Camatkarasana Pose “Wild Thing”

Many cultures believe that the key to health, happiness and spiritual connectedness lies in a balance of chakras. There are seven main energy centers comprising the chakra system and it is believed that each chakra has a specific purpose. The Heart Chakra, or fourth chakra, is located in the center of the chest and is the focal point in bringing about the healing of physical illnesses brought about by heartbreak. The Heart Chakra can affect our ability to control the emotions of love, compassion, confidence, inspiration, hope, hate, despair, envy, fear, jealousy, anger and generosity.

I absolutely love this pose with its poetic and playful grace! The Camatkarasana pose, or the “Wild Thing”  encourages you to grow your roots deep into the earth while stretching back to offer your heart as a gift to the heavens. If this pose is done correctly, it should be felt it in the thighs, neck, spine, shoulders and hips. By working this pose into your yoga routine you will feel yourself become more open in the chest, hips, legs and arms. Your shoulders and back will strengthen while ensuring a full stretch of the neck.

Benefits:

• Good for treating fatigue and mild depression.

• Opens up chest, lung, and shoulder areas.

• Opens the front of the legs and hip flexors.

• Builds strength in shoulders and upper back.

• It’s also wise to encourage people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Rotator Cuff injuries to try with caution.

Luckily, the heart chakra can be opened with some fairly basic backbend yoga postures like the ones listed below that have other many therapeutic benefits.

• Fish Pose- this pose not only opens your chest but stimulates your lymphatic system.

• Cobra Pose- aids in removing tension from the spine and back, strengthens and firms the abdomen and buttocks.

• Camel Pose-this posture is good for the reproductive system and the digestive system. It stretches the intestines and the stomach and aids in curing constipation; also stretches the neck and regulates the thyroid gland.

“The less you open your heart to others, the more your heart suffers.”~Deepak Chopra

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love & Light

Claudia

Sunrise @ Sivananda Ashram, Paradise Island

I can’t think of a better way to warm up my body and keep it healthy on these blustery winter days then with yoga.  Specifically, the series Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutation;12 postures performed in a single, graceful flow. The Sun Salutations activate and tone the majority of body muscles; has warming effect, helps improve strength and flexibility and it is especially beneficial to the spinal column.

I was  admiring some  beautiful photos from my summer trip to India  and remembering the local Keralites saluting to the sun and bowing toward it’s presence. I was pleased to see this and knew exactly what they were doing but I began to ask questions  and found out that the yogis were very cognisant of the healing capacities of the sun’s early morning rays, particularly its beneficial effects on the exocrine and endocrine glands. Traditionally, it is performed without clothing. Whenever possible then, one should expose as much of the body as possible to the light of the early morning sun. If one is unable to (privately) practice outdoors, in direct presence of the sun’s rays, then one should make every effort to at least maintain the practice at sunrise, still facing toward the east. If done indoors, it is suggested  to have a symbol in place of the sun, such as a large orb or circle, or a diagram of the symbol OM, or even a brilliant image of the sun in other artistic form.

There are many therapeutic effects and benefits to this series and each movement is coordinated with the breath. Inhaling as you extend or stretch, and exhaling as you fold or contract. It works as an internal massage of the organs. Stimulates the digestive system. Tones the nervous system due to the row of stretches and bends of the spinal cord. Helps to activate the function of the lungs, to oxidise the blood and warms up the body, therefore, having great effect on the kidneys.

Here is a link to a Classic Sun Salutation demonstration video-  beautiful,  graceful and performed with such integrity. For your viewing pleasure and fun I also want to share a more Advanced Sun Salutation-The Jedi Way.

Love & Light

Claudia~

Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius. ~Pietro Aretino

Bundle up and protect that delicate skin!! Last year we were  giving  dry skin the cold shoulder (see entry)but this year the weather has taken a whole new battle. Is your arsenal of products and strategy up for the challenge?  You still want to follow the same rules of exfoliation, moisturizing and staying hydrated but following a stricter regimen. If you use active products like Vitamin A and Fruit Acids you can still use them but have common sense to avoid them if you are already feeling irritated from the elements or change the frequency  if you are feeling too sensitized. Winter can be harsh which means dry, cold, windy air leaving the skin cracked, peeling, irritated, red and raw. A proper  skin care regimen  is a must. I share with you  some reminders  essential for your skin to survive and avoid winter damage!

Winter Skin Survival Tips:

• Turn down the heat and layer up wearing natural breathable fibers.  The dry forced heat can really  dry out your skin and body.

• No control of the heat? Most of us  know this too well living in New York! Get a humidifier- Moisture in the air will limit the amount of water escaping from your skin compared to a dry environment where water will be more readily drawn out of the skin.

• Drink Water OR Coconut Water- Drinking water will help replace daily water loss and therefore help with hydration. Coconut water is super-hydrating and fortifies the body and skin with much needed potassium and electrolytes! Avoid dehydrating foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, other caffeine containing drinks, and alcohol.

• Stay away from skincare containing harsh abrasives, chemical preservatives and synthetic fragrance. Keep mineral oil, petroleum, and coco butter off your skin and lips. If your lips are cracked and dry  look for  products that contain shea butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil. I love Jane Iredale’s Lip Drink!

• Keeping your face properly hydrated will mean adding a  face oil or serum underneath your normal moisture cream to enhance it’s richness or simply change to a richer cream. We want to enhance the NMF (natural moisture factor) in your cells. Fluid between the cells is imperative for healthy skin. It allows both what you are applying to be absorbed and waste to be expelled. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to use a re-hydrating mask at least twice a week.  See below for product suggestions.

• Change your shower routine-before the bath or shower dry brush. Dry brushing will not only remove all skin debris but it will also stimulate circulation and help flush toxins through the lymphatic system. Keep the bath or shower short and use lukewarm water. Be sure to exfoliate frequently (2-3 times x week). It will help remove the excess  surface cellular debris that the dry brushing pulled up and keep your skin soft and smooth. A sugar scrub is more delicate this time of the year. Look for scrubs with butters and oils, not glycerin or chemical additives. Purchasing a shower filter would be a smart idea too. I finally made the switch for myself and what a difference this is making! Unfiltered water contains high amounts of chemical compounds such as chlorine and fluoride which alkalize water. Alkaline water severely alters the skin’s pH causing more dryness.

• Consume a balanced diet rich in fatty acids, minerals, and green leafy vegetables most of which contain enough water to contribute to hydration. The water from fresh fruits and vegetables is more easily absorbed by our cells than drinking water and so are the nutrients they provide. Supplement if necessary with the EFAs. If your diet is not meeting your needs by taking mercury-free fish supplement. For vegetarians/vegans, you can find several algae-derived Omega- 3/DHA supplements in the market.  Example of foods rich in Omega-3: : salmon, cod, tuna, scallops, shrimp, halibut, flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds,  mustard seeds, tofu, kale, brussel sprouts, collard greens, spinach, romaine lettuce and winter squash.

• Be sure to get enough sleep which encourages regeneration of body cells and tissues. It helps the body metabolize free radicals,which accelerate aging.

• Exercise -it increases blood flow to every single organ of your body including the skin and will always produce an improved complexion and a beautiful healthy glow.

• Don’t skip the sunscreen. You may feel like you haven’t seen the sun in days, but harmful UV rays are still making their way through the clouds. Choose a moisturizer with sunscreen built in or layer up.

• Seek out an expert for a professional facial and advice.

There is hope for your ailing epidermis this winter if you follow my simple survival tips and outsmart father frost. Check out my winter product suggestions that will keep your skin healthy all winter long.

Love & Light

Claudia~

This winter  was a difficult one that left many feeling exhausted, overwhelmed  and blue (common symptoms of  the “Winter Blues.”) Clearing your skin, mind and body with a cleansing  for the change of the season is a great way to regroup. One of the best ways to feel lighter and put a little spring in your step…and your life is by ridding the body of toxins. Abstaining from some food, drink or fasting for a short period of time is important to regain energy and uplift your mood. Many of you have expressed feeling lethargic, bloated and tired all the time. Spring is the best time to re-energize your diet and never feel tired again. Let’s get your body in training for the season ahead!

I’m not suggesting deprivation or starvation. Every time I make the suggestion to do a cleanse or detox I see the look of panic in the eyes -don’t worry you will  see food again! Purging toxins and awakening from the sluggishness that winter brings is a good idea. During the season our bodies will crave serotonin, so it’s easy to reach for refined carbs and sugars that give you that good feeling. But those foods will only set you on a cycle of ups and downs with a negative effect on both your mood and your weight. It also creates unhealthy food cravings, fatigue and reduced mental clarity. These dietary habits also create  acid waste that is then deposited in our organs and tissues, leading to inflammation, disease and a thinning skin. (see my post “The Sweet Truth” which discusses Acid/Alkaline/Inflammation Diet.)

Most people today are over acidic, including most vegetarians, but especially those following (SAD) Standard American Diet or whose health is challenged. Cleansing and fasting release toxins and can be stressful. That’s why people often feel wiped out at the end of a fast or during a cleanse. You want to make sure during any cleansing/detox to set some time aside as part of your total body renewal. For example take time for reflection, maybe a walk in the park, do some form of exercise like yoga, get a massage and facial. Think of it as your time to renew mind, body and spirit!

There are many cleansing programs and in the age of information overload all you have to do is use Google and you will find something. It doesn’t mean you are getting the correct information for your body type. One thing I dislike is when people say to  my friend told me this product, cleanse, etc  is great. Are they a professional? Do they know your  skin or body? Most of these programs are poorly designed and ineffective-containing many laxatives that make you think something is happening. You don’t want to waste your time or money  on a program  that has no impact and even worse can weaken your immune system.

Get advice and support from those getting the results you seek. Make sure you go with a company that will support you by phone if you have questions or concerns. If consulting a holistic practitioner, find out if they: follow a healthy diet; do their own cleanse often; rarely get sick themselves; and are vibrant, enthusiastic, compassionate, and energetic. You want help from people who are living examples of the benefits of the program they are offering.

I always do some form of fasting/detoxing this time of the year and this April  I will be engaging in  a total spring renewal purification. I will first start by taking a much needed respite to the Bahamas, where I will be taking a truly holistic revitalizing break- recharging physically, mentally and spiritually! You can learn more about my yoga vacation in my April Posting. Upon my return with my mind and body ready to go I  will start “The Purification Program” guided and supervised by my friend Dr Lou Granirer. The 21-day purification program is a very effective way to detox, lose weight, reduce cholesterol levels, improve lipid profiles, and support all of your organ systems that play a role in purification. The purification program is more than just a diet. It encourages you to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which, in turn, helps you look and feel better. The program emphasizes whole, organic, and unprocessed foods; whole food supplements; and water. Vegetables and fruit are eaten from days 1-10, with select proteins  added at day 11.

If you aren’t willing to do a 3 week cleanse I suggest following some of my “Body In Balance” tips to get you on the right track and you should definitely be incorporating raw foods and juices to your diet. A ” juice fast” can be another good way to jump start a healthier routine and purge some toxins. I believe adding juicing to your regular diet all year round. However, even taking a few days of just ingesting raw juices(see some of my juice recipes here) can aid in this process!

Taking some  initiative between the urge to get outdoors again and the desire to clean out winter’s gloom, it’s a great time to promote the idea of spring renewal — outside and inside.

Until next time

Claudia~

During this past Christmas and holiday season, I did my best to maintain an active schedule that included yoga, cardio and weight training. Despite my best efforts, I over-indulged and neither my waistline nor my body was too forgiving. However, now that I am back to a busy schedule and with a lot of self control, following my own advice and back to my daily rituals I am finally getting back to a balanced lifestyle.

Do you also find yourself running into road blocks on the way toward treating your body right? Do you feel a bit lost as you try to find a new outlook on healthy living?

There are a number of viable options and choices you can make. In developing some of the routines described below you can eventually eliminate some of the more harmful habits.

We all want to start the New Year on a healthful note. The number one resolution on most people’s list is weight loss. One way to jump start this process and to make a fresh start is by maintaining a healthy body from the inside out. We can do this by paying strict attention to our digestive system. If you have been over-indulging, I suggest letting the organs rest a bit in order to rid the body of all the toxins that have built up from the over-processed foods, the alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.

One of the first steps in making healthy changes is to cleanse the palate. If you have been consuming caffeine, alcohol, lots of sugar, and rich foods you will likely experience discomfort or cravings. These cravings can be severe and if you dive right into a rigid diet plan it could send you right back to the same eating patterns – which in effect will make you feel as if you have failed.

However if you go more slowly eventually your body’s load will feel lighter. Once you feel that you are maintaining a more regular routine, I urge you to find the proper exercise plan, diet and eating habits that suit your lifestyle and keep you motivated to complete your goal. Keeping both body and mind in balance is all about daily rituals. Below are some suggestions to jump start your fitness and experience the benefits of increased energy, an enhanced mood, stress reduction, and the enjoyment of a sound night’s sleep. Clean plumbing such as proper digestion and regular bowel movements will ultimately lead to weight loss, clearer skin and mental clarity.

For the best results, all of us can truly benefit from a unique and specifically laid out diet, an exercise program that specifically fits our needs and guidance on lifestyle and health issues. The path to an individual tailored regime is to schedule an appointment with me or any holistic health professional.

Suggested Daily Rituals:

• Upon waking in the morning, prepare a warm cup of water with the juice of half a lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper. Drinking lemon juice regularly will aid the bowels in eliminating waste more efficiently, control constipation thus creating a more alkaline state in the body.

• For breakfast try a smoothie or protein shake (I use Syntha -6) blended with almond or rice milk. Add a banana and a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries/ raspberries.

• Drink water throughout the day.

• Reach for Herbal Tea or Drink. My favorite is Kombucha Synergy Drink. I usually drink this tea 3-4 times per week in the late morning or early afternoon for a natural boost of energy. Forget the RED BULL and grab a Kombucha which is loaded with probitiocs, live active enzymes, tons of antioxidant benefits and a RAW food. By “raw” I refer to unprocessed, uncooked, and un-pasteurized. It is the closest state any food comes to the way nature intended.

• Juicing is the key to radiant skin and health. Also referred to as cellular cleansing, juicing is preparing and drinking fruit and vegetable juices. The many health benefits of juicing far exceed those of eating solid fruits and vegetables. At the most basic level, juicing gives us the opportunity to add far more vegetables to our daily diet. Juicing allows us to up the amount of raw food we consume which gives the body energy and boosts the immune system and the body’s cleansing process. Green juices contain lots of chlorophyll which is significantly effective in detoxifying our bodies. Chlorophyll can help make our bodies strong by detoxifying the liver. This detoxification will purify and help to rebuild our blood cells, remove mold, parasites and myco/exotoxins from the body. Many studies have shown that green juices containing chlorophyll can help prevent and remove cancer cells. 
  

Pressed for time? All the aforementioned recipes take only minutes to prepare. However if you are still trying to figure it all out  but still want to get all your fruits and veggies in try using “Greens Balance” from CosMedix: This energizing drink  serves up a blend of 44 fruit and vegetable extracts and 67 trace minerals in one wholesome option. Loaded with powerful antioxidants, this
pH-balancing “super greens” formula helps to neutralize oxidative stress and acid imbalance for better digestion and radiant skin.

“Restore,” another CosMedix product, is an essential fiber colon cleanse that detoxifies and literally “restores” the good bacteria in the colon.Promotes regularity and encourages a healthy inner environment. “Restore” is an invigorating blend of herbs and probiotics that work to improve immunity and nutrient absorption, which results in increased energy and healthy glowing skin.

Work it out:

There is no getting around the fact that exercise is an essential part of shaping up. Exercise stimulates the neural peptides in the brain, which help the brain make changes, such as growing new memory cells.

As we all know, the greatest challenge is sticking with an exercise plan. The key to staying motivated is having fun and making sure to mix things up. Try a variety of physical activities. Group classes always seem to get me motivated. Try yoga a few times per week while at the same time fitting in some cardiovascular type of exercise: running, hiking, cycling or dancing. More is better, but even as little as 30 minutes of exercise a week can make a difference! So get moving, and remember that a sedentary lifestyle will age you faster than those who are active!

Lower that white flag of surrender and up the flag that says “take action!” With so many reasons to stay healthy and the benefit of looking great as the years go by should be quite motivating. Remember to exercise, eat right, avoid too much sugar, consume quality whole foods, lighten up, spend time with others, and laugh. All these suggestions will work to diminish anxiety and depression, encourage sleep, and improve happiness. A perfect recipe for a healthy mind, body and spirit!

Love & Light,

Claudia

Some of you may notice that the fall season brings on a transition for the skin. As the temperature begins to drop there is less moisture in the air which usually hydrates skin and keeps it looking supple. Therefore, the complexion can be left dull and lifeless – each brought on by over-exposure to sun, heat, humidity and pollution. Additionally, as any summer tan fades, hyper pigmentation stubbornly takes its place.

One of the most effective methods of skin rejuvenation is exfoliation. I recommend ingredients like L-Lactic Acid and L-Retinol A, both of which stimulate keratolytic activity in the epidermis and turnover the dry depleted surface skin cells. As soon as the more receptive cells are exposed to these ingredients there will be better absorption of topical antioxidants and humectants which in turn will plump the skin’s liquid reserve to prevent future dehydration and ensure healthy hydration all winter long.

Trans-epidermal water loss is directly related to barrier disruption, however in my work I always focus on using ingredients that will stimulate cell turnover without disrupting the barrier and instead add moisture promotion and exist in their most active state to prevent dryness and premature skin aging.

The primary complaints I consistently hear at this time of the year are that of basic dryness and concerns that the skin is aging. These symptoms are from the lack of moisture in the skin and from using products with additives, chemical preservatives and fragrances – all which are abrasive and strip the skin of its natural oils. Here are some of my suggestive remedies:

• Drink water, water, water!!!!
• Consume a balanced diet rich in fatty acids, minerals, and green leafy vegetables most of which contain enough water to contribute to hydration.
• Stay away from skincare containing harsh abrasives, chemical preservatives and synthetic fragrance.
• Seek out an expert for a professional facial and/or corrective peel.
• Exfoliate at least 2 x a week with products combining naturally occurring fruit acids or enzymes.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, both of which dehydrate.
• Be sure to get enough sleep which encourages regeneration of body cells and tissues. It helps the body metabolize free radicals,which accelerate aging.
• Exercise often which will always produce an improved complexion and a beautiful healthy glow.

A holistic approach to beauty is a smart approach since it balances the needs of your body, your mind and your spirit and takes each of these into account when establishing a customized skincare philosophy for any condition.

Love & Light,

Claudia