Home >

Ayurvedic Insight

Issue #30, April 2004

In This Issue

“The Breath Within the Stone” by Karyn Chabot
“Ayurvedic Relief for Sore Muscles” by Shannon Mooney
Recipe: Thai Stir-Fry

The Breath Within the Stone
by Karyn Chabot, D.Ay., LMT

“Stones are alive, but they are in a sweet coma.” -Dr. Vasant Lad

Some of the most progressive healers in the world have begun using stones in their massage work - not to replace the healing hand, but as an adjunct to traditional massage, facials and healing treatments of all kinds.

Stone massage is an ancient, enduring form of therapeutic bodywork using heated and cooled stones as extensions of the hand. It is a harmonious collaboration of healing energies between the client, the therapist, the divine and the stones. Be mindful that the beauty of this therapy, and all therapies, is manifested by the transference of deep compassion and trust between the therapist and the client. This compassion becomes imprinted within the matrix of each stone.

Pointed, textured stones are used as tools for deep sports related massage. Round, flat, warm stones are laid as balancing agents upon specific energetic centers along the body known as chakras. Smooth, velvety stones are heated in water, then glided with firm pressure along oiled, sore muscles. Cooled white quartzite stones refresh the face (especially after waxing), refine the pores and soothe inflamed skin.

For some people, stone therapy can bring about deep tissue release and alignment of the body, mind, and spirit. For others, it means gently allowing the heat of the stones to soften tension and melt worries away. The experience of an eloquent, deep, structurally restorative and spiritually uplifting stone massage is unsurpassed in its’ transformative potential. The key is finding a skilled stone therapist who incorporates highly textured and charged stones at a comfortable room temperature with traditional hand and elbow massage. Add in just enough patience and healing intention and the stage is set for bodywork bliss.

Most people who have experienced good stone massage work will typically use the adjective “grounded” somewhere in the description of how they felt as the stones where glided and, laid upon their body. Skilled stone therapists are taught to work with the earth energy, which follows the downward flow in the body called apana vayu. a Sanskrit term. The purpose of stone massage is to anchor the root chakra (muladhara) and the second chakra (svadhisthana) of the body. These chakras help our bodies stay connected to the earth.

Many people, in our technological society, feel disconnected, rushed, are high on coffee, over stimulated and stressed out. The quietude we are in search of comes from within. The warmth, energy and texture of the stones help distract us from our busy, scattered minds, imparting a quiet focus. This is especially true if you use sea stones. Sea stones soothe the body on all levels, with an effect similar to the waves of the ocean. When a stone therapist works with the downward flow in the body and anchors the lower chakras, the client experiences an oasis which restores wholeness and balance in a world where people eat their lunch while they are driving and read their email while listening to their voice mail.

According to ayurveda, we are the subatomic structure of God; we are microcosms of the macrocosmic universe. Within the universe exist five basic elements: ether, air, fire, earth and water. Ayurveda classifies these elements into three aspects. These aspects are referred to as doshas.

In order to function, all three doshas must exist harmoniously within the body. What makes us unique is the preponderance of the doshas within the body when we are conceived and then, born into the world. Keeping the doshas in balance is the key to staying healthy. Stress, negative thoughts, feeling disconnected from the Divine, wrong food choices, and lack of exercise are just some of the things that throw us out of balance.

What are the three doshas?

Vata is a Sanskrit word which means “what blows”. It represents the ether and air elements (wind) within the body. These elements are high on cold, windy days during the fall and winter. When vata is out of balance, people tend to experience anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, paranoia and loneliness.

Pitta is a Sanskrit word which means “what cooks”. It represents the fire and water elements within the body. These elements are high on hot, summer days. When pitta is out of balance, people tend to experience self-condemnation, jealousy, anger, competitive thoughts, and aggression.

Kapha is a Sanskrit word which means “what sticks”. It represents the earth and water (mud) elements within the body. These elements are high in the spring and the cold, snowy days of winter. When kapha is out of balance, people experience greed, lethargy, apathy and heaviness.

After careful observation of my clients and friends, I have concluded that the most common complaints are stress and anxiety, which consequently derange vata dosha within the body. When vata dosha is out of balance, it can blow the other doshas, pitta and kapha, around causing a further imbalance within the body. Keeping vata in check is crucial.

There are specific techniques and lifestyle choices that pacify and calm vata dosha. I have implemented these principles into the art of stone massage and esthetic bodywork called Sacred Stone Therapy.

Karyn Chabot is the founder of Sacred Stone Center for Holistic Education and Therapy. For more information about her practice, workshops and training programs call toll free 877-832-1372 or visit her website http://www.sacredstonehealing.com

Ayurvedic Relief for Sore Muscles
by Shannon Mooney

With the Spring energy in the air comes an excitement for new beginnings. We cannot wait to get outside to maybe dig our hands in the earth as we prepare the garden for a new growing season or perhaps to take a spin on the bicycle that has been stored in the shed all winter long. Whatever the motivation, we have renewed energy to begin inviting more activity into our lives.

Many times when we begin an activity for the first time in months, we feel soreness in our muscles and joints. Muscle soreness may appear one day, two days or three days after an activity or workout. It occurs when there has been a lengthening and contraction at the same time in the muscle beyond that muscle’s capacity, and microscopic breakage occurs in the muscle fibers. Lucky for us, the amazing system of the human body is constantly transforming itself. The body sends out enzymes to repair the muscles, making them even stronger, adapting, in preparation to endure the next workout or activity. It is important to allow the muscle to fully relax, repair and recover before again engaging the muscles in an activity which may cause strain.

Massaging with mahanarayan oil, applied locally to the muscles and joints supports the healing process, shortens recovery time and provides instant relief. This traditional ayurvedic formula contains over thirty herbs for strengthening and soothing sore muscles, joints and tendons.

The analgesic qualities of the oil combined with the gentle massage of the muscle tissue, stimulate and promote circulation, thereby increasing oxygen availability to the tissues, enhancing cellular respiration. The increased blood flow helps to disperse wastes from the muscle tissue moving them into the lymph to be filtered out through the kidneys. Both of these actions provide the optimal internal environment for tissue repair. Mahanarayan oil is particularly indicated for excess vata conditions, such as morning stiffness in joints, chronic pain conditions, weak joints due to old age, and muscle atrophy.

Oil applications can be done immediately upon feeling discomfort and soreness within the muscles, joint, ligaments, or tendons. Warm the oil, either by immersing the bottle in hot water or pouring the amount needed into a stainless steel or copper cup held over a heat source. Apply the oil to the skin and massage gently with a circular motion. Allow enough time for the oil to remain on the skin and to penetrate (about 20 minutes) before taking a warm bath or shower. Continue daily applications as long as symptoms persist. Mahanarayan oil can also be used preventatively before an activity, massaging into an area that may be required to perform more work or action in the body.

As you launch into a new fitness program, begin to dig in the garden, take a long bike ride, or even add an extra yoga class to your schedule, know that sore muscles can be a normal reaction from an increase in any new activity, however strenuous it may be. Be prepared to heal yourself with the ayurvedic remedy, mahanarayan oil.

Recipe: Thai Stir-Fry

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Sattvic, - Vata, 0 Pitta, -Kapha

1/2 lb. fresh asparagus, chopped in 1 inch pieces
1 c. Chinese cabbage, thinly sliced
1 medium bunch fresh spinach, chopped
1 c. fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed, then minced
1/2 c. cucumber, peeled and julienned
3 T. fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T sesame oil
3/4 c. coconut milk

In a large skillet, warm sesame oil.

With the temperature medium high, add the garlic and ginger and stir for one minute. Add asparagus, cabbage and spinach.

Stir until the spinach begins to wilt a bit. Pour in coconut milk and stir well. When the spinach is cooked, take the stir-fry off the heat and stir in the cilantro and cucumber.

Serve hot over cooked basmati or Thai jasmine rice.

Return to newsletter index.