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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When I began this personal experiment I was certain that I wanted to do a project revolved around meditation and/or spirituality. Lately, I have been very drawn to Bhakti yoga, and for some reason the name and entity of Shiva has been popping up into my life. It’s been happening so often that I can’t […]
The Inner Life of Asanas is comprised of different yoga poses described by a personal story of the author (or mythological tale she’s heard regarding the pose), physical ways to practice the pose, and reflections on the pose. I found the little stories fun and sometimes beautiful. The physical how-tos on how to practice the […]
When I was thinking about writing this essay I had planned to write and say that my personal experiment was only discovering how asanas can be a direct spiritual practice for me, but something occurred to me. By not being able to find the book I wanted (and so not have the experience I was […]