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.

Stage One of Disease - Accumulation

During the first stage of disease, there may be a slight discomfort or even no symptoms at all. This is the beginning of accumulations.

According to Ayurveda, which is the sister science of Yoga -   the Science of Self Healing (and The World Health Organisation has called 'The Universal Health System', we are a different body type.
The body types are Vata, Pitta  and Kapha. We are all one or other or a mixture.

Each body type is made of different qualities - Vata has ether and air; Pitta has water and fire; Kapha has earth and water.

Each Body type needs different food types and exercise to keep in balance.

If you are Vata and you eat lots of dry, cold food and iced drinks each day, this will cause Vata to be aggravated and Vata will be increased more than the body can expel or pacify it, and accumulation will occur.

If you are Kapha and you eat lots of sweet food and not exercising, your Kapha will increase and you will accumulate too much Kapha.

If you are Pitta and you are eating lots of hot spicy food and salty snacks and exercising lots in the heat of the day, you will accumulate Pitta excess.

However, you may have no symptoms. Your body will be working to restore balance. You may notice if you are eating the wrong food for your body, you will intuitively crave something that your body needs, for example, if you are eating lots of cake you may start to crave light spicy food or a salad. Your body is trying to tell you to balance your diet.

By listening to your inner intelligence you have the ability to stop the disease process.

Early Symptoms of Disease

Vata

Anxiety, confusion, constipation, gas

Pitta

irritability, alternating dry and loose stools, pressure or heat above the neck

Kapha

sluggishness, congestion, bloating



What Happens When We Get Sick and How Can We Stop our Sickness?

Ever wondered why we get a disease?
Well, it has taken six stages for our body to reach disease and at each stage we have the ability to heal our body.

If you agree with the following quote from Charaka Samhita, you may be interested in reading on...

Any treatment that attends only to the  symptoms is not a good therapy. The best treatment is one that balances the whole and does not create any other disorder.

or the quote from Hippocrates - the founder of modern medicine

Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease

If we habitually have excesses of certain foods, alcohol, drugs,  activities, emotions or ways of negative thinking - we begin the disease process. Repetitive imbalances over weeks, months, years, decades cause imbalances in our body and this is behind all disease.

Each day we will investigate each of the six stages of disease...

http://www.lensprices.co.nz/reflexology-and-glaucoma

an article featuring Yoga and Reflexology at the Beach

the power of natural therapies

On Monday morning I was bending and twisting as I was searching through a cupboard and a pain shot through my lower back. Oh no, I thought. Great - I have 3 yoga classes to teach tomorrow. Really quite painful.

I bought some arnica liquid, 200c, and put 3 drops under my tongue. I did my main central Jin Shin Jyutsu flow to bring energy and to harmonise the energy flow -  and also held my tailbone and pubic bone until I felt the energy. That afternoon a good friend came and gave me some Jin Shin Jyutsu (kidney and bladder flow) - both of which go through the lower back. My back was still quite tender, but I felt something happening energy wise during the Jin Shin Jyutsu.

The next morning I woke up and no pain at all. I did the 3 yoga classes and not one issue or reminder about how sore my back was yesterday.

Fantastic - no pain killers needed.

Such a wonderful afternoon at aromatherapy workshop

Had our first aromatherapy workshop with Peter Gosney. He showed us how to make some high quality face cream - mine was made from avocado, camellia, hempseed, jojoba and rosehip oil, benzoin, sandalwood, lemongrass, grapefruit, orange and frankinsense. Everyone of those has its own healing quality.
We all got to take our pots of beautiful face cream home. And a printed booklet crammed full of information and directions.
Not only did we learn how to make our own, we also learnt from Peter's wide knowledge as we asked questions. I am so energised by the afternoon. The ladies were all such fun as well.
Afternoon tea was feta, pine nut and spinach parcels, spiced apple cake with cream or yoghurt and chocolate brownie and fresh garden tea (kawakawa and fresh ginger) and (kaffir lime, fresh lemongrass and ginger) or coffee for those who preferred a coffee fix.

 

quote of day

If instead of a gem or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend that would be giving as the angels give.
George MacDonald

Dalai Lama Visit

A group of us went to Auckland to see the Dalai Lama last Wednesday. It was a wonderful opportunity to see such an amazing spiritual leader. The whole Civic Theatre was packed full, yet throughout the talk, I could have heard a pin drop. It was interesting to listen to other's interpretations of what the Dalai Lama's message was - each of us related to his message in a different way.

What I will take away with me, is that we need to work together globally to be more co-operative, instead of competitively to counter the explosive population increase world wide, poverty and starvation and effects of global warming with many more natural disasters happening. This is such a huge mind set change, that has to happen inside each of our mind's, but at a fundamentally human level, coming from shared consciousness - love and respect for other's cultures and traditions and religions, compassion for other's plights.

He also spoke about how we can cure our physical body with our mind, but we can't cure our mind so easily. We know this with stress manifesting in our lives and causing so many illnesses. Therefore, we need to look after our mind to keep it healthy - with positive thoughts and attitudes which then become habits, behaviour and how we are. Strange how it all comes back to the yogic way of doing things and taking time to get to know ourselves and becoming self -aware. Make choices to slow down and nurture yourself - so we can have good health and longevity and be able to contribute positively to society.

We all thought that his messages were simple, yet profound. We had all heard the same messages before, but somehow we are still thinking about what he said. Wisdom, universal truth, a simple and profound message spoken from the heart.  His message is staying with us and influencing our lives just as one would expect from  the world's leading spiritual master.
 

Benefits of Kombucha Tea

                  

         

The Health Benefits of Kombucha Tea

 

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Chinese discovered the health benefits of Kombucha tea, and they called it an “immortal health elixir.” Today, this tea has gained recognition around the world as a potent health beverage. Kombucha tea is made from the fermentation of a mixture of sweetened tea and SCOBY, which is a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. It is known to be effective in reducing the risks of certain health problems and promoting overall health.

Detoxifies the Body

One of the most important health benefits of Kombucha tea is that it can detoxify your body. It contains many of the bacterial acids and enzymes that are needed for detoxifying your system, and it can reduce pancreatic load and prevent your liver from becoming overburdened. Regular consumption of Kombucha tea can help you maintain a healthy liver.

Prevents and Treats Cancer

Kombucha tea’s detoxifying properties and its high content of glucaric acid can aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer. One of the more effective ways to fight cancer is to detoxify the body. Some people have managed to overcome cancer by taking detoxifying measures such as maintaining an organic and natural diet, removing products that contain chemicals from their homes and drinking Kombucha tea on a regular basis.
Nobel Prize-winning Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn wrote in his autobiography that his stomach cancer was cured by regular consumption of Kombucha tea. After President Ronald Reagan came to know about the author’s claim, he decided to use Kombucha tea to prevent his cancer from spreading. The president survived his cancer, and he died of old age in 2004.

Reduces Risk of Arthritis

Kombucha tea contains high amounts of glucosamines, which are substances that are needed by your body to maintain healthy joints. Glucosamines work to enhance the production of hyaluronic acid, an acid that can help preserve cartilage structure and reduce arthritic pain. It is known that hyaluronic acid provides pain relief that is comparable to NSAIDs. This acid makes it possible for connective tissues in the body to bind great amounts of moisture, and it facilitates the maintenance of healthy tissue structure as well as the lubrication and flexibility of joints.

Boosts Immune System

Kombucha tea is a beverage that is very rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can strengthen your immune system and suppress the activities of free radicals that can cause serious damages to your body. Consequently, your body will become less susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Increases Energy Levels

The detoxifying effects of Kombucha tea ensure that the systems in your body will function more efficiently. When all body processes are running smoothly, your energy levels will increase significantly.

Promotes Weight Loss

Another great benefit of Kombucha tea is its ability to improve metabolism. When your metabolism rate is higher, you will be able to lose more weight.

Provides Mental and Emotional Calmness

Kombucha tea also contains certain acids that can calm your body and mind. Regular consumption of the tea can help you overcome stress, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and other mental and emotional problems.

 

 

   

   

  

 

                   

Why meditate?

Day Retreat coming up

Yoga and reflexology at the beach | Waihi Beach, New Zealand: Sunday Morning Mini Yoga Retreat

'working from within'

Step off the world for a morning.

Treat yourself to a morning of connecting with your inner self and nature through yoga, pranayama and meditation / enjoy a delicious whole earth morning meal with like minded people and be inspired to meditate on a daily basis to enjoy the new you and change your life forever.

The last Sunday of each month

8am to 12 noon

Bookings essential and payment will confirm booking at least one week before retreat.

$75 per person

Limited to 5 people
Yoga on the Beach, Bush or in the Studio (your choice, depending on weather) pranayama / yoga nidra (deep relaxation) / meditation workshop / discussion / practice


Whole earth breakfast –fresh fruit platter / seasonal fruit + homemade granola + yoghurt parfait / freshly baked bread with home made conserves / garden-fresh brewed teas
A guided yoga nidra for deep relaxation


Meditation workshop – discussion, techniques and practice to understand secrets of meditation and feel confident to meditate. Notes are provided. Weather permitting we meditate looking over the ocean in a divinely beautiful setting

Kombucha tea continued

I did have a few peeks during the week. It sat in my hot water cupboard all cosy and nicely covered with muslin and tied with elastic. The culture spread right across the top. On Wednesday a lady at my Jin Shin Jyutsu study group showed me how to split the culture and make the kombucha tea - so helpful. She puts a little piece of raw ginger in it to make it taste more like ginger beer. She also stressed not to handle the culture with hands as it doesn't like oil or fat in any form.

It is real easy to separate - use tongs to get the culture off the top. There will be a new culture growing underneath. Separate (it just slides off) and place old one in glass jar with some of the liquid. This can keep in fridge for friends to start their kombucha tea.
Strain the liquid and bottle. Keep in fridge. For the new lot, make 2 litres of tea and add 3/4 cup of sugar and wait until cold. Then add culture.

It tastes nice - between cidar vinegar and ginger beer. It is recommended to drink just a few tablespoons a day for the first week as it can detoxify your body too fast if you drink too much at first. Next week I will be drinking a small glass 3 times a day.

I do notice no one is queueing up for the culture. Although Hollie, my daughter likes drinking it. Denis, my husband just rolls his eyes!!!
 

kombucha

On Wednesday I was given a kombucha culture. It looks like a slug and is suspended in a jar of liquid.
On Thursday Denis and I bought a large glazed bowl that would hold 2 litres. I was also lent a book to explain the kombucha.
All I had to do was to make tea and add sugar, pour into the bowl and then add the culture and keep in a warm place for one week with muslin tied with elastic over the top.

I am intrigued. Kombucha is called a miracle fungus. It produces a refreshing tea drink that you have a glass of with meals. It is said to cleanse the blood, improve the functioning of liver, gall bladder and digestive organs, act as a deterrent to some forms of cancer, reduce suffering of chronic fatigue syndrome, enhance the immune system and acts as a general tonic and energy booster. It is a not a cure-all, but is supposed to be a life enhancer.

I will let you know the next installment when I bottle it and take my first drink. It is recommended to drink my first glass.

The culture reproduces itself weekly so there is always one to give to a friend.
Where have I been that I haven't heard about Kombucha? It has been around for thousands of years in in South East Asia and Europe.

Let's see what happens in a week's time.

 

would you like to stop a cold when you feel that first tickle in your throat?

All it takes is a bottle of Clinicians zinc oral drops.
Squeeze a droop on the tip of a finger and place it in your nostril and breathe in the zinc. Do the same on the other side.
Your cold will disappear.