Welfare Archives

Anāhata, the heart chakra

The Sanskrit word “chakra” means wheel or disc, and refers to the subtle energy centers of our body.

Anāhata the heart chakra is located in the center of the chest, halfway between the lower 3 chakras and the upper 3 chakras.

It is the fourth of the seven main chakras, and the point of balance between the body and the soul, between the material and the spiritual.

Depiction of Anāhata

The Hindu tradition represents Anāhata by a blue or green lotus with 12 petals, with in its center, a yantra formed of two intertwined triangles: the triangle points upwards which represents the male principle Shiva, and the triangle points downwards which represents the female Shakti principle.

The masculine and feminine principles come together to generate balance and harmony.

Center of Love and Sensibility

This chakra, capable of releasing a benevolent energy of healing love, both towards oneself and towards others, is the source of the positive feelings of compassion, patience, peace, happiness and joy.

It is through the heart chakra that we connect with others, so it is the center of our relationships with others.

“Anāhata” means “unstruck sound” in Sanskrit. It is the sound which produces itself, which does not need anything to exist. Indeed a heartbeat exists by itself!

Seat of consciousness and creativity

The 4th chakra is the seat of the “I” and the ego, but also of the divine self (Atma), and of self-awareness in relation to others.

It is the most important energy center of the body. It integrates the emotions produced by the first three chakras and manages the more stable feelings integrated in the upper three chakras.

Anāhata is the junction point between telluric and celestial energies. This chakra is an integral part of the processes of transformation and regeneration. It activates the power of the imagination and therefore the ability to create.

Place a green or pink colored stone on your heart chakra for a few minutes to activate it!

Connections for Anāhata

The organs associated with Anāhata are the heart, lungs, hands and skin. Its element is air, which represents freedom, lightness, voluptuousness and infinity. His sense of touch, his animal the black antelope. Its mantra is Yam and its note is Fa.

How to Activate the Heart Chakra

When Anāhata is closed, we are selfish, cold, demanding. When it is overly open, we are overly expansive, or possessive, overwhelmed with desire, jealousy, sadness, and dependent in our relationships with others.

When Anāhata is well balanced, we are kind to others, and forgive easily. We feel understanding for all that is. We accept our true nature. It is an essential prerequisite to flourish and evolve in a positive way.

To activate Anāhata, you can for example:

Surround yourself with green and/or pink
spend as much time outdoors as possible
pay more attention to your breathing
let go of your problems
practice selfless giving to loved ones or complete strangers
Meditate by focusing on your heart chakra
chant the mantra Yam, out loud or in your head
The 4th chakra is activated by physical contact and hugs, whether with people or animals.
The incense and essential oils recommended for opening Anāhata are: lemon verbena, basil, peppermint, ylang ylang, rose, neroli, bergamot, geranium, lemon balm, eucalyptus radiata…
Pink or green colored stones are also effective: aventurine, amazonite, agate, jade, pink quartz.
In yoga, the postures of the cobra, the fish and the camel open the rib cage and are excellent for activating Anāhata.

The benefits of traditional Thai massage

Traditional Thai massage, or Nuad Bo Rarn, restores balance and energy to the body, and provides many benefits.

In Thailand, thai massage is an integral part of everyday life. They are practiced mainly as a preventive measure, because their regular practice allows you to stay in good health.

Traditional Thai massage is a true alternative medicine that has its roots in the ancestral traditions of Ayurvedic medicine.

In Thailand it is called Nuad Bo Rarn or Nuad Boran. Nuad means “pressure” and boran means “old”.

Of Indian origin, its practice spread to Thailand at the same time as Buddhism, around the 5th century BC.

The Nuad Boran is practiced on the ground on a futon, dressed in loose and comfortable clothes, and without oil or lotion.

The masseur uses his thumbs, elbows, knees, feet to exert pressure on the whole body, as well as stretching and postures.

It is an invigorating massage that works the whole body, and its health benefits are numerous.

In addition to softening the joints and relaxing the muscles, Thai massage helps detoxify the body, in parallel with the 3 other elements of traditional Thai medicine: nutrition, herbal medicine and meditation.

It frees the mind from accumulated stress, relieves tension and stiffness in the body, it is beneficial for blood and lymphatic circulation and it improves the quality of sleep.

You will leave your session completely relaxed and regenerated.

Be careful, however, because there are contraindications, for example for pregnant women, and certain serious illnesses. If in doubt, seek the advice of a doctor.

To give or receive a Thai massage, you should wear loose and comfortable clothes, such as Thai pants and a Thai shirt.

You will find some on my online store, also discover our massage and self-massage accessories!

For a Thai massage in Toulouse, France, we recommend contacting Yeshé from Passaddhi Massages!

Learn more about the spirit of Nuad Boran.

The Powers of Minerals

The powers of minerals are many and varied, find here some of their daily benefits.

Stones to help you relax

Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Rock Crystal: the combined energies of these 3 stones bring love and comfort, softness, serenity and appeasement.

Different stones have calming and soothing properties, such as rock crystal, amethyst, rose quartz, aventurine, etc. These stones fight stress and facilitate sleep. They are also effective in relieving headaches of nervous origin.

Stones to increase your joie de vivre

Some stones bring vitality and good energy, such as tiger’s eye and carnelian. They help us see the world around us in a positive light. They are a valuable support in case of depression, sadness or fatigue. Avoid keeping them close while sleeping.

Tiger’s Eye is the symbol of self-affirmation. It is a stone of protection that endows its wearer with powerful and radiant energy.

Stones to develop creativity

Rock crystal, brecciated jasper, rose quartz and aventurine stones stimulate creative energy. They are very helpful in clearing the mind, relieving stress, and speaking in public. These stones also sublimate the sexual energy. They promote tenderness and empathy, and help remove emotional blockages.

Stones to promote clairvoyance and Spiritual openness

Stones such as lapis lazuli, sodalite, rock crystal, amethyst, etc. promote meditation, the opening of the 3rd eye and the connection with the spiritual worlds. They increase the ability to see and understand beyond the material world.

stones for protection

Indispensable in lithotherapy, they can protect you and your home from the harmful effects of various unhealthy influences: whether negative entities, spells, electromagnetic waves, wifi, bluetooth, as well as bad energy vibrations, whether they emanate from yourself or others…

Some protective stones act by absorbing bad energies, like a sponge, such as black tourmaline, labradorite, obsidian… While others act like a protective shield, repelling the bad vibrations, this is the case of tiger’s eye.

Among the stones of protection, you will find turquoise, jasper, lepidolite, hematite, bull’s eye, onyx…

To each person, and to each moment, corresponds a stone…

Each stone has its own power, an energy of its own and depends on its variety (quartz, jasper, agate, others…), its color (connected to one of the 7 main chakras),…

How to choose your stone or stone bracelet?

Minerals Bracelet: How to choose them and how to wear them?

The mineral (fine stone) bracelet, with round pearls, has become a very trendy fashion accessory. This phenomenon is strongly linked to the needs for renewal and spirituality that we are currently going through.

Indeed, the stones, because of their many powers, can support and guide us in this period of transition.

Each stone is different, and each person is different. In addition, in the same person, the effects felt on contact with a stone can vary depending on the day, the moment, the mood …

How to choose a stone or a stone jewel?

There are several possible selection criteria:

Feeling : the best and simplest method is to choose, letting yourself be guided by your intuition. If you feel attracted to a stone, or a jewel, it is that it corresponds to you !
The virtues of the mineral : choose according to the desired effect, and what you want to work on at the given time.
The corresponding color or chakra : each color has its own vibrational energy, and is linked to one of the seven main chakras.
Zodiacal connections : you can also let yourself be guided by the table below, and choose your stone bracelet according to your zodiac sign.

On which wrist to wear the stone bracelet?

Stone bracelets are a great way to enjoy the benefits of minerals. Because direct contact with the skin facilitates energy transmission.

In general, it is advisable to wear “active” stones on your right wrist (which bring courage, strength or vitality, for example). Indeed the right wrist is connected to the left cerebral hemisphere, which is the center of logical thinking, analysis, decisions, and action.

The left wrist will receive the “passive” stones, those which bring effects of calm, harmony, and which help in meditation. This wrist is linked to the right hemisphere of the brain, the center of intuitive thinking, sensitivity and the synthetic mind.

Can we wear several stones together?

You can wear several bracelets on the same wrist, if their virtues are compatible, if their colors are similar, or if they belong to the same mineralogical family (example: agates, quartz, jaspers, etc.)

In general, it is advisable not to carry more than 3 different stones on yourself simultaneously. Except in special combinations (example: 7 chakras, life path, etc.)

Rock crystal can always be worn with any other mineral. Its neutral energy purifies and strengthens the virtues of other stones!

Some additional tips:

Do not keep a stone on you permanently, or for too long. Because you will get used to its effects and these will tend to diminish over time.
In all circumstances, always trust your intuition. Because lithotherapy is not an exact science, the energy of stones is never frozen. It is experienced differently by people.
To offer mineral jewelry, you can apply the same selection criteria mentioned above. Feeling (thinking of the person to whom the gift is intended). Depending on the desired effect. Or the person’s zodiac sign.
Remember to purify and recharge your minerals and mineral jewelry on a regular basis.

Remember to purify and recharge your minerals and mineral jewelry on a regular basis

Mudras : health at your fingertips !

Mudras are hands gestures whose origin goes back to ancient India, several millennia ago.

Omnipresent in Hindu dances, they tell us the story of the manifestation of God in the universe.

Meaning

The Sanskrit word mudra means “sign”, or “seal”. It comes from the terms: “mud” which means bliss, happiness and “dhra” which means dissolution. Each mudra has a deep meaning and has a part of the magic of Life.

Ancient Vedic tradition

According to the ancient tradition, our five fingers represent the five building blocks, or the five main elements of the universe (called Panchamahabhootas ).

Each finger has its function and its power within our body. When the fingers touch, the “nadis” (subtle energy channels) are connected and particular energy vibrations are activated. The different elements that make up our body and the entire universe can associate and cooperate.

Relationships between the fingers and the elements, according to Vedic tradition.

The thumb is connected to the Fire (Agni)

The forefinger is linked to the Air (Vayu)

The middle finger is connected to the Ether, the Sky (Akasha)

The ring finger is connected to the Earth (Prithvi)

The little finger is connected to the Water (Jala)

It is worth mentioning that the 5 elements do not refers to the same concepts in the Indian and Chinese culture, the correspondences also change (learn more about the 5 Chinese elements here).

Benefits on health and well-being

Using mudras regularly is a natural way to improve your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Murdas is practiced by creating, with one’s fingers, particular forms that generate energy and subtle vibrations that care for the body and the mind.

It also includes the principle of Asanas (postures of yoga). Moreover, mudras are often referred to as ” finger yoga”.

Practiced regularly, the mudras improve our general health, and harmony body-spirit-universe.

Our hands can replace our eyes in the dark, they can also be used to communicate with our fellow humans and with the rest of the universe. Our hands are the first means of expression before one learn how to speak!

Our destiny rests in our hands, and this expression is to be taken literally and figuratively.

Discover 17 mudras with Arasia:

Dharmachakra mudra — 1- DHARMACHAKRA MUDRA: The Mudra of the spinning wheel of life brings personal evolution and teaches the perpetual transformation of the universe. Key word: letting go.

Padma mudra — 2- Padma Mudra – The Lotus Flower Mudra opens the heart to universal love. Heals inner wounds and teaches forgiveness. Key word: love.

Our hands are the first means of expression before one learn how to speak! — 3 – Akini Mudra – The Mudra of concentration and reflection, it allows exchange between the 2 hemispheres of the brain. The 5 energy channels are activated equally. Key word: alignment.

SHIVA MUDRA — 4 – Shiva Linga mudra symbolizes the integration of the energies of Shiva and Shakti, Hindu god and goddess. The right hand with the right thumb represents masculine strength and the left hand symbolizes feminine energy.

atmanjali-mudra-namaste — 5 – ATMANJALI MUDRA This mudra, commonly called “Namasté” is omnipresent in India to say hello, thank you, goodbye, etc…
It takes us back to the path of the heart.
The 2 hands together represent our spiritual and material parts, or the solar and lunar energies, which are gathered here. Key word light.

SHUNYA MUDRA — 6 – Shunya or Shuny Mudra. Here the middle finger (associated with ether) activated invites us to explore space. It is also the mudra of heaven and paradise. – at ARASIA-SHOP.

7 – KSEPANA MUDRA – This mudra promotes the expulsion of worn or negative energies and the subsequent absorption of soft, positive and restorative energy.
It also promotes relaxation, all tensions are released.

bhu mudra ancrage — 8 – bhu mudra- ancrage
Bhu mudra encourage la stabilité et le sentiment de sécurité. Il fortifie la connexion avec la Terre mère ainsi qu’avec notre corps. Développe la patience. Mudra d’ancrage, excellent pour les voyageurs. Mot clé : connexion – à ARASIA-SHOP.

DHYANI MUDRA — 9-Dhyani mudra-
This mudra is effective for refocusing and becoming fully aware of one’s personal power.
Very good against depression.
The 2 thumbs come together, the energy circulates, the hands form a dome. You can meditate on emptiness. This mudra is frequently associated with Buddha. – at ARASIA-SHOP.

CHIN MUDRA — 10 – chin or gyan mudra –
Indispensable in the practice of yoga or meditation.
Chin Mudra (fingers turned towards the Earth): increases self-understanding.
Gyan Mudra (fingers facing the sky) increases understanding of the universe.
Soothing effect, increases concentration and receptivity.
The index finger represents the human being, the individual soul (atman or ego), and the thumb represents the divine, or the universal soul (Brahman or the Absolute)
The fire (the thumb) associates with the air (the index finger), and this forms a circle so that the energy circulates inside without going out outside.

11- APANA MUDRA is the mudra of purification and digestion. It promotes positive energies and brings the power of renewal. Supports visionary thinking. Strengthens the liver, kidneys, teeth and urinary system.

GANESHA MUDRA — 12 – Ganesha mudra
– hands placed at chest level should pull in opposite directions
– this mudra works on the opening of Anahata, heart chakra, the ability to receive and give love
– resolves respiratory problems and improves the functioning of the heart –

garuda mudra — 13 – Garuda Mudra should be practiced to develop the feeling of freedom in one’s life. This mudra is very powerful. Garuda is a bird-man from Hindu and then Buddhist mythology. He is also considered the king of birds.
It is the mount of Vishnu, the god of time and the stability of the world, who maintains Life and Creation.

14 – SHANKH MUDRA. Also called the “shell gesture”, this mudra is very popular in India. Ideal to practice during seasonal changes or when your energy levels drop.

15 – PRANA MUDRA – the fire element is associated with the earth element to purify and increase vital energy (prana) This mudra also treats nervous problems and recharges all parts of the body. To perform prana mudra, the tip of the thumb touches the little finger and the ring finger. Keep the other two fingers straight

Tibetan bowl: how to make it sing?

The Tibetan bowl is traditionally used for prayer, meditation as well as for holistic therapeutic treatments (healing by sounds).

Their popularity is due to the remarkable sound they produce. They have been an integral part of Asian culture for centuries.

The best singing bowls are from the Dharamsala region in India, and are made of a seven metals alloy: bronze, copper, tin, zinc, iron, silver and gold, which corresponds to the seven planets of the solar system, seven chakras … etc.

Pure sound with harmonizing properties

A Tibetan bowl can produce two distinct sounds:

-The first sound is the easiest to make. It is obtained by tapping the bowl once with the stick in a flexible but firm manner.
-The second sound requires more agility, it is the “singing” of the bowl itself. It is obtained by circular friction of the stick around the bowl.

This sound, incredibly rich and beautiful, is in fact a harmonic (several notes) sometimes complex, and which is characteristic of each bowl.

How to make your Tibetan bowl sing?

If you are right-handed, place the Tibetan bowl flat on your left hand which must remain flexible. Fingertips should not touch the bowl. Hold the stick with your right hand. Start by gently and gently giving one or more small taps on the outside of the bowl to make it ring.

Then rotate the stick around the outer edge of the bowl, pressing more or less firmly on the bowl. You have to try to catch the sound with the stick, and manage to keep it with a regular rotating movement.

Fans of music and dexterity games will be in paradise! Also note that the smaller the bowl, the more difficult it is to make it sing, but after a little practice, you will obtain a very pure sound which has curative, purifying and calming properties.

The simple act of ringing your bowl is a meditation in itself, because you have to center yourself and be in the present moment (listening).

Arasia Tibetan bowls

All our bowls are sold with their stick which is covered in felt for a softer sound.

Our singing bowls can be simple or decorated with spiritual motifs and symbols (the mantra Om mani padme hum, or images of Buddha).

Arasia offers you handmade Tibetan bowls in Benares, the sacred city of India, as well as cushions for Tibetan bowls.

HAVE A LOOK ON OUR ONLINE SHOP HERE.

The Inner Smile

Originally an ancient Taoist healing method, the inner smile is an extremely powerful meditation ritual that begins at the level of the eyes to go into all the organs of the body. The Taoists have been using the power of the inner smile for 2500 years.

It can also be seen as a broader concept designating a smiling and positive attitude towards every person and every event in life.

A relaxed smile, inside ourselves, can dispel the fears, tensions and negative emotions of life.

Scientists have shown that the smile releases chemical substances in the brain (serotonin, dopamine and endorphins) that instantly cause well-being.

There is a Chinese saying that says that a smile makes the face breathe.

Smiling is also the opening of the heart, a voluntary action that has the effect of feeling happiness in oneself.

But how to practice the inner smile?

It can be practiced at any time, and the more you practice it, the more it will become natural, as a way of being in the world.

You can close your eyes, but it’s not mandatory. Think of your safe place, become aware of your breathing and the present moment … you are alive, you are happy!

Imagine the corners of your lips which rise slightly. Observe this smile, let the joy invade and spread around you …

You can also visualize someone you love who smiles at you and you smile back.

By smiling at yourself, others and the world, you send out waves of positive energy.

“Joy engenders a smile,

And the smile engenders relaxation, calm and joy.

To smile, I do not expect to feel joy;

The feeling of joy can very well be born later.

Being alone in my room, I sometimes smile at myself.

I do it out of kindness to myself, to take care of myself, to give myself love.

I know that if I do not take care of myself, I cannot take care of others. “

_ Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk for peace

Other quotes from Thich Nhat Hanh

The benefits of self massage

Pain, stress, sleepless nights … And what if you could help reduce your stress in just minutes through self massage ?

The automassage also allows a reconnection to his body. And we can control the pressures as desired .

It is also excellent to relax and unwind.

Regular practice and in the long term , may help to solve small malfunctions of the body related to poor circulation of energy .

Arasia -Shop offers a range of self-massage accessories, discover all the benefits they can bring you daily :

Relax ones back?

Evacuate the stress and / or headache ?

Relax tired fingers?

Relax ones hands?

Relax ones feet?

Don’t wait for the change, be it.

For the past decades, we’ve experienced a growing awareness worldwide regarding our resources : the society as we know it is a limited model.

The truth is, we consume resources faster than the planet generates them and the volume of toxic waste is increasing.

Fortunately, more and more initiatives are taking place, which is why today there are so many more eco-friendly avenues to build a greener future for the planet.

The sharing economy, carpooling, urban gardens, everything local or organic or fair, green and renewable energy, eco- villages, waste recycling …

These alternative lifestyles reposition the welfare of people as human beings at the center of concerns.

Today, we are seeing a real return to the sources and the taste of simplicity is found.

Educate yourself, act in your neighborhood, and remember: the world changes if I change!
It’s contagious !

How to use Essential Oils

1/ How to use essential oils in the bath :

After a long day at work , give yourself a moment of relaxation in your bath delicately scented with essential oils !

Doil the water to 37 degrees , and dilute 10-20 drops of essential oil in a dispersant mixture before adding it to the bath .
The dispersant is required because the essential oils are not soluble in water. You can use eg baking soda , liquid soap , shampoo, milk powder , clay , etc. …

Here are our essential oils that you can use for a bath :
Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Peppermint, Ylang- Ylang, Lavender, Jasmin

2/Utilisation essential oils in massage

Prepare a massage oil with a few drops of essential oils mixed with a vegetable oil ( preferably organic ), for example almond oil , avocado oil , olive oil , coconut oil …

To take full advantage of this time to relax , do not forget to light a few candles and turn off the phone!

For a sensual massage, use essential ylang ylang, jasmin, rose or patchouli oil.
For slimming massage use essential oil of orange (warning it is photosensitizing and some people may be allergic , do a test patch first) or cedar.
For a tonic massage, essential oil of basil (very diluted , use sparingly ) or oliban.
For a respiratory decongestant massage , essential eucalyptus oil.
For a relaxing massage , essential oils of lavender or ylang -ylang.

3/ How to diffuse essential oils

Little economic trick to diffuse essential oil : you can put a drop or two on a small pebble beside you on your desk. You can also put the pebble on a radiator, or put a few drops in a cup with water and place it on a radiator.

4/How to use essential oils in cooking

Our essential oils that you can use in the kitchen are: basil , lemon , orange , lavender , peppermint (do to exceed 1 drop) , ylang ylang and lemon. Pay attention to the dosage : 1-3 drops is more than sufficient to flavor a dish! Always dilute essential oils with a fat or sweet body ( honey, syrup, oil , egg yolk , cream or alcohol ) before adding to the dish at the end of cooking so as not to alter it proprieties. You can flavor your sauces , marinades, meat, fish, taboulets , rice salads , jams , cocktails, sorbets , fruit salads, etc. to give them a touch of gourmet and unique flavor. You will find many recipes on the internet to get started in this tasty and full kitchen benefits 🙂

PRECAUTIONS FOR USE ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are concentrated properties of a plant, they are very powerful and their use is subject to some rules of caution:

– Never apply essential oil on the eyes or on mucous membranes, in case of accidental contact , rinse abundantly with vegetable oil .

– Photosensitizing essential oils ( orange, bergamot, lemon … ) Avoid the sun for several hours after applying these oils on the skin to avoid any risk of skin reaction.

– Be extra carefull if you have allergies and/or a sensitive skin ! Dilute essential oils with vegetable oil (olive, sweet almond , avocado … etc) before application on the skin. We also recommend to perform a test on a small area of skin to check for any allergy before using essential oil for the first time.

– The use of essential oils by pregnant or breast-feeding women, people with epilepsy, infants and children under 7 years is not recommended unless medical advice.

– Always Keep out of reach of children.

– Ask advice form your doctor, aromatherapist or pharmacist.

– Keep in mind that excessive use can be harmful.

NB : Properties and tips for using our essential oils are derived from reference aromatherapy works and are given for information only. In no event shall our liability would be incurred . In case of health problems consult a competent therapist.

Our essential oils are natural and ethical .

The company Auroshikha , manufactures natural products of high quality . Is committed to an ethical approach , in accordance with the principles of Auroville, and offers very good working conditions for the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. Immerse yourself in the ancient Indian traditions and use the properties of medicinal plants for your relaxation and well-being.

Take a look at our massage accessories for massaging others or yourself with ease !

To quickly perfume a room , choose from 35 scents of our 100% natural Auroshikha incense !