10 ways to avoid a winter cold

• Limit your stress. Seriously! All sicknesses are opportunistic and make use of an immune system that is compromised from stress.  Take that "you" time now, before you take it for 5 days in bed.
  

• Eat warm foods with plenty of healthy oils like ghee or olive oil

• Sleep more- we naturally need more sleep in the winter, so find ways to grab an extra hour when you can.

• Fortify your body during weak times and blast the cold at the first sign of it using any one of a myriad of immune system enhancers:  Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Cold Snap, Wellness Formula, Yin Chao, Astragulus, Echinacea

• Use warming spices in your food to increase circulation- garlic, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, mustard seeds, and black pepper

• Drink extra warm water. Dry air sucks moisture from your skin, so replenish by drinking more than you usually do. Warming the water will save your body the trouble, and give a more cleansing effect than cold water.

• Rub warm sesame or almond oil on your body either before or after your shower.  This is grounding, relaxing, and detoxifying.  It also give a little extra layer of warmth for those bitingly cold days.

• Take your favorite rejuvenating supplements: Chyawanprash, Tulsi, Superfood, Vitamin C, Astragulus,

• Maintain proper temperature control: bundle up outside, and take coats off immediately inside.  These moments of transition are when our defenses are down and a cold can strike.

• Be vibrant, courageous, and joyful. Laugh at least once every day.

Immune Boosting foods

• Foods with vitamin C, zinc, and other elements known to help the body fight against the bacteria. Some of these foods are bananas, kiwi fruits, cranberries, carrots, onions, garlic, and yogurt.

• Shitake, maitake , chaga, and other mushrooms

• Beets, broccoli, dark leafy greens

• Focus on fresh whole foods as much as possible, such as fresh vegetables, whole grains

 FLU-FIGHTING COLD WEATHER TEA

½ inch of ginger, grated (or 1 ginger tea bag)

I cup of hot water

½ lemon, squeezed (or 1 Tbsp lemon juice)

1 Tbsp honey

1 pinch cayenne 

Best of luck to you all this winter season!

A few months ago I had the honor of having dinner with Dr. Chauhan from the Jiva Institute in Faridabad.  He is a world-renowned Ayurvedic doctor and a lovely human being.  At dinner, he was asked what his own personal relationship with Ayurveda was.  He replied that he often wished that he had started some ayurvedic recommendation “five years ago” because it had a profound healing effect on his life.

I’ve been studying and practicing Ayurveda for over ten years now, and I’m amazed at how the simple tools I learned back in school can repeatedly re-assert themselves as powerful and life-changing.  Take for example, the daily abhyanga.  Abhyanga, affectionately called “abhy” in the biz, is the classic oil treatment given to nourish the skin, release toxins, and pacify the nervous system. All of that is true, and it really works.  But over the years I have come to understand that there is so much more to it than that. 

Almost every treatment in ayurveda is designed to get oil into the body.  Oil is a magic rejuvenating substance that can bring energy, moisture, and healing to almost every tissue in the body.  Water is good.  God knows I love water. But water can’t pull and cleanse all those fat-soluble toxins that lodge themselves into our cells.  Water alone can’t restore the suppleness of the skin, or produce a healthy glow.  Water cleans; oil feeds.

While our professional abhyanga at Valley Ayurveda is incredibly luxurious and yummy, I advocate doing an abhy on your own body every day.  Before or after your morning shower, take a few minutes to rub some sesame oil on you arms, legs, belly, and lower back.  The warmth from the shower will help the oil soak into your skin, and it will only be a minute or two before it is completely absorbed.  It may take a while to get used to the feeling of oil on your body, but the benefits are profound.

Your skin feels and looks great, your joints are lubricated, your lymph gets flowing every morning and supports your immune system.  But the power is in the act of self-care.  Self love.  Putting oil on your body is like writing a love letter to your body, and sending a bouquet of roses to boot.  Never mind what you think about your body, your mind doesn’t count.  Your body feels loved.  Never mind if you like your body or not, you are treating yourself well.  Oil is LOVE.  It is the most powerful tool in our arsenal.  Never underestimate the healing power of love.

It’s February, the month of love!  Take some time to show yourself that you really care about your body.  Explore the daily abhyanga, and watch your life change over the next few weeks, months, and years.  You won’t regret it!

Hey everyone!  As you may know, we are in the midst of another winter weather event in Northampton, so I thought I’d capitalize on the snow day to try and get a post out.

When I look out the window at this wintry landscape, I can’t help but think of Vata dosha- cold, dry, and blustery.  This type of landscape makes us puny humans feel our inherent vulnerability.  Without our big brains, we’ve got nothing to protect us from the elements.  This cold weather can cause a low-grade anxiety on a subconscious level that we might not even notice, but it subtly affects our choices and behaviors.  Do you move quicker, tense up, and feel a little irrational when you’re out in cold weather?  Everyone is scurrying from their cars, and hunching their shoulders against the wind. That’s Vata energy. 

A snow day is the perfect opportunity to bring the wonderful positive qualities of Vata to light- excitement, enthusiasm, creativity, and spirituality.  Being stuck at home is ideal in a high-Vata situation.  Bundling up or keeping the house warm will ground that high-strung Vata energy, and if you can have a pot of water simmering on the (wood) stove, all the better. Vatas do well with warm humid air.  Drink warm water all day, and call on the Vata creativity to fill up the day with interesting projects and activities.  Stick to normal daily routines, like meal times, naps (except for Kaphas), or afternoon and evening activities.  While it’s fun to have the unexpected free day, grounding practices and routines should not be thrown out the window.

As always, rubbing some warm oil on your body and especially the soles of your feet can help you feel warmer, grounded, and protected.  I gave myself an especially good abhyanga today, because I wanted that one extra layer between the air and me. 

Finally the one thing that is the most pacifying, most helpful, and most healing thing for times of increased Vata is love.  Whether you are at home or working, and no matter what your constitution is, on a cold snowy day in the dead of winter you need love.  If you can, hunker down with your family or friends. If you’re snowbound and on your own, call an old friend, go through old pictures, write a letter to a loved one, meditate and remind yourself of our Oneness as beings of light.  Do whatever you can to feel connected, because when your heart feels nice and warm, the outside temperature could never throw you out of balance.

Have a great snowy day everyone!

Last week was my 5 year wedding anniversary.  How cute, right?  Five years.  To celebrate, my honey and I went out to a great dinner while the in-all-ways-awesome Ann watched the kids.   While we ate we talked about all the changes of the past five years, and where we are now.  When it came to the last few months he said that there has been a lot of extra stress and (gently placing his hand on top of mine), he said I was looking stressed.  I knew what he meant:  I look older.  I know it’s inevitable, and I have no problem with showing the little gray hairs and crinkle lines that come with the natural aging process.  But the idea of looking older from stress totally stressed me out!

I’m not ashamed to admit it:  my vanity kicked in.  Of course I know that stress causes all sorts of terrible changes in your body.  The hormone cortisol suppresses immunity, lowers cognitive acuity, and encourages the body to store more fat- all things we don’t need.  But the thought of stress making me look ugly?  THIS I cannot abide.  I determined right then in there that I HAD to rekindle my meditation and yoga practice, and I HAD to find ways to keep the kids from driving me nuts, and I HAD to learn to go with the flow at work. 

There is a concept in Ayurveda called Ojas.  It translates as “vigor”, and I have come to understand it as the life sap that runs through us.  When it is strong we are resilient, even in the face of terrible pressure; when it is weak, we can be completely undone by losing our page in the book we’re reading.  Strong ojas gives us robust immunity, fortitude, endurance, and emotional equanimity.  Depleted ojas leaves us sick, hypersensitive, exhausted, and frail.

Luckily, 85% of ayurveda is about building ojas- through yummy foods, herbs and jams, restorative yoga poses, and the nourishing body treatments themselves.  I also have my own private list of “ojas builders”, which includes an ojas music mix (songs that make me feel GREAT), memories (thoughts that make me feel HAPPY), and things to do (activities that make me feel REPLENISHED).  I encourage every person to think about the things in your life that build your ojas.  Even just the act of making an ojas list should feel like you are building your ojas!

This is just to say- be happy; be beautiful on the inside, and your light will shine out onto all whom you look upon. I know it's not the purest of motivations, but if looking good is what is going to encourage you to feel good, than more power to you!

I have been studying and practicing ayurveda for a little over 12 years now, and I am only just starting to come to what I think is a profound realization: being out of balance can feel really good!  Not always, but each dosha has a quality that, when out of balance, wants to keep itself out of balance.  Remember that the literal translation of the word dosha is "fault", so we never want to increase a dosha's presence in our bodies, only decrease it.  And let's face it, sometimes it feels good to be bad.  Not just in the way it tastes great to eat a candy bar, but also because of the devil-may-care attitude that comes with such a flagrant action.

Here's how it works for each dosha:

When vata starts going high there may be a sense of euphoria;  the creative juices are flowing, productivity gets a shot of adrenaline, and bodily signs like hunger or being cold start to dissipate.  We feel excited, inspired, energized- like we could keep going for days and days.  Man, it feels good!  We scoff at the mere mortals who have to eat three times a day, and opt instead for that cup of coffee which is enough to keep us going.  Project after project gets under way, and we zoom like a whirling dervish from one task to the next, leaving astounded colleagues or family in our wake.  This is when vata is peaking and we feel exhilarated, confident, electrified, and yes, intoxicated at the possibilities of our own minds. Never mind that we can't fall asleep until 4 in the morning.  

Now imagine trying to convince this vata-deranged person to scale it back, tone it down, and keep themselves in check. Imagine telling yourself that as you are starting to spiral up.  Do you really want to hear that you are headed for a crash and you might want to moderate yourself a bit.  The response is less than enthusiastic.  "Why do you wanna keep me down?",  "Why don't you want me to feel good?"  "But I'm doing all of this for YOU!" may be some of the responses you get.  *shaking my head sadly* Oh Vatas, don't you know where this is headed?  The vata crash is legendary, and the higher you go, the harder you fall.  

Pittas take a different path to their own heights and depths, but it is equally alluring.  When pitta starts creeping up, again, it can feel really good.  The mind is sharp and clear, jokes and banter just roll off the tongue.  Everyone around you is in stitches before you skip out of the room to your next appointment.  With Pitta, productivity is also the name of the game, though it is more often significant progress on ONE project, or a breakthrough of insight for something that has been troubling you.  

Everybody needs the staggering efficiency and intellect of the pitta person, and that affords a sense of leverage and control. Subordinates become minions, trembling and cowering as they scramble to do your bidding.  Everyone wants a piece of this mighty force, and the feeling of power can be gripping.   Cool it Pittas!  Take it down a notch.  You're not god's gift to the world, and yes, even you are not 100% right all of the time.  

The path to kapha imbalance can be the most enticing of all.  The kapha seeks neither creativity nor power;  they are after comfort, and who doesn't want, nay, need that?  Who can argue with the right to sit on the couch after a long day at work?  And while I'm here I might just have a little bit of a snack, and watch just a little t.v.  And while I'm sitting I should just put my feet up and adjust the pillow for maximum comfort... and.. zzzzzzzzzzzz.  The problem is that life still has to go on, and things still need to get done.  In the immortal words of Lauryn Hill, "Every man wanna act like he's exempt/  Need to get down on his knees and repent."  Oh how I wish I had an exemption card for all of the demands of life!  But I'm willing to bet that all of you have someone that is counting on you to pull your own weight.  So take your moment, and then up and at 'em Kaphas!  This house isn't gonna clean itself!

Ahh, now that I have had my little soap box, and revealed more about myself than you would want to know, take a minute to ask yourself where your tendencies lie.  The Siren's call of each one is compelling and destructive.  It really is better in the long run to stay balanced.  I am guilty of all three, and have slowly been trying to catch myself in the early stages when I am going out of balance.  Sometimes it can't be helped, and luckily Ayurveda has lovely, systematic, and deliberate approaches to countering each one.  When all else fails, come see me at Valley Ayurveda!

Best of luck everyone, and have a great weekend.

Between my last post and this one, I feel like I’ve been holding my breath.  Valley Ayurveda has opened, to an amazing success.  Last week couldn’t have been more exhilarating, terrifying, hilarious, and profound than it was.  I feel incredibly humbled and grateful to be able to perform these ayurvedic treatments for people, and I truly believe the ancient oil techniques have a deeply healing effect on the body and spirit.

A few years ago with my life coach Peggy, I did a visualization of meeting my future self.  We sat on the beach together as the waves gently lapped at our feet.  She looked pretty cool, if I do say so myself.  She said I could wade out into the ocean of my life path and dive in.  Or I could sit quietly on the beach and let the tide come in around me.  Either way, she said, I was going in the water.  When I inquired about how all of this was going to happen, my future self smiled with a lovely wrinkled face and told me it was going to be more amazing than I could possibly imagine.  At that point in my life, I stopped asking how and just started imagining what I wanted to happen in my life.

I saw myself sitting with clients and watched them nodding with excitement as something dawned on them.  I imagined standing in front of a group of people describing some ayurvedic concept while they chuckled with understanding.  I visualized standing by clients on the massage table and chanting a mantra, then pouring the warm oil on their bodies as if they were kings and queens.  Ayurveda does not lack for beautiful visuals!

I never could have predicted the last six months of my life, or made Valley Ayurveda happen in any deliberate way.  My own dream was way more humble, and to be realized at least ten years from where I am now.  But last week, all of my dreams came true, and they were more amazing that I could ever have imagined. The ocean has rushed in around me, strong and sure.  I am swimming in it!

On a great day, the sun is shining and there is a mild breeze in the air. The pitta person wakes up and greets the morning with purpose and calm. After some exercises and a healthy breakfast, she takes a few minutes to organize her day, feeling clear-minded and keen to engage with the world. Flowing with natural charisma, she jokes and chats with everyone from the bagel guy to colleagues at work, and lends a compassionate ear to anyone going through a struggle at the moment. The image is of a benevolent and beloved queen, lovingly and efficiently ruling her realm.

Problem-solving and debating are enjoyable activities to the pitta man, and he really shines in areas where his authority is clear. He is the go-to guy when there is something tangible to tackle. He is industrious, quick-witted, and effusive to those whose work he appreciates. Between noon and one he is sure to eat a big lunch which fuels him for the rest of the afternoon. He asks sharp and pointed questions, and loves to get to the heart of the matter. After work, he takes a moment to note his accomplishments for the day and switch gears back to family mode. This is the dad to whom the children squeal and run, requesting play time and jokes. He accommodates, after lovingly acknowledging his partner, and launches into “dad mode”. This is playing with young kids, or inquiring and engaging with older children about their day. A light fresh dinner is served, with friendly, calm conversation at the table. The evening is spent with the family playing games, reading something enjoyable, or watching a favorite show or sporting event on t.v. All in all, for a healthy balanced pitta, life is very very good.

Now for the inevitable: pitta on a bad day. After a restless sleep a pitta-imbalanced woman may wake moody and volatile. She might forgo a healthier morning regimen, citing some physical complaint, and reach straight for the coffee. She is unnecessarily annoyed by little things her family does, and finds nothing is working well for her. She spills the milk; the stupid drawer won’t close; and where the hell is that other shoe!?

People are less than friendly when encountering the brooding pitta at the coffee shop or office. His terse greetings can be called civil and no more. What has annoyed him? No one knows. While still able to get things done at work, he is vaguely disengaged and has trouble focusing. Lunch may not sit well, causing heartburn, headaches, or loose bowels in the afternoon. This physical discomfort lends a self-righteous air to his attitude and may cause him to lash out at a subordinate.

Home life brings no relief, and the daily needs of life seem oppressive and unyielding. Stress causes tension at home, and unless there is conversation about it, the family may be walking on eggshells. Dinner is a morose affair and the evening may be spent alone doing more work, or sulking in the recliner. For a pitta-imbalanced individual and his family, life is pretty miserable.

It may seem far-fetched that a few little Ayurvedic suggestions can make any difference in the temperament of a whacked-out pitta, but they really can have an effect. Keep in mind that being a balanced person means keeping all of the doshas in balance, and sometimes that may feel like a full time job!

When pitta is aggravated I always reach for aloe juice first. It’s cooling on such a deep level I feel that it literally “cools my blood”. Next I reach for some rose or sandalwood essential oil and sniff it. This instantly reminds me to stay calm and compassionate, and that my bad mood doesn’t give me the right to punish everyone else.

Make coconut, watermelon, and cucumbers your friends in this season. I use coconut oil on my body after my shower every day, and have cans of cold coconut water in the fridge. Mmmmmm! Bitter leafy greens like kale and spinach are SO good for balancing pitta, and vegetables like carrots, cauliflower and broccoli too. Smoothies and fruit shakes are perfect for this season, so stock up and play around with the blender. Your body will thank you for it.

I live a block from the river, and there is nothing like taking a quick dip on a really hot day. For you pittas who work in an office or don’t live near a river, give yourself permission to take a quick cool shower when you get home from work. It will do wonders for helping you separate from the job, and help you proiritize the next hours of the day. So refreshing!

Keep your mealtimes regular and follow a pitta-pacifying diet. Pittas get cranky if they are hungry or late in eating.

Pittas are often on the receiving end of their own very worst criticism. Find some ways to remind yourself that self-love is valuable and important. It can simply be a mantra, a meditation practice, or a workout routine, but accept the fact that even the most productive, successful person has to take time out for themselves- every day! What makes you feel happy and free? Answer that question, and you are halfway balanced already.

For more details and summer tips, visit our Seasonal Tips page. Good luck this summer!