| Marma
Chikitsa (Part one of a three part series) |
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| I have been a student of world-renowned Ayurvedic Physician Vasant Lad since the spring of 2004, though I have been reading his books since 1994 and even visited his Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque in1999 before moving to the Berkshires. As a result, I felt as if I was completing a cycle when I returned to the institute last week after almost 10 years of journey, practice and study and I am grateful not only for the opportunity to study with such a master but also to be in the presence of such a refined and unique human being. Dr. Lad is a master on every level and dimension; physical, mental and emotional, spirit or consciousness and is the essence of Ayurveda. He is a vehicle for spirit as he communicates a wealth knowledge, love and respect for the science and wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda, and for all beings. I maintain this integrity as I share with my students, clients, family and friends, the truest essence of what I have learned and experienced and hope it will bring you as much joy, insight and inspiration as it has for me. We are all together, one on this journey, and our individual consciousness affects the whole. May we tap into this oneness and feel supported and loved by its light. Peace~Chaya |
A native of India, Dr. Lad served for three years as Medical Director of the Ayurveda Hospital in Pune, India. He was Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine for 15 years. He holds a Bachelor’s of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree from the University of Pune and a Master’s of Ayurvedic Science (MASc) degree from Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya. Vasant Lad’s academic and practical training include the study of Allopathy (Western medicine) and surgery as well as traditional Ayurveda. Beginning in 1979, he has traveled throughout the United States sharing his knowledge of Ayurveda. In 1984 he came to Albuquerque as Director, principal instructor and founder of the Ayurvedic Institute. Vasant Lad is the author of numerous books and respected throughout the world for his knowledge of Ayurveda. |
| MARMA CHIKITSA (THERAPY): THE DOORS OF PERCEPTION One cannot study Marma without also studying and integrating the essence of Yoga and Ayurveda, attunement to energy and the flame of awareness which is consciousness of the space within and without. This requires silence and meditation. Marma points are vital energy points on the body, similar to shiatsu points and are used as a diagnostic tool and for healing on every level, affecting body, mind and consciousness. A granti, an inner psychic knot that is tender, shows psychological trauma or a deep wound. When the marmani are stimulated they can change your neurochemistry and at the cellular level they govern cell biology, and involve fire and water, the two basic powers of creation. They stimulate receptors in the cell membrane, or cytoplasm, of which there are 2 types. The sensory receptors help balance prana (life force, breath, similar to chi) and motor receptors help balance apana vayu, or the downward aspects of prana, which governs the functioning of the lower portion of the body and downward movement needed for downward circulation and elimination, grounding and relaxation. Receptors convey messages from the skin through neuropathways and can work up to the level of the cell. Marmani connect via the Shrotas (physical channels in the body) and Nadis, (energetic channels in the body), to the Dhatus (tissues and organs) and the Chakras (energy centers) and as they become clear and refined, the doors of perception open and intuition, the mother of science, can flow unhindered from toxic debris that clog them. Pure awareness and perception of the client and practitioner becomes a conduit for healing. One useful example is when indrabasti marma on the mid calf and shin are tender on the right side, there are toxins in the ascending colon and when the calf and shin are tender on the left side, there are toxins in the descending colon. This will also be visible on the tongue which will have a coating, in the breath that may have an odor, and or may not be steady reflecting an agitated or foggy mind. The dynamics of prana and apana are also at the core of a balanced yoga practice, where the combination of stimulating these receptors or marmani, with bandhas and mudras (stops and positions of the body that help direct the energy and breath) balance prana on every level, directing the energy into the central nadi called the susumna along the spine, for purification and or tonification of body, stillness and clarity of mind and connection to soul, our truest essence. This tri-unity is the essence of Yoga and Ayurveda and allows for our awakening, pure awareness and bliss, and giving birth to a new consciousness. David Frawley summarizes the Rig Veda, which says “for this alchemy to work, we must change the direction of our attention and give reverence to all that we see. Our daily lives must become an offering and a prayer, not limited to any name or form. Then for us to see will be to be, and to be all and everlasting.” This awakening is the essence of who we are and our responsibility, mission and purpose of our existence. A Marma Chikitsa session with Chaya will be tailored to the unique needs of the client as per their constitution, age, condition, and belief system. Marmani will either be stimulated or calmed, purified and balanced, providing increased circulation, nourishment, relaxation, and ultimately open the doorway to deeper consciousness, clear perception, awareness and healing. A Marma Chikitsa or Chakra Marma Chikitsa session will include light or deep pressure to specific points and the session may or may not use Ayurvedic herbalized oil, traditional Ayurvedic carrier oil, essential oil, crystals, vibrational healing with a tuning fork, chanting and meditation, depending upon the needs of the individual. A brief Ayurvedic analysis of doshic and constitutional needs will be done, but for a full Ayurvedic evaluation a separate appointment is recommended. Chaya will be offering these sessions by appointment. To introduce this modality she will offer it at a reduced rate of $65 for an hour and $55 if combined with an initial Ayurvedic Consultation for new clients, both through September. |
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AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION Ayurvedic consultations address one's overall health and well-being, as well as alleviating longstanding issues and imbalances. Using pulse diagnosis and Ayurvedic analysis, your Ayurvedic constitution will be determined and appropriate recommendations such as daily routines, lifestyle adaptations, including diet, herbs, exercise (yoga), breathing, meditation, massage and body treatments will be made. Initial
visit 2 hours $125, follow up visit 60 minutes $65
Sessions begin with a postural evaluation, constitutional and conditional assessment, client intake and evaluation. ChayaYoga Therapy is a Holistic and therapeutic application of Yoga and Ayurveda, offering guidance that is specific for you and your individual needs. Whether it’s structural alignment, movement without pain, developing strength, flexibility, relaxation, breathing techniques and meditation, or creating your own home practice, sessions are tailored to meet your individual goals and needs. Chaya specializes in modifications that will help you in your practice and create safety in your own body. Treat yourself therapeutically with Yoga and learn to tap into your body’s inner wisdom in order to manage injury, make clear decisions about your health or gain a deeper sense of peace and ease of well-being. Initial
session 90 minutes $95, follow up sessions 60 minutes $65 |
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| Your Success is My Greatest Reward… My
mission at A Life of Balance is to empower people through
the practice of Yoga and Ayurveda, so they can find their inner
balance and ultimate joy. My vision of health and journey to wellness
takes into consideration the total lifestyle and constitution of
the whole person to support health and welllness by learning to
live again in the most natural way possible, according to nature,
to access our hightest intuition and truth, unlocking the human
healing potential. Thank you for your committment to a life of balance.
Your results are my deepest joy. I am grateful for the opportunity
to witness your continued success, unfolding and seeing you live
again with ultimate joy and ease of well being. |
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