A 10 minute walk from our home in Ashland, OR takes you to an intricate trail system with names like White rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and Looking glass. From here you can hike to the Pacific Crest Trail and make your way by foot to Canada or Mexico. The spirit of the Madrone and Manzanita are vibrant and alive on these trails; the wisdom of the Oaks are telling and profound, and the smells incredible.
We live in a small town where the sightings of bears on the streets are not uncommon and the deer whom have taken up permanent residency know how to use the crosswalks better then most humans. Shoes are optional. Some say Ashland is stuck in the 60s and after working at the local Co-op, I might have to agree. One can take it slow and easy. Farm land is typical and organic local foods readily available. As an herbalist for a small clinic in town, I have been able to make a career in alternative health care and am supported by the community to advocate for natural healing. A 30 minute drive south takes you to the top of Mt. Ashland or head North East towards Grizzly peak. Climb Pilot rock to see a 360 view of the peaks and valleys or catch some trout with volcano views on Howard Prairie Lake.I miss my family and life-long friends in the South East dearly- but good lawrd it feels incredible to be nestled between and hugged by the Cascades and the Siskiyous Mountains! Come check it out, Y’all! It truly is amazing.
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Alochaka Pitta is a subdosha of Pitta, water and fire.
The other day I got contacts for the first time in years, and this got me to thinking about alochaka pitta. Alochaka governs the eyes. The transformation, perspective, sharpness, luster, and color of the eyes are all a byproduct of the influence of alochaka. The emotional aspect of alohaka are seen in the different placements of tears. The outside of the eyes is the placement of kapha; tears here are expressions of love, compassion, coolness. Tears from the middle of the eyes, the pitta placement, are expressions of hate, anger, frustration, salt and heat. Vata governs the inner eye where emotions of sadness, grief, fear, and loneliness are relived. Disorders of Alochaka pitta are due to suppression of these emotions as well as not being able to see something as it is. So as I adjust to a new perspective and way of seeing, I thank alochaka pitta for aiding me in optical perception! The Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra is the sacred text of Jyotisha, or Vedic Astrology. These 7th century text are full of the qualities of the planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Katu) and how they proved obstacles in our personalities and lives from past karma to either eradicate karma or create more. The planets are called "grahas" as they grab the influence in our lives, molding and shaping the directions we take mentally and physically. Our charts are made up of houses, planets, and constellations, all functioning together as a reflection of the greater One. The ancient text reveal so much of ourselves.
There are many things we can do to support our lungs during fire season. The obvious is limiting outside exposure and wearing a mask when outside, but using herbal support can go a long way. The small particles from the smoke can be harmful to our bodies; from simple irritation of the sinuses to negative lung and cardiovascular impacts, wildfire smoke is not something you want to inhale.
Let us take a look at a few herbs we can use to support our bodies: First is Pippali and Sitopaladi. Taking a small amount of each as a mixture with a spoonful of honey first thing in the morning can alleviate phlegm buildup as well as support the structure of the lungs. If these are not available to you, consider mullein, Inula, Yerba Santa, and Yerba Mansa individually or go with a mixture of these herbs. Herb Pharm's 'Herbal Respiratory Relief' and Wish Garden's 'Deep Lung' are both excellent options to work on the deeper lobes of the lung to detox and cleanse out particulates from the smoke. Lastly, chlorophyll is vital to providing oxygen to the blood stream which also has fantastic detoxifying and cleansing outcomes. Consistent use of chlorophyll allows for higher concentrations of oxygen and cleaner, fresher blood to be pumped between the heart and the capillaries of the lungs to breath easy. For further information on breathing exercises (pranayama), smart foot choices, and overall Ayurvedic support for lung health or general well-being, set up a consultation today! E-mail: shineayurveda@gmail.com. Breath fresh friends, this Wildfire season is no joke In Vedic Astrology, Saturn is in the consultation Sagittarius.
Saturn is the planet of discipline, contraction, separation, physical depletion, spiritual life, and delay. Sagittarius represents will in action, morality, conventional perspectives, strong option, critical thinking, and both material and spiritual gains. When Saturn transitions through Sagittarius, the pitta and vata mind become activated and movement in the workforce is accentuated. This combination creates a hard work ethic and structural influence in the work space but also contributes to a "go go go" attitude in our daily lives which can negatively impact our bodies. Saturn can dry synovial fluid in the joints, depletes the musculoskeletal system, and creates vata vitiation. It is crucial during this time to remember to relax, to slow down, have a daily routine, and nourish the body so that we may hold the balance of discipline and spiritual experience like the growth of this this bean plant. What motivates you?
Shifts in seasons influences our moods, eating patterns, and daily structure. Winter is a time for nourishing to create balance and solidity of ourselves to prepare for action in the spring and summer. Let us get motivated so that we may be the best possible versions of ourselves to allow our inner structure to be creative and shine. I have availability this Sunday, February 25th for a discounted consultation. Contact me to set up an appointment to keep you motivated on the path towards optimal well-being! shineayurveda@gmail.com (803)446-4331 Fish Oil.
In Ayurveda we rarely talk about supplements because a lot of what we need to charge and nourish our bodies can be found in food. However, with our fast-paced culture and need for convenience, sometimes taking a pill is better then nothing. Out of all the supplements that we sell at the Ashland Food Co-op, I have found fish oil to be one of the best, general supplements for all constitutions to put into our bodies. And here is why: Omega-3, which fish oil is an excellent source of, contains EPA and DHA which nourish our nervous system, the synovial fluid in our joints, and provide an unctuous quality to protect our brain and eyes. Omega-3 protects and supports the heart. Studies show it is possible that a diet which includes fish oil is good for cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and decreases the chance of Alzheimer's. When choosing a fish oil supplement, check the concentration of EPA and DHA- typically the higher the better. Also, make sure it is in triglyceride form and that the label explicitly states the content has been tested for heavy metals. Nordic Naturals is an excellent choice for quality fish oil. The liquid is more cost effective yet the capsule is more convenient. As always, consult your health care physician before taking any supplements! Contact me for a consultation where we can explore other supplements, foods, and breathing exercises for your unique constitution at shineayurveda@gmail.com or (803) 446-4331 Looking forward to seeing you! Our lives require us to travel. Ever growing globalized connections allow us to access places through travel and movement. As exciting and expanding this is, vata can become out of balanced from our traveler lifestyles.
Vata, air and ether, increase with driving, flying, and general movement. To prevent dry lips due to dehydration and stress of travel, make sure to take care of your vata. The night before traveling, eat a well cooked, easily digestible meal and get a good nights rest. Make sure to start the morning of your travels with a glass of warm water and ginger to support digestion and calm nerves. Spend five minutes deep breathing and be mindful of how you are walking and holding your body. Fly safe and enjoy the ride! Bone broth. Is so healing to body and soul. The unctuous properties easily calm down Vata and nourish the deepest parts of the nervous system. Supportive to bone, joint, and blood health, this vitamin and mineral rich juicy medicine is easy to prepare and tasty to consume.
Using grass-feed marrow bones, mix a few teaspoons with 1/4 onion, 4 cloves garlic, salt pepper, and 2 stalks celery, bring to a boil in a crock pot, turn to low and let sit for 3 days. Add water periodically. Drain, cool, and enjoy this buttery, deeply nourishing medicine. |
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