Bruce Lee a famous baby dragon. His Chinese name literally translates to Li Little Dragon.

Happy Chinese New Year-The Year of the Dragon

Will this year be fierce, full of surprises, magnificent or menacing? Will it delight, bewilder or intimidate you-just like a dragon? It’s all in your eyes!

The Chinese are obsessed with the dragon and highly revered in their culture. It is the only figure in the Chinese zodiac, that is a fantasy creature. One legend about the twelve-year zodiac/New Year cycle holds that Buddha summoned the world’s animals to him, and the first twelve that heeded the call were given the honor of having a year dedicated to their species; the order of the zodiac signs corresponds to how quickly each respective creature arrived. In our Western culture dragons have come to connote evil, synonymous almost with the serpent in terms of their capacity for malice. Not so in Chinese mythology. There, the dragon is associated with vibrant health, luck, regal bearing and personal achievement, as well as increased opportunity, optimism, imperial power and intelligence. It swims into the ocean and flies above the clouds to spread its rain-making power to ensure a prosperous Year of the Dragon on earth.

Meaning of the legend:

The Chinese people from the beginning of time had shown a remarkable ability to understand the intricate working of nature. The relationship between rain and oceanic wind pattern. They know that water vapor were originated from the sea and endowed the dragon with rain making ability. Chinese dragon is benevolent in their spirit and benefit the people—contrasting to the western myth of a cold lecherous lizard-like dragon who captures virgin and hog treasure perhaps it is a religious backlash in the west toward the Older religious practice of the Serpent Power, as in Kundalini of the Hindu Yoga. It also reflected the difference attitude between East and West toward sexual energy and impulses—the dragon symbolizes fertility and life, just like the snake in the biblical story of Eden.

Chinese Medicine & Your Health:

This is the time to sweep away past resentments and bad luck, and to manifest good fortune and wellbeing for the year to come. Traditional Chinese Medicine with it’s beauty and simplicity  can help us do the same for our bodies, by not only addressing injury and disease, but also preparing and protecting our bodies for long-term wellbeing.

Changes brought by each new season correlate with the Chinese Five Element theory. Each Element is important for specific body organs, which can become especially vulnerable with each new season. According the Chinese Five Element Theory, Winter is related to the  element of water. In this season this element is the most dominant. Winter’s power is deep in *yin. It is a time to conserve energy and resources and not be wasteful with your active, outward *yang energy. You need special care in the form of nutrition, warmth and rest. The bladder and kidneys, which deal with the body’s water, are the organs associated with winter and it’s element, both of which process the most *yin element, Water.

To evaluate the health of the kidneys, examining the overall color, clarity and tone of the skin is helpful. Besides the kidneys and bladder the skin is our largest organ of elimination. When the kidneys are clearing toxins poorly or have too much to handle, the skin may have to work harder to help clear these wastes. This is when skin rashes and breakouts can occur. To strengthen the water energy and keep these organs and body in balance it’s important to keep warm. A great way to  do this is with the proper winter diet.

Nutrition:

• If one is on a high raw or 100% raw food diet, add spices such as garlic,ginger to juices and cinnamon to foods. Gently warm vegetable or miso soups and eat plenty of well-blended food, as blended meals are easier to digest. Fresh cranberries make a nice addition to juices or purees this time of year while protecting the bladder and kidneys from infection.
• Eat more root vegetables during the winter such as parsnips, carrots, turnips, beets to fortify your immune system.These winter vegetables are naturally at their peak in this season. Not only do they help keep your body warm, but they are also rich in anti-oxidants.
• Cooked Whole Grains make an excellent staple in the winter diet. These complex carbs burn well in the body as fuel and are good for the intestines and for elimination. Azuki beans and black beans are beneficial for the kidneys. Millet is also good choice for balancing water energy this time of year.

• Ocean Food such as, ocean (salt water) fish, low in fats with high amounts of protein, minerals and vitamins, Ocean seaweeds like kelp, dulse, nori and hijiki are high protein vegetables, high in Vitamin E & A. Rich in calcium, potassium, iron, iodine, and other minerals. The nourish the endocrine system, especially the thyroid and adrenal glands.
• Drinking plenty of liquids is key to blood and lymphatic circulation. It is also essential for cleansing the body through the kidneys and bladder.
• Adding Herbs during the winter can be very cleansing for the body and blood as well as strengthening specific systems.  Examples: Burdock root good for the lungs and mucous linings, marshmallow root soothing irritations or inflammations in the kidney and bladder. Ginger Root another good heater to help with circulation and increase the Fire Element. Flaxseed & Nettle to name a few more.

Wellness:

• Acupuncture: Winter is a wonderful time of year to get acupuncture, especially if you notice any of symptoms or imbalance  in the skin and body. I highly recommend my acupuncturist- Paulette Pettorino at www.spiritcenteracupuncture.com
• Exercise : Get plenty of rest but exercising  is still very important, perhaps trying Yoga or Tai Chi. Creating new habits will replace older ones. These disciplines will help you gain balance, strength, flexibility and a wonderful vitality.
• Facial and Massage: Lymphatic Drainage and the use of essential oils can be helpful to support you during the winter.

Winter is a cold and contractive time, but with my help and recommendations you can bring light and balance back into the long dark season. After the excess of the holiday season, we relish a little down time to cleanse and support, nurture and nourish the kidneys this winter season. As we enter what is believed to be the most auspicious year in the twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle, I look forward to it with joy and optimism, as I continue my path to personal and professional success. Hopefully, the soaring and awe-inspiring dragon and it’s rainmaking ability can disperse the shower of power unto you in the Year of the Dragon.

Winter: in-Balance

keep warm, stay quiet, sleep well, be at home, look within, preserving-giving

Winter: imbalance

overactive,late nights and parties,lack of rest and sleep, dissipation, frustration, hoarding

Love & Light,

Claudia

***Yin yang is widely known as the two opposites that complete the whole. Yin is the shady place (North) (Feminine energy) while yang is the sunny place (South) (Male energy). Each relies on the other. The theory of yin yang helps define the inner workings of nature. It gives us a concise explanation of why there is night and day, light and dark, good and evil, right and wrong, male and female, etc. In other words, it creates a framework so chaos has order. Without this concept, life would seem sporadic and it would be difficult to see the patterns and logic behind the functions of life.

I hope you have managed to enjoy the holiday season, staying in good spirits and in good health. Throughout the holidays we enter many layers of tradition and celebration full of  parties, decorations, rituals, and connections.  It’s wonderful to  embrace the excitement of the season. However, with the fun things comes a bit more of  stress and your overall health can take a serious hit during this physically and emotionally taxing season, with mounting pressures manifesting themselves in a variety of ways including anxiety, immune and digestive disorders and skin conditions flaring up.

What has helped me to stay balanced? I made a commitment to appreciate the holiday season and enjoy the whole experience this year – regardless of  circumstances or any external pressure. Appreciating the holiday season, as with anything in life, will make it much more enjoyable and much less stressful.  I’ve also taken the time to  “unwind” and take time for myself and not feel guilty about it. Emphasizing this to my frazzled clients so they, too, can recover mentally and physically from the rigors of the stressful holiday season, highlighting my pampering treatments that combat stress and release tension. So find your escape to reconnect to your breath,  your yoga practice, or favorite class at the gym,  if just for a few moments let go of your holiday planning and enjoy the time for yourself  as the most hectic time of the year comes to a close! Appreciate the holidays for what they are—a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of your loved ones and you will keep things real and in balance.

As the  season turns to the dreamland of winter solstice and the magic of new creation I begin my intention for 2012. It’s hard to believe another year is coming to an end. As I reflect back on the year it was already filled with so much intention, focus, guidance and finding equanimity. 2011 had many celebrations and highlights to be grateful for -graduation from my teacher training and  becoming a certified yoga instructor, making new friends, re-connecting with old ones, celebrating “the fierce forty,” adopting Duke, a 5-week old loveable, brendal pitbull -celebrating  my seventh year in business. This year was about accepting and knowing that you have to take every experience, including the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to simply move on, proceed and allow it all to help us grow. Most importantly celebrating our brilliance, our true selves- not what anyone else wants for us. When we do what we love we spread goodness into the world and when we light that fire within ourselves other people see it and want it to turn up in them. It’s a contagious flame that ignites and that’s a beautiful thing!

INTENTION SPELL

Recently my mentor Charlotte gave me a flying wish paper – a whimsical kit to make your wishes come true! It’s magical, you write your wish, light it and watch it fly into the air. A pledge, a wish or prayer-like casting a magic spell and sending all that intention into the universe as an act of intention-manifestion. I believe as 2012 approaches, we need to seize the opportunity to look forward and set our intention to create our own magic and say goodbye to 2011 but appreciate all the valuable lessons and gifts it brought us and most importantly be OK with all of it.  The magic starts with an idea, just a thought, then all we have is the desire and the intent to make something happen. Creation will flow from here.  In yoga it’s creating a sankalpa (intention or prayer) we usually do this at the beginning of our  practice which can bring a deeper focus and power, especially if this intention remains active throughout the practice. I invite you to create an individual sankalphas for the new year. An effective sankalpa is a short, positive, and precise statement about what you wish to attain for yourself and/or for the benefit of all.

Find what makes you come alive! Celebrate what makes your heart skip a beat and full of life and when your FIRE is lit put your ding in the universe!

The starting point of every journey is having a clear intention then taking action to fulfill your dreams~ Deepak Chopra

Resolve your intent to celebrate you and your brilliance:

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” ~Oprah Winfrey

Resolve your intent to make healthy choices:

“In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired. ” ~Author Unknown

Resolve your intent to have more fun and do the things you love:

“At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.”~Jean Houston

Resolve your intent to staying committed to your goals and realizing your dreams:

“Change happens when you understand what you want to change so deeply that there is no reason to do anything but act in your own best interest.”~Geenen Roth

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! May your hearts be filled with the joy of the season and may you have many warm memories to last throughout the new year!

Love & Light

Claudia

A clear, glowing complexion is at the top of every woman’s beauty wishlist. Right now, you probably have some of the gentlest yet effective skin care ingredients sitting around the kitchen. Foods are often the source of  skin care ingredients but have you ever considered just putting the raw version on? These inexpensive and natural beauty fixes straight from your kitchen will nourish and brighten the complexion. Want to here how to achieve this? Before I get to these special formulas a few tips and tricks to support for total radiance!

Beauty Tricks: First things first, if you want to  have beautiful glowing skin you must have efficient digestion and elimination. Both are central to health and beauty; good looks will not be possible without optimal functioning.The mouth is the first organ of digestion, being the first place where food enters the body.

• 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 and supplies nutrients that assist in detoxification and digestion.
• Use a tongue cleaner/scraper to clean any bacteria from your tongue. The tongue is the mirror for the condition of the intestines. It’s important to get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth before you eat anything.
• Chewing well and thoroughly to taste food is also essential to good digestion. Flossing and brush the teeth to keep them strong and clean. Avoid soft drinks, sucking candy or chewing sweet things that stick to your teeth . They not only erode the protective enamel of the teeth, but leech precious minerals out of the body.
• Gargle each day to clear mucous and soothe a sore throat using a pinch of salt and turmeric in a cup of warm water.

Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look. Read this Halloween Post from last year and follow these food rules to keep your body and skin beautiful. You can wake up your taste buds and spark up the skin with herbs and spices. Cooking with herbs and spices will enhance the flavor of healthy foods without adding fat, salt, sugar, or calories. Most of the ones  I list  have anti-inflammatory properties as well as benefiting the digestive system.

• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and great for digestion. Add fresh ginger to juices, teas, and pretty much any vegetable dish.
• Cumin: Supports healthy blood sugar levels and is an anti-oxidant. It’s a great mild spice for curry dishes.
• Cinnamon: An anti-oxidant and supports healthy blood sugar levels. Add to cooking and healthy sweet treats.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, plus it boats anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant properties. Great in curries, rice and veggie dishes.
• Rosemary: Is an anti-oxidant and has anti-cancer properties. Add to veggie pizzas and tomato-based vegetable dishes.
• Thyme: Is a natural antibacterial, rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids and improves digestion. Great added to any vegetarian meal.
• Cayenne: Destroys bacteria and enhances your immune system, improves blood flow, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, diuretic, analgesic, expectorant, and diaphoretic properties. Add to soups, stir-fries, curries and rice veggie dishes.
• Garlic: Helps to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, control triglycerides (fats) and thin the blood, reducing clotting in high-risk heart patients. It also supports general immune function, has a natural antibacterial and antifungal action, acts as an antiseptic, fights infection and contains chemicals that help to prevent cancer. Great in pretty much anything you cook!

Kitchen Treats: Face packs made of variety fruits and vegetables improve circulation, soften and cleanse the entire face. The juices of the fruits and veggies tone and provide enzymes that help balance and cleanse the skin. You can mash or pulp the fresh fruit and vegetables, then add fruit pectin, clay or oat flour to firm the mixture so it does not slide off the face.Remove with cool water and a clean wash cloth after 20-30 minutes.

Dry & Mature Skin Pack- try apple, avocado, banana, carrot, pear, grape.

Oily & Blemished Skin Pack-try cucumber,lemon, pear, strawberry or tomato.

Quick Preps To Treat:

• A mixture of tomato juice and lemon juice and applied on the face regularly to get a soft, brightening and glowing skin. Or Tomato juice with garlic paste on a blemish works wonders!!
• Applying mint juice and basil leaves  can help in brightening stains from the skin .
• Lemon juice, honey and olive oil  or coconut oil mixed together can be used as a moisturizer for dry skin.
• Turmeric powder mixed with coconut milk purifies the blood and gives a glow to the skin.
• Aloe Vera juice gives skin a natural glow and gives it a youthful appearance.
• A mixture of cucumber juice and milk works as a good cleanser.

This Halloween and beyond treat yourself to these tasty temptations! If these at home beauty tips and tricks are just not cutting it for you, maybe it’s time to seek out a professional treatment- Contact me to set up an appointment today!  When you are ready to discover just how beautiful you truly are, do not be distracted by the latest fads or quick fixes that promise to reveal some magic secret. Instead, make an investment. Go beyond only watching, or listening. Talk with a professional and discover the only important beauty secret — yours.

Happy Halloween

Claudia ~

These days I can’t seem to stop thinking about babies. Sorry to disappoint some of you, but I’m not pregnant! However, it is a consistent topic in my practice. My clients share their stories of infertility, hormonal issues and their strong desire to conceive among other things. Their frustration and disappointment can overpower them and for some to the point of obsession and worry which turns to stress-undermining a good complexion and wreaking havoc on the nervous system.

I recently treated a client, we will call her Jessi. Jessi found me to help her clear up her  acne. Sharing her story of infertility and  stress, Jessi also expressed her interest in yoga.  I suggested she should start practicing to help with a thyroid issue (which can directly effect infertility) and to aid in fertility and conception.  In conjunction with the yoga, Jessi would see changes and improvement in her complexion with the aid of an all organic skincare regimen and nutritional guidance.  I explained yoga would not only tone the body but it is an excellent stress reliever. It also targets specific areas of the body including organs, glandular and circulatory systems.

A practice specific for fertility will focus on stress relief, strengthening and toning muscles, and balancing the reproductive organs and hormones. Detoxifying the body while relaxing tight muscles and connective tissue. The specific areas in yoga for fertility of the low back (sacral plexus) hips, groins and pelvis begin to improve in blood flow and circulation-which can aid in healthier gynecological function. As the body relaxes, the mind calms and the nervous system is aided by the breath to help lower stress hormones like cortisol, which can impede reproductive hormone function. *If you start using a yoga practice for fertility your chances of overcoming infertility are three times greater than not using yoga at all.

Like most woman Jessi wants to be fit, staying active with a very rigorous exercise regimen. I suggested a different approach to help her achieve her goal of conception- a restorative yoga class. A class where the body, mind, and spirit learn the art of relaxation. Restorative yoga poses help us learn to relax and rest deeply and completely. The body and mind need to be free of stress and create the most favorable conditions for conception. To begin with it is important to understand that throughout pregnancy a woman must keep her adrenaline levels low. Yoga is the perfect answer. Throughout a woman’s pregnancy we release oxytocin which is a love hormone and gives us a sense of well-being. During pregnancy this hormone is released slowly and with fluctuations reaching a significant peak at about a thirty-nine weeks of gestation. Regularly practicing yoga can help to become more in-tune with your body. This new awareness leads you to take better care of your body throughout your entire pregnancy and beyond.

Yoga Postures: Certain yoga poses can help with infertility; they open up the pelvis and hip joints, increase the blood flow to the pelvis and rebalance your hormones. Some poses will also help to stimulate your ovaries. These are a few poses you can try at home. Please seek an experienced teacher to to help you through this journey.

1. Supported Bridge Pose (you may want to place a folded blanket under your shoulders to give your neck some extra support and protection):

Lying flat on the floor, belly up, bend your knees so that your feet are as close to your buttocks as possible. Make sure your feet are placed firmly on the ground.

Inhale and on the exhale lift your pelvis and buttocks up, off the floor. Your thighs and inner feet should stay parallel to each other. Move your arms underneath you for extra support and clasp your hands together.

Lift your pelvis and buttocks up until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Make sure your knees are directly above your heels.

Continue inhaling and exhaling. Hold the pose for as long as you can, between 30 seconds and 1 minute. On an exhalation, come out of the pose by slowly rolling your spine done to the floor.

2. Cobbler’s Pose (if your hips or groin feel tight, you may want to raise your pelvis by sitting on a folded blanket):

Sitting on your mat with your legs straight out in front of you, exhale and bend your knees, pulling your heels toward you. Keeping your feet on the ground, drop your knees towards the ground, pressing the soles of your feet together. Do not push down on your thighs or force your knees further down than they want to go.

Bring your heels as close to your body as you can, keeping the outer edges firmly in contact with the ground, while still remaining comfortable. Using your thumb, index and middle finger, take hold of the big toe on each foot. If you can’t reach your toes, then hold onto your ankles or shins.

Continue inhaling and exhaling while making sure you are sitting up straight. Hold the pose for one to five minutes. To come out of the pose, inhale and lift your knees up, away from the floor, keeping your feet in contact with the floor at all times. Exhale and extend your legs back to your starting position.

3. Legs on the Wall Pose (this pose is considered to be a relaxation pose and is a great way to end of any yoga session):

For this simple pose, begin by finding a sturdy wall. Place a folded blanket under your neck if you think it will be more comfortable.

Lie down on the ground with your buttocks as close to the wall as possible.

On an exhalation, slowly extend your legs up the wall so that your body forms a 90 degree angle. Continue inhaling and exhaling.

Hold the pose for a few minutes before slowly lowering your legs to the ground

Final thoughts:

The key factor here is adopting a healthy lifestyle and creating lasting changes. Since it is the woman’s body and mind that has to be healthy and free of stress, it is our responsibility to create the most favorable conditions for conception, hopefully with full support from your spouse.  Take charge! You are your best resource because you can understand what your body truly needs, educate yourself on your issue and use your doctor as  a resource, not an authority on YOUR health. Reclaiming the beauty and wisdom to know your body-it’s secrets, treasures, complexities and potential-across the life cycle will bring to focus what you desire.

Love * Light

Claudia ~

* Recommended Reading:

Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH

Yoga: A Gem for Women by Geeta S. Iyengar

YogaWoman.tv YOGAWOMAN is a groundbreaking film that captures this fascinating time of awakening female power.

*In 2000, Harvard Medical School researcher Alice Domar, Ph.D., published the results of a study in Fertility and Sterility (Vol. 73, No. 4) that showed women who participated in her program, which included relaxation and yoga, were almost three times more likely to get pregnant than women who didn’t. (Yoga Journal)

*Medical News Today Article Yoga And Meditation Change Gene Response To Stress

You know the song but when temperatures rise and the skin aint looking so pretty, what’s a girl or boy to do? Exfoliation, protection and good nutrition is the main mantra to keep the skin healthy. During summer months, the skin sweats more, so clean your face frequently using a gentle face wash. Avoid harsh soaps that can make the skin rough by removing the essential skin oils. Summer is  often a difficult time for the skin; proper care is necessary not just to cleanse the pores that are purging but also protection from the ultra-violet light is imperative. The skin will form a natural protective layer and tends to thicken to protect it from the effects of the environment. This layer is made up of sebum, dead cells and perspiration which gradually dries out the skin and forms a coating on the skin clogging the pores more easily.

Summer Skincare Tips:

Exfoliation: Skin tends to become more oily as  temperatures rise, this means normal to dry skin types will likely develop into normal to oily during the summer.If you have oily skin, keep it clean by washing every time you step out or do physical activities that cause you to sweat. Choose a moisturizer with a lighter texture during the summer months; the moisturizer should still contain important ingredients that will moisturize the skin effectively. These ingredients include vitamins, humectants and botanicals. As for cleansing, more oil can lead to more clogged pores and break outs, be sure cleanse the skin properly. At bedtime, remove all make up and lightly cleanse in the morning and after any sport or exercise. A cleanser that is effective and not drying is important!  It is important to exfoliate regularly to avoid clogged pores and keep your complexion looking even. An at-home exfoliant, such as a facial scrub can be added to your beauty routine a few times a week to keep your skin at its best. However, I recommend for optimum results a professional facial treatment and with the proper care and guidelines a milder peel can be effective and safe in the summer months too.

Sun Protection: Avoid going out in the sun between 11 AM and 2 PM during the summer months, the intensity of the sun  is more and apart from generating searing heat, the suns rays also radiate high amounts of ultra-violet radiation. UV rays are intense and damaging to the skin thus sun protection is necessary to avoid long term damage and sun protection no lower than SPF 30 should be applied to the face and body to avoid the damage caused by ultra-violet light. UVA rays are the rays that cause wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB rays produce tans and burns. Look for a sunblock that is dual-spectrum, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc and/or Zinc Oxide are powerful sun protectors that naturally reflect the sun’s harmful rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays to prevent them from damaging the epidermal layer. Overexposure to the sun can also result in retinal damage to your eyes, highlighting the importance of sunglasses and hats to shield the eyes, the skin around the eyes is the most delicate and should have extra protection. Sunglasses/Hats that block sun rays are a great investment and they also reduce squinting as a result of sun glare which can cause crows feet or fine lines while the intense summer rays can cause pigmentation to the delicate skin.

For a more in depth look and to answer all your questions regarding sunblock- view my post: Are you getting the most from your Sun Protection?

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are essential for healthy summer skin because they help repair skin and combat free radicals caused by air pollution and sunlight. As the body’s first line of defense against oxidation—a chemical response that can produce cell-damaging free radicals—antioxidants inhibit potentially destructive reactions before they have a chance to snowball out of control and protect the skin from what ages it. Internally, free radicals are believed to be linked to cancer, heart disease and a host of other life-threatening conditions. Externally, evidence suggests a strong link to premature aging, suggesting that oxidative damage plays a major role in the loss of skin firmness, smoothness and luminosity. The human body produces antioxidants naturally and acquires them through dietary sources, however, environmental factors and lifestyle choices greatly increase free radical production and can quickly use up the body’s natural levels of antioxidants. When environmental threats (i.e. UV rays and pollution) and lifestyle choices (i.e. smoking, excessive drinking and poor diet) overwhelm the body with free radicals and exhaust its antioxidant reserves, it often leads to a condition known as oxidative stress. See here for Antioxidant Rich Serums that will save your skin all summer long and beyond!

Nutrition: Summer is a great season to enjoy what nature has to offer – fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just want to eat healthy, summer provides your pick of produce. Summer fruits and vegetables in addition to having lower calories than snack foods, offer antioxidants. Eating Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables are another way to receive these skin benefits.

Fruits: Berries (Cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, crowberry, blueberry, bilberry/wild blueberry, black currant), pomegranate, grape, orange, plum, pineapple, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, apple and pears -this fruit has a high water content and filled with antioxidants that are needed to flush a free agent from your body. Trimming calories by taking advantage of the beneficial effects of fiber in your digestive tract.

Vegetables: Kale, chili pepper, red cabbage, peppers, parsley, artichoke, Brussels sprouts, spinach, lemon, ginger, red beets and asparagus. Asparagus is rich in water and have no more than 4 calories. Regular consumption of asparagus to ensure proper hydration of our bodies. This factor also contributed to the ideal function of metabolism. In addition to taking full advantage of vitamin C and A content that increase energy and keep your immune system in top shape.

Dry Fruits high in antioxidants: Apricots, prunes, dates.

Legumes: Broad beans, pinto beans, soybeans.

Nuts and seeds: Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, ground nut or peanuts, sunflower seeds.

Spices: cloves, cinnamon, oregano

Water: Finally stay hydrated! Particularly during summer’s dog days, it’s important to make sure you remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Caffeinated beverages such as iced coffee or soda can be refreshing, but they also dehydrate the body and the same goes for alcohol. Water not only refreshes the body, it will also help you stay energized and avoid dehydration.

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.~Russell Baker

Love & Light

Claudia~

An often overlooked area of the body, the muscles of the pelvic floor play an essential role in providing support for the pelvic organs (bladder, intestines, the uterus in females), maintain urinary and bowel continence, facilitate childbirth, and contribute to the experience of sexual pleasure and ability to reach orgasm for women and men.

Just a few compelling reasons to want this part of your body performing optimally!

One of the most frequent symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor is stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Studies show that this is the most prevalent form of incontinence among women, affecting an estimated 15 million in the U.S. SUI occurs every time pressure is exerted on the bladder, when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or during physical activity. In women, physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth and menopause can cause stress incontinence. In men, removal of the prostate gland can lead to this type of incontinence. In approximately 20% of men, some degree of SUI will continue to be a significant problem one year post-surgery.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with any of these awkward symptoms. As a kinesiologist, I have helped both men and women resolve the embarrassing situation of wetting themselves when they laugh, cough or exercise, as well as assisting them to experience more sexual pleasure and satisfaction (Yes, these muscles are responsible for the amount of pleasure you feel). The other piece of good news – these issues can be remedied with some simple kinesiology balancing techniques. Using muscle testing, meridian reflex points and other effective balancing techniques, you can once again feel confident with the performance of this region of your body. Whether you desire to relieve continence issues or enhance your sexual pleasure, this natural therapy can be of help.

Benefits Of The Kinesiology Pelvic Floor Balancing Process:

• Resolving stress urinary incontinence
• Increased sexual performance, sexual satisfaction and orgasmic response (men & women)
• Assistance during pregnancy and birthing process
• Confident bowel control

Article Written by Erin Davis:  Erin Davis practices Kinesiology in NYC at several holistic medical centers. For more information you can view her website at www.KinesiolgoyWorks.com – Telephone: 646 641 8250 or contact her via email at erin@kinesiologyworks.com

Professional Kinesiology Practice is a holistic form of complementary health care that can be used to identify and correct imbalances in the person’s structural, chemical, mental, and emotional energy systems. By correcting these imbalances the kinesiologist is able to re-activate the body’s built-in healing ability to clear the blocks that prevent goal accomplishment.

We can read, eat, text and listen at the same time simply because we want every free minute to count, but are we really present? I feel like an expert at  multi-tasking but at what cost? The funny thing is that we think we are accomplishing so much but truth is it’s really bad for our health- actually slowing us down making us less efficient by causing stress, insomnia, short term memory loss because our attention is divided. I’ve been thinking of all the times that I’ve been racing through my life – cell phone in one hand and packages, travel mug in the other – when my inner Buddha whispered slow down, pace yourself, take a breath. The more balanced I am – the more I take time to listen to the still, small voice – the more impact I can have. It is easier to say than to do this. I’m finally admitting I am not a proud multitasking person, I often feel exhausted and overwhelmed when taking on many things at once. Racing against time is what we are so used to but  learning to slow down, and minimize our multitasking is an accomplishment and one to be proud of.

I’ve developed a consistent home practice with meditation and exploring many relaxation techniques to help cope with my stress. I didn’t realize how much I was craving and needing solitude. Quieting the mind and recharging my battery, it’s like taking a  deep breath of fresh Spring air! The idea behind meditation is to consciously relax your body and focus your thoughts on one thing for a sustained period. This occupies your mind, diverting it from the problems that are causing you stress. It gives your body time to relax and recuperate, and to clear away stress hormones that may have built up. I’m sure many of you are thinking this is hokey and a waste of time. Time that you don’t have-I agree time is short, exactly why we need to meditate because time is so short to waste on worrying, anxiety, doubts, cravings, and the compulsiveness of planning, remembering and making revisions all for the ego. There is nothing mystical about meditation, on the contrary, it is something that you can do quite easily it’s simply a matter of a little patience, and some regular periods of mediation practice. Over time, when practiced consistently, meditation can evoke  real, lasting changes in the mind and body.

In my yoga training the focus this month was on mediation and deepening this practice. One that I’ve explored further is mindfulness meditation. With it’s roots in ancient Buddhist traditions, meditation that cultivates mindfulness is particularly effective and has gained ground as an antidote for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions as well as chronic pain and even side effects of cancer treatments.  Mindfulness is the quality of being fully engaged in the present moment, without analyzing or otherwise “over-thinking” the experience. Rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, mindfulness meditation switches the focus to what’s happening right now. Mindfulness meditation is not equal to zoning out. It takes effort to maintain your concentration and to bring it back to the present moment when your mind wanders or you start to drift off. But with regular practice, mindfulness meditation actually changes the brain – strengthening the areas associated with joy and relaxation, and weakening those involved in negativity and stress.

Meditation is a useful and practical relaxation technique. To use it, sit in a comfortable place, close your eyes, relax your body, and focus your concentration on something for a period of time. If you are a beginner or too frazzled to settle down  it’s helpful to focus your attention on something specific.  Try a candle gazing meditation or “tratak” this aids in concentration, focus and visualization-perhaps doing this for 5 minutes at a time 1x a day.

Candle Gazing Meditation:

• Light a candle and sit before it, either cross-legged on a cushion or chair with feel flat on the floor and spine erect.
• Let your breath slow and deepen as you gaze at the flame for several minutes.
• With eyes closed, travel to a place within where the candle flame never flickers. Sit in silent communion.
• Invite the flame before you to come forward and merge with the candle flame within. Visualize and feel it grow twice as bright. Bask in its radiance.

Benefits:

• Slows the “racing mind”
• Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
• Calms the entire system
• Promotes peace and serenity
• Brings you back to the present

“Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh

Love & Light

Claudia

In honor of Valentines’ Day this post is all about natural love potions. Popular herbs and aphrodisiacs to keep your libido strong and keep you both in the mood, increasing desire and everything else that comes after that. The best aphrodisiac is having a sexual partner who truly loves you isn’t it? Having sex can be a big stress reliever, releasing physically and emotionally, bonding and aiding in the release of endorphins. What about when stress is the cause of getting you out of the mood?

Many factors can contribute to a drop in one’s libido. Age, illness,hormonal cycles, nutritional deficiencies or even just the drain of everyday demands of work and relationships can create changes in a reduced sex drive. Besides eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising and reducing stress there are other ways to enhance your sexual desire; and herbs are a great way to start. Here are some  popular herbs used for many years to help increase desire and keep you in the mood!

Maca Root: Also called “Peruvian ginseng”, Maca is a folk remedy used to increase stamina, energy, and sexual function. As an adaptogen, Maca can provide more energy if it is needed, but will not overstimulate the body. This Superfood of the Incas is a nutrient-dense ancient medicine that has been prescribed for centuries by holistic Native American healers.

• As an adaptogen it restores the body’s homeostasis when undergoing stress, which means it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body’s systems (cardiovascular system, nervous system, endocrine system, musculature, lymphatic system, etc.)

• In women and men a powerful strength and stamina enhancer, as well as a libido-enhancing food-herb. Increasing sexual desire and fertility. Check out Cordyceps too (the Chinese longevity mushroom)

• In women and men, Maca assists in creating hormonal balance while not having a direct affect on serum hormone levels.

• Improves mental clarity, focus and eyesight sharpness

Ginseng Root:

• Increases stamina and energy

• Stress adaptogen that allows one’s body to adapt to and decrease the negative effects of stress

Damiana:

• A Mexican herb that  can enhance female sexual function via active constituents that have progesterone mimicking qualities.

LOVE PUT A SPELL ON ME

Try this love potion (found in the Yoga Journal)made from Ayurvedic herbs and foods to nourish the reproductive tissues and sexual fluids.

Recipe:

Simmer one cup of almond milk with the other ingredients (available at natural food stores) for 5 minutes. Pour into two demitasse cups and make a toast to your love.

1/2 teaspon of ashwgandha  powder-Used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and a rejuvenative for the male reproductive system, Ashwagandha is said to bestow upon the user the strength and virility of a horse. This potent herb is traditionally used to increase fertility and libido, and has been reported useful in treating impotence. The increase in vital energy provided by Ashwagandha can be used to improve sexual performance and control or can be rechanneled and transmuted into the vibrant energy associated with health and well-being.

1/2 teaspoon of shatavari  powder - Shatavari in Sanskrit means “one who can have a hundred husbands”. It is the main herbal rejuvenative for females but works on both sexes as well. Shatavari nourishes and cleanses the female reproductive organs and ovum.

1/2 teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter)

1/4 teaspoon of licorice root powder

1/4 teaspoon of dry ginger powder

1 date, minced

A pinch of nutmeg

“Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end”~ Author Unkown

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

Making sense of skincare and nutrition labels can be very complicated and scary especially when you can hardly pronounce the ingredient names. Figuring it all out is no easy task when life gets in the way and all we want is to look and feel good. So what’s the answer? You can become an educated consumer and make a  shift in your lifestyle. I will briefly explain definitions of types of skincare ingredients and rules to follow to bust the label ghosts that trick and fool you everyday and help you make and educated decision on your next trip to the market or cosmetic counter.

Skin Ingredient Rules:

Chiral: Can be derived from natural or synthetic ingredients; causes the least amount of irritation and less chance for adverse reactions. Chirally correct products are never artificial and always recognizable by receptors. This is beyond organic and even more active.

Natural/Organic: Is created by nature however, contrary to popular belief, natural ingredients can cause irritation. In fact, anything can cause irritation. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the term natural, so keep in mind that any and every company can claim its products are just that. Not all organic skincare or foods are created equal.

Artificial: Fake and foreign; may contain artificial fragrance and colors; may look or smell similar to natural ingredients but is not recognizable by the skin or body.

One of biggest misconception when reading skin care labels is that you can tell how good a product is from the ingredient deck alone. While it is important to know what’s in every product it’s the formulation that counts the most. Slight variances in the processing, concentrations and percentages can make all the difference. The list of ingredients does not tell you how labor intensive the product is to make—whether or not it was cold processed or cooked by an automatic cooker; mixed by hand or in a 500 gallon vat; or made fresh to order or pre-made and stored in drums. This will also decide the cost;bottom line a great product is not easy  or cheap to produce. Wouldn’t you rather  pay for labor and know your getting a good product and not be tricked by advertising and marketing scams or be spending your dollar  for packaging alone? If you have a question about an ingredient or product you need to contact a professional, the manufacturer or search the definition of ingredients on a reputable website such as: ewg.org. Furthermore, I learned this myself not to long ago if a company chooses to abide by INCI regulations, The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, they must use the chemical name for their ingredients. This is a system of names for waxes, oils, pigments, chemicals and other ingredients  found in cosmetics, based on scientific names and other Latin words so you may not recognize the name of a popular ingredient.

Food Rules:

The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines are due for another overhaul. The current version, called MyPyramid, is what the USDA thinks a healthy diet should look like, and every five years the government reevaluates what being healthy means. Unfortunately lobbyists have traditionally had a hand in what the USDA decides to promote in its healthy dietary formula. Shouldn’t you stop letting someone else or the government for that matter decide what you should be eating and be proactive about your health. Most people don’t think of inflammation as a catalyst for making food choices, but perhaps it should be. In today’s fast paced world, we often substitute health for convenience. By picking processed or ‘fast’ foods over natural, more nourishing choices, we create an acidic internal environment more prone to outward signs of inflammation. Inflammation is how our immune system responds to injury if you keep this in mind and refrain from eating  inflammatory foods this is a good first food rule. I’ve taken 4 other rules to follow from Michael Pollan author of The Ominvore’s Dilemma(a must read for everyone)FOOD RULES an Eater’s Manual.

#1 Eat foods high in anti-inflammatory properties:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Eat at least nine one-half cup servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The antioxidants found in green leafy vegetables and colored fruits help prevent free radical oxidation that contributes to inflammation. It’s best to eat these foods raw, as cooking destroys some of their beneficial enzymes and antioxidants.

• Healthy Proteins: Cell, muscle and tissue health depend on protein, and the best sources of proteins for an anti-inflammatory diet are omega-3 rich coldwater fish, free-range poultry and plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts and grains. Red meat contains pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid, and thus, should be consumed in moderation. Poaching and stewing methods are healthier ways to cook meat than frying and barbecuing, and replacing meat or fish with peanut butter or hummus once in a while creates a healthy change of pace.

• Healthy Fats: The fats found in olive oil, pumpkin and flax seeds, walnuts, almonds and macadamia nuts are sources of essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid saturated and trans fats, as well as cottonseed, corn, peanut and soy oils, which contain omega-6 fatty acids that can compromise the beneficial effects of the omega-3 fatty acids.

• Super Foods/Greens: Superfood is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content. Raw plant foods are simple and contain thousands of health-giving nutrients, and conform to the biological design of the human digestive system. Super greens can help reduce acidity and restore internal equilibrium.  - Green Juice Recipes Here.

#2 Eat Food.” Easier said than done, when thousands of new products show up in the supermarket each year, all vying for your food dollar. But most of these items don’t deserve to be called food-I call them edible foodlike substances. They are highly processed concoctions designed by food scientists. Choose real food and avoid these industrial novelties.”

#3 Avoid food products that contain high-fructose corn syrup.” Not because HFCS is any worse for you than sugar, but because it is, like many unfamiliar ingredients in packaged foods, a reliable marker for a food product that has been highly processed. Don’t fall for the food industry’s latest scam:products reformulated to contain “no HFCS” or “real can sugar.” These claims imply these foods are somehow healthier,but they are not. Sugar is sugar”

#4 Avoid foods you see advertised on television. “Just like cosmetics marketers food marketers are ingenious at turning criticisms of their products-and rules like these-into  new ways to sell slightly different versions of the same processed foods. If you avoid products with big ad budgets, you’ll automatically be avoiding edible foodlike substances-Food Rule #2.”

#5 Get out of the supermarket whenever you can. “You won’t find any high-fructose corn syrup or anything microwaveable at the farmer’s market. What you will find is whole, fresh foods harvested at the peak of their taste and nutritional quality.”

Halloween can sometimes start the trend to giving in to the urge for sugar filled foods which can  last all the way through the New Year.  Breaking the rules once in a while is fine because it’s about everyday practices that will govern your quality of life and happiness. Your skin, body and pocket will agree and you can achieve effortless health & beauty for a lifetime.

Happy Halloween

Claudia~