Savasana – Corpse pose
Savasana, also called corpse pose, is a yoga posture (asana) that relaxes the entire body and psycho-physiological system. Ideally it is best practiced before sleep, and can also be taken before, during or after any yoga asana practice, especially after a more dynamic sequence such as Surya or Chandra Namaskar.
It can also be taken anytime there is tiredness or fatigue felt in the body or mind.
Savasana will also help to develop body awareness and when it is completely relaxed, awareness of the mind increases, which is the beginning of pratyahara, or withdrawal of the senses.
Lie on your back with legs slightly apart and arms slightly away from the body, palms upright.
A pillow or cushion can be used under the neck or head if there is any discomfort.
The head, neck and spinal cord should be kept in a straight line.
Relax entire body.
Bring awareness of your natural breath, breathing normally and naturally, inhaling and exhaling with no stress.
Try to maintain stillness during the practice of this asana to receive full benefits.

Ujjayi Pranayama for Vata Dosha
Ujjayi pranayama (breath) is also called the psychic breath.
The benefits are that it is classified as a relaxing and stress reducing pranayama. It also has a heating effect on the body.
It is recommended for Vata Dosha predominant people because of this tranquilizing and heating effect.
Ujjayi soothes the nervous system, calms the mind, relieves insomnia – which is often associated with a restless mind and Vata qualities – and it has a very relaxing effect at the psychic level.
It will also slow down the heart rate and can help people with high blood pressure.
Ujjayi is often known as the Darth Vader breath, since this is the noise that it makes.
Take any comfortable meditation posture.
Close eyes and relax the body.
Bring awareness to the breath in the nostrils and let the breath become calm.
Then bring awareness to the throat. Imagine you are bringing the breath up through the throat, even though you are breathing in and out of the nostrils. Your mouth should be closed.
Breathing should be long and deep and controlled and you should be able to hear the sound of your own breath.
Repeat for 10 breaths and increase slowly up to 5 minutes or longer.
Make sure the body and face are relaxed when performing this pranayama.
Consult your doctor or physician if you have further questions regarding adding any changes into your health plan.
Nutmeg – Jaiphal

Great Autumn Spice: Nutmeg
Nutmeg is not only delicious when making pies or soups, but also has several benefits to use in our daily lives.
Nutmeg can help with insomnia, premature ejaculation, helps with digestion, warms the body on cool days and can also lower blood pressure.
It is astringent, so will also help to dry up phlegm or other secretions.
If taken with a banana, the banana will help digest and assimilate the nutmeg better.
Nutmeg is best when ground fresh and can maintain it’s taste and flavour for two weeks after grinding.
Nutmeg is also carminative and can also be used to treat diarrhea and helps to ground an individual that is full of restlessness, anxiety or worry.
In Sanskrit it is call jaiphal and is bitter, pungent, light, sharp and hot for rasa and gunas.
For insomnia: start w/ taking 1/8 tsp and work up to 1 gram, or as needed. There is a four hour delay, so if you go to bed at 10pm, take the nutmeg with some warm nut milk, or other milk, at 6pm.
Nutmeg in higher doses is not safe, doses over 7-8 grams should not be consumed, please check with your Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor prior to using. Too much nutmeg can cause light-headedness, hallucination, fatigue, drowsiness. Always start with a low dose and work up.
When combined with poppy seed for sleep, poppy seed will have sedative effect in 15 minutes and last for about 4 hours. If taking both these at 9:30pm, sleep will come at 9:45 and last well until the morning for a good night rest.
Wisdom from Srimad Bhagavatam
Wisdom from Srimad Bhagavatam:
*Trust no future, however pleasant.
*All perceptions and activities are conditioned by the material nature.
*Life is never made comfortable by artificial means, but by living simply and high thinking.
