Atma Bodha-The Vancouver Yoga Center Newsletter
Issue 1-Fall/Winter 2003-04
Feb 14, 2004

Hi !

In this issue, you'll read:
Welcome to the first issue of our community newsletter
A Brief Introduction To Ayurveda By Maureen Knutson
Prakriti-Body Constitution Characterisitics
Yoga Asana By Matt Hartman
Ayurvedic Cooking By Melonie Nielsen
Welcome to the Astrology Corner with Jay Puryear
Book Review By Doug Hicks
Kabir Poem
Massage Therapy with Melonie
Private Yoga & Structural Therapy with Melonie
Ayurveda with Melonie

Welcome to the first issue of our community newsletter

Welcome to the first Issue of Atma Bodha-Vancouver Yoga Center's Newsletter.
Atma means the "Supreme Self" Bodha means "knowledge of". It is our Vision of the Newsletter and the Center to teach and practice principles that align us in a more balanced harmonious way so that we may connect into our highest potential and begin to understand the great mystery that is life. We hope you enjoy the various articles on Yoga, Ayurveda, Health, Philosophy, Cooking, Astrology and our communities favorite books. We would welcome your submissions for future issues just send them to Melonie at editor@vancouveryogacenter.com

Back to top

A Brief Introduction To Ayurveda By Maureen Knutson

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term meaning life science. Developed in India over 5000 years ago, this life science is a collection of ancient wisdom of healing, disease prevention, and longevity.
Ayurveda assumes a unique systems view of wellness. It considers all levels of the individual, offers natural ways of treating disease and promoting health, emphasizes prevention, and most importantly helps everyone take responsibility for their own well being.
According to Ayurveda, a healthy person is one who maintains a dynamic balance of optimal digestion, nutrient and energy delivery, tissue production, waste elimination and mental and spiritual clarity.
A comprehensive Ayurvedic natural health program consists of a wide variety of therapies, including:
Herbology
Diet & Nutrition
Detoxification by gentle cleansing called Pancha Karma
Ayurvedic Massage
Aromatherapy
Yoga Therapy
Sound Therapy
Color & Gem Therapy
Lifestyle Counseling & Exercise
Psychology, Ethics, & Spiritual Counseling
In Ayurvedic Beauty Care, author Melanie Sachs explains “Ayurveda teaches that the world and everything we experience is no more than the play of energy that condenses from primordial space; energy in different forms but behaving with cosmic intelligence, according to the laws of nature... Ayurveda teaches that health is maintained by the balance of three subtle energies or doshas, known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These energies account for all forms of matter (Kapha), the force and direction they move (Vata), and the transformations they go through (Pitta). These subtle energies or doshas are combinations of the five elemental energies of space, air, fire, water and earth. As all life forms possess these qualities, the purpose of Ayurveda is to bring these forces into harmony so that they promote physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.”
In the Ayurvedic system these 5 elements are present in each person in varying proportions, however, the one or two that are most prevalent will dominate, establishing your prakriti(body constitution). Knowing and maintaining your prakriti is at the root of good health. Imbalances caused by physical, mental, emotional or environmental influences are at the root of disease.

Maureen Knutson (mfknut@pacifier.com) is a Yogini at the Center & is a graduate from AYU Ayurvedic Academy.

Back to top

Prakriti-Body Constitution Characterisitics

Here is a brief questionnaire of the 3 main constitutional types in Ayurveda.

Vata –Ether & Air
Do you get flustered easily?
Do you have a short attention span?
Do you learn quickly and forget quickly?
Do you sleep poorly?
Do you start 5 different projects and never finish them?
Vata people tend to run on the cold side. Dryness in all forms shows up in the body especially constipation or gas.

Pitta -Fire & Water
Do you excel at doing more than one task at the same time?
Do you learn quickly and forget slowly?
Do you get irritable if you miss a scheduled meal?
Do you like to be physical and have a competitive streak?
Pitta people tend to be warm and can sweat easily. They are generally driven, focused and can be perfectionist.

Kapha– Water & Earth
Do you have lots of endurance?
Do you gain weight easily?
Do you learn slowly and forget slowly?
Do you sleep long and deep?
Kapha people tend to be steady & consistent. Slow to take on new things or ideas. In the body they can easily get congestion or respiratory issues.

Back to top

Yoga Asana By Matt Hartman

Bhujangasana,
most commonly referred to as cobra pose, is named for the serpent-like snake that has risen upright from its belly with strength and glory. Considered a partial backbend (since the legs are straight). Bhujangasana is an invaluable and versatile pose for practitioners of all levels because of its ability to stabilize the pelvis while opening the heart (two important aspects of advanced back bending).
The legs of this cobra must be supportive in their strength to invite a spacious and rooted quality to the pelvis (especially the sacro-illiac joint). When the glory rises forward from a deeper source (the pelvis focal point) it tones the viscera and illuminates the inner experience, thus improving self esteem, metabolic activity, digestion and creative potential.
The upward curling gesture of head and shoulders into the back plane promotes strength into the spine, alleviating tight and weakened spinalis muscles. Integrating and strengthening of arms, shoulders and neck invigorates the spirit, flow of breath and prana across the collarbones through the upper palate. Aah Yes! When there is ease to the throat and connection in the heart, we are clear and articulate with thoughts, intentions, and words, expanding our insights into the universal love which dwells in every heart of every being.
In light of the vast long-lasting benefits of cobra pose caution should be taken for those with lower back/vertebral disc issues, herniations of any type and sacro-iliac dysfunction.

Back to top

Ayurvedic Cooking By Melonie Nielsen

GHEE– clarified butter
Ghee is one of the most ancient and essential ingredients in Ayurvedic cooking.
How is ghee different than butter? Although ghee is made out of butter it is very different in its effects on the body. Butter can congest the body and ghee helps remove blockages. It aids in absorption of nutrients, lubricates connective tissue in the body and makes the body more flexible. It is good for all the Doshas especially Pitta’s. It is valued as a rejuvenative and elixir.

Things you will need to make Ghee:
1# Raw unsalted organic butter
Heavy stainless steel pan
Cheese cloth & strainer
Cook uncovered gently over medium heat for approx. 10-15min. The butter will foam and become white & frothy, making cracking and popping sounds. When the ghee begins to boil silently, with only a trace of air bubbles on the surface it is done. It will have a golden brownish color to it. Take off heat & allow to cool and strain through cheesecloth discarding the sediment at the bottom of the pan. Place in a glass jar covered.
The elements that make butter spoil have been removed form the ghee so it can be kept indefinitely without refrigeration. As a matter of fact the older the ghee the more therapeutic its effects. 100 year old ghee is still used in India today to cure a variety of disorders
Many westerners are concerned that the use of ghee will increase their cholesterol or add unnecessary amounts of fat to there diet. Used within the context of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, this is quite unlikely to occur. If it is abused, as with anything it could create imbalances.

Back to top

Welcome to the Astrology Corner with Jay Puryear

October has the planet Mars in Pisces and is moving very slow in the sky. New projects and activities may be slow getting started until mid– November. These are great times to focus on your spiritual practices of yoga and meditation, or spiritual studies. Take time to enjoy the Autumn weather and casual hikes in the woods or nature. By mid-December, Mars moves into fiery Aries and you could feel the extra physical energy, spontaneity and exuberance for doing more activities as it is the natural sign for it. January is the month to start new projects. By the first of February, Mars enters into Taurus and you should feel the energies slowing down again,
as this is a more reflective and slower paced period for activities until March 21st when Mars goes into Gemini.
Mercury will be retrograde from DEC 17th-Jan 6th, so do your Christmas shopping early, before then for best results and to reduce the possible stresses of miss-communication during this time. Mercury retrograde is a time when its appearance in the night sky looks like it is moving backwards through the constellations.
Saturn in Cancer means “Cash is King” for the next couple years. Time to focus on your home life, house and building new foundations in your life. Parents and family issues may come up at this time, so be proactive and work on clearing any issues. Pay off house debt (or pay down), set aside emergency money for the future and become more financially stable. Oct-Nov can be a rough time economically for the US Government and the stock market could have a severe drop.

Jay Puryear (jpuryear@att.net) is a level 2 Yogi at the Center, herbalist, naturopath, and astrologer, who owns a scientific instruments company

Back to top

Book Review By Doug Hicks

Sunbeams and The Sun
I admit it. I'm a quote junky. I've compiled ‘em all my life and am always on the lookout for succinct thought that captures essential experience.
Just over ten years ago, I discovered a book –Sunbeams– that is the best compilation of quotes I've ever seen. In its 159 pages, editor Sy Safransky has gathered illuminating material from the likely sources– Mother Theresa, Suzuki Roshi, and Mahatma Gandhi and not so obvious ones– Woody Allen, Paul Simon, and Tom Robbins. Sunbeams is organized in loose, sometimes enigmatic, topics and is a delight to read no matter what page you start on. This is no Bartlett’s; it’s more like a Whole Earth Catalog of thought for seeing differently.
Every bit as commendable is the companion publication, The Sun. Each month, a mix of fiction, an interview, photography, poetry and quotes– all loosely related to some common theme– are published in a 52-page magazine that is advertising free. My favorite section is reader submissions– short essays on topics such as Wasting Time, Vanity, and Small Towns. The writing is often poignant, often wry and humorous– special stuff in a magazine unlike any I've encountered. I read it cover to cover, no small accolade for this reader notably impatient with fluffy writing.
The Sun is available by subscription only. For details see: www.thesunmagazine.org
*Please email your review of a book or publication that has inspired you or changed your life. Email to: sitaom@hotmail.com

Back to top

Kabir Poem

BE STRONG THEN, AND ENTER INTO YOUR OWN BODY: THERE YOU HAVE A SOLID PLACE FOR YOUR FEET. THINK ABOUT IT CAREFULLY! DON'T GO OFF SOMEWHERE ELSE!

KABIR SAYS THIS: JUST THROW AWAY ALL THOUGHTS OF IMAGINARY THINGS, AND STAND FIRM IN THAT WHICH YOU ARE.

~Kabir

Back to top

Massage Therapy with Melonie

Massage helps to relieve stress and tensions in the body and mind. Relaxing and tonifying massage decreases blood pressure, improves circulation and lymph flow. Slow paced and appropriate pressure are used to release tensions and restore the natural supple quality to the musculature.

Choose from gentle relaxation massage or more therapeutic deep tissue.
1/2 hour $35 1 hour $50 1 1/2 hours $70

Back to top

Private Yoga & Structural Therapy with Melonie

These sessions are ideal for those with chronic or acute pain. Those that are seeking massage for injuries would benefit greatly by these sessions. We will work one on one with principles of body alignment and massage manipulation if needed. These sessions will be directed at things you can do to help relieve pain and discomfort in your body by aligning your posture. A tailored yoga therapy exercise plan will be created for you that you can do at home. The principles of body posture you will learn can also be incorporated into your daily life so in essence you can do your yoga throughout the day. These sessions can also be helpful for those students who want to improve their alignment in the yoga postures as well.

1+ hour session $50

Back to top

Ayurveda with Melonie

Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga. It is the most ancient science of preventative health and healing known to the world. Not only being a system of medicine but it is a philosophy of living in harmony with the whole of nature.

Ayurvedic Nutritional consultation-
Just as no two leaves of a tree are alike; no two people are alike. Ayurveda recognizes this uniqueness as Body Constitution (prakriti). Initial consultation includes determination of body constitution by evaluation of Ayurvedic pulse, tongue, eyes, skin, nails, and hair. Ayurvedic recommendations for improving health, vitality and strength of the immune system will be given using customized diets ,nutritional & herbal supplements, exercise & relaxation techniques, daily health-routines, and recommendations for detoxifying treatments

Initial 1 hr consultation $125 includes a 1 hour follow up visit
1 hour additional follow up visits $50

Herbal Massage and Steam Therapy–
This massage uses Ayurvedic Herbal oils that go deep into the tissues and loosen up toxins (ama). The session is followed by a soothing 15 min. herbal steam (Swedana). The steam assists in drawing out the toxins from the system. (Steam is not recommended for those with high blood pressure, heart disease or pregnancy.) To get full benefit from this treatment it is advised that you have the Ayurvedic Nutritional consultation first to determine your body type and current state of imbalance. From that information more specific oils and herbs will be used for your unique body type.

1 hour massage + 15 min. steam $95 1 1/2 hour massage + 15 min. steam $115

Shirodhara-
A fine stream of flowing warm oil is placed over the third eye & forehead area. This blissful therapy quiets the mind and senses, which allows the body's natural healing mechanisms to release stress from the nervous system. Other benefits included: relief from headaches, provides sound sleep, increases memory and nourishes the hair.
1 hour massage and 20 min. oil $95 1 1/2 hour massage and 20 min. oil $115

Back to top