As you may know, this month's theme is STILLNESS, and each yoga session includes a self-soothing exercise. So, I wanted to share this podcast episode/video to highlight the connection between mind-body-emotions, as explained by Dr. Vignesh Devraj M.D. a 4th generation Ayurvedic Practitioner. Relaxation, or stillness, is the first step required of healing. Watch the 10min video above and explore his website here, and learn more about Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga).

The Hidden Physical Patterns:

Biomarkers are measurable indicators within the body that can help diagnose, track, or predict diseases and conditions. Biomarkers can provide data of normal or abnormal biological processes, diseases, or treatment responses, acting as objective clues about your health, found in blood, fluids, tissues or via imaging. While mental health conditions like anxiety or depression cannot be diagnosed through a blood draw, modern biomarkers reveal the underlying physical patterns that contribute to emotional distress.

Here are the main physiological factors that can influence mental and emotional wellbeing:

• Sleep quality

• nutrient deficiencies (B12, D3, iron, folate)

• inflammatory triggers due to lifestyle (diet high in sugar, salt, and fat; lack of sleep; toxins from alcohol and cigarettes)

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the measurement of fluctuations in time between consecutive heartbeats. HRV reflects the balance of your autonomic nervous system (ANS), which can indicate overall health, stress, and fitness. It's a key biomarker in understanding your body's readiness for physical or mental demands, showing how well you adapt. Higher HRV = better resilience, while lower HRV = poorer resilience.

Takeaways

Dr. Vignesh Devraj mentions his 3 R's Framework as a pathway to rebalancing the connection between mind, body, and emotions: Relax, Remove, then Replenish.

1. Relax by easing the amount of stress through creating more stillness to regulate the nervous system

2. Remove/Reduce high inflammatory substances in the body (processed foods, alcohol, cigarettes), stress-inducing triggers, irregular sleep patterns

3. Replenish the body with a stable and adequate sleep schedule, micronutrients, movement, inner-work/therapy, and healthy coping

Physiology impacts mental and emotional wellbeing. Emotions are deeply intertwined with physiology, so it is often necessary to work with the body directly. Ease overwhelm, regulate negative influences on the mind and body, and correct deficiencies. The 3 R's Framework can be an excellent place to start before or alongside traditional therapy and deep inner work.

Eat well, sleep well, move well, live well!