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Ujjayi, breath of victory. How does it get anymore amazing than that? This throat clearing, muscle challenging, silly pranayama packs full a lot of benefits. Targeting the thyroid gland, Ujjayi is a breathing technique that is not for the faint of heart. Sounding similar to a conch shell, this exercise is excellent for promoting confidence while also nourishing the nervous system. It does take a few times to get the hang of! Check out Beverly's guidance on the Breath of Victory. *Ujjayi is contraindicated for high blood pressure and major thyroid issues.
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 Y’all, it is hot! Must be pitta season. As the days grow hotter and the sun brighter, it is important to remain cool so we don’t boil over. Pitta elements are fire and water. When pitta is out of balanced and increased in the body, on may feel over heated, be prone to anger, or tend toward heartburn issues. Balanced pitta is expressed as intelligence, transformation, and digestion. During these hot summer months, it is important to remain cool so we can enjoy, rather than loathe, these beautiful summer days. There are many tools we have in our belt that can help maintain a healthy balance of pitta during these hot days. Here are a few to try:
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  Pranayama and Yoga are two major practices that can influence the way we view the world and breath through the world. We hiked to the top of a mountain. Mt. McLoughlin. At 9,499 ft, this inactive steep-sided lava cone is one of the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Volcanic Arc. The highest peak between Mt. Shasta and South Sister, the trail to summit is only about 4.5 miles one way, mostly uphill, sometimes confusing to follow, seemingly eons long and at moments extremely steep and rocky. I was struggling. To get to the summit, one must follow the ridge up 1,250 elevation gain while finding appropriate footing and physical strength among eroded rock and sand. While I got in touch with my inner childhood self, with bouts of pouting, spaghetti legs, and extreme physical fatigue, we made it. Without the support of my companion, I might only have seen the first 15 minutes of the trail. As we face challenges in life, the physical experiences, limitations, or excellence is only a byproduct of our mentality. The first step is meditation and moment-to-moment awareness. Feels so good to be alive.  |
