Vāta season is upon us again. Autumn is abundant in the qualities of Vāta dosha: dry, light, rough, cold, mobile, subtle and changeable. The dry leaves falling, the mobile winds, the cool nights, and the changeable temperatures all contribute to elevated Vāta within us. One of the most pervasive Vāta qualities right now, in my … Continue reading 6 Ways to Comfort Autumn Nerves (& the Pervasive Problem of “Subtle”)
In this season of transition between summer and fall, the changeability and lack of predictable pattern starts pushing Vāta dosha up. And then we head into autumn’s cold, dry influence, which means Vāta will only get worse, potentially leading to the anxiety, constipation, bloating and worry that high Vāta is known for. SO, I’ve gathered … Continue reading Creating Stability in Transition
Transitions are a splendid time to slow down, and September is prime transition time. Summer is on its last legs, school is ramping up, and everyone is trying to figure out how to change gears and move in a new direction. Like the eddies from contradicting currents where two rivers converge, a lack of predictable pattern ensues. … Continue reading How to Revive in 4 Minutes or Less
When we get inspired to try a new health-fortifying routine, we may find ourselves sabotaged by a sneaky culprit: Shame. Shame often lurks around the edges of our efforts to start a new healthy habit. It can sound different ways: “I couldn’t do this before - so it would be kinder to myself not to get … Continue reading 3 Steps to Neutralize Shame & Make the Healthy Changes you Want
In each season, one of the 5 sense organs is more prone to developing discomfort or disease due to the influences in the environment. In the summer, it’s the EYES. Lying down with a cool compress over the eyes and temples, spritzing the eyes with rose water, and taking regular screen breaks to refocus the … Continue reading Why the Eyes are Vulnerable in Summer
In one of the ancient teaching texts of Ayurveda, a brief verse at the very beginning identifies a surprising source of disease. While there may arguably be many contributing factors, Ayurveda points to a pernicious (and familiar) cause that can underlie all the others. Learn more in this video I made for you… https://videopress.com/v/zBTv8dqN?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true This … Continue reading The Hidden Source of Disease
The concept of Self Care has hit the mainstream. It’s on everyone’s To Do list – or rather, everyone’s “I Should Do” list – and on the cover of every women’s magazine. There are entire social media feeds devoted to it. Memes abound in muted colors with perfect serene images. While "Self Care" certainly sounds … Continue reading The Dangerous Myths of Self Care
Today's full moon is celebrated in many places as Guru Pūrnimā, a time to honor and give thanks to our teachers and tradition-holders. Guru means "teacher" (and also "heavy," offering ballast to those in orbit around them)and Pūrnimā means fullness, referring to the full moon. The full moon in the month of Āṣāḍhā in the Hindu calendar (usually … Continue reading Celebrating our Teachers
In the weeks ahead as summer heats up and Covid-related travel restrictions continue to lift, many of us will indulge our travel urge! For all the joyful horizon-broadening aspects of travel, it can also aggravate our sensitive vāta dosha, as it uproots us from our home, our typical routines, and the food we are used … Continue reading What’s in your Carry-on Bag? Summer Travel Essentials!
Ayurveda is excellent medicine for modern humans because it teaches us pragmatically how to notice nature’s influence, how to feel the guiding pulse of nature moving through us - and how to follow its lead. Our modern conveniences have moved us out of contact with the most basic of natural influences - temperature, weather, daylight, … Continue reading 5 Reasons You Need to Get Outside!
Ivy Ingram, MA, AP 