From Karma Gaia:
Balancing The Third Eye
Your third eye chakra is known by the Sanskrit term Ajna. It is a spot on your brow between your eyes and is connected to intuition, insight, and inspiration. We have a profound grasp of both our inner and outside worlds when ajna is in harmony.
While our physical eyes are associated with the past and the present experience as it unfolds, it’s said that ajna looks to the future. We can envision our next moves with confidence and clarity when we are not distracted by uncertainty and confusion.
Most often, when our ajna is underactive, we lose touch with our own inner wisdom. The good news is that you can do a lot to help ajna grow, thrive, and be in balance.
1. Using a Bija Mantra
The ajna's bija mantra, or seed syllable, is "om" or "aum." The best technique to connect with your insight and intuition is to chant om while closing your eyes and concentrating on the brow point. Setting your purpose can be especially effective in the morning or at the beginning of an ajna-centered yoga practise.
2. Working with Hakini Mudra
The hakini mudra is connected to ajna and is believed to encourage awareness and focus, which improve insight and intuition. When reflecting intently, many people will naturally adopt this mudra; perhaps they sense its value in aiding in the connection with knowledge and insight.
3. Ajna Balancing Asanas
The stance most frequently connected with ajna is Asanas Balasana, also known as the child's pose. There are two basic causes for this. First, the forehead can touch the mat to physically ground and link the brow point to earth.
This area can benefit from additional massage provided by gently swaying the head from side to side. Secondly, child’s pose is a gentle and supported forward fold. Forward folds can aid in fostering self-reflection and research.
Uttanasana (standing forward fold) and prasarita padottanasana (wide-legged standing forward fold) are other front folds that can aid in balancing ajna. A block or bolster positioned beneath the forehead will increase stimulation.
4. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
Nadi shodhana pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing, is already well-known for its balancing properties as a separate practise. This variation can improve its impact on ajna:
To keep your attention on ajna, place your right hand's index and middle fingers on the brow point.
Using your right thumb to cover your right nostril, take a four-count breath through your left nostril.
Exhale for four counts via the right nostril while closing the left nostril with the left ring finger.
For a count of four, inhale through your right nostril while keeping your left nostril shut.
Thumb-shut the right nostril, then open the left and exhale for four counts.
For several minutes, repeat steps 2 through 5, possibly extending the count to 6 or 8 to further relax and centre the mind.
After you've finished the breathing exercise, give yourself a minute to settle back into your regular breathing pattern and focus your awareness on the moment.
From Karma Gaia
Enhance Immunity
A holistic approach to health and wellness includes the use of ayurvedic herbs and spices. The Indian traditional medical system known as Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on encouraging physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. The comprehensive strategy involves dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments.
Cumin
The flavor of cumin is smokey and earthy. This spice is frequently used in Indian cuisine as well as Southwestern American cuisine.
Some evidence suggests that cumin shows significant antioxidant activities in some test procedures.
The effect cumin has on free radicals is suggested as the underlying reason for many of its pharmacological effects, which are:
antimicrobial
anticarcinogenic
antimutagenic
antidiabetic
diuretic
immunomodulatory (changes the body’s immune system)
estrogenic and anti-osteoporoticgastrointestinal
Manjistha
Common madder or Rubia cordifolia are other names for manjistha. This plant might contribute to a beneficial change in the gut flora. However, a person may need to ingest it in larger concentrations than those generally made available by manjistha in order to feel these effects. For this reason, someone would want to include manjistha in their diet or as part of a plan for gut healing.
In addition, a study conducted in 2020 on a substance obtained from the root of R. cordifolia raises the possibility of a phytomedicine for the treatment of bone ailments.
Boswellia
Boswellia is an Ayurvedic spice with anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce joint pain, enhance oral health, and improve digestion, as well as increase breathing capacity in people with chronic asthma.
Triphala
The following three tiny medicinal fruits make up the Ayurvedic treatment known as Triphala:
amla (Emblica officinalis, or Indian gooseberry)
bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Test-tube and animal studies show that Triphala may reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, as well as prevent or limit the growth of certain types of cancer.