We’re having a real Winter here in WNC for a change, and it’s taking an effort to stay warm. This week’s practices are all about stoking the inner fire.
Increasing Agni & Decreasing Ama
When agni the fire element is low we can experience symptoms such as: low energy, lethargy, low metabolism, sluggish digestion, brain fog, feeling depressed and lacking motivation, feeling chilly, withdrawing from others, stiff joints, and poor circulation.
To increase agni in the vinyasa flow practice, we’ll use Bhastrika, the full version of Breath of Fire. Bhastrika means Bellows. In this strong breathing practice, our diaphragm works like a bellows forcing air in both directions, in and out. The effect is drying, heating, and invigorating. It’s a great antidote for Kapha dosha which accumulates due to excess mucus and cold in the body.
Be cautious with Bhastrika pranayama if you have irregular blood pressure, heart issues, or eye problems (such as glaucoma). If Bhastrika causes you to become light-headed or dizzy, stop the practice and go back to normal breathing.
In the gentle practice we’ll stoke agni by gradually building warmth in the body as well as practicing the Agni Mudra, which is a hand mudra used for stimulating fire, increasing metabolism, and balancing the digestive function in the body.
Tea to Detoxify Ama
The symptoms of low agni above can be accompanied by an increase of ama, which is a sticky, slimy and aggravating residue produced by the body when digestion is incomplete. Ama tea is a great remedy for this situation. It’s a simple blend of kitchen spices that increases agni and decreases ama and has been a favorite of mine this winter.
In her book Healing the Thyroid with Ayurveda, Marianne Teitelbaum offers this recipe for Ama Tea:
To a thermos full of hot water (that has been boiled for up to 5 minutes), add “2 green cardamom pods, 2 thin slices of ginger root, 2 black peppercorns, 1 whole allspice berry, 1 clove, and a ½ inch piece of cinnamon stick. Seal the thermos and let the spices steep for 20 minutes.” Sip slowly as much as you’d like at a time over the course of 4 hours.
If you try it, let me know what you think!
Stay warm,
Shala
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Bhastrika: 35 min. Vinyasa Flow Sequence (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/675477631/ded3032108
Agni Mudra: 31 min. Gentle Yoga Sequence (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/675472920/2ce8fe3f9c
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