09/29/2024
Feeling Anxious or Quick to Anger right now after the storm?
Many of us were spared from Helene’s destruction and yet we are left feeling nervous, anxious and for some a quick short temper. Ayurveda would tell us that our energies have been disturbed by this event, specifically Vata, which is pushing Pitta. Ironically, Vata, associated with the wind is pushing Pitta, most closely associated with Fire.
How does this manifest in the physical body?
Vata? Disturbed sleep, constipation, upset stomach, nervousness and rumination.
Pitta? Quick to temper, increased hunger, red skin or hives, inflammation and irritable bowels. Is it way too hot right now or what?
If you are one of the lucky ones, Pitta may now be pushing Kapha and you may feel sad and unmotivated. Not awesome! Who doesn’t love the Doshas?! Many people identify with researching to find out their main constitution or Dosha, but Dosha actually translates to “destruction.” We need to control these energies so they don’t manifest disease or compromise our relationships and self-esteem.
These are just a few of the things you may notice is going on in your body. I went to the store yesterday and noticed so many people arguing and couldn’t help but think…. Oh Hello Pitta!
First off, keep calm and remember, this is just an imbalance in the body. We call it Vikruiti. So keep calm and know this is not you! This is the physical body, it’s just your Vikruti or an imbalance.
What can you do to help yourself and your family?
1. Grounding carminatives - Introduce herbs like Cumin, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Nutmeg Turmeric, Camomile… Think yummy Chai tea, sweet potatoes with cinnamon and ghee and apple pie! This will help control Vata.
2. Angry? Hot? Think cooling herbs like Shatavari, Mint, Neem, Coriander, Ashwagandha, Aloe Vera Juice, Coconut, Fennel and Lime. Have a nice cold salad, some rose tea and quinoa with mint and cilantro or cooled rice pudding with coconut milk, cinnamon and agave. This will help control Pitta.
3. Abhyanga - Slather up from head to toe with oil. Sesame would be best right now. If you are super angry, let’s go with Coconut so we can cool you off. If your anxiety is off the chain, Castor oil. Warm the oil and then apply with long strokes on the bones and circular motions on the joints. Let it sit as long as you can and then rinse off carefully - 20 minutes would be ideal.
4. Breath - Alternate Nostril Breathing to calm the mind. Dragon breath if you are bit spicy right now. Having trouble focusing? Look up Bee Breath.
5. Yin Yoga - Choose some grounding poses and sit in them for a few minutes in a quiet room. Get on the floor and connect with nature.
6. Talk to trees - get out in nature, especially in the morning and let things go as you meditate on a walk.