Entries by derik

Riding the Tide: Introduction to an Ayurvedic Experiment

In the beginning of this experiment my prakruti was vata, pitta, kapha, however after 4 days of experimenting I witnessed a significant change in my energy and focus due to a traumatic experience, shifting me to vata, kapha, pitta.  This shift allowed my experiment to truly test the soil of Ayurvedic practice.  This said, I […]

Riding the Tide: Asana Practice

Restorative yoga and vata asana practice is such a yummy delightful practice.  I felt such bliss after my first introduction to vata based yoga series by Santosh.  My vritti slowed,  and I could feel my nerves and muscular system release into long lean fibers of mush.  Following the first few days of the experiment, I was hooked! […]

Riding the Tide: Ayurvedic Self Care

Despite the mayhem, abhyanga was one Ayurvedic technique that I was consistent with through the two weeks of experimentation.  I experimented with two different techniques.  The Ayurvedic way is to apply oil on the body prior to showering, opposed to applying after one showers.  I found the Ayurvedic way to be much more soothing and […]

Riding the Tide: Conculsion

In conclusion, I found my experiment to be very enlightening.  I plan to continue using the techniques I applied in my experiment to balance my doshas, all the while studying, testing and experimenting with Ayurvedic principles and practices in hopes that I can make improvements in my health and well-being while dancing with the fluctuations […]

Experiment in Ayurveda

As part of Axis Yoga’s 200 hour teacher training program, students learn about the ancient science of Ayurveda and are invited to design an experiment incorporating ayurvedic wisdom and medicine into their lives. This student’s experiment consisted of  Abhyanga Massage-self massage with oils, Vamana Dhauti, Marma Massage and eating foods to support her dosha.  Below she provides an […]

Experiment in Ayurveda: Abhyanga

Abhyanga is the anointing of the body with oil. Often medicated and usually warm, the oil is massaged into the entire body before bathing. For thousands of years people have used abhyanga to maintain health, benefit sleep patterns, increase longevity. It has also been used as a medicine for certain disorders. Abhyanga can be incorporated […]

Experiment in Ayurveda: Vamana Dhauti

Vamana dhauti is a cleansing technique from India. Many yogis and householders there practice it every morning as a part of their normal routine, just like brushing their teeth. The mucus produced in the gastrointestinal tract is a gift of nature, and it functions in the overall balance and harmony of physiological processes. Sometimes though, […]

Experiment in Ayurveda: Marma Massage

Marma is a Sanskrit word meaning hidden , or secret. By definition, a marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. Yet marma points are much more than a casual connection of tissue and fluids; they are intersections of […]

Experiment in Ayurveda: Eating for Vata Dosha

My diet is pretty healthy because I have been dealing with asthma and food sensitivities for a long time.  I stopped drinking alcohol about 3 months before I began the yoga teacher training.  I gave up red meat and sugar.   My body changed through diet and exercise but I still suffer with asthma and sinus […]

Blessings in Disguise

Axis Yoga Teacher Training students’ series of experiments culminates with a “personal” experiment. Taking into account all they have learned, students examine any piece of the yogic puzzle on a personal level. This student came full circle as she realized that what she had been aiming for in the beginning of her experiment came around […]