Pillar #3: Brahmacarya (Conservation of Energy)

Pillar #3: Brahmacarya (Conservation of Energy)

As we mature, it becomes increasingly more important to conserve our energy reserves. This is a time in life that we don’t have the energy we once had, and life stresses are gaining on us.  We have many responsibilities and a lack of support. It’s vitally important during the menopause transition to reduce stress and eliminate the parts of life that are not congruent with current goals and/or are using too much energy. In addition to conserving energy, we must take
steps toward building energy and immunity, or in Āyurveda, we can call this Ojas.

Rasāyana

Many of the perimenopausal and menopausal women I work with have concerns about weight gain, lack of energy and general stress. My clients tend to try to self remedy this by working out more and eating less. This tends to only deplete these women and not solve the issues they are having. Instead of tearing yourself down, please build yourself up.

Rasāyana practices are ojas building, rejuvenative practices that can be used to help increase health and performance and the ability to sustain ourselves from a state of balanced health, rather than by means of over-training or using methods detrimental to health.
Examples:
● Dhyāna (Meditation) - Meditation allows an individual to practice mind-body connection in order to maintain a healthy body, mind and soul which is the precursor to training and performing well.
● Eating Ojas-Increasing foods like ghee, dates, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds,
sesame seeds, avocado, healthy oils (coconut, sesame, almond oils), coconut milk and
meat, organic, whole milk (warmed and spiced) such as golden milk, eating whole
grains, fresh or soaked figs, soaked raisins, sweet juicy fruits like mango, sweet
potatoes, rice pudding, bone marrow broths
● Abhyanga (self-oil massage) with mahanarayan oil on a daily basis to prevent or treat
sore muscles or muscle tightness.
● Gentle yoga such as restorative, yin yoga and/or yoga nidra
● Quality time in nature
● Deep, gentle, diaphragmatic breathing

Please keep in mind that these are general ojas building guidelines. Your specific needs may vary. Please consult an experienced practitioner for guidance. If you have high Kapha or āma, many of these suggestions may be inappropriate for you.