One of the Most Profound Truths of Ayurveda Revealed
We are sinking deeper and deeper into vata season by the day. The crisp leaves represent the dryness that is revealing itself on our skin and perhaps in our elimination patterns. The cold air is moving deeper and deeper into the body, creating a certain amount of feeling unsettled. As the air thins and moves more, we recognize similar patterns in the mind - more chaos and a harder time with focus and completion. And in order to turn it around and come back into balance, the body craves warmth, moisture and stability.
It is when we analyze this practice of balancing our symptoms with opposite qualities that we find this sacred and profound truths in Ayurveda; oleation. One of the sanskrit words that represents love also represents oil. When we bring oil to the body, we invite love as the main ingredient in our balancing process. Oleation heals.
Vata is seated in our nervous system, meaning that it governs the nervous system; it sends the signals and when vata is in excess, as is often the case in the vata season, we can be left feeling anxious, overwhelmed, chaotic and ungrounded. One of the most effective and loving ways to bring the nervous system back in to a state of rest, balance and peace, is with warm oil. Its stable, warm and moist qualities activate the parasympathetic nervous, inviting rest and digest to occur.
There are many ways that we can include oil in our daily practices and it is recommended that we integrate oil practices both internally and externally. Most importantly, each tool that we utilize should be done with love and reverence, as love is sneha and sneha is love.
Practice Abhyanga: This warm oil massage has a profound effect on the nervous system and can support better sleep, healthier and more radiant skin, lubricated and less inflamed joints, and calms the entire body and mind. Placing oil on the top of the head and the bottom of the feet, when time is limited, is a mini-anhyanga practice with big results. Leave oil on the body for 15-20 minutes for most impact. Consider sitting in sauna or standing in a steamy bathroom while oil is on the skin to help open the pores and allow the oil to penetrate deeper.
Incorporate oily foods with proper fats: Ghee, olive oil, sesame oi, avocados, nuts, seeds, nut and seed butters, tahini and eggs are all great at supporting vata dosha.
Place 1 tsp of sesame or coconut oil (or a combination of both) in the mouth each morning after scraping your tongue.
Drop 2-5 drops of sesame oil in each nostril in the morning or night. Lie still for several minutes to allow the oil to move into the sinus before moving.
Drink warm water with 1 tsp ghee and a dash of cinnamon before eating or drinking anything else in the morning.
When we use oil as a form of love, we use the power of love combined with the qualities of warmth, moisture and stability to create balance and presence during this erratic time of year.
May the power of oleation heal you this season and always.
*This information is for educational purposes only and should never replace medical advice.
