Menstruation Guidelines

In today's world, women curse to the knowledge of having their period.  But according to Ayurveda, having your period is a blessing and not a curse.  Apart from preparing the body for conception and pregnancy, the body is being cleared of all toxins.  Every month we get to clean out our system and we don't even have to do anything!  Nature does it for us!  Our bodies are being renewed.  We are born again!  What a beautiful support from the laws of nature.

Constipation, diarrhea, irritability, mood swings, bloating, upset stomach, cravings, fatigue, breast tenderness, breakouts, sadness, anger, sensitivity - just to mention the very few variety of symptoms we might experience.

Here are some guidelines that will help during our menstruation -

• the body needs to be free of ama - this means no fast food, junk food, leftovers, alcohol and drugs.  Best to favor vegetables, grains, fruits, milk.  These fresh foods will keep your body clean and be easy on your digestive system.
• favor light and warm foods - the ones that will pacify your Vata.
• take it easy!  Don't engage in certain activities or people that will get you moody.  Best to be more inwards.
• light to moderate exercise is recommended; walks in particular
• avoid daily massages during menstruation 
• definitely follow a routine when menstruating as this will help in regulating your menstruation 
• use the following spice mix when cooking to help balance your cycle - 
• 6 parts fennel
• 1 part black cumin
• 1 part cumin
• 6 parts coriander 
• 1 part turmeric 
• 1 part black pepper 
• sauté this mix in ghee and add to your meals 

Happy New Year!

Today is December 31st, 2013 - last day of the year.
I wish every one a wonderful celebration and a new year filled with love, happiness, perfect health and success.

Here's a little something for you all who will be drinking tonight - definitely try it.

* Click on image for larger view *

In The Moment. In The Air.

LaGuardia Airport.
American Airlines
Flight # 327.
American Airlines
Flight # 5276.
I’m on my way to Fairfield, Iowa.
The land of the Veda (knowledge).
The place where it all started.
The knowledge,
The people,
The smiles,
The love,
The air.
It’s like magic.
I’m going to be visiting Fairfield, Maharishi University of Management and above all, my dear friends.
Friends that I’ve always kept in touch with since graduation.
Friends that I haven’t seen in 10 years.
It’s a 10 year reunion.
I’m very happy.
Excited,
Anxious,
Nervous,
So shy,
Scared,
And proud of myself for leaving New York and coming here.
I meditated on the plane. 
It was such an effortless meditation.
Gosh.
Sounds.
So many.
Such different sounds.
Seat belts buckling.
Babies crying.
Children laughing.
Cell phone talking.
Food eating.
Soda cans popping.
Plane engine riveting.
Turbulence.
Loud, roar like, thundering in your ear.
Bright white and blue sky.
First class view of the world below me.
Meditative.
Tranquil.
Happy.
And Soft. 
So effortless, natural and peaceful.
I’m grateful. 

Here are a few tips to know when flying -
1 - The dry air in the plane can dehydrate your body tissues causing fatigue, constipation and skin irritation.  Definitely drink plenty of warm/hot water before, during and after. 

2 - Best to avoid any alcohol or carbonated beverages as they are diuretic in nature and can increase dehydration in the body. 

3 - Eat light on the plane.  Our bodies change during altitude and movement in the air which makes digestion and food intake a little difficult.  Try to eat 1-2 hours before take off. 

4 - Try to get up and move around every hour.  This will help with stretching of the body and opening up all the channels. 

5 - Before heading to the airport, try to give yourself a light oil massage.  This will help with opening all the channels of circulation and keeping the skin smooth and not irritated. 

5 - Rest and meditate.