This CD is inspired by and created to harmonize the Dosha known as Vata, which is an important part of Ayurvedic medicine. Dosha means, "that which changes."
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian ‘science of life’ is both a path of healing and also a way of life. The foundation of Ayurveda comes from the ‘Atharva’, one of the four books of the ancient, holy Vedic literature of India. The first text of Ayurveda, the “Samhita’, dates from 1000 B.C. A basic principle of this comprehensive form of traditional medicine is the theory of the three Doshas. The Doshas are best understood to be the three primary forces of nature that each individual embodies and that are responsible for the characteristics of our mind and body. Although each of us manifests all three of the Doshas, most people have one or two aspects that predominate. For each Dosha, there is a balanced and imbalanced expression.
Vata correlates to the element of Wind.
Vata means, "wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command.". Vata enables the other two Doshas to be expressive in their own rights.
Vata governs movement in the body, the activities of the nervous system and the processes of elimination. Vata is responsible for natural urges and sensory functions Vata has the most direct influences on the other two Doshas, as Vata is the energy that initiates and propels all the other activities in the body/mind. Prana, the Sanskrit word for ‘life force’ is found in Vata.
Qualities of Vata: Cold, light, dry, irregular, rough, moving, quick, and changeable
Balanced Vata: Mental alertness, abundant creative energy, good elimination of waste materials, sound sleep, strong immunity, enthusiasm for life, emotional balance and an orderly functioning of all the body’s systems .
Signs of Vata imbalance can include anxiety, nervousness, fear, loneliness, insecurity, restlessness, hyperactivity, giddiness, spaciness, and/or confusion. Digestive imbalances can include burping, gas, hiccups and bowel upset.
Vata excess in the body can lead to muscle spasms, tingling sensations and pain that changes locations. Excess Vata in the mind can leaves people feeling highQstrung, unable to calm down, or feeling perpetually “on edge,” even jumpy. Excess Vata can also cause a racing mind, interrupted sleep, a lack of groundedness, a fear of commitment, and forgetfulness. If excess Vata accumulates in the mind unchecked, it can lead to chronic insomnia, delirium, mental instability, blackouts, and severe VataQtype depression.
Vata deficiency: can lead to Nerve loss, congestion, constipation, and thoughtlessness.
To Help Balance Vata:
Make choices that bring warmth, stability, and consistency to your life
Avoid becoming chilled.
Take care not to push yourself too far and exceed the limits of your energy
Touch and be touched regularly by the people you love
The Mantra OM (Aum)
The Chanting of AUM
The mantra OM (Aum) is well known. A less known aspect of the chanting of OM (Aum) is how chanting this sacred mantra can influence the three Doshas. This is accomplished by changing the emphasis in the chanting. Aum actually consists of four syllables: A, U, M, and the silent syllable or, phonetically, "aaah," "oooh," and "mmm” then followed by a breath of silence.
The Mandukya Upanishad, which is entirely devoted to the discussion of Om, begins like this: "Om is the imperishable word. Om is the universe, and this is the exposition of Om. The past, the present, and the future, all that was, all that is, and all that will be is Om. Likewise, all else that may exist beyond the bounds of time, that too is Om."
For Vata, the first the first syllable is emphasized for a longer duration than the second and third. Vata = AAAAAAAAAAAAum
Suggested Usages of this Music:
During the practice of yoga
To facilitate meditation and deep relaxation
Internal healing of body & mind
Enhance the experience of healing sessions, i.e. Ayurvedic treatments, massage therapy, acupuncture
Enhancement of intimacy and sexuality
Enhancement of mental focus and openness to artistic inspiration
