Nature

Chakra power

A Word about the Chakras

 

 

​Referred to as the Science of the Mind; Yoga and it’s sister science, Ayurveda, are primordial body and mind traditions dating back 5,000 years.  Their roots are   from in India.  The purpose of studying the Science of the Mind (Yoga), and the Science of Life  (Ayurveda) is to become a conscious human being!  Both sciences have many branches and specialties.  Popular in the United States, is Hatha Yoga, which is composed of the physical yoga of exercise; called asana study, breathing; called pranayama and meditation.  Gaining popularity in the United States is the longevity branch of Ayurveda, which emphasizes nutrition, herbal supplementation (on a limited basis) and lifestyle change.  Both systems refer to subtle energies and talk about the Chakras.  The purpose of this article is to introduce you to the first three chakras, showing you how knowledge about the subtle energetics of the body will aid you in finding your own balance between mind and body.  We will conclude at the heart.  

​The word chakra, comes from Sanskrit and meanswheel.  Sanskrit is the primary sacred language, literally the word Sanskrit means consecrated or sanctified, of Hinduism.    It is a language of vibration.  The oldest written texts in India refer to chakra, as a point where subtle energy resides, much like the movement of the sun, the spinning wheels of light that compose this energy system maps our entire body. Ancient mapping showed over 72,000 sub chakras called Nadis that cover our hands, feet, arms, legs, etc., with seven major points, commonly referred to as the seven chakras. Langer’s Lines which are topological lines that correspond to the natural orientation of the collagen fibers of our skin, were investigated by Karl Langer, an Austrian anatomist in the 1800’s.  This discovery revolutionized surgical procedures to produce minimal scarring.   Now, through modern technology, energy pathways that have points of conductivity are being mapped, revolutionizing our treatment of health and well-being.  

​Points to remember:  Chakras, traditionally spelled cakra, are focal points of energy these points receive, transmit and store vital life force called Prana, which literally means First Unit.  This vital energy has physical manifestations, and each chakra has a specific location in our physiology.  The energy of each chakra can be deficient, excessive or balanced.  There is a developmental connection between our years of growth and development into adulthood and the chakras, in other words there is a psychological development component to each chakra.  We have the ability to balance and attune each of our chakras with the right tools.  Ancient yogis held advanced knowledge, in other words, the tools, to develop, balance and align the chakras.  Ayurveda and Yoga hold the key to this advancement.  From gross to subtle, the chakra systems, particularly the first three chakras, respondfavorably to nutrition, based upon the principles of Ayurveda; exercise for the body, such as Hatha Yoga; and Meditation for the Mind.  Additionally, the study of breath called Pranayama, the observance and control of breath ,  is closely linked to each of the chakras.    A specific healing strategy for each chakra, based upon the characteristic that is displayed at the moment is quite effective.  From subtle Sound Therapy, Aromatherapy, or Ayurvedic massage techniques, the energetic bodies can be brought into a harmonious balance.  Here is some information about the first three chakras.

​The First Chakra called Muladhara, means Root.  It is our foundation where ego based survival energies lie.  Composed of Space and Earth, think blueprint for your home before it was built (Space) and then the concrete foundation (Earth).  Balanced characteristics are: vitality, ability to relax and be still, and feeling stable.  The first chakra rules the feet and legs; its location is at the base of the spine.  

​ The Second Chakra, Swadhisthana, means Sweetness.  ​It is our connection and emotional flow, where our sexual energy lies as well as all desire.  The second chakra is about polarity: male and female, sun, and moon, this and that.  Composed of water, this chakra resides in the pelvis. Balanced characteristics are healthy boundaries, and emotional intelligence.  In the analogy of a house, this chakra would be the water system in the home, the pipes that deliver hot and cold water for luxurious bathing and such.  

​The Third Chakra, called Manipura, means lustrousgem. Residing in the solar plexus, the element is Fire.  It rules our Digestion, which is fire.   Personal power, which can be fire in a psychological way, is also the domain of this third chakra.  A balanced third chakra reveals itself as confidence, personal warmth and good self-esteem.  These three chakras make up our ego-based personality and are formed from infancy through age 3.5 years.   These three chakras are said to cover the evil energies of Greed, Avarice and Lust.   Through proper development these three form the foundation, (plus walls and physical space) plumbing and heating system of our “home.”  In the middle of the three lower and three higher chakras resides the Anahata, or heart chakra.  It’s meaning is that which is unstruck sound, and its element is Air.  The balance point between chakras 1-3 and 5-7, this is the home of Love, and Equilibrium.  A balanced forth chakra is Compassion in action!  Inside the symbols of the first three chakras a triangle is shown, with it’s point facing down toward the Earth.  This signifies the downward energy of grounding to the Earth, or gravity, (chakra one) coupled with movement(chakra two) and interaction (chakra three).   Inside the symbol of the fourth chakra, Anahata are two triangles, onepointing to the Earth, the other toward the sky.    This symbolizes, the balance and binding force, that which we call Love.  The pattern and relationship of the former three informs the later three chakras (5,6,7).  A peaceful, balanced life can be yours if you choose to follow the path of Yoga and Ayurved.  

Karen Vasil-Busch, LMT is a Registered Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga teacher, Owner of Body Wise Therapy, she can be reached at:  207-336-2065.

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Setting up for a traditional spring cleanse

       Setting up a Spring Cleanse

            Ah, Spring!  Fresh green shoots are poking their heads up from the cool damp earth and the sap is running in the trees.  Spring breezes fill the air.  Depending upon where you live spring occurs March to early May. Our bodies adjust accordingly and we want to move more, perhaps shed our winter weight and certainly dullness. 

Spring Cleanse Basics – before you consider a traditional Ayurveda spring cleanse it is wise to consult with a registered Ayurveda Practitioner to understand the complete details.  Armed with the facts, you can discuss the traditional Ayurveda cleanse with your primary health care provider to see if this cleanse is right for you.

Before you begin:  ask your self what you would like from this cleanse, on a physical, mental and emotional level.  Setting goal to shed a few pounds of winter weight, feel more energetic and clear of mind while establishing a stabilized mood are wholesome intentions and are also signs of a successful cleanse.

Making space for a cleanse: Prepare to lighten up your social commitments for a couple of days or more and to generally take it easy when exercising during and right after your cleanse.   Allowing your body the time it needs to focus on one thing at a time reaps great rewards.

Assembling your toolkit.  For a traditional Ayurveda cleanse you will need to make a shopping list for specific foods and tools for cleansing.  Consult with your Ayurveda Practitioner on where to find a tongue scrapper, neti pot, Ayurveda oils and ingredients for traditional kitchari (dalh/rice combo).

Preparing to begin  - eliminating daily habits that do not serve your cleanse (caffeinated drinks, sugar, baked goods, hard cheeses and heavy foods like meat).

What to expect from your cleanse – radiant complexion, clear eyes, more energy, happy, stable mood, increased flexibility of body and mind. 

Post Cleanse routines for optimal health:

 

Daily brushing of skin followed by abhyanga, (oil massage), tongue scrapping, neti pot and neti oil, oil pulling for teeth and gums., eyewash with triphala for cataract prevention or rose hydrosol spray for eyes that are red , dry or itchy, also oil in the ears. 

Head scalp weekly oil treatment.

            I invite you to set up an Ayurveda health consultation today to see if a Spring cleanse is right for you.  Thank You, Karen Vasil-Busch, BA, LMT and Registered Ayurveda Practitioner.  Body Wise Therapy:  207.336.2065.

Why Massage?

 When I was in massage therapy school, massage was relegated to sports rooms at the local YMCA.  In the past three decades there has been an explosion in this field.  Why? Partly due to the fact that people are living longer and seeking ways to extend their quality of life.  If you google "benefits of massage" you will come up with over 3.5 million web pages and over 100 different conditions massage therapy is said to help.  Sadly, much of the information is not backed by credible  studies but the good news is; research is being done.  Here are five ways Massage therapy can improve your health, backed by science.
     1.  A new study by the Massage Therapy Foundation suggests that massage therapy may be an effective non-pharmaceutical approach to pain management. Other research shows that massage therapy can help with low-back pain, tension headaches as well as an adjunct to cancer treatments.
    2.  Massage may Control Stress - we may be aware that the effects of long term stress can take it's toll on our health, but did you know that regular massage therapy may relieve stress and conditions associated with it, such as tension headaches?
    3.  Massage may boost mental health and wellness.  Studies suggest that symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression may be directly affected by regular treatments of massage.
    4.  Massage may increase immunity.  This study showed that massage therapy can help boost the immune system by increasing the activity levels of the body's natural "killer T cells" which fight off virus.
   5.  Athletic Massage improves physical fitness.  For recreational as well as elite athletes, massage therapy can reduce muscle tension, improve exercise performance and prevent injuries.
  The final reason I have for Why Massage? is that Massage feels good!  From cradle to the grave human touch is as essential as the food we eat to nourish our bodies.  In India, the word for massage "Abhyanga" means Love.  We may never know exactly why or how massage works on the physiology of a person, and that's fine with me, just to  experience the numinous, good feeling of safe human touch.

Why I practice

BodyWise Awareness - why I practice manual myofascial therapy

         Myofascial therapy addresses the underlying factors of strain patterns commonly found in our body from ineffective movement habits as a result of modern day living or from invasions of injury or surgery or both.  Over a course of time these strain patterns become habituated influencing our basic structure and adversely affecting our posture, movement and breathing patterns.

         Through long, slow work with the connective tissue, my Myofascial manual therapy will expand your body awareness, awakening your relationship to your body, your alignment, and your respiration. You may become aware of habits that may not be serving you as tension is released and movement is improved; this is Body Wise Awareness!

          Adopting new practices such as yoga, meditation and healthful nutrition are lifestyle changes that carry monumental implications; not only for our personal health but also for our society. As stress factors continue to mount we have the tools to adapt with equanimity and  which is a strength that adds to our world in a positive way.

Dr. Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic on the Benefits of Massage Therapy