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

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

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~

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

An auspicious day the 1111 & in Numerology, 1 is recognized as the beginning, the creator, or essentially the center. No matter where or with whom you spend the day, you’re not alone in hoping for an auspicious year ahead. I  couldn’t wait to say goodbye to 2010, it was an extremely challenging year personally and I can only hope and realize a better 2011. Challenging times can cause a person to wobble and fall and be broken open but how can difficult times help us grow and explore the questions of life-emerging from suffering with real wisdom, love and compassion?

A friend said to me recently, “Yoga saved my life” and I completely understood  what she meant by this.  Thankfully, yoga has a proven track record for helping and “saving me” to get through the worst situations, keeping me balanced and grounded. After so many years of thinking about this-I made a decision to pursue a teacher training this year. I’m completely excited to deepen my practice and share this beautiful comprehensive way to live and approach life which involves more than yoga postures. I look forward to the new hope, resolutions and second chances that every new year brings with it. Remember to stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.

Focus Your Intentions for 2011

• Material Abundance:What do you want on the material level? Your own house with a garden?
• Relationships: Write down all your desires for your relationships – your romantic partner, friends, children, parents, co-workers, and any others.
• Spiritual: What would nourish your heart and soul? Do want to go on a meditation retreat? Start a journaling practice?
• Personal Goals: What areas of your life would you like to nurture this year? Do you want a new intellectual challenge such as studying a language or learning new software?
• Community: What do you want to contribute to your neighborhood, country, or the world?Consider how you might use your unique talents to serve others.
• Health: What are your health goals for the new year? Learning how to meditate? Regular, restful sleep? Better eating habits? Perhaps exercise more ? Releasing old emotional wounds? Write down everything you desire for your physical and emotional well-being.

“Goals are a means to an end, not the ultimate purpose of our lives. They are simply a tool to concentrate our focus and move us in a direction. The only reason we really pursue goals is to cause ourselves to expand and grow. Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term; it’s who you become, as you overcome the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals, that can give you the deepest and most long-lasting sense of fulfillment.” – Anthony Robbins

Love & Light

Claudia~

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~