Example of an Ayurvedic Experience: Details
My daily journaling involved food consumption, essential oil application, nightly bathing (shower or Epsom salt bath), waking hour and self massage. Not to be over looked I added fresh limes, room temperature water (not chilled) and a healthy dose of turmeric, cumin, curry and cinnamon to my daily diet. As per Beth’s suggestion I did attend two restorative yoga classes during the self study/experiment. Additionally, I did not attempt to understand or get agitated by any specific situations I found myself involved when the situation seemed somewhat ‘out of control’ or disconnected (ie: line at the bank, line at the grocery store, or any service situation). Remain calm, breathe deeply and just observe.
Days of specific interest:
May 4: First extra session taught by Santosh: Epsom salt bath, essential oils, self massage and reflection on the information (subtle body vayus). Much deeper meditation (pratyhara) after the class and the evening ritual.
May 6: Yoga class taught by Santosh: Work prior to and after yoga practice, Epsom salt bath (very hot), essential oils, self massage. Very hot and unable to cool off after the bath/oils. Restless evening of sleep. Not the typical result after the daily routine. No deep meditation.
May 11 and 12: No caffeine (usually have an AM non-fat latte). Decided to eliminate my token daily treat (one latte). No real adverse effects. No headaches, shakes, abnormal bowel movements or any other noticeable differences (perhaps a little sluggish). Will decide if I eliminate coffee on a regular basis—stay tuned. Just need to exercise moderation.
May 13: Plan on attending Santosh’s 6PM yoga class. No Epsom salt bath. Will apply essential oils. Will work prior to and after the 6 PM yoga class. Will take note of the differences between today’s routine and last Friday’s evening experience.
The doTerra (www.doterra.com) essential oils used in my daily routine: Peppermint, Wild Orange, Lavender, Melaleuca, Balance (spruce, rosewood, frankincense, blue tansy), Aroma Touch (basil, grapefruit, cypress, marjoram, peppermint, lavender), On Guard (wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary), Deep Blue (wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, german chamomile, helichrysum, osmanthus) and Citrus Blend (wild orange, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, tangerine, Clementine, vanilla).
Once again, this has been a very interesting component of the Axis Yoga Teacher Training program.
As an aside, prior to the Axis YTT program I did complete my certification in the Aroma Touch essential oil massage technique (certified by doTerra, www.doterra.com).