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Greetings!
 The key to staying healthy when there are outbreaks of the flu or when we are in "cold season", is to keep our immunity system strong. Immune system strength in Ayurveda is called "bala". Certainly it makes good sense to wash our hands frequently, but there are always airborne germs circulating around. Sometimes we get a flu bug and sometimes we don't. Some people become ill and others not with similar exposures. What is going on? The larger factor in whether or not we take on illness, is the strength and response-ability of our immune system. A strong immune system is critical when there are outbreaks in illnesses. The tips in this eNews will build your immune system to prevent susceptibility to viruses and bugs as well as to help you to mend if you have an illness to speed along recovery. For more knowledge in this area check out the "Strengthening the Immune System" workshop on March 25th that is listed below.
Live with radiant intention and be well, Rhonda
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Immune System: How it Works
We need a strong immune system to protect against threats from micro organisms in the forms of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Our immune system works 24/7 without our notice until something goes wrong and an infection takes hold. Each day we inhale thousands of germs and our immune system does its job.  Occasionally, however, bacteria or viruses make it past the immune system response and we get a flu, cold, or perhaps we swallow germs that are not handled by our immune system and we get food poisoning. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. White blood cells are produced from bone marrow and carried in the blood to organs where they develop and organize to launch our major immune system responses against intrusion. White blood cells produce antibodies which can neutralize bacteria and viruses and they can attach to infected cells and destroy them. Their presence in our lymph system enables the lymph nodes to filter out germs. When they do, they swell up as in swollen glands. That is a sign of the immune system working.
In summary, your immune system: - Creates a barrier to prevent bacteria and viruses from entering your body.
- Detects and eliminates bacteria or viruses that do manage to get into the body
- Eliminates unwanted/infected cells such as cancer cells.
All of us get sick some time or another. A goal of Ayurveda is to build a "strong like bull" immune system to prevent disease and conditions as well as to restore health when illness does occur.
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Classes in Kalamazoo
Rhonda Egidio, Ph. D. 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 info visit: http://RadiantLifeAyurveda.com
Expanding Your Yoga Instruction with Ayurveda
March 10, 9am-4pm. $100 includes lunch. Details
(go to page then scroll down)
Strengthening the Immune System
Monday March 25th - 5:15-7pm, $25
Ayurveda & Weight Management
Ayurveda Basics
April 20, 2013. Oak Park, IL. Details next issue.
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Top Ten Ayurveda Immune System Boosters
The goal of Ayurveda is to strengthen our whole system. During the winter we need to take a few extra steps to boost our immune system so it can effectively do its job. Check out these tips:
Diet
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Eat a solid diet consisting of warm fresh-prepared food and  drink. Soups, stews and cooked fruit can boost immunity strength. Select vegetables and grains to balance your dosha (dosha assessment and balance tips) and also to balance vata since winter is vata season-- basmati rice and couscous; sweet, juicy fruits such as cooked apples or pears; squashes, zucchini, and asparagus, which is especially good for strengthening the immune system;
- Cook your food with immune-enhancing spices such as ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper to enhance agni (digestive fire) and reduce ama (toxins).
- Limit sugar and alcohol intake. Simple sugars impair white blood cell activity leading to a depressed immune system. Alcohol can impair white blood cells mobility.
Lifestyle
- Recognize that the transition between seasons and the dryness and cold of winter puts stress on the immune system and makes you more susceptible to illness. Take extra care to stay warm and moist during this time.
- Take meals at regular times each day. Regular meals help to prepare the body for a time of nourishment by increasing appetite and enhancing digestion. Regularity decreases vata and winter is the vata season.
- Give yourself a warm abhyanga sesame oil massage daily. Follow with a warm shower or bath.
- Get enough sleep to allow your organs to rejuvenate and for digestion to be complete. In bed by 10pm and up at or before sunrise is often recommended with Ayurveda. Make sure you are getting enough sleep to be rested.
- Integrate exercise such as yoga and walking into your daily routine. Get moving and stretching to enhance circulation and to consistently move toxins out of the body. Pranayama, a yogic breathing technique, is excellent for cleansing and
 strengthening the body and mind. This article on regulating our breath for healing by Rolf Sovik of the Himalayan Institute is smart and thorough on the topic.
Herbs and Spices
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Drink warm water and especially immunity tea (to the right) or hot spice water (1/2 tsp fennel, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp coriander seeds in a quart of boiled water) throughout the day to keep your tissues hydrated.
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Ashwagandha is an often recommended Ayurveda herb that is an adaptogen and deep rejuvenative to help the body strengthen immunity. Ashwagandha is reported to increase the infection fighting effect of white blood cells which become depleted during stress and are soldiers of a strong immune system.
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Personal Ayurveda Assessment
Rhonda Egidio Ph.D., provides Ayurvedic assessments of primary health  concerns, diet, sleep and lifestyle and offers Ayurvedic recommendations. Check out assessment and session options. Rhonda Egidio, Radiant Life Ayurveda 269-345-2991
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Upcoming Events
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Awake and Aware:
Expanding Your Yoga Instruction with Ayurveda
March 10
Sangha Yoga:
Strengthen the Immune System March 25
Ayurveda and Weight Management April 15
Yoga Trek:
Ayurveda Basics April 20
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Immune System Strengthening Tea
I love the taste of this.
 Add a 1 " piece of fresh ginger sliced, a stick of cinnamon and 2 black peppercorns or trikatu powder (ayurveda herb) to a quart of boiled water. Put in a thermos Drink through the day. Add honey per taste.
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Turmeric:
The Miracle Spice
Turmeric invigorates the blood and strengthens weakness. It is known as a cleanser of the liver, an antiseptic that helps the intestines to clear bacteria and ama, and an anti- inflammatory.
A recommended Ayurveda cold and flu remedy is: Mix 1 tsp each of ginger powder, turmeric and black pepper. Take ½ tsp of this mixture with warm water or honey twice a day. |
Quotables "Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about." Rumi
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Staying Healthy While Traveling
Travel, especially air travel, can put us into tight quarters with people who are ill. Whether you get sicks depends more on susceptibility than on exposure. 
Airplanes are filled with dry air.
When the sinuses dry they produce mucous to combat the dry air. Mucous is a breeding ground for bacteria or a virus. So, keep your sinuses lubricated with some sesame oil (massage variety not the cooking oil) or an Ayurveda mixture called nasya oil. Oil your nostrils regularly and before, during, and after a plane trip.
I always take a thermos with herbs for hot spice water or immunity tea on a plane with me---no liquid until I get on board and then ask that the thermos be filled with hot water. Great way to hydrate and protect while traveling.
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Pass It Along
Perhaps you know someone who may find life benefit in Ayurveda knowledge? Please forward this eNews.
You may unsubscribe at the bottom of this email. This mailing list will not be sold or shared with others in respect for your privacy. Rhonda
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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.
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