Your Health in Your Hands

Cold Care: Tips from Maharishi Ayurveda

11/07/2011 06:54:00

Turning the Heat Up on the Common Cold

Tips from Maharishi Ayurveda (gratefully taken with permission from mapi.com)

Come Fall, more than maple leaves turn red. Ever noticed how many red-nosed people you see in the stores at this time? Kleenex sales go up, and antihistamines fly off the shelves. Chances are, even as you read this, you're trying to stifle a sniffle.

Take heart--you can win the cold war.

And yes, you can do it without the standard ammunition of pills and rubs. Believe it or not, something as simple as sleeping on time could be your greatest anti-cold weapon!

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing, has an interesting theory on disease. It believes that all disease happens because the elements that make up our body go out of balance. The common cold, for instance, strikes when the body's digestive fire or "agni" is dampened. What causes that? Well, the cold weather itself! Yes, the temperature outside dips, and with it, your immunity.

Now look what happens: the dimmed fires inside fail to burn body toxins or "ama" fully. The "ama" accumulates, clogging the micro-channels of the body and generating phlegm. Phlegm, or "kapha", combined with toxins or "ama" makes mucus. Result: a case of the a-tissues!

Ayurvedic vaidyas say your body at this time is a land ripe and ready for virus attack. When your immunity is strong, the "beej bhoomi" or "body soil" is infertile -- it does not let virus grow. But when manured with "ama", the body soil becomes fertile. Time for virus and bacteria to start taking root.

So much for the cause. Now for the cure.

The key, obviously, would lie in keeping the body fires burning bright. This is easily achieved, once you understand that a lot of Ayurvedic advice is plain common sense and logic. The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians gives you the must-dos and don't-evers for this winter:

Diet:

1. Decembrrrrr. Common sense should tell you it's the season to stay away from cold foods like ice-cream and yogurt. So will a vaidya. He will add that you should avoid tomatoes, eggplant and bananas -- for they are "cold" foods that slow down the "agni".

2. Keep your insides warm with warm spices -- cumin is considered the ace "ama" burner. Stack up your spice rack with "thermogenic" or heat-generating spices like black pepper, coriander, and cumin. Clove, boiled with milk, is excellent too.

3. Vaidyas say cakes and desserts need more fire to digest. But that doesn't mean you have to ignore your sweet tooth all winter. Metabolize the sugar better with bay leaf, cinnamon and cardamom. The ideal winter dessert? Apple stewed the Ayurveda way: one Red Delicious apple, pierced with 4 cloves and boiled. Once done, remove the cloves and savor the clove-warmed, energy-enhancing fruit.

4. Trust in turmeric, the yellow spice that kills "ama" and builds immunity. All it takes is a quarter teaspoon of turmeric in your lentils and veggies. Crushed fresh ginger will combat the heaviness of a "rich" meal.

5. Happily, there are some solid Ayurvedic formulations to help you zap that cold. Herbs that pack a powerful punch -- improving your immunity, lubricating your lungs and clearing the body's channels. Maharishi Ayurveda's battery of highly skilled vaidyas has developed

Sniffle Free and Bio-immune: Herbal formulations that promise just what their names suggest. The Sniffle Free aroma and Sniffle Free herbal tea provide support as well.

Lifestyle:

Follow the middle path: don't skip meals or overeat.
Eat fresh, well-cooked food.
Start your day with two glasses of warm water.
Do not fast during winter -- fasting weakens the body's defenses.
Eat a timely lunch and an early dinner for good digestion.
Sleep on time -- not later than 10 p.m. Restful sleep builds essential energy or "ojas", boosting immunity

The YOGA - AYURVEDA Connection

08/10/2011 11:32:00

The Yoga - Ayurveda Connection

(shared with permission from mapi.com)

Yoga has taken America by storm. The number of Americans who practice some form of yoga has doubled in the last five years, and is now estimated at fifteen million. Three-fourths of fitness clubs offer yoga classes, and yoga was named one of the two fastest growing segments of the exercise industry by Trendwatch 2000, an annual report on fitness trends.

While many view yoga as a gentler way to exercise, most long-time practitioners realize that yoga is not just physical -- it creates balance in mind, emotions and consciousness as well. And they are starting to realize that yoga shares the same origin and goal as ayurveda, the traditional Vedic system of health care.

Same origin and goal. Both yoga and ayurveda have their origin in the Vedic tradition of India, and both are a means to gain better health.

A verse from the Yoga Sutra, yogas chitta vritti nirodhaha, describes yoga as the settled state of the mind. He compares it to a verse from ayurvedic texts, svasmin dishati iti svasthah, which states that one who always remains united with the Self is a healthy person. These verses show that both yoga and ayurveda have the same goal which is attaining union with the Self, the most settled state of the mind.

Other verses from the ayurvedic texts also point to this self-referral state of the mind as the basis of health. A verse from the Sushruta Samhita, for instance, says, "He (she) whose doshas are in balance, whose appetite is good, whose dhatus are functioning normally, whose malas are in balance and whose Self, mind and senses remain full of bliss, is called a healthy person.

So again, this verse points out that the experience of the self-referral state of bliss is an essential part of the definition of health in Maharishi Ayurveda.

Unity of Mind, Body and Consciousness

Yoga literally means "union" or "to join together" in Sanskrit. It has the same root that gives rise to the English word "yoke," as in "to yoke together," and refers to the union of body, mind and soul. Yoga helps the mind become stronger by connecting the mind with the Self, the Atma.

This experience of unity is also the aim of Maharishi Ayurveda. For instance, the word "ayurveda" is derived from the Sanskrit word ayu. While one common meaning of ayu is "life" or "lifespan," and thus ayurveda is "the science of life and longevity," another meaning of ayu is mentioned in Charaka Samhita, sharirendriya sattvatma sanyogo . . . ayu.

This verse defines ayu as the state where the physical body, senses, mind, and soul are integrated. So you see that whether you are talking about yoga or ayu, it is a state of unity -- or complete integration of mind, body and consciousness -- that is the goal.

Yoga is part of ayurveda…

Yoga is mentioned in ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita. Yoga is important for dissolving physical stress and calming the mind before meditation, and is central to dinacharya, the ayurvedic routine. It is the ideal ayurvedic exercise, because it rejuvenates the body, improves digestion, and removes stress.

Yoga balances all three doshas, and different poses have different effects. Forward bending postures cool Pitta dosha. Twists are good for Kapha because they stimulate digestion. Backward bends are heating, and thus balancing to Vata types, as long as the person has the strength to do them. Yoga postures tone every area of the body, and cleanse the internal organs of toxins, which is one of the goals of ayurveda.

…And ayurveda is part of yoga

At the same time, yoga practitioners can benefit from the ayurvedic daily routine as part of their yoga practice. For instance, abhyanga (ayurvedic massage) helps remove toxins from the body and relaxes the muscles for yoga practice.

"The knowledge of Maharishi Ayurveda provides tremendous support to yoga practice. Without a foundation in ayurvedic knowledge, hatha yoga runs the risk of becoming just pure physical exercise. Yoga aims to cleanse the nadis, or channels, with different postures. But trying to do that without using the ayurvedic principles for removing ama is like hopping on one leg. That's why traditional yoga schools have always taught ayurvedic principles as well as yoga asanas, because the two are so interdependent.

If someone is attending a yoga class on a regular basis, he or she is starting to dislodge ama (digestive impurities) in the body. But if they are still maintaining a lifestyle and diet that creates ama, all they are really doing is moving their sludge around. The yoga practitioner needs to know how to detoxify through the dietary, lifestyle, and purification practices of Maharishi Ayurveda.

Handling Stress in the Workplace

05/16/2011 08:10:00

The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians talks about the ayurvedic approach to handling stress in the workplace.

Copyright and all rights reserved - Maharishi Ayurveda Products, Inc.

Q: What are the symptoms of stress in the workplace, and what would be some causes according to Maharishi Ayurveda?

A: Stress on the job creates a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, fatigue, increased anger, problems with relationships, inability to focus properly, stress headaches, insomnia and a variety of stress-related diseases.

Stress results when the mind, body or emotions receives an overload of stimulus, whether good or bad. Workplace stress occurs when the mind is not able to handle day-to-day events and challenges. Some people seem to handle daily challenges without any evidence of stress, while others are stressed by the normal changes that the modern workplace presents.

This lack of ability to handle daily stress is due to an imbalance, or lack of coordination between the three main mental functions of dhi (learning), dhriti (retention), and smriti (long-term memory). Maharishi Ayurveda offers many recommendations for strengthening these mental functions, and thus gives the person more resilience to stress.

Another cause of stress is people misusing or overusing their minds, which creates an imbalance in Prana Vata, the subdosha of Vata involved with mental functions. For example, when someone takes a job that doesn't suit them or their abilities, or if they use their minds for something that they know is wrong, that is misuse. Overuse simply means working too many hours, which is a common cause of workplace stress today.

If left uncorrected, the misuse or overuse of the mind also results in disturbed coordination between dhi, dhriti and smriti.

Q: There are many different types of stresses facing the worker today. Can you explain how different doshas might be involved in causing mental, emotional and physical stress?

A: Yes. Let's start with mental stress. When Prana Vata, the subdosha of Vata that supports mental functions, gets disturbed, the coordination between dhi, dhriti and smriti breaks down. Mental stress results.

When Prana and Vyana Vata (the subdosha located in the heart that supports circulation) together are disturbed, it affects not only the mind, but the communication between the heart and the mind, thus creating mental and emotional stress simultaneously. Emotional stress is usually associated with an imbalance in Sadhaka Pitta, the subdosha of Pitta that supports the emotions and is seated in the heart.

These imbalances come into play when people are under pressure at work. When feeling stressed, a person with one of these imbalances may have a tendency to blame the boss, the economy or co-workers for his or her problems. While it may be true in some situations that someone's boss is having a negative influence, many other times this blaming pattern is due to an imbalance in Prana Vata, Vyana Vata or Sadhaka Pitta imbalance. Due to these imbalances, the mental functions of dhi, dhriti and smriti do not work together in a coordinated way, or the mind and heart do not communicate normally. Unable to solve his or her own problems due to these imbalances, the person blames others.

Unfortunately, the tendency to blame others doesn't help solve the problem, and in fact, only worsens the situation by breaking down relationships on the job. If left unchecked, this imbalance of the doshas sets up a vicious cycle that could even lead to the employee getting fired or laid off.

If you find yourself blaming your boss or your co-workers for problems on the job, it's a good idea to look at how you are feeling in other relationships. Are you feeling positive with your friends and family, or are you also blaming them? If the blaming pattern is repeated in other non-work-related relationships, that's a good indication that you need to do something to balance your doshas.

If you are unable to perceive the reality of life, which is blissful, that is an indication of Pragya-aparadh, or mistake of the intellect. Charaka Samhita, a major ayurvedic text, defines Pragya-aparadh as the lack of coordination between dhi, dhriti and smriti. Pragya-aparadh is the source of all disease, because disease originates when the heart, mind or body becomes loses its connection with nature's intelligence. When we lose the memory of bliss, the connection with our own true nature in pure consciousness, this is the source of disease, stress and ill-health in the body.

The recommendations of Maharishi Ayurveda aim to restore the balanced functioning of the doshas, of mind, body and emotions--and thus to restore the connection of every part of life to bliss consciousness, which is our true nature.

Q: What about good stress? Why do some people feel that they need stress in order to be productive on the job?

A: It is simply not true that you have to stress yourself in order to achieve. No one can produce or be creative if their dhi, dhriti or smriti is out of balance.

It is true that some people thrive in more fast-paced, stimulating jobs. But it's important to understand that for these people, a high degree of challenge and stimulus is not a stress. If someone has 100% balance of dhi, dhriti and smriti, they won't feel stressed no matter what the environment presents to them. This is the ideal, to always feel blissful no matter what the challenge.

There are two things that determine how much stress you can handle and still feel blissful on the job. One is your body type. It's not realistic to think, "I can handle any stress," because the amount you can comfortably handle may be less or more than your co-workers, due to differences in your constitution and make-up.

As an analogy, you can think about the stress test that is used to test steel. A certain amount of weight is applied to the steel, to test how much stress the steel can handle. Different types of steel have different degrees of strength. In the same way, different people have different abilities to handle stress.

But it's also important to increase your capacity to handle stress, since stress is a feature of modern life. No matter what your body type, Maharishi Ayurveda offers practical ways to increase the coordination between dhi, dhriti and smriti so anyone can pass the stress test at work, at home, or in meeting the challenges of life.

It's important to be aware of your setpoint of comfort, and at the same time to increase coordination of dhi, dhriti and smriti so you are able to handle more stress. There should always be a cushion there, so you are able to feel blissful throughout the day.

Q: Do a person's doshas determine what kinds of stress they may be more susceptible to, and what kinds of jobs they should avoid?

A: Yes, a person's doshic makeup gives us insights into the types of stress they can handle. For instance, if a person has more Vata dosha predominating, he or she may be more susceptible to mental stress. While many Vata types do well in creative or mental jobs, it could create too much stress if the mental workload is intense. Vata types do best if they have moderately relaxing jobs, without excessive mental or physical activity.

Pitta types should avoid jobs that make excessive demands on the emotions, since they are more susceptible to that type of stress. And both Pitta and Vata types should avoid doing jobs that require working at night, as night work imbalances both Vata and Pitta.

Kapha types can thrive on jobs that involve intense mental, physical or emotional activity, and even though it's not desirable from an ayurvedic viewpoint, they can handle night work. What is not healthy for a Kapha type is a job that is too relaxing or laid back, because Kapha types need stimulating activity to keep Kapha dosha in balance.

Having said this, it's important to realize that you can do any job if you take care to keep your doshas in balance. For instance, many people with Vata body types have very active, demanding jobs, but they are able to maintain their balance through the recommendations of Maharishi Ayurveda. It all depends on how much you are able to implement the suggestions for maintaining balance. It's best to start today, rather than reading about it and thinking, "That's a good idea. I'll start tomorrow. For many people, tomorrow never comes.

Q: How can mental, physical, emotional and environmental stress be neutralized through the holistic practices of Maharishi Ayurveda?

A: This is an interesting question, because actually, all of these types of stress are interconnected, which is why the methods used to correct them must be holistic and address the source of stress.

The Transcendental Meditation® technique, when practiced morning and evening, is the most effective way to relieve anxiety and stress, according to research conducted at Stanford University and hundreds of other research studies. In comparing the Transcendental Meditation technique with other programs of self-development available today, the Transcendental Meditation technique was found to far surpass the others in results.

One major cause of stress in the workplace is lack of creativity or mind power to solve problems on the job. Because the Transcendental Meditation technique heightens creativity, IQ, memory and clarity of thinking, it helps relieve workplace stress in this way also.

Relationships with other employees and with superiors have also been found to improve with the practice of Transcendental Meditation, even if you are the only one practicing it. Positive, harmonious behavior is a direct result of clearer thinking, reduced stress and balanced emotions, and if you are experiencing those positive results, it will be reflected in better relationships.

One reason that the Transcendental Meditation program is so effective is that it provides such deep rest that it actually can dissolve deep-rooted stresses that are lodged in the structure or chemistry of the body. It dissolves stress that deep sleep cannot reach, infusing the mind, body and emotions with pure consciousness and restructuring the physiology in the shape of bliss.

Q: What about preventing mental stress in particular?

A: Mental stress, as we've mentioned, is caused by an imbalance in Prana Vata. Following the ayurvedic daily routine is probably the most important thing you can do to prevent stress on the job. The daily routine is designed to prevent stress from covering over the bliss of balanced living.

The morning routine includes waking up early, before the sun rises, and starting the day with an abhyanga, or ayurvedic oil massage. Abhyanga not only removes toxins from the body; it stimulates the organs and enlivens the flow of intelligence in the body. By the time you finish your oil massage and bathe, your mind will feel fresh, energized and awake, without the need for coffee to start the day.

Abhyanga is especially helpful for relieving mental stress caused by an imbalance in Prana Vata (which is concerned with mental functions) and Vyana Vata (which is concerned with circulation). The skin is the seat of Vata, and by massaging the skin with gentle pressure and warm herbalized oil, you balance the five subdoshas of Vata and calm mental stress.

The practice of yoga asanas is also balancing to mental, physical and emotional stress, as are deep breathing exercises known as pranayama. The Transcendental Meditation program completes the morning routine.

All of these natural ayurvedic techniques help prepare the mind for the workday in several ways: by removing the toxins, lethargy and stress that have accumulated from the day before; by improving alertness and the ability to think more clearly, and thus increasing the capacity to solve problems; and by increasing resilience to stress.

Q: How can emotional stress be prevented?

A: In addition to practicing Transcendental Meditation and the daily routine, it's a good idea to base your work relationships on the Vedic principle of ahimsa, or nonviolence. Ahimsa, or non-harm to all living things, grows naturally as you grow in your practice of meditation, but it's also a good idea to practice it as a Behavioral Rasayana (achara rasayana), because it will not only improve your relationships, it will improve your health and act as an elixir to your mind and body. Recent research shows that positive behavior is linked with longevity. If you cultivate positive, nourishing behaviors in your workplace, you'll find those behaviors reflected back to you.

It's very important to feel safe in the workplace. If someone is feeling underpaid or overworked, or in some way mistreated on the job, these kinds of thoughts float in the environment and can affect the creativity and productivity of other workers. If you have a choice, choose a work environment in which people are treated with respect and are given the emotional support they need to produce.

Q: Environmental stress can certainly impact workers. Does Maharishi Ayurveda offer help in that area?

A: As far as environmental stress, Maharishi Ayurveda recommends that work places be built in accord with natural law, so that they don't cause stress, and at the same time actually improve the worker's ability to handle stress. Maharishi Sthapatya Veda design is the ancient science of architecture that is being revived today to remove environmental stress in the workplace and at home. Many people who work in Sthapatya Veda buildings report that they feel more creative and productive and less tense and stressed.

Maharishi Sthapatya Veda design also recommends natural building materials with adequate lighting and ventilation, so a person doesn't incur stress from toxic materials in the carpeting, paint and glue, and has windows that open to the sunshine and fresh air outside.

Unfortunately, many office buildings today are built without windows, natural light or fresh air. If you must work in a building that is not built in accord with natural law, indoor plants such as spider plants and philodendron help create more prana and also cleanse the air of formaldehyde and other toxins. Take frequent breaks, going outside for ten minutes to breathe deeply and stretch if possible. Always leave your desk and get outside for a break during lunch, to give yourself a chance to breathe fresh air. And on the weekends, be sure to spend a lot of time outdoors to counteract the toxic effects of spending time in a building without air or sunshine.

Q: What about herbal supplements for fighting stress in the workplace? I understand that Maharishi Ayurveda has developed an entirely new line of products to help prevent mental, emotional and physical stress.

A: Yes, these potent new products are targeted to the different types of stress. Along with our existing products for increasing the ability to resist mental, physical and emotional stress, you have an arsenal of products to choose from.

To Balance Mental Stress: For fortifying the mind against mental stress, take Worry Free tablets or Worry Free Tea. The new Stress Free Mind formula is also a powerful aid to mental stability.

Both Worry Free and Stress Free Mind contain Shankapushpi and Brahmi as their main ingredients. These herbs are the most important Medhya Rasayanas in ayurvedic terms, which means that they enhance the coordination of dhi, dhriti and smriti.

Stress Free Mind supports natural resistance to stress and also increases alertness and mental sharpness while reducing anxiety and fatigue. It enhances learning, retention and long-term memory (dhi, dhriti and smriti); increases mental energy by supporting Prana Vata; and supports mental resistance to stress.

You'll notice that both Stress Free Mind and Worry Free relieve anxiety while at the same time make the mind more alert. This is an extraordinary combination of benefits, because as is generally known, conventional tranquilizers may make you feel calm, but they also make you feel dull and drowsy. They also have negative side effects and can be addicting. So these natural, simple products are not only safer but extremely effective for people on the job, who have to stay calm yet remain productive.

To Balance Emotional Stress: Blissful Joy balances Sadhaka Pitta, and improves the coordination of heart and mind. Stress Free Emotions is another powerful formulation for emotional health. If you are feeling emotional stress, negativity toward your boss or co-workers, or sadness, try Stress Free Emotions.

The herbs in Stress Free Emotions include Arjuna, Winter Cherry, Shankapushpi, Mica Bhasma, Pearl Bhasma and Holy Basil to help improve coordination of mind and emotions. Arjuna, Mica Bhasma, Pearl Bhasma, Cabbage Rose and Leptadenia help support emotional stability by improving self-confidence, positive thinking, motivation and feeling of fulfillment. All of the herbs together create the synergistic effect of supporting resistance to emotional stress.

To Balance Physical Stress: Stress Free Body tablets help prevent stress and fatigue incurred from physical labor or exertion. Stress Free Body supports natural resistance to physical stress and fatigue. The herbs and minerals help boost cell regeneration, thus boosting energy and increasing the supply of healthy, vital nutrients while cushioning your body from physical stress.

For all types of stress, Maharishi Amrit Kalash is very important. Amrit Nectar, for instance, improves the body's ability to adapt to stressful situations. It also balances the three doshas. By eliminating toxins, it removes the blockages that can lead to stress and fatigue.

Impressive research studies conducted at the Ohio State School of Medicine show that Amrit Nectar and Amrit Ambrosia tablets improve immunity, dramatically reduce free radicals and enhance resistance to disease. Traditionally, they are known to increase a sense of well-being, longevity and bliss.

Q: I understand that a new calcium supplement is now available. Does calcium help fortify against stress?

A: Yes, calcium is very important in nourishing the brain and fortifying it against stress. Our new product is called Calcium Support, and it is revolutionary because it not only supplies 500 mg of high-quality vegetarian calcium daily, but also contains a blend of ayurvedic herbs to enhance your body's ability to absorb that calcium and calcium from the foods you eat. As we discussed earlier, the brain can only use high-quality nutrients. Leftover calcium that is not absorbed will only become ama (toxins), and inhibit the normal functioning of the brain.

It doesn't matter how many calcium supplements you take. Unless the calcium is of high quality and includes the herbs for proper absorption by the brain and the body, they are not going to help you.

The various vegetarian sources of natural calcium contained in Calcium Support are meticulously processed in herbal juices and decoctions to enhance the healing qualities.

The Indian Tinospora plant aids metabolism and helps clear the channels between the tissues, thus increasing the flow of nutrients and energy to the cells. Remarkably, along with Hemidesmus Indicus it also purifies and balances the fat tissue, which is the raw material for building healthy bones, teeth, hair and nails. Amla boosts the bioavailability and absorption of calcium, and in combination with Lemon, supports the neutral nature of the formula. Phyllanthus is a rasayana, or healing elixir, for the liver, helping to strengthen and purify the body's ability to digest calcium instead of turning it into ama.

Q: What about diet? Are there other foods and nutrients besides calcium that help increase the body's ability to handle stress?

A: Yes, definitely. Foods that increase the ability to handle stress are soaked walnuts, soaked almonds and sweet, juicy fruits. These are medhya, or enlivening to the connection between dhi, dhriti and smriti. Milk also is medhya, as is Ghee.

These foods supply the brain with intelligent, easily digestible protein and glucose. To nourish the brain, it's important to combine the best quality glucose and protein together in a balanced way. For example, soak nuts and seeds overnight and then blend them in a drink with dates and raisins. This provides a balance between glucose and protein.

Panir (a fresh cheese made from milk), lentils, and other split beans and pulses are also excellent sources of protein for the brain, but because they are naturally a bit heavier, they should be cooked with spices to make them easily digestible. Always use olive oil or Ghee for cooking, and sauté spices such as turmeric, black pepper and cumin, as found in Worry Free Spice Mixture before adding to foods.

These common spices are excellent aids for nourishing the brain and fortifying it against stress. Turmeric has been found to help prevent Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain diseases. Black pepper enhances the ability to absorb more nutrients from food, thus helping to supply the brain with nutrition and oxygen. Black pepper also has the property of increasing Medhya agni, the agni or digestive process existing in the gap between dhi, dhriti and smriti, which enhances the transformation of thought. Cumin opens the channels of the brain, thus improving coordination. Ginger also helps the brain absorb more nutrients by burning ama, or toxins, from the digestive tract.

Eating intelligent foods is extremely important for feeding the brain. If you eat something less intelligent, such as dead, old, packaged, canned or frozen foods, the brain cells are not going to be able to use the food, creating leftovers, or waste-products such as ama. If the situation continues for some time, the more reactive toxin called amavisha can form, which can lead to Alzheimer's and other problems related to the brain.

Ama and amavisha also block the channels of communication and flow of intelligence between dhi, dhriti and smriti; between the heart and the mind; and between the brain and hormones throughout the body. If ama is blocking this natural communication, what happens is that people feel fatigued without even working hard. This starts a chain reaction, where brain fatigue causes a worker to make mistakes and wrong decisions on the job, which in turn invites more stress and fatigue.

The tendency when this kind of syndrome sets in is to blame others, when in fact, the problem is malnourishment of the brain due to eating foods that are not intelligent and create ama.

Finally, eating the foods for your body type helps prevent stress. See the recommendations for diet at http://www.mapi.com.

Q: What can you do while you're on the job to relieve stress?

A: Stretch and breathe deeply even when indoors to energize the body and bring more oxygen to the brain. As mentioned earlier, taking frequent breaks is good.

Instead of drinking coffee, which only creates toxins and adds to mental, emotional and physical stress, bring a thermos of Worry Free Tea to work and sip it throughout the day.

Drinking warm fluids throughout the day also helps in detoxifying and the body. Warm, non-caffeinated fluids also help reduce Vata dosha and mental stress. Many times people experience fatigue and headache on the job due to simple dehydration. This is especially a problem in windowless office buildings that rely on dry, forced air for heating and cooling.

If you have a moment after ending one task and starting another, or you have a few minutes to prepare for an important meeting with your boss, sip Worry Free tea. Then close your eyes and breathe deeper for a few minutes. The herbs in Worry Free tea open up the channels of communication between dhi, dhriti and smriti, and by breathing deeper you supply the brain with necessary oxygen. Just taking a few minutes to relax like this will help settle your mind and supply new energy for meeting the demands ahead. Then you can meet challenges with bliss rather than anger, negative thoughts or frustration.

Aromatherapy is another excellent way to infuse bliss into the workplace, and also helps purify the air. Use Worry Free therapeutic aroma for dissolving mental stress, and Blissful Joy for emotional stress. You can use the Plug-in Car Diffuser, which fits into your car lighter, while driving to work to prepare for the day ahead. For the office use the quiet Convection Diffuser, which plugs into a wall outlet and fills a space up to 500 square feet with aroma. Or if you don't have your own office, wear an Aroma Locket or Aroma Pendant so you can enjoy your personal aromatherapy without disturbing others.

If you feel hungry during the workday, eat healthy snacks instead of junk food from vending machines. If you feel at all angry or emotionally stressed, eating a sweet, juicy pear can reduce Pitta dosha and have an immediate effect in balancing your emotions. Eating a teaspoon of Rose Petal Preserve can also give immediate relief to agitated emotions.

Taking these small steps will have an effect in balancing Sadhaka Pitta, Prana Vata and Vyana Vata, and enhancing the coordination between dhi, dhriti and smriti. They are very simple but many of my clients have found these recommendations help create a good environment for both the heart and the mind, and to lessen mental and emotional stress.

Q: Health professionals say that the human body isn't really made for sitting long hours in front of the computer. Are there any specific recommendations for counteracting computer stress?

A: Keep an indoor plant next to your computer. The plant will provide some cooling, nourishing lunar energy, to counteract the hot, active, solar energy of the computer. Stretch and looking away from the computer every half-hour, to give your eyes and back a rest. Breathe deeply.

It also helps to invest in an ergonomic keyboard, which is designed to prevent your back and shoulder muscles from becoming so tense. An ergonomically designed desk and chair also can help, and your company may pay for this. Be sure to sit up straight and avoid hunching over at the computer, as this certainly increases mental and physical stress. Good posture lessens stress on the body and increases the flow of oxygen and energy to the brain.

At home, yoga asanas on a daily basis will help relax muscular stress, strengthen the eyes, and promote good posture. Make sure your home activities provide a break from the computer. It's not a good idea to spend your free time watching a screen by playing computer games, doing e-mail, shopping on the Internet or watching TV. At the very least, stop using electro-magnetic devices such as computer or TV by 8:00 p.m.

Instead, take a walk in the moonlight, visit a friend, sit under a tree, play a game outdoors with your children, or listen to soothing music. Engage in real conversations and real interactions.

There is an interesting phenomenon growing in this country, where some people are basically depriving themselves of real sensory experiences and contact with real people. Instead they engage in virtual reality by working at a computer all day at work, and then when they come home, they continue to watch TV or use the computer.

Where are the hours of blissful engagement with nature, with real people and family members in such a lifestyle? It's possible to even become confused as to what is real and what isn't, and to allow TV characters or e-mail correspondents substitute for real friends, real relationships. This is not a healthy situation, and will not lead to real bliss or the growth of enlightenment. And it certainly causes mental, physical and emotional stress.

You may notice that the therapies of Maharishi Ayurveda engage the senses. Aroma therapy, whole foods, natural supplements, massage, music therapy and lifestyle recommendations involve the five senses and connect us with the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space in some way. We use the senses as a way to create balance and prevent stress, and our whole lifestyle should reflect that kind of balance. Even the technique of Transcendental Meditation uses subtle sound to enliven all of the senses.

Q: That's fascinating. It seems like avoiding the computer and TV at night could also help with sleep. Over thirty percent of Americans say they lose efficiency on the job due to lack of sleep. Can you talk about the relationship between sleep and stress?

A: Yes, there is a very strong connection between sleep deprivation and stress. If you don't sleep right, you actually lose 200%. This is because healthy sleep creates ojas, the biochemical equivalent of good health, bliss, and a balanced, stress-free body, heart and mind. So if you don't sleep well, or you don't get enough sleep, you will miss out on the benefits of creating ojas. But worse, lack of sleep will create ama, or toxins, which block the channels and destroy communication between dhi, dhriti and smriti; between heart and mind; and between self and mind. Ultimately that means lack of strength to handle day-to-day stress.

Stress and sleep are so interconnected that stress almost always is associated with lack of sleep in some way. Sometimes people habitually stay up past 10:00 p.m., and thus create stress in their lives. As stress accumulates and ama continues to destroy the communication between the brain and heart, and the different aspects of the mind, the person finds that they can't sleep even when they want to.

Another scenario is when a person faces stress on the job or at home, and that stress prevents them from sleeping properly.

The key is to maintain an ayurvedic routine, going to bed well before 10:00 p.m. and rising before sunrise, and follow the recommendations for relieving stress presented in this article. In addition, you can take Blissful Sleepif you have trouble falling asleep, a condition which is usually caused by an imbalance in Vata dosha and in terms of stress, with mental stress or fatigue. Slumber Time aroma can help.

If you fall asleep fine but wake up in the night and can't fall back asleep, this is usually associated with an imbalance in Pitta dosha and emotional stress. For this useBlissful Heart aroma and Deep Rest.

If you are one of those people who sleep soundly for more than eight hours but still wake up feeling exhausted, this is caused by an imbalance in Kapha dosha, and can be helped by taking Deep RestI. If you have more than one sleep disorder, or want to strengthen the effects of the supplement you're taking, take the Blissful Sleep Herbal Supplement.

If sleep problems or stress problems continue, then it's best to consult an expert who is trained in Maharishi Ayurveda.

Q: A recent study shows that Americans work longer hours than workers in any other developed nation. How can Maharishi Ayurveda alleviate the mental and physical stress overwork causes?

A: It's wise to avoid creating such huge demands in your life that you don't have time to practice Transcendental Meditation, to follow the ayurvedic routine, and to relax. Certainly you can earn more dollars by increasing your workload, but there is a point where this becomes self-defeating. If you are destroying your spiritual sattva, your mental peace of mind in order to purchase more physical amenities, this is not a good choice.

Relaxation and enjoyment are very important to health. Sometimes people think they can work an extra job on the weekends to buy a bigger house. Why are they building a bigger house in the first place? Probably to become more relaxed and to enjoy life more. Ironically, the excessive house payments often create stress and prevent relaxation, so the hard work actually brings the opposite results.

Three years ago a young software engineer consulted me. He was having trouble sleeping, suffering from stress headaches and feeling fatigued at work and irritable at home. After following my advice for three months, he reported that he was feeling much happier, that even after a full workday he felt lots of energy, and his wife was happy that he no longer felt irritable.

A year passed and he came to see me again. His wife was complaining that all of the symptoms had returned. He had imbalances in Prana and Vyana Vata and Sadhaka Pitta, indicating mental and emotional stress. As usual in these situations, I tried to determine the underlying cause, to find out what had changed in the past year. I asked him, "Have you acquired any extra financial burden?" He said that yes, he had recently bought a large home, and he had to work on the weekends now, with lots of travel.

This man had invited his own trouble. Because he had incurred such a workload that he had no time to relax or rest, there was not much I could do to help him. It is not correct to think that you work 24 hours a day and then take some herbal supplements to relieve stress. Maharishi Ayurveda doesn't recommend such a lifestyle.

Instead, it is important to follow the ayurvedic diet, the daily routine and other recommendations in order to gain the benefits. If you do follow this simple advice, however, the results will be more than worthwhile. The ayurvedic solutions to stress and other problems in life are, in the end, amazing in their simplicity and effectiveness.

DAILY SELF MASSAGE

03/24/2011 11:44:00

"Abhyanga", or ayurvedic oil massage, is regarded in ayurveda as an indispensable part of a daily routine.

Some of the benefits associated with regular performance of self-massage:

Improved circulation (especially to nerve endings); calming effect on nerves; improved mental alertness; increased stamina; lubrication of joints; improved tone of muscles and physiology; improved elimination of impurities from the body; softer and smoother skin; improved sleep.

Application:

General guidelines:

Use comfortably warm massage oil. Store your massage oil in a small plastic flip-top container and warm it by holding the container under running hot water. Apply oil lightly to the entire body; it is not necessary to use a copious amount of oil. If time allows, ideally wait for 4-5 minutes to let some of the oil be absorbed by your skin. Then massage the entire body, applying even pressure with the whole hand -- palm and fingers.

Apply oil using light pressure over sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart. You may use more oil and give extra time to the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and along the base of the fingernails (where there are extra concentration of nerve endings). Perform massage using circular motions over rounded areas such as your head or joints, and straight strokes over straight areas such as your arms and legs.

After you're done, allow the oil to absorb for 5-15 minutes if possible, as this allows for deeper absorption of the oil. Dab excess oil off with paper towels if you like, then follow with a relaxing warm bath or shower. If you feel unable to perform this routine daily, consider practicing this ritual even a couple of times a week.

(Also, consider not using your fanciest towel when drying off after your shower, as any remaining oil will be transferred somewhat to the towel.)

Scalp massage (alone or in addition to the above):

Apply oil evenly all over the scalp and back of the neck. Massage in with the fingertips for 5 minutes. It is best to leave the oil on overnight (use a shower cap and /or towel over your pillow to protect your sheets), and shampoo in the morning. If this is not possible or feels impractical, then leave the oil on for a couple of hours, and then shampoo. Consider performing this routine 2 to 3 times a week. Benefits include stimulation of the scalp; nourishment of the hair roots and hair; relief of mental fatigue; improved mental clarity and focus; and support of emotional balance.

Before bed massage:

Just before bed apply oil to the hands and forearms, and also to the feet and lower legs. As you massage in the oil pay special attention to the soles of the feet and the nail-beds of the hands and feet. Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil; though it is not necessary to apply too much oil in the first place.

Choosing the oil:

Sesame oil (organic and cold pressed) is recommended. It is heating, and therefore pacifies vata* dosha. If one finds the smell of the plain sesame oil too strong, a suitable substitute is almond oil (or consider an herbalized oil for its benefit and pleasing aroma, see below).

When using an herbalized oil for general maintenance it is recommended to start with oil herbalized to pacify vata dosha. Vata is the lead dosha, and by keeping this dosha in check it serves to prevent disturbance of the other doshas.

If a person has strong pitta* nature or imbalance, or develops any skin rash/sensitivity upon use of sesame oil, then coconut oil is alternately recommended.

For a person with strong kapha* nature or imbalance it is recommended to apply oil only to the joints, ears, and soles of the feet. When there is an excess of kapha dosha the individual will have a hard time processing an excess of oil. Another possibility is to perform “garshana” massage or massage without oil. This is done wearing raw silk gloves, with the same stroke guidelines as the oil massage.

A nice oil for joint or muscle pain is mahanarayana oil, which also pacifies vata.

*Definitions:

Dosha is a word used to describe a consitutional factor or element of influence within nature, and within the human physiology. Each dosha is comprised of certain elements and expresses certain qualities when in balance or imbalance.

VATA dosha is comprised of the element of air and ether. It governs transportation, communication, and movement in the body.

Symptoms typical of excess vata include: constant worry; restless mind; forgetfulness; easily fatigued; insomnia; constipation; dry skin; under-weight.

PITTA dosha is comprised of the element of fire. It governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation.

Symptoms typical of pitta excess include: being demanding, critical, frustrated, angry, intense, or irritable; being a perfectionist; premature graying or thinning of hair; feeling uncomfortable in hot weather; hot flashes; loose stools; stomach acidity; waking early in early hours of morning and not being able to return to sleep.

KAPHA dosha is comprised of the elements of earth and water. It governs structure, cohesion, and lubrication.

Symptoms typical of kapha excess include: being possessive or overly attached; feeling lethargic, lazy, or complacent; sinus difficulties or congestion; oily skin; tendency to over sleep, yet still feeling heavy or stiff in the morning; uncomfortable in cold and damp weather; over-weight.

Where to find herbalized massage oil:

Oils can be purchased at mapi.com or from banyanbotanicals.com. For my clients I can order products at wholesale price plus shipping.

Oils from mapi.com are more strongly herbalized and are as such a bit more costly per ounce. One may choose to dilute these (sesame based) herbalized oils 1/2 with plain organic cold pressed sesame oil.

The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to a Light Diet

02/26/2011 08:40:00

The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach To A Light Diet

(shared with permission from mapi.com)

According to ayurveda, it is important to know how to eat properly when the digestive fire or agni is low. A lighter diet is recommended when one has a fever, flu, cold or diarrhoea, when one is recuperating from an illness, and during panchakarma-the ayurvedic rejuvenation program. Women should eat a lighter diet during menstruation and menopause. Children often need light yet nutritious diets. If you are under the care of a physician, or before making changes to your existing diet, it is recommended that you check with your physician.

During those periods when internal systems are functioning at less than optimal levels, agni, the fire of digestion, becomes weak and one has to gradually increase the strength of the digestive fire to regain energy and health. Neither a heavy diet nor fasting is recommended during these times. When the digestive fires are low, consuming heavy foods and meals can overtax the digestion. Any existing imbalance in body and mind is then further aggravated by the accumulation of ama, toxic residue from undigested food.

A light diet consists of food that quickly tranforms into rasa or bodily tissue, creating new healthy cells. These foods are lighter and therefore digest quickly and easily. The single most important food in the light diet from the ayurvedic perspective is split mung dahl. Split mung beans may be purchased in an Asian grocery store. They are green mung beans that have been split and skinned. They cook quickly and balance all three doshas. Khichri, a nutritious combination of rice, mung beans, vegetables, spices and Ghee, is an excellent one-dish meal for people on lighter diets.

If one is ill and has little or no appetite then a special warm drink called Kanji water may be made from either split mung beans or organic brown rice. 1-2 liters of warm kanji water can be drunk through the day in between light meals. Kanji water delivers instant nutrition to the body. It provides carbohydrates, giving the body energy, and helps build more strength in the body in general. Kanji water is an excellent source of energy whenever the body is dehydrated or depleted from an illness. It is also good if you are trying to lose weight as a satisfying snack during the day. Kanji water balances vata because it is warm, it balances pitta due to its liquid and watery texture and it balances kapha because it produces perspiration which releases toxins through the skin. It therefore balances all three doshas and brings agni into balance.

To make Kanji water:

14 parts water

1 part organic brown rice

pinches of salt, fresh ground ginger, cumin

Bring water and rice to a boil. Allow to boil for 1 hour or until the rice becomes swollen and broken. Stir and strain out rice. However it is not necessary to strain out small pieces of rice. Add a pinch each of ginger, ground cumin and salt. Pour into a thermos and drink through the day.

A light diet for breakfast may consist of stewed apples and pears or hot cereal. Lunch may consist of soupy split mung dahl, basmati rice, cous cous or quinoa, two types of vegetables sauteed in Ghee and spices, flat bread such as chapati, and a yogurt drink called lassi. Dinner is lighter such a khichri (recipe below) or vegetable barley soup. Or hot cereal such as cream of wheat. When on a light diet, one may eat more frequently, since a light meal should only take about 3 1/2 hours to digest.

Foods to favor: mung dahl, aduki beans, basmati rice, cous cous, barley, quinoa, tofu, cooked vegetables with Ghee and spices such as turmeric, cumin, ginger, fennel, black pepper and coriander, hot milk with ginger, stewed fruit, fruit and fresh vegetable juices, ripe sweet fruit, chapati, lassi, dates, and Ghee and olive oil.

Heavy foods to avoid or reduce: hard cheeses, eggs, fish, meat, chicken. If meat is on your diet then ayurveda recommends having it during the day time in the form of soup that has cooked for a long period of time. Also avoid peanut butter, sprouts, raw vegetables, bananas, cold milk, yogurt (lassi is okay) cold foods and drinks.

Khichri

1/4 cup split mung dahl

1/4 cup basmati rice

6 cups of water

1 t Maharishi Ayurveda Ghee

1 t lemon or lime juice

2 t Maharishi Ayurveda vata, pitta, or kapha churna

1 t chopped cilantro leaves

salt to taste

Rinse rice and dahl. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low boil and continue cooking for about 55 minutes or longer if you wish a thicker consistency. In a separate pan, heat the ghee. Add the churna and saute briefly, about 30 seconds or until aroma is let off. Add to rice and dahl. Add salt, lemon juice and cilantro. Stir well.