At the end of a yoga class, the instructor has us lie down in corpse pose, or shavasana.  Shavasana means relaxation in Sanskrit.  We don’t have to wait for the end of a yoga class to practice this!  Shavasana is a conscious letting-go of tension.  To get into this mode, find a place on the floor where you can be comfortable, and stretch out on your back.  Place your legs slightly apart, and rest your arms alongside your body with the palms upward.  Vatas may want to cover themselves with a blanket to keep warm.  Allow your body weight to sink into the floor.  Relax each part of your body, from your toes up to your head, looking for areas where you may be holding tension, and breathing the tension out of the body.  As you relax, bring your attention to your breath.  Shavasana is a state of restful awareness, so try not to fall asleep!

Prana is the Sanskrit word for energy, or life force, or breath.  Yoga uses physical poses to increase and regulate prana through the body.  Marma therapy is a technique used in Ayurvedic practice which helps to move prana through the body to assist in balancing, and healing.  Marma therapy is similar to acupressure in that there are marma points to which pressure is applied.  There are 107 primary marma points which, correspond to places on the skin.  However, these points are not fixed, but can differ in location from one person to another.  A sensitive therapist can locate the area of congestion and work to get the prana moving.  Marma therapy can also be practiced routinely in self-care and it is a simple and effective healing technique.

Vatas learn quickly, but they then forget quickly as well.  It is helpful for Vatas to write things down, and carry a day-planner or a Palm-type organizer with them all the time.  Vatas learn best by listening.  A good technique for studying is to listen to a book on tape while reading along.

Pittas have a good, sharp, general memory.  Pittas are visual learners, so it is helpful for them to have charts, graphs and pictures to refer to.  They will remember something better if they read it rather than if they hear it, so keep “to do” lists for them.

Kaphas take more time learning things, but once they learn them, they don’t forget.  Kaphas learn best by association, so tell them stories that relate to the lesson at hand, or give examples of experiences they can remember which apply to what they need to learn.

The basic rule in Ayurveda is to exercise to 75 % of your capacity.  Don’t work out until you are exhausted and depleted.  Stop when you are still feeling good but can see that time coming.  This way, you will build up your stamina and strength.

Recommended exercise for balance:
Vata:  Low-impact – Yoga, Walking, Dancing
Pitta: Competitive or team sports, baseball, tennis, or Water sports, swimming
Kapha:  Stimulating, regular exercise, bodybuilding, running

Rasayana means “recommendation.”  The following Behavior Rasayanas are for all of the doshas.  It is said that following these instructions will help us to avoid contradictions in the mind and therefore prevent physiological strain.  They are a reminder of the simple things we can do to help ourselves, and, in turn, to help the world.

-Be honest and kind.
-Be free from anger.
-Abstain from immoderate behavior.
-Be nonviolent and calm.
-Observe cleanliness in yourself and your environment.
-Be charitable toward others.
-Observe a regular daily routine.
-Be loving and compassionate.
-Be respectful, especially to teachers and elders.
-Keep the company of the wise.
-Be modest, have good manners.
-Follow your religious beliefs, be self-disciplined.
-Keep a positive outlook.
-Devote yourself to the development of higher states of consciousness.

Jyotish is Indian astrology, and it is a sister science to Ayurveda.  Jyotish recommends certain gemstones, because of their energetic properties, to help balance the doshas.  Here are some examples.

For Vata: Ruby (or Garnet), Yellow Sapphire (or Topaz), and Emerald (or Aquamarine).  Metal: gold.
For Pitta: Pearl (or Opal), Lapis Lazuli, Emerald (or Aquamarine). Metal: silver.
For Kapha: Ruby (or Garnet), Cat’s-Eye, Blue Sapphire.  Metal: copper.

We connect to the physical world through our five senses. Aromatherapy has many benefits – it can be calming, relaxing, energizing, or soothing. It can help us to get to sleep, or help us to wake up! Here are the fragrances which help to balance each the doshas: Vata- vanilla, orange, lavender, pine Pitta- rose, jasmine, sandalwood, peppermint Kapha- cinnamon, basil, eucalyptus, musk

Ayurveda recommends meditation for everyone. And there are specific mantras which are meant to pacify each dosha. Try using these mantras in your meditation, saying them silently to yourself. Or sing them as you’re driving to work, or cooking dinner. Ram (pronounced Rahm) is the mantra for Vata. It helps to boost the immune system, and it alleviates fear and anxiety. Shrim (pronounced Shreem) is the mantra for Pitta. It promotes general health and harmony. Hum (pronounced Hoom) is the mantra for Kapha. It is both stimulating and clearing.

Ayurveda, along with Vastu, Meditation, Yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism and much of eastern philosophy, has its roots in Vedanta.  Vedanta is the world’s oldest known religion, yet it is relatively new here to us in the west.  In 1893 Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago.  His talks were well received, and he was invited to lecture on Vedic philosophy all over the country.  This was the beginning of today’s Vedanta Societies.  There is a wonderful non-profit organization that is keeping up the teachings and traditions of Vedanta.  To learn more about Vedanta visit their website: www.vedanta.org 

I’ve been waiting for a long time to give you this news.  Today is the official release date of my brand new DVD, “Dosha Yoga: Bringing Your Mind and Body to a State of Balance and Bliss.” This is the first DVD ever to combine Yoga and Ayurveda.  My friend Hemalayaa, an amazing Yogini, leads us through 3 different Yoga routines, one for each dosha.  Each routine is balancing in its own way, and includes therapeutic music created by an Ayurvedic music therapist in India!  We had so much fun working on this project, putting together some beautiful sets based on color therapy for the doshas, and creating totally original and unique routines unlike any you’ve ever seen on any other Yoga DVD.  And I’ve got a segment on there about living an Ayurvedic lifestyle.  This is a really special DVD, one that I’m very proud of and so happy to be able to share with you.  Check out our new website, and you’ll see information about our offer for this “Dosha Yoga” premiere week. www.DoshaYoga.com