More than 5,000 years ago, in the area now known as India, the healing system of ayurveda emerged. The term ayurveda means “the science of life.” The science of ayurveda was brought into the world by ancient seers, who were also known as the Rishis. It was written that these very wise individuals would remain in deep meditation for long periods of time.  During these extended meditations they received information, a kind of spiritual download, regarding the divine structure of the universe, which is applicable to all forms of life and every imaginable combination of matter on the planet.  This deep insight became the basis for what has become known throughout the world today as ayurveda.

Over many years, this wisdom was handed down through oral transmission from master to student in the form of what is known as sutras. (The Sanskrit meaning of sutra is thread.)  These sutras were eventually written down and woven together to create the beautiful body of knowledge we know today as the wisdom of ayurveda.

As ayurveda emerged in the world, an entirely new and clear vision of complete health care and preventive medicine was born.  Ayurveda came to be recognized as an elemental paradigm of health and healing because it acknowledges the five main elements found naturally occurring in nature; ether, air, fire, water and Earth.  From these elements three bodily humors, or constitutions, called doshas emerged.

The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha.   From this point forward, with this understanding, an ayurvedic practitioner was able to assess each client’s personal constitution and pinpoint areas in which they were out of balance.

The practice of ayurveda offers numerous modalities to guide us gently back to where we experience balance and peace of mind.  Organic medicinal herbs and proper food choices are matched to each person’s constitution and utilized as medicine, and practices of meditation and breath are incorporated to address imbalances of mind and emotions.

Specialized body therapies, including massage, are a significant part of the practice of ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda has special protocols that utilize traditional blended warm herbal oils that nurture the tissues and relax the entire body. In Ayurveda sesame oil is the primary oil that is found in most traditional formulas used for body therapies. Sesame oil is thought to be one of the most nourishing oils on its own and is found as the base oil used in most traditional ayurvedic herbal oil formulas created for massage therapy over the last several thousand years. When working with a trained Ayurvedic practitioner an oil combination will be selected that best fits the clients physical and energetic needs. There are several factors that will be used to determine if a specific doshic (vata/pitta/kapha) oil will be selected for therapy. These include; the clients specific constitution, current imbalance (dosha), the season in which the client is receiving treatment and the clients current age.

Many scholars and practitioners of Ayurveda also believe that the more subtle qualities of sesame oil help to release emotions in the muscles and connective tissues by stimulating certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. This also speaks to another field of study called Somatic Psychology. Somatic bodywork in particular seeks to understand and work with the phenomena of how emotional states become physical states. Somatic work is not the focus of this article but lets just say that in a somatic sense, sesame oil has special qualities that convey its application during massage in ways that are highly effective in dissolving unresolved emotions that may become lodged in the tissues.  In a sense the sesame oil is highly effective at decrystallizing that which the mind body may have crystallized in the form of muscle pain, tension, fatigue and so on.

From and Ayurvedic perspective the primary role of massage is to add the most beneficial qualities of rich nourishing oils to the body. This process is called snehana and literally means to add love through the process of administering oil massage. This can be accomplished through simple self massage techniques or massage administered by a trained practitioner. Because ayurveda focuses on the individual’s unique constitution, the practitioner develops a very personal and individualized program best suited for each client.

A traditionally ayurvedic style of massage called abhyanga includes many stroke variations that affect muscle tissue, movement of lymphatic fluid and the movement of doshic energy throughout the body. Although we can not go into great detail in this short article the main focus is almost always specialized warm, nourishing oil combinations specific to addressing muscle soreness, chronic pain, arthritis, and the like.

Another popular form of ayurvedic massage is called marma abhyanga. Marma’s are similar to the idea of acupuncture or acupressure points that are a part of the Chinese Medicine system. However they are different in the sense that they are often in slightly different locations and they are often different in size as compared to an acupuncture point. This type of massage also uses warm herbal oils and focuses on activating or pacifying energy accessible through marma points on the body. There are 107 main marma points, which can be worked with during a typical marma-massage session. Both abhyanga and marma abhyanga massage are highly effective in providing relief from muscle tension and chronic pain. Also, the oils themselves are very pacifying and nurturing when applied directly to the skin, and this alone provides relief from the hustle and stress of everyday life that we may all experience.

I would also like to mention that ayurvedic practitioners are often looking for trained massage therapists in their communities to assist them with the physical therapies offered in their practice. Working with a trained ayurvedic practitioner from a certified school is the best recommendation. The best scenario is when the two therapists can work as a team. The ayurvedic practitioner would discuss with the massage therapist the style of massage most indicated for the client and which oils to use. Over time the massage therapist will learn a lot about ayurvedic principle and develop a sense of the protocols through their direct experience working in this way. If the massage therapist would like to go on to managing client care from an ayurvedic perspective than it is always best to seek out proper education to achieve that level of expertise.

If you choose to delve into the practice of ayurveda, you will naturally come to know that each choice toward balance and harmony you make each day can lead you closer to your most balanced and healthy self. Over the years I have worked with many clients and have witnessed many times over the benefits of ayurvedic medicine being applied in complementary ways helping to bring balance to many people’s lives.

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Ragaia Belovarac, M.A., C.A.S., P.K.S., C.M.T., is founder of the ayurvedic practice Blue Sage Ayurveda and he is a primary practitioner as well as steward of their ayurvedic healing location Blue Sage Sanctuary in Nevada City, California. He received his certification as a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and Pancha Karma Specialist (P.K.S.) upon completion of his studies of ayurveda at the California College of Ayurveda and the American Institute of Vedic Studies.

We find ourselves living in a time where many things are changing. Ayurveda offers a deep understanding of the underlying nature of all things and helps us to keep in balance during times of instability or change. As defined in Ayurveda, the five primary elements are earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These elements comprise the entire known world. In looking at the world through the lens of Ayurvedic wisdom, earth represents the more solid, inert, and stable qualities. Water represents the fluid, mobile, and dense. Fire represents heat, light and transformation. Air represents lightness, mobility and cold. Ether represents the idea of space and connectedness. An understanding of these characteristics provides us with the basis for understanding the bodily humors or “Doshas” from an Ayurvedic perspective.

The three main Doshas are: Vata, a combination or air and ether; Pitta, a combination of fire and water; and Kapha, a combination of earth and water. Each person’s unique combination of Doshas is what is referred to as their constitution. All of these elements may appear as balance or imbalance depending on the unique combination of energies manifest in a given person’s constitution. So, how does this affect our state of balance when under duress? Simply stated, imbalanced thoughts and emotions express as imbalance in the world. When significant changes come into our lives at one time,emotions are often heightened. Stress levels can soar, especially the emotions of anxiety and fear. Such emotions are the imbalanced aspects of the Vata dosha. These emotions become additionally compounded if there is an element of financial burden, such as loss of business, loss of income, etc. We may also experience anger or resentment as a result of the feelings of loss that come with difficult times. When we experience anger, Pitta energy has been increased. Sadness, depression or lethargy is an expression of the Kapha dosha. No matter what your constitution, we all are subject to stress when we are out of balance and dealing with the serious changes in life.

Although stress is a natural part of life, and the body’s sympathetic nervous system is prepared to handle the threatening situations that may arise, in the long-term stress impacts the body in harmful ways. The constant heightened adrenal function we experience as a result of stress depresses the immune system. Normally, once the extreme situation passes your system should return to a more relaxed equilibrium and balance is achieved within the body. This is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system and it is engaged while resting, eating, or sleeping. During these resting times the immune system does much of its work and the body naturally rebuilds and repairs itself and stores up energy for future use and future “emergencies.”

The current challenge today is that we are creating less and less time for the natural process of resting and rejuvenating to take place. Creating ways to allow the system to relax reduces the sympathetic nervous system’s need for the “fight or flight” stress hormones. Additionally challenging is that the “stress busting” systems (primarily our adrenal glands) are locked into overdrive and we can no longer distinguish between anticipated stress and “real-time” stress and what constitutes an emergency. This is the result of living in a state of sensory bombardment. As a result, the body does not get a break from the constant running from one thing to the next, creating a heavy biochemical burden on the entire physical, emotional, and spiritual body.

Implementing a few good habits can greatly help reduce the impact of stress. The fundamental principles of Ayurveda suggest maintaining the following five daily habits:

1) Get Enough Sleep
Many studies have shown that disturbed sleep is one of the fastest ways to reduce the body’s ability to cope with stress. During proper sleep the body’s maintenance of the circadian rhythms are especially important for experiencing long-term health and longevity. This is a time when the systems of your body reset themselves.

2) Eat in a Quiet Atmosphere
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating in a comfortable, quiet environment whenever possible, to insure that your body’s full attention may focus on digesting your meal. Distractions, which increase Vata, cause your attention to go outward, away from digestion, and this results in symptoms of indigestion, bloating, gas, etc. Encourage friends and family to slow down and enjoy each other’s company while enjoying food-and eat slowly, chewing thoroughly.

3) Breathe
When you breathe deeply into the diaphragm, your entire system is oxygenated. This gives your body an opportunity to absorb, assimilate, and eliminate on all levels of bodily function. There are many practices for learning to breathe deeply and consciously. Find a way to make conscious breathing a part of your everyday life.

4) Be Present in the Moment
Meditation may be the key here. If you are not ready or inclined to begin a meditation practice, then there are other simple activities that may work just as well. Consider taking gentle walks in nature, spending a little time in a garden, or slowly sipping a cup of tea in the morning. Essentially, take valuable moments to cultivate yourself each day. This will assist in grounding your Vata energy and offer some respite from the stresses that are so often present. Also realize that your schedule may need to change to enable you to slow down. Sometimes less is more!

5) Choose to Think Positively
Finding the strength from within ourselves to say “Yes!” when we greet each day may prove to be fundamental in making profound and sustainable change in the world at large. A choice to think positively and to choose positive behaviors helps to create positive habits that ultimately become positive outcomes in your life and in the world.

Ragaia Belovarac is the Director of Blue Sage Ayurveda and Director of Body Therapies at the California College of Ayurveda. He facilitates client intakes and Pancha Karma immersion in the Bay Area and Nevada City. Clients receive the full benefits of yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic body therapies. For more information call(888) 878-5222, visit www.bluesage-ayurveda.com

If you’ve been feeling like there’s just no light at the end of this energy crisis tunnel, take a look at this article expressing the good news about the decarbonization trend… -T.G.N.

Briar Patch
Congratulations to our local Food Co-op in Grass Valley, California!

“We’re proud to be the only local store to receive this honor from Greenpeace,” said Jeff Molsberry, BriarPatch Meat Manager. “Shoppers can buy seafood here knowing that it is less harmful to the oceans’ health.”

BriarPatch received an eight out of ten in its sustainability standards, based on both wild-caught and farmed seafood’s. No store in California scored higher than an eight. Whole Foods Market received a five, Wal-Mart and Safeway received threes, Costco a two, and Trader Joe’s received one out of ten points.

Michael Pollan Food Solution Proposal To Obama

If you don’t know about Michael Pollan (author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food, An Eater’s Manifesto), it’s time to be introduced. A leader in the sustainable food movement (yes, it’s a movement), Michael has written an in-depth and thought provoking proposal to the President of the United States outlining a much needed re-organization of the way we grow, process and obtain our food. Bravo, Michael for your bold ideas and courageous efforts to bring our nation back to health! -T.G.N

Like a familiar friend returning for an anticipated and special visit, it is upon us – the inevitable re-emergence of Spring. It has been a long and arduous transition for many of us, and not just in regards to the wacky winter weather. The stress and instability of the economy, demands in the workplace, increased stress at home… the list could go on and on. This physical and mental stress accumulates during the Winter months, a time when our bodies are meant to rest, repair and rejuvenate for the upcoming year. If you’re like most people, you may find yourself feeling quite drained and exhausted from the demands of the previous year, not to mention the holidays… When is there time to re-boot for the new year? Are we truly meant to “power through,” meeting this year’s challenges with a body and mind that is heavy and sluggish with last year’s weight?

The traditional Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda has very clear wisdom to share with our weary souls. As we observe the changing seasons happening around us, so too are similar changes occurring within us simultaneously. Just as the trees lose their leaves and send their energy down into their roots, our energy is meant to go within, into a hibernation of sorts. The months ending one year and beginning a new one is a time for rest and rejuvenation. Only then can we truly function at an optimum level.

The seasonal changes happening in the environment in which we live create a kind of reflection within our systems. Ayurveda teaches us that it is in these peak seasonal transition times that our bodies are also best suited and supported to eliminate toxins, purify and rejuvenate our bodies. The energy is simply more available to assist the body during these natural processes. A healthy body will naturally do its part to harmonize and balance itself through the annual cycles. However, as we age our bodies often become more challenged with the natural re-balancing. Offering our body the tools it needs to cleanse and rejuvenate becomes more important as we progress in age.

The R.O.I (return on investment) on personal health investment is abundant. Deciding to dedicate time and capital towards building and maintaining a healthy body will not only add years to your life, but it will increase the quality and joy of those years. And, it’s not just you who reaps the rewards! Those around you, friends, family and associates will benefit from a happier, healthier you. Over 5,000 years of evidence through Ayurveda proves this to be true. Take the time to cleanse your body of the toxins and buildup of last year (and probably many years prior). Give your body the opportunity to operate at its highest potential.

The Ayurvedic cleansing process is called Pancha Karma, and offers a gentle and thorough detoxification of the entire system, beginning with the G.I. tract. In the United States a routine Pancha Karma cleanse can last anywhere from 7-30 days. With the guidance of trained Ayurvedic practitioners, clients receive daily oil massage, shirodhara (warm oil poured over the third eye, a nervous system balancing treatment), therapeutic purgation and therapeutic herbal sweats. All of these treatments, in addition to consuming a mono-diet of kitchari, encourage toxins that are stuck in the tissues of the body to release and be expelled. Clients feel renewed, refreshed and healthier than ever after experiencing Pancha Karma. Unlike many fad cleanses of the day, Pancha Karma is tried and true, derived from the ancient wisdom of the Vedas.

We cannot change the economy or control the market overnight and we might have little control over our workload and environment at the office. The ups and downs of life will continue to come our way, and nothing is certain except change. What we DO have control over is how well we prepare ourselves both mentally and physically. If we are bound up and congested, if our channels are blocked, what good will we be when we are met with a challenge? A congested body reflects a congested mind, and vice versa. Ayurveda advises us to take the time during the change of seasons to cleanse our bodies so that we are well prepared to take life on.

Why Blue Sage Ayurveda?

Blue Sage Ayurveda offers Pancha Karma at our healing Sanctuary by employing an ancient method we call “immersion.” The Sanctuary is a clean, well appointed healing space set amidst a beautiful natural environment in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. Within the immersion style of Pancha Karma all aspects of the process are managed by a Pancha Karma Specialist. All information and support are provided to assist you throughout the entire process. Within this private environment of total immersion you receive the full benefits of yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic body therapies. We accomplish this by ensuring that each of our practitioners are well trained in the proper administration of Pancha Karma therapies and by providing an environment that directs your process inward. It is important to reduce everyday sensory input and distractions while cleansing and purifying the body, mind and spirit. It is our intention to offer this ancient healing tradition in its highest form.

www.bluesage-ayurveda.com – 1.888.878.5222 – info@bluesage-ayurvda.com