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.

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

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.

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!