Charleston Yogi

Especially with twenty degree differences in a matter of days, we are once again gently reminded that despite our technical advances, we are a firm part of nature and our bodies are changing with the seasons. The science of life, called Ayurveda, can help us to maintain health, vitality, beauty, energy, and bliss by living with the seasons and understanding the effect on our bodies.
At the moment, we may experience changes in appetite, cravings for sweets and comfort foods, low motivation and energy, restlessness of the mind and anxiety, fatigue, constipation and gas, insomnia or disturbed sleep, achy joints or cracking of them, dry skin and eyes, and an overall experience of “blah”. The body often tries to compensate the dryness by storing more water in the tissue, including mucus. That creates a great toxic breeding ground for disease like colds and flu: hence flu season is usually when the seasons change.
To prevent all of this, here are some simple guidelines by Vasant Lad, one of the leading experts in Ayurveda. Before you read further, keep in mind that these are simply suggestions and you may pick and chose one or a few that resonate with you. If you are not sure where to start, sit in silence and ask your inner guide. If your body is already affected by too much dryness, some of these suggestions may agitate you or worry you or you simply think-yeah right! Interpret that as a possible sign that you are out of balance…

Lifestyle Tips
• Wake at 5am and go to bed around 10pm.
• Nap if needed in the afternoon for 20 min.
• Practice Yoga in the morning if possible
• Avoid vigorous exercise
• Avoid intense stimulation like loud noise or loud music
• Meditate daily

Diet and herbs
• Avoid caffeine
• Prefer cooked food over raw foods. I.e. oatmeal for breakfast, brown rice with steamed veggies and protein for lunch and dinner, adding clarified butter (ghee) is very grounding and nurturing. The sweetness from the grains balances out cravings for sweets and keep the body energized and fit.
• Eat produce that is in season, like pears, squash, carrots, …
• Stews and soups for dinner are great.
• Avoid gas forming foods like raw salads, onions, broccoli, raw apples, beans
• Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha or “healthy vata” are very effective right now. (available at whole foods or www.banyanbotanicals .com)

Yoga
• Hold postures longer than you are inclined to.
• Focus on even breath throughout your practice
• Forward folds, backbends and twists are particularly great, especially in seated versions.
• Hold seated postures longer than perhaps comfortable
• Shouderstand and headstand in moderation.
• When traveling, use Childs pose to ground yourself upon arrival. Travel, especially flying increases imbalance.
• Prefer gentle yoga styles like yin yoga, hatha yoga, gentle and restorative classes. (especially if you have any of the mentioned symptoms, a style like yin will be like super medicine)
• Gentle alternate nostril breathing after postures
• Followed by 10-15 minutes of meditation.

One of my favorite tools is bathing in 1/4 cup sesame oil for 20 minutes at night or in the early morning. simply add the oil to your bathwater and relax.  watch out when you exit your tub.

Be well and please write me if you have any questions.

Namaste,

Elli Boland

Holistic Personal Coach

elli@coreform.com