Body Defrost - A Spring Ayurveda Story

March can be a frustrating month. You're expecting your first trip out to the park or beach and your local weather man may unexpectedly inform you that you are in for the Nor'easter of the Century! March's weather is unpredictable. Here in the US, we can attribute this to the March Jet Stream which is powerful this time of year because of the temperature difference between the moist air in Gulf of Mexico and the arctic air coming from Canada.

But what does it all mean for your body?

Do you feel that drip in the back of your throat? That itch that won't go away? Are your sinuses beginning to ooze with phlegm? Are you feeling weak or tired? Is that dreaded sinus pressure back and you want to hide your head in under a pillow? You can thank March and her ever changing weather.

Don’t fret. The Ayurvedic tradition has been around for 5,000 years and while India may not have Nor’easters they do have a remedy for that itch in the back of your throat. The following items are meant to ease your body’s spring defrost.

• Eat freshly-prepared, easily digestible warm foods such as soups. These should contain mostly fruits and vegetables which are full of the nutrients necessary to bring the body back to balance.

• Continuously drink warm water throughout the day. Your warm water can be prepared with cinnamon or black pepper. Alternatively, you can drink water with fresh ginger, fresh lemon and Himalayan Sea Salt.

• Avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat: milk, sugar, coffee, white flower, refined fast food, carbonated soft drinks, and chocolate. These foods will only add to an excess of Kapha in the body, making you feel more sluggish.

• Gargle a mixture of: ½ tsp of Turmeric and ½ tsp of mineral salt in a cup of warm water. This will sooth the throat and encourage healing od the tissues.

• To reduce congestion: crush 4-5 garlic buds and inhale or inhale a balm of menthol.

• Boil 1 gallon of water and add 5 drops of clove oil, 12 crushed mint leaves, and 5 drops of eucalyptus oil. Inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes. Continue this twice a day until congestion clears and then once a day to clear the phlegm that is deposited in the sinuses.

• Nasya Oil therapy is a great way to assist the body of ridding excess fluids that accumulate in the sinus, throat, nose and head area. An herbal infused oil is administered into the nasal passage while the head is tilted back. This treatment can be conducted in home or by an Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Now go out and practice some Pranayama. Rid yourself of that ama that’s been building up all winter. Welcome Spring.

Sunblock, Flip Flops, and Cardamom

The sun has been poking its head out and the weather gauge is finally hitting 85*. You’ve been working on your bikini body all winter. So, why is your tummy weighing you down and making you want to wish for two more weeks of winter? It could be Food Stagnation.

In the Ayurvedic Tradition, the root cause of all disease is malabsorption caused by improper digestion. Why is this? This is because when we don’t properly digest our foods, they sit stagnate in our stomachs and we accumulate toxic material, Ama. Food stagnation does not allow us to absorb the bodies necessary nutrients, vitamins that it would normally benefit from food.

Overeating sweet, rich, oily foods such as ice cream, wheat and cheese can cause food stagnation. Sitting heavy in the stomach. They can cause mucus to accumulate and slow down digestion, creating more issues in the stomach, leading people to believe they have heart troubles when really it was only the bowl of Rock Road ice cream from yesterday. Food Stagnation may be either acute or chronic. Acute Food Stagnation comes at the onset of over-eating; Chronic Food Stagnation comes over time with your lifestyle and diet.

Food stagnation can be caused for dehydration in the body which takes moisture away from the intestines and stomach; heat in warm climates which focuses heat and energy to cool your skin and causes a loss of blood flow to your organs; food stagnation can also be caused by stress . It is imperative to be mindful of these conditions in the Florida sun as the weather heats up and we seek shelter from the sun or actively seek the suns rays for pleasure.

Symptoms of Food Stagnation can Include: Nausea, Loos of Appetite at Breakfast, Gas and Bloating, and Dehydration.

The treatment of Food Stagnation is easy: avoid heavy, oily, rich foods; drink water with mineral salt and lime; take spices suck as cardamom and turmeric to activate the stomach and clear the stagnant foods.

So when you’re packing your beach cooler, don’t forget your sunblock, flip flops, and cardamom!

Hello September, Hello Fall!

The month of September ushers in the Fall season. Children return to school, the sun sets sooner, the leaves begin to change color and a chill sets in the air. September is the time of harvest when we can enjoy the summer’s hard labor. Fall is alive with color and inspiration, warmth from the fire and long walks through Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches. The days of eating astringent foods will subside and we begin to eat warm soups which soothe the Vata Dosha.

Climate

The climate of September may be a shock to the body. Chilly mornings, hot midday sun, and brisk nights can aggravate Vata. In order to prepare, one must dress for the occasion. It’s time to put away flip flops and bathing suits and bring out those sweaters and scarves. Keeping your layers handy is key to help your body adjust to the sudden shift in the evenings.

September For Kapha

Kapha Dosha is balanced by the light, dry nature of fall. They are energized by the change of season that September brings. They will be inspired and focused as the heaviness of summer will no longer bog them down. Kapha Dosha should resist sedentary activities (like naps) and engage in the mobile nature of fall to reach optimal health.

September For Pitta

September is a welcome respite from the heat for Pitta Dosha. Now is the time to clear out all of the excess Pitta that was built up during the summer. Pitta types can be aggravated by the light, cool nature of fall. Therefore they must focus on becoming grounded and finding routine. The most important consideration is to try not to allow yourself to heat up to much. Avoid hot baths and aggressive workouts. For Pitta, fall is the time for relaxation. Take advantage.

September For Vata

Fall, like Vata Dosha, is dry, erratic, cool, subtle and clear; this is why Fall is considered Vata season. In order to balance Vata in September they must ground themselves with warmth, hydration, oiliness, stability and routine. It

is important to eat substantial foods in order to maintain your reserve of moisture; foods that are rich with fat, oil and spice. Vata Doshas should be careful not to fill their days with activity and become flighty as their Dosha is wont to do. They should make time for meditation and to relax.

Herbs for September

Ashwagandha - An aptogen for combating stress, calms the mind and promotes restful sleep, promotes proper function of the adrenals, increases energy and vitality.

Chyavanprash - Promotes proper function of the immune system, healthy metabolism, and rejuvenates the mind and body.

Licorice - promotes clear breathing and proper function of the lungs as well as soothes the mucous membranes and stomach lining.

September Diet

The diet for September is reminiscent of an animal preparing for hibernation. Now is the time to eat hearty, rich foods. Your meals during the day should consist of cooked grains, soups and stews, meat and eggs. For people who eat dairy, this is a great time to enjoy it. This is also the time to reduce raw and frozen vegetables as well as light, cooling and drying foods i.e. foods with too much Vata in them. Eating foods like popcorn would be counter intuitive to balancing your digestion for the season.

This September, remember that balance can be achieved if you stay grounded and maintain a schedule for yourself. A gradual adjustment in your body, like the leaves in trees, is the best way to transition between Summer and Fall. Enjoy the change of seasons and remember to stay warm.