Refresh your Mind, Body and Spirit with a Custom Seasonal Cleanse

The ancient practice of Ayurveda is becoming increasingly popular in the West to restore balance and harmony to one’s life. If you are considering an Ayurvedic cleanse this spring, then you know that it is important to take into consideration your constitution and current state of balance, strength, age, environment, and season. While there are many different ways to go about the process, figuring out what option is best for you can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are now customized cleanses available that make the process easier!

What Does Periodic Cleansing Entail?

Periodic cleansing is an important part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle and involves removing toxins from the body through both internal and external methods. It may include using herbs or dietary changes to remove toxins from the digestive system or nourish the organs; it may also involve detoxification therapies such as sauna, massage therapy with oil or steam baths primarily used as a part of Panchakarma (the Ayurvedic science of detoxification and rejuvenation). Additionally, periodic cleansing can also involve practices like yoga and meditation which help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

The specific approach should always take into consideration one’s constitution (or dosha), the current state of balance (or vikruti), strength (or ojas), age (or vaya), as well as environmental influences and seasonal changes. With all these components in mind, periodic cleansing can be tailored to best suit your individual needs.

Why is a Custom Cleanse Important?

Customized cleanses provide a variety of benefits including increased energy levels, improved digestion and elimination systems, balanced hormones, improved mental clarity and focus, improved skin health, weight loss if desired, and better sleep patterns. All of these benefits come from having an individualized program designed for you that takes into account your unique body type and individual needs.

The first step before starting any cleanse is always consulting with a qualified health care provider or Ayurvedic practitioner who can help determine what type of cleanse is right for you based on your constitution and current state of balance as well as environmental and seasonal influences. It is also important to assess whether or not this specific cleanse will be safe for you based on any pre-existing conditions or medications that you might be taking. Additionally, it’s important to consider your lifestyle when choosing a cleanse; if time constraints are present then it may be wise to look at shorter programs or ones with less intensity or depth.

Our Offerings

Formulated for 21 days, our custom cleanse offers internal herbal supplements designed to support digestion while eliminating toxins from the body naturally; external cleansing products that help with skin rejuvenation; access to our online library that includes daily yoga videos specifically designed for each dosha; guided meditation recordings for calming the mind; meal plans incorporating traditional Ayurvedic recipes to nourish the body; lifestyle advice on how to make permanent changes for ongoing health benefits; and additional support documents for a fully integrated at-home cleanse experience.

At its core, periodic cleansing is about balance – physically as well as mentally – through tailoring treatments that are unique and appropriate for each individual person’s needs. Our 21-day custom cleanse offers you a comprehensive package so you can experience an effective ayurvedic cleanse in the comfort of your own home. Take this opportunity to start your journey towards maintaining good health today!

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.

Kati Vasti, an Ayurvedic Technique for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common health issue and can be caused by many factors. Ayurveda provides an effective and holistic approach to treating lower back pain - kati vasti. This lumbosacral technique helps regulate vata dosha levels through the use of applied heat, oil, and massage techniques that help restore balance, and body alignment.

Kati vasti is an effective preventive option for back pain and strengthening of the spine. This technique helps relax muscles around affected intervertebral joints, improve blood circulation in the lower back region, as well as support strength within intervertebral joint compartments. It is known to help alleviate discomforts such as lumbar spondylitis, intervertebral disc prolapses, spinal dislocations and sciatica by supporting the musculature of the affected joint and stimulating blood circulation in that area.

Procedure Method

To ensure the best possible healing experience, we begin each session by applying a herbal oil over the rogi's body to create an optimal atmosphere for therapeutic transformation. Relaxation is fundamental in this process - allowing clients to fully benefit from this technique. We then apply an herbal "dam" using dough made with black gram, which retains and concentrates the medicinal properties of our chosen oils.

To maximize their healing properties, the herbal oils are carefully heated to the ideal temperature before being applied to the target area. The heat is maintained through out the procedure. The carefully-controlled warmth enables deep absorption into skin tissues and muscles for healthy tissue nourishment and regeneration, as well as restoring flexibility in joints -reducing inflammation and providing relief from aches or pains.

Conclusion

Kati Vasti offers a holistic, natural solution for those seeking to tackle chronic lower back pain. It is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been used successfully to support the healing of various conditions associated with this issue. Before embarking on any course of treatment or therapy it’s important you consult your healthcare professional in order to make informed decisions about what’s best for your individual case.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.

4 Benefits of An Ayurvedic Facial

Ayurvedic therapies offer a unique way of addressing each client’s particular needs. If you have dry, aging, combination, or sensitive skin, an Ayurvedic facial treatment will ensure you get the best treatment for your specific skin type. The herbal ingredients gently and thoroughly cleanse skin, leaving every complexion smooth, soft, and moist, without causing blemishes to erupt. 

Here are four more ways this Ayurvedic beauty treatment benefits everyone who’s seeking a complexion that reflects total wellness:

1. Makes Your Skin Glow

The herbal and natural ingredients in a customized Ayurvedic facial contain the perfect blend of nutrients to add radiance to your skin. Ayurvedic facial packs made from healing botanical ingredients like lentils, rose, or saffron optimize cellular functioning and leave your complexion glowing with health. 

2. Relieves Dryness and Supports Aging Skin

The herbal packs, steams, and moisturizing oils used in Ayurvedic facials benefit dry and aging complexions in more ways than one. The nourishing and healing properties of Ayurvedic facial treatments not only help repair and prevent free radical damage, but also deeply hydrate and lubricate skin without clogging pores. The continued use of proper Ayurvedic skincare practices and products at home is the best way to see long-term results.

3. Treats Pimples and Acne Scars

Ayurvedic facial massage supports the reduction of acne and acne scars. If you have blemishes that leave dark patches on your face, a massage with herb-infused oils and packs tailored to your skin type can help minimize their appearance. Using harsh products on delicate facial skin can make your acne worse. Ayurveda offers gentle natural ingredients that harmonize with your skin’s pH,  thus creating the desired healing effect.

4. Enhances Overall Well-Being

Ayurvedic facial massage is not only profoundly relaxing but deeply restorative, instilling a sense of peace and joy that pervades the entire body. This effect occurs because the gentle pressure of the facialist’s fingers stimulates the 11 marma points located on the face. Marma points, which are similar to the acupoints defined by Chinese medicine, are vital energy centers that affect our whole body. Activating the marma points on our face helps with everything from stress management to the release of toxins.

 Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.  

Dinacharya, Daily Self Care

Dinacharyais the Ayurvedic daily ritual of self-care. According to Ayurveda, routine plays a significant role in health. A healthy life can best be maintained by creating a daily regimen tailored to a person’s constitution. Governing  all daily actions, such as the time you wake up in the morning, the time you eat, the  time you begin daily body purification, and the time you go to sleep, is the essence of dinacharya.

Ayurvedic dinacharya has been practiced for thousands of years and has many benefits. It cleanses the body and prevents the buildup of toxins, it helps to keep the senses and mind clear, and it’s very nourishing. Repeating a routine every morning sets the rhythm of your day and gives you a feeling of stability and steadiness. It promotes a healthy organization of the energy channels and the seating of prana (life force) in the body, creating calmness in mind, limiting stress, and minimizing decision fatigue.

The new science of circadian medicine suggests that our genes have lost their ability to perceive and harmonize with the natural circadian cycles of nature. In our modern high-tech world, following the dictates of our body’s circadian clock is becoming more and more of a challenge, and some people are starting to have symptoms of a “nature deficit disorder.” While modern scientists are only now beginning to recognize the relationship between our overall health and the cycles of nature, Ayurveda has emphasized the primacy of this connection for millennia. Current research on this connection may revolutionize modern medicine as we know it, and Ayurvedic practices can be a foundation for this research to build on.

Ayurveda aims to reconnect our bodies to these natural circadian rhythms through the practice of dinacharya. At first, the challenge of establishing a daily self-care routine may seem overwhelming, but you can take things gradually and ease your way into it.

Starting the day right is the most important aspect of dinacharya. According to Ayurvedic teachings, you will have the best health if you wake up before sunrise and excrete waste shortly after. The early morning hours are the body’s natural purification time. Various dinacharya practices that are performed first thing in the morning—including tongue scraping, oil pulling, nasya(herb-infused nose oil) applications, and drinking a glass of warm water with a fresh-squeezed lemon or lime—support this time-sensitive purification process.

Next, to provide a sense of alertness and freshness, you should rub your body with oils and take a bath or shower. Then put on comfortable clothes, exercise, and practice yoga for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Light exercise is necessary each day to keep the digestive system at peak functioning by creating internal heat. Choose the form of exercise that’s best for your constitution, and avoid overexercising. Afterward, rest comfortably on your back with arms and legs outstretched, and breathe from the lower abdomen to calm the central nervous system.

Daily self-enhancing practices are considered crucial in Ayurveda. They don’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Taking a break as short as 10–20 minutes to refresh your mind and spirit with activities like meditation, pranayama(regulation of the breath), yoga, journaling, or prayer provides immense health benefits. The more time you allow for these types of practices, the greater the rewards.

Eat regular meals daily! Irregular meals and excessive snacking can weaken the digestive fire. The natural course of the day sets the rhythm of our digestive system. Having scheduled eating times is essential, with lunch being the largest meal of the day and occurring between noon and 2 p.m. When the sun is at its highest, our digestive system is also at its peak, so naturally, this is when the largest meal should be eaten; it’s also the best time to eat raw foods and animal proteins. If possible, have dinner before sunset, as the digestive system slows down as the sun goes down. Breakfast should be eaten before 9 a.m. and should consist of something simple and easy to digest. Remember to favor warm, cooked, light meals that are appropriate for the seasons and the doshas you want to balance.

It is best to go to bed by 10 p.m. Keep this regular bedtime as it lets the body know that it is time to wind down and recuperate. To promote healthy sleep, drink a glass of warm cow’s milk or almond milk with cardamom or nutmeg shortly before bed. You can enjoy this while listening to relaxing music. Stay away from stimulating conversations, music, and television for at least one hour before sleep. This suggested regimen follows the flow of energy within the body and its relation to the external environment. Continuous awareness of this natural energy flow is the key to getting the most from your daily routine.

Check out our video 10 things to do before 10 a.m. for dinacharya tips!

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.

Ayurvedic Haircare Tips

The traditional Indian medical system, Ayurveda, takes a holistic approach to health. As such, it views the state of our hair and scalp as a reflection of our overall well-being and considers the impact of many factors—from age, diet, and hormones to seasonal changes and climates—on hair growth and hair loss. Trauma, stress, and anxiety are likewise taken into account because they reduce blood flow to the scalp, depriving it of the oxygen and nutrients required for healthy hair. Thus, Ayurvedic haircare goes far beyond the application of beauty products. 

In addition to emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle, Ayurveda recommends weekly scalp massage as one of the most beneficial treatments for maintaining beautiful hair and alleviating or reducing the symptoms of common hair and scalp problems, like dandruff, scalp psoriasis, premature graying, and baldness. Scalp massage has multiple benefits like increasing the oxygen supply to the brain. It improves circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, the life-giving sap that stimulates brain development, while relaxing the nerves and muscles, reducing fatigue, and loosening the scalp. 

For dry and sensitive skin:Massage 1 teaspoon warm sesame, olive, coconut, or jojoba oil into scalp for 10 minutes. Wrap head in hot towel and leave on for 5–10 minutes. Perform this massage at least once a week for dry scalp or dandruff. The best time to do the massage is early morning or before bed; avoid doing it right after a meal when the blood supply is needed for digestion. 

For oily skin: With head hanging down, dry brush hair 50 times from roots to end to spread natural oils.

You can also use classical Ayurvedic infused herbal oils like bhringraj, neelibhringadi, mahabhringraj, and brahmi-amla oils. To derive the full benefit of these hair treatments, be sure to buy only high-quality Ayurvedic oils.  Buy Infused oils

Adding dosha-specific essential oils to the massage can strengthen and revitalize the hair and scalp while encouraging hair growth. Add 2 or 3 drops of the suggested oils to a weekly scalp massage.

• Vata dosha –Someone who is creative, tends to worry, and brims over with energy. Best essential oils: patchouli, basil, lavender, sage.

• Pitta dosha –A person who likes challenges, tends toward anger, and should never skip meals. Best essential oils:ylang-ylang, lavender, rose, sandalwood.

• Kapha dosha –A detail-oriented, thoughtful individual who is resistant to change. Best essential oils:eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary. Buy Essential oils

Herbal support can also be beneficial. Fenugreek is an Ayurvedic herb that is thought to promote hair growth by increasing the dilation of the blood vessels of the scalp. It also has a unique mixture of constituents that contribute to healthy, shining hair and a well-nourished scalp. Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in hot water for 10 minutes and drink daily. Indian gooseberry (a.k.a. amla)is known to increase hair growth and enrich hair pigmentation. Washing with a decoction of the herb or applying an amla hair pack can help strengthen the root of the hair and maintain hair color. Eating the fruit of the herb can also enhance hair condition. For dandruff and skin lesions use neemfor its antiviral, antifungal, anti-dandruff and antibacterial properties. 

Aloe vera is another excellent option for haircare. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties help prevent hair loss and are beneficial in cases of alopecia. The aloe vera hair pack detailed below is highly effective in stimulating hair growth and calming an irritated scalp.

Instructions:

• With a sharp knife or gardening scissors cut a fresh aloe vera stem.

• Use a knife to slowly slice open the aloe vera stem so that its interior is exposed.

• Scrape off the gel (I usually don’t mind having some of the green stem mixed in the gel, so don’t stress if you are not scraping it perfectly—it’s all about using as much of the plant as possible.)

• First brush, then wet your hair. Apply the fresh gel on your scalp and slowly massage it in. Then apply the rest of the aloe gel on your hair and comb through it with your fingers to make sure it’s covering all parts of the hair.

• Leave on for about 10 minutes and rinse off.

Note:Remember some basic general guidelines for maintaining healthy hair—avoid using very hot or very cold water to wash hair, remove any barrettes or hair ties before going to bed, and avoid synthetic chemical products and hair dyes as much as possible.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. 

Why and How to Perform Daily Oil Massage on Yourself (Abhyanga)

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Ayurveda is a natural approach to holistic wellness that originated in India thousands of years ago. This traditional medical system uses herbs, nutrition, yoga, lifestyle regimens, and body treatments to achieve balanced health. An ancient Ayurvedic practice known as abhyanga (self-massage with warm oil) is an easy way to incorporate this intuitive health wisdom into your daily routine. The multitude of benefits it provides can enrich your journey to total well-being and help ensure its long-term success.

The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Rewards of Abhyanga

Abhyanga helps calm the nervous system, strengthen the joints and connective tissue, and stimulate the internal organs. One of the best things about this healing practice is its dependability as a consistent source of opportunities throughout the week to pay close, loving attention to our body. We all could benefit from more self-love, and self-massage is an excellent way to love ourselves while also reaping some serious health benefits.

By increasing the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body, daily self-massage delivers healing nutrients to our joints while relaxing the muscles surrounding them, thereby improving their integrity, flexibility, and range of motion. These benefits are particularly important for maintaining the functionality of joints that suffer a lot of wear and tear over time, such as those in our wrists, ankles, and hips. Self-massage further contributes to the repair of these tissues by increasing the number of circulating red blood cells that keep the tissues supplied with oxygen. 

In addition to benefiting our joints and muscles, the positive impact of massage on blood circulation supports lower blood pressure and more efficient heart function. By stimulating the flow of lymph, massage may help not only boost metabolism by efficiently clearing waste products from the body but also reduce the edema associated with pulmonary hypertension. The improved circulation of both blood and lymph further nurtures well-being by invigorating the brain and strengthening the immune system. 

By helping you overcome fatigue, abhyanga nourishes and soothes the nervous system and promotes undisturbed sleep, leading to increasing vigor and vitality in your everyday life Equally important, abhyanga helps you relax and offers the pampering that many of us enjoy after a hard week at work or during stressful situations. 

Ayurvedic oil massage loosens deep-seated toxins from joints and tissues and releases them into the excretory system for elimination. The removal of these accumulated toxins from the skin contributes to a healthier and clearer complexion. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the application of oil through massage equates to injecting “medicines” into the body. The massage promotes the absorption of beneficial compounds in the oil into the bloodstream, thereby supporting the body’s capacity to overcome illness.

Ideally, you should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the type of medicated oil that’s most appropriate for your constitution or imbalance. Otherwise, use only use raw sesame oil. Apply the warm oil all over your body for 15–30 minutes before taking a hot bath or shower to help the oil quickly penetrate the joints and deeper tissues.

Abhyanga Instructions

• Begin by running hot water over the bottle of oil or set the bottle in a bowl full of hot water, gently warming the oil.

• Pour about a tablespoon of the warm oil into your hand and apply to the scalp, vigorously working it into the tissue by moving your fingertips in small circles.

• Transfer some of the oil on your head to your face and ears, massaging with a lighter touch.

• Move to the neck, and with an open hand, massage both the front and the back of the neck, more rapidly, creating friction.

• Apply more oil, and use this same technique, vigorously massaging your arms with straight up-and-down motions.

• At the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, make circular motions and then resume massaging the whole arm with vertical strokes.

• Then move to your chest and stomach, applying more oil if needed, and use gentle circular motions. When massaging the breastbone use straight up-and-down strokes.

• After applying a bit more oil to your hands, gently reach around to the back and shoulder blades, and massage them without straining.

• Move to your legs and buttocks, and repeat the same rapid up-and-down strokes you used on your arms. Use small circular motions at the hips, buttocks, knees, and ankles.

• Then give your feet a thorough massage—it’s important not to rush through this part. Use an open hand to vigorously massage the soles and the top of your feet, moving your hand back and forth. Then use your fingertips to trace small circles all over the foot.

• Let the oil soak into your skin for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 45 minutes. Rinse off in a warm bath or shower.

• Remember to focus on self-love throughout the massage, inviting your body to absorb nourishment and care.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.

Ayurvedic Bath, Sacred and Healing

Bathing has occupied a special place in the cultural landscapes of many civilizations throughout history. In ancient Greece, water itself was regarded as a gift of health from the gods. The ruins of lavish public baths in the farthest reaches of the Roman world testify to the importance of bathing in the health regimes and social life of the empire’s citizens. More than 150 years after the bathtub of Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, was crafted, it’s reputed to retain the scent of the musk oil–infused bathwater that soothed her mind and pampered her skin.

In India, bathing has always been accorded the status of a sacred, healing ritual. Ancient Ayurvedic texts speak of therapeutic baths with rose petals, honey, milk, and turmeric, preceded by a luxurious full-body massage with warm oils and followed by skin treatments with rich herbal pastes and fragrant floral waters. These Ayurvedic baths were designed to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda views bathing as a form of holistic therapy. A daily bath, especially in the morning is an important part of an Ayurvedic daily routine. It adds a profoundly healing dimension to your day and your life. Ayurvedic medical texts report many benefits from the healing bath. The simple act of taking a bath provides a full complement of mind-body rewards without any effort on your part:

• Relaxes tense muscles 

• Opens clogged pores 

• Moisturizes tissues 

• Banishes bad moods 

• Calms the mind and balances the emotions 

• Removes sweat, dirt, and environmental toxins from the skin 

• Enhances physical energy levels and improves metal clarity

To transform an ordinary bath into a healing Ayurvedic self-care ritual follow these tips:

• Prepare your bath with traditional Ayurvedic herbs.*

• Do not bathe in a hurry, take your time.

• Practice deep breathing while soaking in your bath.

• Try to relax, so that both mind and body benefit.

• Use gentle natural gentle aromatherapy products, not harsh synthetic fragrances, which add to the toxic burden on your body.

• Make sure your bathwater is pure and clean.

• After you towel off, spritz your body with rose water and apply warm dosha-specific oils.

Herbal Bath Recipe

3 tablespoons of green gram powder
½ tablespoon of turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon of ginger powder
2 tablespoon of rose petals
1 tablespoon of raw organic honey
½ cup of almond milk or 1 tablespoon of almond oil
5–7 drops of rose, lavender, or geranium pure essential oil

As you’re drawing a warm bath, add ingredients to the water in the order listed. Swish your hand in the water to blend after each addition. Enjoy!  

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.