Toward the end of summer, farm fresh food is available to many of us at our fingertips. The harvest season is ever abundant now. Just today, I stopped at a local farm and picked out sun-ripened tomatoes, zucchini, corn, eggs and colorful dahlias. The farmer’s market is tomorrow, and I’m not sure how much more we actually need. Maybe some beets and basil. I love watching others delight in gathering their farm fresh goodness. Thank you, dear farmers, and those who support farmers!

One of the biggest ways we impact our health is by choosing what we put into our mouths. Every time we eat. For those of us so fortunate, we do have a choice about what we eat for each meal. When we gather, lovingly prepare, eat and digest our food in a healthy way, our overall picture of health gets restored daily. On the other hand, if we are not present in choosing our food carefully, and eating and digesting well, our overall picture of health deteriorates. Especially if processed foods are a part of this picture. The metabolic health crisis is one of the biggest problems facing our global population now, particularly Americans. The standard American diet consists largely of various highly processed foods, seed oils, artificial colors and unnecessary chemicals.

Various types of colorful farm fresh produce at a Farmers Market

“One of the biggest ways we impact our health is by choosing what we put into our mouths.”

A vibrant, farm fresh salad in a crisp white bowl, bursting with color and flavor. This healthy dish features a bed of mixed greens, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes.

“The standard American diet consists largely of various highly processed foods, seed oils, artificial colors and unnecessary chemicals.”

Check out this Time Magazine article from 2023

Now, check out this very different article from Time Magazine published just 2 weeks ago.

That last article is mind-blowing. It’s hard to imagine someone advocating for processed foods. Sure, some kind of processed food finds its way into many of our lives from time to time. It’s not always easy to avoid them entirely. It takes practice and dedication. And a commitment to being as healthy as possible. As it stands, we are already surrounded by so many environmental toxins. At least we have this choice: to consume real food from a farm and minimize unreal food from a factory.

This is one of the primary guidelines in the Ignite Your Life Metabolic & Hormone Reset. For the duration of the 6-Week Release Phase, participants eat only real, unprocessed fruit, veggies and protein. They rapidly notice inflammation dropping, weight releasing, hormones balancing, sleep improving and energy lifting. Those kinds of results come about, not from using medications, strenuous gym workouts or following a highly restrictive plan, but from eating real food, doing a few self-care practices and listening to the bodies’ wisdom.

This is what we’re doing. And, this is what each person is getting set up for long-term. Because the Reset is not a diet. It is a way of life. A way of integrating Ayurvedic principles with easy-to-follow nutritional guidelines. Almost all the participants lose their craving for sugar too! This is huge!

The Reset is a program that works so well for people and I love seeing the lasting transformations. Go HERE to find out when the next one is starting. Would you like to chat with me about participating? Feel free to set up a free call HERE.

 

Sattvic Foods, Remedies and Practices for a Blissful Life 

 

Featuring Sattvic Rituals To Stabilize the Mind and Body

In Part Two, I shared about herbs and remedies to promote Sattva and how rejuvenating herbs impact the mind and body. In Part One, I shared about foods to promote Sattva and how food impacts the mind.

 

When we explore cultivating Sattva, it is useful to consider your daily practices and rituals, which are also a valuable part of your overall self-care program. Activities that stabilize the mind and support rejuvenation can be added to your daily routine. Perhaps you already enjoy various morning and evening practices, or sadhanas.

 

 

Woman relaxing with her legs up a wall

“A meditation practice or other reflective activity is also key, as it allows one to step out of the stresses of daily life and into one’s true divine nature.”

Again, Sattva is the quality of truth, clarity, intelligence, equilibrium, stability, virtue, and goodness. Sattva brings a feeling of happiness, contentment, love, and devotion. Sattva creates clarity in the mind, through which we perceive the truth of all things.

 

Sattvic and Stabilizing Daily Practices

 

Self-Abhyanga
Ayurveda strongly recommends bringing the beloved Self-Abhyanga oil massage practice into your day, for many people. Abhyanga is both nourishing and energizing, adding to the body’s ability to age gracefully. It also provides grounding qualities for Vata and the nervous system. Rejuvenating massage oils include sesame oil, sweet almond oil, Ashwagandha-Bala Oil or Vata Massage Oil. Learn more about Self-Abhyanga HERE.

 

A selection of oil in bowls

 

Sleep
Healthy, adequate sleep is of utmost importance to allow the tissues to repair and renew. For deep sleep, maintain a consistent daily bedtime and waking time. It is also very helpful to massage the feet with oil before going to bed.  Consider leaving all electronic devices outside the bedroom while you sleep too.

 

Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation
Grounding yoga such as twists, legs-up-the-wall and gentle sun salutations support balance and rejuvenation. Sattvic pranayama practices include Full Yogic Breath, Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari (Bee Humming Breath).

 

A meditation practice or other reflective activity is also key, as it allows one to step out of the stresses of daily life and into one’s true divine nature. In this place, you are able to access your intuition and inner wisdom. Regular meditation provides lasting stability and Sattva.

 

In addition to Sattvic daily practices, we previously learned how Sattva can be cultivated through eating a healthy diet and taking Sattvic and rejuvenating herbs. 

 

When we put our attention on cultivating Sattva, we raise our vibration and good things come to us and those around us. You can read my full article about Sattva, Food and the Mind HERE.

 

If you would like some support in fine-tuning your diet, lifestyle and herbal regimen, you are welcome to set up an Initial Ayurvedic Consultation – HEREOr, if we have worked together before, you may set up your next Follow-Up Ayurvedic Consultation with me HERE

 

May all beings in all places be happy and free!

 

 

Sattvic Foods, Remedies and Practices for a Blissful Life

 

Part Two: Featuring Sattvic Remedies That Rejuvenate the Mind and Body

When we think about restoring Sattva, herbs and spices can also be a valuable part of your self-care program. Herbs provide micro-nourishment to the mind and body, while your diet and daily routines are the foundational components, necessary for sustained health.

 

Again, Sattva is the quality of truth, clarity, intelligence, equilibrium, stability, virtue, and goodness. Sattva brings a feeling of happiness, contentment, love, and devotion. Sattva creates clarity in the mind, through which we perceive the truth of all things.

 

Banyan Chyavanprash

“Sattva is the quality of truth, clarity, intelligence, equilibrium, stability, virtue, and goodness. Sattva brings a feeling of happiness, contentment, love, and devotion”.

I also want to share with you about Rasayana, the Ayurvedic tradition of rejuvenation. Rasa means juice, while ayana means path. Thus, Rasayana is the path to getting juicy. The idea is to nourish yourself deeply, in an intentional way. By doing so, your body can regenerate and revitalize all of your organs, tissues, and systems—including your mental, emotional, and spiritual state of being.

 

Often, Rasayana herbs are Sattvic. Unlike stimulants such as coffee, which give us an immediate boost of energy, but can leave us wired and depleted, Rasayana herbs nourish our foundation. They help us create deep sustainable energy, physical strength, endurance, longevity and mental clarity. The Rasayana herbs I’m sharing with you here are safe, non-toxic, reduce stress and promote Sattva. I have so many cherished Sattvic herbs, and I’m sharing a few of my favorites with you below. (It is a good idea to check with your practitioner to make sure the addition of new herbs is appropriate for your health program.)

 

Ashwagandha is the best rejuvenative herb, particularly for the muscles, marrow, semen and for Vata constitution. It is used for all conditions of weakness, fatigue, sexual debility and tissue deficiency. It is helpful for those suffering from overwork, lack of sleep or nervous exhaustion. Ashwagandha is nurturing, clarifying and calming for the mind and promotes deep, dreamless sleep.

 

Shatavari is a rejuvenating herb that cools the body and strengthens and nourishes the tissues. Shatavari balances female hormones, helps to relieve PMS symptoms, builds blood, prepares the womb for conception and is commonly used to improve the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. Sattvic (pure, harmonious) in nature, Shatavari calms the mind and promotes love and devotion.

 

A variety of spices

 

Licorice can increase energy, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Just a few indications for licorice root include hyperacidity, coughs, fatigue, tiredness upon waking, elevated cortisol (the stress hormone) and blood sugar levels. Licorice calms the mind and nurtures the spirit. Avoid use if you have high blood pressure.

 

Tulsi, also called holy basil, is a highly Sattvic herb known in India as the “elixir of anti-aging.” Benefits of Tulsi include: fighting fatigue and stress, boosting the immune system, mind/body balance, regulating blood sugar, balancing hormone levels and unfolding love in the heart.

 

Brahmi is one of the most important nervine herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicine. It revitalizes the brain cells, removing toxins and blockages in the nervous system, while at the same time having a calming and nurturing effect. Brahmi is one of the best herbs for balancing and rejuvenating Pitta and is closely related to the Western herb Gotu Kola.

 

A variety of tea

 

Chyavanprash is a nourishing Ayurvedic herbal jam in a base of the Ayurvedic superfruit Amalaki. This nourishing mixture is an excellent support for the immune system and can bring replenishment and balance to the metabolism, respiratory system, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system.

 

Triphala is an herbal formula containing three powerful Sattvic fruits that help remove toxins and keep bowel movements regular. The antioxidant and detoxifying effects of Triphala nourish the body, allow the cells to naturally replenish and support a healthy immune system.

 

In addition to foods and remedies, Sattva can also be cultivated through meditation, yoga, kirtan (devotional singing), reading spiritual texts and by surrounding oneself with people on a similar spiritual path. In the final article in this series: Part Three, I share more about lifestyle and spiritual practices for a blissful life.

 

When we put our attention on cultivating Sattva, we raise our vibration and good things come to us and those around us. You can read my full article about Sattva, Food and the Mind HERE.

Sattvic Foods, Remedies and Practices for a Blissful Life

 

Do you know about the three gunas, or triguna? The gunas are the three primal qualities of matter and consciousness that the Vedas refer to. In Sanskrit, guna translates as “attribute,” or “that which binds” us to the external world.

At the beginning of 2024, I landed on my motto for the year: ‘If it isn’t Sattvic, it’s gotta go.’ I shared this in various places and got mixed feedback. Some people resonated with that notion and some people wrote to me saying that we ought not get too fixated on Sattva and dismiss the other two gunas: Rajas and Tamas.

Let’s first get present to what Sattva is. It truly is one of my favorite Sanskrit words.

Sattva is the quality of truth, clarity, intelligence, equilibrium, stability, virtue, and goodness. It is light, luminous, peaceful, and blissful in nature. Sattva brings a feeling of happiness, contentment, love, and devotion. It is the force of love that unites all things. Sattva creates clarity in the mind, through which we perceive the truth of all things.Sattva is responsible for bringing about the awakening of the soul. Sounds pretty good, right?!

Rajas is the attribute of activity, experience, change, passion, aggressiveness, and disequilibrium.

Sattvic Foods, Remedies and Practices for a Blissful Life

 

The short-term action of rajas is to stimulate and provide pleasure. In the long run, excessive rajasic qualities will result in pain, suffering, fragmentation, and disintegration due to its unbalanced nature.

Tamas is the quality of inertia, dullness, darkness, and ignorance and is obstructing and heavy in its action. It is the force responsible for sleep, gravity, and the decay of matter. Tamas veils one’s true nature by promoting ignorance, limitations and isolation.

The three gunas directly relate to the three doshas. The term dosha literally translates as “fault,” “mistake,” or “altered state,” but it is commonly known as one’s basic constitution. Sattva has an affinity to pitta dosha, the biological humor of fire, responsible for metabolism and transformation. Rajas relates to vata dosha, the biological humor of air, which performs the functions of movement and communication. Tamas has qualities similar to those of kapha dosha, the biological humor of water, which provides structure, resistance, and lubrication.

According to Ayurveda, rajas and tamas are the doshas of imbalanced states of the mind; sattva is the true nature of the mind. We all have sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic tendencies, and we need all of them to some degree—but we can prioritize developing our sattvic side, especially if we’re on a spiritual path. Excess rajas and tamas can lead to disease if they remain the dominating forces.

To unfold sattvic qualities in one’s mind, body, and consciousness, it is best to follow a lifestyle with an emphasis on a sattvic diet: foods that are purely vegetarian, organic, seasonal, local, homegrown, fresh, and tasty. Or, at least follow this lifestyle at different times.

We can also bring balance to rajas and tamas with the power of sattvic remedies. This can be enjoyed regularly by taking herbs and tonics that deeply nourish and uplift. In Part Two of this series, I share a few herbal teas and remedies with you to promote sattva.

In addition to foods and remedies, sattva can also be cultivated through meditation, yoga, kirtan (devotional singing), reading spiritual texts and by surrounding oneself with people on a similar spiritual path. In Part Three I share more about lifestyle and spiritual practices for a blissful life.

When we put our attention on cultivating sattva, we raise our vibration and good things come to us and those around us. You can read my full article about Sattva, Food and the Mind below.

Ayurveda and Food: It’s a Balancing Act

This article I wrote about the three gunas, food and the mind was originally published in Yoga International magazine in 1998. They have republished it, and I am delighted to share it again with you now! View article here.

Ayurveda and Food: It's a Balancing Act

 

To be successful with an Ayurvedic lifestyle or new program, we don’t need to be perfect.

One thing I tell my Ignite Your Life Reset clients is that it’s better to aim for progress rather than perfection. 

If we feel we must follow a program perfectly, all the time, we are unlikely to succeed in the long term. We are human. We lead very busy lives. Sometimes we may fall off our program, even with the best intentions.

It is important that we are kind and gentle with ourselves.

For example, my pitta dosha-type client Jennifer was very excited about getting going with her new self-care practices and morning and evening routines. She followed her plan quite well for the first week. Then her kid got sick, and her dog needed to go to the vet unexpectedly. She ended up missing some work, getting behind with household chores and then, guess what?

Her morning and evening routines dropped out one by one, then she stopped doing them altogether.

She even started eating ice cream before bed again.

Jennifer was feeling badly about herself and didn’t want to tell me she had quit her self-care practices.

In our next session, she finally told me what happened. She was feeling so good that first week and then life happened, and she stopped taking care of herself.

Women holding her head in her hands.

This is exactly what I coach most of my clients on:

~ Practice progress over perfection ~

Jennifer has since learned that she does not need to strive for perfection.

If three of her morning practices drop out sometimes, but she chooses to have her warm lemon elixir be non-negotiable, she is winning.  Doing one nourishing practice is better than none.

 

Do you see how that works?

On days when she has more time, she can prioritize her self-care and bring her other favorite practices back in.

Another thing I often hear myself telling my clients is that: it’s what we do most of the time that counts.

For example, if we stick to our ideal bedtime for five nights a week, then occasionally stay up late on the weekends with social activities, it’s okay.  As long as we return to our regular rhythms, again and again.  When we prioritize our bedtime most nights, our nervous system, hormones and metabolism will thank us.

With so many tasks to keep up with, people to care for and societal pressures, daily life can feel overwhelming. I completely get it and experience it myself at times.

That’s when I try to remember to ask myself: what will support and nourish me the most right now?  Sitting at the computer for one more hour or getting outside for some fresh air and sunshine?

Usually, when we drop in and listen to our hearts, we’ll get the clear message and know what to do. That’s how powerful and magical this can be.

So, if you’ve been considering joining my Reset, checking in for an Ayurvedic Consultation, or thinking about committing to a resolution or lifestyle change, just know that others and I are NOT judging you.

In fact, I’m cheering you on every step of the way as you gain realistic, small wins.

This ultimately amounts to a sustainable way of living, eating and being in the world.

Demonstrating that you’re okay with progress rather than perfection frees others to also be more gentle and compassionate with themselves…..

I will close with a question.
What is one area in your life you can let go of perfectionistic tendencies and extend yourself some grace?

 

Please reach out and let me know.

By Sarah Kruse

While we may have varying opinions about what’s going on around us or how to address it, what we do have in common is that we are all connected by this collective experience. The truth is, we have always been connected and always will be connected. Like so many wise ones have spoken: We Are One.

During these days and weeks of social distancing, many of us are finding connection in unexpected ways. Maybe you have gotten back in touch with a dear friend, pulled that old guitar out of the closet and strummed a soothing melody, or maybe you have returned to or begun a meditation practice and connected inward.

What about social and physical connection?
We are being asked not to touch or hug each other or receive non-essential massage and bodywork. Parties, concerts and sporting events have temporarily ceased. Group educational programs are paused. We miss each other, right?

How about generating some oxytocin without the social interaction that we’re used to? Oxytocin is the feel-good peptide hormone that plays a role in social bonding, falling in love, sexual activity and childbirth. When oxytocin is flowing in the body, we feel happy, connected, relaxed and often blissful. Oxytocin literally replaces stress with bliss. It’s so sweet.

What can we do to boost oxytocin and feel that happy feeling of connection if we are mostly alone and feeling isolated? Activities that boost oxytocin, include cuddling, petting an animal, hugging a tree, receiving massage, doing self massage, exercise, orgasm, laughter, positive thinking and serving others. All of these activities increase that sweet, warm feeling of love and positively boost the immune system!

If there was ever a time to turn toward yourself and commit to self care practices, it is now. Ayurveda, the ancient medical tradition from India, repeatedly informs us that self-care is a primary cornerstone of optimal health. Self-Care = Self-Love.

Some of the most nurturing self-care practices we can bring in to increase love and connection are:

  •  Self massage with warm oil – enjoy this ritual often, head to toe, before bathing.
  • Eat seasonal homemade meals, made with love, for your Ayurvedic constitution.
  • Try to eat meals around the same time each day. This can be tricky when you have a flexible schedule, but I promise you – your digestion, energy, mood and sleep will all improve when you do this simple thing.
  • Prioritize getting enough sleep. Proper sleep is essential to feeling good.
  • Get outside everyday, move your body and breathe deeply. Notice the wonder and beauty of Nature.
  • Connect regularly with someone you trust to share your feelings and emotions. Listening to each other is very healing and heartwarming.
  • Meditation – take time away from electronics to sit quietly and listen to your inner wisdom and the wisdom of the eternal source. In this space, you can awaken to your innate healing capacity.
  • Tap into your creative energy that may have been lying dormant, waiting to be rekindled. Is there a poem waiting to emerge, a song to sing, or a painting to create?
  • Reach out and offer help to someone in need. This might look like dropping off a prepared meal or running an errand for a friend or neighbor.

We are living in incredible times, requiring incredible resilience. Part of remaining resilient is maintaining self-care and doing things that feel good. I invite you to choose one new practice today then add others as you are inspired. When you focus on taking time to care for yourself in these ways, everyone around you benefits.

So, we arrive at the same message…. We Are One. It is by knowing this in our hearts that we can dissolve any barriers blocking us from seeing, loving and having compassion for each other. Connection with ourselves, each other and nature is the way to get through these times we’re in.

 

And…..Love is always the answer.

In the northern hemisphere, as we are leaving the throes of winter and entering the newness of spring, we find ourselves fully in the season of Kapha dosha. Kapha is comprised of Earth and Water elements and is the energy of structure and lubrication, holding the body together. It has the qualities of slow, heavy, cold, dense, soft and sweet. Its primary sites in the body are the lungs and stomach.

When balanced, Kapha is steady, grounded and affectionate. Kapha imbalances can include possessiveness, attachment or laziness. Physically it may manifest as weight gain, respiratory congestion, excessive sleep or lethargy. To balance Kapha, we want to bring in warmth, lightness and stimulation.

To protect and strengthen Kapha dosha and the lungs, we look at a number of measures. While there are many, we’ll focus on a few key seasonal lifestyle tips and remedies here:

  • Food is medicine. Eat warm foods with heating spices like ginger, black pepper and garlic. These foods will stoke the digestive fire and bolster lung strength. Add them to meals such as: spicy dal soup, miso-ginger soup and stir fry. I like to add freshly chopped ginger root, turmeric root and garlic to many dishes.
  • Minimize foods that are cold, sweet, milky and sugary, such as ice cream and sweetened yogurt. These foods create excess mucus, which is a breeding ground for pathogens.
  • Favor honey over refined sugars. Enjoy plain or elderberry honey in your teas.
  • Hydration is essential. Drink warm or hot beverages and avoid having them cold or iced. Cold drinks and food can weaken the digestive fire, thus slowing digestive processes.
  • Maintain proper sleep hygiene. Going to bed at the same time each night and getting enough sleep support your circadian rhythm and immunity.
  • Engage in regular, invigorating exercise such as brisk walking while breathing deeply, through the nose.
  • Practice Kapalabhati Pranayama (Breath of Fire) to eliminate mucus from the respiratory tract. See qualified yoga teacher.
  • Make sure to keep stress and fear at bay. These feelings and emotions weaken immunity.
  • Eat lots of vitamin C rich foods such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers and kale to boost your immunity.
  • Enjoy Chyavanprash – the Ayurvedic jam that rejuvenates the whole body and enhances proper immune system function. It is rich in vitamin C and is full of adaptogenic herbs. Find Chyavanprash at: banyanbotanicals.com
  • Use a neti pot with saline water to rinse mucus and debris from sinuses and prevent infection.
  • Super Nasya Oil – sinus oil for clearing and protecting the sinuses. If you don’t have Super Nasya Oil, you can use plain sesame oil, coconut oil or ghee. My teacher, Dr. Vasant Lad, suggests dipping your little finger in oil and lightly applying it to the inside of each nostril. Then, gently sniff to draw the oil upward. Super Nasya Oil is available at my office or directly from ayurveda.com. The Nasya Oil from Banyan Botanicals is also great.
  • Vitamin D3 – I like the liquid form. Carlson is a good brand. 4000-5000 IU daily or as suggested on the bottle or by your practitioner.
  • Wonderful immune strengthening herbs – ginger, turmeric, licorice, garlic, lomatium, elderberry, astragalus, echinacea, schizandra and cordyceps. Can be taken in tea, tincture, capsule or powder form.
  • Essential oils are highly antimicrobial. You can enjoy them in a home or car diffuser, a hot bath or applied directly on your body, mixed into your massage oil. A few seasonal, Kapha balancing oils I like are: rosemary, eucalyptus, orange, frankincense, thyme, ravensara and lavender.

Ayurveda also teaches us how to boost our immune systems through building Ojas. Ojas is the refined essence of all bodily tissues and maintains cellular immunity. It is the ultimate healing nectar. A person with healthy Ojas has a strong immune system, endurance and a sense of calm and contentment. The amount of Ojas we have is determined by the amount we were born with, the quality of food we eat, and how we nourish ourselves on a daily basis.

Increasing our level of Ojas is not just about building it up, it is also a matter of not losing or wasting it. We may lose this vital energy through the senses, due to overstimulation, which can leave us feeling depleted or overwhelmed. The yogic practice of Pratyahara helps us preserve our vital energy. Pratyahara means withdrawal of the senses. This may look like choosing what news we read and listen to, how much electronic activity we are engaging in and getting proper sleep and rest. Other ways to build ojas include laughter, joy, hugging and stress reducing practices such as walking in Nature and meditation.

May we proceed with kindness toward each other and ourselves as we navigate our wellness paths. It is a good time to connect inward, while, at the same time, not getting too isolated. It is in our connections to each other, ourselves and Nature that we thrive!

Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhanvantu

* May all beings in all places be happy and free *

*** The information provided here is coming from my clinical and personal experience. It is not medical advice. Check with your doctor directly if you are having immune symptoms or seeking medical advice.

 

Sarah Kruse practices at Embrace Ayurveda, online and in person in cannon Beach, Oregon.

Learn more about Ayurveda at: EMBRACE-AYURVEDA.COM

 

 

By Sarah Kruse

People often ask me:  “How did you first get into practicing Ayurveda?”  Well……

Even as a child, I was curious about balance and living a healthy life.  I grew up on a small farm in the countryside in Oregon and became very aware of our intimate connection with Nature.  I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to practice some form of natural healing.  Immediately after high school, I moved to Seattle to explore possibilities for my education. 

One evening, I was having dinner in an Indian restaurant and saw a poster about an Intro to Ayurveda lecture coming up.  I knew I had to attend.  I was already a student of Yoga but this was my first exposure to Ayurveda.  The teacher, Dr. George Eassey, was a kind doctor from south India who spoke about the beauty of Ayurveda:  the ancient, traditional healing system from India that looks at each person as an individual and prescribes remedies such as food as medicine, herbs, yoga, meditation, cleansing, etc to restore balance.  I knew at once that Ayurveda was my path, my dharma.  I asked Dr. Eassey if he would recommend that I move to India to pursue my Ayurvedic studies.  He said, “Not like that…I suggest you go to the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque to study with Dr. Vasant Lad.”  He gifted me Dr. Lad’s book ‘Ayurveda – The Science of Self-Healing’ and the CD ‘Chants of India’ by Ravi Shankar and George Harrison and the fire of learning was lit! 

Soon after, I was planning my move to Albuquerque to study Ayurveda with Dr. Lad, site unseen.  I just knew in my bones that this was my true path.  This was 23 years ago.  I feel tremendously blessed to have found my life path at that young age.  Since then, I have been continually studying, practicing and teaching Ayurveda: in an integrative medical practice in Newport Beach California, at an Ayurvedic spa on Kaua’i, and in private practice in California, Seattle and Kaua’i.  I had the great blessing to travel to India four different times to study with renowned Ayurvedic doctors and scholars.  I will always remember those days in the villages, attending to the farmers and their families with Dr. Lad and my classmates.

I have also taught Ayurveda at Bastyr University, Brenneke School of Massage, Evergreen State College and various yoga studios, clinics and corporate settings.  Occasionally I have the privilege to lead healing retreats in the Pacific Northwest, Kaua’i or abroad.

As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, I assist clients in returning to their personal state of balance and wellness, based upon understanding their unique body type.   It is very fulfilling to see people thriving in their health and lives again.  Simple, daily changes can bring lasting results.  I serve everyone but specialize in women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, menopause, digestive issues, sleep and helping people regain their energy.  In addition to offering Ayurvedic Consultations, my team and I offer rejuvenating Ayurvedic bodywork such as Abhyanga – warm oil massage, Shirodhara and Panchakarma cleansing programs.

My team and I are thrilled to practice within Tilia Natural Health, in the Tangletown neighborhood of Seattle. Come see us for a nurturing session and start feeling your best!

As Dr. Lad says “Love Your Life with Ayurveda!”

* To learn more, visit: Embrace Ayurveda  

* My other Ayurvedic online offering:  Ayurvedic Wisdom for Women

* Corporate Wellness Programs highlighting Ayurveda and Yoga:  Luminous Living Inc  luminouslivinginc.com  Coming soon!


Seattle does have a famous reputation. In these long, sometimes dreary days of winter in the Pacific Northwest, even the most positive, upbeat individuals get stretched. Many people keep remarking that it’s been challenging to remain energetic and happy with so many days of rain and overcast skies. We know it comes with the territory of living in this abundant and diverse northwest city. We choose to live here so let’s make the most of it!

The wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga direct us back to our own personal practices. In Sanskrit, daily personal practice is called sadhana.   Sadhana is something you do regularly to support your physical-emotional-spiritual well being. It could be your daily walk around the lake, 15-minute yoga practice, meditation, preparing your favorite cup of tea or simply a doing nothing for a few minutes. Take a moment to reflect on your current Sadhana. What are you doing these days to nourish yourself?  I am personally committed to getting outside and connecting with Nature everyday, rain or shine.  It makes such a huge difference with my attitude and energy!

Now is an excellent time to put some new supportive practices in place, perhaps in the morning before leaving the house or in the evening before retiring for the night.

When we care for ourselves in this way, we raise our vibration. This means we lift our energy up to a higher place that is noticeable to others and ourselves. We literally start radiating more aliveness and light. Getting present with the love and light within us has an impact. So, during the last few days of winter, remember to Be The Light!

 


 

After the holidays, many people think about cleansing from the decadent feasting that just took place. The New Year is a great time to establish new health practices and goals. According to Ayurveda, India’s 5000+ year old medical tradition, the focus of an Ayurvedic cleanse is to burn ama (toxins) and build agni (digestive fire). We can do this through various daily practices or by following an outlined cleansing program. I’ll share with you a few simple ways to begin cleansing accumulated toxins, rebuilding your digestive fire and boosting your energy. These tips can be practiced by all Ayurvedic body types or constitutions. For specific suggestions, please seek advice from a skilled Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Post Holidays ~ Is Cleansing Right for Me ~ Simply Daily Tips for Cleansing

For starters, you may just choose one of these tips daily. You can integrate more over time, as it feels comfortable.

  • Wake up in the morning and drink an 8 oz glass of warm water with juice from ½ lemon. For extra toxin and fat scraping effects, add 2 tsp honey.
  • For Vata and Pitta constitutions, give your self a loving warm oil massage (abhyanga) with a dosha specific massage oil. Be sure to include belly massage, massaging in a clockwise direction. Follow-up with a warm/hot shower or bath.
  • For Kapha constitutions, you can enjoy dry brushing with brushes or exfoliating gloves. You may follow with self-abhyanga using Kapha balancing massage oil and a warm shower.
  • 30-minute daily walk, emphasizing nostril breathing. This will get your lymphatic system moving and boost metabolism.
  • Sip on hot water throughout the day. This kindles agni and burns ama.
  • Use a stainless steel tongue scraper or even a spoon to gently scrape coating off tongue. Stimulates internal organs to release ama and improves digestion.
  • Avoid unnecessary snacking between meals. Favor balancing and satisfying main meals. This gives your metabolic system a chance to regulate and burn fat.
  • Add digestive spices to your meals. Examples are: ginger, cumin, coriander and fennel seeds.
  • Regularly eat a delicious and cleansing meal of Kitchari: mung beans, rice and spices. (Recipe available on my website).
  • To cleanse and strengthen your gastrointestinal tract, before bed, take ½ tsp Triphala powder with a 1 cup warm water. For Vata constitutions, take Triphala with 1 cup licorice tea.
  • Keep your personal space tidy: home, office, car, etc. Your external environment has an impact on your internal environment, right?!
  • Let go of emotions and thoughts that are no longer serving you. Focus on gratitude and positive affirmations. Journaling is a great way to do this.

Comprehensive Ayurvedic Cleanse

Ayurveda’s signature cleansing program is called Panchakarma. It is a time-tested, systematic cleanse that aims to release many kinds of toxins from the deep tissues, through a series of cleansing protocols, specific to each individual.

I offer Panchakarma for 5+ days at Embrace Ayurveda in Seattle. Panchakarma is offered in many locations, around the world.

** To read more about Panchakarma, go to: https://embrace-ayurveda.com/panchakarma/

** To order dosha specific massage oils, triphala, kitchari supplies, tongue scraper, spices and other wonderful Ayurvedic products, go to: Banyan Botanicals