It was so lovely to get out and do some free  hand reflexology treatments on Saturday at Secret Garden, Waihi Beach  - despite the rain. Sharla joined me and did some head massage. Thought it was beautiful out the back in the Secret Garden. The food being served up looked delicious too. The great thing about getting into the community is that who knows what will happen next - there is a wonderful interplay of people coming and going, with interesting conversations and greetings. I would like to do this more often - it gets me out of my studio which can feel quite isolated at times.

Mums and Babes Yoga

I so look forward to Mums and Babes Yoga on Tuesdays at 9am. The babies are so relaxed and seeing the mums and babes interact with so much love is heart warming. Another lovely part of the class is how the ladies from the next session, which starts at 10am, come in early and help out with cuddling the babies. Each baby has its own personality.  Just love seeing the mums get some relaxation time at the end and then off they go for a catch up over a coffee. A perfect morning.

An amazing weekend at Ohui

There is something very magical about the ashram at Opoutere. From the moment I arrive, I feel at peace. Hollie and I booked in for a Yoga Revival Weekend and were ready for it. The day was perfect and the first yoga session got us in the mood of rest and relaxation and connecting with our inner selves. Yoga Nidra was 'the icing on the cake'. Just love the food at the ashram, especially when Prashad is cooking. He has such a gift for preparing the most delectable food - after eating his food I always think how easy it would be to be a vegetarian.   Hollie and I went for a walk down the beach and were blessed with no clouds in the sky and of course the ocean reflecting tropical hues. We walked barefoot along the deserted surf beach, clowning around taking selfies and doing asanas. The afternoon session was philosophy with Shantimurti. Shantimurti is the most knowledgeable person I have ever had the privilege of meeting. I could listen to him for hours. Another beautiful meal and then kirtan. A day from paradise. The next day we got up for some yoga, then breakfast, walk and then karma yoga. It is all very nice to have yoga and meditation to learn wisdom and peace for oneself but equally important to share and give. Three of us volunteered to cut up firewood and we had such a good time -laughing, joking, sharing, chatting. Darling Atma invited Hollie and I to her house and we caught up with her and her dear little girl, Astrid. After lunch was nadi yoga and it left me buzzing with energy - my whole being was tingling with vibrations of sound. What a weekend!

Stage Six of Disease - Chronic

At the final stage the disease is fully manifested, with symptoms more severe. This stage is also known as ‘Differentiation’ because specialised features of disease become clear. For example, diabetes  may be recognised at Stage 5 but in Stage 6 characteristics of Stage 2 Diabetes becomes obvious.

Structural changes and complications to other organs take place in this stage.

An Ayurvedic doctor says the entire disease process may be reversed with proper treatment and will power.

Detoxification and purification, herbal medicines, dietary and lifestyle changes are incorporated for removal of excess doshas and then rejuvenation therapies using foods and herbs are used to rebuild and strengthen tissues.

Ayurvedic doctors say that tapping into the underlying current  of healing potential  with an open heart and ability in the belief to heal can help cure even the toughest illness.

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food (Hippocrates 460-377 BC)

Stage Five of Disease - Manifestation

Symptoms of the disease are clear. This is where most people visit the doctor for examination of symptoms to diagnose and treat the disease.

The excess aggravation of the body type (dosha) becomes further embedded within tissues during Manifestation stage. Using the same treatment methods as in stage 4 the disease process can still be successfully reversed.

Eating fresh, vibrant foods is essential during Manifestation stage. Emphasis on body type (dosha) balancing foods and smaller quantities.

Stage Four of Disease - Relocation

If not stopped by this stage it will spread to weak organs and systems within the body.

Weaknesses can result from many things: genetics, trauma, unresolved emotions, energetic blockages, addictions, infections, external pathogens. The imbalance mixes with  tissues in that area and creates functional imbalance at a much deeper cellular level.

If not treated here, it will develop into a full blown disease. An Ayurvedic doctor would treat with herbal medicines, dietary guidance, detoxification therapies and lifestyle changes – all geared towards pacifying imbalances, cleansing impurities from tissues ,eliminating toxins and promoting balance.

Stage Three of Disease - Spreading

During stage 3 the aggravated dosha spreads from its home seat and overflows into the general circulation of the body. Symptoms may appear elsewhere, but fluctuating and inconsistently.

They may still not seem like major problems.

These first 3 stages relate to general imbalances rather than particular diseases and if pacified before stage 4 it is a lot easier to regain balance. During the spreading phase, fasting, panchakarma (traditional system of detoxification) are effective - as is looking back over the past few months and  reflecting about what has caused the imbalances.