Introduction to

Brief introductionOr as I like to say “a little bit about me”

Brief introduction I received my AOS in Western Herbalism

from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

Brief introduction I received my AOS in Western Herbalism

from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

I have been studying herbs/aromatherapy/Ayurveda for over 15 years

Brief introduction I received my AOS in Western Herbalism

from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

I have been studying herbs/aromatherapy/Ayurveda for over 15 years

I have over 750 hours in Yoga Teacher Training

Brief introduction I received my AOS in Western Herbalism

from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

I have been studying herbs/aromatherapy/Ayurveda for over 15 years

I have over 750 hours in Yoga Teacher Training

I have an advanced degree from the school of hard knocks!

Brief introduction I received my AOS in Western Herbalism

from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts I have been studying

herbs/aromatherapy/Ayurveda for over 15 years

I have an advanced degree from the school of hard knocks!

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona (and believe it or not, I still live there!)

Ayurveda – What is it?(and how in the world do I pronounce it?)

• Ayurveda is a way of living with awareness, a time honored healing art from India.

Ayurveda – What is it?(and how in the world do I pronounce it?)

• Ayurveda is a way of living with awareness, a time honored healing art from India.

• Two Sanskrit words (ayus = life or lifespan) (veda = knowledge), so the two words sewn together

Ayurveda – What is it?(and how in the world do I pronounce it?)

• Ayurveda is a way of living with awareness, a time honored healing art from India.

• Two Sanskrit words (ayus = life or lifespan) (veda = knowledge), so the two words sewn together

• Ayurveda means “life-knowledge” or “science of life”.

Ayurveda – What is the body made of?

Modern science Ayurvedic science

Ayurveda – Some concepts Ayurveda seeks to teach and manifest balance, rather than pacifying or suppressing symptoms.

1. Yoga (mental refinement) 2. Breathing techniques (Pranayama) 3. Massage 4. Diet (eating for health & balance)5. Herbal medicine 6. Color therapy 7. Sound therapy

Everyone (and everything) has a constitution

We look at 5 elements(Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether)

We look at 5 senses(Smell, Taste, Sight, Touch, Sound)

& 5 Organs(Nose, Tongue, Eyes, Skin, Ears)

In addition…3 gunas or fundamental attributes Satva - the pure essence of realityRajas - change or movementTamas - the force of inertia3 humors or Doshas (biological forces)Vata (Air & Space)Pitta (Fire & Water)Kapha (Water & Earth)7 tissues16 channels 7 ChakrasAgni - fireAma – sticky residueThe Ayurvedic Anatomy: body, breath, mind, ego and consciousness

In addition…There are 7 basic tissues (dhatu), which are plasma, blood, muscles, fat, bone, marrow and nerve tissue, and reproductive tissue. Ayurveda has historically divided bodily substances into five classical elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. There are also twenty qualities or characteristics which are considered to be inherent in all substances : heavy/light • cold/hot • moist/dry • dull/sharp • stable/mobile • soft/hard • non-slimy/slimy • smooth/coarse • minute/gross • viscous/liquid.

The three doshas

Brief Meditation

Doshas: VataVata: Cold, light, dry, irregular, rough, moving, quick, changeable. If Vata dosha predominates, movement and change are characteristic of your nature. You will tend to always be on the go, with an energetic and creative mind. As long as Vata is in balance, you will be lively and enthusiastic, with a lean body.Physical Characteristics: Those with a predominance of Vata dosha are usually have a thin, light frame and excellent agility. Their energy comes in bursts, and they are likely to experience sudden bouts of fatigue. Vatas typically have dry skin and hair and cold hands and feet. They sleep lightly and their digestion can be sensitive. When the Vata dosha becomes imbalanced, it manifests in the body as weight loss, constipation, hypertension, arthritis, weakness, restlessness, and digestive challenges.

Doshas: VataEmotional Characteristics: Vatas love excitement and new experiences. They are quick to anger but also to forgive. When Vatas are in balance, they are energetic, creative, and flexible. They also take initiative and are lively conversationalists. When unbalanced, they are prone to worry and anxiousness and often suffer from insomnia. When they feel overwhelmed or stressed, their response is, “What did I do wrong?”

• Practice at a slow, smooth & steady pace.

• Explore fluidity in your poses.

• Focus on the foundation of the pose to create stability.

• Focus on lengthening your inhalation.

• Stay connected to the earth.

• Engage your entire body by hugging your muscles to the bones.

• Be present in your practice.

• Stay warm.• Conclude your

practice with a long savasana.

Brief Meditation

Doshas: PittaPitta: Hot, light, intense, penetrating, pungent, sharp, acidic. Those with a predominance of the Pitta principle have a fiery nature that manifests in both body and mind.If Pitta dosha predominates, Pittas are usually of medium size and weight. They sometimes have bright red hair, but baldness or thinning hair is also common in a Pitta. They have excellent digestion, which sometimes leads them to believe they can eat anything. They have a warm body temperature. They sleep soundly for short periods of time and have a strong sex drive. When in balance, Pittas have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. When out of balance, Pittas may suffer from skin rashes, burning sensations, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, and indigestionPhysical Characteristics: Pittas are usually of medium size and weight. They sometimes have bright red hair, but baldness or thinning hair is also common in a Pitta.

Doshas: PittaThey have excellent digestion, which sometimes leads them to believe they can eat anything. They have a warm body temperature They sleep soundly for short periods of time and have a strong sex drive. When in balance, Pittas have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. When out of balance, Pittas may suffer from skin rashes, burning sensations, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, and indigestion

Emotional Characteristics: Pittas have a powerful intellect and a strong ability to concentrate. When they’re in balance, they are good decision makers, teachers, and speakers. They are precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often outspoken. Out-of-balance Pittas can be short-tempered and argumentative. When Pittas are overstressed, their typical response is “What did you do wrong?”

• Have fun in your poses.

• Enjoy movement in your poses.

• Allow freedom and creativity in your practice. Change it up.

• Practice in a moderately cool space.

• Focus on the yoga experience in your body, not your brain.

• Work at 80% effort.• Avoid being

judgmental and critical of yourself.

• Focus on your exhalation.

• Practice plenty of twists and side body openers.

• Remind yourself that less is more!

Brief Meditation

Doshas: KaphaKapha: Kapha governs the structure of the body. It is the principle that holds the cells together and forms the muscle, fat, bone, and sinew. The primary function of Kapha is protection.

Physical Characteristics: Kapha types have a strong build and excellent stamina. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick hair are also important Kapha characteristics. Those who are predominantly Kapha sleep soundly and have regular digestion. But when Kapha builds to excess, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies manifest in the body. When they’re out of balance, Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression.

Emotional Characteristics: Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive. People with an excess of Kapha tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer nourishing or necessary. Excess Kapha in the mind manifests as resistance to change and stubbornness. In the face of stress, the typical Kapha response is “I don’t want to deal with it.”

• Practice at a vigorous pace and intensity.

• Focus on expanding the posture.

• Practice in a warm space.

• Use a strong forceful breath during practice.

• Keep your chest and shoulders open and lifted as you practice.

• Feel a sense of lightness in your poses.

• Challenge yourself. Keep moving.

• Enjoy a restorative pose for final relaxation.

• Be precise in your poses.

• Pay close attention to your alignment.