The month of May is the month to celebrate Mothers and the month of Mother Earth. In Latin May is actually Maia, (meaning "the great one") and is the Italic goddess of spring, the daughter of Faunus, and wife of Vulcan. In the Ayurvedic terms, May in the Pacific Northwest means the month of Kapha; particularly this May with all of the cold and rain! Spring then becomes a season plagued by hayfever, sinus congestion and asthma for many as the winter build up of kapha begins to liquefy and there are more airborne allergens due to the beautiful flowering of our flora. Following is information from Banyan Botanicals to ease you through this seasonal transition. Remember, it's important to detox with each season change. Pancha Karma therapies to reduce kapha are designed to reduce mucous buildup and kapha that has gotten stuck in the tissue layers (looks like cellulite, lipomas, cysts, sinusistis, and extra water weight). Stimulate your lymph system and get that kapha moving using lymphatic brushing. Begin to transition to the next season with your diet just before you change your wardrobe to match the new weather pattern. 

Asthma is a condition consisting of recurrent attacks or shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough with expectoration of mucus. Hay fever typically consists of watery nasal discharge, itchy eyes and nose, and sneezing, and is usually associated with a particular season.

In the United States, there is a rapid increase in the rate of diagnosing asthma, particularly among children. Many reasons may explain this increase including: an increase in the number of environmental chemical pollutants in the air, water, and food; an increase in the use of food additives; and for infants, earlier weaning or earlier introduction to solid food. 
  Hay fever and asthma have similar causal factors and pathogenic tendencies in the body. Allergens can contribute to both of these conditions. The more allergens present, the more intense the reaction of the body. The severity of the response to allergens is also dependent on the nature of each individual's system and how hypersensitive or overloaded with toxins it is. Though asthma is generally broken into two categories, extrinsic (an allergic reaction where there is an increase in allergic antibody) and intrinsic (a reaction to a toxic chemical, cold air, exercise, infection) the physiology of the reactions is very similar.

Ayurvedic therapeutic treatment is relatively the same for both conditions. Using natural methods of improving diet and lifestyle, such as taking herbs and practicing yoga can greatly reduce or even eliminate attacks of asthma and hay fever. In acute asthmatic conditions Ayurveda can be used complementarily (with Western medical treatment) to help reduce symptoms and improve the body's immune response.

The first step in treating asthma and hay fever is to reduce the allergic threshold by avoiding both airborne and food allergens. Removing the cause is not always easy, particularly when the allergen may be prevalent in the outside environment. Indoor environments are much easier to control thanks to HEPA air filters, various anti-allergen bedding materials, carpet removal and cleaning with non-toxic, non-fragrance cleaners. 
 
Reduce food allergens by eliminating processed foods, particularly foods that contain additives, preservatives and food colorings. If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet may be the most effective tool to improve health and eliminate the offending allergen. (This is usually the easiest way to treat children.) Common food allergens are soy, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, shellfish, nuts and citrus. Reducing the allergen load in your diet will improve digestion and strengthen your immune function to better protect against allergies.

Diet
An Ayurvedic diet is a healthy one, rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. For the general treatment of asthma and hay fever, follow a kapha pacifying diet, favoring foods that are light and drying. For more information on this diet, please go to: www.FernLifeCenter.com.
Here are some other general considerations:
· Eliminate dairy products which are typically mucus-forming, particularly cheese and ice cream.
· Eliminate or severely limit alcohol consumption. Many types of alcoholic drinks contain sulfites, a common allergen. Alcohol can also impair immune function.
· Increase fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C.
· Limit salt intake. Several studies, like the one done in 2005 by researchers at Indiana University, have found a higher reactivity of the bronchial membranes when salt intake is high.
Sip hot ginger tea throughout the day to aid digestion and help to cleanse the body of toxins.

Lifestyle
Herbal steams can do wonders for clearing up congested sinuses. Try adding a couple drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of boiling hot water. Put a towel over your head. Lean over the bowl and inhale the steam for several minutes.

Neti is a process of cleansing and purifying the nasal passages with a nasal rinse cup and warm water or saline solution. This practice can be extremely beneficial for people with asthma, allergies or sinus problems. This can be done several times throughout the day and brings immediate relief.

Herbs
Banyan Botanicals Lung Formula blends pippali, licorice, cane sugar and other herbs to nourish and support healthy respiration. Lung Formula helps to strengthen and rejuvenate the respiratory system while bolstering immunity.

Trikatu can be most beneficial in aiding digestion, eliminating toxins and drying up excess mucus in the body.

Immune Support can boost the body's natural defenses and help to decongest the chest and head. It can be taken preventatively before the start of hay fever season or exposure to an allergen.

Include Triphala to support elimination, detoxification and tonification of the gastro-intestinal tract.

Nasya oil is medicated oil administered through the nose. Regular use helps to protect the nose and throat against impurities. Nasya helps to keep the nasal passages clear, increase awareness and improve mental clarity. 

 

Yoga
When the body is tight and stiff, you will have more difficulty breathing than when the body is open and relaxed. The practice of yoga allows the muscles and joints of the body to become more mobile. The tissues become more fluid and supple allowing the body to receive full nourishment of the breath. Poses that directly target the lung area, such as Camel and Bow, are effective in opening the chest and intercostal muscles. When your ribs are able to move better, your lungs will be able to fill with more air.

Yoga can also help to improve posture. Poor posture can be a contributing factor of an asthmatic condition, making diaphragmatic breathing difficult.

The adrenals also play a vital role in protecting the body from asthmatic conditions. The hormones cortisol and epinephrine activate receptors which lead to relaxation of the bronchial muscle and opening of the airways. Child's pose is an effective yoga pose to tonify the adrenal glands.

Pranayama
Practicing deep yogic breathing helps to cleanse and exercise the entire respiratory system. Many times in asthmatic conditions, abnormal breathing habits can create tension within the respiratory muscles. This is why pranayama is best practiced after yoga or meditation when the body is open and relaxed. The key for asthmatics is to strengthen diaphragmatic breathing. Simply bringing awareness to the breath for several minutes can help to slow the breathing rate, increase lung capacity and calm the nervous system.

Meditation
Though it may be difficult to try meditating while experiencing the distracting and persistent symptoms of an allergic condition, it may offer some peace to your daily life. Meditation can help reduce stress levels and curb emotional upset, a possible trigger for asthmatic conditions. Try sitting for meditation during the time of day when symptoms are most mild. The calming and relaxing effect of meditation helps to regulate breathing patterns and improve respiratory function.

Particularly when practiced with yoga and pranayama, meditation can be an effective tool in addressing suppressed emotions. It is common for asthmatics to have a need to address a psychological component regarding not having enough "room to breathe" or lacking support or freedom to express themselves. Meditation is a way to give space to an individual, allowing emotions or feelings to come to light. 
 
Ayurvedic Recipe: Digestive Cleansing Tea

5 c. pure water
1 T. fresh grated ginger root
1 T. turmeric
1 T. dried licorice root

Bring water to a boil. Add herbs. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink.

 

  Fern Life Center now has its very own resident trained Vastu consultants! Keesha and Ajayan recently completed their training with world renowned vastu expert, Michael Mastro. What is Vastu Shastra?
 
 
The ancient science of building, or Vastu Shastra in Sanskrit, is 7,000 to 10,000 years old and comes from the Vedas, the sacred texts of India which also gave us Yoga , Ayurveda (the science of life), and Jyotish (Indian astrology). The Chinese art of feng shui actually came from Vastu 3,000 years ago and was changed for geographical and cultural reasons. Vastu is about balancing the 5 elements (air, space, fire, water, and earth) and 9 planets so that energy, or prana (known in Chinese as chi/qi), moves correctly through any given space. Optimal energy movement and placement of the elements brings greater harmony, prosperity, health, and less stress. This applies to any space; living, working or playing. Ideally, the land and house you live in should line up with the poles of the Earth. Magnetic energy comes from the North and since our bodies also mirror the poles of the Earth, with our heads being the North, it is not healthy to sleep with your head facing North (it repels all that beneficial energy which will affect your finances). It is not necessary to tear down walls or dig up areas of your lot. There are minor corrections and devices that can be used to help energy flow in the direction that brings optimal life abundance. You can read Michael Mastro's book, "The Way of Vastu", which has a lot of information presented in a very readable and understandable format with beautiful photos. You can also have a Vastu consultation done for your home or office with Ajayan or Keesha. Just make an appointment with our front desk. Consultations last about 3 hours and include corrections, a house blessing ceremony and a thorough write up (another hour), along with the health considerations according to Ayurveda. 

Community happenings:
 
What a wonderful week it was to have HH the Dali Lama and the other incredible luminaries that were in Seattle for the Seeds of Compassion conference! But there are more amazing teachers coming our way:
 
Two beautiful women will be in Seattle at the end of May. Don't miss getting Darshan!
Amma (the hugging Saint): http://www.amma.org/tours/amma-tours/seattle-jun08.html will be here May 30th-June 2nd.
Snatam Kaur: http://www.spiritvoyage.com/EventPage.aspx?EventId=TIX-900064 also here May 30th at Seattle Unity Church.
 
Kitcheri Workshop
 
Is your kitcheri less than inspired? Is it a tasteless mush of mung bean and rice?
If you have answered "yes", sigh. This is the cooking class for you!
Kitcheri is Ayurveda's answer to the perfect one bowl meal. We will cook up a couple pots of delicious kitcheri, discuss the six tastes, roast up a couple of spice mixtures to distinguish each kitcheri, cover vege options, protein and rice options and in general hope to get to all kitcheri queries.
Imagine kitcheri as part of a healthy meal plan: always tasty and never boring.
 
Cost $85 per person
June 7th from 9am-1pm
 
 
BioSomatics Workshop
 
BioSomatics is not exercise or yet another strengthening program. It is a series of novel movement patterns that helps to break up habitual muscular contractions that may lead to stiffness, pain and restricted range of motion.
 
Due to stress, trauma and/or habitual movement patterns performed in daily life, our body's illicit specific patterns of muscular contractions that are involuntary, unconscious and out of our control. We "forget 'how to move and control certain muscle groups efficiently. This condition is called "Sensory Motor Amnesia and its attending problems can be avoided and ameliorated through the practice of BioSomatics. With a commitment to doing these simply elegant movement patterns, we can unlearn old patterns and recapture through re-education the sensory awareness and motor control that will allow us to take charge of our bodies, live pain free and age gracefully.
 
Cost $20
June 14th from 9am-11am
 
To visit Julie James's Bio online go

to: http://fernlifecenter.com/team/julie_james.htm 
 

   
Eat Right For Your Body Type
Lecture
Sunday June 15, 2008
Speaker
LMP & Ayurvedic Practitioner Nickole Thornton
 
Eat Right For Your Body Type identifies qualities of food unique to each individual.  Reshaping your diet with the "six tastes" promotes balance within the digestive system.  Discover the organs that correspond to each taste and how to recognize cravings caused by our emotions.  This lecture suits anyone interested in finding harmony through the power of food.  No prior Ayurvedic knowledge is required.
 
Schedule:
10 am - 12 pm
Break: 12 pm to 1:30 pm
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
$85.00 per studen
 
 
Ayurvedic Self Massage Class 
Nickole Thornton
Ayurvedic Practitioner and PMT
Saturday July 19, 2008 at 10am to 12pm
 
"The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work.  By using oil massage daily, a person endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming, and least affected by old age."    Charaka Samhita Vol. 1
 
What to bring: Please, be prepared to damp your garments with oil at Saturday's class.  Wear comfortable clothing, such as loose fitting shorts and a T- shirt or tank top.  Bathing suits may also be worn under your clothing.  Bring an old towel, one or two hand towels, and a yoga mat, if you have one.
 
The Class: You will learn the ancient techniques for keeping your skin young and healthy for your entire life.   The oily application with self-massage helps relieve daily stress and tension, prevention of arthritis, reduces digestive issues, to name just a few!  Moreover, we will discuss the benefits of combining various natural plant oils with traditional techniques for massage application.
 
Cost: $45.00 and receive a 4oz bottle with organic massage oil for use during the class and to take home!
                                                      
Nickole L. Thornton is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and nationally certified Licensed Massage Therapist.  She has traveled to various yoga centers across the United States providing Lectures, Consultations, and Panchakarma since 2005.  She graduated from The Ayurvedic Institute under the study of Dr. Vasant Lad. Her passion for holistic health is a lifelong quest. In November 2008, she plans to attend the Sivananda yoga teachers training course in India!
 
To visit Nickole Thornton's bio go to:  http://fernlifecenter.com/team/nickole_thornton.htm 

Fun new products at Fern Life Center:
 
Try our aromatherapy nebulizer to get that essential oil out into your environment for maximum effect of your essential oils! It's quiet, efficient, and saves you money by conserving your oils.
 
Tee shirts are coming! A new line of beautiful tee shirts will be here just in time for summer fun!
 
Look out for our summer cooling spritzer sprays. They will join the shelves with our wonderful healing skin creams and soothing bath salts in the Fern Simples line up.
 
So much to learn and so little time!
 
Free Ayurvedic introductory workshop Saturday, May 24th 10-11 am.
 
Coming soon: Relationship workshop with Keesha and Ajayan

Keesha Ewers
Fern Life Center