Rhythms of the Full Moon: Ayurveda’s Wisdom

The full moon has fascinated humanity since the beginning of time. Globally, it has been praised as a celebration of vitality, clarity, and completion. In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of holistic medicine, the moon is regarded as an auspicious time when the mind, body, and spirit become more receptive. It has the potential to increase our emotions, disrupt our digestion, and even interfere with our sleep.

Instead of viewing the moon as an unpleasant interference, Ayurveda encourages us to work with it. We can utilise the full moon into a time of repair and balance by incorporating the moon's energy into our routines, nutrition, and rituals. This blog will take you through Ayurvedic observations on the full moon, common imbalances you may notice, and practical techniques to assist yourself during this powerful phase.

The moon is related with soma in Ayurveda, a calming, nourishing, and life-giving substance that replenishes the body. The inner waters of our beings respond to the moon's tug, just as the waves do. The full moon heightens subtle energies, causing us to feel everything more deeply.

Each of the doshas-Vata, Pitta, and Kapha-responds differently.

Vata (air and space):

The moon may increase restlessness, overthinking, and anxiousness.

Pitta (fire and water)

The phase may bring about agitation, hot flashes, and skin breakouts.

Kapha (water and earth)

The cycle might trigger slowness, drowsiness, or lethargic behaviour.

Knowing this about our Doshas, direct us to the right foods, herbs, and practices for maintaining balance throughout this moon phase.

If you ever feel "off" around a full moon, you might not be imagining it. A number of people have made claims about having problems with their bodies and emotional state.

• Emotional Intensity: The full moon can cause extreme feelings, including anxiety, grief, and inspiration.
• Sleep Disturbances: Elevated energy and sensitivity to light can disrupt sleep.
• Digestive Issues: The full moon might produce digestive difficulties such as slowing or hypersensitivity.
• Skin Problems: The full moon influence might cause skin-related issues such as irritation and acne.

Ayurveda views these imbalances as indications of increased lunar energy circulating within the body. Instead of battling it, Ayurveda teaches us to embrace it by developing routines for cooling, relaxing, and rejuvenation.

To prosper during the full moon, no elaborate ceremony is required. A few minor tweaks might make you feel more grounded and supported.

For the Mind

• Journaling: Use the moon to reflect and release. Write down any feelings, dreams, or goals you want to let go of.
• Gentle meditation can calm the mind, particularly for Vata imbalances. Try focussing on your breathing or repeating a calming mantra under the full moon.
• Pranayama: Cooling breathwork, such as sheetali or nadi shodhana, can balance fiery energy and promote calm.

For the body.

• Cool foods: Include cucumbers, melons, leafy greens, and fresh fruit into your diet. Avoid hot or heavy foods near this period.
• Herbal support: Rose, brahmi, and ashwagandha promote nervous system and emotional stability.
• Self-massage with coconut or sesame oil, known as abhyanga, can reduce stress and energy levels.
• Instead of hard workouts, try gentle movements like yoga, stretching, or a peaceful walk beneath the moon.

For the spirit.

• Experience the cooling light of the full moon by sitting outside under it. In Ayurveda, this method is supposed to reduce heat and regulate emotions.
• Perform a sacred ritual by lighting a candle, drinking warm spiced milk, and setting intentions for the upcoming cycle.
• Align with the moon's water element by taking a relaxing bath with rose petals or sandalwood.

Ayurveda has certain herbal companions who become very active around the full moon.

• Calympressin is an Ayurvedic treatment derived from aromatic plants used to alleviate congestion, sinus pressure, and colds. Its decongestant effects will help you breathe easier in no time.
• Ashwagandha is a grounding medication that calms Vata and relieves tension.
• Brahmi, also known as Gotu Kola. A nervous system-soothing herb that helps with mental focus and reduces emotional intensity.
• Rose: Known for its refreshing, heart-opening, and balancing properties, it is ideal for hot Pitta outbursts during the phase.
• Sandalwood: Traditionally used to reduce heat and excitability, it balances Pitta and calms restlessness.

Since each dosha reacts differently to the full moon, here are some special balancing suggestions:

• Vata individuals should prioritise grounding. It can be useful to eat warm foods, limit TV time, and adopt relaxing pre-bed rituals. The full moon scatters energy, so become regular.
• Pitta types: Relax. Avoid spicy foods, excessive drinking, and high caffeine intake. Instead, opt for coconut water or rose tea, as well as relaxation-position yoga during the full moon.
• Kapha individuals: Enliven. During the full moon, the Kapha energy may become languid and lethargic, therefore light movement and vigorous breathwork are recommended.

By tailoring your self-care to your dosha, the full moon can no longer be a negative force, but rather a helpful buddy.

It's easy to lose sight of natural rhythms in a fast-paced, technological environment.

However, spending only ten minutes outside during the full moon to breathe and resync can be revolutionary.

The full moon has always served as a mirror, reflecting both light and what we carry within us. Ayurveda offers eternal methods for moving more smoothly and steadily through this energy. Knowing how the full moon affects the doshas and applying supportive rituals transforms that phase of the moon into a portal of harmony.

The objective is to be present, whether through journaling, sipping rose tea, performing an abhyanga, or simply sitting in front of the brilliant full moon. Month after month, the full moon appears and invites us to pause, reboot, and refuel ourselves. With Ayurveda as our guide, the monthly cycle is something to savour rather than suffer.

The next time the full moon appears, consider it an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and be gentle with yourself, your body, and mind. By doing so, you are aligning yourself with ancient wisdom that has always been – the full moon illuminates not only the sky, but also our inner selves.