Ways to Balance Rajas Guna
Balancing Rajas, one of the three fundamental qualities or 'gunas' in Ayurvedic philosophy, involves cultivating a lifestyle that promotes harmony and stability.
Rajas is associated with qualities of energy, action, and change, and when out of balance, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and overactivity.
To harmonize Rajas, you can incorporate calming yoga asanas postures), particularly restorative poses, and hold them for longer periods to foster relaxation. The following restorative yoga poses are known for their calming effects:
Reclined Butterfly (Supta Baddha Konasana): This pose involves lying on your back, bringing the soles of your feet together, and letting your knees fall open to the sides. It's beneficial for improving circulation and relieving stress.
Reclined Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana): Starting on your back, hug your knees into your torso, then gently lower them to one side while keeping your arms extended. This helps massage the internal organs and can relieve sciatica.
Child’s Pose (Balasana): Begin on your hands and knees, then sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward. This pose is great for resting and rejuvenating the body.
Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani): Sit close to a wall, then lie back and extend your legs up the wall. This inversion is excellent for easing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Corpse Pose (Savasana): Simply lie flat on your back with your arms and legs comfortably spread apart, and close your eyes. This pose allows for complete relaxation and integration of the benefits of your practice.
Remember using props like cushions, blankets, and bolsters can be beneficial for added support and comfort in these poses.
Adding pranayama (breathing techniques) , such as calming breathing exercises, to your daily routine can also help to soothe the agitating energy of Rajas. For instance, Sitali Pranayama, which involves inhaling through a rolled tongue to cool the body and mind, and Sitkari Pranayama, where one inhales through the teeth, can be particularly effective. Additionally, Ujjayi pranayama, is known for its soothing and calming effects, this breath technique, also known as ocean breathing is characterized by the sound of the breathing, a soft snoring sound on the inhale and a “haaa” sound on the exhale. Practicing these techniques for 10-15 minutes daily can significantly aid in managing rajas and promoting a more sattvic, or pure, state of being.
Meditation is another powerful tool, providing the stillness necessary to counteract the overstimulation of a Rajasic state. Adjusting one's diet by reducing stimulants like caffeine and incorporating more grounding foods can further aid in achieving balance.
It's important to approach these changes gradually, making one of two changes, observing their effects and adjusting as needed to find the right balance for one's individual constitution and lifestyle.