Authentic Ayurvedic Body Treatments ~ A Guide to Get You Started

Guest Author; Christiane Erspamer

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old healing system from India. The foundation of traditional Ayurveda is the belief that everything in the universe is composed of five elements: air, fire, earth, water, and ether, which intermix to form three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) that govern a person's body type, mental and emotional characteristics, and personality. Here is a brief introduction to some of the Ayurvedic treatments available today!



Abhyanga: A traditional Ayurvedic massage to bring balance to the doshas, increase circulation, and aid detoxification.

Garshana: The therapist wears raw silk gloves, briskly massaging the client. This vigorous treatment increases circulation, energy, toxin removal, and weight loss.

Kati basti: A massage using heat and specific medicated oils to address low-back pain and rigidity of the lower spine.

Pinda: The client is massaged using muslin bags full of rice, milk, and herbs. This is very relaxing and has a particular and unmistakable fragrance.

Pizzichilli: Large amounts of warm oil are poured over the body while the therapist performs massage. This treatment decreases muscle pain and brings flexibility to joints.

Swedana: An herbal steam treatment usually given after a massage. It is used for detoxification and balancing for vata and kapha types.

Udvartana: An invigorating massage delivered with the application of herbal paste, which increases circulation, stimulates weight loss, supports detoxification, and cleanses, exfoliates, and tones the skin.

Christiane Erspamer of Holistic Path, Licensed Massage Therapist, 

Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Panchakarma Technician  

*For more on Christiane and Holistic Path visit http://holisticpathduluth.com

9 Tricks to Stop Worrying As Much

 Guest Author, Sandy Getzky

Worrying is a normal response to stress, but normal doesn't always mean it’s harmless. Spending too much time in this state of mind can lead you down the road to anxiety and cause a number of health issues. You could end up getting sick more often, getting less sleep and eating too much or too little. Thankfully, there are several ways for you to stop yourself from worrying so much.

Try these tips to keep the worrying at bay and start feeling calmer and more in control:

Practice mindfulness: 

This basically boils down to being more aware of your thoughts. Although this might sound like encouragement to continue worrying, it actually means that you passively let the thoughts go through your mind without letting them get to you.

Schedule time to worry:

Give yourself 30 minutes a day to focus on what’s bothering you, no matter how big or small those worries are. Whether it’s a fight with a friend, a big project at work or a bad case toenail fungus, don’t let those worries intrude on your thoughts at any other time of the day. During your worry session, come up with solutions to handle your problems.

Put it in writing:

Jot down your troubles on paper instead of leaving them floating around in your head. Being able to see your worries written out can help you deal with them more effectively. 

Say “om”: 

Set aside time for meditation on a daily basis. Meditating helps you feel less anxious and can help you worry less.

Give yourself a break:

Striving to live healthy is a noble goal, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t always do it. Skipping a workout session or eating an unhealthy snack on occasion isn't something to worry about. 

Don’t worry about worrying: 

You can’t always help feeling worried, and dwelling on the fact that you’re worrying isn’t going to help. Trying to stop yourself from doing any kind of worrying could actually backfire and make you more anxious.

Take technological timeouts:

Resist the urge to check your phone, email and social media sites several times throughout the day. Stay unplugged by doing something else, like going outside, taking a nap or reading a book instead.

Get physically active:

Doing a workout is a great way to ease anxiety and stay healthy. Exercise causes your brain to release more of the “feel good” chemical called serotonin.

Us your hands: 

If you tend to worry about serious issues or a traumatic event from your past, keeping your hands busy could prevent these thoughts from taking over your brain.

If doing all of the above seems overwhelming, just pick a few tips that appeal to you the most. You might find that your worries slip away more from practicing one of these tricks, or it might take a few to help you feel less anxious on a regular basis. Just remember that your goal is to worry less overall, not stop entirely. A little bit of worry can be a good thing if it makes you more productive at tackling problems.

The author Sandy Getzky is an associate editor at ProveMyMeds, a public health and education start-up focused on producing helpful resources concerning the treatment of common ailments.

The Pill Problem

 How to Protect Your Health from the Side Effects of Oral Contraceptives by Ross Pelton, R.Ph., CCN The Natural Pharmacist

The extensive list of side effects are unreal! Are we really leaving our health into the hands of pharmacists who only have their pockets as their priority rather than genuine interest in health?!

Know your body and know the truth
Side effect come in subtle waves or as obvious symptoms. Pay attention to how you feel, your body has your best interest as homeostasis is its ultimate job. Discuss with your physician the side effects that you notice, which may be the just the information your physician needs to determine if the medication you are prescribed is right for you. Health issues to be aware of may consist of:

• Fatigue
• Blood Clots
• Birth Defects

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To learn more order your copy of The Pill Problem today! 
The book gives you the information you need to make the best decisions on oral contraceptives. Ask yourself, do I really need these pills? Are there alternatives? Many times alternatives are immediate and have less side effects if any. Be mindful of what you put in your body, many drugs made by pharmaceutical companies are actually more harmful and only cover up annoying symptoms. The idea that you can be cured by a pill is false. Of course there are some cases that medication is necessary in this case, if alternative medications such as Naturopathic, Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and other options are not helpful then synthetic alopathic pharmaceuticals may be in order. It is in your best interest to get as many physician opinions as possible, be sure to let your primary Doctor know before you plan to change your prescription plan. 

________________________________________________________________________________


Here are a few links recommended by Ross Pelton. He is a great resource, and invites you to read these articles about some of the side effects associated with birth control pills. His goal is to educate women about the side effects of birth control pills and to let you know that there are some effective things that can be done to prevent these problems.

1) Birth control pills & depression

2) Sexual side effects of birth control pills

3) Increased risk of birth defects

4) Low energy

5) Insomnia


Connect with Ross Pelton  rosspelton@naturalpharmacist.net

* Disclaimer: This information is strictly educational. Mindful Magazine, www.mindfulmag.com, employees, and guest authors do not have an opinion on your heal and how you handle it, nor do we take responsibility for your actions and how you interpret this book review. It is always in your best interest to discuss your health plan with your physician. 

A Private History of Happiness ...Ninety-Nine Moments of Joy from Around the World - by George Myerson

A fresh compilation of collective moments from a variety of poets, authors, writers, philosophers, and legends from all around the world sharing their delight of happiness. Delve into this collection and experience moments of reflection on happiness. Find your happiness!
                                                                          ~  Wiesje Brion, Chief Editor of Mindful Magazine

What is happiness to you?
A hobby that gives you pleasure nothing else can offer. The sunshine, even as it peeks through the gloom of dark clouds. Exquisite art made to bring the natural beauty of a rainbow. A letter to a friend; Hans Christian Anderson.

Need a moment to see, feel, and explore where happiness can be found? 
As a writer and a lover of reading I find this collection inspiring and intriguing. My challenge to you is to explore your happiness. Journal it, and every time you need a moment of happiness you can remind yourself of your own moments of happiness. If you love to write, have a passion for poetry, or simply take note of your daily routine I encourage you to write a journal of thoughts as you never know where it can lead.

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What others are saying...

"This book gives readers delightfully fresh perceptions of where and how happiness may be found..."
                                             ~ Clare Brant, author of Eighteenth-Century Letters and British Culture

 "...Overflowing with the simple pleasures of life..."
                             ~ J. Edward Chamberlin, author of If This Is Your Land, Where Are Your Stories?

"...Myerson brings these precious past moments back to life, and into our lives."
                                                                                              ~ Harry Eyres, Financial Times columnist

"...Across the barrier of time and culture, it collects for us in the simplest, most restful, most seductive way, the goodness of what it is for us to experience life as sentient human beings."
                                                                                   ~ Phyllis Tickle, compiler of The Divine Hours

Gift of Life

by Lisa Salaz

We are on a soul’s journey seeking our soul’s purpose. We all have a higher purpose; we come to Earth to be a part of a system of energy that deals with emotions, personality, and thoughts. This involves reflecting what is within you back to the outside world; this is your spiritual evolution.

A seed of passions & dreams has already been planted when your life begins here on this earth plane. Once you’re here your life is spontaneous and decided from moment to moment. There are no limits!!

Free will is an inner feeling, knowing that you own your own life – you’re the one in charge. This is essential for joy and bringing the light of your soul into your consciousness. Like the saying goes, you’re the captain of your ship! We lose our sense of freedom as a small child when many demands and expectations are placed on us, yet as a child we have more freedom than it would seem. A child is free to see things fresh and to respond in new ways. Their experiences are not categorized or analyzed based on past experiences; they’re in the moment and have natural reactions. As we grow, feelings of freedom become lost in the process of developing the mind by looking for patterns leading to a sense of losing free will. But by not allowing yourself to fall victim to that way of thinking, you gain your power back. Freedom is something you create for yourself; it isn’t given to you or taken away. You are free to listen and follow your own inner guidance, acting in ways that reflect your deepest truth – “my life is my own”.

Being able to accept new things, ideas, and people into your life creates an ever-expanding capacity for joy. Embracing new ways and being open to having more in your life, you create more in your life and become more skilled and wise. Your heart is the center of faith through trust and belief. Open your heart and be willing to step outside your comfort zone to experience the viewpoints of the world from different perspectives. Be the director and the producer of what occurs in your life; believe the future holds joy and promise. Become wiser, stronger, and more powerful in whatever you create.

Connect with your inner self and expose this to the world through your words and actions. This life gives you an opportunity to live in greater light and joy. Bringing love & joy to every aspect of your life, you will find laughter, peace, and delight. The universe brings many opportunities for you to expand and evolve. The tools and guidance will be available; all you have to do is accept the challenges to grow beyond the skills you have by learning and growing from everything you create.

Purpose represents movement of the soul, which is the energy that connects heaven and earth. I embrace all that I am and all that I can be.

Lisa Salaz
Lisa has heard the calling for greater service to help bring awareness and healing to others. Lisa’s inspiration is working with spiritual guides to open a connection shifting consciousness into a higher realm. The purpose of this connection is to awaken your life’s purpose and shift your energy to help you to align with a higher vibration that we all have. Lisa works with energy (chakras), her guide, angels, archangels, and loved ones on the other side to provide spiritual readings. Lisa also works with Quantum-touch using energy to promote healing; this is a magnificent source of love and energy that creates a powerful healing for the mind, body & soul. Lisa’s true desire is to bring light and sparkle to your existence.

Connect with Lisa
Inner Spirit Rhythm
Lisa Salaz @ Inner Spirit Rhythm
Office (970) 964-4580
http://innerspiritrhythm.com

Eternal Journey

A piece from his self published collection of In Search of Silence by Chris Roe

Eternal Journey

As the crimson flame of life
Breaks slowly
Above the horizon,
The white, frosted meadows,
With trees and hedgerows
Of sculptured ice,
Speak loudly
Of your presence.


Once more
Upon this journey,
As another day begins,
Without effort
Or intrusion,
Through the peace
And tranquility
Of your silent voice,
The moment becomes eternal,
And the journey
Begins again.


View more of his work, www.silentflightpublications.co.uk 

Healthy Body Healthy Mind

You might be surprised to know that living healthy is what we do and what we don't do throughout the day. You might not. However, finding what that is may be frustrating for many.

A lot of what we've been told from the fitness industry changes over time. Why is this? Could this be that what works for one person simply does not for another? We as humans were are not created by one little cookie cutter; the same in all aspects. Determining your special needs is tricky, and can be done.

Ayurveda

An ancient mind, body and spirit way of life. A healthy way of life. Have you hear of Ayurveda? What does this mean to you? These ancient Ayurvedic secrets have not really been a secret, but they have been misunderstood for thousands of years. In this time and culture we are more accepting of possibly unusual and forgotten rituals of healing. After all, each new generation thinks they know best. In some case of advancement this may be true but lets not throw away everything our fore fathers and mothers researched and practiced! Here is a test that will help determine your body type, Dosha Test.

Weight-Loss

The unforgiving word. Those who have tried to lose it have found it again and again. Its a stubborn part of our past pains we don't want to hold on to and yet we can't seem to stop indulging in its desires. I have a secret, well actually Claudia Richey has some secrets to share with you about "never having to diet again"! Yes, I said it! She has recently created a program that incorporates all the secrets of the fitness industry, ancient healthy lifestyles from Chinese Medicine to Ayurveda and so much more. She has really made it all quite easy to understand and to follow. Stop trying to figure it all out and follow Claudia's guidance. She knows what she's doing.

Breaking Free

It's your choice. Break free!

Listen to this recorded call. If this doesn't convince you I don't know what will. Maybe a call from Claudia Richey will do the trick.

Here is the link for her intro call Breaking Free. You will need to register with your email address to get access to the call recording.

Oh, and those who sign-up for her program by May 10 can receive the generous discount of $90 off. Register any time there after at the regular price.

Source:

Breaking Free Intro Call

Breaking Free Program

doshafit

WellnessPro Integrated Health