|
|
|
|
 |
It's Sizzlin' Hot! Try Some  Really Cool Ayurveda Greetings!
In Ayurveda there are three doshas formed from the basic elements of nature -- Vata (air and space), Kapha (earth and water) and Pitta (mostly fire and some water). Each dosha has its role in the physical - emotional - mental - spiritual bodies and when each dosha is in balance they work together to fulfill their functions with intelligence and grace. Any one of the three out of balance tips the homeostasis of the whole. What disrupts this balance? Well, what and how we eat, our lifestyle habits, our relationship with the Divine, the quality of the flow of life force through us, and yes, the weather are among the forces that affect our balance.
Each dosha has it's season. Since Pitta is about mostly fire, you guessed it, summer is the Pitta season (June-September). No matter which of your doshas dominates your constitution or which typically out of balance, your Pitta dosha is being assaulted by all of this sizzling hot weather and so you likely need to balance your Pitta in these summer months. The purpose of this August eNews is to support you as make informed choices and take action to balance your Pitta so you can enjoy a healthy cool summer. For knowledge on the doshas and how they operate, visit the resource area at RadiantLifeAyurveda.com |
|
|
|
Hot, Hot, Hot! How do we know our Pitta is out of balance? Look for these signs:
- body heat is up
- occurrence of conditions such as heartburn, heat rash/prickly heat, bloodshot eyes, digestive complaints, or diarrhea
- increased aggression, irritability, anger, judgement, criticism, losing your "cool" and jealousy
- awakening between 2 and 4am
If one or more of these is you, your Pitta needs cooling.
|
|
Your Pitta Balancing Shopping List!
Here is the most basic Ayurveda principle. Like increases like while dislike (opposites) decrease like. For example, if you are hot and you eat chili peppers you will get hotter. But if you are hot and you eat watermelon you will become cooler. Pitta is fire and also one Pitta location is the stomach and a primary function is digestion. So you get major triple-effect Pitta balancing benefits when you cool the fires of Pitta by eating cooling food. Pitta is cooled/balanced by eating sweet, astringent, and bitter foods. Some cool foods you will know but others may surprise you. Here is a Pitta balancing, "cool" shopping list. - zucchini
- asparagus
- cucumbers
- steamed greens
 - broccoli
- mung beans
- white basmati rice
- grapes
- sweet pineapple
- coconut,
- cherries
- watermelon (always eat alone)
- sweet juicy pears
- mangoes
- milk
- fennel, mint, coriander, cilantro, parsley
Avoid
- hot spices, hot peppers
- yogurt
- sour cream
- tomatoes
- garlic and onions
- alcohol and caffeine
Please note: Even though you might choose more raw foods in the summer, it is still important to eat a fair share of warm cooked foods that are necessary for digestion and good nutrition for not only Vata and Kapha types, but also Pittas.
|
:Classes Fall 2011  Rhonda Egidio, Ph. D. is offering classes at various sites in the Kalamazoo area. Rhonda is an Ayurvedic Practitioner with great passion for sharing the wisdom of Ayurveda and the simple yet effective practices that can make important upgrades to our digestion and overall radiant health. For more information visit: http://RadiantLifeAyurveda.com
Note: early rate are for registrations and payments received one week before the event. Ayurveda Intensive Ayurveda Basics Intensive. Settle in for a full day of learning about Ayurveda including preparing and eating an Ayurveda lunch together. Saturday September 24. 9am-3pm. Early rate $75, Regular $90. details - - - Ayurveda at Awake and Aware:
Upgrade Your Life to Radiant! Saturday October 1 & 8. 1:00-3:00pm. $40 early rate or $50 regular. (aka Ayurveda Basics. This course or equivalent knowledge is needed as a foundation for other Ayurveda courses. Special priced to gt you started.)
Ayurveda Fall Detox and Rejuvenation. Tuesdays, October 18 & 25. 7:15-9:00pm. $65 early rate or $75 regular
Eat for Radiant Health: Ayurveda Seasonal Menu Planning. Tuesdays, November 1 & 8. 7:15-9:00pm. $65 early rate or $75 regular
Combo last 2 for $120 Early rate or $130 regular. Early rate is 1 week before the class. details for Awake and Aware Ayurveda classes
- - - Ayurveda at Suzanne's Organics A Taste of Ayurveda in 2 parts: The Wisdom of Life and Strategies for Radiant Health. Will be two Monday evenings in September, 6:30-8:30pm-- check the website for dates. |
|
Keep your Cool!
Summer is the Pitta season in Ayurveda. Pitta is the dosha of fire so we want to keep our Pitta pacified by being cool. Here are some tips for pacifying Pitta:
- Upon awakening, do some yoga asanas, including the Moon Salutation (Chandranamaskar), Tree, Boat, Bow, Triangle and all
 abdominal twists. Soften and surrender during your practice. - Practice cooling pranayama after your asanas.
- Follow with a peaceful meditation. Regular meditation quiets the active pitta mind and releases anger and needs for control.
- Give yourself a coconut oil abhyanga (full body massage). Visit the New World Ayurveda site for instructions.
- Wear clothing of light texture and choose fabrics like cotton, linen and silk of white, blue and green. Red and yellow shades can increase the fire.
- Spend time in nature with early morning walks or walks in the moonlight.
- Learn to appreciate others
- Use cooling,calming aromatherapy essential oils like rose, sandalwood, jasmine or lavender in spritzers (with water), massage oils, or essential oil burners (in water) Never use the oils directly on the skin.
- Take time to rest.
- Laugh and smile more often.
|
|
Personal Ayurveda Assessment
Rhonda Egidio Ph.D., provides Ayurvedic assessments of primary health concerns, diet, sleep and lifestyle. The assessment includes pulse and tongue diagnosis to determine your Constitutional Dosha balance (prakruti) and your current imbalance (vikruti). You will receive a detailed written summary of your dosha states/assessment results and a list of personal recommendations to support you in restoring balance
Time and Cost: 1 1/2 - 2 hours for the Initial Consultation & Assessment. Total price for the assessment and written report is $120. Follow up sessions are $60. A follow up session is highly valued to discus and activate the selected recommendations so receive both for $160, a savings of $20.
|
|
|
Summer is here and we have an abundance of fresh local produce. Learn how Ayurveda can help you to make the most of this season of abundance by making food and lifestyle choices to restore your radiant health. Check out a workshop or consider a private consultation as you ever move on the path of light.
Cheers and blessings,
Rhonda Egidio
Radiant Life Ayurveda rhonda@radiantlifeayurveda.com
269-345-2991
http://www.radiantlifeayurveda.com
Ayurveda information shared here is for general educational purposes and is not intended to substitute for medical or psychological advice. Please consult with a qualified medical professional in these matters.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
Ayurveda Intensive September 24.
Ayurveda at Awake and Aware-various topics. October 1 & 8, 18 & 25, November 1 & 8.Taste of Ayurveda at Suzanne's Organics 2 Mondays in September.
|
|
Featured Tip
Cucumber Mask
Here is a smoothing, and hydrating mask to cool and nourish our faces that have been out in the sun.
 Ahhhhh. Mix 1 Tbsp grated cucumber plus 1 Tbsp yogurt. Add green or white clay to stiffen mixture and bind.
Leave on for 15 minutes while you relax and rinse with cool water.
|
|
Bonus Tips
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a miracle plant for the summer. Grow your own to have on hand for sunburns and  soothe it on your skin. You can also purchase aloe vera juice in health stores. This is cooling and 1/4 cup can be added to pomegranate juice for extra Pitta pacifying.
Roses balance Pitta, particularly Sadhaka Pitta a subdosha of Pitta located in the heart and which governs emotions.
Roses are cooling and yet they enhance agni. Try spritzing yourself with rosewater or drinking rose tea.
|
|
In Our Community
Kalamazoo Farmers' Market on Bank Street, between Lake Street and Stockbridge Avenue
June - October:
Tues, Thurs & Sat from 7 am to 2 pm or until the last seller leaves the market.
|
|
Recipe of the Month
Watermelon Cooler
2-3 cups diced seeded watermelon
5-7 fresh mint leaves, washed
Blend the watermelon and mint leaves to a smooth puree and serve cool, garnished with the sprig of fresh mint.
Spiced Coconut Smoothie
Water and meat from one  young coconut
2-3 Medjool dates, pits removed and chopped roughly 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
Blend all ingredients to a smooth puree.
|
|
Your Reception of Mailings
I will send out a monthly newsletter and perhaps an occasional additional mailing. If you do not wish to receive future mailings from Radiant Life Ayurveda, please unsubscribe at the bottom of this email. This mailing list will not be sold or shared with others in respect for you privacy. Rhonda
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
