CHYAVANPRASH: A Spoonful Of Sugar...
| Fall is the season of vata dosha. This is when the weather becomes cooler, changeable and windy. You may notice signs of vata imbalance creeping up on you: cracking joints, dry skin,emotional instability, cold hands and feet, constipation and dry skin. You can avoid these problems if you start wearing additional layers of clothing, eating more soups/stews/stir fries, drinking chai, adding ghee to your diet, taking warm baths, doing alternate-nostril breathing and applying warm oil to your body on a regular basis. Be sure to wear a scarf or hat to make sure you stay warm when the chill sneaks up on you. (The change of seasons is a perfect time to stop by to discuss adjustments to your routine, diet and herbs.)
This is also a good time to add Chyavanprash (SHA-van prash) to your daily routine! Chyavanprash is a nutritive jam used widely in ayurveda. It's an herbal mixture that contains a large dose of amalaki (Indian gooseberry), a fruit exceptionally high in antioxidants, and is considered a rejuvenative, an immunity builder and provider of energy and vitality. It's suitable for all ages, shapes and sizes.
As Mary Poppins, unknowing ayurvedic practitioner, teaches, "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in the most delightful way!" Chyavanprash mixes herbs into a base of cane sugar, honey and ghee (clarified butter) so it tastes great to kids and grown-ups alike. It's sweet and tastes mostly of cardamom. The ghee, sugar and honey actually act as a "delivery system" for the herbs and carries them into the tissue systems. Take a teaspoon a day straight out of the jar, on toast or mixed into warm milk to help you stay healthy and energized.
Chyavanprash stimulates metabolism and enkindles the digestive fire. It is useful for debility, fatigue and bolstering the body against the effects of a stressful lifestyle. Having a special affinity for the lungs, Chyavanprash is useful for conditions such as colds, flu, asthma, allergies, chest congestion and coughs. This herbal blend supports the proper function of the immune system and helps maintain health and well-being throughout the year.
After trying many brands of chyavanprash, the one i like best is Banyan Botanical's. Not only does it taste delicious, it's the only chyvanprash that's completely organic.
Read more and buy Chyavanprash here.
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GROOMED L.A.
| I recently learned of a fabulous beauty/health blog based in Los Angeles, GROOMED L.A.
GROOMED L.A. is, in their own words, "A Grooming Junkie's guide to Los Angeles' insider beautifying destinations. The Who, What and Where of Who's Who in the biz of making you look and feel beautiful." It's the brainchild of Emily Wagner, "Los Angeles' go-to Beauty, Health and Fitness Concierge".
One of GROOMED L.A.'s contributors, Alison, is a very dear friend who wrote this recent (and glowing) piece about KK Ayurveda skincare products. KK Ayurveda in GROOMED L.A.
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Lots Of Relaxin' Going On
| More CONSCIOUS RELAXATION: SERENITY NOW! dates have been added for October, November and December at Tejas, Yoga House, Yoga Now and Gilda's Club. Please see my EVENTS page for details.
If you, or anyone you know, is being treated for cancer, please check with Gilda's Club regarding their program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I'll be leading a Stress-Free Breath & Meditation session at Prentice on October 14 at 4 pm. It's free and very helpful.
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Marma (Energy Balancing) Treatment
| Marma points are ayurvedic accupressure points, many of which correspond to Chinese acupuncture points. Gentle pressure applied to these points is both relaxing and healing. Adding the scents of appropriate essential oils creates an aromatherapy, energy-blancing treatment par excellence. "Where would I find such a treatment?", you might ask. "Right here!", I might reply.
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 Love,
Karen Klutznick
312.445.8532
KK AYURVEDA
KK@KKAyurveda.com
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