by Nisha Kumar Joon, YogaOra A chakra is an energy structure, a whirling vortex of energy that acts a bit like a spiral pulling energy through the body’s central vertical electrical current aligned with the spine. Whilst the spine curves, the main energy feeder, that draws energy into the body system’s energy line, is straight. In our human body we tend to work with seven main chakras but there are many, many more. Chakras are also known psychic centers in the subtle body, active, to some … [Read more...]
Creating Calm in Changing Times with Ayurveda
by Amy Massey, Somama Yoga and Ayurveda As we re-emerge from lockdown, we are stepping out into the midst of changing times. The seasonal change is upon us as autumn transitions into winter and we are all navigating impacts of coronavirus in our lives and worldwide. Ayurvedic wisdom brings us back to balance with tips to soothe and strengthen body, mind, heart and soul. Ayurveda (ayur meaning life, veda meaning knowledge) gives us a map of qualities that exist within us and in the world … [Read more...]
Time to Thrive: How I Learned to Take Deep Care of My Body, Heart & Mind
by Kelly Fisher Our lives are so out of synch with nature; it's no wonder that sub-par health and even chronic degenerative diseases are the new norm. Diabetes, autoimmune disorders, adrenal issues, thyroid conditions, weight issues, menopausal issues, post-partum issues, insomnia, perpetual exhaustion… the list goes on. Chances are you know someone who suffers from at least one of these things, and maybe a few of you know someone for each of the above. Even those of us who consider ourselves … [Read more...]
What Qualities & Strengths Make the ideal Ayurveda Client/Student?
By Vaidyar Mani and Nicky Hewett, Ancient’s Best – Ayurveda & Yoga Ayurveda, ‘the Yoga of Life’, where the body and mind is understood and then used as a means or instrument to attain Self-Realization, sadly is not for everyone. This is not a statement of arrogance or exclusivity but is based on individual evolution and Karma. The one who is ready now is spiritually evolved, able to think differently, and ready to take responsibility. The primary function of Ayurveda and all other … [Read more...]
What are the Principles and Philosophy of Ayurveda and how does it Work?
By Vaidyar Mani and Nicky Hewett, Ancient’s Best – Ayurveda & Yoga ‘Ayur’ in Sanskrit translates to mean Life or Longevity, and ‘Veda’ to mean Science, Knowledge, or Understanding. Simply put Ayurveda is ‘The Science of Life’ or more specifically ‘The Science or Understanding of how to live your Life based on your Uniqueness’. Ayurveda is the ‘Yoga of Life’ and its aim or goal is to help us utilize our Body and Mind to achieve Yoga or Self Realisation. Ayurveda is not all that widely … [Read more...]
Oil Pulling – What’s All the Fuss About?
by guest author Kate McLeay Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic health tradition for oral hygiene, detox and rejuvenation. I have been doing this practice daily for just over three years now with many benefits and really love it! I often recommend oil pulling to students and friends and keep getting asked to write down some directions. So here goes… How I got into Oil Pulling As I'm an A type personality, after I received a brief email about oil pulling from my Mum’s wise white witch … [Read more...]
What’s the Difference Between Modern and Traditional Ayurveda and How Does it Relate to Yoga?
By Vaidyar Mani and Nicky Hewett, Ancient's Best - Ayurveda & Yoga The word Ayur-Veda specifically means the “Science or Knowledge of Life or Longevity”. In other words, it means ‘how we are to live and manage our life’. An appropriate term to describe Ayur-Veda is ‘The Yoga of Life’. It is a system that - when correctly understood, applied and practiced - leads one to Yoga, our ultimate goal or Dharma. It is a wholly Spiritual system and discipline. As Kara-Leah wrote recently when … [Read more...]
What is an Ayurvedic Consultation and Treatment Plan All About?
by Kara-Leah Grant, Musings from the Mat I went and had an Ayurvedic Consultation recently with the fine folk at Ancient's Best here in Blenheim. I've had a subtle sense of certain bodily functions not performing at optimum for awhile now. Nothing wrong or broken as such... but just a knowing that things need looking at. It's not the kind of thing you can go to the doctor for though - doctors are great at broken arms and clearly defined illnesses and disease but show up with a vague … [Read more...]
How to Use Ayurveda to Guide Your Yoga Practice
by guest author Jacinta Aalsma Besides yoga, I’ve always been interested in Ayurveda. Not so strange; Ayurveda and yoga have been sister sciences since the beginning in ancient India. Ayurveda deals with the healing side for the physical body as well as the mind. You could consider yoga as the more spiritually-oriented sister. In practice, they will both overlap. Since a couple of months my yoga practice has been transformed from mostly public classes in my local yoga studio to a home … [Read more...]
Eating with the Seasons: Springtime
by Valerie Love September and October have always been my favourite months of the year. Growing up in the northeastern United States, these months marked the arrival of autumn and bright red, orange and yellow leaves on trees, fresh crisp apples and cider, and sweet pumpkin pie -some of my all time favourite things. Here in New Zealand, September and October are just as beautiful, but instead mark the start of spring. In Wellington, instead of the brilliant red and orange maple trees … [Read more...]