Ayurveda Tridosha Yoga And Ashana Ayurvedic Herbs

As it is well known to all the yogis that, “Chakras are centers of spiritual energy.” It is correlated as nerve plexus with the modern science. However  its not just nerve plexus. Spiritual subject are beyond science. Here; lets approach yogic chakra and Astrology with their relation.

Besides our ‘outer birth chart’ relating to the physical body is an ‘inner birth chart’ of the astral body that reveals the life pattern of our soul. The main factors that make up the astral body are the seven chakras from the root to the crown. The chakras have detailed astro­logical equivalents in Vedic astrology, which has its own special way of examining the astral body through the birth chart.

Our inner Sun of Prana moves up and down the spine and the chakra system along with each breath, traversing our inner zodiac along the way. Each breath constitutes a day for our inner Pranic Sun, with our inhalation as the day time and our exhalation as the night time. This is the astrological basis of Yoga Pranayama techniques that aim at moving the awakened or spiritually energized Prana up and down the spine during the practice. If we can do this, then each one of our breaths will have a great power for activating the chakras and arous-ing the Kundalini, the serpent power that opens the chakras, and which itself is the awakened energy of our inner Pranic Sun.

Not only the Sun but all the planets move through our subtle body or inner zodiac. They can be located in the chakras of the subtle body and their corresponding signs of the zodiac. The six chakras or energy centers of the astral body reflect the seven planets and the twelve signs that they rule. This sequence follows the orbits of planets around the Sun from the Sun as the third eye or head center, with the Sun and Moon considered as two aspects of one planet in terms of sign and chakra rulership.

The Sun and Moon are well known in yogic thought as the right and left eyes of the Cosmic Person (Purusha) and relate to the two petals of the third eye center (Ajna chakra). They show our consciousness in its masculine and feminine, or will and feeling sides as activated through the right and left, the solar and lunar, pingala and ida nadis that traverse the entire chakra system from the base of the spine to the nostrils.

Mercury is the well-known ruler of speech and intellect, which relate to the throat chakra. Venus relates to love and affection and to the heart chakra. Mars rules the navel or fire center, our energy, drives and passions. Jupiter rules the reproductive system and the creative energy, our potential to expand. Saturn rules elimination and support and is the coarsest of the planetary influences, our potential to con­tract and the root chakra. Rahu and Ketu, in their role of shadowing the Sun and Moon, relate to the ida and pingala, the left and right nadis.

The ancient Vedic yoga and the solar religions of the entire an­cient world speak of the resurrection of the Sun out of darkness, or the building up of the circle of the Sun. This is the process of taking our life-force and intelligence, our soul or inner Sun, out of the cycle of ignorance, death, time and breath and into the superconscious_v breathless states. It can be approached in several ways. Yogic practices direct the prana or life-force through the different chakras with man­tra, pranayama and other energetic practices. Meditation or knowl­edge teachings Qnana Yoga) build up the different aspects of direct perception. Devotional teachings (Bhakti Yoga) approach the chakras through the worship of or devotion to different deities.

Pranayama (“breath control”) is the fourth limb on the eight-limbed path of raja yoga. Sometimes described as the science of breath or extension of the breath, pranayama is a highly evolved system of practices that can enable men to gain control over the breath. It follows asanas, or the practice of physical poses, on the eight-runged ladder to self-realization.

Pranayama is considered an invaluable practice because of the vital role that prana (“air,” “breath,” or “vital life-force energy”) is believed to play in a man’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. According to the tradition of yoga, prana is more than just air: It is the vital life energy that animates the being of not only every man, but also the entire world. The concept of a vital life energy that animates the entire universe is central to not only the yogic tradition, but also numerous other Asian civilizations, as well as to the belief systems of many indigenous peoples and shamanistic cultures.

Breath is life. Without oxygen, we would perish within a matter of minutes. Our first experience of life is the first breath we inhale. We intuitively know the profound wisdom of the breath. It can be an indicator of an internal, emotional state or a state of health. Shallow, rapid breathing can be a sign of internal disorder and stress. Troubled or irregular breathing can be a sign of illness. Deep, rhythmic breathing makes us feel better. When trying to calm an anxious friend, we intuitively suggest: “Take a deep breath.”

Yogis have studied the power of the breath for millennia. They have discovered that by controlling the breath, we can control the mind. Thus, learning how to exercise appropriate control over the breath can be an invaluable tool on the road to liberation and the bliss of super conscious meditation.

Most people breathe in a shallow fashion—from the chest. The most efficient breathing uses the abdomen and diaphragm fully, and is often called diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing is more effective than chest breathing because it allows us to take in a greater amount of oxygen. Oxygen is vital to our sustained health and well-being. Once taken into the lungs, oxygen is transferred to the blood, where it circulates throughout a man’s entire system. This oxygen is transferred down to the minute cell level, where it provides the unique and essential purpose of supplying the energy that each cell needs to accomplish its role. Without oxygen, our entire system would shut down and we would die. Once oxygen has been transferred to each cell, a trade takes place whereby carbon dioxide released as a result of metabolism within each cell is exchanged back into the blood. The blood carries it to the heart and lungs, from whence it is discharged back into the atmosphere through exhalation of the breath.

This important role of oxygen is reflected in the use of the scientific term “vital capacity” to describe our ability to take in oxygen. Yogic breathing practices are designed to help us increase the amount of oxygen we take in, and consequently, increase our vital capacity.

One of the most common techniques taught in pranayama is three-part yogic breathing.This technique brings one’s awareness to the breath in such a way that the duration of each inhalation and exhalation is lengthened. One does this by mindfully inhaling air in three steps: first, into the belly; next, into the mid-chest; and finally, all the way up to the shoulders and collarbones. Once the inhalation is complete, the breath is exhaled in three parts: first, from the top of the chest; second, from the mid-chest; and finally, from the abdomen. This cycle of breathing is repeated a number of times to provide increased oxygenation to the body, as well as to relax and restore.

A second popular breathing technique is called nadi shodhanam (“purification of the channels” or “channel cleansing”), known popularly as “Alternate Nostril Breathing.” Yogis believe that energy flows through the body via a network of subtle energy channels, or nadis. The sushumna channel runs up through the center of the spine, and the ida (associated with feminine energy) and pingala (masculine) nadis intertwine around it. Energy travels through the ida and pingala  nadis in a regular, cyclic pattern. Alternate Nostril Breathing is designed to help balance the flow of masculine and feminine energy, which represent opposite poles of the self in the body. This breathing practice also helps to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, and has a deeply harmonizing and unifying effect on the entire body/mind/spirit.

A third common yogic breathing technique is kapalabhati (“lustrous”) breath. It is said to be the breath that makes the entire face radiant and lustrous. This pranayama technique entails rapid, forceful exhalations of the breath and relaxed inhalations. It is said to cleanse and purify the body. In addition, it warms the body, particularly the energy in the solar plexus, which is associated with the rising of the creative kundalini energy that is believed to lie at the base of the spine. Because of its warming effect, kapalabhati breath is also popularly called “breath of fire.”

There are many other yoga breathing techniques and exercises that have been developed over time. These techniques provide detailed instructions for precise ways to inhale, retain, and expel the breath. Many of these techniques are advanced and should be undertaken only under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

The three pranayama exercises described in this section, however, are simple to perform. In fact, they are often incorporated into a hatha yoga class—sometimes at the beginning or end of a class, during the performance of the physical postures themselves, or as a relaxation or energizer between postures. Because they are such powerful yoga techniques, you will find detailed information on how to incorporate them into your yoga practice in the following section. As with any technique presented in this book, however, do not undertake pranayama exercises if you have any medical concern without first consulting your primary healthcare provider.

Kapalabhati, कपालभाति or “Lustrous Breath,” is one of the extremely energizing and vitalizing breathing techniques. In a short period of time, it brings a great volume of oxygen into the body, helps to warm and invigorate the vital organs, and aids in circulating blood quickly throughout the entire body.

In preparation to practice Lustrous Breath, assume a comfortable seated position as described in “Alternate Nostril Breathing.” Allow your hands to rest gently on your kneecaps, thighs, or in your lap. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Now, as you breathe through your nose, contract your abdomen as you exhale. Press your navel toward your spine as you expel whatever air is in your abdomen. (See Fig. 16.3.) As soon as the air is expelled, let your abdomen relax as your body naturally inhales fresh air. Then, exhale once again, as you contract your abdomen. Let your emphasis be on the quick, rapid, and forceful (but not forced or painful!) exhalation of air from your abdomen. Your abdomen flattens as you compress it on the exhalation, and the air naturally fills it again as you inhale. Continue exhaling and inhaling in this manner. The rapid contraction and filling of your abdomen as air is expelled and inhaled creates a type of pumping motion. If you have difficulty practicing Lustrous Breath, you might imagine that there is a feather resting on the top of your nose and you are trying to blow it off, contracting the muscles of your abdomen to initiate the exhalation. As you exhale, compress your bellybutton back toward your spine.

As you practice this breathing technique, you may want to have a handkerchief or some tissues at hand. You may find mucous secretions being more actively released from your nose on your forceful exhalations. Lustrous Breath has the added benefit of helping clear and cleanse the nasal passageways.

When you first begin to practice Lustrous Breath, try doing 20 to 30 Lustrous Breaths at a time (one active exhalation followed by a spontaneous inhalation constitutes one Lustrous Breath). Pause and rest. Then try some more. With experience, you will probably find that you can increase the period of time and numbers of inhalations and exhalations that you can accomplish without feeling fatigued.

Lustrous Breath can be particularly invigorating and energizing. As you experiment with it, see what effect it has on you. How do you feel after a round of Lustrous Breath repetitions? How do you feel relative to how you felt before you began this breathing practice? Are you aware of any difficulties or pleasurable effects that you experience as a result of this practice? As your day progresses, are you aware of any changes in your level of energy? Feel the importance of kapalbhati in yoga.

Surya Namaskar is one of the best yoga postures. This posture is great form of exercise for the healthy living. Further it is useful in many other treatements.

During the practice of the sun salutation or as it’s known in its traditional form – Suryanamaskara – nearly every muscle, organ and tissue of the body is activated, stimulated and awakened. Energy flows, vitality is stimulated, heart rate is increased and the vital forces of life are distributed throughout the body. This is a great motivation for the practice of the sun salutation series in the morning, and a magnificent way to wake and honour the body both internally and externally.

During this practice, the body is opened and closed in a sequence of forward and backward bends which massage our internal organs, improving digestion and tone of the abdomen.

Salute to the Sun – the Practice

As we draw our arms to the sky we look up to acknowledge the intelligence beyond, the greater order, the truth, creation and love. We salute the source and acknowledge its passage through our body.

We draw down our arms, palms together, touching our heart Centre as we pass to touch the floor. Here we have drawn the power of creation from the above and beyond to the below and within. We humble ourselves to the source as we hold our hands to the earth acknowledging that: “nothing comes from me, only through me”. We jump back into the crocodile and here honour nature, the animal world and the essence of life stored within. We raise our body bending our back into an upward dog pose opening the chest and in so doing freeing the heart to the flow of love from the sun, the entry source of life forms, flow within and birth love in our hearts. We roll back into the downward dog again humbling ourselves to creation before jumping forward and completing the cycle with the same positions holding meaning.

“I bow to the source of all creation acknowledging that what is within me is a gift, a true gift of life and ultimately, love.”

 Traditionally, a salute to the sun is done at dawn, the Brahman hour. This is the time before sunrise, a time we can take to reflect on the source of life. The sun gives life force and vitality to us all, it is the rest metaphor for unconditional love reflected in nature.

Our thoughts are reflected in our body, our thoughts reflect our consciousness which in turn is a reflection of our attitude. Attitude has the power to transform our lives, to change the very essence of our experience of life. During the sun salutation we have the opportunity to focus on an attitude of Gratitude, the opportunity to use the focus of the sun to  transform these movements from mere exercise to a prayer.

When our heart is filled with gratitude for nature – in this specific case the sun – we open ourselves to a consciousness beyond and in these moments we bathe in universal love; in the fullness of life. Therefore in the practice of Surya Namaskar , as in all Yoga Asana, the thoughts we have are as vital an element as is breath as the physical movement.

This is an opportunity to stop; to appreciate what has been given to us in our lives; to open to the greater truth and to the magic and order of this universe, this world, this country, this city, this family and this life. Here in the act of movement and breath is the opportunity to unite body, mind and thought (spirit) in a celebration of life and in so doing absorb  universal essence.

Power Within and Without

This salute to the sun is one of the most powerful of all Yoga movements. Practiced every morning it moves, stretches, strengthens and activates every muscle in the body; The salute to the sun is an amazing exercise and a Yoga session in itself and the benefits as listed below are so numerous and all encompassing that just reading through them is cause for excitement; excitement that these body restoring benefits are easily within our reach.

The Practical Benefits of Salute to the Sun

1. May be practice by anyone and everyone, singly or in a group, and it can be practiced any time in the year, inside and outside.
2.  It takes about three to ten minutes a day.
3.  It acts on the whole body, the total organism.
4.  Does not cause fatigue or breathlessness.
5. It costs nothing there is no need for burdensome equipment.
6. All you need is a space measuring two square metres.
7. It helps to promote sleep.
8. The memory improves.

So this form of yoga called Surya namaskar must be followed by everybody.

Ajna, which is known as center of insight and intuition in Sanskrit, is the highest of the psychic centers in man. Ajna literally means “command” and oversees all of the elements and the chakras. Where the Vishuddha Chakra is the music that brings the elements and chakras together facilitating the making of beautiful music; The sixth energy center is sometimes known as the third
eye. Ajna is the conductor of the orchestra. Ajna is the window of the soul and when open, psychic abilities are said to unfold. It is considered the seat of intuition, where wisdom and knowledge unfold. Reference to the Ajna chakra can be found in many different religious texts (including the Bible) and cultures; even Plato wrote of the “eye of the soul that can be awakened by the correct means.” When the mind is still (Yogash Chitta Vritti Nirodah), and the lower Chakras balanced, Ajna Chakra opens to communicate with the higher plane to bring inspiration, creativity, clarity of thought and healing.

Physical location: Center of forehead between eye brows
Element: Space/light
Color: Indigo
Sense: Intuition
Force: Psychic
Areas of the body: Eye, head, sinuses, the senses
Mudra: Hakini Mudra
Bandha: Maha
Mantra: “I see.” “I follow the path of truth.”
When closed/ blocked can manifest in:
Overactive: inability to look within and see ourselves as we are; confusion as to what is real; difficulty concentrating; headaches; hallucinations; nightmares, Lacking: poor memory; lack of clarity about life-where we are going; unable to find our true path; can’t see alternatives; skeptical; inability to focus .
Health issues: sense related (eye or ear problems); sinuses, headaches

When open/not blocked can manifest in: Clear perception, Reliable intuition, Able to feel underlying vibration, Able to follow own truth, Able to see your path, Have gift of insight.

Asana examples that open the ajna chakra:
Balances, Inversions, Chanting/singing, Gate, Shoulder Stand, Eye Movements, Yoga Mudra, Tree Bridge, Hand Stand, Child, Seated Wide Leg Fold, Standing Fold, Plow, Sunbird, Head to Knee, Fish, Downward Dog, Rabbit, Runners Lunge etc.

The throat chakra, called Vishuddha in Sanskrit, is the center of expression. When it is open and flowing, you have the confidence that you are capable of communicating

your needs. Where, the first 3 chakras represent the lower earth plane and the 4^th is where we balance the lower and higher planes, the 5^th Chakra is where we begin to focus on the higher(spiritual) plane. Moving to rhythm, the vibration of sound, communication through writing and speaking are all functions of the Vishuddha Chakra. Literally “deep or extreme purification”, this chakra brings together the “Jiva,” individual consciousness with the “Atman,” universal consciousness, allowing us to tap into our creativity and intention to bring about an underlying vibrational harmony to our entire being. It is like the brain of all the chakras as it controls all of the elements and allows them to work in unison.  When the Anahata (Heart) Chakra, is balanced, the Vishuddha Chakra automatically communicates from the higher plane and unconditional love unfolds.

Physical location: throat

Element: Space

Color: Blue

Sense: Sound

Force: Vibration

Areas of the body:    throat, mouth, neck, shoulders

Mudra: Shunya(Heaven)

Bandha: Jalandhara

Mantra: Hum “I speak and follow my truth.”

When unbalanced/ blocked can manifest in:       

Too little: have difficulty finding the right words; fear of speaking; secretive; shy;         can’t find your own voice; are overshadowed by other’s truths; unable to reach full potential

Too much: loud; talk too much; aggressive; lie without lying-; gossip; very critical; unable to listen

Health issues: ear, nose, throat problems; stiff neck; TMJ-teeth grinding, jaw problems; thyroid problems

When balanced/not blocked can manifest in:

Being in tune with surroundings Coinciding principle working  Communications are clear

Able to speak own truth. Can see yourself clearly & able to listen to and follow the Universe Live in harmony Hearing what has not been said.

Asana examples that balance the throat chakra:

The 4^th Chakra or Anahata Chakra is the halfway point between the 3 lower chakras and the 3 higher chakras. It literally means “unstuck sound” and is where we begin to tune into the subtle sound of the pulse of life. It is associated with the element of air and relates to our emotional thoughts, ideas and inspirations. Balancing the Anahata chakra allows us to release our emotional pain through unconditional love. The fourth chakra represents the unifying energy of love and compassion. When the heart center is blocked, there is a sense of alienation from others. When the heart center is open and flowing, you feel connected at a deep level to all beings in your life. The ancient Yogis believed that your “jiva atman” –personal spirit(soul)- resides in the heart chakra. It is where we begin to move beyond our material self to the divine self, connecting ourselves to the universe. As the heart center expands our seed of inner peace and harmony is able to open and grow. The color of the fourth energy center is green. When flowing, it is the green of nourishment; when congested, it can be green with envy.

PHYSICAL LOCATION: center of the chest

ELEMENT: Air

COLOR: Green

SENSE: Touch

FORCE: Equilibrium

AREAS OF THE BODY:    heart, lungs, shoulders, arms

MUDRA: Lotus @ heart

BANDHA: Maha

MANTRA: Yum  “I open my heart to——.”

When unbalanced/ blocked can manifest in:

Too little: loneliness, jealousy, bitterness, inability to forgive, pessimism, alienation,  attachment, passive aggression, inability  to love, judgmental,  lack empathy , Too much: emotional flamboyance, overly dramatic, smothering behavior

Health issues: asthma, heart problems, circulatory system, and respiratory system

When balanced/not blocked can manifest in:  Unconditional love, Harmony with nature, Positive neutrality, Harmonious relationships, Nonjudgmental of self or others, Compassionate and Peaceful

Asana examples that balance the heart chakra:

The third chakra, Manipura, is localized in your solar plexus.3rd Chakra, literally means “city of the jewel”. The Law of Intention and Desire governs the third chakra. It is the seat of your power in the world. When this center is open and flowing, you are capable of translating your intentions and desires into manifestation.  When it is blocked, you feel frustrated and ineffectual. Fire is the element and with it comes choice, action, vitality and will. This chakra has been compared to the power of the sun as it warms, moves and activates us. Because of the intensity of the pranic energy contained in this chakra, it also refers to “tapas”, the fire in the belly that brings forth transformation. With the right balance, this chakra gives you your “glow, burns your ego and illuminates your mind. Without it, you would have no life, no energy.

PHYSICAL LOCATION: the solar plexus; just above the naval

ELEMENT: Fire

COLOR: Yellow

SENSE: Sight

FORCE: Combustion

AREAS OF THE BODY:    stomach, liver, small intestine, middle spine

MUDRA: Naga

BANDHA: Uddiana

MANTRA: Ram“I stand in my personal power”

When unbalanced/ blocked can manifest in: Too little: insecure, oversensitivity,need external validation,fear rejection,dogmatic conformity, allow people to walk over you /or take advantage, can become introverted and/or depressed, Too much: controlling, think you are always right, self centered, everything is me,me,me greedy, power hungry, blind to own faults .

Health issues: diabetes, hepatitis, ulcers indigestion, more digestion in general

When balanced/not blocked can manifest in:  Sense of self worth: Practical Control over actions, Have will power, Can handle crises, generate action, Develop strength through courage/  able to stand in own truth and Have transformative power
 

ASANA EXAMPLES THAT BALANCE THE NAVEL CHAKRA:

The second chakra, called Svadhisthana, is associated with creativity in all its expressions. It literally means “one’s own dwelling place”. It is regarded as the basis of all human existence. Without water, nothing could exist. This chakra brings movement to the other elements and mixes them together to create life. When channeled into higher energy centers, it fuels the creative force that enables you to paint a beautiful picture, write a

novel, play music, build a business, or create a life of love and abundance. It is about fluidity, the flow of life and dealing with change. Like the ebb and flow of the tides, this chakra holds tremendous power that if harnessed and channeled correctly can help one overcome the patterns of the unconscious mind and find great fulfillment in life.

PHYSICAL LOCATION: the sacral spine, approximately 4 fingers below the navel

ELEMENT: Water

COLOR: Orange

SENSE: Touch

FORCE: Magnetism

AREAS OF THE BODY:    Hips, inner thighs, bladder, kidneys, sexual organs,

MUDRA: Apana

MANTRA: Vam “I flow with the rhythm of life.”

When unbalanced/ blocked can manifest in following: Never having enough; tries to buy happiness Trying to “keep up with the Jones” Shallow Relationships Shame of sexuality/body or exhibitionism Health issues: frigidity, impotence low back pain, urinary problems Feelings: possessiveness, seek satisfaction through senses, food, material possessions, status, craves stimulation; inadequacy

When balanced/not blocked can manifest in: Creativity Empathy for others Able to have genuine intimacy Able to “Go with the Flow” Able to have passion for life Able to truly enjoy Able to share knowledge Able to give generously

Examples of Asana that balance the Svadhisthana chakra:

The 1st Chakra, or root chakra is the foundation of our system. This root chakra, known in Sanskrit as Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine.It relates to the Earth(prithvi), our feeling of being grounded and our sense of security. It is the building block of all the other chakras-built from the bottom or “foundation” up. The root chakra governs your most basic survival needs like it controls how you deal with family, money, basic needs, and survival.

Thw physical location of Muladhara Chakra is at the perineum, at the base of the spine between the coccyx, pubic bone and sitting bone.

Element: Earth

Color: Red

Sense: Smell

Force: Gravity

Areas of the body: Bones; Feet; Legs; Elimination system; Immune system

Mudra: Earth bandha: Mula

Mantra: “I am safe.”

When unbalanced/ blocked it can manifest in additive behavior Intimacy avoidance, Self Centeredness Distrustful, fearful Workaholsim, driven by lack of self worth . And in health issues like constipation, hemorrhoids, obesity, sciatica, low back pain, bulimia Feeling: out of control, unable to make decisions, financial irresponsibility, family problems

When balanced/not blocked can manifest in Valuing oneself. One can have self confidence and able to trust. One shall never be afraid of change. One will to be in the present movement and to trust the universe. He/She will able to learn from adversity, feel secure and feel grounded.

Types of asana that balance the root chakra:

Mountain pose, Seated Forward Fold, Staff pose, Bridge pose, Cobblers pose, Boat pose, Sun Salutations(सुर्य नमस्कार), Childs pose, Wind Release Pose, Hero pose, Chair pose, Splits, Hindi Squat, Cow Faces pose and Swan Pose.

The Law of Karma governs the first energy center. On the physical plane, every action you perform results in a corresponding reaction. To maximize the possibility that your actions generate evolutionary reactions, you can use your body as a choice-determining instrument. Consider the possibilities in front of you and listen to the signals from your   body. These sensations generating from the root chakra are either comfortable or uncomfortable.

Your body evaluates every possible decision in terms of its likelihood to meet your needs for safety or increase the level of threat you experience. The first chakra, which connects you with the earth, provides essential information as to the potential nourishment or toxicity that is available to you as a result of the actions you are taking. Keeping energy open and flowing in this source chakra is key to both physical and emotional abundance.

The color for this energy center is red. It is associated with the element earth and the sense of smell. The mantra for the first chakra is Lam.