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Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 11:26 AM
By Karie Wik, LMBT, CYT"Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences that developed together, and repeatedly influenced each other throughout history." Both growing out of the ancient Vedic tradition, common intentions of self-realization and self-healing unite the two practices.
What is a Chakra?
Chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word for wheel, and is used as a model for the collection of vibrations found in the body that rotate at varying velocities, and are generally found in uniform locations along the spinal column. Each chakra corresponds to an area of the body, as well as organ systems in that region.
How is this related to Marma Points in Ayurveda?
Both Ayurveda and Yoga view the body as a collection of channels along which all that makes us alive, healthy and aware flow. Along these channels appear marma points, or 'control points' where the internal and external channels meet. Each marma point oversees various chakras, channels and organ systems. By mapping out and targeting the major marma points, therapeutic work can affect larger areas of the system by increasing flow and unblocking congested channels.
The Heart Chakra
The 'Heart' Chakra is the 4th energy center from the bottom of the spine, and is considered by many to be the central chakra. Located at the mid-point of the sternum (breastbone) it connects the lower region to the upper region.
Physical Connections: Heart, Lungs, Circulatory System; Chest, Shoulders, Breasts, Arms
Element: Air
Balanced Characteristics: Love, Compassion, Empathy, Peace, Healthy Immunity, Altruism
A healthy balance of the 4th Chakra allows for self-acceptance and acceptance of all others.
Mantra: "I am loving to myself and others."
Recipe
Lassi (pronounced "LAH-see") is simply fresh yogurt blended with room temperature water. Whereas yogurt by itself can clog the channels of the digestive and elimination systems, once it is transformed into lassi it actually aids digestion. Thinning yogurt with water and blending it changes the molecular structure so it is more easily assimilated. Drink it before or with lunch.
Sweet Lassi - Blend to taste
* 1 part cold yogurt
* 3 parts water
* Pinches of cardamon, sugar and rosewater
Digestive Lassi - Blend to taste
* 1 part cold yogurt
* 3 parts water
* Pinches of ginger, cumin, salt and black pepper
Recipe taken from:
http://www.mapi.com/ayurveda_health_car ... rages.html
Resources:
"Marmas and Pratyahara: Marmas as Control Points"
Ayurveda and Marma Therapy (Lotus Press)
by Dr. David Frawley
Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization (Lotus Press)
by Dr. David Frawley
Eastern Body Western Mind (Celestial Arts/Ten Speed Press)
by Anodea Judith
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