HORMONES: YOUR BODY’S VERY OWN SYMPHONY

HORMONES: WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

 The conversation about hormones seems to be growing and, with this new awareness can come new misinformation. I like to fall back on my favorite tried & true method which has withstood the test of time for thousands of years; the Ayurvedic Approach. As with all things, Ayurveda uses nature and the elements to explain the mysteries of the body. And then, utilizes the very same, nature and the elements, to create health and balance in the body and mind.

So, what are they anyways? Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that affect many processes including; growth & development, sexual function, reproductive health, mood, metabolism, sleep, relaxation and the body’s ability to self-repair.  

Western medicine often focuses on one hormone or receptor in isolation of the others and while this can be effective in the immediate relief of problematic symptoms, it fails to recognize that the hormonal functions of the body do not work successfully in isolation for very long.  Some of the long term effects of poor hormonal function are vast and, the longer they persist, the more difficult to treat.  Low energy, illness, hypersensitivity, brain fog, impulsiveness, burn-out, menstrual symptoms and difficulty with weight management are some of the signs that one or more hormone receptor might be in a state of dysfunction. Only when the entire system is functioning collaboratively is there integrity in the body.

Ayurveda, on the other hand, views the hormonal cycles in the body much like a symphony, each part relying on the success of the other to create ideal function. When they work together, we experience their full capacity and magic, experiencing homeostasis and integrity in the body.  

OJAS: NECTAR

When we are looking through an Ayurvedic lens, we call this integrity “ojas.” Ojas is a subtle and energetic form of earth and water, therefore providing the structure of the body, the nectar of life, immunity, vitality, balance, strength and joy. When ojas is strong, we feel whole and can tap into the full potential of our body. Strong ojas in the body finds a person experiencing good work-life balance, an ability to follow through, positive relationships and a sense of peace and comfort in the body. Staying in ones happiness-lane becomes easier because like increases like.

Ojas is made from harmonious foods & thoughts, stable routines,  joyful experiences, physical and spiritual nourishment, consistent movement, creative outlets, and proper expenditure of  sexual energy. Hormones are an extension of ojas. Some signs of poor ojas are chronic fatigue, low energy, frequent illness, and hypersensitivity.

TEJAS: TRANSFORMATION

In addition to the vitality that ojas provides the body, hormones rely on “tejas.” Tejas is the subtle essence of pitta, or fire.  It is tejas that creates a transformation of proper foods, joyful lifestyle, hydration, and the secretion of hormones.  It is responsible for internal radiance, intelligence, discernment, vibrancy, regulation of digestion and metabolism, discipline, courage and confidence. The result of poor tejas is difficulty making decisions, difficulty grasping complex ideas, anger, criticism, depletion of tissues, and overactive body tissues that are known to result in cancer & autoimmunity.

PRANA: LIFE FORCE

Lastly, the hormonal systems of the body rely on prana, or the ability to move energy in the body. Prana is the subtle essence of air. Prana is responsible for life force. When there is proper flow of prana in the body, we experience clairvoyance, dynamism, and comfortable movement of thought and the physical body.  A balanced and well-maintained flow of prana is important because it carries the tejas into the tissues and cells of the body, allowing the transformation process to happen. Without prana to create circulation of bodily functions, thought and emotion - the lines of communication become impacted. Signs of imbalance of pranic flow show up as poor circulation, elimination issues, hypersensitivity, impulsiveness, instability, impatience, poor enthusiasm, and a lack of creativity or curiosity.

 The cultivation of prana, tejas, and ojas is the Ayurvedic approach to proper hormonal function, resulting in balance, long term health, and a feeling of connection within one’s body, mind and soul.

BREAKING IT DOWN

Let’s dive into the phases of the menstrual cycle and take a closer look at how prana, tejas and ojas play a role in the production of two important hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

The first hormone to be produced by the body is estrogen.  Estrogen is ojas with a little bit of tejas, giving it the power of transformation in the reproductive tissues.  During the production of estrogen, otherwise known as the follicular phase, womb bearers often experience more creativity, more drive and a higher vibrancy for life.  There is also more productivity in nurturing one’s passions and a higher tendency towards empathy. This is when adrenals, fat and the gut also help stimulate the fertile mucus and lining.  Estrogen supports the bones, the immune system, and the heart. 

Progesterone, the second hormone to be produced during the moon cycle, builds the uterine lining and nourishes implantation. Sometimes vata gets to work breaking down the uterine lining and we experience active bleeding. Other times, implantation occurs. Progesterone stabilizes the uterine lining, creates calm and steadiness in the mind, reduces inflammation in the body, builds muscle and promotes sleep. It protects against heart disease and breast cancer, boosts the thyroid and calms the nervous system.

Although just two of many, is important to realize that these hormones have far reaching impacts on the body.

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

 Things that can impact proper hormonal function:

-       Improper diet

-       Imbalanced lifestyle

-       Poor sleep habits

-       Accumulated ama (metabolic toxic waste)

-       Lack of exercise or movement

-       Failure to experience joyful and creative experiences

-       Hormonal birth control

WHAT CAN I DO INSTEAD?

 A deeply nourishing lifestyle gives us fuel (ojas), the ability to convert all these positives to work in our favor (tejas), and the electricity that keeps everything going (prana).

This dynamic trio, when working harmoniously, ensure proper body weight, growth & development, satisfying and balanced sexual function, healthy reproductive function, stable mood, functioning metabolism, productive sleep, healthy nervous system function and the bodys ability to self-repair.

• Proper Ayurvedic Diet: Ayurvedic nutrition is based on the elements and, therefore, is not ever changing and does not assume that what works for one person, works for the whole of humanity. What is nourishing to one person could be depleting or damaging to another person. 

• Work-Life Balance: We are now fully engaged in the technological age and with so much opportunity at our fingertips, it can be harder than ever to find a work-life balance.  Creating routines that help separate personal time, family time, sleep time and work time are essential to allowing the body to rest and rejuvenate.  Without creative outlets, loving relationships, and movement the body becomes burned out, or, lacks ojas. 

• Sleep Habits: One should attempt to sleep by 10pm. This helps align the circadian rhythms of the body, thereby creating healthy hormonal function.  When we sleep by 10pm and wake with the sun, we allow nature to do her part in balancing the hormones.  The sun and the moon literally instigate the production of certain hormones.

• Cleanse:  The body accumulates toxins over time.  Environmental factors, food, digestive stress, life stress and poor sleep all contribute to the formation of toxins in the body, which creates a blockage that literally keeps the hormones from properly circulating and which puts extra stress on the body. Ayurveda recommends seasonal cleanse (spring and fall), at the very least, but for ideal health, the body delights in weekly cleanse of some kind.  Food cleanse, digital detox, lymphatic massage, and time alone & in nature are all some of the ways we can provide relief to the body so that it’s functions can stay on track. Without cleanse, tejas can become weak and dull.

• Creative & Spiritual Experiences: Like increases like. When we utilize the feminine energy of the body with creative activities, sexual experiences, spiritual connection and development of intuition, we support prana, thereby stimulating life force energy.

Come back soon to learn how to read the signs/symptons within your own body for a deeper understanding of which of the subtle aspects of prana, tejas or ojas could use your personal attention. 

WAIT, I WANT MORE!

Interested in better understanding your very own dosha?  Take my online Dosha Questionnaire here to learn about your doshic make-up and, for an extra dose of education, choose the option to take the Vikruti Questionnaire next. 

JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND CLEANSE TOGETHER

To learn more about Ayurveda diet and nutrition, daily cycles, and how to cleanse the body, consider signing up for my upcoming Spring Community Cleanse. Within this incredible community of people, we will address how cleanse supports the body, why and when we do it, and how to stay full, nutritionally nourished, and well-rested during cleanse.