Ayurveda considers the mind as an integral part of the body and soul, intricately connected to our physical and emotional well-being. Imbalances in the mind can lead to physical health issues, and conversely, physical ailments can impact mental health. According to Ayurveda, the mind is composed of 3 Gunas (qualities) - Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas - each with its unique attributes. Let’s take a closer look at these Gunas to better understand the subconscious mind:
- Sattva is the quality of purity, clarity, and harmony. It represents a balanced, tranquil state of mind. The subconscious mind, when dominated by Sattva, is clear and receptive, facilitating deep insight, intuition, and self-awareness.
- Rajas is the quality of activity, restlessness, and desire. An overactive subconscious mind dominated by Rajas can lead to turbulent thoughts, impulsive actions, and emotional instability.
- Tamas represents the quality of inertia, darkness, and stagnation. A subconscious mind dominated by Tamas is clouded by ignorance, lethargy, and confusion, hindering personal growth and self-realization.
How Does My Dosha Impact My Subconscious?
Each person’s individual dosha has a distinct influence on the subconscious mind and the 3 Gunas. Learning how to keep yours in balance will create an atmosphere of harmony for your mind.
Vata individuals tend to have an active and creative subconscious mind.
Their thoughts can be quick and changeable, a distinctive Rajas trait, leading to both brilliant insights and anxiety. Balancing Vata through Ayurvedic practices like meditation and gentle yoga can help calm the subconscious and prevent the mind from becoming too overactive and instable.
Pitta individuals possess a sharp and analytical subconscious mind.
While this can promote intelligence and clarity, it may also lead to overthinking and perfectionism. These problems are reminiscent of the Tamas quality, which can hinder personal growth. Cooling practices such as Pranayama (breath control) and Ayurvedic dietary choices can balance Pitta.
Kapha individuals have a stable and nurturing subconscious mind.
This is similar to having a mind empowered through Sattva, typically seen as the ideal subconscious mind. However, an excess of Kapha can lead to complacency and resistance to change. Ayurvedic therapies like detoxification and invigorating exercises can help keep the subconscious mind dynamic.
5 Tips to Balance Your Subconscious
With all the stressors thrown at us every day, it’s hard to take the time to process our emotions and build up a calm mind. So how can you build up Sattva to achieve a tranquil mental state? Here are 5 simple methods you can integrate into your daily life:
- Diet: Eating in accordance with your dosha can help maintain mental balance. Fresh, seasonal, and wholesome foods that are easy to digest are recommended, along with herbal supplements like Echinacea, Passion Flower, and Ashwagandha, known for their calming and rejuvenating properties. That’s why we make sure to include these herbs in our Immunity Potion - we know how important it is to maintain a clear, calm mind.
- Yoga and Meditation: Regular practice of yoga and meditation can help still the mind and increase awareness and brain health [1]. Specific asanas (postures) and pranayama techniques can be tailored to your dosha to address imbalances in the subconscious. When your body experiences these calm moments routinely, it begins to crave more calm and will begin to attract similar energies.
- Ayurvedic Therapies: Ayurvedic treatments like Shirodhara (pouring of warm oil on the forehead) and Abhyanga (therapeutic massage) can calm the mind and release stored emotional tension from the subconscious. Dry brushing is also an excellent way to release built-up tension and balance the body’s energies. It is a soothing practice that is easy to add into your morning routine!
- Nourish Your Senses: Just as it is important to feed your body with wholesome food that is easy to digest, it is also important to feed your senses and mind through healthy outlets. Anything that you see, hear, touch, etc. is directly processed by your mind and can have an impact on your mental health. Nourishing your senses may mean watching less news or scrolling less on social media, and spending more time pursuing Sattvic activities, such as walking in nature or being with family.
- Positive Lifestyle Choices: Aligning your daily routine with your dosha can help maintain mental equilibrium. A healthy sleep structure, a structured daily schedule, and cultivating healthy relationships all contribute to a balanced mind. Exercise, volunteering, and exploring your creativity are all ways to make a healthy mind-body connection and create resilience within yourself.
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Understanding the subconscious mind from an Ayurvedic perspective unveils a profound connection between our mental state and our overall physical well-being. Incorporate Ayurvedic principles into your daily life for a harmonious relationship between your conscious and subconscious mind - leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
