Feel So Good

It's really just the little things that makes life that much better -

eat better ---> exercise regularly ---> think positive ---> and just feel so good!

This About Sums It Up!

Strong Digestion & Constipation

Creating a strong digestion is very important for the system especially when you're constipated.
Foods that are not properly digested create toxins and impurities that get absorbed and localize in tissues and disrupt their true nature of functioning.

Here's what you can do to strengthen your digestive system so constipation won't occur -

• herbal preparations 
• favor foods that enhance digestion
• use of proper spices
• knowing what to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• exercise, yoga and breathing techniques 
• proper food combinations
• lifestyle and daily routine
• stress management
• balancing the nervous system
• herbalized oil massage 

Dosha Sleep Recommendations

For those with a vata sleeping disorder  -

• favor more sweet, sour and salty foods
• eat three warm cooked meals at the same time every day
• bed time should be before 10 pm and rise by 6 am
• take your time with day to day activities - do not rush

For those with a pitta sleeping disorder - 

• avoid spicy foods in the night
• favor more sweet, bitter and astringent tastes
• avoid skipping meals
• eat enough dinner so you won't feel hungry
• if you feel lots of heat in the head during the night time, mix 3 tablespoons of coconut oil with 5 drops of lavender oil and massage it on the crown of your head

For those with a kapha sleeping disorder - 

• rise before 6 am
• favor to do self massages in the mornings before shower
• exercise everyday
• avoid eating heavy, sweet, sour, salty foods
• favor a light and warm dinner 

Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Saw three patients yesterday and 2 out of the 3 are suffering from lower back pain.

Hope this helps. 

(Click on image for larger view) 

Why Running is Good For Health

Who's going running tonight? 

* Click on image for larger view * 

Dinacharya - Daily Routine

If we adhere to the rules of a healthy lifestyle, our doshas will establish a sense of  balance and we will maintain perfect health and happiness.  In Ayurveda, Dinacharya or daily routine is important because it brings the body, mind and consciousness in a state of balance and regulates all functions of the body.

I’m sure we all have a tendency to fall off the track when we’re not supposed to, but I personally feel that is all right to do.  And speaking as an Ayurvedic practitioner, falling off the map or taking the wrong turn or learning from mistakes and even the findings of your own self through sometimes the wrong will help you in gaining the knowledge you need to learn and grow from.

Those that have a typical 9-5 job might be able to adapt to this type of lifestyle because it’s the basic up in the morning, get ready, grab a coffee and you’re out the door.  Those that have a more easy and subdued lifestyle may find it harder as you’re more casual and laid back when performing your activities.  Whatever lifestyle you live by, following certain remedies will benefit you by maintaining that balance in your mind and body. 

Below is a daily routine that we all must try.  I recommend you all to give this a shot and see how aligned your body and mind will become and the sense of balance you will feel. 

Ayurvedic Daily Routine - 

Morning:

• arise early in the morning
• evacuate bowels and bladder
• brush teeth
• scrape tongue
• self body massage with oil to head, body and soles of feet for about 10 minutes
• shave and cut nails
• gargle with sesame oil
• bathe or shower
• drink 2-3, 12-14 oz glasses of room temperature or warm water on an empty stomach
• Transcendental Meditation or any other meditation technique you practice 
• exercise according to individual recommendations
• wear clean and comfortable clothing suitable to season and activity
• light breakfast (optional), depending upon your dosha 
• work or study

Afternoon:

• lunch: a balanced diet according to your dosha 
• brief rest after lunch
• work or study
• Transcendental Meditation or any other meditation technique you practice

Evening:

• dinner: (optional), a balanced diet according to your dosha 
• pleasant, relaxing activity, (for example - an evening walk) or according to your dosha some exercise
• self body massage with oil to head, body and soles of feet for about 10 minutes
• bed time 

The 6 Free Doctors.

Greetings.

I received another very cool and interesting email today and I want to share it with you all.

Have you heard of the 6 Free Doctors?

1 - Sunlight - The sun says, spend a little time with me while reading, exercising, listening to music, meditating, even chatting up with friends.  Do it with me.  Just you and me 'cause I am your best friend.  Physically and metaphorically sunlight is beneficial to all.  Giving light, it's best to everyone regardless of caste or creed.

2 - Water - 6-8 glasses of water in a day replenishes all the liquids of the body.  And water is oxygen to every cell in the body.  Our body thrives on fresh water.  It is the greatest detoxifying agent ever produced. 

3 - Air - Your prana shakti - Life breath.  Just being aware of your breathing for a little while invigorates every cell in the body.  Pranayama (deep breathing) is a must.  To exhale all carbon and take in all oxygen, in a clean and open environment.  It is a luxury today to breathe fresh air.  Do not neglect this.  Holding a breath and then releasing it clears all the diseases in the body.

4 - Diet - After consuming three of the five nature's elements (ether, water, air, earth, fire), get to the natures produce - vegetables and fruits.  The Lord has provided plenty of choice.  No need to be a vegan, but the amount of cleansing the vegetables and fruits does to the system is amazing.  The enzymes produced protect every cell in the body.  Proteins are present in lentils and yogurt too.  Too much meat takes away 70% of the energy to digest it.  So be moderate.  We are basically herbivores and not carnivores by nature.

5 - Exercise - How can anything be consumed without the corresponding arrangement to digest the same?  The body must move.  Walking can be a good form of exercise.  But stretching the body is very essential.  Starting from bed, when waking up and then being physically vibrant throughout the day.  Household work is not an exercise, it's a chore!  Exercise in a proper state of mind and not under stress or duress.  Relaxation is the reason for exercising a healthy state of mind.  Exercise alone and not rushing.

6 - Rest - Last but not least, the 6th doctor is rest.  None of the above is possible without enough sleep, relaxation and rest from meetings a deadline.  Rest is the most important factor which gives impetus to all other five.  So do not neglect it.  Resting with beautiful, positive and creative thoughts is of course always recommended.  If you have negative thoughts, keep slogging, so you do not have the same time to nurture them.  When resting, have all the positive thoughts, nourishing thoughts, the foremost being Thanksgiving to the Lord, followed by love and compassion towards all the relationships you encounter - choicelessness in love. 

- G Gururaja Upadhyaya