-
Five simple tips to calm Vata this fall
Vata is the force that governs movement within our bodies. Vata is at play when we take in food, and when we eliminate. It is present in the constant movement of our breath, bringing air in and out of our lungs, and in the synapses of our nervous system moving thoughts, emotions and sensations through our awareness. When Vata is in balance, creativity is flowing and enthusiasm for life is strong. Those with a healthy balance of Vata in their constitution tend to be spiritually-minded, free-spirited, and artistic. When out of balance, excess Vata can cause anxiety, fearfulness and depression. Because Vata is movement, those with excess Vata often have…
-
How to come off a cleanse: the next steps for a spectacular seasonal transition
So you’ve finished your Ayurvedic cleanse, you’re feeling great, and you’re ready to eat something other than kitchari – the only question is, what do you eat now? In my own experience, and for many I’ve talked to, coming off a cleanse can be the hardest part. When you’re cleansing, you have rules to follow. You know exactly what you will be eating everyday, and you have a routine. But at the end of your cleanse, if you aren’t prepared, it can be easy to slip into old habits or just feel a little lost. It’s easy to find information on how to do an Ayurvedic cleanse, but it’s harder…
-
Prepare for a healthy fall: 8 Ayurveda hacks you can practice right now
Ayurveda works most effectively when we use it as preventative medicine. This requires a shift in thinking for many of us. We are used to waiting until we get sick before we go to the doctor. Perhaps you typically experience good health during the summer, but find yourself at the doctor’s office every fall once you come down with a cold or flu. The doctor may send you home with some medicine to relieve your symptoms, but there’s not much they can do to cure the cold once you’ve contracted it. The same is usually true for Ayurvedic medicine. While I swear by my soothing Ayurvedic teas, herbal honeys and…
-
Rethink your summer vacation
This summer feels a little different than most. For me, there are no outdoor concerts, no plane trips to visit family, no beachside brunches. So how can we still get that “summer feeling”? Ayurveda tells us that connecting with the seasons is important to our health and well-being. We are not supposed to have the same routine, diet and practices all year long. Part of bringing summer into your life is switching up your routine, and that is something we can all do no matter what our summer plans look like. In fact, I would argue that this summer might present the perfect opportunity to enjoy the relaxation that summer…
-
Five easy remedies to calm and cool Pitta this summer
Pitta is the energy that creates change. It is the force of transformation. In our bodies, it is our digestion, absorption and assimilation. It is the digestion of our food, but also the digestion of our emotions. In balance, pitta gives us bravery and ambition. It gives us the courage to fight for what we believe in. When out of balance, pitta leads to anger, hatred and cruel self-talk. I can easily tell when I have too much pitta in my system because I get irritable and self-critical, and I’m not able to properly digest my emotions and transform them into useful action. There are many things that can cause…