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“Ancient Healing Wisdom for Our Modern World"
Shanti (shän′tĭ) - noun. Origin: Sanskrit śanti
1. Peace; calmness; serenity. 2. Alleviation of pain.
At Shanti Ayurveda, we are dedicated to the health and well-being of the planet and everyone in it. In our every endeavor, we strive to do what serves the greatest good. It is our honor to play a part in bringing forth the profound healing wisdom of Ayurveda, and we gratefully do so with dedication to our clients and reverence for the wisdom.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
N A M A S T E
(“The Divine in me honors the Divine in you”)
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Shanti Ayurveda Educational Series Presents...
"SEASONAL ROUTINE FOR HEALTH AND HARMONY"
Bringing Balance to Kapha Dosha
S P R I N G
In Ayurveda it is understood that many factors influence our health and well-being. Food, exercise, lifestyle, age, climate, and cycles of time all play a part. As we come to understand our bodies and minds, we find that understanding these factors is empowering, because with this information we are able to make appropriate choices to maintain health and harmony.
Each season brings with it different influences upon our constitution. We tend to naturally make seasonal adjustments, such as wearing cooling clothing in the summer and eating warm soups and stews in the winter.
Spring is the kapha season as the wet and cool weather reflects the heavy, moist and cool qualities of kapha dosha that predominate during this time of year. The following recommendations will help you to remain balanced during this time of melting snow and fresh new life.
During spring, the heat of the sun warms the earth, which in turn causes snow to melt and water to flow. This process also occurs within our own bodies, as the accumulated kapha (mucous) within our body starts to liquefy and disperse. This weakens the digestive fire of the body, and can lead to spring colds and sinus problems. As flowers shed their pollen and fragrance, many people experience allergy and hay fever. Following are some recommendation to help stay healthy and balanced during this season:
- Spring cleaning: As you deep clean your home in this season, so your body needs it too! This is an ideal time for detoxifying treatments such as pancha karma, to clear the system of kapha dosha and ama (toxic, undigested food) that accumulated during the winter. Pancha karma also helps to prevent allergies, hay fever, colds and sinus congestion.
- Avoid heavy, oily food as well as dairy, as these foods increase mucous accumulations in the body. Instead, favor lighter foods.
- The produce sections of your market will be overflowing with fruits and vegetables of the season. Whenever possible, select locally grown, organic produce. Follow the cues of nature; the fruits and vegetables that are in season at any given time are generally the ones that our bodies need at that time.
- This is a good season for a juice fast of apple, pomegranate or berry juice.
- Early in the spring, when the days are still cool, drink a tea made of spices such as ginger, cinnamon and black pepper after your meals to enhance digestion (unless you have pitta digestive issues such as heartburn or acid indigestion). A cup of hot water with a teaspoon of honey also helps to balance kapha during the spring season.
- As the season progresses, and the days become warmer, begin to eliminate the warmer foods and teas in favor of cooler ones. As ideal tea as summer approaches is cumin/coriander/fennel tea, available from Shanti Ayurveda (this is a cooling digestive tea).
- This is an important time to get plenty of exercise to work off winter’s stagnation. Walking (especially in nature) and yoga are ideal. Yoga poses to favor include those that reduce kapha, such as Sun Salutation, Fish, Boat, Bow, Locust, Lion, Camel, and Head Stand or Shoulder Stand.
- Revel in this beautiful season of rebirth, the season often referred to as the “King of the Seasons”!
Om Shanti (In Peace),
Marisa Laursen
Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist
Faculty, California College of Ayurveda
Shanti Ayurveda
14726 Ramona Ave., Suite 410-S10
Chino, California 91710
909.896.2004
fax 815.572.5394
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