Modern Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Treatment of the Month: Herbal Body Lepa

Courtney Klick — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 06:30:23 +0000

Lepana is a sanskrit word that describes the act of anointing, smearing, plastering or spreading. Typically in Ayurveda, lepana is the application of an herbalized paste either to the entire body or to a specific, localized site such as organs, joints or skin.

At Puja Wellness, our herbal body lepa is a cooling treatment whereby an herbal-clay body paste is applied to the skin with doshic-appropriate massage strokes. The paste is applied only after a complete oil massage using cooling coconut or pitta-pacifying oil for optimal tissue hydration. The treatment is concluded with a full-body wrap that promotes sweating and release of impurities to the surface of the skin. The herbal body lepa draws out inflammation and stagnation from deep within.

Lepana is indicated when there is inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, muscular and joint pain or strains, arthritis, obesity or circulatory imbalances.

Ayurvedic Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Stock

Courtney Klick — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:44:23 +0000

derived from “You are What you Eat” by Sandra Heber-Percy

Soups are a main staple in an Ayurvedic household. Unfortunately, canned soups are highly processed and contain far less nutrients than homemade soups. In order to make delicious and nutritious homemade soups that are also quick and easy, try making this recipe for vegetable stock once a month and store cubes in the freezer for later use. It will add instant flavor to your soups and vitality to your body and mind.

4 quarts water

2 carrots

1 zucchini

2 celery stalks

1 potato

1 slice pumpkin

10 spinach leaves

20 string beans

2 tomatoes

2 Tb fresh ginger, grated

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

5 bay leaves

1 bunch parsly leaves, chopped

2 clove buds

6 cardamom pods

6 cinnamon sticks

2 Tb tamari or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos

1 Tb extra-virgen olive oil or ghee

Cook all ingredients for 2 hours on low heat, or until they “dissolve”. When cool, filter the liquid through a mesh strainer and freeze the stock in ice-cube trays. These cubes will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Use the cubes to flavor your soups, risotto, vegges and sauces.

Ayurvedic Treatment of the Month: Nasya

Courtney Klick — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:42:23 +0000

Nasya therapy is one of the main five cleansing actions of Pancha Karma. It is also an independent oil treatment. This therapy benefits all three doshas, though it is especially effective in clearning excess Vata and Kapha from the head, neck, throat and sinuses. At Puja Wellness we have developed a nasya therapy that purges and rejuvenates the tissues and organs of the head and neck. It is used for dry nasal passages, sinus congestion, common cold, chronic sinusitis, allergies and allergic rhinitis. It also relieves headaches, migraines, muscular tension, mental imbalance and epilepsy.

During this treatment, a massage is performed for the head, neck, face, chest and shoulders using warm, aromatic oils. Then, the client receives a steam of the upper body to liquefy and expell toxic build up and excess dosha. Nasya oil is applied to the nasal passage to lubricate and protect the tissues. Finally, the client practices gandusha or gargling using cleansing herbs for throat.

Ayurveda 101: Pancha Karma

Courtney Klick — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:38:55 +0000

Pancha karma (PK) is an ancient Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation experience. The process cleanses and heals all layers (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) of the Self. For many, the process is very sacred, allowing one to quiet the mind, settle emotions, and relax the body as stillness pervades one’s inner being. The beginning of the year and the darkness of winter provide a perfect occasion for going deep into reflection and stillness. In this sacred silence, deep issues may become clear and resolve, and a memory of one’s true nature or inner beauty may resurface.

Customized Care

Each person’s pancha karma program is different based on his or her unique needs. Before you begin pancha karma, you must first be assessed by an Ayurvedic Practitioner to determine your customized treatment plan, discuss any contraindications, and schedule the dates of your PK treatments. Prior to beginning your cleanse, you will meet with your Ayurvedic Practitioner to receive detailed instructions, set your intention for the cleanse, and gather all needed supplies (e.g. massage oils, ghee, dietary guidelines, etc,).

Purva Karma: Preparatory Phase

The pancha karma process begins with preparatory stage called purva karma. During this period, one undergoes an internal cleansing, usually four days in length. During these four days, you will follow a healthy and light diet, practice internal and external oleation, minimize work and prepare the body for elimination of toxins. Toxins or ama accumulate in cells because of unhealthy food choices and habits, environmental toxins, and a stressful lifestyle. This internal cleansing process loosens and draws ama from the cells and brings it into the digestive tract where it will be eliminated through a mild purgation.

Pancha karma, means “five actions”. These five actions include:

1) vamana or vomiting therapy (reduces kapha)

2) virechana or purgation (reduces pitta and expels ama)

3) nasya or nasal cleansing (cleanses and restores the 5 sense organs)

4) basti or enemas (reduces vata and expels ama)

5) rakta moksha or blood-letting (reduces pitta)

In this country, rakta moksha is typically not practiced since it requires the use of leeches that suck the toxic blood from one’s body so that new, healthy blood may be created. Vamana is typically not practiced during Pancha Karma unless the client has imbalanced kapha.

At the end of the preparatory phase, one undergoes a mild purgation with either castor oil or other herbal purgatives. Following this purgation, rest is important to restore body and mind to strength. After purgation, herbalized enemas are self-administered on a daily basis to expell excess vata from the body. This is one of the most important steps of pancha karma.

Rasayana

During the days following purgation, one receives rejuvenative therapies (2 hours per day) with a Pancha Karma Technician. The following is an example of a 3-day treatment schedule:

Day 1: Abhyanga (warm herbalized oil massage) + Shirodhara (warm oil therapy over forehead and scalp) + Swedana (aromatic steam treatment)

Day 2: Nasya (nose and sinus therapy) + Netra Tarpana (medicated oil for the eyes) + Udvartana (herbalized body scrub)

Day 3: Abhyanga + Swedana + Localized Basti (herbalized oil over the heart or low back) + Shirodhara

During these rejuvenative days and for several days following Pancha Karma, one’s ojas (immunity) and strength are gradually restored. Diverse foods are added to the diet little by little in order to prevent digestive disturbance. In most cases, internal cleansing from Pancha Karma continues for weeks and even months afterwards. To continue this cleansing process it is best to go through Pancha Karma seasonally.

Interested in receiving Panchakarma, contact Courtney Klick at www.pujawellness.com.

Happy New Year: Awakening in 2010

Courtney Klick — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:37:28 +0000

Every day we make unconscious choices that perpetuate our imbalances. Maybe you decide that you just have to have that daily cup of coffee even though you experience digestive upset or headache right after finishing your morning cup. Maybe you speak violently to the people who are closest to you because you are under stress at your job. Maybe you stay up late and watch TV because you are looking for an escape from the problems of your day…We all do things and choose things that are not serving us, even when we are unaware of the long term consequences of our actions.

Buddhi is a sanksrit term that describes one’s higher intellect, that part of your Self that always knows what is best in order for you to attain your highest state of health and balance. The wisdom of one’s buddhi is often clouded by the ego which pulls us towards sensory preferences that only serve to hurt us and cause further imbalance. At Puja Wellness, we challenge you to awaken to your buddhi in 2010!

Awareness practices such as pranayama (breath mastery), meditation, mindful movement, inner contemplation & reflection, relaxation techniques and energy work all help one become more awake to the buddhi. Start your awareness practices today and you may find yourself to be a new and improved person in 2010!

Ayurvedic Recipe: Spiced Almond Milk

Courtney Klick — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:25:48 +0000

8 oz raw almonds

16 oz purified or spring water

1 Tb cold water

1 tsp arrowroot powder

1 tsp tapioca flour

1/4 tsp cardamom

1/8 tsp nutmeg

Place all ingredients, except the arrowroot and cold water in blender. In a separate bowl, mix the arrowroot powder with the colder water until mixture is combined. Add to blender and blend all ingredients until the almonds are pulverized. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve. Serve warm. Use the remaining almond meats over hot cereal, in chutneys or desserts.

Ayurvedic Treatment of the Month: Marma Therapy

Courtney Klick — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:24:20 +0000

Marma Therapy is a subtle, yet powerful practice of manipulating the energy currents at the marma points of the body. Marma points are sacred sites where prana (vibrational energy that sustains life) is given and received. Since prana nourishes the body, and controls the functioning of the cells and systems, it is important that prana flow abundantly and freely at these points. Without prana, the body may become diseased, paralyzed or even susceptible to death. Prana flows through nadis (channels) which connect to the marma points. Many marmas are located on the external body and it is possible to manipulate these marmas in order to help balance the vital energy, or prana.

At Puja Wellness, the client reclines as the therapist applies transdermal, herbalized cream in a very gentle, circular motion over the marma points. This treatment is deeply relaxing and stilling for the mind. This is a great option for those who are unable to experience full body massage or who are highly sensitive to touch.

Find out more about Marma Therapy at: www.pujawellness.com

10 Ways to Practice Moderation

Courtney Klick — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:22:09 +0000

1) Avoid overscheduling yourself with holiday parties, shopping trips and errands. Instead, ground yourself at home by making a warm, nourishing meal and listening to some relaxing music.

2) Make homemade gifts rather than spending hours in the store searching for the ‘perfect’ new item. Focus on quality rather than quantity and be sure that you are enjoying the process.

3) Source gifts from reused or recycled materials. Visit thrift stores or your attic for fun ideas. Set a realistic budget for yourself that balances your desire to give with your financial needs.

4) Avoid overeating at holiday parties. Eat slowly and before you make another trip to the buffet, wait for 15 minutes to determine whether or not you are full. Remember, eat until you are 75% full, not 100% full.

5) Be selective about your food choices. Rather than diving for every item on the table, select first those things which are doshic-appropriate and easy to digest. Chances are you will be full before you can return for the naughty foods. Remember to eat sweet foods first, including grains and dairy and save the bitter taste for the end (e.g. salads).

6) If you are busy and traveling, promise yourself a good sleep. Set your bed time for 10pm and no later so that your body can rejuvenate itself during those precious hours between 10pm and 2am.

7) Be mindful in social situations and watch your extroverted tendencies. Choose your words wisely and take deep breaths between conversations. Focusing on the breath will bring you back to your inner experience and will help you conserve energy and stay grounded and peaceful.

8) Stick to a solid daily routine. Try to eat at the same time every day, sleep at the same time, exercise at the same time. Let your mind and your body know what to expect and it will respond with gratitude.

9) Avoid excessive exercise, especially in cold weather. Rather than running in below freezing weather, attend a restorative yoga class. Remember the vicious cycle…”If I overeat, then I must exercise more.” This will quickly deplete your immune system and leave you exhausted. Eat moderately, exercise moderately, do everything and choose everything with moderation in mind.

10) Avoid substances that lead to the extremes. Avoid stimulants such as coffee and depressants such as alcohol. You will never find moderation of body and peace of mind if you are swinging with these extremes.

Interested in learning more about Ayurveda, contact Courtney Klick at www.pujawellness.com.

Happy Holidays 2009: Sharing Our Gifts

Courtney Klick — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:21:23 +0000

It is a time of giving and receiving as we share our abundance with others, especially those who are not as materially fortunate as ourselves. In the midst of shopping and spending money, we often forget our breath, the sustainer of our life-energy. To give is to exhale, to recieve is to inhale. Every day we take for granted this simple process. As we inhale we are taking in all that supports us. As we exhale, we are letting go and surrendering, just to begin the cycle again. To truly receive, is to be present and appreciative of your life. And to truly give, is to surrender yourself to the greater processes that dictate everything that you are. We can allow ourselves this experience by staying with our breath all of the time….watch the breath. Watch the breath as you are shopping, sharing and living and you will ultimately find the greatest gift of all. And you will be able to share this greatest gift of all.

Ayurvedic Recipe: Carrot Puree with Hazelnut Tapenade

Courtney Klick — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:19:16 +0000

Vata-aggravated digestive symptoms include gas, bloatedness and constipation. To counteract this it is best to use warming spices and foods, plenty of oil and grounding, earthy foods such as root veggies. Vata is best balanced with sweet, salty and sour tastes. Check out this great carrot recipe that includes some of these tastes for a warming and tasty treat.

1 lb carrots (5-6 medium), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 medium red potatoes or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, toasted

2 tablespoons chopped green olives

2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest

1 small glove garlic, minced (optional, omit for pitta-types)

1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgen olive oil, divided

1/2 teaspoon salt

Bring 1 inch of water to boil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven fitted with a steamer basket. Steam carrots and potatoes until very soft, 12-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine hazelnuts, orange zest, olives, garlic and 1 teaspoon oil in a bowl.

Transfer the carrots and potatoes to a food processor; add the reamining 1 tablespoon oil and salt. Process until smooth. Serve each portion with a spoonful of the hazelnut tapenade.