The new year is almost here, and one of the most popular resolutions made is to maintain better weight control.  The Ayurvedic approach to weight control is very simple and straightforward.  Kapha types tend to have the most trouble with weight imbalance.  Kaphas have a slower metabolism, so they are more prone to weight gain.  Kapha is made up of earth and water, so to boost metabolism one strategy is to increase the fire element.  Flavor foods with spicy spices like pepper, ginger and curries.  Eat foods that are easy to digest: warm, light and cooked.  Nothing fried, and avoid dairy and sugar.  Pittas can also have issues with weight gain, which is usually caused when digestive enzymes are out of whack and there is too much acid.  In this case there is an abundance of fire, so spicy foods are not good.  Instead, what Pittas can do to improve this condition is to eat three meals a day.  Sweet, juicy fruits like pears and peaches are great for Pittas, as are licorice and fennel seed.  Pittas also need to be sure to get to bed before 10 pm, when Pitta time kicks in and they get the munchies.  When Vata types gain weight it is usually due to stress.  To reduce stress, it is important for Vatas to meditate twice a day and to keep a regular routine.  Vatas also need to remember to eat in a relaxed atmosphere and not rush through their meals.

Ayurveda is more than 5,000 years old, and all this time it has recommended meditation.  Now researchers are doing scientific research that proves just how great meditation is.  Not that we needed proof, we can see the benefits of meditation in our lives with reduced stress, better sleep, lower blood pressure and lot more.  But since this study made the news, I thought I’d share with you.  Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that meditation changes gray matter in the brain.  Those who meditate regularly have increased thickness in a region called the insula, which is key to integrating thoughts and emotions.  This helps explain biologically just how meditation relieves stress.  They also found that people who have practiced meditation for years had increased thickening in areas of the brain affecting heart rate and breathing.  As we age, the brain tends to thin in areas that sustain attention and regulate memory.  Yet those same areas were thickened in the brains of meditators!  Science has already shown that the rain can change by learning another language or by playing a musical instrument.  Now we know, scientifically, that the brain is capable of change through the internal exercise of meditation.

http://www.psmeditation.com

Last March I wrote a little bit about Vastu, the Indian science of architecture and placement.  Vastu actually pre-dates Feng Shui, and it is upon Vastu that Feng Shui was based.  And yet it is not as well known as Feng Shui.  I learned about Vastu when I was researching my “What’s Your Dosha” book, so there is some basic information about it in there.  Since then I have learned much more, and I am absolutely fascinated by Vastu!  When I designed my new house I used the principles of Vastu, and I have incorporated the science into my design business, which is now named Dosha Design.  Of course, we have a website!  www.DoshaDesign.com – and if you’re interested you can check out my portfolio there and see photos of my new place, before, during and after the renovation.

A Kavach is an Indian pendant that has been infused with spiritual energy.  When I was speaking at the Mind Body Beyond Expo in Los Angeles, I came across a gentleman who had brought some Lakshmi Kavach from South India.  He was selling them to raise money for one of the temples in India.    Lakshmi is the goddess of abundance and beauty. 

The Kavach is made of silver, and on the outside is written in Sanskrit “I Honor the Glorious Divine Mother” with the English transliteration “Sri Matre Namah.” This is mantric phrase and it the firstname mentioned in the famous sacred text “Lalitha Sahasranama.” A Sri Yantra stamped in thin copper is hand rolled and placed inside the Kavach.  This Yantra has been charged to help bring fulfillment to all your desires.  Divinely charged ash from a fire ceremony fills the Kavach as well.  Finally, the Kavach is placed inside the Goddess Shakti Temple in Chennai, South India.  This temple is dedicated to Lakshmi. 

There are many different types of Kavach, dedicated to various intentions. You can create your own based on symbolism that has significance to you.  “Charge” it with energy on your altar by setting it near a candle and chanting.  And remember your intention every time you wear it.

In the northern hemisphere, during the months of November through February when the air is cold and dry, it is Vata season.  During this time we all are likely to feel a little more spacey, and anxious than usual.  To balance Vata, eat warm, cooked foods.  Stay out of the wind, meditate, and perform a warm oil self-massage (abyhanga) every morning.  Vata types will want to keep their sensitive ears covered when outside.

Vata massage oil from the chopra center

Every culture throughout civilization has created altars and shrines in special places to express devotion and appreciation to the guiding forces in our lives.  In the Indian science of Vastu, a system of architecture that dates back more than six thousand years, altars are used in various locations in the home to bring our attention to certain energies that we want to enhance.  Any area can be set aside as an altar, just designate it with a pretty scarf or shawl, and set it with items that have meaning to you.  It’s traditional to include things from nature, which represent the elements: a candle, a stone, a shell, a flower, or a feather for example.  Of course, the most important factor in creating an altar is to infuse it with your emotion.  Your intention will make it all the more powerful!

Kirtan is an ancient musical art form that could be compared to our modern American Gospel music.  By chanting holy Sanskrit mantras, kirtan helps to awaken the dormant love present in the heart.  It brings the chanter a deeper realization of oneself and of one’s purpose in life.  Kirtan is often performed in a group setting as a simple call and response kind of a song.  It is a way to escape the clutter in our mind, and to be lifted into the vibration of musical energy.  The songs often go for 20-30 minutes, with periods of silence in between songs.  The effect is a feeling of peace, joy, and inspiration.

Neti is the ayurvedic technique to clear the sinuses using warm salt water.  Using a neti pot, you can gently pour the water into one nostril and allow it to drain out the other nostril.  This is really good for times when you feel congested or are bothered by allergies.  As we are getting into Vata season, when the weather is cold and dry, and we are often indoors where the air is heated and dry, it is important to keep the sinuses lubricated.  When the sinuses are dried out, they overcompensate by creating excess mucus, which can be a breeding ground for infections.  Salt water can also dry out the sinuses, so it is a good idea to follow up the Neti with Nasya.  To lubricate the sinuses, sniff some sesame oil.  Put a few drops of warm sesame oil on a cotton swab and sniff deeply through each nostril.  Another way to keep sinuses moist during this time of year is to use a humidifier in your home.

Today, November 1st, is the day to celebrate Diwali, the festival of Light.  Diwali is also known as Deepawali. “Deepa” in Sanskrit means “light” and “avali” means “a row.” Diwali celebrations in India are similar to Christmas and Hanukkah festivities in the west.  There are actually five days of celebration, with Diwali, the third day, falling on the new moon night.  This is considered an especially auspicious time for shopping, starting new projects and businesses or moving into a new home.  To commemorate these special days, it is traditional to exchange sweets, wear new clothes and buy jewelry.  Since this is the festival of lights, candles and lanterns are very important to have in every household.  The flame is a symbol of an illuminated mind.  Check out some beautiful Diwali e-cards at:
http://www.diwali-greetings.com

“Seva” is a Sanskrit word meaning selfless service.  Seva is doing good work, helping others, without attachment, and without any desire for personal gain.  Performing Seva on a regular basis is one way for us to become more aware of our connection with the divine.  Just one small act of Seva a day can bring about tremendous spiritual growth.