effect. For example, at breakfast time (i.e. Kapha period) one should consume more food with strong fire & air elements. Therefore, breakfast should be light eg. a slice of whole wheat toast with honey, and a little black pepper powder sprinkled on it. In Ayurveda there are certain herbs and spices which work as positive mood boosters, like cardamom seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper powder, honey etc. These herbs/spices can be used in different combinations, to deal with specific imbalances, and thereby help to positively transform one’s mood. Another example is for the women who suffer from PMS related problems due to hormonal changes. From an Ayurvedic perspective, women are easily affected by Vata (air) imbalance during menstruation (or even a few days prior to starting menstruation). As a result, they often go through drastic mood swings. To help control these mood swings, cumin, fennel and liquorice can be very helpful – just add 1 teaspoon each of cumin seed powder, fennel seed powder & liquorice powder to one glass of hot water, mix it well and take this drink twice a day. One can begin to take this drink 7 days before the due date of menstruation, to help maintain balance within the system. Mother Nature has also provided us with many natural mood boosters – we just need to understand nature’s gifts and use them accordingly. Take oatmeal for instance. Oatmeal is rich in earth element, thereby aiding in calming the nervous system and helping the person to feel more grounded. Oatmeal is also full of soluble fiber that helps control blood sugar levels, and therefore aids in relieving feelings of anger and irritability. The rich fiber content of oatmeal also creates a feeling of fullness and helps prevent hunger pangs (commonly caused by air aggravation), which is why one does not feel hungry too quickly after eating oatmeal. Other foods having strong earth and water elements (high soluble fiber contents) are barley, sweet and ripe fruits, strawberries and apples, figs, prunes, large raisins – all these foods are effective in reducing acidity (fire element) in the body, which in turn helps to control feelings of anger and frustration.
Asia Yoga Conference In the June issue of Namaskar, we called for readers to submit a short essay on “Yoga in My Life”. Our editorial committee was most moved by this essay from Hong Kong-based Julie Choi. Julie has received a free four-day, all-conference pass to Asia Yoga Conference 2011, courtesy of the organisers. Thank you to all the other readers who made the time to share their stories.
Yoga in My Lif e Life Julie Choi
Yoga is still a fairly new practice in my life. In the past, bingeing on a pint of ice cream was the usual “don’t-deal-with-stress-or-negative-feelings” distraction tool of choice. More recently, I have learned how to incorporate more productive stress alleviating strategies like yoga. Yoga provides an avenue to become more mindful of limiting thought patterns. Change can only occur when there is awareness. I still have perfectionist tendencies and would get upset at myself for missing out on yoga practicing opportunities. Thankfully, I understand that self-compassion and persistence will help me get to a better place. Everyone’s journey to an optimal yoga practice is unique. I choose to focus on the process rather than the results. I will get there. One mindful pose and breath at a time. Julie is a certified health coach. When she isn’t practicing yoga at Om Yoga & Wellness, she conducts lectures and workshops on mindful eating, weight management, stress reduction, effective communication, changing limiting thought patterns, law of attraction, and evidence-based health coaching.
Save the Date: 7 - 10 June 2012 Asia Yoga Conference www.asiayogaconference.com
generally raw salad is healthy, but for a person whose air element is aggravated, salad will cause dryness Walnut, almonds and coriander seeds are also great mood enhancers. Walnuts and almonds contain natural oils that pacify excess air and fire elements within the system – these are needed for brain cells and neurotransmitters to function properly, effectively acting as mood-lifters. They are especially useful for people who are prone to anxiety, nervousness and depression. Coriander seeds improve air circulation and oxygen supply to the brain, making a person more alert, enthusiastic and motivated. Roots/tubers like carrots, sweet potatoes, taro, yam, etc. are good to consume in winter, (especially during the early part of winter) because winter is generally dry (strong air element) and one can easily
become disoriented, out of focus, etc. Therefore one needs to consume more roots in winter to have a grounding effect and stabilise the mood. So pay attention to the food you eat, and with a little effort, you can do much to maintain a positive, balanced and happy mood. In other words, by managing your food, you can also manage your moods. With 30 years of experience in yoga and Ayurveda, Vinod is an Ayurvedic practitioner in private practice in Hong Kong. +852 2771 1405 or at marketing@ayuryoga-intl.com
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