SELF-CARE, THE LITTLE THING'S, AND IMMUNITY: FOOD FOR THOUGHT
/As one part of the world enters into longer days, another part of the globe enters into longer nights. It is important to take note of how your health evolves through the different seasons and to have an awareness of what times of year you feel better, physically and mentally/emotionally, and at which times of years you experience more disturbances. As we progress here in the Northern hemisphere into longer nights and towards the darkest day of the year we generally have an increased level of appetite. This is a good sign, for the most part, and as long as other symptoms do not arise simultaneously.
Imagine this: the main central channel and system of the digestive tract is like the main street of a city. The neighboring organs are connected as are the neighboring streets and neighborhoods local to the city. If the main street of a city is flooded, congested, major traffic, obstructed in any way eventually the side streets become backed up. Similarly, if the digestive system is compromised in any way it is a matter of time until other organs feel the weight of this. Eventually, this can lead to other systems as well. In Ayurveda, we understand that all the systems of the body are contingent upon the quality and health of the digestive system and functionality. It is through the digestive system that all the other systems feed off of. We have the Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic System, Reproductive System, Neurological System, Hemopoietic System, and Immune System. When COVID first became very prominent, many individuals were immediately jumping on the bandwagon of purchasing supplements to boost the immune system. There is, by inherent design, the desire to self-preserve so the interest in taking immune-boosting supplements makes sense. What isn’t understood, as is understood in the science of Ayurveda, is that there are “NO QUICK FIXES”, “NO SPOT TREATMENT”, and NOTHING that can jump the system, let alone consistently long-term, that would prived such an immediate outcome.
It takes time and consistent behaviors to support proper and long-term immunity. In the context of Ayurveda, this starts with Ahara and Vihara, proper diet and lifestyle, practices. It takes at least 35-40 days to produce proper tissues that also cater to the systems that are all intertwined. The quality of diet and lifestyle are key components to establishing overall health. With so many viruses and bacteria, and other pathogens that are around our daily lives that we are exposed to, how is it that many of us are not ill or that ill? The body and mind must be supported in ways to create this sort of stability. Ayurveda incorporates daily practices (Dinacarya) that are generally aligned with the daily cycles. Ayurveda includes practices around seasons (Rtucarya) and seasonal transitional (Rtu Sandhi) practices such as cleansing (shamana/shodhana), fasting (upavas) for some. Vyayama (physical exercise practices) is an important factor as well and is part of the dinacarya and rtucarya guidelines that align with our constitutional requirements. Without exercise, the body can not be in optimal health. No and’s, if’s, but’s, or excuses around it! The body keeps the score. It is a historical system and requires consistency for health. Therefore, if we know all this, then how can we expect strong immunity if we do not ensure we are somehow involving all these practices. I’m sorry if it seems as though I am the bearer of “bad news” but “don’t shoot the messenger.” I am simply conveying the teachings that Ayurveda has been sharing for thousands of years, along with my experience as an Ayurvedic clinician that has and continues to see so many thriving in health because of Ayurveda.
It is crucial to our well-being that we create a structure in our lifestyle that supports our ultimate intention which is to explore our purpose in life (Dharma), accumulate some level of material gain (Artha) that suits our heart, enjoy (Kama) such things including the manifestation of our life, and ultimate have some form of freedom (Moksha) that we can experience with a certain level of fluidity. We weren’t meant to fall apart as we progress through the different stages of life. We are meant to live a life as fully as possible and available to us. This includes sometimes, for some people, the presence of some illness that may be around long-term. Ayurveda and yoga teach us how to experience this as part of us and not become all of who we are, to the best of our abilities.
It truly is about the little things that add up to the bigger things, whether this consists of ill-health or better health. In many cases, diseases start with a minor or mild symptom somehow and somewhere usually in the digestive system, and eventually make their way around the body and become bigger and bigger. If we can stop a leak at the root, we can prevent flooding, usually.
People tend to become particularly ill during the transition of seasons. Similarly, as we progress into the holiday season, it is especially common for people to become more ill. The stress of the holidays, the rushing around in the office and out of the office, the wear and tear, the sleep disturbances, the erratic eating patterns, the decrease in exercise, and the mental unease, to name a few, are factors that allow for the immunity to drop and pathogens to enter. The first line of defense is the skin. The skin is the largest organ of immunity as it is a barrier that keeps what is inside of us safe from what is outside of us. Ayurvedic practices are extensive around this in supporting increased immunity by applying certain methods and techniques such as snehana (oil) and svedhana (steam) but, again, a lot is dependent upon the state of digestion (agni/jatharagni.) We have an external form of skin, and an internal one that goes from mouth to rectum, and much in between including the ear canals, nasal canals, ocular canals, and oral canal…urethral and rectal too; these are known as the “Nine gates” in yoga.
Think about it. What are you doing to support the building up of your immunity? What is the current quality and strength of your immunity? Are you prone to getting sick? Are you sick and seem unable to get out of this cycle. Are you aware of the little things that are causing you to think something is going on? You can see this based on simple things such as examining whether dry skin is present, stagnation overall is present, sleep disturbances, digestive disturbances (unusual gas, belching, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, burning sensations, indigestion, and acidity), low energy or extremely high energy, and even mental fluctuations around anxiety, anger, and depression. Sometimes, it’s possible that some people simply are too busy to regard such little things and keep going. Do you say to yourself “I don’t have the money for this”? My suggestion would be to really ponder this question “can we put a price for our health?” and “when is too much enough”? Health is wealth and when you are on top of your health the world can “be yours.” Remember, you can have that moksa or freedom to move about in a more mobile and fluid way within your body.
Are you “too busy” to attend to self-care, or are doing the bare minimum? Or, are you the type that pushes through any current symptoms, big or small, indirectly waiting for something to come up with your health before you jump on the bandwagon with seeking an expert for support? My advice is to observe how many little things (the subtle signs and symptoms, called Nidana) are developing, not going away, and to slow down so that you can see more of what is here if you choose to. But don’t worry, sometimes when we keep pushing past these little things some of them go away, some seem to go away, and then come back with a vengeance which then debilitates us, anchoring us to the moment for full attention. In Ayurveda, the premonitory signs and symptoms are known as Nidana and the prevention of the accumulation of the signs and symptoms is known as Nidana Parivarjana. My advice is to seek a clinician versed in such practices to help you align with your goals of maintaining or returning to and then maintaining health, body-mind-spirit.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is meant for educational purposes only. Any changes in lifestyle should be reviewed with a qualified practitioner and primary care physician if you are currently under their care for specific conditions.