Ana Hansen is one the most skilled and knowledgeable yoga instructors I have met. She has a passion for yoga that she brings forth in all her classes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced practioner of yoga I would recommend that you take a class with Ana!! -Danielle of Sedona, Arizona
Announcements
Preventative Recommendations for COVID-19 by Melissa Camacho L.Ac., CAP
Needless to say, this has been a time of great upheaval and adaptation. With the recent spread of the SarsCoV-2 (Covid-19) virus, our entire world has changed in a matter of months. For this month's Ayurveda column I offer Ayurvedic recommendations to support the immune system, mental health, and overall svastha (individual health) during this time.
Before I dive into the list, the topic of epidemics is addressed in Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine or Classical Ayurveda specifically in
Dhanvantari, mentioned in the Puranas as the God of Ayurveda
Caraka Samhita, Vimanasthana chapter 3, beginning at line 4. It states the following in line 6.
"Lord Atreya replied, 'Agnivesha! Though a community may be dissimilar with respect to the constitution and other characteristics of its individuals, there are other common factors that often get adversely affected, resulting in the simultaneous outbreak of diseases having similar symptoms that destroy communities. The common factors which affect mass population are vayu (air), udaka (water), desha (land) and kala (season).' "
The great sages of Ayurveda four thousand plus years ago knew the occurrence of epidemics and also knew of the underlying reasons which is discussed further in the chapter, but alluded here to be the state of the population's air, water, land, and season. How fascinating this subject is from the Ayurvedic point of view. I invite you to further explore the Caraka Samhita for deeper explanation.
Our Breathing Passages
The following suggestion comes from a new governing board of Ayurveda in the United States called The AYU Council. Their website offers great and extensive direction for what to do preventatively during this time to maintain health. Here are three suggestions I think are especially important.
First, rinse the mouth and gargle daily with warm water and (a pinch) turmeric. It is known that this virus is spread through air droplets or saliva transmission. Keeping our mouths clean is especially important.
Secondly, this also means expelling accumulatedphlegm and mucous as often as possible and as soon as possible upon waking. Because in the later stages of the virus phlegm and mucous accumulation cause severe complications, this suggestion is something we can easily do to help maintain clear breathing passages.
Lastly, I suggest inhaling steam for 15-30 minutes daily covered under a towel with plain water or water with gently simmered turmeric. This opens the lungs and upper respiratory system. Please be aware that turmeric may stain the teeth.
Our Breathing Practices
This is a great time to revisit your pranayama practice if it has fallen by the waist side. In fact in his statement about Ayurveda and
Breathe by Martin Mancha 2020
Covid-19 Dr. Lad suggests 7 pranayama practices to do during
this time; bhastrika, udgheet, sheetali, kapalbhati, ujjayi, anuloma viloma, and sheetkari. Of these bhastrika and ujjayi are the most important right now. And add nadi shodana or alternate nostril breathing to the mix which is tridoshically soothing, as well as mentally balancing. Integrate these practices with your daily yoga practice to help fortify the lungs.
Our Digestion
The root of all disease stems from the kostha or digestive system. This time, more than ever, it is important to eat mindfully. Be mindful of your digestive capacity and digestive fire (which I have discussed previously here at length). Do NOT overeat or indulge in sweets at this time. Eat simply and at the same time every day. If you are more vulnerable or have some of the underlying conditions that make you more vulnerable to this virus, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and/or a weakened immune system, then this is especially of importance. Please refer to ayurveda.com and ayucouncil.org for further suggestions on nutritive support. In conclusion friends, stay safe. Take this time to revisit your mental and physical health in a new way. Take care of yourself as you would our precious air, water, land, Earth.
Namaste.
Before I dive into the list, the topic of epidemics is addressed in Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine or Classical Ayurveda specifically in
Dhanvantari, mentioned in the Puranas as the God of Ayurveda
Caraka Samhita, Vimanasthana chapter 3, beginning at line 4. It states the following in line 6.
"Lord Atreya replied, 'Agnivesha! Though a community may be dissimilar with respect to the constitution and other characteristics of its individuals, there are other common factors that often get adversely affected, resulting in the simultaneous outbreak of diseases having similar symptoms that destroy communities. The common factors which affect mass population are vayu (air), udaka (water), desha (land) and kala (season).' "
The great sages of Ayurveda four thousand plus years ago knew the occurrence of epidemics and also knew of the underlying reasons which is discussed further in the chapter, but alluded here to be the state of the population's air, water, land, and season. How fascinating this subject is from the Ayurvedic point of view. I invite you to further explore the Caraka Samhita for deeper explanation.
Our Breathing Passages
The following suggestion comes from a new governing board of Ayurveda in the United States called The AYU Council. Their website offers great and extensive direction for what to do preventatively during this time to maintain health. Here are three suggestions I think are especially important.
First, rinse the mouth and gargle daily with warm water and (a pinch) turmeric. It is known that this virus is spread through air droplets or saliva transmission. Keeping our mouths clean is especially important.
Secondly, this also means expelling accumulatedphlegm and mucous as often as possible and as soon as possible upon waking. Because in the later stages of the virus phlegm and mucous accumulation cause severe complications, this suggestion is something we can easily do to help maintain clear breathing passages.
Lastly, I suggest inhaling steam for 15-30 minutes daily covered under a towel with plain water or water with gently simmered turmeric. This opens the lungs and upper respiratory system. Please be aware that turmeric may stain the teeth.
Our Breathing Practices
This is a great time to revisit your pranayama practice if it has fallen by the waist side. In fact in his statement about Ayurveda and
Breathe by Martin Mancha 2020
Covid-19 Dr. Lad suggests 7 pranayama practices to do during
this time; bhastrika, udgheet, sheetali, kapalbhati, ujjayi, anuloma viloma, and sheetkari. Of these bhastrika and ujjayi are the most important right now. And add nadi shodana or alternate nostril breathing to the mix which is tridoshically soothing, as well as mentally balancing. Integrate these practices with your daily yoga practice to help fortify the lungs.
Our Digestion
The root of all disease stems from the kostha or digestive system. This time, more than ever, it is important to eat mindfully. Be mindful of your digestive capacity and digestive fire (which I have discussed previously here at length). Do NOT overeat or indulge in sweets at this time. Eat simply and at the same time every day. If you are more vulnerable or have some of the underlying conditions that make you more vulnerable to this virus, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and/or a weakened immune system, then this is especially of importance. Please refer to ayurveda.com and ayucouncil.org for further suggestions on nutritive support. In conclusion friends, stay safe. Take this time to revisit your mental and physical health in a new way. Take care of yourself as you would our precious air, water, land, Earth.
Namaste.
Purchase Ana's Book on Amazon
Yoga For Big Hearts & Little Hands: A Handbook of Yoga Poses for Children
by Ana Camacho-Hansen
$39.99
Paperback book
This book is a compilation of hatha yoga activities for children. Ana Camacho-Hansen collected from her 15+ years of experience teaching children yoga to give you an excellent children's yoga resource. In this book, you will find information on yoga poses, mindfulness, and peace practices. This is a unique perspective of children's yoga. Be ready to play yoga and have fun!
by Ana Camacho-Hansen
$39.99
Paperback book
This book is a compilation of hatha yoga activities for children. Ana Camacho-Hansen collected from her 15+ years of experience teaching children yoga to give you an excellent children's yoga resource. In this book, you will find information on yoga poses, mindfulness, and peace practices. This is a unique perspective of children's yoga. Be ready to play yoga and have fun!
Rasayana Restorative/Therapeutic Yoga Class FREE for you
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Sedona Sol Joyful Kids Yoga FREE for you
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Fearless Life Peace Symposium 2020
On April 11th, Melissa Camacho and Ana Camacho Hansen presented in the Fearless Life Peace Symposium. Below is the entire event on You Tube. Thank you for watching.
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Indexyoga.com - links to Yoga Directory resources and information websites.
