Bliss Ayurveda

 Ayurveda means the “knowledge of life.”   Ayurveda is a system that acknowledges that body, mind, emotions, and spirit all weave together to create our being. As we come to understand physical reality as the dance of the elements directed by the focus of awareness, attention and intention, we come to understand ourselves, and what we need to live more harmoniously. While we have an aspect of Self that is unchanging, pure Presence, in our body/mind we are constantly becoming who we are, in form, frequency and pattern as a result of the interpretations of impressions we have taken in through the 5 senses throughout our lives in the context of our current state of awareness and reality paradigm. Once we know this, we can begin the process of shifting our habitual patterns in order to make conscious choices that will serve to nourish the Self and support us in living joyfully and blissfully. and so the world is transformed!

 Our focus and intention is on fostering the remembrance of wholeness, wellness and  balance. We do not diagnose disease, treat illness or give medical advise. but rather, activate and support ones innate ability to spontaneously heal themselves. Ayurveda states that no dis-ease can occur when we know our true nature as Spirit, pure consciousness. The goal of Ayurveda is to balance body, mind, and emotions so that spirit can express freely through our lives. As we come to know our essential Self, we live from that essence.

 In Love                              ,   

Myrica

                                             

                                    

Pancha Karma

 All matter (including the body) is composed of 5 the elements which are the building blocks of existence. Living matter has three forces comprised of these 5 elements which govern all psycho-physiological processes. In Ayurveda these three forces are called doshas. The names of the doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha. When the doshas are normal in quality and quantity they maintain a harmonious state of being. When out of balance (with our true nature or our environment), the doshas are the causative forces in the dis-ease process.

   What is commonly referred to as disease is merely a collection of feeling states which we call symptoms. This state comes        about as a result of persistent imbalance. Any symptom is simply an indicator, a messenger silently speaking of a need for change and re-balanceing.

 The mind wants to label a collection of symptoms as a particular disease. This only solidifies this state further. The body mind complex is dynamic and changing all of the time. You have an immense amount of influence as you awaken and begin making choices that support your evolving being.

 Vata means that which moves things; it is sometimes translated as wind. Vata is comprised of primarily air with ether being a secondary element. It is the moving force behind the other 2 doshas, which are considered incapable of movement without it. It is responsible for all of the body’s activities and sensations. It is responsible for the movement of air in and out of the lungs, blood through the circulatory system, food through the digestive system, and thoughts through the mind. It promotes mental balance and comprehension.

 Pitta means that which digests things. It is primarily fire with water as a secondary element. It is responsible for all chemical and metabolic transformations in the body, as well as for heat production. It also governs our ability to digest ideas and impressions and to perceive the nature of reality. It stimulates the intellect and kindles the capacity for enthusiasm.

 Kapha provides support and substance to the body. It means that which holds things together. It’s primary element is water with earth as a secondary element.  It gives strength and stability, both physical and psychological, and governs human emotions such as love, compassion, forgiveness, loyalty and patience. Kapha can bestow resistance against disease and can support the healing process. Kapha can be an important buffer for excess vata and pitta states.

 Together the 3 doshas govern all the activities of life: catabolism, (vata), metabolism (pitta), and anabolism (kapha). When vata is excessive there will be excess catabolism, resulting in a breakdown or deterioration of the body’s natural defenses. Excess pitta dosha results in disturbances of metabolism and heat production including infection. Increases in kapha dosha results in increased mucous production, tissue growth and weight gain.

 Another fundamental concept in Ayurveda is that of ama. Ama is is the result of any undigested sensory experiences, thoughts, feelings or emotions or ingested substances (food, toxic water, chemicals etc) that are not fully processed. It  begins in the mind which affects the physical then manifests and accumulates in the GI tract. Continued accumulation of ama,, if allowed to remain, eventually becomes toxic and can overflow to any area of the body where an individual has a predilection for disease. Ama also has subtler consequences on the vital energies, mental clarity, and emotions. Pancha karma is the therapeutic means by which excess doshas and ama are eliminated from the physiology.

 The practices of pancha karma are gentle, effective, and nurturing. There are three phases of the Ayurvedic cleasing process. Purva karma to prepare the body and mind to release easily, pancha karma, the actual cleansing practices and rasayana, the rejuvenation of the body following your cleanse.

 The main (physical) preparatory practices of purva karma are oleation and fomentation. External oleation is accomplished by massaging with warm oils and internal oleation is ingestion of ghee or oil  to loosen accumulated ama through the digestive tract.  Ghee penetrates deep into the tissue layers of the body. The ghee also serves to pacify vata through it’s unctuousness (vata is dry), pitta through it’s cooling action (pitta is hot), and Kapha by carrying the properties of the herbs that are decocted into it directly to the cells. Ama is said to be fat soluble rather than water soluble, that’s why ghee and oil work to loosen ama in the channels and tissues where water has a lesser effect.

 The body is then heated up to further open the channels and soften the accumulated ama. The oils and heat help to loosen and liquefy the ama and doshas in the skin, lymph system, and blood. They eventually drain into the gastrointestinal tract, where they are eliminated through the main pancha karma practices; purgation, enemas, and if appropriate, therapeutic emesis.

 Each day you will take a basti. This is a small herbalized  or oil enema that works directly on the colon. (The colon is the seat of vata). It has been said that the basti is at least 50% of the pancha karma and that all the treatments are preparing the body and mind for the basti.

 Pancha Karma works to detoxify the seven tissue layers in the body (dhatus)

The seven layers are:                   

         Rasa  (plasma) immune system,  Joy, faith

         Rakta  (blood) passion, invigoration

         Mamsa (skin,muscle), discernment, uprightness

         Medas (fat), ability to love and be loved

         Asthi (bone), confidence, how we carry ourselves into the world

         Majja (nervous system, bone marrow), clarity of mind

         Shukra  (reproductive tissues & fluids), creativity

 As you see, each of the dhatus has connected with it an emotional or mental component as well. As you detox you may feel extra tired or emotionally vulnerable. This is a natural cleansing reaction. Nurture yourself. Allow these feelings to rise up and out.

~Employ your mind in the service of what it is you are wanting to become

~Sleep as you need to. It’s not unusual to sleep several hours a day during Pancha Karma.

~Be gentle with yourself. You should have a totally stress free time.

~Stay warm (or cool) enough.

~Go for walks

~Meditate

~Stretch your body gently with simple yoga postures.

~Spend time basking in nature but don’t overheat or chill yourself.

 

Everything should be moderate this week. Feel free to ask for whatever you may need as it comes up.

 Pancha karma is a powerful process of cleansing and rejuvenation.  During your stay you will have your own private space. You will be encouraged to be in silence as much as possible, to rest as much as you need to, to meditate, do yoga, and to let go...You will be surrounded by the abundant beauty of the natural world and unplugged from the phone, TV, and responsibilities. You will be fed simple, delicious meals which are designed to help the body’s elimination process.

Please feel free to call with any other questions which may arise .

Blessings,

 

Your optimal Pancha Karma Experience

 

Rest as much as possible

Meditate upon rising, after your treatments, and in the evening

Practice Yoga: Asana, Pranayam, Reflection

Open to the prana available in nature

Be silent, listen

Consciously feel your body, open your senses

Become the observer to the minds endless ramblings

Allow memories and the emotional response to them arise gently

Ask yourself...what nourishes me?

What are the things you want to be doing for yourself?

Avoid extremes

Make eating a meditation (see Eating Habits)

 

Create nothing else for you to do!

 

 Ama Reducing Program

 According to Ayurveda, great health is dependent upon our capability to fully metabolize the nutritional, emotional, and sensory information that we ingest. When our digestive energies, known as agnis are robust, we create healthy tissues, eliminate waste products efficiently, and produce a subtle essence called ojas. Ojas, which may be envisioned as the innermost sap of our phsyco-physiology, is the basis for our clarity of perception, physical strength, and immunity.  On the other hand, if our agnis are weakened, digestion is incomplete resulting in the accumulation of toxic residues known as Ama.  Ama and Agnis have opposing qualities. Ama is cold, heavy, cloudy, malodorous, sticky, and impure. Agni is hot, dry clear, light, fragrant, and pure.

 The accumulation of Ama in the system leads to obstructions in the flow of energy, information, and nourishment and is the basis for all disease. Physical impurities in the physiology have their counterparts in the mind where negative emotions such as fear, anger, greed, and guilt create mental impurities. Undigested experiences become toxic like undigested food. This mental Ama obstructs the flow of positive feelings and mental clarity, resulting in chronic physical and emotional distress.

 A major goal of the Ayurvedic treatments is the elimination of Ama from the system. This is accomplished by digesting Ama that has accumulated and by minimizing the possibility for new Ama creation by appropriate diet and behavior. Ama can be aligned with any of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and must first be identified and eliminated before treatments aimed at balancing the doshas can be truly effective.

 

Signs and symptoms of Ama

Accumulation of Ama may manifest in the following ways:

 

Loss of taste                           Tongue coating                          Bad breath

Loss of appetite                      Indigestion                                 Sour taste in mouth

Joint pain                                Heaviness                                    Generalized aching

Bad body odor                         Weakness                                    Fatigue

Lack of alertness                      Depression                                 Irritability

 

These are common problems which are usually difficult to treat until Ama is substantially eliminated from the body. Ama is also the root of most colds, fevers, and flu as well as many immunologic disorders such as allergies, asthma, and arthritis.

 

Nutritional Approaches To Reducing Ama

 According to Ayurveda, the source and quality of food, the type of food, the attitude and means of preparing food and receiving food into our bodies and the environment in which the food is eaten all influence our ability to thoroughly digest a meal. If the conditions support the healthy functioning of Agni, strong tissues are created and Ojas permeates the psycho-physiology. If however, the digestive fires are not functioning optimally, food is incompletely metabolized and Ama is created.

 

 

Recommended Food Choices:

 

         All foods should be freshly prepared, nutritious, and appetizing. Frozen, canned and processed foods, and leftovers should be avoided

        

         Foods should be lighter in quality such as vegetables, rice, soups, and lentils

         Favor freshly steamed or very lightly sauteed vegetables

         Avoid fried foods

         Avoid cold food and drinks

         Dairy products should be eliminated

         Oils should be kept to a minimum

         Lighter grains such as quinoa, millet, basmati rice or barley should be favored

         Refined sugars should be avoided. Small amounts of honey may be used, but never heated

         Most oily, heavy nuts should be avoided. Small quantities of sunflower, sesame or pumpkin seeds may be taken

          Avoid animal products. If you must eat meat, favor white fish or fowl.

          Avoid all red meat and pork.

 

Recommended Tastes and Spices

 

Bitter and pungent tastes are the most useful to treat Ama. Bitter taste reduces it and pungent destroys it. Sweet, salty, and sour tastes may aggravate Ama and should be reduced. Astringent taste is generally neutral in its effect on Ama.

Bitter spices including turmeric, coriander, and dill are useful. Warm spices such as cumin, cardamom, basil, and fennel are safe and will not aggravate Pitta. The hot spices such as cayenne, black pepper, dry ginger, and mustard are very useful in burning up Ama but must be used cautiously if Pitta is aggravated. Fresh ginger is not as heating as the dry form and should be used generously.

Duration of the Ama reducing Diet

Although many of the general principles of the Ama reducing diet are beneficial at all times, the prohibitions against dairy, oils, nuts, and heavier grains can be lifted once the signs and symptoms of Ama have dissipated. Small, occasional servings of fermented foods fried foods, and sweeteners can also then be taken.

The Ama reducing diet is recommended three times a year at the change of the seasons. People with predominately Vata constitutions should follow the diet for 1-2 weeks. People with Pitta constitutions may follow it for up to 1 month. Those with Kapha constitutions can tolerate the Ama reducing program for longer periods of time as it is most closely related to the Kapha pacifying regimen.

 

Reducing Mental Ama

 At every moment of our lives we are required to make choices. Some choices which seem to immediately gratify a desire may sow the seeds of discomfort in the future. According to Ayurveda, a natural, healthy state of the mind is that in which only creative, life supporting, and evolutionary desires arise. The Sanskrit term that applies to this impulse to progress in a naturally healthy mode is sattva, a word that is often translated as purity. Impurity in the mind, or mental Ama may be produced by:

    Negative emotions such as anger, fear, greed, resentment, or guilt

    Psychological stresses including family problems, poor working conditions, loss of money or  employment, divorce or death in the family

     Unwholesome surroundings

     Contact with other peoples negativity

     Exposure to violent, crude or shocking experiences in life or entertainment media

     Ayurveda recommends these behavioral approaches to increase Sattva and reduce mental Ama

     Spend some time in silence everyday; practice daily meditation

     Spend time outside in nature

     Be pleasant and tolerant towards everyone

     Act on due reflection, not on impulse

     Refrain from anger or criticism, even if you feel it is justified

     Take time daily for play, humor, relaxation, and good company

     Wake with the sun in the morning, watch the sun set in the evening and occasionally stroll in the moonlight. Especially if there is a full moon

     Eat light, natural foods

     Be generous with others

     Give your relationships ample attention, care and importance

 

Following a program to maximize the purity and simplicity in your life will allow your system to metabolize the remains of previously undigested experiences. Your attitude when following this program should be one of easiness and compassion, without a sense of strain or rigidity. Within a short time you will begin to notice an increased sense of lightness in mind and body along with more energy and natural enthusiasm for life.

Ether ~ Sound ~ Ears

Air ~ Touch ~ Skin

Fire ~ Sight ~ Eyes

Water ~ Taste ~ Tongue

Earth ~ Smell ~ Nose

 

All disease begins with the illusion of being separate from

Source, Spirit, Nature, Essence, Self, “others”

The actual causes of disease are:

Prajnaparadha ~

Wrong choices

Incorrect use of the senses

(over, under, or wrong use)

 The illusion of time

 Karma (action leading to memory leading to desire)

 

The Greek philosopher Heraculutus compared the human body to a river saying you cannot step into the same river twice ...you cannot step into the same flesh

and bones twice because in every second of your existence you're renewing and

changing your body...

"

“Every atom belonging to you as well belongs to me."

Walt Whitman

 

In just the last 3 weeks, a quadrillion atoms, have gone through your body that have gone through the body of every other species on this planet. We have a very intimate relationship with each other and every living being on this planet and beyond.

 

Radioactive isotope studies show we replace 98% of all the atoms in our body

in less than one year.

 

   * We make a new liver every 6 weeks,

   * A new skin once a month,

   * A new stomach lining every 5 days,

   * A new skeleton every three months

   * Even the brain cells weren't there one year ago

   * The DNA that holds memories of millions of years of evolutionary

     time, in fact hundreds of millions of years; the actual raw material of

     it comes and goes every six weeks.

   *  In less than two and a half years you replace every atom in your body

     down to the last single atom

 

Maybe I'm not physical molecules that have created the  physical machine .

Maybe I'm consciousness itself that has learned how to create the physical machine.

 

Scientists are beginning to see that it is not thoughts which are a product of

molecules, but in fact molecules are structured out of fluctuations of

thoughts in a field of infinite information. It is consciousness which

is the phenomenon and matter which is the epi-phenomenon. It is consciousness

which conceives, governs, constructs and actually becomes physical matter.

Consciousness is primary.

Neuro-peptides ˆare the molecules of emotion, or the way the brain

speaks to other parts of the brain...and the body.

When you think a thought you make a molecule.

 

Receptors to neuropeptides have been found not only in brain cells but other parts of the body The cell walls of the immune cells, the T, B, lymphocytes, macrophages were receptors for the same neuropeptides which are

the molecular substrate of thought.

 

Our immune cells are continuously eavesdropping on our internal dialogue. Not

only that, the immune cells, it was subsequently discovered, can make the same

peptides that the brain makes when it thinks.  The immune cell is a

circulating nervous system.

 

Scientists found the same peptides, the same chemical cords that the brain makes

when it thinks in the cells of the intestinal lining, the heart which is 60%

neuronal, and the bladder....

 

Science is discovering that we have a thinking body. Every cell in our body

thinks. Every cell in our body is actually a mind.  We are discovering that we

do not have a mind and body, we have a body-mind connection,

simultaneously everywhere.

 

When we feel exhilaration, we produce inside of us high levels of interluken and interferon

When you feel exhilarated, unbounded and joyful,  we would find high

levels of interluken and interferon in your blood which are powerful anticancer drugs.

(A course of interluken can cost you something like $40,000

to treat kidney cancer or a melanoma).

 

When we experience tranquility our bodies are making Valium

When we are feeling anxious and jittery our bodies are making jittery

molecules, adrenaline and cortisol.  These stress hormones

are not made just by the adrenal glands. They're made everywhere in the body.

When our platelets make adrenaline and they huddle together in their fright,

that's how the clotting cascade starts.

 

A major breakthrough in medicine is that the mind is not just in the brain but

it's everywhere in our body and actually not even imprisoned in our body. It is

in the filed, completely non-local.

 

Pheromones may also be the molecular substrate of our emotions.

A few years ago, scientists got interested in a group of hormones called

pheromones that were produced by plants.  An experiment with introducing the

gypsy moth showed the plants released pheromones into the environment that

would immediately inform the rest of the forest of a danger

 

Recently it's been found that these pheromones in fact may also be the

molecular substrate of our emotions.

During an experiment at Stanford - incoming mice inhaled the pheromones of fear and began releasing adrenaline and cortisol.

 

Every emotion we experience has a molecular event that happens not only inside

our body but in fact we release those pheromones as information substrates

into the environment.

You can feel the energy of certain environments. Open to discern a tranquil  space from a chaotic one.

 

If you could see the body again as a physicist could see it 99.999999% of your

body is empty space! And the .000001% of it that appears as matter is also

empty space. Is it an emptiness of nothing or a fullness of

non-material intelligence? understand the body is really, ultimately

literally a field.

 

In the Gita, Lord Krishna, speaking to Arjuna says, "Know yourself as the

field and the knower of the field."

 

It's estimated that the average human has 60,000 thoughts a day. This is not

surprising. What is disconcerting is that 90% of the thoughts you have today

are the same ones you had yesterday.

 

In the Shiva Sutras, which are again thousands of years old, the yogi of all

yogis, Shiva himself, says, "If you want to recreate the world,

then look at it with fresh eyes."

 

 And where is the Self?   The Rishi says, "All your problems exist because you

never paid attention to yourself, only to your experiences." And you're not

your experiences. You're the one who's having those experiences. Enlightenment

is not another experience. It's the discovery of the timeless factor in every

experience. And what is that timeless factor? It's you!

 

"This is just a remembering." And it, again, comes not by going outside.

It comes by going inside,by doing that inner work, by going inside, by

remembering. It comes by remembering that Silent Witness that was with us.

There's a part of you that was with you when you were born. It was with you

when you were a child. It was with you during adolescence. It's there right

now listening. It's independent of all the experiences. It's that Silent

Witness inside. The still point in the center of your being, your heart center.

 

     "Because l love this life I know I can never fear death.

The child cries out when it's mother takes it from the left breast only to

find in the very next moment consolation in the right one. Space, time,

matter, energy are similarly engendered by frequencies of self interaction.

Curving back within myself, I create again and again. Ultimately I'm not

all of this, I'm the field itself."

Tagore

 

 

 

 

The poet Rumi says, "Out beyond ideas of

wrongdoing and right doing there is a field.  I'll meet you there."

 

The time has come for The Enchantment to return to Earth , people are once again discovering  that Earth is the

Garden of Eden that Divine Consciousness intended at the dawn of time. From the buzzing of the bees to the gurgling of streams, all of life is enchanting people into the arms of The Divine Mother.

 

In nature the truth is whispered on the wind, and is tucked in the petals

of each tiny Lady Slipper which grows at the base of great trees. The

graceful movements of the squirrels, the shy glance of a chickadee, the

majestic leap of the deer; all of nature sings of harmony and the secrets of timelessness.

 

In nature the infinite library of life awaits the contemplative mind. The flight of the eagle or a view from the heights, opens up vast vistas of insight into the mind of Infinity. In nature, the heart finds itself afloat in the sea of bliss and tranquility.

 

In the silence hear the angels sing,

Within your heart let dreams take wing.

Explore the cathedrals of leaf and of bough

Go deep and grow for the time is now.

 

Each person's soul is nurtured in the cosmic womb for divine rebirth when they swim deep in a sea of natural perfection . Now is the time that people are rediscovering these original ways of living in perfect harmony with nature.

 

Modesty and opulance go hand in hand. True majesty and wealth is found in balance of simplicity and complexity. In a Land of Enchantment, the dangers and blessings of both wealth and of poverty are understood, and the middle path of perfect balance is held in sacredness.

 

The night of resisting polarities is drawing to a close, and the peaceful dawn of sacred alchemical marriage of opposites is bringing restoration to the earth.

 

We are Inspiring a sudden leap in will and consciousness that is exploding all over the world for restoring the pristine condition of Earth. As the joy and passion for doing this is fully unleashed, nature, mankind and the heavenly hosts create a powerful whirlwind of change and healing that extends beyond your grandest dreams. All the beings of heaven, and all of the beings of nature, with more and more of the children of earth are restoring this ancient land to it's natural state.

 

Return to nature, dear sister and brother,

return to the arms of our Sacred Mother.

Flow, oh flow, with the river of time

To the shores of serenity and peace sublime.

 

"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven."                       

As above, so below.

 

"The Miracle is not to walk on water.

 The miracle is to walk

on the green earth

 in the present moment,

 to appreciate peace and beauty

 that are available now....

 it is not a matter of faith,

 it is a matter of practice.

 We need only to find ways

 to bring our body and mind

 back to the present moment

 so we can touch

that which is refreshing, healing,

and wonderous."

 

n  Thich Nhat Hanh

 

 

 

Ayurveda Bliss

 

All guests who receive care through this practice should be advised of the following:

 

            The goal of all programs is to create within your body and mind an optimum environment for healing to take place and to maximize your body’s ability to heal itself through using the principles of Ayurveda.

 

            Ayurveda Bliss is not a medical facility, and we are not engaged in medical diagnosis or treatments.

 

            If you are suffering from a disease or symptom that has not been evaluated by a Medical Doctor or another licensed health care professional, please carefully consider being evaluated by a Medical Doctor.

 

            We are not in a position to prescribe medicines, or alter your prescriptions without the advice and cooperation of your Medical Doctor.

 

            Ayurveda is not considered an alternative therapy and therefore may not replace any medical treatment that you are receiving, rather it is a complementary art designed specifically to create inner support for your body-mind to heal.

 

“My decision to receive treatment is a personal decision.  I have not been made any promises or warranties that I will receive any benefits or specific results.

            I understand that Ayurvedic treatments are not substitutes for any treatments or services ordinarily provided by health care professionals for physiological or psychological complaints.

            I further understand that any instructions given to me during the course of receiving treatments is for me personally and may not be appropriate for others.

            I release the practitioners from any liability or injuries occurring now or in the future, during or after my participation in these treatments.

            I release the land owners from any liability or injuries occurring during my stay here while I receive treatments.

 

I have read and understand this agreement and intend to be legally bound by it.

 

My signature constitutes my acceptance of the conditions expressed in this agreement. ”I have read and understand the above information.”

 

Guest’s signature:____________________________________________________Date:_____________

 

 

 

 

      Pancha Karma  Journal                                   Date_________________

 

 

 

 

        What do you wish to release in today’s session?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What do you wish to embrace in today’s session?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What is your intention for today’s session?

 

 

 

 

 

 

         What is your over all feeling?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Do you have any questions or concerns?

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  Who are you?

 

 

I hear ___________________________________________________________

 

I feel                                                                                                             

 

I see                                                                                                               

 

I taste                                                                                                           

 

I smell                                                                                                            

 

I think                                                                                                          

 

I need                                                                                                            

 

I want                                                                                                           

 

I express                                                                                                        

 

I trust                                                                                                           

 

I am