AyurVeda
Developmental trauma impacts the autonomic nervous system by embedding patterns of dysregulation: chronic sympathetic overdrive (hyperarousal), parasympathetic shutdown (collapse), or oscillation between the two. This impacts digestion, sleep, immunity, hormonal function, and emotional stability. Ayurveda, especially as articulated by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, recognizes this as a Vata-aggravated condition, marked by instability, sensitivity, and loss of integration. At Wolf Yoga, we offer trauma survivors a medically informed healing journey guided by timeless Vedic principles.
Maharishi AyurVeda
Maharishi AyurVeda applies the diagnostic clarity of ancient Vedic science to modern health challenges by restoring balance at the level of Prakriti (individual constitution) and through alignment with cosmic rhythms.
Key Maharishi AyurVeda Principles:
Veda as the blueprint: The body is a material expression of the Veda—the organizing intelligence of nature.
Health as integration: True health is the harmonious functioning of all layers of consciousness: body, mind, intellect, ego, and Atma (Self).
Consciousness is primary: Disease originates in the field of consciousness long before symptoms arise.
Nadi Vigyan: Pulse Diagnosis
In Maharishi AyurVeda, Nadi Vigyan is used to detect imbalances at subtle and gross levels. Practitioners assess not just rate and rhythm, but the flow of Prana through the doshic subtypes (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), dhatus (tissues), and srotas (channels). This allows for individualized diagnosis long before pathology becomes evident.
Dinacharya
A stable daily routine is foundational in trauma recovery. Irregular schedules, overstimulation, and disrupted circadian rhythms are known triggers for PTSD and mood dysregulation. Maharishi AyurVeda emphasizes Dinacharya, a structured daily flow in sync with natural rhythms:
Waking by Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise) supports melatonin regulation and serotonin production.
Tongue scraping and oil pulling aid in detoxification and oral-gut axis balance.
Abhyanga (warm oil massage) activates pressure receptors in the skin to calm the limbic system, improve HRV, and increase oxytocin.
Meditation before meals enhances parasympathetic tone and improves digestion (Agni).
Early, light dinner aligns metabolism with circadian leptin and insulin sensitivity.
Herbal Protocols
Maharishi AyurVeda includes herbal protocols that modulate the HPA axis, support the gut-brain axis, and repair neuroinflammation:
Ashwagandha: Reduces cortisol, increases resilience, improves sleep.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Enhances memory, synaptic plasticity, and emotional stability.
Shankhpushpi: Nootropic with anxiolytic properties.
Triphala: Gut motility regulator and detoxifier that supports microbiota balance.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a deeply cleansing protocol designed to remove Ama (toxins), reset the gut-brain-immune axis, and restore doshic harmony. Key phases include:
Purvakarma: Preparatory phase involving Snehana (internal oleation) and Swedana (sudation).
Pradhanakarma: Main therapies like Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enemas), Nasya (nasal therapy), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting).
Paschatkarma: Rejuvenation with Rasayana therapies to rebuild tissue integrity and immune function.
Scientific benefits include improved liver enzyme profiles, reduced oxidative stress, better mitochondrial function, and restored circadian hormone profiles.
Vastu Shastra and Vedic Architecture
According to Maharishi Sthapatya Veda (Vedic architecture), the built environment affects physiology and mental health. Vastu homes are constructed with exact orientation, proportion, and symmetry based on cosmic laws:
East-facing entrances harness the rising sun’s energy for brain coherence.
Brahmasthan (central silent space) supports meditative awareness.
Room placement aligns with elemental and planetary energies to support organ function and doshic balance.
Studies in environmental psychology and architectural science suggest that spaces designed with principles similar to Vastu Shastra, which emphasizes harmony with natural elements, orientation, and energy flow, can positively influence sleep quality, mood regulation, and social cohesion.
For example, research on biophilic design, natural lighting, and spatial orientation consistently shows improvements in:
Sleep patterns and circadian rhythm alignment (Cheung et al., 2020)
Mood and stress reduction (Ulrich et al., 1991; Kellert et al., 2008)
Social interaction and interpersonal harmony via thoughtfully arranged communal spaces (Sternberg, 2010)
While direct scientific studies specifically on Vastu are limited, these findings parallel traditional Vastu goals and offer empirical support for its efficacy in enhancing wellbeing.
Vedic Perspectives
Vedic knowledge encompasses what Western science might call metaphysical principles, now supported by quantum biology and neurophysics:
Jyotish (Vedic Astrology): Predicts periods of vulnerability or healing.
Yagya (Vedic Rituals): Quantum action-at-a-distance shown to reduce collective violence (Maharishi Effect).
Tipping Point Formula: Group meditation by the square root of 1% of a population leads to measurable reductions in crime and conflict.
Action at a Distance: Supported by nonlocality in quantum physics, this principle explains how group consciousness modulates collective outcomes.
Conclusion
At Wolf Yoga, we use Maharishi AyurVeda as an advanced integrative system to restore rhythm, detoxify the body, realigning with Nature.
References:
Cheung, I. N., Zee, P. C., Shalman, D., & Goldstein, C. (2020).
Association of Light Exposure and Sleep with Mental Health in College Students: A Prospective Study. Scientific Reports, 10, 18247. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75085-9
Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991).
Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80184-7
Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (2008).
Biophilic design: The theory, science and practice of bringing buildings to life. Wiley.
Sternberg, E. M. (2010).
Healing spaces: The science of place and well-being. Harvard University Press.
