Meditate to refocus

Wrongly considered a simple practice of relaxation, meditation teaches you to be in the moment and to fight against stress. Meditating, isn't it healing according to Ayurveda?

According to legend, the knowledge contained in the Vedas was transmitted to certain sages through meditation.
It is therefore omnipresent in the practice of Ayurveda.
Coming from India, Transcendental Meditation is currently the most widespread in the world. Introduced in the West in 1955 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, it now has six million practitioners.

Mindfulness is another very popular form of meditation today. Also called attentive presence, it consists in concentrating on the sensations, the emotions, but also the actions of the present moment, without making a value judgment. This state of mindfulness takes the form of a modality of mental functioning that can be achieved by any of us. Mindfulness meditation is based on observing inner experiences, identifying those observations, non-reactivity to those experiences, non-judgment, and acting mindfully. Developed by John Kabat-Zinn in the early 80s and then by a Canadian psychiatrist, Zindel Segal, mindfulness is now used as a therapy in the field of psychology and has a name: “Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy” (MBCT) .

Physical and psychological virtues

Meditation is a state of total consciousness during which the attention is maintained at a high intensity and the body and the spirit are in perfect harmony. It brings deep tranquility at all levels. But it also has many other virtues, both physical and psychological.
Various studies have shown that its practice has physiological effects induced by the slowing of the metabolism (reduction of muscle tension, lower production of carbon dioxide, slowing of heart and respiratory rates, but also of brain waves) thus making it possible to limit stress. This method would also help relieve anxiety and depression. In addition, meditating strengthens the immune system. According to a study published in 2010, a regular practice of meditation, at the rate of a weekly session for eight weeks, would increase the production of antibodies in the body.
Other studies have also found significant improvements in mood as well as reduced feelings of fatigue and a link between meditation and improved pain tolerance.
This method could also improve the memory of people with cognitive disorders associated with aging: mindfulness meditation would allow patients with Alzheimer's disease, but also those around them, to be less affected by depression and to have a better quality of life. Other studies have also shown the effectiveness of meditation in relieving skin problems, chronic pain, respiratory disorders, and even cardiac pathologies.

For Vata constitutions

The Vata dosha is the least grounded and Vata people should incorporate pranayama practices into meditation. They must also ensure that the meditation is not too long and the visualization mediums too "airy" such as the sky or space, because the Vata dosha can then increase too much.
Instead, Vata should choose a meditation technique to reduce mental restlessness and stress such as mindfulness meditation. To soothe their mind, they can visualize positive images that rebalance Vata, favoring the color yellow or saffron. The use of a mantra is also recommended. If you are Vata, you can use the mantra “Shrim” which in Ayurveda is associated with good health, prosperity and creativity.

For Pitta Constitutions

The Pittas meditate more easily than the other doshas, ​​because they naturally have a good capacity for concentration which they can maintain thanks to this method. Meditation allows them to manage their impatience, frustrations and anger. On the other hand, the Pitta must be careful not to bottle up all the emotions when they meditate, which they tend to do.
easily.
However, ignored emotions often express themselves in another way by turning into illnesses.
For example. These people can therefore practice mindfulness meditation by taking care to observe their emotions with kindness. They can visualize stars, a lake or the ocean and favor the color blue, white, navy or turquoise.

The mantra that corresponds to the Pitta is "Ram" which is associated in Ayurveda with truth, righteousness and virtue.

For Kapha constitutions

Kapha people sometimes have a little trouble meditating because they lack motivation and discipline.
Group meditation suits them well because, surrounded, they allow themselves to be less passive and concentrate more easily. Before a meditation session, the Kapha also have every interest in practicing yoga postures such as sun salutations or taking a brisk walk to activate their energy circulation. They can choose to visualize fire, the sun, the wind in the trees, or the blue sky. It is the mantra "Hrim" which suits them because it helps to purify and cleanse the mind while providing joy and energy.