Ayurveda Health April Newsletter 2017
– Autumn – transitioning with the seasons- looking after the Vata dosha
– Food is the Perfect Medicine.
– Dr Vijay Murthy – a fantastic opportunity to attend a workshop on the topical subject of Intermittent fasting…a few “one on one” consultations (with Dr Vijay Murthy) offered on the 11th May
– Restorative/Yin practice/Meditation practice – new 6-week course starting (Yoga Tree in Takapuna) Tuesday 2nd May
– Recipe – Spiced Lentil soup with Coconut Milk
Quote I love …
The seasons are shifting …the days are becoming shorter and the temperatures are becoming colder. You can really feel the transitions of the seasons and it is a time when we become a little more vulnerable.
“Real flowers are much more beautiful than plastic ones, in part because of their impermanence. We appreciate the seasons, the autumn and the spring, because they are a process of change. In this way, impermanence is beauty.” – Chögyam Trungpa
As the seasons change so does the dominant dosha in our immediate environment. In the fall Vata increases and this tends to make people, especially Vata types, more prone to symptoms like constipation, sore and dry throats, excessive dry skin, anxiety, sciatica and increased insomnia. The word Vata means to move and this is an important clue to the character of the Vata individual. Vata regulates all activity in the body; from the number of thoughts we have, to how quickly and efficiently food moves through the digestive tract. The behavior that Vatas are drawn to – erratic hours, travel, frequent change, and excessive movement – can easily upset their balance. Excessive vata makes the mind restless and hyperactive. Like the wind the vata types have a hard time feeling grounded, when their Vata becomes aggravated. Sticking to a routine is difficult for them, but is vital for them to remain healthy. To decrease vata, Ayurveda has given us dietary, lifestyle and herbal treatment strategies. Here are a few underlying concepts that these strategies are based on:
– Routine
– Warmth
– Serenity
– Nourishment
Have a look at products that help keep Vata in balance – click here
Food is the perfect medicine.
In Ayurveda Food is the number one focus in healing. We know that food builds, fuels and repairs every cell in the body, and by means of the subtler energies it also fuels and heals our emotions. What you eat is as important to your mental health, as it is to your physical health.
Ayurveda recognizes that we are all so different and that “one shoe does not fit all.” All foods are classified according to taste; Virya i.e. heating or cooling effect; the dominant quality (guna) of the food eg drying, oily etc. The principle of strength of digestion and the amount of toxins on the body, are always taking into consideration. A good example of right diet wrong person, would to treat a Vata dominant person with all raw food and juices for long periods of time. This would eventually increase the Vata through the cold, astringent, and drying action of the food. Raw is Ok for detox, but generally for Vata people, they require more warm and unctuous foods. To treat a person’s health without careful regard to diet is like tending a garden without checking the soil and amount of sunshine and water it receives. . Good food leads to good health and mental well-being.
Intermittent fasting – workshop with Dr Vijay Murthy May 10th
We are so excited and honored to have Dr Vijay visit NZ in May. During this time he will be offering his expertise on a topical subject. Intermittent fasting as the most effective solution for:
Fertility issues
Thyroid problems
Menopausal symptoms
Cancer
This will include how to fast and how not to. Traditional ways of fasting and the scientific evidence on medicinal fasting. His bio is impressive view here – click and I really encourage you to try and make his talk. You will learn a lot as he is a great communicator. There will be allocated time for questions. Details are as follows – View Facebook Event – Click Here
In addition to this he will be allocating the next day – Thursday 11th May Vijay will be offering – one on one consultations. These will be held here at Ayurveda Health in Milford. There are a few spaces left in the afternoon If you wish to book please email me perry@ayurvedahealth.co.nz. It will be a case of “First in first served”.
Yoga – Restorative class moving into lead meditation…(yes it is good for vata)
We are offering a “restorative class moving in to meditation” again starting for 6 weeks in May.
Tuesday evenings from May 2nd – 7.00pm to 8.15 pm
A very nourishing form of Yoga that benefits all people (there is no need to have had any prior yoga experience).
All people are very welcome. Register online: www.theyogatree.co.nz
Spiced Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk –
Note this recipe serves about 6 people.
We have made this recipe in our cooking classes and I am feeling like eating this warm and nourishing food again. Very yummy and perfect for the coming colder months. The recipe calls for green lentils. Split or red lentils will likely get too mushy here. I used 4 cups broth because I like my soups on the stewy side, if you prefer more broth to you soup, add another cup or two when cooking the lentils.
1 1/2 cup lentils, rinsed (green suggested)
4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 1/2 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp cumin and coriander powder
2 tsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 large red onion, diced
2 stalks lemongrass, outer layer removed, lower portion finely minced
1 tsp. sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp. cardamom
1/2 tsp. cinnamon pinch of red pepper flakes to taste
Pinch of fresh grated nutmeg
1 1/4 cup coconut milk (use full fat, just believe me)
3 Tbsp. lemons, lime or orange juice
A few handfuls of swiss chard, spinach or kale
1 cup flake coconut, toasted (optional)
Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Add the rinsed lentils, broth, thyme and turmeric , cumin and coriander powders to a large pot. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.
While the lentils cook, heat the coconut oil in a pan. Add the onion and sauté until just browned. Add the lemongrass, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, pinch of red pepper flakes and some fresh ground nutmeg and sauté another minute. Add the onion mixture to the lentils and stir, keeping the heat on a low simmer. Add the coconut milk and greens and simmer another five minutes, stirring occasionally until just wilted. Taste for salt and spice and add, as you prefer. Finish with the citrus juice and serve warm with toasted coconut flakes and cilantro on top.
A thought plus a quote…
Intuition, intention, awareness, acceptance are cornerstones in creating lasting change. On and off the Yoga mat, these principles enable us to let go of old patterns and ways of being.
• Our thoughts become our words
• Our words become our actions
• Our actions become our habits
• Our habits become who we are.
Namaste Perry
Newsletter – November/December 2016
Living according to the season – the summer months
How I love summer. The sun is out, the days are longer, we can spend more time outside, and most of us feel generally happier and healthier.
In Ayurveda we see it as a time when the fire element is increased, there is more warmth, lightness and dryness. These are qualities that increase Pitta and can also increase Vata.
If we are of dominant Pitta constitution it is even more important to adjust your routine to cater for the change in weather. Pitta can build up in the digestive system, liver, eyes, skin, and heart at this time of year. This can result in conditions such as diarrhea, inflamed and red skin, sensitive eyes, hypertension, anger and frustration.
Here are some Ayurveda suggestions for your summer routine
- A light massage with room temperature coconut oil* (or Pitta reducing oil) nourish the skin and clear any heat. Wash this off with cool water.
- Your diet in the summer should consist of sweet, bitter, astringent flavors and be light and easy to digest.
- In the summer it is best to avoid all dark meats such as beef, lamb and pork as well as citrus fruits, tomato, garlic, onion, salt and sour dairy products as these all increase pitta.
- Coffee and alcohol should be avoided (or at less limited)
- Utilise the cooling herbs – cumin, coriander, fennel, peppermint leaves and mint as digestive herbs (pitta digest) – link
- When you are thirsty try drinking cool herbal teas of peppermint, licorice, fennel and rose. Limes are also very cooling.
- Before you go to bed, especially if it has been a hot day, rub the soles of your feet with *Bramhi oil to bring all the heat down to your feet
- Spray your face with *organic rose water “during the day or before going to bed– very cooling Suggested Yoga Practise to reduce Pita
- Start your yoga practice with some cooling and calming Sheetali pranayama- this is an especially calming and soothing practice where you roll your tongue into a tube and then draw the air in through this tube and out through your nostrils. You can just feel the cool air chilling you out!
- Pitta can accumulate in the digestive system, especially the liver and small intestine. Do some abdominal stretches and abdominal twists for helping to clear pitta from your belly. Try Trikonasna (triangle series), Bhujangasana (cobra), Matsyendrasana (twist), Ushtrasana (camel).
- It is important to not do too many inverted poses (esp headstand) as these bring heat up to your head if you are already a bit of a pitta prone person or are suffering from hypertension.
- After yoga anoint yourself with some sandalwood or rose oil. Place a drop on your third eye, throat and navel to keep these centers cool and calm.
Lets talk about Asparagus
I love Asparagus and have been munching my way through, many stalks, as the season is short lived in NZ Asparagus, in Ayurveda is one of the few vegetables that can be eaten by all doshas with no aggravation. Sweet, astringent and bitter, cool light and moist, it is ideal for Pitta. It stabilises Vata, being easy to digest, and lightens Kapha. Medically it can be used as a slight laxative, nerve sedative, general tonic and demulcent.
That aside it tastes delicious just steamed with a dash of ghee, some grated fresh ginger, black pepper and Himalayan salt to taste. In writing this newsletter I came across this recipe – It is a take on the kitchari recipe given last month utilizing Asparagus as the main vegetable. Have a look – it’s healing and delicious.
I have made two huge batches of this stew in the past 3 months and am not tired of it at all. Enjoy something new!
- 1 teaspoon ghee (I substituted olive oil)
- 1/8 teaspoon saffron
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 cup finely chopped leeks (wash carefully – white parts only)View recipe – click here
Featured Herb – Amalaki (also known as Amia)
How I love this herb…Being Pitta in nature I have first hand felt the benefit of Amalaki. It is very beneficial for the heart of the body and also the emotional heart promoting longitivtiy. It is the best single herb for controlling Pitta being a front line anti-inflammatory herb. The fruit is very high in Vitamin C and hence a powerful anti oxidant. It is used to treat hemorrhoids, gout, gastritis, colitis, liver or spleen disorders, premature greying, hair loss, and palpitation. Can be bought in caps or powder and is the key ingredient in last months featured product Chyavanprash
Rose the cooling flower
Roses are coming into full bloom…here are a couple of recipes that you can utilize to make the most of the petals… It would be appropriate to mention that 1,400,000 hand picked petals are required to produce 1 liter of rose oil (that equates to 67 blossoms to give one drop). We need to remember these statistics and savor and appreciate each drop of oil as a gift of healing.
Rose Water Toner
You will need:
- 1 cup organic rose petals,
- 2 cups boiling filtered water
- and 1 spray bottle
Place the rose petals in a pot or metal bowl. Cover the petals with boiling water and soak for around 1 hour.
Strain and pour the rose water into a spray bottle. Store in the fridge. Rose water is slightly astringent, cooling and great for sensitive skin.
Some thoughts…
Ayurveda does not separate Mind and body. We see good health as not just a absence of disease but the ability to be the best that we can possibly be. Emotions have an effect on our health and you will see in the following graphic, emotions traditionally associated with particular organs. Sometimes eating right and exercising is not enough we have to look at our ability to feel and greet our emotions – both good and bad. Carl Jung said “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light but by making the dark more conscious. “By facing our emotions we can explore them and develop more resilience This is where mindfulness and meditation have a role – reflection and self-study all play their part in healing.
I like this saying… Often we work in a man’s world, trying to keep up with our male counterparts, forgetting that physiologically and psychologically we are very different species. Recently I went to a gathering at Lulu Lemon where I was invited to speak on Shakti – this is the female energy in the womb of every female – a women’s Shakti has the power to give life, create, nourish and nurture.
It made me think how as women we have really reduced our female power to the shadows.
What women need to entrust is their internal rhythms. There are certain times where we are more vulnerable, such as change of season, menarche and menopause, and during our moon cycle….. where our immune system can wan.
Hence we cannot always bring our “A” game – sometimes we need to retreat, slow down and reassess our priorities. Often I see women working hard out at the gym and opting for vigorous yoga practices when they are on their cycle. The old adage of taking time to rest and to care for themselves during their menses does not seem to occur.
Menstruation is an opportunity, not only for cleansing but also for rejuvenation. In Ayurveda your period can be understood as the body’s attempt to cleanse itself. Not jut the lining of your uterus but also all the toxins that have built up in your body. Menstrual difficulties are related to the amount of ama (toxins) in your system. Menstrual irregularities can be assisted by keeping the system clear and eating clean appropriate food for your body type.
If in any way or menstrual cycle is problematic you may find the following interesting…
Vata When out of balance the menstrual cycle can become irregular, or it can be unusually long. Blood flow may be light and the colour of the blood is often dark. Maybe be accompanied by feelings of anxiety, nervous tension and insomnia. Cramping, lower back pain, joint pain is also common. There may also be abdominal discomfort, bloating or constipation.
Pitta For women with a Pitta imbalance, there may be food cravings and increase appetite plus feelings of irritability and anger. Often the skin erupts and headaches, diarrhea, and hot flushes occur. Blood flow tends to be heavy and the colour of the blood is usually bright red.
Kapha With Kapha imbalance, the cycle is regular and is often accompanied by bloating and weight gain. Breasts can be swollen and tender. There is often a feeling of heaviness, achiness and stiffness in the joints and the back. Lethargy, oversleeping depression are common. Blood flow can be heavy and there may be clotting and excessive discharge.
Yoga Practice – Yoga practice Bottom line if your body gives signals that it wants to rest, listen, make adjustments, and modify your exercise and yoga regime. Gentle stretches may help, but in general not a strong yoga practice.
It is also recommended not to do abdominal exercises or inversions (like headstand or handstand) as these poses disrupt the normal flow and can result in more painful and heavy menstruation.
Shatavari – My favorite female herb
- Nourishing tonic for men and women
- Maintains a healthy female reproductive system
- Supports healthy lactation
- Promotes fertility and a healthy libido
Shatavari (Asparagus racemous) is a rejuvenative herb that strengthens and nourished the tissues. It is translated as “100 husbands” implying its role in promoting fertility and vitality used traditionally in maintaining healthy production of female hormones. It is one of those herbs that can be useful from menarche to menopause, supporting the reproductive organs and a healthy immune system. Is available in capsule or powder form.
Neti Pot – Once you have tried it you will be hooked. The first sign of a cold flush out your sinuses. The Neti pot is a powerful nasal irrigation system that alleviates congestion and sniffles, provides allergy relief, and clears the sinuses resulting in a clearer breath and interestingly a clearer mind. Saline solutions to unclog sinuses have been used for a while but the neti pot is more effective than saline nasal sprays.
To use fill the neti pot up with lukewarm pure water and add ¼ tsp of Himalayan salt. Tilt your head about a 45 – degree angle. Place the spout into your top nostril and tilt the pot so that the saline solution pours out the other nostril Switch and blow out in-between sides.
Detox Healthy Green Soup – warm, healthy and nourishing…. and delicious
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 zucchini, sliced
- 1 small kumera
- 1– 1 ½ tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 2 cups of, chopped greens, such as kale, spinach, swiss chard, mustard greens, packed.
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- ½ c. loosely packed cilantro
Directions –
- Heat a large stock pot over medium- low heat until hot and add the zucchini, sliced kumera, garlic and spices
- Add the greens gradually, you will have to add them 1 handful at a time, stirring and letting them cook down to add more. (Add spinach last as it takes the least amount of time to cook down)
- Add the cilantro and cover, bringing to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer while covered and cook for about 20 minutes until greens are completely soft.
- Blend until smooth Adjust the seasonings if necessary, and return to simmer, 15 more minutes. Add a squeeze of lemon and then serve! Remove from the heat.
Bali Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat – July 2016
We are almost fully booked. This leaves one house – the Padi house – which seems really cute! Have a look click here to view.
This could sleep up to 4 people comfortably but is maybe best suited for a couple, Mother and daughter or close friends. There are a range of age groups, as well as beginners and more experienced yogis so everyone will be catered for. If you are interested in coming please contact me – Click here. It will be amazing!
Namaste Perry
At Ayurveda we take great interest in the tongue. We spend a lot of time looking at people’s tongues, which can say a lot about your present state of health, and can be a reflection of your internal organs and your level of toxicity. Every morning get up and scrap your tongue first thing to get the night slop off it. After that look again if it is pink you are doing great — If not it is sign that your system is overloaded.
This tongue coating is a sign of ama, which translates as toxins inside the digestive system. This coating, which is a mixture of bacteria, fungi and dead cells, can be clear, thick, white, yellow, brown or even greenish. We all have some coating, but the colour and amount is an important sign to your overall health. If you need more convincing, here are fi ve good reasons to
scrap your tongue daily.
• Eliminates bad breath — the cocktail of gunk on the tongue affects your breath. You will be more kissable for sure if you adopt this daily habit.
• Enhances the sense of taste — removing build up from the surface of the tongue will better expose your taste buds. Food tastes better
• Slows the growth of plaque and improves oral hygiene — leads to healthier teeth and gums assisting in tooth decay, gum infections, and gum recession. Your dentist will thank you.
• Improves digestion and immunity— the mouth is the first base of digestion. Swirling food around in a bacterial pool will not help in enhancing immune health. When coming down with a sore throat my suggestion is that we scrap the tongue more frequently so we can rid our mouths of unwanted toxins and give the body a chance to fight the infection.
• Gently stimulates the internal organs — your whole body is mapped on the tongue, just like your hands and feet (except, interestingly enough, not the reproductive organs). Scrapping your tongue stimulates and massages those corresponding organs as a form of acupressure.
WHAT THEN IS A TONGUE SCRAPPER AND HOW DO WE USE IT?
This is what it looks like, commonly made from copper or stainless steel. I tend to encourage copper due to its natural plaque and anti-bacterial actions.
This is what you do:
• Hold tongue scrapper firmly by both hands.
• Open your mouth and extend the tongue as far as possible.
• Using the fl at centre part of the scraper gently scrap from back to front using one long stroke.
• Rinse and repeat 5–6 times.
• Wash tongue scrapper well in hot water.
When you first get started be gentle, and don’t scrape if there are ulcers, open scars, or bumps on the tongue. You will be amazed how much stuff comes off your tongue in the morning and how great it feels to have a clean and fresh mouth.
Tongue Scrapper, for daily oral hygiene.
Click here to view and buy now.
Words: Perry Macdonald
(Dip Naturopathy – ND, Dip Ayurvedic Medicine)
Article by Verve Magazine
