Category Archives: tips

Tips and advice for healthier living through Ayurveda

Kapha Season….

Notice the signs of Kapha (earth & water)? Today is a Kapha kind of day; cold, cloudy, wet, and melting of ice and snow.

These are the gunas (qualities) of Kapha: heavy, cloudy, slow/dull, cold, oily, sticky, smooth, dense, soft, static and stable.

Happy Winter Solstice 


photo by Ben Capano

General winter guidelines/routines: 

  • Include warm gentle oil massage in your morning routine.
  • Use humidifiers in your home.
  • Wear bright colors!
  • Involve yourself in activities that bring you joy.
  • Favor warm foods and drinks.
  • Keep your neck & head warm.
  • Exercise more (as always check with your doctor first).  
  • Meditate at least 20 – 30 minutes per day (start with increments & work your way up).  

Want to learn more about which routines/guidelines that would work best for you?  Please call or write for an Initial Consultation!

Kapha Tea

late spring

Spring time is when nature starts to melt, move, and grow.

Here’s a Kapha tea that may help with clearing away congestion and flush out ama (toxins):

1 tsp. of cumin seeds

1/2 tsp. of coriander seeds

1 cinnamon stick

8 fresh basil leaves

Add a splash of fresh squeezed lemon juice & a little raw honey to taste in your cup!

Place the ingredients in a medium saucepan with about 4 c. of filtered water.  Bring the water to boil for 5 -10 minutes, and then steep for 5 minutes.  Strain into a tea pot or thermos.  It is beneficial to sip warm teas throughout the day during this spring transition!

Adapted from Eat,Taste,Heal.

Roses

yellow roses

 According to Ayurveda, rose petals have an affinity for the heart, calming effect on the nerves, and can gently lift the spirits.  

Roses can also help in a variety of ways to pacify the heat and intensity of pitta during the summer!

Here are a few lovely ideas to self nurture:  Rose petal spritzer, Rose petal elixir, and/or a dab of rose essential oil on your wrist!

“Sometimes the purpose of the thorn is simply to draw attention to the rose.”-  Cristen Rodgers

 

 

 

 

Happy Summer Solstice!

And Pitta Season!

Elements: composed of fire and water

Meaning: “that which digests things”

Qualities: oily, sharp, moving, liquid, penetrating, hot, light, and acidic

General tips to help pacify Pitta during the Summer season:

  1.  Avoid stimulants and acidic foods; follow a pitta-pacifying diet.
  2.  Include walks in nature, time for self-reflection and meditation as part of your daily routine.
  3.  Keep the body & mind cool – avoid overheating.
  4.  Exercise in a manner that is not too competitive or overexercise.
  5.  Work on keeping your schedule within your healthy, natural limits.

Here’s a wonderful Pitta pacifying drink:

REJUVENATING MANGO DRINK

• 1 cup mango juice

• 1 tsp ghee

• pinch of cardamom

• pinch of saffron

Blend these ingredients together and enjoy!  

This drink will bring energy and vitality to your entire being!

 

 

Happy New Year!

Keep the inner flame strong during the winter months!

  1. Use essentials oils such as; rosemary, bergamot, pine, or cinnamon.
  2. It a good time to rise with the sun (unless you are needing rest) and honor going to bed a little earlier.
  3. Wear warming colors to help ignite your inner flame – reds, oranges, yellows.
  4. Practice and modify (according to your needs and with the guidance of a teacher) Sun Salutations and long standing asana sequences.
  5. To help with skin dryness do a full body massage using sesame oil.

Happy Vata Season!

 

orange-dream

Elements of Vata:  Air & Ether

Gunas (qualities):  cold, dry, rough, subtle, active

Meaning:  “that which moves things”

General tips to help pacify Vata during the Fall season:

  1. Establish solid daily routines including regular meals, exercise, meditation, and plenty of rest.
  2. Avoid erratic schedules, stimulants, cold & dry conditions, minimize sensory stimulation, and travel.
  3. Daily oil massage with sesame or almond oil.
  4. Use warming spices to improve digestion.
  5. Favor foods with sweet, sour, and salty tastes.
  6. Avoid eating when anxious or nervous.