What is your Dosha?

Ayurveda is considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the western world, where several of its methods—such as herbs, massage, and Yoga as exercise or alternative medicine—are applied on their own as a form of CAM treatment.

More than simply medical care, Ayurveda offers a philosophy whereby one may prevent unnecessary suffering and live a long, healthy life. Known as the mother of all medical systems, Ayurveda has undergone continuous research, development and refinement over past 5,000 years. Originally from India, Ayurveda is currently experiencing world-wide popularity as a revival sweeps in all continents. Ayurveda employs the judicious application of nutritional guidance, herbal medicines, exercise therapy, transcendental meditation and many special rejuvenation and purification therapies. Preferring to focus on the type of person who has the disease, rather than just understanding the type of disease the person has, Ayurveda is a patient-orientated system of healing.

Ayurveda and the 3 doshas

In Ayurveda, different people with the same disease sometimes receive different diets and herbal plans. Each person’s constitution and the imbalance found in each individual is taken into account.

With Ayurveda, we acknowledge that beneficial daily habits are different for each person, because each person is a unique combination of the 3 fundamental biological principles, which are called "doshas": Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Everybody has all 3 energies - although people experience each of them to a lesser or greater degree.

VATA

A Vata’s frame is usually thin and low in weight with prominent bones and joints. They have thin skin which is dry and rough with a tendency for prominent veins and cold to the touch. Vata usually will have curly, coarse, dry hair. Their teeth will usually be large, crooked and protrude. Both their head and eyes will be small, quick and unsteady. Vatas have variable and scanty appetites. They will be thin as children and have trouble gaining weight. Vatas like sweet, salty and sour foods like cake, crackers, and pickles. They find oily foods comforting and benefit from ghee, a form of clarified butter. Their thirst varies and they will nurse hot drinks to keep them warm. Their bowels are usually hard and dry, and they are prone to constipation. Vatas are hyperactive and can exhaust easily with restless minds that fantasize. They are extremely creative, artistic, with extreme moods of joyfulness and fear, accomplishment and insecurity, and are often anxious. Vatas are erratic and always unpredictable. They are light sleepers with scanty, interrupted sleep patterns.

PITTA

Pitta stands with a medium build, height, and bone structure, with soft, oily skin that’s warm to the touch. They have fair complexions and burn easily. Pitta’s hair is soft and oily and will bald and gray early. They have moderate size, yellowish teeth with soft gums that bleed easily.

Pittas have strong appetites and need large meals to be satisfied, but will not snack. They like sweet, bitter and astringent foods, like candy, green salads and bananas. Pittas like cold drinks. They have frequent bowel movements with soft, oily, loose discharges. Pittas must evacuate immediately when they feel the urge. They are moderately active, but with intensely competitive spirits.

Pitta can be overly assertive and aggressive, highly organized and intelligent, with nearly photographic memories. They become teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, - and get angry when not fed on time! Pittas
are easily irritated and can be dangerous when jealous, which happens often. Pittas are fanatical about their faith.

Pittas sleep short and deep, with fiery dreams of war and violence. They are good orators, but can be sharp and cutting with their speech.

KAPHA

Kaphas are large, big boned, thick and strong. They stand not too tall, but often as the foundation of society. Kaphas have a tendency to be overweight and can become heavy by just looking at food. Their skin is thick, smooth, cool and oily with a tendency to be pale.

Kapha’s hair is thick, wavy, oily with strong even white teeth. They seldom get a cavity. Kaphas have small appetites and eat slowly - many small meals a day - they are the big snackers of society. They like pungent, bitter, and astringent foods like spicy dishes and green salads. But Kaphas especially like dry, crispy things. They rarely drink, and have one full and heavy bowel movement daily.

Kaphas are not very active and must study repeatedly to understand, but will never forget once they learn. Therefore they often prefer repetitious jobs where little innovation is necessary. Kapha people in general are slow, steady and reliable. They are extremely compassionate, forgiving, loving, and patient, often becoming social workers, nurses, and the clergy of different religions. They have a deep, steady faith and highly developed spiritual feelings.

Kaphas sleep deep and long, often dreaming of romantic settings by lakes and rivers, or swimming. They speak slowly in a monotonous voice.

It is important to keep in mind that each of us is a combination of the 3 doshas. In Ayurveda, once you understand your body type or dosha, you can structure a diet for yourself which will really work to make you feel totally balanced and harmonized. Similarly you can design an exercise plan which will benefit your dosha - Kaphas need more stimulation than Vatas, who get frazzled more easily, for example.

Text by: http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/ayurveda.htm

There is a wonderul web-site I found and have tried their products, they offer products that are right for your Dosha.

http://www.bindi.com/about.asp

Why Reflexology?

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic science using the feet as a mini-map of the body. It is a natural non-invasive science of stimulating reflex areas in the feet or hands that correspond to our organs, glands and body parts.

Benefits of Reflexology

1. Reflexology improves the verve and blood supply and circulation.
2. Reflexology relieves and reduces stress and tension.
3. Reflexology assists with detoxification.
4. Reflexology assists the body systems to achieve homeostasis and balance.

How does reflexology work?

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:

• the tips of the toes reflect the head
• the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
• the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
• low back and intestines are towards the heel

He believed that certain areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body. This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology.
Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of "zone therapy" in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930’s into what is now knows as reflexology.
A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.

What will I feel?

Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.
Reflexology shouldn’t be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the Reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.
Some areas may be tender or sore, and the Reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.
If you’re ticklish, not to worry. The Reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.

Why do people get reflexology?

• Stress and stress-related conditions
• Tension headaches
• Digestive disorders
• Arthritis
• Insomnia
• Hormonal imbalances
• Sports injuries
• Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Digestive problems, such as constipation
• Back pain

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.
Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.
Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

How to Make Herbal Liniments

Tea Tree Oil an Essential Oil

I believe that every home should have the Essential Oil Tea Tree Oil handy. Recently when my husband and I did our daily outside workout it proved again the benefits of Tea Tree Oil. While my husband was being chased by pestering insects, I had peace and quite during my morning walk. Always use this oil with caution. It is very strong and has been known to cause rashes in some people. If you use it on your skin, always dilute it with another essential oil such as jojoba. I mix about 3 – 5 drops into the sun-block. Please use your own common sense when using Essential Oils and do your own study, everybody is different and has different reactions.

Attached are a few articles about Tea Tree Oil that will be of interest to you.

Tea Tree Oil Uses and Benefits

Grown in the islands of the south Pacific and Australia, tea trees got their name because their bark, leaves, or twigs were historically used by settlers and travelers as a tea substitute. Australian tea trees, the main source of tea tree oil, are not trees at all, but rather green shrubs that grow in the wet coastal regions of Australia. These shrubs grow very quickly and can reach heights of 7 to 8 feet when mature. Australian tea trees have soft, thick, white bark, and white flowers that bloom in the summer.
The light yellow tea tree oil is produced by steaming the pine-needle-like tea tree leaves to force out the oil which is used mainly in medicine, but also for industrial lubricants and cosmetic products. The oil has a nutmeg-like smell.
Tea tree oil contains chemicals known as terpenoids which are believed to provide the oil its medicinal properties. Australian standards were established for the amount of one particular compound, terpinen-4-ol, which must make up at least 30 and preferably 40-50 of the oil for it can be considered medically useful. Tea tree oil contains yet another compound, cineole, which should make up less than 15 and preferably 2.5 of the oil.
Tea tree oil kills fungus and bacteria, including those resistant to some antibiotics. Tea tree oil is used topically as an antiseptic and anti-infective for bacterial infections, acne, and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. It is also used in connection with insect bites, sunburn, and other minor skin irritations.
Tea tree oil has also been used to kill bacteria in the mouth before dental surgery and to lessen the mouth irritation caused by dental procedures. In patients who suffer from oral candidiasis, a fungal infection of the mouth and throat, tea tree oil mouth rinse may prove effective in reducing symptoms. Other studies have indicated that tea tree oil is also effective when used in connection with nose, throat, and vaginal related infections.
NutritionalTree.com is a great consumer resource that collects user reviews for tea tree oil products.
Tea Tree Oil Dosage and Administration
The amount of actual tea tree oil in various marketed preparations can range anywhere from 1 to 100. Often, the stronger products are used for hard-to-treat infections such as toenail fungus, while 5 to 10 tea tree oil gels have been used successfully to treat acne.
Commonly used dosages and durations include:

• For treating fungal infections of fingernails or toenails use 100 tea tree oil twice a day for 6 months
• For treating athlete’s foot use 10 tea tree oil twice daily for up to one month
• For acne use 5 to 10 tea tree oil once a day indefinitely
• For oral candidiasis use one tablespoonful of 5 tea tree oil solution as a mouth wash taken up to 4 times a day. (Make sure to spit out)

Source http://www.nutrasanus.com/tea-tree-oil.html

Another great source to learn more about Tea Tree Oil is http://www.teatreewonders.com/.

This oil is toxic if ingested. Be very careful when using around domestic animals and when using as an antiseptic in your mouth.

Aromatherapy for healing Cuts and Wounds

It’s been almost two years that my son has a wound on his leg. They have medicated it, checked his blood, and did a biopsy. All came back negative. Which is good, but the wound still did not heal. The Dermatologist looked helpless last time we visited and told us to give my son a sleep aid for deeper sleep in case he scratches the wound at night. Well, that I won’t do. So I am trying something myself. I have been reading a lot about the benefits of Essential Oil and will give it a try. The outcome is still to come. Here is a wonderful link I came across by www.altmd.com.

Aromatherapy/Essential Oils for Cuts and Wounds

Your skin acts as a barrier between your body and the outside environment. A cut or wound on the skin may not be serious but it has the potential of allowing pathogenic organisms into the body. To treat a cut or wound with aromatherapy means applying essential oils to the skin. Certain essential oils can help decrease bleeding, decrease risk of infection, promote wound healing and decrease scarring. You should seek medical help if your wound is from a rusty object, if it bleeds heavily, if it is a deep puncture or if it does not get better in a few days.

Essential oils are produced from herbs by distillation. They are typically used by dissolving them in a carrier oil. Besides essential oils, another form of aromatherapy uses watery distillates or hydrosols that are extracted from herbs by distillation. These products are much more dilute, and thus safer to use on the skin in many cases.

How to Use Essential Oils for Cuts and Wounds

Most essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin undiluted as they are very concentrated and can cause irritation upon application or worse can cause sensitization. You can dilute your essential oil in a carrier oil, which can be almost any type of vegetable oil. Most people have olive oil at home—this makes a good carrier oil. Other carrier oils include walnut oil, almond oil and grapeseed oil.

The rule of thumb for dilution is to every 2 tablespoons of carrier oil add 15 drops of essential oil from a dropper. This will give you a 2.5 percent dilution. You can use slightly more concentrated oil if you are applying it to a small, localized area of the body. Once you make this healing oil, you should use it on the injured area several times a day.

Essential oils can also be used in the bath. Before adding them to the bath, dilute as instructed above so that the essential oil itself does not contact the skin undiluted. The essential oil will typically float on the surface of the water.

How Can Aromatherapy Help Treat Cuts and Wounds?

The first step in treating a cut or wound is to stop the bleeding. If there is severe bleeding, first apply direct pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops. The wound should then be cleaned and treated to prevent infection. Clean the wound with plain water or an herb tea, such as peppermint tea. An herb tea will give some of the beneficial properties of that herb, which include antiseptic action. A wound will heal better if it is open to air so that oxygen can reach it. Don’t apply an oil or balm immediately.

Once the wound is cleaned and examined for severity, you can apply an ointment made from essential oils. Many essential oils have been found to have antibiotic properties and are suitable for treating a wound.

Essential oils that can be used for this purpose include:

• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora, E. globules, E. radiata)
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
• Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
• Juniper (Juniperus communis)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Lemon (Citrus limonum)
• Melissa (Melissa officinalis)
• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
• Orange (Citrus aurantium)
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
• Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Sandalwood (Santalum album)
• Tea tree oil (Malaleuca alternifolia)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Ylang ylang (Canangium odorata)

Of these essential oils, lavender oil is probably the most readily available, safest and most versatile of all.

Making a Healing Oil

To make your own healing oil, combine the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or grape seed oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil or thyme oil

Mix well and apply to your wound.

If the wound is inflamed you may want to use some essential oils that decrease inflammation, which include:

• Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
• German and Roman chamomiles (Matricaria recutita; Chamaemelum nobile)
• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
• Myrtle (Myrtys communis)
• Yarrow (Achillea milleflorum)

Make an oil blend similar to the one above using one of these oils. The use of herbal distillates or hydrosols might also be beneficial for reducing inflammation. These distillates can be used directly on the skin by applying with a cotton ball or spraying with a spray bottle.

Stimulating cell growth to hasten healing can be done with calendula oil. This is not considered an essential oil; it is rather an oil extracted from the calendula (Calendula officinalis) flowers. Studies have found that this oil can stimulate wound healing.

To prevent scarring of the tissue, some people have found that the essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), frankincense (Boswellia carterii) or helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) can help.

Is Aromatherapy for Cuts and Wounds Safe and Effective?

There is much scientific literature that documents the antiseptic activity of essential oils. There are only limited studies examining the use of essential oils on the skin to prevent infection and heal wounds. Several small studies have found benefits to lavender, tea tree and chamomile essential oils. Most documentation of the effects of essential oils on wound healing is in the form of testimonials or historical uses.

The danger of using essential oils includes skin irritation, skin sensitization and photoxicity. Irritation is a minor and temporary effect of the skin becoming red and itchy. This effect can be reversed by removing the essential oil from the skin. Sensitization is more serious and involves an immune system reaction similar to an allergy. In sensitization, the person will typically have no reaction with their first exposure to the sensitizer, but the second exposure will cause a severe skin reaction involving itching, redness and pain. Phototoxicity will cause a more intense reaction to the sun resulting in a deep burn.

Diluting the essential oil can decrease the risks of all of these side effects. Be careful when purchasing essential oils. There are unscrupulous vendors who may encourage unsafe practices, such as using essential oils undiluted directly on the skin. These are marketing ploys and may cause sensitization.

Although essential oils will not support growth of bacteria or fungus, the watery distillates will. Do not use a watery distillate that does not contain an appropriate preservative to prevent growth of microbes. Essential oils are generally said to last a year, but in most cases they can last far longer than that.

Ocean Thoughts Yoga Pictures

  Pictured Heike McDoniel CYT

“Gentle Yoga for Gentle Souls CD” by Heather Till

I have purchased this beautiful CD by my dear friend and teacher Heather Till. It is a truly relaxing CD and an easy to follow Audio CD for Gentle Yoga.

"A journey into the healing world of Heather Till’s therapeutic style of yoga teachings or one into
the vast musical talents of her partner and husband, Perry Smith? This is a choice those taking the journey into “Gentle Yoga for Gentle Souls” will not have to make, as this yoga and relaxation CD allows travelers to journey into both worlds.
Described as grounding, relaxing, calming, inspirational and best of all, do-able, this 55-minute
guided audio is designed especially for those new to yoga or needing a slower pace. Mindfully and masterfully, Till’s gentle and restorative yoga style integrates breath awareness and meditation with a gentle yoga floor routine accompanied by an eclectic mix of chimes, chanting, piano and classical guitar. The first CD produced by the very talented couple surely will not be the last.
Known for her exceptional talent in prenatal, childbirth and post-partum yoga, Till developed her therapeutic approach to yoga to help students with health challenges get the most out of their practice. The 10-year yoga veteran’s clients have included cancer victims and high-risk pregnancy women. “If you can breathe, you can do yoga,” Till says. “It’s everyone’s birthright to be healthy, happy and whole. Yoga’s mindbody practices facilitate this.”
In making “Gentle Yoga for Gentle Souls,” Smith did what he does best – compose on the spot. Improvising music to the movements of dancers or to the voices of others, the musician’s empathic ability to allow the feeling and creative expression of others to flow freely from his music shines in the production. From classical guitar, mandolin, flute, bells, African drums and piano to rock-n-roll, Smith’s diverse musical talents accompany dance classes at UNCW and performances by Turning the Wheel Wilmington and The Dance Cooperative. He also plays guitar and percussion for Cosmic Groove Lizards, No Outlet, The Chickenhead Blues Band, The Sea Pans and The Community Drummers and performs solo regularly on the classical guitar and teaches private guitar lessons."

By Natural Awakening Magazine

Ocean Thoughts Yoga Liquid Flow

Apple Cider Vinegar

I grew up with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). My mom makes herself a wellness drink every morning with ACV, Honey, and hot water. That was her vitamin drink. We also cleaned with it and bathed in it. So the smell did not seem to bother me. I have been using ACV for many years now. ACV is proving to be one of the greatest aids to health known to science. It is 100% natural. ACV kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of common mold, and 80% of germs and viruses. It is a wonderful germ fighter in the home. The benefit is that it is free of dangerous chemicals you are breathing in. Once a month I bath in ACV, it is a natural fighter against yeast and fungus infections of the body and mucus membranes. It is a wonderful cure for athletes foot, acne, eczema, insect bites, and bee stings. If you choose to take a ACV cocktail, mix it with local honey from your are and hot water.  Apples contain enzymes, boron, iron, minerals, trace minerals and fiber and are rich in potassium.  Potassium is the fountain of youth, and artery softener. Check out the book by Bragg “Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System”.

“Toxic poisons are the cause of most troubles in the human body. Most people do not have sufficient vital force to supply the eliminative organs with the strength to remove normal waste from the body. The toxins remain and lodge in the joints and organs of the body. We have a name for each symptom that gives us pain and trouble. Certain toxic wastes that are harmful to the whole body are  rendered harmless by a miraculous substance in organic, raw ACV with the powerful mother. Scientists call this protective action acetolysis.”

Paul C. Bragg N.D., Ph.D.

Do you remember the quote: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” The apple is one of God’s great health-giving foods.

Ocean Thoughts Yoga – Deep Stretches