| Your Environment Can Affect Your Health |  |
by Shreelata Suresh
There are many factors that can cause your physiology to move away
from that state of balance in which you enjoy perfect, complete
health. One big factor is environment. Climate-temperatures outside,
amount of humidity or number of sunny days, for example, the
altitude of the place where you live, the levels and types of
environmental pollution, the type of vibrational energy in the
environment and the presence or absence of stress in the environment
are all factors that can affect your health and well-being. For many
of us, the place where we live may not always be in our control, but
there is much we can all do to create microclimates and mini-
environments in our homes and workspaces to suit our constitutions
and needs for balance. Here are some suggestions to start you off;
tune in to your mind and body to create even more individualized
healthful spaces.
1. Set indoor temperatures to comfortable levels. If you are trying
to keep Vata dosha in balance, you'll want warm temperatures and no
drafts. Get extra humidity in the home or room by using a humidifier
or setting pots of water on the radiator to counter the drying
effect of Vata. To balance the heat of Pitta dosha, keep indoor
temperatures relatively cooler. For Kapha, choose warm temperatures
and a dry environment to counteract the dampness of Kapha. Dress in
layers if you are trying to stay warmer than other folks at home.
2. Living 24/7 in climate-controlled environments can gradually
weaken natural immunity, and resistance to weather fluctuations,
allergens, pollutants and the like can diminish over time. If
possible, let in fresh air into your living areas once in a while
when it's comfortable outside, and let in natural early morning
sunlight as well.
3. Green plants in living spaces are soothing to the eyes and the
mind as well as suppliers of oxygen. According to ayurveda, the Holy
Basil plant helps purify the environment of garavisha, environmental
toxins. Holy Basil can be grown from seed in a pot on a sunny
windowsill. Grow culinary herbs such as cilantro on your kitchen
windowsill and snip them fresh when needed for garnish. Fragrant
indoor flowering plants offer aromatic healing value. A quiet indoor
water feature offers serenity if you are trying to balance Vata or
Pitta.
4. Try to maintain the integrity of the different areas of your
home. Do not bring work or entertainment into the bedroom. Do not
work at the dinner table. If you exercise at home, get equipment
that can be put away after use unless you can dedicate a separate
area for exercise. Create personal spaces, however small, for every
member of the family. Have a quiet space for the spiritual practice
of your choice and/or for meditation. This space should be silent,
clean and free of clutter. Diffusing aromas such as sandalwood can
enhance the meditation experience.
5. Aromatherapy is a powerful means of creating balance in your
environment. Aromas work through your sense of smell to balance the
mind, heart and emotions. You can use single aromas or aroma blends.
Use relaxing aromas such as Sweet Orange, Ylang ylang and Lavender
to balance Vata, soothing aromas such as Rose to balance Pitta and
spicy aromas such as Rosemary or Basil to balance Kapha.
Aromatherapy is useful in creating positive vibrational energy in
your immediate environment and in creating mental and emotional
balance when you are feeling out of sorts. Aromatherapy at bedtime
can help promote sleep and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Colors and décor have an important role to play in the way we
feel. If you are trying to balance Vata, choose relaxing but warm
colors, harmonizing tones, heavy materials like silk or wool and
simple arrangements that don't distract the mind. Have a place for
everything and keep everything in its place. For fiery Pitta, choose
cooling, soothing colors, cool textures and fabrics (cottons and
linens are ideal) and a clean, elegant look. If you are trying to
balance Kapha, have fun mixing it up. Choose a palette of colors
with plenty of contrasts, warm lively tones, and whimsy or a dash of
frivolity in décor.
7. Finally, keep your living and work spaces scrupulously clean. Use
natural cleaning materials-they won't damage your health and won't
damage the environment. A clean, well-cared for home or work area is
nurturing for the mind, the senses and the emotions.
Note: This material is educational, and is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical concern,
please consult your physician.
Copyright AyurBalance, Inc. 2004
About the Author:
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor and writer from the Bay Area.
She writes for various publications on yoga and ayurveda. For more
articles on ayurveda, to buy premier ayurvedic products or to
subscribe to free e-newsletters, please visit
http://www.ayurbalance.com.
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