Tips for a Healthier Winter
04/01/10 15:16
Over the years I have learned a few tips that help me keep my body healthy especially when the seasonal changes are under way.
Colonics and Cleanses
As with your car you want to prepare your body for seasonal changes from the inside as well as the outside. As a colon-hydrotherapist I have often recommended colonics on a quarterly basis or during seasonal changes to reduce the toxic load on the body which helps to avoid colds and flu. The main reason for doing this is to reduce the toxic load on the liver so if a colonic is not workable to you there are other methods to improve liver health. For a simpler method make a trip to your health food store and find a liver cleanse program that you can purchase. It is recommended that you reduce the fat in your diet while doing this and even better if you follow a strict diet for at least part of the time. Like anything the more you put into it the better your results will be.
Certain herbs support efficient liver function.
Blue Flag-dispels heat fire and fever, cleanses the blood and lymphatics and helps bowel elimination. Combined with chickweed it can alleviate itchy skin.
Burdock Root-a strong acting herb for blood purification and clearing lymphatics. Known to cleanse congestion, reduce swelling and dispel toxins either through the skin or diuresis.
Chickweed-cleanses and purifies the blood, promotes bowel movement, soothes protects and nurtures internal membranes, stimulates cell growth and helps heal wounds.
Dandelion Root- among other attributes, dandelion root is a cleanser for the liver and gallbladder. It is especially good for diets that consist of a regular intake of meats or high in fat.
Milk Thistle-purifies the liver, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Plantain-firms tissue, assists in purifying the blood and lymphatics and helps heal wounds while promoting cell growth.
Slippery Elm-acts as a skin emollient, soothes protects and nurtures internal membranes.
If you are willing to do a cleanse you can try the Master Cleanse. The master cleanse is a common cleanse and has had good results over many years. If you carry more body weight and have never undertaken a cleanse before I suggest the Arise and Shine cleanse. It is more expensive, however it is a fool proof method for a novice to cleansing diets. The cleanse kit comes with instructions and should include what you need to do the cleanse properly. Although I have not tried the process myself I have known many people to rave about it.
A tea made from ginger root and turmeric is excellent for relieving joint and tissue inflammation. Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb. It also helps soothe your tummy after overeating. Turmeric is an antiviral so it boosts the immune system. Since the tea heats up the body it is recommended during cool or cold climates. To make this tea grate or cut up at least a tablespoon of ginger root per cup of tea. Bring cup or mug of purified water to a boil, add the ginger and steep for fifteen minutes. Strain the tea into a cup and add a 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the tea before drinking it.
Healthy Skin
I believe that Ayurvedic skin care is an excellent way to keep your skin healthy. In the morning or before showering, brush the skin for about ten minutes with a skin brush. A natural skin brush can be purchased at a health food store. Brush the skin starting at the top of the head and work your way down. They say it helps to brush in a circular motion over joints and brush the length of the limbs in between the joints. Now apply a heated Ayurvedic oil to the skin, also starting at the head and working down to the feet. During the winter you can usually use sesame oil or Prabhanjanam or a 50/50 combination of both. Both oils are warming and good for dry environmental conditions. Both oils are especially for a Vata dosha body type. In Ayurvedic tradition there are three doshas or body type-Vata, Pitta and Kapha. To take a test to see which is your primary dosha you can take an online dosha test
If your are experiencing exhaustion or feel your body is in a delicate condition you might use a Bala oil. For warmer climates or if your body tends toward inflammation, Chandanadi oil is more appropriate. You can cut Chandanadi with coconut oil if you prefer. Both have a cooling effect on the body.
During your shower it is recommended to use a mild soap to keep from removing the oil entirely. These oils not only add a protective layer to the body, they also are medicinal to body tissue so thoroughly massaging the oil into the pores of the skin is encouraged. If you know an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner I recommend that they prescribe the best oil for your body type. There are several oils and I have only mentioned two.
Feet
Feet that tend to crack and peel need extra care. The above oil massage before showering may be enough, however if after awhile you do not see a change you can try massaging your feet with a cooling lotion such as peppermint. I have found that Tea Tree oil rubbed over the feet after a shower helps my feet. If you have feet that are prone to severe cracking or dryness you can try another Ayurvedic approach which consists of applying a coat of Brahmi Ghee to the feet before bedtime and wearing an old pair of sox to bed.
Although these suggestions are by no means exhaustive they may serve you so enjoy!
Colonics and Cleanses
As with your car you want to prepare your body for seasonal changes from the inside as well as the outside. As a colon-hydrotherapist I have often recommended colonics on a quarterly basis or during seasonal changes to reduce the toxic load on the body which helps to avoid colds and flu. The main reason for doing this is to reduce the toxic load on the liver so if a colonic is not workable to you there are other methods to improve liver health. For a simpler method make a trip to your health food store and find a liver cleanse program that you can purchase. It is recommended that you reduce the fat in your diet while doing this and even better if you follow a strict diet for at least part of the time. Like anything the more you put into it the better your results will be.
Certain herbs support efficient liver function.
Blue Flag-dispels heat fire and fever, cleanses the blood and lymphatics and helps bowel elimination. Combined with chickweed it can alleviate itchy skin.
Burdock Root-a strong acting herb for blood purification and clearing lymphatics. Known to cleanse congestion, reduce swelling and dispel toxins either through the skin or diuresis.
Chickweed-cleanses and purifies the blood, promotes bowel movement, soothes protects and nurtures internal membranes, stimulates cell growth and helps heal wounds.
Dandelion Root- among other attributes, dandelion root is a cleanser for the liver and gallbladder. It is especially good for diets that consist of a regular intake of meats or high in fat.
Milk Thistle-purifies the liver, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Plantain-firms tissue, assists in purifying the blood and lymphatics and helps heal wounds while promoting cell growth.
Slippery Elm-acts as a skin emollient, soothes protects and nurtures internal membranes.
If you are willing to do a cleanse you can try the Master Cleanse. The master cleanse is a common cleanse and has had good results over many years. If you carry more body weight and have never undertaken a cleanse before I suggest the Arise and Shine cleanse. It is more expensive, however it is a fool proof method for a novice to cleansing diets. The cleanse kit comes with instructions and should include what you need to do the cleanse properly. Although I have not tried the process myself I have known many people to rave about it.
A tea made from ginger root and turmeric is excellent for relieving joint and tissue inflammation. Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb. It also helps soothe your tummy after overeating. Turmeric is an antiviral so it boosts the immune system. Since the tea heats up the body it is recommended during cool or cold climates. To make this tea grate or cut up at least a tablespoon of ginger root per cup of tea. Bring cup or mug of purified water to a boil, add the ginger and steep for fifteen minutes. Strain the tea into a cup and add a 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the tea before drinking it.
Healthy Skin
I believe that Ayurvedic skin care is an excellent way to keep your skin healthy. In the morning or before showering, brush the skin for about ten minutes with a skin brush. A natural skin brush can be purchased at a health food store. Brush the skin starting at the top of the head and work your way down. They say it helps to brush in a circular motion over joints and brush the length of the limbs in between the joints. Now apply a heated Ayurvedic oil to the skin, also starting at the head and working down to the feet. During the winter you can usually use sesame oil or Prabhanjanam or a 50/50 combination of both. Both oils are warming and good for dry environmental conditions. Both oils are especially for a Vata dosha body type. In Ayurvedic tradition there are three doshas or body type-Vata, Pitta and Kapha. To take a test to see which is your primary dosha you can take an online dosha test
If your are experiencing exhaustion or feel your body is in a delicate condition you might use a Bala oil. For warmer climates or if your body tends toward inflammation, Chandanadi oil is more appropriate. You can cut Chandanadi with coconut oil if you prefer. Both have a cooling effect on the body.
During your shower it is recommended to use a mild soap to keep from removing the oil entirely. These oils not only add a protective layer to the body, they also are medicinal to body tissue so thoroughly massaging the oil into the pores of the skin is encouraged. If you know an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner I recommend that they prescribe the best oil for your body type. There are several oils and I have only mentioned two.
Feet
Feet that tend to crack and peel need extra care. The above oil massage before showering may be enough, however if after awhile you do not see a change you can try massaging your feet with a cooling lotion such as peppermint. I have found that Tea Tree oil rubbed over the feet after a shower helps my feet. If you have feet that are prone to severe cracking or dryness you can try another Ayurvedic approach which consists of applying a coat of Brahmi Ghee to the feet before bedtime and wearing an old pair of sox to bed.
Although these suggestions are by no means exhaustive they may serve you so enjoy!
Anal Breath-Or How to Get Your Head In Your Ass
09/11/09 22:38
During my training as a Sacred Intimate one of the most valuable teachings that came from that training was conscious breathing. Chester Mainard, my mentor, friend and one of the instructors at the Body Electric School, considered this the most important teaching of the course. Of the different breath styles we learned, I feel that the anal breath has been the most useful to my clients. Before I go into the function and technique of anal breathing I feel it is important to start with a short anatomy lesson.
Technically a diaphragm is any muscular sheet that forms a wall. Our body has three main diaphragms that we are concerned with; the diaphragmatic muscle which controls the lungs, the urogenital diaphragm which extends between the pubic bones and the pelvic diaphragm forming the foundation of the anal triangle. The last two are part of the perineum.
The diaphragmatic muscle is the band of muscles that cause the expansion and contraction of the lungs and therefore controls our breath. For the most part this activity requires no conscious effort yet it can be voluntarily controlled. The perineum is the root of our body and is the location for the root chakra. Because it is the home of the root chakra it connects us energetically to the Earth and gives us a sense of grounding. The perineum can provide a deep feeling of pleasure when touched properly. Contracting the muscles of the perineum is another way of creating pleasure (a future article). These feelings can be channeled up the spine and into the head, stimulating the other chakras and endocrine glands.
There are three parts to the anal breath:
1) The first is to establish awareness of the anal sphincter. This can be done in one of two methods, whichever is easiest for you to accomplish. The first is to imagine the anal region as though you could project your conscious awareness in the area-sort of like putting your head in your ass. OR you can very gently push out on the anal sphincter. This is more about intention than actual pressure. Again the idea is to bring your focus to the area.
2) Once you have established awareness of the anal sphincter, the next step is to take a full breath. One of the advantages of the anal breath is that it relaxes the pelvic diaphragms and allows you to expand into a fuller breath with less effort.
3) The third, and probably the most challenging for you to understand, is to surrender the breath on the exhale. When you exhale it is important to let the diaphragmatic muscles that control the lungs to naturally contract without resistance. You are not forcing the air from the lungs you are simply to surrender and let the lungs contract without resistance. It helps that the throat is relaxed and to exhale through your mouth.
Benefits of the anal breath include:
1) A sense of grounded awareness which helps with presence.
2) Performing this breath regularly can put you in touch with a deeper state of awareness, a deeper internal wisdom.
3) Your pelvic area will relax which can reduce issues with sciatica, prostate and hemorrhoids because your pelvis will relax.
4) This breath will increase your balance, both physically and energetically. When your pelvis relaxes you will walk with more fluidity. You will also feel balanced energetically. For example if you feel stressed or someone is giving you a difficult time, performing this breath will take the charge off of you and ground it into the Earth.
5) Performing this breath for ten minutes before a vocal performance will deepen your vocal resonance.
How do you know if you are doing the breath correctly? Even if you have difficulty in surrendering the exhale, relaxing the pelvis through the breath will help tremendously. One way I know I am doing the breath correctly is that I will immediately feel more relaxed. If I take a walk and practice the anal breath I feel as though my feet have grown roots and start to get heavier. My gate takes on a slight swagger as well.
The beauty of this breath is that it can be performed anywhere and at anytime. It is subtle yet effective. Enjoy!
Technically a diaphragm is any muscular sheet that forms a wall. Our body has three main diaphragms that we are concerned with; the diaphragmatic muscle which controls the lungs, the urogenital diaphragm which extends between the pubic bones and the pelvic diaphragm forming the foundation of the anal triangle. The last two are part of the perineum.
The diaphragmatic muscle is the band of muscles that cause the expansion and contraction of the lungs and therefore controls our breath. For the most part this activity requires no conscious effort yet it can be voluntarily controlled. The perineum is the root of our body and is the location for the root chakra. Because it is the home of the root chakra it connects us energetically to the Earth and gives us a sense of grounding. The perineum can provide a deep feeling of pleasure when touched properly. Contracting the muscles of the perineum is another way of creating pleasure (a future article). These feelings can be channeled up the spine and into the head, stimulating the other chakras and endocrine glands.
There are three parts to the anal breath:
1) The first is to establish awareness of the anal sphincter. This can be done in one of two methods, whichever is easiest for you to accomplish. The first is to imagine the anal region as though you could project your conscious awareness in the area-sort of like putting your head in your ass. OR you can very gently push out on the anal sphincter. This is more about intention than actual pressure. Again the idea is to bring your focus to the area.
2) Once you have established awareness of the anal sphincter, the next step is to take a full breath. One of the advantages of the anal breath is that it relaxes the pelvic diaphragms and allows you to expand into a fuller breath with less effort.
3) The third, and probably the most challenging for you to understand, is to surrender the breath on the exhale. When you exhale it is important to let the diaphragmatic muscles that control the lungs to naturally contract without resistance. You are not forcing the air from the lungs you are simply to surrender and let the lungs contract without resistance. It helps that the throat is relaxed and to exhale through your mouth.
Benefits of the anal breath include:
1) A sense of grounded awareness which helps with presence.
2) Performing this breath regularly can put you in touch with a deeper state of awareness, a deeper internal wisdom.
3) Your pelvic area will relax which can reduce issues with sciatica, prostate and hemorrhoids because your pelvis will relax.
4) This breath will increase your balance, both physically and energetically. When your pelvis relaxes you will walk with more fluidity. You will also feel balanced energetically. For example if you feel stressed or someone is giving you a difficult time, performing this breath will take the charge off of you and ground it into the Earth.
5) Performing this breath for ten minutes before a vocal performance will deepen your vocal resonance.
How do you know if you are doing the breath correctly? Even if you have difficulty in surrendering the exhale, relaxing the pelvis through the breath will help tremendously. One way I know I am doing the breath correctly is that I will immediately feel more relaxed. If I take a walk and practice the anal breath I feel as though my feet have grown roots and start to get heavier. My gate takes on a slight swagger as well.
The beauty of this breath is that it can be performed anywhere and at anytime. It is subtle yet effective. Enjoy!
Tips to Stay on Top of Holiday Stress
02/11/09 19:02
Here "it" comes-holiday stress. As families negotiate where to spend Thanksgiving, and millions of us are making the empty promise to ourselves to start early on holiday shopping, the anxiety begins to build. And it only gets crazier from here. Choir practice for the kids, family gatherings at every turn, office parties, treks to the mall, baking...you know where this is headed. So what can you do about it? To learn more...
Dealing With Stress While at your Desk
19/10/09 18:51
When you sit at a desk, hunched over papers or a computer, your body tends to contract into a "C" shape. This slumped posture creates pressure on your back, neck and shoulders and can couse pinched muscles, fatique and, if you've been reading a lot, eye strain. The following pick-me-ups will help break this tension cycle. To learn more...