In the last newsletter we gave you tips on how to support your memory performance with herbal supplements from Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda does not only rely on medicinal plants in its advice on how to stay mentally and physically fit and young. The classical texts also include a number of physical applications that are said to be beneficial for good memory. Not surprisingly, these are very often oil applications.

The surface of the head is full of reflex points related to internal organs. With every touch of a certain spot on the head, one can trigger an effect in the body. Especially well known is the touch on the temples to release tension in the head, or the touch on the middle of the forehead for intense thinking. The areas of skin that are touched are called "Marmas" in Ayurveda. These are areas on the surface of the body that are located at crossing points or concentration points of information channels of the body. These channels are called "Nadi" and transport energy (Prana) and vital substances (Ojas).

Gentle stroking - more effective than hard pressure

Marmas and nadis are highly sensitive organs. If they are gently stroked in a certain direction, they relax and the energy flow improves. If they are stimulated with strong pressure or needles, they tense up and the energy flow stops.  

The application of herbal oils for the gentle massage of marma points is recommended in the classical texts as a measure to be applied daily as part of body care. Performing an Ayurvedic full-body oil massage daily is not possible for most people due to time constraints. Partial applications require little time and can be more easily accommodated in everyday life.

Marma applications on the head

To support the memory with Marma applications, only a few hand movements are necessary. Put one to two drops of Vata, Pitta or Kapha massage oil on the middle finger of the right hand and make circular movements of about 1-3cm at the highest point of the crown, then at the centre of the forehead with 3-5 turns each. Do the same with both middle fingers at the temples and at the wings of the nose, at the point where the nasal bone ends and the soft part of the nose begins. Leave the oil on for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cosmetic tissue or rinsing it off in a warm shower. You can practise this exercise daily in the morning and/or before going to bed.

Little "Nasya

The nose is a direct access to the brain. The olfactory nerves that lead into the nose are an outgrowth of the brain. This is why we are so sensitive to smells. Substances introduced into the nose have a direct effect on the brain via the olfactory nerves, without any detours.

In Ayurveda, medicinal plant oils are regarded as valuable "brain food". This fact is used in the so-called Nasya application. Certain oils are brought to the nasal entrance and then transported towards the upper parts of the nose with a sucking inhalation movement. One drop of oil per nostril can be applied several times a day, preferably in the morning and evening before a shower or a meal. The oil should be sniffed out 1-2 minutes after it has been absorbed.

The following oils can be used: MP16 oil (intensely cleansing and purifying), MP4 oil (nourishing and soothing), ghee (cooling and nourishing).

More detailed instructions on how to perform the small nasya can be found here.

Big "Nasya

During Ayurvedic cleansing cures, the body is detoxified not only through the intestines but also through the mucous membranes of the nose. Here, after an intensive preparatory treatment with head, neck and shoulder massage and inhalation with essential oils, the nasal oil is administered in a much higher dose and intensity. Patients report that they experience a particularly clear and calm mind after this therapy.

Nasya treatments at Pancha Karma cures are used to strengthen the memory, to treat degenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson's or MS, and for chronic headaches. This therapy is particularly effective for chronic inflammation of the sinuses, which also often leads to fatigue and a dull mind.

Gut-brain axis

Long before modern medicine recognised the connection between a clear mind and a well-functioning gut, systematic colon cleanses were used to improve health and longevity in Ayurveda. A well-functioning gut releases neurotransmitters that improve brain regeneration. In addition, our mood is significantly influenced by the gut. An irritated intestine leads to irritated emotions, a blocked intestine to emotional blockages. The composition of the intestinal flora and its effect on our health is one of the most important areas of research in modern medicine.

Pancha Karma cleansing cure

The core of the Pancha Karma treatments is the cleansing of the intestines. During this process, the intestines are not only flushed with plenty of fluids, but also nourished with valuable medicinal herbs and oils. The preparatory treatments for the intestinal cleansing consist of unique oil massages, ideally performed four-handed by two therapists. Through these synchronous whole-body applications, practically all reflex points on the surface of the body are stimulated. The synchrony of the oil massages also leads to measurably better alignment of the two hemispheres of the brain. After a Pancha Karma cure, many physical complaints disappear as if by themselves, and the experience of a clear mind is perceived as the most important experience at the end of a Pancha Karma cure.

Regular bowel cleansing - the most important preventive measure

The classical texts recommend carrying out a cleansing cure at every change of season. Since, for reasons of time and cost, very few people have the opportunity to perform a complete Pancha Karma cure several times a year, simpler cleansing cures that contain essential parts of the Pancha Karma cure should be used regularly at home. We offer such purification cures as medically supervised home cures in a webinar format. These webinars are adapted to the different seasonal influences of the three doshas. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in these webinars and thereby make your intestines and brain fit several times a year.