Prior to implementing Ayurvedic principles and practices into my life, I had a long list of symptoms and diagnoses:
I experienced frequent fevers in infancy. I regularly missed school in primary grades due to fevers, abdominal pain, fatigue and weakness. After a long process, the diagnostic conclusion was Rheumatoid Arthritis. Frequent bouts of missing school were treated with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and rest. When I wasn’t missing school I was making up for lost time through sports and socializing. By the time I was in university, I always had a full schedule with either school and working part time or working full time and school part time. These schedules also included volunteering and socializing. I thought, how could I be sick if I was managing all of these things? But the inevitable crash would come and I would spend a few days in bed before returning back to my full schedule. These schedules were always full of variability; variability in work hours, class hours, meal times, sleep times. I had no concept of down time, unwinding or checking in with myself.
I was only having 2-6 natural menstrual bleeds a year. I began taking oral birth control to induce bleeding and to prevent cancer cells from accumulating. This changed my appetite, weight, emotions and overall sense of self.
Irritable bowel syndrome was not concerning to others at the time, as I was a university student and increased stress was considered ‘normal.’ My symptoms included alternating constipation and diarrhea, nausea, variable appetite and abdominal pain.
The bottom line was when I was stressed I would flare up and when I flared up I was stressed. This cycle had been my primary experience for years – I was only twenty two years old.
When I was introduced to Ayurveda through yoga, I was diving in as much as I could through books, websites, and self implementation. This is a much more challenging way to come to understand your constitution, imbalances and treatment plan as opposed to working with a trained practitioner. For me this was my starting point into studying formally in order to deepen my understandings of myself and how I interact with the world around me. Ayurveda truly is the science of life and the science of self study.
It was clear to me I had long term vata (air-type) and pitta (fire-type) imbalances. What continued to unfold overtime was my true constitution and the root causes of imbalances.
The first nutritional changes I made were from cold smoothies and overnight oats to warm, cooked, easily digestible meals breakfast of spiced oatmeal, stewed fruit, kanjee. Based on my imbalances I was cooking with coriander, cumin, fennel, ginger and cinnamon. I replaced cold water for warm water and added herbal teas such as chamomile, lemon balm and mint which are calming and cooling.
With the understanding that like increases like I gained more insight into my cravings. When experiencing excess fire and air qualities in my body and mind my cravings for airy and fiery foods also increased such as chips, popcorn, spicy, fried foods. I was learning what food as nourishment truly means as I was engaging with food and digestion using all of my senses.
The very first Ayurvedic lifestyle practices I implemented were oil pulling, tongue scraping and abhyanga, or self oil massage. I had cultivated a true curiously with each of these practices and it didn’t take long to experience how they foster presence and self connection.
Morning and evening sensory therapy routines developed over time and their benefits compounded.
Eventually, I incorporated a full deep tissue detox Ayurvedic cleanse.
Within six month, I noticed more stable mood and energy levels. I was eliminating almost daily in the mornings. With the nutrition and lifestyle changes I was able to process and assimilate both food and experiences. Resulting in less overwhelm, irritability, negative self talk and overall stress levels.
The more I learned about Ayurveda, the more I was able to implement new practices. My tools expanded to include nasya oil, breathing practices, yoga nidra, kriya yoga, mudras, seasonal cleansing and more. As a result, I was more in tune with my cycle, experienced more regular menses and a reduction in pre-menstrual symptoms. There were incrementally longer periods of time in between flare-ups. Daily and seasonal joint pain significantly reduced.
I continue to expand my tools outwards, with sound therapy, color therapy and aromatherapy, to foster holistic health from these wisdoms and ways of living in rhythm. I practice regular Ayurvedic cleansing to maintain my health and wellbeing and to keep toxic accumulation at bay.
It is not just about knowing the tools, it is about listening to which tools your body, mind and spirit are seeking at different times. Working with a practitioner for the first time provided an outside perspective and deeper insights into my blind spots. I remember being told during my clinical training that “there are reasons why Ayurvedic practitioners have Ayurvedic practitioners.” The guidance, support, reflections and sounding board they offer are invaluable.
My Rheumatoid arthritis and stress levels are manageable. I have a regular, pain-free cycle. I no longer experience Raynaud’s phenomenon, acne or irritable bowel syndrome.
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