Balanced doshas by being established in the self (aware of and respond to physical and mental needs).

The goals for a 1 hour group session are to provide (1) basic conception of doshas and how they influence physical and mental function; (2) simple tools to pacify dosha through lifestyle, diet and herbal choices as well as asana, pranayama and meditation.

Three females age range from mid 30s to mid 50s, each of which has various health conditions. Client #1 (mid 30s) has high blood pressure and has been taking medicine to control the condition. She suffer from anxiety and has hard time going to sleep and waking up. Client #2 (late 30s) has digestive issues, feeling unbalanced in all aspects (physical and mental) and needs guidance toward improve overall health Client #3 (mid 50s) is diabetic and has high cholesterol. She suffered from depression in the past. She is having anxiety and experiencing mental fog.

Because all three clients were not familiar with Ayurveda, my plan was to introduce them to Ayurvedic principles (five elements and dosha) and then to provide tools that they can incorporate into their daily life to improve and maintain physical and mental health.

I used Hatha yoga to offer asanas that are helpful to pitta and vata aggravation, including, forward bending poses, supported reclined twist, supine bound angle pose. I also used a combination of Hatha and Raja yoga and briefly offer pranayama and meditation. I also briefly discussed the Gunas. Specifically, the importance of moving toward sattvic state. I did not have time to talk into detail, but did say that daily asana, pranayama and meditation even for 15-20 min will slowly help us moving the physical and mental condition to the higher state (i.e., sattvic).

The clients are very interested in learning about Ayurvedic concept, especially understanding their constitution and how that influences their physical and mental health. Based on the constitution assessment, the three clients have similar dosha type: Pitta, Pitta-Vata (slightly dominate Pitta) and Pitta Vata (equally). Because the session was conducted in mid summer and all clients are pitta dominant, we focused on how to pacify pitta. When it might be useful, I also offered diet options and asanas to deal with vata aggravation. There were some questions, e.g., does constitution change from time to time and what time would be best to exercise. My answer was absolutely and gave example of the relationship between menstrual cycle and doshas. I also suggested the clients to avoid over heating the body (i.e., exercise) during mid-day when pitta is aggravated. Instead, they should take lunch during this time. We also discussed lifestyle change (establish regular schedules for bed time, meal time, exercise), diet (what would be good to pacify pitta (cooling food and food that have bitter, astringent taste, avoid overly spicy food and caffeine). I mentioned cooling herbs, but emphasized that they should check with their doctor before taking anything that they have not been taken before. Then, I demonstrated a few asanas, nadi suddhi and explained how to meditate.

My suggestion for the client is to taking note (e.g., keeping a journal) of how diet affects their physical and mental health. I also suggested a follow up meeting to discuss about what the clients have tried since the session and how this change impacts their body and/or mind.

Yes, I did apply everything that I had plan. The introduction to Ayurvedic concept went very well and the clients felt that it was informative. However, i think that I tried to include too many things in one session. I feel that it would be better, if I focus on one or two tools (e.g., diet choice, asana) and discuss about them in more detail (instead of rushing through).

I spent more time explaining constitution assessment, five element and doshas than I had planned. Therefore, I did not have enough time to really focus on asana, pranayama and meditation. For example, I went through each asana too quickly; the clients who do not practice yoga on a regular basis may not be able to practice on their own without additional guidance. The lesson that I learned here is not to try to fit everything in one session, but just focus on a few topics and do it well.
I was lucky that all three clients have somewhat similar constitution; so, I can focus on one dosha (pitta in this case). I think that it would be better and simpler to work with one client at a time for Ayurvedic session so that we can discuss on an area that is specifically tailored for the client.

If this happens again, I would cut out some parts that I have planed to do and spend more time on useful topics or tools that, I think, the clients incorporate into their daily life. I can introduce additional tools during the next session if it is necessary.