Daily Self Care

Learn your constitution or body type by taking this quiz offered by Banyan Botanicals, where we buy many of the herbs we recommend for you. https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/dosha-quiz/​ The results of this quiz will be very helpful to Barbara when you schedule appointments with her for Ayurvedic Wellness Therapies. Keep your results!

• Morning Routine:

  • Wake up early in the morning, preferably before sunrise, and start your day by drinking a glass of room temperature water. Wake up at the same time to align with your circadian rhythm and set a rhythm

  • Scrape tongue to remove the coating on your tongue which accumulated overnight and to stimulate your digestive system

  • Brush your teeth with a fluoride free tooth powder or paste

  • Drink a glass of war water which will cleanse and awaken your digestive tract, hydrate your tissues, and encourage a bowel movement

  • Wash your face to freshen your body and mind

  • A bowel movement each morning is a sign of a healthy digestive system.

  • Self massage with an oil suitable for your constitution which is called Abhyanga (see instructions below). This will calm your nervous system, nourish and lubricate your body, and promote healthy circulation.

  • Lubricate your ears and nose with the appropriate oil for each. This lubrication helps to maintain healthy tissue enabling the consistent distribution of Prana and nutrition

  • Bathe to cleanse your body and the energy field surrounding your body. This will also rinse off any excess oil from your oil massage.

  • Include self nourishing and balancing practices such as Pranayama (breath techniques), sun salutations (Surya Namaskar), yoga, mindful nature walks, prayer, journaling, and other practices that may bring you joy and calm. Yoga and meditation are beneficial practices that can help you stay fit, calm, and balanced. You can start your day with some gentle stretches and deep breathing exercises to awaken your body and mind. Follow it up with a meditation practice for increased mental clarity, focus, and serenity.

  • The Ayurvedic diet advocates eating a nourishing breakfast to provide your body with essential nutrients and energy. Opt for a warm, cooked breakfast that includes whole grains, and herbal teas. Avoid processed cereals, sugary foods, and cold foods or drinks.

• Daytime Routine

  • Eat Regular meals, and when possible take your largest meal at noon when digestion is naturally strongest. A short walk after each meal encourages strong digestion.

  • Choose foods according to your body type and the season.

  • Take mindful breaks whenever needed to maintain balance and calm.

  • Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is important for maintaining optimal health. Sip on warm water, herbal teas, to stay hydrated. Avoid drinking too many caffeinated beverages or cold drinks.

  • A nature walk any time of the day will cleanse and refresh your energy field, and will refresh and rejuvenate you.

• Evening Routine

  • Take a lighter evening meal early in the evening at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to give the body time to digest before sleep. Another short walk after your evening meal will refresh you, support good digestion, and prepare your body for good sleep.

  • Take Triphala with warm water 1 hour before sleep. Triphala is considered a powerful cleanser and is used to improve digestion, boost immunity, and enhance overall health and vitality. The three fruits in Triphala contribute various health benefits. Amla is rich in Vitamin C and is known to improve eyesight and skin health. Haritaki is known to improve brain function, boost immunity, and relieve constipation. Bibhitaki helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
    Triphala can be consumed in various forms such as powder, capsules, or even as a tea. The most common way is to take it as a powder mixed with warm water or honey. It is usually taken on an empty stomach in the morning or before bedtime.

  • Promote healthy sleep by decreasing screen time 1 hour before bedtime, maybe drink a warm cup of milk with nutmeg and cardamom, or various herbal teas that assist with supporting sleep.

  • Keep a regular bedtime to train your body to know when it is time to wind down and recuperate.

  Abhyanga - self massage with warm oil

  Abyhanga is an Ayurvedic wellness therapy with roots in ancient India that involves a full-body massage with warm herbal oils. This therapy is known for its numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification, relaxation, and stress relief.
  
  During an Abhyanga self massage, you will apply warm oil to your entire body, including your scalp, face, ears, neck, chest, abdomen, back, arms, hands, legs, and feet. The oil is carefully selected based on your unique constitution and any current health concerns. Commonly used oils include sesame, coconut, and almond oil, infused with healing herbs such as ashwagandha, turmeric, and ginger.
  
  The massage begins at your feet. Massage the feet thoroughly the work your way up the body using long strokes along the long bones of the body and circular movements over the joints. Massage the abdomen working complete circles going from your right to left side and back to the right. Thoroughly massage your head using vigorous strokes over the scalp and gentle strokes over the face and neck. You may use and gentle pressure on sensitive points in the body, creating a nurturing and soothing experience. Many people find that abhyanga not only relaxes their muscles and joints, but also helps to calm one’s mind, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall emotional well-being. It can also improve the quality of your sleep and boost your energy levels throughout the day.
  
  One of the key benefits of abhyanga is its ability to detoxify the body. As the herbal oils penetrate the skin, they help to draw out impurities that may have accumulated in the body due to daily stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins. This can leave the skin feeling softer, smoother, and more radiant.
  
  Overall, Abhyanga is a wonderful way to promote good health and well-being, both physically and mentally. We recommend this natural and effective way to boost your immune system.

  Surya Namaskar: Revitalizing the Mind, Body, and Soul

  
  Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a series of 12 yoga postures that are performed as a meditative ritual in the honour of the Sun. This ancient practice is an integral part of Ayurvedic Wellness Therapies and is believed to have multiple benefits for the mind, body, and soul.
  
  The practice of Surya Namaskar involves a sequence of twelve yoga asanas that are performed in an uninterrupted flow. Each asana is performed in coordination with the breath, and the entire sequence is repeated for 2-3 rounds. Surya Namaskar is usually performed during sunrise, as this is considered to be the best time to connect with the energy of the Sun.

• Physical benefits - Surya Namaskar is an excellent workout for the body and can help to improve flexibility, agility, and strength. Each asana in the sequence works on different parts of the body, including the arms, shoulders, spine, and legs. The practice of Surya Namaskar can help to tone the muscles, improve digestion, and stimulate the nervous system.

• Mental Benefits - Surya Namaskar is not just a physical practice, but it also has several mental benefits. The practice is meditative in nature and can help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and anxiety. Surya Namaskar can help to improve concentration, memory, and focus, and can also promote a feeling of inner peace and harmony.

• Spiritual Benefits - Surya Namaskar is a spiritual practice that is rooted in Vedic culture. The practice is a form of gratitude to the Sun, which is considered to be a source of energy, light, and life. Through the practice of Surya Namaskar, one can develop a deeper connection with the divine and experience a sense of spiritual awakening.
  
  In conclusion, Surya Namaskar is a powerful practice that can be a valuable addition to anyone's wellness routine. Whether you want to improve your physical health, mental well-being or experience spiritual growth, Surya Namaskar can help you achieve your goals. So, next time you see the sunrise, take a moment to honor the Sun and practice Surya Namaskar.

  Pranayama

• Pranayama is a powerful technique that originates from the ancient practice of yoga. It is the art of breathing that aims to enhance the flow of prana or life energy throughout the body. Pranayama is an essential component of any yoga practice, as it not only calms the mind but also prepares it for meditation.
  
  There are several pranayama techniques that are commonly practiced today, including Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Bhastrika, and Kapalabhati. Each technique has its unique benefits and effects on the body and mind.
  
  Ujjayi pranayama, also known as the ocean breath, involves breathing deeply and slowly through the nose while constricting the back of the throat. This technique can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
  
  Nadi Shodhana pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing, involves breathing through one nostril while closing the other, and then alternating sides. This technique helps to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain and can help improve focus and concentration.
  
  Bhastrika pranayama, or bellows breath, involves rapid and forceful breathing through the nose while engaging the abdomen and diaphragm. This technique can help increase energy and vitality, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.
  
  Kapalabhati pranayama, or skull shining breath, involves forcefully exhaling through the nose while pulling the abdomen in towards the spine. This technique can help clear the mind and improve lung function.

  Brahmari pranayama, also known as the humming bee breath, Brahmari involves breathing while humming like a bee, with the mouth closed, the ears covered with thumbs, and the tongue touching the front of the upper palate. This technique is believed to have several benefits for the mind and body. When practiced regularly, Brahmari can help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. The humming sound produced during this pranayama is said to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and decreases the production of stress hormones in the body.
  
  Practicing pranayama regularly can have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving lung function, boosting immunity, and promoting overall well-being. It is essential to learn these techniques under the guidance of a trained Practitioner and to listen to your body's needs while practicing. With regular practice, pranayama can help you achieve greater physical, mental, and emotional balance, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life. We are happy to create individualized or group training for Pranayama. Just contact us to inquire!

Types of Toxins and What to do About Them

According to Ayurveda, there are four types of toxins that can accumulate in the body and cause imbalances. These toxins are known as 'ama' and can come from various sources including poor digestion, stress, and environmental factors.

1. Mala: This type of toxin is created from undigested food particles and waste products. When the digestive system is weakened, it fails to properly eliminate waste from the body, resulting in the accumulation of mala toxins. This can lead to digestive issues, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.

2. Ama: Ama toxins are created when the body's natural cleansing mechanisms are overwhelmed by an excess of mala toxins. Ama toxins are sticky and heavy, and can accumulate in the body's tissues and organs over time. This can lead to inflammation, a weakened immune system, and chronic diseases.

3. Amavisha: These are toxins that are caused by external factors such as pollution, chemical exposure, and stress. When these toxins enter the body, they can combine with existing mala and ama toxins, resulting in an even more toxic environment in the body. This can lead to a wide range of health issues, including allergies, skin problems, and weakened digestion.

4. Garavisha: Garavisha toxins are created when the body is exposed to toxic substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, or prescription drugs. These toxins are the most dangerous of the four, as they can cause serious damage to the body's tissues and organs, and can have long-lasting effects on overall health.

The above four toxins can be managed with good food and a healthy digestive system that is able to absorb, assimilate, and eliminate properly. Seasonal cleanses can support the elimination of such toxins.

The Newest Toxin is a modern day creation and is Electromagnetic from Wi-Fi: To counteract electromagnetic toxicity, get regular Marma Therapy; do daily self massage with oil; take a 20 minute warm bath before bed; sit in a steam or infrared sauna for 20 minutes; reduce screen time to a minimum avoiding as much as possible during the naturally dark hours; and walk in nature among trees, on the beach on in the grass barefooted.

In order to maintain optimal health and prevent the accumulation of these toxins, it is important to follow proper Ayurvedic principles of nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. This may include eating a healthy, plant-based diet, practicing regular yoga or meditation, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins as much as possible.