A beautiful analogy:
" It took the lightness of the leaf and the elegance of the fawn, the rejoicing sun rays and the tears of the mist, the inconsistency of the wind and the shyness of the hare, the vanity of the peacock and the smoothness of the swallow's neck. It was also added the hardness of the diamond, the sweetness of the honey, the cruelty of the tiger, the warmth of the fire and the coldness of the snow. And to this it was added the cooing of the dove and the twitting of the jay. Then it was all mixed up and a woman was formed. "
Tvashtri, Hindu's mythology (over 2000 years old).
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Raw Milk - what the Vedas were talking about
RAW MILK
Coming to Ayurvedic diet from Macrobiotics it was hard for me to accept milk as part of a healthy, healing diet. Yet, milk has been considered a "health food" for thousands of years all over the Indian continent and in my native Europe. Was it just that our macrobiotic teachers were Japanese and part of a people who fermented soy beans rather than dairy foods? Or, did they know that what the American people were being offered by the gallon at the store ready pasteurized and homogenized was not remotely similar to the milk of our ancestors.
Raw milk is a whole food and still contains all its pro-biotic bacteria, enzymes and fats and is as the vedas promised highly anti-inflammatory. It is well tolerated by the lactose intolerant due to the natural bacteria in milk producing lactase enzyme. It helps rather than chokes up asthma and air born allergy sufferers. It contains phosphatase that is destroyed in the pasteurization process which help the body absorb vital minerals including calcium making a great food of choice for those with osteoporosis. Both raw milk and fermented raw dairy products such as kefir and yogurt are healing for the GI tract and have been shown to help with ulcers, irritable bowel and even Crohn's disease. Healing the intestines heals 80% of the immune system, just as Ayurveda has always taught. Take care of digestion first!
For more information check out www.rawmilk.com.
Coming to Ayurvedic diet from Macrobiotics it was hard for me to accept milk as part of a healthy, healing diet. Yet, milk has been considered a "health food" for thousands of years all over the Indian continent and in my native Europe. Was it just that our macrobiotic teachers were Japanese and part of a people who fermented soy beans rather than dairy foods? Or, did they know that what the American people were being offered by the gallon at the store ready pasteurized and homogenized was not remotely similar to the milk of our ancestors.
Raw milk is a whole food and still contains all its pro-biotic bacteria, enzymes and fats and is as the vedas promised highly anti-inflammatory. It is well tolerated by the lactose intolerant due to the natural bacteria in milk producing lactase enzyme. It helps rather than chokes up asthma and air born allergy sufferers. It contains phosphatase that is destroyed in the pasteurization process which help the body absorb vital minerals including calcium making a great food of choice for those with osteoporosis. Both raw milk and fermented raw dairy products such as kefir and yogurt are healing for the GI tract and have been shown to help with ulcers, irritable bowel and even Crohn's disease. Healing the intestines heals 80% of the immune system, just as Ayurveda has always taught. Take care of digestion first!
For more information check out www.rawmilk.com.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Sweet Prayer
This was sent to me by a couple we have never meet. They found us on this wonderful internet. They live in northern Australia and are truely a world away but our hearts are close. They called and spoke to us so gently. Then they gave us this gift which is meant for sharing. May many find it eventually.
"May today there be peace within.
May you trust you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance praise and love.
It is there for each and everyone of us."
Monday, November 22, 2010
COSMIC VIBRATION
Ayurvedic treatments rely in part on what is now being called energy medicine. Diamond Way Ayurveda treatments that include work with both marmas and chakras are obvious examples of energy medicine. But energy is also at work in less obvious ways when we use a bell, gong, take time for a prayer at the beginning or end of a treatment or simply extend the hope that we are doing something useful to bring the client into better balance.
Recently I was sent a quote by an Indian yogi that explains energy healing in a beautiful way. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
"When we vibrate in the same way as cosmic vibration, we get in tune with the cosmos. That is why when we repeat OM, we feel cosmic peace. That cosmic vibrations vibrates in our own body. It bring a a sort of realignment in all of the cells of the body, an adjustment or new rhythm. When the cells of the body run restlessly in different ways, we feel sick. But, when we arrange that vibration to make it run smoothly, we feel happy and get healed. By constant repetition of OM, we will be able to mend many physical ailments and, ultimately, the mind also. Then you will experience physical health, mental peace and pure happiness." SWAMIJI
Repeating OM is one way. Touching with love is another. Intention heals too.
Recently I was sent a quote by an Indian yogi that explains energy healing in a beautiful way. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
"When we vibrate in the same way as cosmic vibration, we get in tune with the cosmos. That is why when we repeat OM, we feel cosmic peace. That cosmic vibrations vibrates in our own body. It bring a a sort of realignment in all of the cells of the body, an adjustment or new rhythm. When the cells of the body run restlessly in different ways, we feel sick. But, when we arrange that vibration to make it run smoothly, we feel happy and get healed. By constant repetition of OM, we will be able to mend many physical ailments and, ultimately, the mind also. Then you will experience physical health, mental peace and pure happiness." SWAMIJI
Repeating OM is one way. Touching with love is another. Intention heals too.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
WHAT IS FAIR TRADE
WHAT IS FAIR TRADE?
“Fair Trade is a people-powered solution to global economic injustice.”
People powdered means bringing about a solution by voting with your choices and your dollars. If people demand more Fair Trade then more businesses will endeavor to become fair trade. We have already witnessed this trend with organic products. Fair trade is the next level in some ways and demand is growing.
What is this economic injustice and how is Fair Trade a solution? The injustice is basically that very often the original producer is paid barely enough to keep them alive while others down the production chain pull in disproportionately large profits. Fair Trade is changing this equation and more besides.
In order for a product or ingredient to be called a Fair Trade item it must be certified by an American or International Fair Trade organization and to gain that certification the producer has to prove three main things.
1. People along every step in the production chain must receive a fair living wage.
2. Workers and their communities are must be treated with dignity.
3. Artisans and producers must take steps to preserve the health of themselves and their environment.
A Fair Trade economy is based on real justice, personal dignity, empowerment of workers, transparency of business practices and respect for all people and the planet we all depend on for life itself.
Know that all essential oils used in Diamond Way Ayurveda products are Fair Trade and support organic farming practices all over the world.
Green America’s Guide to Fair Trade which you can download at www.fairtradeeaction.com or order copies by calling 800/58-GREEN.
“Fair Trade is a people-powered solution to global economic injustice.”
People powdered means bringing about a solution by voting with your choices and your dollars. If people demand more Fair Trade then more businesses will endeavor to become fair trade. We have already witnessed this trend with organic products. Fair trade is the next level in some ways and demand is growing.
What is this economic injustice and how is Fair Trade a solution? The injustice is basically that very often the original producer is paid barely enough to keep them alive while others down the production chain pull in disproportionately large profits. Fair Trade is changing this equation and more besides.
In order for a product or ingredient to be called a Fair Trade item it must be certified by an American or International Fair Trade organization and to gain that certification the producer has to prove three main things.
1. People along every step in the production chain must receive a fair living wage.
2. Workers and their communities are must be treated with dignity.
3. Artisans and producers must take steps to preserve the health of themselves and their environment.
A Fair Trade economy is based on real justice, personal dignity, empowerment of workers, transparency of business practices and respect for all people and the planet we all depend on for life itself.
Know that all essential oils used in Diamond Way Ayurveda products are Fair Trade and support organic farming practices all over the world.
Green America’s Guide to Fair Trade which you can download at www.fairtradeeaction.com or order copies by calling 800/58-GREEN.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Continuing Education Hours Now Available for Distance Learning
Diamond Way Ayurveda is very happy to announce that registered massage therapists and massage practitioners can now get Continuing Education Hours (CE Hours)for completing our distance learning programs.
CE Hours are now available in three subject areas
Ayurvedic Face Rejuvenation
Tibetan Shirodhara and
Pedikarma(TM)
All three of these Ayurvedic programs use both our book Ayurvedic Spa (LOTUS PRESS) and one of the three DVD’s which have always been available on our website www.DiamondWayAyurveda.com.
Each program takes on average 3 hours to complete so we can offer 3 CE hours per subject area.
Each program costs $80 which includes the cost of the book, Ayurvedic Spa the DVD, delivery and return of test materials (postage as needed) and administrative fees for grading the test and registering results with NCBTMB.
$80 for 3 CU’s
The cost of the program can be adjusted if you already have exactly the same book or exactly the same DVD already in your possession. $30 credit will be given for either the book or the DVD. $55 for the book and the DVD.
You can find further description of the courses and register for the distance learning classes by going to www.DiamondWayAyurveda.com and checking on the
HOME PAGE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS or
SHOPPING CART
We hope this exciting development will serve more of you and help the spread of Ayurvedic Body Work. We also hope that it will encourage you to come to classes and/ or check out the products that support the treatments.
As ever you can always call 866-303-3321 for further information.
CE Hours are now available in three subject areas
Ayurvedic Face Rejuvenation
Tibetan Shirodhara and
Pedikarma(TM)
All three of these Ayurvedic programs use both our book Ayurvedic Spa (LOTUS PRESS) and one of the three DVD’s which have always been available on our website www.DiamondWayAyurveda.com.
Each program takes on average 3 hours to complete so we can offer 3 CE hours per subject area.
Each program costs $80 which includes the cost of the book, Ayurvedic Spa the DVD, delivery and return of test materials (postage as needed) and administrative fees for grading the test and registering results with NCBTMB.
$80 for 3 CU’s
The cost of the program can be adjusted if you already have exactly the same book or exactly the same DVD already in your possession. $30 credit will be given for either the book or the DVD. $55 for the book and the DVD.
You can find further description of the courses and register for the distance learning classes by going to www.DiamondWayAyurveda.com and checking on the
HOME PAGE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS or
SHOPPING CART
We hope this exciting development will serve more of you and help the spread of Ayurvedic Body Work. We also hope that it will encourage you to come to classes and/ or check out the products that support the treatments.
As ever you can always call 866-303-3321 for further information.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Ayurvedic CUs now available
We are happy to announce that Diamond Way Ayurveda is now able to offer what used to be called Continuing Education Credits now called CUs for distance learning for three of our treatment.
AYURVEDIC FACE REJUVENATION
TIBETAN SHIRODHARA
PEDIKARMA
Each course requires you view our DVD on the subject, read the chapter in Ayurvedic Spa and answer 25 questions to gain 3 CUs.
The course costs $80 with a $30 credit for the book and /or the DVD if you already have these in your posession.
We hope this serves you all well and will be of use especially to those who cannot travel to our in house classes.
Check our website or call for more details 866-303-3321
AYURVEDIC FACE REJUVENATION
TIBETAN SHIRODHARA
PEDIKARMA
Each course requires you view our DVD on the subject, read the chapter in Ayurvedic Spa and answer 25 questions to gain 3 CUs.
The course costs $80 with a $30 credit for the book and /or the DVD if you already have these in your posession.
We hope this serves you all well and will be of use especially to those who cannot travel to our in house classes.
Check our website or call for more details 866-303-3321
Monday, October 18, 2010
Benefits of Abhyanga
ABHYANGA is a traditional Ayurvedic technique that is designed to bring
beauty and vitality to the Body by the application of customized oils.
Abhyanga pronounced ABBEY ANGER actually more like ABBEY UNGER with the unger being like the second part of Younger is a Sanskrit word. Like many words each syllable has a meaning. In this case ABHY means to rub and ANGA means limbs. It is also described in ayurvedic classical texts as, “Smearing the body with unctuous or oily substance” or “Stroking the hands all over, all around the body in a gentle manner” or the translation i feel is at the heart of the technique, “TO TOUCH WITH LOVE.”
Practiced for thousands of years as a self massage technique to support health, beauty, and longevity it is recorded in many ancient writings including the Charaka Samhita. Today is it is practiced in spas in healing centers all over the world.
Traditionally men work on men and women with women. It maybe offered by one, two or more therapists whose hands must work in harmony in perfect coordination.
Traditional benefits listed in Sutrasthanam V. 78-93
The body becomes
•Firm
•Smooth-skinned
•Free from disturbances of vata - that otherwise prematurely age the body and cause pain
•Tolerant of exertions of hard work and exercise
•Not affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work
•Endowed with pleasant touch
•Trimmed in all body parts and
•Strong, charming and least affected by old age.
A beautiful quote which offers a perfect comparison says,
“Oily substances infused into the human organism imparts a tone and vigor to its tissues in the same manner as water furnishes the roots of a tree or a plant with the necessary nutritive elements and fosters its growth when poured into the soil where it grows.” Susruta
So is Abhyanga for estheticians or massage therapists or both? It can be called a full body facial or a full body massage depending on the way you describe it and the claims you make for the outcome.
Full Body Facial
•oil selected according to skin and body type
•optionally - skin cleansed in bath or shower
•oil applied to the skin all over the body with caring touch
•oil allowed to penetrate the skin which maybe helped by a warm linen wrap or steam treatment
•oil removed with herbal cleanser – ubtan
Full Body Massage
•oil selected specific therapeutic benefits
•oil worked into the skin with repeated strokes
•time allowed for oil to penetrate the skin
•oil removed with herbal cleanser – ubtan
What is unique to Abhyanga?
Intention of the therapist
Customized oil selection according to body type, condition and/or season
Importance of the type and quality of oil used
Working with the natural flows of subtle energy in the body
Stimulating marma points
More time spent on the abdomen and joints
Use of ubtan – herbal cleansing powder
INTENTION
Mind always precedes body
The greatest gift is CONNECTION
“The mechanics for the fulfillment of any desire are inherent in the desire itself.” Dr. Chopra
•time
•space
•presence and full attention to see for your client that the highest good arising from your care
CUSTOMIZING OIL
Vata oils – warm, calm and nourish
Pitta oils – cool, sooth, and relax
Kapha oils – warm, comfort, stimulate
Think of these oils as foods that is served in ways to please and nurture
Vata – long, slow, deliberate, predictable
Pitta – precise, lifting, giving a sense of
expanse
Kapha – more intense, warming, varied,
quicker
BENEFITS FOR BODY AND SKIN
Reverses/prevents aging - increasing longevity
Removes fatigue and stress from the body
Enhances flexibility in the muscles and joints – Trims and firms the body
Mobilizes impurities and flushes toxins from the tissues
Heals and strengthens the nervous system
Promotes good vision and sharpens the all senses
Nourishes the body and balances appetite
Makes the body firm and trim
Creates an electromagnetic balance in the body
Stimulates antibody production which boosts the immune system
Rejuvenates the skin – improving texture, tone, color, vitality and hydration
Oils are a major anti-oxidant and is bacteriostatic, so they discourages growth of germs, bacteria, fungi, and viruses and scavenges free radicals.
BENEFITS FOR MIND
The mind feels a sense of comfort which produces a state of relaxed or restful alertness
Remedies insomnia
Reduces anxiety
Helps balance the emotions so we feel happier and more connected
Improves self esteem
Helps overcome a sense of Isolation and loneliness
helps balance vata, pitta and kapha doshas
Works by producing Human Growth Hormone
Starts the “tend-and-befriend" response,women producing more oxytocin
Helps in lowering cortisol levels
Great resons why Abhyanga should be part of your weekly routine.
Now we suggest you take our Ayurvedic Body Type test and select one or two body oils then take out Ayurvedic Skin Type test and select one or two of our face oils and start doing abhyanga for yourself.
Simply apply 1-2oz of oil all over your body and 1 to 2 pumps of oil to your face. Use long strokes and rub vigorously over your long bones and circular movements over your joints. Leave on your skin for a maximum of 20 minutes and rinse off. You can use our Rose Ubtan for a more complete body polish, tension Lotion for tight muscles, joint lotion for stiff or sore joints and backs and breast oil if you want to offer extra love to your breasts.
beauty and vitality to the Body by the application of customized oils.
Abhyanga pronounced ABBEY ANGER actually more like ABBEY UNGER with the unger being like the second part of Younger is a Sanskrit word. Like many words each syllable has a meaning. In this case ABHY means to rub and ANGA means limbs. It is also described in ayurvedic classical texts as, “Smearing the body with unctuous or oily substance” or “Stroking the hands all over, all around the body in a gentle manner” or the translation i feel is at the heart of the technique, “TO TOUCH WITH LOVE.”
Practiced for thousands of years as a self massage technique to support health, beauty, and longevity it is recorded in many ancient writings including the Charaka Samhita. Today is it is practiced in spas in healing centers all over the world.
Traditionally men work on men and women with women. It maybe offered by one, two or more therapists whose hands must work in harmony in perfect coordination.
Traditional benefits listed in Sutrasthanam V. 78-93
The body becomes
•Firm
•Smooth-skinned
•Free from disturbances of vata - that otherwise prematurely age the body and cause pain
•Tolerant of exertions of hard work and exercise
•Not affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work
•Endowed with pleasant touch
•Trimmed in all body parts and
•Strong, charming and least affected by old age.
A beautiful quote which offers a perfect comparison says,
“Oily substances infused into the human organism imparts a tone and vigor to its tissues in the same manner as water furnishes the roots of a tree or a plant with the necessary nutritive elements and fosters its growth when poured into the soil where it grows.” Susruta
So is Abhyanga for estheticians or massage therapists or both? It can be called a full body facial or a full body massage depending on the way you describe it and the claims you make for the outcome.
Full Body Facial
•oil selected according to skin and body type
•optionally - skin cleansed in bath or shower
•oil applied to the skin all over the body with caring touch
•oil allowed to penetrate the skin which maybe helped by a warm linen wrap or steam treatment
•oil removed with herbal cleanser – ubtan
Full Body Massage
•oil selected specific therapeutic benefits
•oil worked into the skin with repeated strokes
•time allowed for oil to penetrate the skin
•oil removed with herbal cleanser – ubtan
What is unique to Abhyanga?
Intention of the therapist
Customized oil selection according to body type, condition and/or season
Importance of the type and quality of oil used
Working with the natural flows of subtle energy in the body
Stimulating marma points
More time spent on the abdomen and joints
Use of ubtan – herbal cleansing powder
INTENTION
Mind always precedes body
The greatest gift is CONNECTION
“The mechanics for the fulfillment of any desire are inherent in the desire itself.” Dr. Chopra
•time
•space
•presence and full attention to see for your client that the highest good arising from your care
CUSTOMIZING OIL
Vata oils – warm, calm and nourish
Pitta oils – cool, sooth, and relax
Kapha oils – warm, comfort, stimulate
Think of these oils as foods that is served in ways to please and nurture
Vata – long, slow, deliberate, predictable
Pitta – precise, lifting, giving a sense of
expanse
Kapha – more intense, warming, varied,
quicker
BENEFITS FOR BODY AND SKIN
Reverses/prevents aging - increasing longevity
Removes fatigue and stress from the body
Enhances flexibility in the muscles and joints – Trims and firms the body
Mobilizes impurities and flushes toxins from the tissues
Heals and strengthens the nervous system
Promotes good vision and sharpens the all senses
Nourishes the body and balances appetite
Makes the body firm and trim
Creates an electromagnetic balance in the body
Stimulates antibody production which boosts the immune system
Rejuvenates the skin – improving texture, tone, color, vitality and hydration
Oils are a major anti-oxidant and is bacteriostatic, so they discourages growth of germs, bacteria, fungi, and viruses and scavenges free radicals.
BENEFITS FOR MIND
The mind feels a sense of comfort which produces a state of relaxed or restful alertness
Remedies insomnia
Reduces anxiety
Helps balance the emotions so we feel happier and more connected
Improves self esteem
Helps overcome a sense of Isolation and loneliness
helps balance vata, pitta and kapha doshas
Works by producing Human Growth Hormone
Starts the “tend-and-befriend" response,women producing more oxytocin
Helps in lowering cortisol levels
Great resons why Abhyanga should be part of your weekly routine.
Now we suggest you take our Ayurvedic Body Type test and select one or two body oils then take out Ayurvedic Skin Type test and select one or two of our face oils and start doing abhyanga for yourself.
Simply apply 1-2oz of oil all over your body and 1 to 2 pumps of oil to your face. Use long strokes and rub vigorously over your long bones and circular movements over your joints. Leave on your skin for a maximum of 20 minutes and rinse off. You can use our Rose Ubtan for a more complete body polish, tension Lotion for tight muscles, joint lotion for stiff or sore joints and backs and breast oil if you want to offer extra love to your breasts.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Magic of Kansa
When Melanie first heard about kansa in France, she was amazed at how relaxing it was to receive a foot treatment, kansa vataki, on her feet. This lead us to create our PediKarma foot treatment.
During that time we thought kansa was a unique, but ancient metal and that it was only used therapeutically on the feet.
But, then we were approached by an Indian doctor who both de-mystified kansa for us and at the same time, broadened our understanding of just how effective using kansa anywhere on the body is.
The fact is, kansa is a highly refined and pure form of bronze, made of copper and tin, with a tinge of zinc. It was one of the first created alloys and one of its capacities is that it is a phenomonal carrier of electric, hence electro-magnetic currents. So, think of the nervous system, the acupuncture merideans, and the marma network. All are stimulated and all benfit from kansa on the feet, the face, the back, virtually anywhere.
Check out our face and foot kansa wands at our website. And, if you are already using and/or are a fan of kansa, we'd love to hear your experiences. We believe that kansa is the next big wave in the bodywork, aesthetic, and spa industries - something that has been around for millenium and is now come back into the light of day.
During that time we thought kansa was a unique, but ancient metal and that it was only used therapeutically on the feet.
But, then we were approached by an Indian doctor who both de-mystified kansa for us and at the same time, broadened our understanding of just how effective using kansa anywhere on the body is.
The fact is, kansa is a highly refined and pure form of bronze, made of copper and tin, with a tinge of zinc. It was one of the first created alloys and one of its capacities is that it is a phenomonal carrier of electric, hence electro-magnetic currents. So, think of the nervous system, the acupuncture merideans, and the marma network. All are stimulated and all benfit from kansa on the feet, the face, the back, virtually anywhere.
Check out our face and foot kansa wands at our website. And, if you are already using and/or are a fan of kansa, we'd love to hear your experiences. We believe that kansa is the next big wave in the bodywork, aesthetic, and spa industries - something that has been around for millenium and is now come back into the light of day.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Karmic Management - the next step
So we have read the book KARMIC MANAGEMENT by Geshe Michael Roche and friends through once together, that's Bbo and I, felt really inspired and then put it down and got into another great book by the same authors called HOW YOGA WORKS. It too is a really great read. Very simple prose but fantastic description of how yoga really works from the Tibetan prospective. We now read the yoga story at night and have gone back to Karmic Management in the morning. It is so interesting how even the most inspiring and worthwhile ideas take time to integrate themselves into our life and how much just doing something it takes to make it happen.
The book is set out in chapters with a TO DO list at the end of each chapter. The first task is to choose a project that you want to work on. Easy you might think, but our business and interests fly in so many directions we might just have to choose one dream each. The two dreams presently under consideration is KANSA - the massage tool for face and feet and AYURVEDIC OILS. Then of course there are my fairies that you can start to see on Facebook. They are always flying around wanting attention and making up stories. The chapter we read this morning was about not making decisions so this will be an interesting journey. Come along.
The book is set out in chapters with a TO DO list at the end of each chapter. The first task is to choose a project that you want to work on. Easy you might think, but our business and interests fly in so many directions we might just have to choose one dream each. The two dreams presently under consideration is KANSA - the massage tool for face and feet and AYURVEDIC OILS. Then of course there are my fairies that you can start to see on Facebook. They are always flying around wanting attention and making up stories. The chapter we read this morning was about not making decisions so this will be an interesting journey. Come along.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
THOUGHTS ON THE GULF
FEELING THAT TREMOR IN THE FORCE?
I first felt what is best described by the Star Wars phrase, “a tremor in the force” when I was around nine years old. I so clearly remember that morning. I walked into my parent’s bedroom as they were drinking their first cup of tea for the day when they told me The American President, President Kennedy had been shot to death. Suddenly and strangely I felt like my whole world changed that day even though I was just a little girl in England who had no idea then that one day she would become an American citizen.
I felt it again the day Princess of Wales, Lady Diana, died. I knew to the depth of my bones that day that my nation was in shock and mourning. Only this once in all the years that I have lived in American did I feel the need to reach out and talk to my British friends here and somehow link into the grief and sadness we knew was hanging over our island for some kind of group comfort.
Then came 9/11 and I sat and watched with my American family hardly able to take on board what I was seeing. In the following days I experienced for myself what it was like to be in and part of a nation in shock and sorrow.
Now, with America being engaged in the longest war we have ever fought and fairly regular news of terrorist attacks we each have found our own way to cope with troubling news stories that so rarely come to our doorstep. Until now most for most of us the pain and sorrow is felt in distant lands or in the scattered homes of our returning veterans. But, the events in the Gulf of Mexico in these last few months has changed that. Now we have an oil spill that might just be biggest man-made disaster in the history of the planet. This dreadful accident killed 11 good men and injured and burnt many others. It’s toxic plume has killed unknown hundreds of thousands of our fellow creatures and is ruining the lives and livelihoods of countless Americans. With no end in sight the trouble may well spread to Mexico, the Caribbean and where ever else the current will eventually transport this mess. We are now witnessing a silent but still deadly storm, moving from dark cold places through our blue waters, onto our white beaches and choking our pristine marshlands bringing with it death and destruction that will remain for generations.
When I first heard the word ecopsychology I must admit I thought it was the latest wave of California madness supported by grey haired intellectuals, tree hugging hippies, raw food vegans and the like. It took a disaster of this magnitude to wake me up to the truth of what is a core belief of ecopsychology. That is, that we are all connected, consciously or unconsciously we all feel when there is a “tremor in the force”. There is indeed a synergistic relation between planetary and personal well being; that the needs of the one of us, plant, animal or human are relevant to the needs of all others. We are all connected and we indeed do feel one another’s pain. For me this time the impact is being felt slowly and deeply. Unlike the oil that continues to gush, real news about what is going on in our Gulf is only very slowly immerging. But it is on all our minds, and looms in all our mental peripheral fields. I know it is the minds of our clients.
We acknowledge the stress of city living, long commutes, noise, over stimulation by the media. I am suggesting we need to recognize a new and even more powerful stresser, alienation from our environment and the stress of the of the impact from the “crazy” decisions that are made when personnel in International companies are disconnected. We must open our eyes, hearts and minds and look become part of the ecopsychology movement. We must find ways through our spa facilities and spa treatment to contribute to it’s goal to find ways of healing alienation and to build a sane society and a sustainable culture.
The term comes from Theodore Rosak’s book, The Voice of the Earth. Written in 1992 he called for a study of why people continue to behave in “crazy” ways that damage the very earth that supports all our lives and for the development of new ways to motivate people to positive action and positive protest. Personally, I feel spa especially green spas have a huge role to play in this new field. First, we can reassure our clients that they are not nuts or alone in feeling stressed by environmental disasters be they manmade such as in the Gulf or natural such as the earthquake in Haiti. Then, we can hopefully be part of the solution helping by offering touch and connection with natural elements such as oil, water, warm and clay, to reconnect, raise respect and revitalize ourselves and our planet.
On a purely practical level if you have a client that says they have a deep sense of overwhelming, immobilizing sadness and anger about the oil spill you might connect them with this prayer by Dr. Masaru Emoto, the author of "The Hidden Messages in Water". He's the Japanese scientist who has researched and written about how our thoughts and words affect the molecular structure water. Here is the prayer, but watching the you tube clip is really a worthwhile way to use a few minutes of your precious time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=U56ngpGDG_4.
To the water, whales, dolphins, pelicans, fishes, shellfishes, planktons, corals, algae and all creatures in our Gulf of Mexico:
I apologize.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you."
- Dr. Masaru Emoto
Melanie Sachs
I first felt what is best described by the Star Wars phrase, “a tremor in the force” when I was around nine years old. I so clearly remember that morning. I walked into my parent’s bedroom as they were drinking their first cup of tea for the day when they told me The American President, President Kennedy had been shot to death. Suddenly and strangely I felt like my whole world changed that day even though I was just a little girl in England who had no idea then that one day she would become an American citizen.
I felt it again the day Princess of Wales, Lady Diana, died. I knew to the depth of my bones that day that my nation was in shock and mourning. Only this once in all the years that I have lived in American did I feel the need to reach out and talk to my British friends here and somehow link into the grief and sadness we knew was hanging over our island for some kind of group comfort.
Then came 9/11 and I sat and watched with my American family hardly able to take on board what I was seeing. In the following days I experienced for myself what it was like to be in and part of a nation in shock and sorrow.
Now, with America being engaged in the longest war we have ever fought and fairly regular news of terrorist attacks we each have found our own way to cope with troubling news stories that so rarely come to our doorstep. Until now most for most of us the pain and sorrow is felt in distant lands or in the scattered homes of our returning veterans. But, the events in the Gulf of Mexico in these last few months has changed that. Now we have an oil spill that might just be biggest man-made disaster in the history of the planet. This dreadful accident killed 11 good men and injured and burnt many others. It’s toxic plume has killed unknown hundreds of thousands of our fellow creatures and is ruining the lives and livelihoods of countless Americans. With no end in sight the trouble may well spread to Mexico, the Caribbean and where ever else the current will eventually transport this mess. We are now witnessing a silent but still deadly storm, moving from dark cold places through our blue waters, onto our white beaches and choking our pristine marshlands bringing with it death and destruction that will remain for generations.
When I first heard the word ecopsychology I must admit I thought it was the latest wave of California madness supported by grey haired intellectuals, tree hugging hippies, raw food vegans and the like. It took a disaster of this magnitude to wake me up to the truth of what is a core belief of ecopsychology. That is, that we are all connected, consciously or unconsciously we all feel when there is a “tremor in the force”. There is indeed a synergistic relation between planetary and personal well being; that the needs of the one of us, plant, animal or human are relevant to the needs of all others. We are all connected and we indeed do feel one another’s pain. For me this time the impact is being felt slowly and deeply. Unlike the oil that continues to gush, real news about what is going on in our Gulf is only very slowly immerging. But it is on all our minds, and looms in all our mental peripheral fields. I know it is the minds of our clients.
We acknowledge the stress of city living, long commutes, noise, over stimulation by the media. I am suggesting we need to recognize a new and even more powerful stresser, alienation from our environment and the stress of the of the impact from the “crazy” decisions that are made when personnel in International companies are disconnected. We must open our eyes, hearts and minds and look become part of the ecopsychology movement. We must find ways through our spa facilities and spa treatment to contribute to it’s goal to find ways of healing alienation and to build a sane society and a sustainable culture.
The term comes from Theodore Rosak’s book, The Voice of the Earth. Written in 1992 he called for a study of why people continue to behave in “crazy” ways that damage the very earth that supports all our lives and for the development of new ways to motivate people to positive action and positive protest. Personally, I feel spa especially green spas have a huge role to play in this new field. First, we can reassure our clients that they are not nuts or alone in feeling stressed by environmental disasters be they manmade such as in the Gulf or natural such as the earthquake in Haiti. Then, we can hopefully be part of the solution helping by offering touch and connection with natural elements such as oil, water, warm and clay, to reconnect, raise respect and revitalize ourselves and our planet.
On a purely practical level if you have a client that says they have a deep sense of overwhelming, immobilizing sadness and anger about the oil spill you might connect them with this prayer by Dr. Masaru Emoto, the author of "The Hidden Messages in Water". He's the Japanese scientist who has researched and written about how our thoughts and words affect the molecular structure water. Here is the prayer, but watching the you tube clip is really a worthwhile way to use a few minutes of your precious time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=U56ngpGDG_4.
To the water, whales, dolphins, pelicans, fishes, shellfishes, planktons, corals, algae and all creatures in our Gulf of Mexico:
I apologize.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you."
- Dr. Masaru Emoto
Melanie Sachs
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Beauty of Green Thinking
I was sent this piece by the Center for Eco-Literacy and thought it was so amazing and so thought provoking I wanted to share it. Please check newsletter@centerforecoliteracy.org.
and find "Toward a Beauty Centered Education" by Sandra Lubarsky.
and find "Toward a Beauty Centered Education" by Sandra Lubarsky.
Karmic Management
Bob and I have been reading a wonderful little book called Karmic Management by Geshe Michael Roach, Lama Christie McNally and Michael Gordon. Two of the authors are classically trained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Michael is the owner of Bumble and Bumble a very successful hair care and products company.
In the simplest terms karma means: what you sew so shall you reap or what goes around comes around. This book sets out very clearly now to sew the karmic seeds that will both make your business grow and make our world a better place. It is a completely practical guide through a process that many have followed with great benefit.
We are going to spend the next few months working through the process and we'll keep you posted with the results. If you want to join in the experiment the book is a quick one hour read.
Wishing all our clients and customers the greatest success and joy in their work.
Melanie
In the simplest terms karma means: what you sew so shall you reap or what goes around comes around. This book sets out very clearly now to sew the karmic seeds that will both make your business grow and make our world a better place. It is a completely practical guide through a process that many have followed with great benefit.
We are going to spend the next few months working through the process and we'll keep you posted with the results. If you want to join in the experiment the book is a quick one hour read.
Wishing all our clients and customers the greatest success and joy in their work.
Melanie
Thursday, June 10, 2010
SEA BUCKTHORN BERRY
Just a very quick heads up to say check out the next new super fruit - Sea Buckthorn Berry. It is a very tasty nutrious drink and the seed oil is great for the skin. My favorite site for information is www.sibubeauty.com. It is especially interesting to us as their Sea Buckthorn is grown on the Tibetan Plateau and part of the company profits goes to help Tibetans in exile.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Going to Miami soon!
This week we are busy preparing to go the International Congress of Esthetics in Miami that runs April 10th-12th. We will be on the green carpet as an organic products exhibitor and I will be hosting a round table on Natural Healing in the spa setting on the Monday 2-3pm. Many thanks to the vision of Christele De La Hay for holding this vision for our industry and more power to the Green Spa Network for gathering so much "how to" information for us all so we can all gradually be greener. Look out for featured Green Spas in LNE all this year. These great articles honor the Green Spa ground breakers and are a feast of simple, cost effective ideas for any spa seeking to be greener.
We are looking forward to meeting up with the LNE and Dermascope staff at the show who have become like family in a strange way over the years, our beautiful translator, Angeles, our south east trainer Tracy who has been working hard setting up programs for us in Jensen Beach after the show (check the website for details) and all our show friends that we see rarely but so appreciate.
So what will be new for us at the show?
We have new Kansa Vataki bowls with beautiful wooden handles. We are excited to show what they can do to lift the face and energize the facial tissue as well as cool and calm the whole body when used on the feet.
We have updated our DVD covers and they look great!
We have a new ubtan to sample. We have discontinued the sandalwood as the sandalwood tree is endangered and takes 50 years to grow. We think we will use lavender instead. Come and smell for yourself.
AND
We have some new slogans that e hope will make the connection between Tibetan and Indian ayurveda stronger. We are not afraid to share as always we what this stuff to be available to everyone. Here they are......
Diamond Way Ayurveda - Customized treatments for ageless beauty and longevity from the ancient healing traditions of India and Tibet.
Ayurveda - hundreds of ways to love the skin you are in!
Relax your Unlimited Mind - Vitalize your Vata.
Allow kindness to kindle your Spontaneous Joy, Power up your Pitta.
Cherish your Rainbow Body, Revel in your Kapha.
and Turn your Lights on with Marma.
That's it for now. Hopefully see you at the show.
We are looking forward to meeting up with the LNE and Dermascope staff at the show who have become like family in a strange way over the years, our beautiful translator, Angeles, our south east trainer Tracy who has been working hard setting up programs for us in Jensen Beach after the show (check the website for details) and all our show friends that we see rarely but so appreciate.
So what will be new for us at the show?
We have new Kansa Vataki bowls with beautiful wooden handles. We are excited to show what they can do to lift the face and energize the facial tissue as well as cool and calm the whole body when used on the feet.
We have updated our DVD covers and they look great!
We have a new ubtan to sample. We have discontinued the sandalwood as the sandalwood tree is endangered and takes 50 years to grow. We think we will use lavender instead. Come and smell for yourself.
AND
We have some new slogans that e hope will make the connection between Tibetan and Indian ayurveda stronger. We are not afraid to share as always we what this stuff to be available to everyone. Here they are......
Diamond Way Ayurveda - Customized treatments for ageless beauty and longevity from the ancient healing traditions of India and Tibet.
Ayurveda - hundreds of ways to love the skin you are in!
Relax your Unlimited Mind - Vitalize your Vata.
Allow kindness to kindle your Spontaneous Joy, Power up your Pitta.
Cherish your Rainbow Body, Revel in your Kapha.
and Turn your Lights on with Marma.
That's it for now. Hopefully see you at the show.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Trends for Beauty from Within.
I was just at the Natural Products West Show down in Anaheim. I actually went to work for dear friends, Eve and Tom Neuhaus, owners of Sweet Earth Chocolates - a local, organic, fair trade artisan chocolate company. Should you ever need excellent custom recipes or custom packaging for short runs these are the people to contact (www.sweetearthchocolates.com). If you ever thought chocolate was not HUGE just watch health nuts grab it vegan, sugar free or NOT. I spent five hours solid cutting samples to keep the mini confection cups full for those culinary delight seekers.
So, Thursday I helped them in the new comers tent then Friday I attended the show. It was huge, exciting and very noisy. The vast majority of the booths were natural food of one sort or other with smaller sections for natural body care. Mostly the big natural retail companies were exhibiting - Weleda, Kiss My Face along with a few great small specialty businesses. We all loved Volcanic Minerals Inc, a northern California company that has great mineral water to drink or use with custom aromas as a spritz and GREAT live mud. I found the best natural beeswax products - www.BeeRescued.com. It worked like a miracle on the eczema I get when I over extend. Mountain Rose Herbals, the source of many of our organic oils had a beautiful and very classy booth. I discovered the owners are English like me. Then the most unusual find, an Icelandic company with the most beautiful Neti pots and Prana Mats. An organic mat with multiple eco-plastic lotus flower massagers to be like a modern day bed of nails. Really extraordinary. See www.advaitalifestyle.com.
The main message seemed to be "Beauty from Within". Not surprising with so many food exhibits, but refreshing. Ayurveda has always called the skin the cream of rasa, meaning the product of our blood quality, which is directly related to what we eat and how well we digest. So once again these ancient teachings are being recognised as truth. The main new foods for the skin were super juice drinks of various sorts. I got the chance to try purple carrot juice - which tasted like pomegranate, fig juice - very like prune juice, both from Smart Juice and sea buckthorn juice - a delicious orangey, tropical flavor made from yellow berries grown in baron parts of the Himalaya. Please check out www.sibubeauty.com. We know it as a skin care ingredient, now you can drink it AND it is delightful. It goes straight to the top of my Spa Treats list.
So, Thursday I helped them in the new comers tent then Friday I attended the show. It was huge, exciting and very noisy. The vast majority of the booths were natural food of one sort or other with smaller sections for natural body care. Mostly the big natural retail companies were exhibiting - Weleda, Kiss My Face along with a few great small specialty businesses. We all loved Volcanic Minerals Inc, a northern California company that has great mineral water to drink or use with custom aromas as a spritz and GREAT live mud. I found the best natural beeswax products - www.BeeRescued.com. It worked like a miracle on the eczema I get when I over extend. Mountain Rose Herbals, the source of many of our organic oils had a beautiful and very classy booth. I discovered the owners are English like me. Then the most unusual find, an Icelandic company with the most beautiful Neti pots and Prana Mats. An organic mat with multiple eco-plastic lotus flower massagers to be like a modern day bed of nails. Really extraordinary. See www.advaitalifestyle.com.
The main message seemed to be "Beauty from Within". Not surprising with so many food exhibits, but refreshing. Ayurveda has always called the skin the cream of rasa, meaning the product of our blood quality, which is directly related to what we eat and how well we digest. So once again these ancient teachings are being recognised as truth. The main new foods for the skin were super juice drinks of various sorts. I got the chance to try purple carrot juice - which tasted like pomegranate, fig juice - very like prune juice, both from Smart Juice and sea buckthorn juice - a delicious orangey, tropical flavor made from yellow berries grown in baron parts of the Himalaya. Please check out www.sibubeauty.com. We know it as a skin care ingredient, now you can drink it AND it is delightful. It goes straight to the top of my Spa Treats list.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Natural Hormones
I like many of my friends are at that stage in life when we are experiencing the wonders of peri and full on menopause. Though very hard for some it has been known to be completely plain sailing for others.
As questions come up about hormone replacement natural or otherwise I wanted to link readers with a very useful piece I just discovered on the web. It is on a wonderful site called Women to Women. I must have signed up at some point as I get their emails. Check out this article. www.womentowomen.com/menopause/ayurvedictreatmentformenopause.aspx
As questions come up about hormone replacement natural or otherwise I wanted to link readers with a very useful piece I just discovered on the web. It is on a wonderful site called Women to Women. I must have signed up at some point as I get their emails. Check out this article. www.womentowomen.com/menopause/ayurvedictreatmentformenopause.aspx
Ayurvedic Approach to Acne
A number of clients have asked what to do about skin breakouts or even severe acne so I wanted to take this chance to offer all the advise I have given over the years in one place. Basically, we suggest our pitta face oil and using the rose ubtan as a gentle cleanser. Neither should cause further congestion or breakouts. Be gentle on your skin and take things step by step. Diamond Way Ayurveda skin products are generally soothing but are not designed for major skin problems. We refer clients to friends in the Ayurveda community for that specialty. For those with deeper problems we suggest the following information and products with contact information.........
Ayurvedic Theory
Ayurveda teaches that a major cause of breakouts on the skin is due to our blood becoming overloaded with toxins from incomplete digestion and elimination. Skin is called the cream of rasa (the fluid in which the red blood cells are suspended). Toxins float to the top and pore out the sin when they are not able to pass out through the channel of normal elimination. So it then only makes sense to pay heed to what you eat, how you eat and think about taking some herbs that help digestion and gentle detoxification. In terms of diet many of the foods that elevate the pitta dosha can be a problem for those with skin problems. These include chocolate, coffee, anything with caffeine in it, white sugar, hot spices, red meats and shell fish, as well as heavier fats and nut butters. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables especially greens and whole grains. Raw foods could be a path to consider as a stronger cleansing start or a polarity diet. Try to sit and eat calmly, eat at regualr times and with people that make you feel happy. Also take time to go to the bathroom. For reliable herbal support check out www.banyanbotanicals.com. If you hit acne on their search tool you will find three herbal formulas. I suggest you start with trying "Blood Cleanse". Triphala which is not on this page is a good addition too. We like the triphala formular produced by Michael Tierra check www.planetaryherbals.com to source that. Diamond Way Ayurveda will have a triphala Tincture once again in the near future. All these herbal formulas are non habit forming and fine to be taken on going. Be sure to check contraindications on the websites by clicking on the picture of the product.
Skin Care
Of course most people think of something topical. Here the action is two fold, cleanse and sooth. There are also herbal formulars that work directly on the skin. Sarada has a pimple formula that has been one of their star products for years. It is available through Banyan Botanicals too on the same page as the blood cleanser but you can find more information on their website www.saradausa.com.
Some people find unrefined coconut oil to be very soothing after a herbal skin wash. A little goes a long, long way. One of the cheapest and best sources is www.mountainroseherbs.com. Our Pitta face oil also is great for soothing too. One of the simplest remedies I've witnessed being effective is white vinegar. Just dab it on with clean cotton pad night and morning. My guess is it changes the pH of the skin and makes it an unfriendly environment for bacteria that flourish in the toxins being excreted on the skin.
I would love to hear from anyone that tries any of these approaches so do please call 805 543 9291 or blog and let us know what works for you.
Ayurvedic Theory
Ayurveda teaches that a major cause of breakouts on the skin is due to our blood becoming overloaded with toxins from incomplete digestion and elimination. Skin is called the cream of rasa (the fluid in which the red blood cells are suspended). Toxins float to the top and pore out the sin when they are not able to pass out through the channel of normal elimination. So it then only makes sense to pay heed to what you eat, how you eat and think about taking some herbs that help digestion and gentle detoxification. In terms of diet many of the foods that elevate the pitta dosha can be a problem for those with skin problems. These include chocolate, coffee, anything with caffeine in it, white sugar, hot spices, red meats and shell fish, as well as heavier fats and nut butters. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables especially greens and whole grains. Raw foods could be a path to consider as a stronger cleansing start or a polarity diet. Try to sit and eat calmly, eat at regualr times and with people that make you feel happy. Also take time to go to the bathroom. For reliable herbal support check out www.banyanbotanicals.com. If you hit acne on their search tool you will find three herbal formulas. I suggest you start with trying "Blood Cleanse". Triphala which is not on this page is a good addition too. We like the triphala formular produced by Michael Tierra check www.planetaryherbals.com to source that. Diamond Way Ayurveda will have a triphala Tincture once again in the near future. All these herbal formulas are non habit forming and fine to be taken on going. Be sure to check contraindications on the websites by clicking on the picture of the product.
Skin Care
Of course most people think of something topical. Here the action is two fold, cleanse and sooth. There are also herbal formulars that work directly on the skin. Sarada has a pimple formula that has been one of their star products for years. It is available through Banyan Botanicals too on the same page as the blood cleanser but you can find more information on their website www.saradausa.com.
Some people find unrefined coconut oil to be very soothing after a herbal skin wash. A little goes a long, long way. One of the cheapest and best sources is www.mountainroseherbs.com. Our Pitta face oil also is great for soothing too. One of the simplest remedies I've witnessed being effective is white vinegar. Just dab it on with clean cotton pad night and morning. My guess is it changes the pH of the skin and makes it an unfriendly environment for bacteria that flourish in the toxins being excreted on the skin.
I would love to hear from anyone that tries any of these approaches so do please call 805 543 9291 or blog and let us know what works for you.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
DIET DIET DIET
Yes, the neti pot did do the trick and I find I am breathing better and as a result feeling calmer and clearer. But what I really want to share about is something much more serious.
As I think I have said before I have become a secret ted.com fan. This week on the advise of National Public Radio I checked out the new presentation by Jamie Oliver. For those of you that don't know him, he too is British. He is actually from the next county to me - Essex. He was raised in a pub that served great food. Following in his family's foot steps the BBC has made him a famous chef. I knew since he has young children himself that he was working on getting better school dinners for English kids but I did not know he now has a TV show here and is working with Mrs Obama with her work on obesity. And that is what I want to talk about.
I had no idea that two thirds of American adults and 15% of our children are obese or over weight.
That every 18 minutes 4 Americans die from a diet related disease.
That the standard American diet is thought to be shortening the life expectancy of our children by as much as 10 years.
That the top three killer diseases are diet related.
That obescity and associated health problems accounts for 10% of the national health care bill and it is projected to be double that in the next ten years.
That fewer and fewer people can actually cook and many don't have mothers or grandmothers that cook either.
Most people are surviving on industrialized food that is full of too much fat, salt, sugur and chemicals.
Most kindergarten children cannot recognise or name vegetables.
So here is the question for the spa industry. Do seriously over weight people come to the spa? If there will be more big people in future will we accomodate them with bigger tables and specialized treaments or could be become part of the cure.
This could be as simple as sharing the sats I've mentioned.
Serving fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks.
Encouraging staff to eat well.
Offering recipes or community pot lucks.
Diet is basic not only to good health but good skin. More about that next week.
As I think I have said before I have become a secret ted.com fan. This week on the advise of National Public Radio I checked out the new presentation by Jamie Oliver. For those of you that don't know him, he too is British. He is actually from the next county to me - Essex. He was raised in a pub that served great food. Following in his family's foot steps the BBC has made him a famous chef. I knew since he has young children himself that he was working on getting better school dinners for English kids but I did not know he now has a TV show here and is working with Mrs Obama with her work on obesity. And that is what I want to talk about.
I had no idea that two thirds of American adults and 15% of our children are obese or over weight.
That every 18 minutes 4 Americans die from a diet related disease.
That the standard American diet is thought to be shortening the life expectancy of our children by as much as 10 years.
That the top three killer diseases are diet related.
That obescity and associated health problems accounts for 10% of the national health care bill and it is projected to be double that in the next ten years.
That fewer and fewer people can actually cook and many don't have mothers or grandmothers that cook either.
Most people are surviving on industrialized food that is full of too much fat, salt, sugur and chemicals.
Most kindergarten children cannot recognise or name vegetables.
So here is the question for the spa industry. Do seriously over weight people come to the spa? If there will be more big people in future will we accomodate them with bigger tables and specialized treaments or could be become part of the cure.
This could be as simple as sharing the sats I've mentioned.
Serving fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks.
Encouraging staff to eat well.
Offering recipes or community pot lucks.
Diet is basic not only to good health but good skin. More about that next week.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Happy New Year
You probably know this Sunday is Valentine's Day, February 14th, but did you know that it is also Tibetan New Year? We will be entering into the year of the Metal Tiger a time that promises to be full of big changes, social upheaval, drama, tension and unpredictability. So buckle up and enjoy the ride. We wish everyone happiness and good health this year and ask you to share whatever good you have with others. Family and community is going to be more and more important inthe days ahead so be sure to take time for both. Remember........
"A thousand candles can be lighted from one single candle, yet the life of that one candle is never shortened. Happiness is never decreased by being shared." BUDDHA
"A thousand candles can be lighted from one single candle, yet the life of that one candle is never shortened. Happiness is never decreased by being shared." BUDDHA
Monday, February 8, 2010
Neti Pot Miracles
Maybe it is the dryness of my forced air heating or the damp of the California rains I'll never know. What ever the external cause I have had mildly blogged sinuses since I had an odd sort of cold a few weeks ago. Just the sort of thing you keep telling yourself, "this will go away on it's own" but it hasn't. So finally I'm taking my own best advise and getting out the trusted neti pot.
I personally like the plastic neti "horn". It is soft, warm and the angle of the spout makes the whole thing work really well. Plus, it comes with a little salt measuring spoon so you get the dilution right everytime for a pleasant no sting experience. (If you suspect you may have an infection try adding a pinch of turmeric powder. It is a natural antibiotic. Of course if the problems gets worse do see a doctor.) After gently but thoroughly blowing my nose I put 1/4 teaspoon of organic coconut oil in each nostril. The easiest way to do that is to lay on your back on your bed with your head over the side so your nose is as verticle as possible. Put the oil in semi solid and lay there until it melts. When you sit up have a tissue ready for drips! It has worked every time in the past. I'll keep you posted.
I personally like the plastic neti "horn". It is soft, warm and the angle of the spout makes the whole thing work really well. Plus, it comes with a little salt measuring spoon so you get the dilution right everytime for a pleasant no sting experience. (If you suspect you may have an infection try adding a pinch of turmeric powder. It is a natural antibiotic. Of course if the problems gets worse do see a doctor.) After gently but thoroughly blowing my nose I put 1/4 teaspoon of organic coconut oil in each nostril. The easiest way to do that is to lay on your back on your bed with your head over the side so your nose is as verticle as possible. Put the oil in semi solid and lay there until it melts. When you sit up have a tissue ready for drips! It has worked every time in the past. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Here we are at the beginning of February with Christmas and New Year now a shadowy memory. But for us here at Diamond Way Ayurveda we have have a second chance to catch our breath, as we have celebrated Tibetan New Year for the last twenty five years or more, and set new resolutions once again.
After the rains California is jewel green so that too makes us feel like fresh energy and new beginnings. So what is new for us.
Our Head Support Pillows and Tummy Warmers now have beautiful new covers. With an increasing need to feel a sense of personal inner peace and to have quiet time to go inside we suggest the whole pillow set with the meditation CD as a great gift idea. Photos will be online very soon.
We have fallen in love with the new Kansa Vataki foot bowls and have been experimenting with using them on backs and necks with or without our Tension Lotion. We are amazed how easy it is to work deeply with such comfort for both therapist and client and feel they are going to be a great success at the Miami Show in April.
We have set up classes in Florida in April with our trainer Tracy Henson. Check the website for details. Classes in Florida are now two days and focused on practical hands on.
Melanie has been writing about how to green your spa and these short articles will be in LNE magazine.
AND Biggest of all we are searching for funding so we can go to India in August and train in a special therapy to help veterans with PTSD.
PLUS I feel more on board and have vowed to become a blogger and Face Book user so get ready for more notes about our new directions and achievements!
After the rains California is jewel green so that too makes us feel like fresh energy and new beginnings. So what is new for us.
Our Head Support Pillows and Tummy Warmers now have beautiful new covers. With an increasing need to feel a sense of personal inner peace and to have quiet time to go inside we suggest the whole pillow set with the meditation CD as a great gift idea. Photos will be online very soon.
We have fallen in love with the new Kansa Vataki foot bowls and have been experimenting with using them on backs and necks with or without our Tension Lotion. We are amazed how easy it is to work deeply with such comfort for both therapist and client and feel they are going to be a great success at the Miami Show in April.
We have set up classes in Florida in April with our trainer Tracy Henson. Check the website for details. Classes in Florida are now two days and focused on practical hands on.
Melanie has been writing about how to green your spa and these short articles will be in LNE magazine.
AND Biggest of all we are searching for funding so we can go to India in August and train in a special therapy to help veterans with PTSD.
PLUS I feel more on board and have vowed to become a blogger and Face Book user so get ready for more notes about our new directions and achievements!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Ayurveda and The Season
Winters these days are so unpredictable. I remember when I was growing up in Cleveland that winter was cold and white. There was sometimes a weird thaw. But, lately, weird is the norm.
In the predictions made by more enlightened beings of the past, it was said that this time period would be Vata-aggravating. And so, we see more chronic illnesses, wild fluctuations in energy levels, mental instability.
When spring thaw came, the sedentary life we lead during the winter would make us need to detox some of the Kapha excesses of not moving so much, sleeping and eating more. But, the variability of the time makes Vata also get unbalanced.
To remedy this Vata aggravation, it is important to remember that this is STILL winter. Just because the temperature climbs to summer degrees doesn't mean that it is sensible to go out in a t-shirt and flip flops. Keep your body and mind settled, even if this seems the boring thing to do. For if one gets caught on the wind of unpredictability, more than likely you will will see immune challenges in the spring.
In the predictions made by more enlightened beings of the past, it was said that this time period would be Vata-aggravating. And so, we see more chronic illnesses, wild fluctuations in energy levels, mental instability.
When spring thaw came, the sedentary life we lead during the winter would make us need to detox some of the Kapha excesses of not moving so much, sleeping and eating more. But, the variability of the time makes Vata also get unbalanced.
To remedy this Vata aggravation, it is important to remember that this is STILL winter. Just because the temperature climbs to summer degrees doesn't mean that it is sensible to go out in a t-shirt and flip flops. Keep your body and mind settled, even if this seems the boring thing to do. For if one gets caught on the wind of unpredictability, more than likely you will will see immune challenges in the spring.
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