psychology, and yoga for the abdomen

[Guest guest]

regarding western psychology and ayurveda:

 

I am not a trained Ayurvedic specialist, but I have

studied Ayurveda for a while and I integrate my

knowledge of it with "western" psychotherapy in

my counseling practice, for clients who are

interested. The systems work quite well together,

as Ayurveda also addresses one's state of mind and

emotions. I don't prescribe herbs or anything of that

sort, but when a client shows signs of a certain dosha

likely being out of balance, I suggest lifestyle changes

that can assist them, breathing practices, and what

books to read to learn more. I also refer to an

Ayurvedic practitioner if they really want to explore it.

 

Additionally, I'm a yoga teacher and I also practice

and teach Ayurvedic Yoga, which I have studied for a

few years.

 

if anyone is interested in what I do, you can go to my

website for information:

http://www.awakeningself.com

 

regarding yoga for the abdomen:

 

It's not a certain style of yoga that will necessarily

address this, but what asanas you are practicing, and at

what pace. It really depends on what issues you want

worked in with your abdomen - is it that you want to firm

it up? Do you want to calm indigestion or an acid stomach?

are you wanting help with constipation? Different asanas

will address these things.

 

however, a couple practices that I think are very helpful

for most conditions are Uddiyana Bandha and Agni Sara.

Uddiyana Bandha, when practiced in it's full form (not the

Ashtanga style, which is more of a partial Uddiyana), is

very toning for the abdomen and extremely healing for

the internal organs. I would not recommend it for hernias,

though, and if you have particular, more critical conditions

I'd consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before practicing.

However, for most people, it is very healing. I do it

every morning before breakfast. It will help will all

aspects of digestion and elimination. There is a good

photo and description of what Uddiyana Bandha looks

like on this page (it is "Stage I" in their description).

They also demonstrate Nauli, which is excellent, but

much more difficult to do.

http://www.yoga-age.com/asanas/nauli.html

 

Agni Sara is the pumping of the belly. You can do it

from Uddiyana Bandha, releasing the belly and then

sucking it back in quickly. Do not breathe while doing

this - it is all done while you are EMPTY of breath.

An easier way to do Agni Sara is to sit upright and

make a fist with one hand, sticking the thumb straight

out. Place the thumb in the navel, pressing it in and down

as far back as you can (without undue discomfort!) into

the belly, and pump the belly like this 100 times. You

can breathe however it is natural. This is also very

healing for the belly. If you have acidic conditions in

the stomach, you may want to be gentle with this, or

again consult a practitioner before beginning.

 

Blessings,

Connie

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the information, Connie.

It's a good stepping-off place.

I am interested for the purpose of toning the area

and strengthening my lower back. By focusing on

the abdomen specifically, I hope to also help with

bouts of indigestion and to bring holistic attention,

as it were, to that area.

 

Again, thanks!

 

Cathy

 

http://www.cafepress.com/catseyedesign

 

 

 

 

ayurveda, "Connie Habash" <Connie@a...>

wrote:

>

> regarding western psychology and ayurveda:

>

> I am not a trained Ayurvedic specialist, but I have

> studied Ayurveda for a while and I integrate my

> knowledge of it with "western" psychotherapy in

> my counseling practice, for clients who are

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the replies to my question. --- In

ayurveda, "Connie Habash" <Connie@a...> wrote:

>

> regarding western psychology and ayurveda:

>

> I am not a trained Ayurvedic specialist, but I have

> studied Ayurveda for a while and I integrate my

> knowledge of it with "western" psychotherapy in

> again consult a practitioner before beginning.

...

...