Ayurveda Approach to Addiction
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year whole body system translated as “science” or “wisdom” of life. It maintains we were born into this world as perfect human beings. As we age our bodies, minds, and spirits become imbalanced due to environmental influences and circumstances leading to dis-ease in the form of sicknesses such as cancer, inflammation, addiction, and other forms of harmful health. Ayurveda introduces a complete system of lifestyle techniques that are simple and geared to return us to a homeostasis. Eating the proper food, nutrition along with using nature’s pharmacy for sights, sounds, touch, and smell will stimulate natural healing. When our outer actions are in harmony with our inner self and the rhythms of nature we are returned to who we “really are” and to BE.
What is your Dosha?
Through a Mind/Body evaluation, your original Dosha or state of balance as a child is called “Prakruti”. After further questioning, your current state of balance “Vikruti” is determined. Based on whether you are a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha or combination thereof, recommendations are made for optimal health. No two programs are identical and are individualized to your current diet, lifestyle choices, and other criteria.
Dosha Quiz
So Hum Meditation
Benefits of Meditation and Breathing
Meditation, breathing, and mindful choices are part of our practice as we return to a state of equilibrium. Meditation is a powerful tool ancient Ayurvedic physicians prescribed for balancing the mind and body.
Breathing provides oxygen to our vital organs. We are unable to live without air. Alternate Nostril Breathing or “Nadi Shodhana” is a method providing oxygen balancing the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Breathing into our major organs relieves stress, anxiety, and depression.
Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly, walking with mindfulness, gazing at the stars in the evening or using a scripted manta. Cre8ive Consulting provides these tools as well.
Other proven and documented benefits of meditation and breathing are as follows:
- Lower stress hormone response to challenges: Adrenaline, Cortisol, Norepinephrine
- Improved circulatory and digestive function
- Improved mood
- Younger biomarkers: blood pressure, hearing, vision
- Reduced ambulatory BP due to nervousness and anxiety
- Increased DHEA levels
- Strengthens immune system
- Relieves anxiety/stress
- Keeps in the moment before reactive fight/flight
- Releases physical, mental, emotional toxins
- Keeps organs nourished
Benefits of Meditation and Breathing
Meditation, breathing, and mindful choices are part of our practice as we return to a state of equilibrium. Meditation is a powerful tool ancient Ayurvedic physicians prescribed for balancing the mind and body.
Breathing provides oxygen to our vital organs. We are unable to live without air. Alternate Nostril Breathing or “Nadi Shodhana” is a method providing oxygen balancing the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Breathing into our major organs relieves stress, anxiety, and depression.
Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly, walking with mindfulness, gazing at the stars in the evening or using a scripted manta. Cre8ive Consulting provides these tools as well.
Other proven and documented benefits of meditation and breathing are as follows:
- Lower stress hormone response to challenges: Adrenaline, Cortisol, Norepinephrine
- Improved circulatory and digestive function
- Improved mood
- Younger biomarkers: blood pressure, hearing, vision
- Reduced ambulatory BP due to nervousness and anxiety
- Increased DHEA levels
- Strengthens immune system
- Relieves anxiety/stress
- Keeps in the moment before reactive fight/flight
- Releases physical, mental, emotional toxins
- Keeps organs nourished
So Hum Meditation
Why Yoga?
Seated and restorative, gentle yoga massages our sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Through relaxing, stretching movement one will also benefit from coming back to oneself and becoming aware of the beauty that lies within.
Other Exercise: Tune in to your body
You can make choices that keep you in harmony with your inner intelligence and rhythms by tuning into your body’s messages. The body always expresses itself through signals of comfort and discomfort. When choosing a certain path or behavior, ask your body, “How do you feel about this?” If the answer is physical or emotional distress, consider a different choice. If your body sends a signal of comfort and eagerness, proceed with that choice.
6 Directions of the Spine
Other Ayurvedic Approaches that are incorporated into Whole Body Health
- Eat a colorful flavorful diet
- Get abundant restful sleep
- Live in tune with nature
- Aromatherapy
Take it easy…. A flower doesn’t ask to bloom and a tree doesn’t need help to grow roots!
Ayurveda and Mental Health
Ayurveda states that 95% of medication in today’s world in unnecessary if following proper nutrition, exercise, and whole being wellness. Cre8ive Consulting does not form an opinion on such matters and accepts people and situations where they are currently at. Besides tailored counseling approaches based on individual needs, Victoria uses Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” (attention, affection, appreciation, and acceptance) and resolving conflicts using the Seven Steps to Emotional Clearing (Living Nonviolent Communication, Rosenberg, Ph.D., 2012).
Summary
Ayurveda nurtures our relationship with self and others by deepening our levels of awareness in order to experience joy, happiness, and health in our present experiences.
Visit our Ayurveda Tools page for more resources!