Ayurveda: The Art of Being

In this amazing documentary. Ayurveda is explored and explained in great detail.

I should warn you, it’s a full length documentary, but it’s sooooo worth the time to watch it.

Enjoy!

Tiffany
Personal Alchemy

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Originally posted 2008-05-16 08:22:21. Republished by Old Post Promoter

What is Panchakarma?

If you’ve read about or studied Ayurveda at all, you’ve no doubt come across the term “Panchakarma”. But unless you’ve read up on Panchakarma specifically, you probably have little idea what it is.

In searching for a good definition, I came across a web site that explained it like this:

“Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word meaning “five actions.” In ancient times these included massage, steam treatments, enema, blood letting, and emesis. In modern times, massage, steam and enema are more commonly used while blood letting and emesis are rarely used. These “actions” were traditionally performed during the transitional seasons of the year, as hot shifts to cool in the fall and as cool shifts to warm in the spring.”

When visiting an Ayurvedic practitioner these days, panchakarma may be prescribed as part of your treatment therapy. The most common “prescriptions” of this nature are massage, steam and enemas. Colonics can also be used in place of enemas. While colonics don’t sound very appealing, I can tell you from personal experience that they are actually quite comfortable, even for the most apprehensive person (me!).

Basically, Panchakarma is a set of five different therapies that purify the body. The idea is to get the body completely cleaned out in every way possible, so that the body can regain it’s own healthy balance.

Well worth the effort.

Namaste,
Tiffany
Personal Alchemy

Originally posted 2008-04-28 15:54:50. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Shira… what?

If you havent’ tried this amazing spa treatment yet, I highly recommend it! Aimed at bringing balance to both the mind and body, this incredible treatment is a must!

Shirodhara is just one aspect of Ayurvedic healing. The word shirodhara is defined as: “shiro,” meaning head, and “dhara,” meaning flow. It’s been my experience that most spas will do Shirodhara as an add-on service to an Ayurvedic massage. During your massage, the therapist will slowly pour warm, fragrant oil over your forehead, onto the “third eye” area. The oil will trickle down over your head and down to your neck and shoulders, upon which time, your therapist will perform an Ayurvedic neck and shoulder massage. You will then be wrapped in a cocoon of soft, warm towels.

Can we say “pure heaven”???!!

Ask your local spa if they offer this service. I should warn you, it can get a bit pricey. But it’s so worth it!

 

Originally posted 2008-03-06 23:08:11. Republished by Old Post Promoter

10 tips for a great massage

Having been a massage therapist for 15 years now, I’ve learned a thing or two about how people approach a massage. Some people, while they like getting a massage, don’t really know how to relax and enjoy it. So here are some tips to help you better enj0y your next massage, Ayurvedic or otherwise.

1. Make sure you are visiting a professional establishment. There is nothing worse than getting your hopes up for a great massage, and then feeling to uncomfortable to remove your shoes, much less any other article of clothing.
2. Yes, it’s okay to take off your underwear, just as much as it is okay not too. A trained therapist will never see anything they shouldn’t. Believe me, we don’t want to either. We’re good at keeping you covered. But allowing yourself this type of vulnerability, can often times help you relax even more. Just be sure you are with a therapist you trust. And folks, PLEASE, get UNDER the sheet when getting on the table. Especially when you do decide to remove your underwear. It’s greatly appreciated!
3. Iif you have a CD that you would like to listen too, feel free to bring it along. I’ve given massages to classical music, new age music, and even AC DC and the Rolling Stones! It’s all about what helps you relax.
4. Communicate with your therapist. If the pressure is too hard, let us know. If you really prefer to have the entire hour of massage done on your back, let us know. We are completely willing to tailor your experience to your likes and needs. But we won’t know what those are unless you tell us.
5. Did you find a massage oil that you just love? Bring it in! We’re happy to use whatever products you prefer.
6. Here’s a really important one, PLEASE share your health information with us! We need to know if you are diabetic, have lupus, are pregnant and so much more. We don’t want to hurt you in any way. If you have blood clots, we definitely need to know, even if you are on medication. Sharing your health information is critical for your massage therapist. So don’t hold back. For some people, it can literally mean the difference between life and death. (Thank goodness nobody has ever died on my table, but I know therapists who have had it happen!) So please don’t withhold anything in that department! We promise to keep it confidential.
7. Tipping: This is always an uncomfortable topic for us to talk about. However, it is one of the ways we make our living. Especially if we are working for a massage company. 15- 20% is typical, and polite. So on a $65 massage, that’s about $10-$13 dollars.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask about the training and qualifications of your therapist. We like to brag about all the classes we’ve taken. So if you have any concerns in that area, just ask. It will help you relax more to know you are in well-trained hands.
9. Please drink the water we offer you after a massage. Lactic acid and other toxins get released during massage, and can give you a major headache if you don’t flush them out with plenty of water. So be sure to drink more when you get home as well.
10. If you didn’t enjoy your massage as much as you had hoped, don’t be afraid to try other therapists. Massage is a very individual thing. Every massage therapist gives a massage that is as unique as they are. We get mostly the same training, but after a while, we develop our own techniques and style. It’s all about finding a good match. Believe me, when you find the perfect therapist, it’s a match made in heaven.

 If you have any questions about massage therapy, feel free to post! I’d be happy to answer questions.

Enjoy!
Tiffany
Personal Alchemy

Originally posted 2008-03-10 16:50:51. Republished by Old Post Promoter

A beautiful head of hair

I don’t know about you, but every Indian woman I’ve ever seen has an incredibly beautiful head of hair. It’s always thick and full whether it’s gray or not.

Ayurvedic hair treatments can go a long way towards helping anyone achieve a nice head of hair. While us westerners do everything possible to get the oil OUT of our hair, those following the Ayurvedic lifestyle know the value of putting oil INTO the hair. (Hot oil treatments, anyone?)

Here’s what you do:

Once you know your dosha, purchase a dosha specific oil. Put it in a bowl, and place the bowl in warm to hot water until the oil is nice and warm. Then, slowly massage your scalp with it. This will encourage blood circulation in the scalp and conditions the hair at the same time.

Wet a towel with hot water (don’t burn yourself!), and wrap your head and hair completely. Wrap this with plastic wrap to keep the heat in longer. The longer you leave the oil in your hair, the better. Shampoo as you normally would.

Do this regularly, and you’ll see a difference quickly.

Enjoy!
Tiffany
Personal Alchemy

Originally posted 2008-04-23 15:21:38. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Personal Rituals

Personal Rituals are a very individual thing. You may not realize it, but you have your own personal rituals already. From your routine in the morning, to the order in which you do things when going to bed at night, personal rituals are already a part of your life.

The trick is, to change those rituals just a bit, so that they are helping you to reduce the stress in your life.

One important change is in the way you care for your body. You may exercise and eat right, but there is always more you can do here.

One very important personal ritual that is often overlooked, is self massage. Massage in any form lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, and has many many other positive effects on the body, including stress relief. We often feel we don’t have time for this type of personal ritual. But the trick is to just make the time. It doesn’t have to take an hour out of your day. Try rubbing your feet with a nice lavender oil before going to bed, or moisturizing your body with an invigorating eucalyptus oil in the morning to get you going.

Meditation is also an important personal ritual, with many positive effects (similar to massage!) on the body. Just ten minutes a day can have a wonderful effect on your health. The same benefits can be had from a daily yoga practice.

The idea here, is to take the time to do these things, even if that time is just a few moments out of your day. The more you care for yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for those around you. So give it a try. What do you have to lose except your stress?

Do you have any personal rituals that help you unwind at the end of the day? I’d love to hear about them. email me, or post a comment! Either way, I love to hear from my readers.

Namaste,
Tiffany
Personal Alchemy

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Originally posted 2008-05-14 07:20:24. Republished by Old Post Promoter

The power of a bath

A bath can be a wonderfully healing experience. Done correctly, it is truly one of life’s great personal rituals.

But how do you turn a bath from a simple cleansing ritual, to a therapeutic, stress relieving personal ritual?

Here are some tips to help you relax and unwind ayurvedicly.

• Atmosphere is everything. Don’t just fill the tub with water and jump in, be sure to make the environment as clean and relaxing as possible. Light a candle, use lush towels, place a flower in a vase where you can focus on it’s beauty, or anything that will focus your mind on how wonderful this experience is.
• Use bath products that are appropriate for your dosha. It’s pointless to set yourself up for a relaxing massage, only to dump a chemically enhanced, headache inducing bath oil or salt into the tub. It does nothing for you or your stress levels.
• Use this quiet time to meditate, or use visualization to relax your tensed muscle. The idea is to focus on your personal needs and to nurture your self and your body as much as possible.
• When your bath is finished, be sure to moisturize your skin while it is still damp. This will seal moisture into your skin. This is the perfect opportunity for Abhyanga (self-massage).

The main idea is to turn a plain ol’ bath into a nurturing and tension relieving experience. Take the time to pamper yourself, and watch your spirit soar!

Namaste,
Tiffany
Personal Alchemy
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Originally posted 2008-05-26 21:07:54. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Massage for one

Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic term for “self-massage”.  Ayurveda promotes Abhyanga on a daily basis. Why?

1. It’s good for circulation
2. It releases toxins that build up in the body
3. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure
4. It’s relaxing. A great way to start or end the day.
5. It’s very moisturizing for the skin
6. It encourages personal ritual. Something severely missing in our culture.

How do you do Abhyanga?
It is best to do it first thing in the morning, or last thing at night. Be sure to use dosha appropriate oils. Massage yourself from head to toe, and don’t forget your scalp (Especially you vatta’s and pitta’s who are prone to thin hair and hair loss)!

Start from the top, and work your way down. Use long, slow strokes along the muscles, and circular strokes around the joints, such a knees and elbows.

Best oils for each dosha
Vata – use this oil (sesame base)
Pitta – use this oil (sunflower base)
Kapha – use this oil (safflower base)
Tridoshas – use this oil (safflower base)

Last, but not least
Just do it. You must take the time to care for yourself. You’ll find life much easier if your body’s basic needs are taken care of. I wish you a very relaxing massage.

Namaste,
Tiffany
Personal Alchemy
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Originally posted 2008-05-21 07:32:25. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Ayurveda and Pregnancy

If you are expecting a little one any time soon, chances are, you are concerned about your health and the health of your baby. Even if you have no major illnesses or injuries, the health of you and your baby will be of chief concern during your pregnancy. (I remember mine quite well!)

Prior to getting pregnant
It is optimal for both soon-to-be parents to detox their bodies as much as possible. Panchakarma is highly recommended.  Above all else, relax! I can tell you from personal experience that, the more you worry, the less likely you are to become pregnant. Just stay calm. It will happen when and as it should (providing you don’t have any fertility issues). And as with the rest of your pregnancy, you must eat healthy. It is all the more difficult for your body to nurture a new life, if you are not eating properly.

There is an old system of birth prediction in Ayurveda that is still practiced in south India, and is very similar to the Chinese birth chart you can find on the internet. Basically, it says, if you want a boy, you should get pregnant on day 10, 12, 14 or 16 of your menstrual cycle. If you want a girl, you should conceive on day 9, 11, 13, or 15. I don’t know how much truth there is to this, but what the heck. It’s fun to try!

Once you are pregnant
Ghee is very beneficial during pregnancy. However, you should see an Ayurvedic practitioner to know exactly when and how much you should consume. This wonderful buttery oil is very beneficial for both mother and fetus.

Be sure to apply oil to your belly every day, beginning the moment you find out you are pregnant. This is the only way to minimize stretch marks. There are various oils that people will swear by, but the most important thing is to use a natural oil, and to apply it daily, even before you begin to show. Use oil, not lotion.

After the first trimester, it is safe to have prenatal massage, and you should have one on a regular basis. Avoid ALL massage during your first trimester (even the massage part of a manicure or pedicure!) as this can induce a miscarriage. Sorry ladies, your husbands can’t massage your feet during this time.

After birth
There are various herbal remedies that will help your body recover from birth. There are also techniques used in massage that can help your tummy get back to normal, and help your lower back recover. It is best to see an Ayurvedic doctor for these recommendations.

I can tell you in my own experience, that caring for yourself after birth is one of the hardest, yet most important things you can do. All you can think about is, caring for your baby, and getting some sleep! But beyond that, you must be kind to yourself, and give yourself at least 6 months to recover completely. Avoid returning to work for as long as possible. Allow others to help you around the house. Avoid trying to do it all yourself. Rely on family and friends to help you. This is vital to your recovery.

I wish you and your little one, all the best in life.

Namaste,
Tiffany
Personal Alchemy
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Originally posted 2008-05-23 06:20:19. Republished by Old Post Promoter