the Universe to slow down and start looking more deeply within.  Along with a thorough look at life, I also did mountains of research.  I developed skills to overcome the arthritis.  I altered my diet, was persistent with gentle yoga postures that kept me moving and in time it did work. Like everyone, my constitution is unique to me and I now know it very, very well.  It took a while to eliminate the arthritis but I was successful.

I walk everyday now completely pain free.  I hope I will never know the pain of arthritis again but if I do I will know how to deal with it.  Having been through this I now choose to assist others in doing the same.

It is well documented in many medical studies that Yoga works well in eliminating Arthritis, or in some cases at least reduces the pain and keeps the person mobile.  Ayurveda understands the different constitutional types and why one food is good for one person and toxic for the next.   Arthritis and Diabetes are among the most common ailments for which Ayurvedic help is being sought.

Below is an excerpt I chose from volumes of material from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center on the topic:

“Additionally, physical activity is an essential part of the effective treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to treatment guidelines published by the American College of Rheumatology(7, 8). In persons with arthritis, exercise is safe and does not exacerbate pain or worsen disease(9-12). In fact, exercise may play a key role in promoting joint health(13), since those who do not exercise often suffer more joint discomfort than those who do(14). The health and psychological benefits of exercise are widely recognized(15, 16). However, regular physical activity is especially important for people with arthritis, who often have decreased muscle strength, physical energy, and endurance(17), in part due to their arthritis and the tendency to be sedentary(1

In summary, yoga can be a meaningful and enjoyable alternative to traditional forms of exercise such as aerobics or aquatic exercise with important health benefits. Yoga can play an important role in reducing stress and frustration that results from pain and disability, and increasing positive feelings and wellbeing.”

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/

I have been an Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist for the past 15 years and recently have had many people arriving at my regular classes with arthritic joints. This makes some of the postures difficult and it is frustrating for them to try keeping up with the group. In response to this I have developed a 12 week program which will cater to each individual and provide them with an opportunity to explore what Yoga can do for them in an appropriate setting.”

In this 12 week Integrative Yoga Therapy Program offered at Island Yoga Vista each client will have a personal session with me prior to the group class starting.  Here their needs, goals and general health concerns  will be assessed.   At the end of the program they will leave with a daily practice routine appropriate to them.

A gentle yoga class and understanding of Ayurveda will gradually build flexibility, balance and strength. You will develop determination  and enthusiasm to continue.  As your goals are met you will see the value in understanding your constitutional needs and how best to work with them.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from Arthritis please give this 12 week program  a try.  I am certain that you will be thankful that you did.

Sandra Sagarmurti Shotton

* “Alarming Rise in Diabetes Rates Threaten British Columbia’s  Economic Prosperity”

WOW that headline sure got my interest.  I have been reading about diabetes on the internet.

*  “The Canadian Diabetes Association released findings . . .forecasting a 62 % increase in the diagnosis of the disease in British Columbia”

* “ By 2020  over 30% of British Columbians will be living either with diabetes or pre-diabetes. . .turning the tide against Diabetes requires a shift in government approach, private sector involvement and broad-based personal and societal change”

This is shocking!

Yoga and Ayurveda are among the most effective preventive efforts that a person with diabetes can take.  However having access to a Yoga class that is appropriate is hard to find.  To find a Yoga teacher who also knows  Ayurveda is  even more difficult.

I have the solution. I have created a 12 week program specifically for those with type 2 Diabetes. This program will assist people to live healthy lives. This program will provide practical applications of Yoga and Ayurveda, practices that can prevent or delay diabetes complications.

I am an Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist with 15 years of experience helping individuals with health concerns including Diabetes.  This is what I know from my studies and practice:

• yoga postures increase blood supply, and oxygen to the internal organs, this increases their functioning and efficiency
• many of the posture have a direct effect on the pancreas and insulin functioning.

• breathing practices are excellent in Diabetes for reducing stress levels.

• all the practices balance the nervous system and calm the mind
• visualization techniques are taught that are extremely effective in encouraging health on all levels

• deep relaxation techniques such as Yoga Nidra have a positive effect on the mind as well as the body
• people feel good when they do yoga so they are motivated to make it a regular part of their lives.  It has a component of Bliss, exercise becomes a joyful experience.
• research shows that Yoga helps to control blood sugar levels
• Ayurveda provides solutions to changes in lifestyle, diet and habits for each individual

The practitioner gets to know each client and develops a program for them based on their unique constitution , behavior and lifestyle.

Much research has been done at many Yoga Facilities including that of   The Bihar School of Yoga. Here is an excerpt from an article by Dr Swami Vivekananda Saraswati called   ‘Ypga The Opportunity for Health’ You can read the full article and many others by following the link below.

http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1981/bfeb81/yogop.shtml

“Many clinical trials have been performed on the effects of yoga therapy for diabetes, including those of Lavgankar in the Yoga Vidya Dham in Pune, India; those of Varandani, Anandananda and Dharmveer M. D. of the Yoga Treatment Research Center, Bapunagar, Jaipur, India, and those of Professor N. C. Panda in association with Satyananda Ashram, Calcutta. All of these have shown that about a third of the patients with diabetes responded completely to the yoga therapy, about one quarter did not respond and the rest were able to reduce the amount of medication. In the investigations the people who did not respond, were usually from among those with severe juvenile onset diabetes, who had been using insulin injections for years; though even many of these became more stable. It must be remembered also that these trials only extended over a few months. The classical yogic teaching is that for diabetes, the practices must be continued for a long time. If this is done, maybe even the most intractable cases will respond.

We must consider yoga very seriously as an effective treatment for diabetes. Those who have experience with yoga therapy feel sure that the time is not far off when people with this difficult and debilitating disease will be able to successfully treat themselves with yoga practices rather than be dependent on frequent injections of external insulin or the taking of other drugs.”

I hope that this article will encourage you or someone you know to give this 12 week program a try. It begins on April 3 2012. Please contact Sandra for details 250-754-0939 or see the website to register www.islandyogavista ( * Canadian Diabetes Association)

article written by Sandra Sagarumurti Shotton

It seems that constant change can only humble us further and teach us to trust as we hang on for the ride. Barely through the second month of 2012 now and things are settling into a new order,  it all seems divinely guided in the end.

So there have been some changes around here.  Thommas, our Tai Chi instructor left for India with no definate plans on his return, a few short emails indicate that he is thriving.   Anita, our lovable masseuse, after amazing success in our first year of the ‘Cortes Spa’,  has decided to plant that success in her own backyard and I am in full support, she will be coming down here for workshops still. Our lovely dancer, Mary Jo has moved her class to Wednesday night to accomodate growing interest so I am not left completely on my own ! Dr. Kotecha has such a busy international schedule,we were lucky he came here at all, he will be my friend for life and I know I can trust on his counsel.    This is what happens when we align with such interesting people,  living life to it’s fullest, things do change.

So this little letter is kind of a farewell to my friends and a thankyou for time well spent together, as well as a farewell to the website as it exists now.   Soon a new format and new images will reflect what is actually going on in the present here rather than glimmers of the past.  I am excited for another new beginning.

I took February to cocoon, allowing myself to live in uncertainty with no clear picture of what comes next. There were days when I wondered if I would ever know . . then one day I woke up with a completely clear vision of how I could pull all my skills together. .  Along with the clarity was the motivation and energy to carry through with the new plan. so here it comes. . . .

The Spa is no longer, no more massage or Ayurvedic Treatments, that very lovely room is now my painting studio. I have decided it is time now after 4 successful shows in my studio to get out in the world and take my paintings into the public.  This means I am going to be spending much more time painting.  There will be a second website that will showcase paintings and also my Vastu Shastra work. I know many people have no idea what Vastu is so there will be en educational component to that site as well.

This website will be dedicated to Yoga, Integrative Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda (lifestyle and counseling but no treatments.)  I will be the only yoga instructor.  I will be offering day and evening courses on Integrative Yoga Therapy for Arthritis and Integrative Yoga Therapy for Diabetes, as well as my usual class schedule.  Having worked with countless people individually with these conditions, as well as healing myself from brushes with both, I have developed a strong and effective protocol for help in eliminating these unnecessary plagues.  I feel this is the most useful offering I can make to this community at this time. I will also be offering both programs in Qualicum on Friday afternoons.

So to whomever may be reading this.. . look for a new website soon, 2 of them in fact and think of Island Yoga Vista when you think of Yoga and Ayurveda, send me your thoughts. . . . .share with me your needs.. . . .and if there is anyone who has WordPress skills call me soon!

Most days I go for a short walk around  a marsh that is close to my home, anyone in Nanaimo knows Buttertubs Marsh as it is such a lovely place and it is right in the heart of the city.  Today on my walk, which was the first sunny day in many not so bright ones, I noticed how the ducks really had it made. These ducks know how to live, effortlessly, spending time with friends and family, soaking up the sunlight and fresh air and getting a little exercie when they feel like it.  Swimming, sunbathing, not a worry in the world.

Nature is like this, without a thought  it unfolds each day, no struggle, no planning, no agenda, going with the flow. The flowers just grow. I aspire to live like this, even with my daily ‘to do’ list and plans for the future in hand, I aspire to allow each day to unfold its grace to me. Along with the ducks, one of my favourite teachers who helps to keep me coming back to this daily awareness is Maya Tiwari, author of numerous books on Ayurveda and a woman so inspiring just by way of her example and how she has chosen to live, that she has affected thousands of people worldwide.

For most of us on the spiritual path the concept of Sadhana describes our ‘dailly practices’ whether it be meditation, chanting or asanas and pranayamas, we make a commitment to some practice and then return to it daily as part of our dscipline and devotion.  For Maya all of life has become Sadhana, or at least that is what I am learning from her, to let everything I think and do  be part of my practice.  So now cooking is Sadhana and so is walking, talking, gardening and being with others.   Everything becomes an opportunity to align with nature’s rhythm  thereby bringing the timeless quality of grace into each activity.  Life flows effortlessly.

As we ease into spring I find myself welcoming the season with cleansing practices that have kept me healthy for many years. It seems we need to continually adjust to natures harmony to stay in the flow. Ayurveda asks us to make adjustments especially at the change of seasons .This year as usual I began with herbal bitters for a few weeks then a three day fast, as well as my usual yogic cleansing kriyas. This time of year is considered the kapha season, moist, cool and prone to excess mucus, hence the tendancy for sppring colds. there are many ways to cleanse. I know that these simple seasonal efforts will prepare me for the next  season and that I will be able to avoid a sping cold. These common colds are generally just the body’s way of  eliminating mucus from the system. a spring cleanse will also shake off any lethargy and shed excess from the winter.  We stay in sync with natures changes by making an effort to balance this body to her rhythm.

Maya Tiwari in her excellent book  ‘ The Path of Practice ‘  has many tips for aligning with natures wisdom.  Here are a few MANTRS for the SEASONS

p558 “As you practice the food Sadhanas – whle you are cutting fruits and vegetables, grinding the spices, cooking the foods, and when you sit down to your meal – you can bring positive energy to the experience by reciting mantras that are appropriate to the season you are in. These simple affirmations remind us of that the cyclical nature of our own biorhythms reflects the cyclial nature of the universe and that we can use the seasons as a guide for our own spiritual transitions.”

Seasson                    Mantra

spring                        regenerate and transform

summer                     celebrate and rejoice

early fall                    reorganize and revitalize

autumn                      harvest and simplify

early winter             gather and contain

late winter               rest and reflect

I wish you all a Happy Spring!

Warmth

Sandra (Sagarmurti)

In 2003 I attended Maallaa’s inaugural (lucky me) Kid’s Yoga Teacher Training. At that time my own children were fairly young and we offered classes for young children as well as teenagers at this studio. Times have changed, my children are adults now and we no longer teach those classes here. What happened? I got busy following my most current interests and those interests changed. So why am I offering this training through the studio now you ask?

Well, there are many reasons, the first one that comes to mind is how it will benefit the immediate community,, that is the young mothers who attend my classes and are sharing what they learn with their own children, I know this training will give them the skills they want to be the very best mothers they can be. It will help them to incorprate what they know about Yoga into their childrens lives in a way that will be meaningful and accessible. They may even see their own practice from a new perspective.

For the community at large this training will appeal to the students enrolled at our local university, Vancouver Island University, especially those in the Education Department, there have been requests from these students to offer something like this. so many people are practicing yoga now in our community, as elsewhere throughout the world, these educators are the ones who need the skills to share with the younger ones once they are in the position to do so.

Who else can benefit? Anyone who works with young children will enhance and develop new skills that they are not even aware of.  Many preschool teachers have incorporated these methods into their programs, Yoga Teachers at studios across Canada have added Yoga for Children to their schedules after taking this program as well.   Maalaa is a master educator with a very strong background in Yoga, she teaches from her heart and has spent many years develpoing this program into what it is now.  This is a not to be missed opportunity for anyone teaching children who also has an interest in Yoga.

How will the children benefit?

Young children learn to value the breath, to slow it down and be in charge of their own minds. They learn how to be calm and focused, concentration skills are taught that will serve them well in all areas of their lives. Working in pairs and in groups teaches co-operation while having fun and building respect for themselves and others.

The games and interaction in the program encourage the children to be expressive and creative. Even children who are not as naturally athletic enjoy Yoga and so develop a positive attitude towards exercise while they become physically and mentally active and fit.  Children with special needs easily benefit from the practice of Yoga.

Developing an awareness of Yoga at an early age sets the stage well for a healthy and peaceful life. I will quote     Swami Satyananda in his book Yoga Education for Children,

“The practices of Yoga not only help to keep the young body strong and supple but also incrporate mental activities, disciplines that help to develop attention and concentration, and stimulate the creative abilities that are latent within the child. Imagination in children under six is usually expended on toys and fairy tales, but we can also give them real things to imagine, putting them in a more accurate relationship with their environment, making them capable of dealing with this real worlld. . . . .As the child grows older and enters school, these same yoga practices augment his learning abilities at school, and the regular discipline helps the growing child to channel and direct his emotional energies in a constructive manner.”

Those are the words of a master Yogi, one who has seen countless children thrive on these practices, Maalaa is another master teacher and Island Yoga Vista is very pleased to have her return to Nanaimo to offer this program here again.

Yoga gives us hope for a better future for our world and our families, starting by teaching our children how to live life as a continual expression of Joy is the most hopeful thing we can do.

Namaste

Sandra Sagarmurti Shotton

Kid’s Yoga Teacher Training with Maalaa May 5 & 6  2012 at Island Yoga Vista, Nanaimo

Dear Friends and Yogis,

A short pause to reflect before classes start again on January 3.  I cherish these times of reflection, my perspective shifts and clears as I ease into these precious moments alone.

It is with a sense of gratitude that I say goodbye to 2011, a year of so much change and growth it is astonishing to think it all happened. Here at Island Yoga Vista we are flowing well with this river of change and I hope that you are as well.

I will share with you some of the changes here.  Graduating from The American Institute of Vastu Shastra in May was a highlight for me personally.  Since completing the Practitioners level course I have done 27 rectifications on homes and business in Nanaimo and area. If you are not sure what Vastu is I am giving a Public Talk at Lobelia’s lair in the Fitzwilliam Mews on Friday, January 27, 7:30-8:30pm.

Another  exceptional experience was meeting James Swartz at a weekend workshop  on Salt  Spring Island in July   I then travelled to Oregon to spend a week studying the Yogic Scriptures with him and it has changed my life. Cathy Valentine and Thommas Michaud are in India now continuing the study on a two month course with Ramji (James) On their return we will have lots to share with you .  On March 2 we will have a Satsang with Simon Thomson of  Victoria and on April 22 Cathy Valentine will hold a workship on Yoga Philosophy as well as a deepening of our asanas. You can read about Ramji (James Swartz) at  at www.shiningworld.com  , and see more about these events and workshops in that section of this website.

Anita Kalnay has been travelling  down from the Comox Valley monthly to do massages in our little Spa room and has been very successful right from the start with full bookings and a growing clientele. I hope she will continue to make the journey to offer this service in 2012  as she has become a wonderful addition to this healing space.

My own Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy sessions have expanded to include two new hands on healing techniques as well as helping people to create healthier home environments with the use of Vastu.  It is very fulfilling to be able to offer what I can of these Vedic Sciences for the health and well being of our clients.

The Nanaimo Art Walk was a fabulous community event which we participated in for the first time in 2011. Yoga and Art are my two life long passions, both of  which I have been fortunate to explore in some depth over many years. It is in the past four years of painting that I have begun to become a little more public with my paintings and the support has been wonderful. We will participate in the next Art Walk in June as well as having a showing of paintings at the Serious Coffee shop in Southgate Plaza midFebruary, for 6 weeks.

Our weekly Yoga Classes continue to provide a strong foundation for this yoga studio.  For the past 15 years IYV has served the public of Nanaimo with the vastness of  what Yoga offers. In addition to our yoga classes, this year Thommas Michaud has been teaching Tai Chi and Chi Kung to a very dedicated group of students and has demonstrated to all how highly trained and skilled he is as a practitioner and teacher.  As well Mary Jo Fulmer started teaching a Dnce/Movement Therapy Class which none of her loyal students are able to describe, including myself. Clearly this class is an experience beyond words (at least for now) . MJ is a masterful teacher and welcome addition.  We will need more dancers to keep this going so please come and give it a try, dropins are welcome.

These were a few of the many blessing of 2011, sometimes challenging and always fruitful and positive.  In reflecting on these blessings I feel my enthusiasm sparked for the coming New Year and the surprises it will no doubt bring. I focus my mind on how much Island Yoga Vista has to offer and the grace with which it changes and grows with the support of nature and our community.

What we put our attention on naturally grows stronger in our lives and the gratitude we feel brings grace in abundance.

With a feeling of gratitude for the support of our clients, everyone reading this letter, our friends and the community of Vancouver Island, I now move my focus to what I would like to manifest for 2012. (In my private journal!)

Many thanks and warmest wishes to all for great success, health and happiness in 2012.

Sandra Sagarmurti Shotton

Ayurvedic Spring Detox

According to Ayurveda, good health is dependent upon our capability to fully digest and elimate food as well as process information taken in by our 5 senses. Any Ayurvedic detox should involve boosting our digestion, known as ‘agni’ in Ayurveda, as well as restoring our senses.

When this digestive capacity, know an ‘agni’ is balanced, we create healthy tissues, eliminate waste products efficiently and produce a subtle essence called ‘ojas’. This is the basis of physical and emotional strength, and immunity and is key to feeling full of life. On the other hand, if our agni is weakened, digestion is incomplete. This accumulation of toxic residue is collectively known as ‘ama’. Ama is the accumulation of toxins in the body from improperly digested food or waste materials in the body. This substance is heavy, dense, cold, and slimy and blocks energy flows, leading to obstructed nourishment and disease.

Ama is the root of most colds, fevers and flu, as well as the chronic diseases of a weak auto-immune system which may range from allergies and hay fever to asthma, arthritis, or cancer. Other symptoms that can be improved by a short detox are headaches, brain fog/poor concentration, fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches and pain, and skin problems such as acne or eczema. By removing ama from the body and mind we bring a higher state of being to our lives.

But its not just the right diet that is so important as negative emotions (fear, anger, greed, and guilt) also create mental toxins. These are as damaging as their physical counterparts and obstruct the flow of positive feelings and mental clarity, and lead to mental imbalance. Undigested experiences become toxic like undigested food. So, its not just what we eat, but how we feel when we eat it! Furthermore, our 5 senses our often overused or underused, such as excess staring at screens, or standing by the speakers at a night club!

So, do you think you might have ama, after the long Winter?

Symptoms of ama in the body include: loss of taste and appetite, indigestion, tongue-coating, bad breath, loss of strength, heaviness, lethargy, and obstruction of channels (eg: constipation) and vessels in the body, with accumulation of waste-material, bad body odour including urine or feces, lack of attention, loss of clarity, depression, or irritability.

Detoxification is a natural body process to reduce ama. It is, however, compromised when our system becomes overloaded from a variety of causes that include poor diet, allergies, stress, infections, and toxins such as heavy metals. So what can we do to support the body’s natural process of detoxification at this time of year? Panchakarma is an ancient form of Ayurvedic purification which removes ‘ama’. By cleansing and detoxifying the body, it also helps build the natural fire within the body, or ‘agni’, which itself naturally burns ama from the body. It is the ultimate mind body detoxifying experience, though it takes time (3 weeks minimum), can be expensive (though is cheaper in India) and is not for the faint hearted!

Given the time and expense of this, a simple home detox is more easily achieved, over a week or even a long weekend. Spring is an ideal time to do this (as well as Autumn). The following steps are simple ways to boost ‘agni’ and help your body clear any ‘ama’ that has accumulated over the Winter:

1. For a week, eat foods that are easy to digest such as vegetable juices made with some ginger, vegetable soup, steamed vegetables and rice (pref brown and short grain as this helps draw toxins out). Avoid potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergine (members of the nightshade family which are less beneficial for the body and also harder to digest) as well as salads and raw food beyond juices. Kitchadi is ideal- see Recipes page on my web-site.

2. You may even like to try a monodiet– just eating one food for a day or two to give the digestion even more of a break. Mung bean soup is ideal for this (See this newsletter’s recipe for more on the healing powrs of mung bean soup!)

3. To help the body digest food, use ghee (See Recipes), fresh ginger, cumin, fennel seeds, coriander, turmeric, garlic, black pepper and cinnamon- basically all ‘warming’ spices will act like a medicine to break the heavy, cold, sticky ama and boost the digestive fire (agni). All food should really be considered as medicine for the body.

3. Drink water at room temperature, along with herbal teas, especially those with the above herbs. You can make your own teas by grating and crushing these herbs in hot water, leaving for 5 minutes the strain and serve eg: fennel and cumin and ginger.

4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. You may get a caffeine withdrawal headache after the first day (or even on the first day if you drink a lot) To help this, try cutting down gradually the week or two before you begin the Detox to give your body a chance to adjust gradually. Ayurveda advises never to put the body through big changes too quickly but to gradually reduce toxins (such as caffeine, but also drugs, alcohol, tobacco, tranquilisers etc)

5. Take herbal remedies to help digest ama after each meal, such as Trikatu and Triphala. Also Aloe Vera juice.

Triphala

Triphala is the most famous Ayurvedic formula. Its a mixture of three fruits (Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki) and is used to cleanse the whole system by regulating the bowels. Triphala is the best natural herbal remedy for sluggishness and regulating the whole digestive system. Amla has one of the highest Vitamin C contents in the plant kingdom and helps regulate the liver. Haritaki means ‘remover of disease’ and helps promote the bowel and tone intestinal muscles. Bihitaki helps maintain healthy mucus membranes. This is a very good remedy for everyone and a good laxative for stubborn constipation as it is safe for long term use. Its balanced spectrum of 5 tastes can be used to reduce food cravings and prevent over eating.

Dosage for the detox: Take ½ tsp 3 times a day with food or one teaspoon at night with warm water to detox the bowel. To take this way, add Triphala to a cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Drink the liquid when cool enough to drink, leaving the loose herb at the bottom of the cup. As your health improves, the taste will become less bitter! If the taste is really unbearable, you can take with honey. Exercise caution in pregnancy (can be taken as part of a formula as a general tonic).

Trikatu

Trikatu means the ‘three pungents’ and is made from Ginger, Black Pepper and Long Pepper. It is traditionally used for lung and nasal problems with the hot spices drying excessive mucus production. Trikatu is also used as a food supplement to help maintain healthy respiratory, digestive and circulatory systems. It is used in Ayurveda as part of a weight loss regime to increase metabolism, digest fats (and LDL cholesterol) and ‘ama’ (undigested matter) and balance appetite. It is traditionally taken with honey.

Dosage for the detox: Take ½ teaspoon after brunch and dinner to aid digestion and digest ama. Don’t use with hyperacidity, ulcers, with signs of aggravated Pitta (heat) in the body or in pregnancy.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera Juice is a food supplement made from the pure inner gel and without synthetic preservatives. Aloe Vera is a naturally cooling and nourishing plant renowned for maintaining youthful looks, healthy skin and balanced digestion. It clears inflammatory heat from the body, whilst supporting gentle detoxification of the liver. It has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties and is one of Ayurveda’s most potent cleansing and rejuvenating elixirs. Aloe Vera is an amazing versatile plant – it truly is nature at its finest.

Dosage for the detox: Take 1-2 tablespoons every morning on an empty stomach for a cleansing and nourishing start to the day. Don’t use in pregnancy.

6. If you are prone to constipation (due to Vata imbalance or nature) take a teaspoon of castor oil with a pinch of dry ginger in a glass of hot water at night. This will cleans the colon and restore the proper flow of Vata through the body’s channels. The Triphala should also help ease the bowel.

7. Get plenty of rest, with yoga, meditation or other mind/ both integration techniques to help detox the mind as well as the body (remembering both are linked and will affect the other!) Negative thought patterns, stress and emotions can all lead to the build up of ama, as well as eating a poor diet, as they affect how the body digests food. As far as resting and restoring the senses, you may like to start using a tonguescraper (taste); going on a media fast for a week with no TV, newspapers, or radio (to rest the eyes, ears and mind); and using a neti pot to cleanse the nose.

You can tell that ama is being digested as at the end of the week, you will feel lighter, your mind and senses more alert and active. Once the week is over, continue to follow a diet that suits your dosha, eating lightly for another few days until your digestion has had a chance to recover from the cleanse.

For more information on how to detox the Ayurvedic way, I’d recommend the excellent Teach Yourself Ayurveda book by Sarah Lie.

This article has been borrowed with permission form the ‘Ayurvedic Yogi’ http://www.ayurvedicyogi.com/ayurvedic-spring-detox-or-how-to-lose-the-extra-winter-pounds/