After a long, hot summer this morning we awaken to a sense that Fal approaches, it is alot colder than it has been and the forecast has lots of rain instore for us. Seems like a good place to explore the 4th Element in our practice.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, the element of Water, Apas, is associated with plasma, blood, urine, sweat, saliva and mucus. Think about that within you which flows, has a liquid component. Water is said to contain aspects of the elements Fire, Air and Ether and is the primary element of Kapha Dosha and the secondary element of Pitta, where it acts as the "container".
Qualities of the Water element include: cold, wet, heavy, gross, liquid, static, dull, soft, smooth and cloudy. Our sense of taste is associated with this element and the organs of action are the genitals and the kidneys and bladder, most closely associated with the movement of liquid out of the body.
In our yoga practice we consider fluidity and movement as it is associated with the area around the hips, oh yes, time to get "hip" with it! Nourish your body to support any physical practice or activity by hydrating the tissues with juices, teas, coconut water, aloe juice, soups and cooked grains such as rice or oatmeal as appropriate for your constitution or current imbalance.
Please Note: If this or any yoga pose caused direct pain, numbness or just does not feel right to you, please stop. Your yoga practice should never hurt, seek advice from a qualified instructor or a medical practitioner.