Welcome to Healing Hands

     Just call today and set up your appointment.   329-102-0554 (Mexico).

At Healing Hands, we strive to make each procedure and treatment satisfying and relaxing for each client.
With hectic schedules and the stresses of everyday life, we tend to get a bit wound up. It is extremely important that you take time to relax, rejuvenate and listen to your inner voice in order to allow your body to experience a healing process.

We want the best for you and are dedicated to providing a warm, relaxing environment where you can find solace, rejuvenation and balance. Our treatments are designed to find any imbalances or pain you may be experiencing and eliminate them, which will allow your body's natural ability to take over and heal itself.

Specializing in Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Marma Point Massage, Shirodhara, Integrative & Restorative Muscle Therapy, Steams, Colonics, Ubvartan, and much more, we will make your visit a very pleasurable experience. You will feel reconnected and united with body, mind and spirit.
We are geared towards out-call services, where we come to your villa or hotel room. You may also come to us and receive a massage, Shirodhara and other simpler treatments.

Panchakarma - a six-day treatment that takes your body though a cleansing and rejuvenation process unlike any other. Each day is designed to cleanse and boost that day’s organ system. All teas, essential oils, juices and foods are geared to bring strength to the specific system. The first three days concentrate on detoxing, beginning with the stomach, colon, liver, gall bladder, and finally the kidneys. The second set of days concentrate on the lungs, heart, and reproductive organs. By the end of the week you will feel and know bliss.... you will have more energy, lose a few pounds and feel grounded and focused like never before. You will feel light, joyous and outgoing. Panchakarma is very intensive and there is some preparation to do before your arrival. Please contact us and find out about the Panchakarma treatment. The cost for a week of therapies, food, herbs, and counseling is $3,000.

There are a host of additional therapies that are done during the Panchakarma that may be combined or received a la carte. When combining a multi therapy, a discount will be applied. 

Marma point massage (2 or 4 handed) See the description below in the massage section. $75/150 

Shirodhara - A modern therapy based on an ancient Indian technique. A stream of warm oil is poured very slowly onto the center of the forehead (the location of the "third eye"). The effect is indescribable. $65

Chakra Balancing - When the chakras are perfectly aligned, clear and unblocked, it enables one to feel well and enjoy optimal health. We use 7 specially blended oils specific to each chakra and apply them to each point. $35

Nasya Therapies - The therapy cleanses and opens the channels of the head, thereby improving the process of oxygenation (prana), which has a direct influence on the functioning of the brain. $35

Ubvartan - Application of a purifying herbal compound that is worked through the skin into the bloodstream. Following this, toxins are perspired out through steam/sweat therapy. $75

Netra basti - This incredibly relaxing “eye bath” treatment nourishes the deep connective tissue of the eyes, improves vision, and is beneficial for eye strain, dry and itchy eyes, sties, and optic neuritis. In general, it helps to balance the doshas in the head. $40

Swedana (steam bath) -The use of heat and steam to encourage sweating has long been recognized as a natural and effective way to encourage the process of detoxification. $35

Yoga - An essential part of Ayurveda is to work and move to create strength, flexibility and peace in our body and mind. Per hour; private or in a class setting.

Integrative & Restorative Muscle Therapy - Developed by Greg as the culmination of years of research and experience, this unique approach to muscle and functional healing releases chronic pain and holding patterns, re-establishing and educating new muscle memory behavior. $85

Traditional type Massage $75

Marma Point Massage
Marma point massage focuses on strategic points on the body that act as energy centers. Marma points formed the basis for the Chinese acupuncture meridian system, a system currently better known. There are more than 50 marma points on the body. They are massaged by applying a drop of warm essential oil, and then massaging the point with the thumb moving in a circular motion. This stimulates the free flow of energy in the body.

Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage uses a system of long strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. It promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of motion, and relieves muscle tension.

Shiatsu/Acupressure
These are oriental-based systems of finger-pressure massage that treat special points along the acupuncture meridians, the invisible channels of energy that flow throughout the body. Blocked energy along the meridians can cause physical discomfort, so the aim is to release the blocks and re-balance the energy flow. 
 

Reflexology (Zone Therapy)
Based on a philosophy similar to that of Shiatsu or Acupressure, Reflexology is organized around a system of points on the hands and feet that are thought to correspond or "reflex" to all areas of the body. With this in mind, it is like receiving a full body massage.

Maternity Massage
A special massage used to reduce low back pain, swelling, sciatica pain, stress, and anxiety, Maternity Massage also increases circulation and body awareness through gentle stretching, range of motion exercises, and re-education of muscle. A body support system is used to allow the mother and child to be fully cradled and supported while lying in a prone position (face down).

Sports Massage
This massage focuses on the muscles relevant to the particular athletic activity and usually is more vigorous. Besides helping prevent injury, it can improve an athlete's performance and endurance. Post event massage relieves pain, prevents stiffness, flushes lactic acid, and returns the muscle to normal sooner. Sports Massage is also used for Injury Rehabilitation.

Deep Muscle/Connective Tissue
As the name implies, this type of massage releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body with slow, deep strokes and pressure on concentrated areas, either following or going against the grain of muscles, tendons, or fascia. This massage can be used for specific work or a full body relaxation.

Neuro Muscular Therapy
This is a method of using cross-fiber or static pressure on origins, insertions, and the belly of the muscles involved. Neuro Muscular Therapy is often used to work with such problems as chronic low back pain, whiplash, thoracic outlet syndrome, or any other chronic pain.

Somatic Movement Therapy
Somatic Movement Therapy is a concept for re-establishing conscious muscle control between the mind and body. Using gentle and fluid motions, control of the body is regained from the inside out. This is a very relaxing therapy. Once the simple movements are learned, the result is an elimination of muscle tension through slow, fluid movements.

We take our work seriously. We are committed to it, and to our clients. For this reason, we demand a reasonable level of commitment from those we treat. The client who asks if he can smoke during the panchakarma purification process is an uncommitted client. At the very least, he should be willing to stop smoking for the six days of the treatment for the sake of his own health.
To be committed to the process is vital. Panchakarma is a cleansing treatment. During the removal of toxins from the body, there may be times of discomfort. And there may be concepts and ideas that require trust and a willingness to open the heart and mind to new experiences. Nothing of value is ever gained by remaining in the comfort zone. This is equally true when it comes to health.
For the serious, committed client, we offer an equal commitment to his or her treatment. We take the time to explain. We guide you through the process and give you the emotional and psychological support you need. And in the end, that makes all the difference.

We look forward to hearing from and working on you very soon.

Namaste

Gregory & Selene Soucy

What is old is new again AYURVEDA

A review of the ancient medicinal practice of prolonging life though Harmony and Balance.

The age-old art that stays in style

Spa therapies generally involve treatments such as Swedish massage, facials, steams and pedicures. Here I discuss a 5000 old tradition of wellness and longevity, whose teachings were passed down the ages as oral tradition and eventually as Sutras, or poetical verses in Sanskrit.

When speaking of well being in the context of health, one is not referring to the market-driven ideas of the present day, but rather the intimately related emotional and physical aspects of health and wellness--- the mind, body and soul. The more we nurture ourselves with the purity of the environment, the more radiant we become physically and expressively --- regardless of our particular body shape or proportions. We will glow, things flow smoothly. It is as if a light has been turned off has come back on.

Ayurveda is perhaps the most complete system of living, embracing not only medicine, but also philosophy, psychology, lifestyle, and health. It is India’s traditional natural healing system, believed to be more than 5,000 years old.

The term Ayurveda derives from the Sanskrit words ayus and veda. Ayus translates as “life” and Veda as “knowledge” or “science” Ayurveda thus means the “Knowledge or Science of Life.” According to Ayurveda Ayus is union of the mind, body, senses and soul. It is energy and vitality and is eternal.

Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with the basic laws of nature. According to Ayurveda, health is a continual and participatory process that embraces all aspects of life: physical, mental emotional, behavioral, spiritual, familial, social, and universal. Achieving balance on all levels of being is the true measure of vibrant health.

All organic and inorganic substances are made up of five basic elements, ether, air, fire, water, and earth. These are the building blocks of all material existence. Everything we know has a varying ratio of the five elements. Since we as humans are a combination of the five elements we also have a distinct pattern or map for each person, and no two people will be the same.

We nourish ourselves with foods from the earth, and eventually, our body returns to the earth, from where it came. Water is our life sustaining fluid, making up a large percentage of our total body mass. Fire is within us accounting for the heat and radiant energy that exists within all metabolic and chemical actions. Air flows freely throughout the body, giving movement to biological functions and feeding every cell with oxygen. Space is ever-present, patiently residing in the background, providing the other elements with an opportunity to interact.

The five Elements also explain why substances of the natural world are harmonious with the human body. We utilize plants, herbs, minerals, and water because these substances are the same in composition and character to our own underlying make-up.

Clearly, as each individual has all these principles at work, each person is a combination of the three doshas. Typically though, one or two doshas dominate lending unique character to the individual’s mind-body constitution.

*To help determine your body type go to http://tridosha.com/self-test

Out of whack
The pressures of modern life can and will wreak havoc with our natural state of well being. In past times people were in close contact with the earth and changes of the seasons, working the land, hunting and harvesting the food. Today we have traded this time tested habit of natural and direct experience for our creature comforts and conveniences.

More of us live in cities, spending the waking hours in man-mad environments. Simple things like light and heat, which once ruled our work and sleep patterns have become controllable at the flick of a switch. Foods being flown in from all over the world are available to us year round, all but extinguishing significance of seasonal selection.

The world of the computer has on one hand made life simpler, yet has also encouraged a sedentary existence. Supposedly, we have more control, but the further we get from the earths natural rhythms, the more stressed our daily living becomes.

Why is it so? You ask. It is these simple and modern connivances that interfere with the energy flows in our bodies. As a direct result, the body’s natural balance of elements is disturbed. In an Ayurvedic context one would refer to this as an imbalance in our doshas. The results could be stress, insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, hair loss, flu or common cold and many other disorders that affect lives and well being. Bearing in mind we cannot drop out and return to a natural existence, what we can do to help restore our own natural balance in modern times?

The source of health
Popular cosmetology and medicines focus primarily on outer beauty, treating the symptom rather than the cause of the disorder itself. Ayurveda recognizes that individual positive health results from a balance of five fundamental elements. When this balance is disturbed, ill health issues occur. Ayurveda addresses wellbeing from the sites of origin in the mind and body, and capitalizes on all efforts relating to positive health, treating people as a whole, unique individuals rather than mere cases of some skin or scalp disorder. The most basic idea of Ayurveda is the concept of balance. We are healthy and happy when our doshas are properly aligned. Most disease results from an imbalance of our doshas.

To treat disease, the Ayurvedic practitioner attempts through various treatments to restore balance. The balanced body then heals itself. In essence, Ayurveda is a system that uses the body's own defenses to restore and maintain health and happiness. It pertains to the achievement of the perfect state of well being, balancing the mind, body and soul.

The Ayurvedic approach to health is twofold: heal sickness by restoring the body's natural balance of energies (doshas), and preserve health by carefully maintaining that balance through daily and seasonal routines.

The two 5,000 year old Ayurvedic wellness and longevity therapies --- Abhyanga Marma Point Massage and Shirodhara --- can help return and maintain the doshas in sync. When we combine them we will allow the body’s energies to be restored and the inner mind to find peace thus facilitating living in harmony with equilibrium, free of disease.

Abhyanga Marma Point Massage
Literally translated, Abhyanga means oil application. Marma Points --- vital energy points --- are positions on the body where flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints meet. They are also junctions where Vata, Pitta and Kapha elements coincide. They are points which have great importance to a person’s mind, body and spirit. The Major Marma pints correspond to the chakras. The minor points are found around the torso and limbs, thus healing through marma affects the chakras’ and the doshas’ physical health.

The Marma Point massage can be carried out with either two hands or four hands. When using four hands it stimulates both the left and right side of the brain simultaneously, allowing for deeper oil penetration. The therapists are moving synchronicity and the pressure is applied is equally at all times. They work either from navel towards head or from navel towards foot, or on the left hand side and right hand side of the body. It is a well choreographed dance full of grace, giving and gratitude.

This treatment utilizes dosha specific herbal oils to pacify the client’s imbalance in their doshic type. Because the marmas are the junctions of all five principles, it is in these points that herbal application and pressure can most effectively restructure or rebalance the health and longevity of the body and mind by ensuring the proper balance. Abhyanga therapeutic oil application combined with Marma Points helps eliminate these toxins from the body, allowing healing and restoration of the tissues, channels, digestion and mental functions.

General benefits may include the following:
• Calming excessive mental activity
• Improving circulation
• Removing stiffness from joints
• Improving concentration and intelligence
• Promoting good vision
• Stimulating the lymphatic system
• Remedying insomnia
• Balancing hormonal and nervous system
• Making the body feel light, active, energetic
• Stimulates antibody productions thus strengthening the immune system

Shirodhara
Shiro means head/forehead region and Dhara literally means flow – in this case with therapeutic oils. This traditional technique is quite powerful in its ability to relieve emotional and physical tension by working on the third eye --- the center of the forehead.

Shirodhara is a modern technique. The patient lies supine on a flat surface with head back and a rolled towel or pillow underneath the neck. A stream of warm oil is poured very slowly onto the center of the forehead---the location of the third eye known as the window to the soul. The effect is indescribable. People emerge from this therapy with a sense of tranquility that is reflected in a health glow as a free flow of energy emerges.

Typically, the treatment lasts for a half hour. A base oil is blended with a few drops of aromatic essential oil to create the liquid. It is then warmed to a comfortable temperature and the treatment begins.

The third eye is a vital marma and the chakra for mental powers---it is not unusual for some people to find the treatment to be a very powerful meditative experience. It is critical that the room be quiet, clean and free of drafts. Through the generations Shirodhara has been applied to treat various disorders of the head, neck, eyes, ears, nose and skin, throat and nervous system. It is specifically suited to ease any Vata imbalance located in the head and chest area. It is also wonderful also for Pitta issues, as the therapy is used to treat cholesterol, enlarged prostate, ulcers and reduces heat from bodily systems.

Some simple benefits are that:
• Provides deep mental and physical relaxation
• Reduces insomnia
• Helps treat asthma, allergies and rheumatism
• Alleviates excess perspiration
• Helps resolve mental conflict

Dynamic duo
The combination of abhyanga Marma Point Massage followed by Shirodhara is a means of returning to the natural rhythms of the earth, warding off the effects oft the modern world and keeping in touch with ourselves.

These Ayurvedic therapies are two of the oldest and best kept secretes that continue to persevere. As a friend of mine once said, “Anything that is good or valuable we retain… any thing that is irrelevant is lost or forgotten.” That is also true of a tradition that has not been forgotten after 5,000 years. Embrace Ayurvedic treatments, to close your mind to stress and anxiety and open it to a balanced mind, body and spirit.

Greg Soucy is a licensed massage therapist, Ayurvedic practioner, wellness coach and health mentor with more than 20 years of experience in the wellness industry. Soucy specializes in Ayurvedic treatments and body re-education to treat pain, attain balance and achieve quality of life. He instructs spas in Ayurvedic treatments and advanced massage techniques and conducts wellness seminars. To contact Soucy e-mail gregsoucy@gmail.com , or go to www.tridosha.com or call 305-810-8534.

shirodhara bliss, Bryan & Light Miller

Herbs for Teas and Food, Dreamstime

Healing Hands, Dreamstime

Ancient God, Dreamstime

Colors of India, Dreamstime

Ganesh Statue, Dreamstime

Three Headed God, Dreamstime

Statue Indian God, Dreamstime

Ganesh, Dreamstime

Gift to the Ganges, Dreamstime

Prayers, Dreamstime

Sunset Statue, Dreamstime

Morning Nutrition, Dreamstime

Shirodhara, Istock

yoga, Istock

Delicious Lunch, Dreamstime

yoga on the beach, Istock

shirodhara bliss, Bryan & Light Miller

Herbs for Teas and Food, Dreamstime

Healing Hands, Dreamstime

Ancient God, Dreamstime

Colors of India, Dreamstime

Ganesh Statue, Dreamstime

Three Headed God, Dreamstime

Statue Indian God, Dreamstime

Ganesh, Dreamstime

Gift to the Ganges, Dreamstime

Prayers, Dreamstime

Sunset Statue, Dreamstime

Morning Nutrition, Dreamstime

Shirodhara, Istock

yoga, Istock

Delicious Lunch, Dreamstime

yoga on the beach, Istock

The Kapha person who is known as the loving, compassionate and peaceful boss who never get riled up, has now turned into the complacent, dull, and has that "couch-potato" type behavior.  You may even experience clogged pores and congested skin, or remain lethargic and eat for comfort. Obesity and diabetes  are classic Kapha imbalances, has become a glaring problem in the west since the 1950s, the age of TV dinners and nutrition-lacking fast food outlets.

In these modern times it is imperative we take a little extra time and activate ourselves, otherwise we could raise our Kapha by oversleeping, overeating, insufficient exercise or variety in ones life.  We don't need the "couch-potato" we need, the compassionate, forgiving, relaxed, and methodical, stable person that the Kapha person is born to be.

Below you will find a few helpful hints on how to keep your Kapha in order and live a happier life.  If you are unsure of your imbalances feel free to take the self-test here. http://tridosha.com/selftest

Kapha = Earth + Water

Kapha represents the structure and stability.

Kapha’s coolness helps maintain body temperature
Considered the dynamic force of our body tissues
represents the mucous membranes and lubrication of our joints
creates insulation within our body and it’s movement is slow.

When in balance

Affectionate, compassionate, forgiving emotionally steady, relaxed, slow, methodical, good memory, good stamina, stability, natural resistance to sickness.

When out of balance

Complacent, dull, oily skin, allergies slow digestion, lethargic, possessive, over attached, tendency to oversleep, overweight.

What aggravates Kapha

Excessive rest and oversleeping, overeating, insufficient exercise, too little variety in life, heavy, unctuous foods, too much sweet, sour or salty food cold, wet weather.

General Information

* Best to favor bitter and astringent tastes in diet and herbs
* Minimum sleep
* Fast twenty-fours a week
* Physical and mental exercise
* Sexual intercourse
* Light dinner in evening
* Best stones - yellow topaz, coral, diamond
* No breakfast before 10 am
* Best metal to use on the body is copper, iron
* Best colors are yellow, brown, red
* Use dry, sour, pungent and hot substances
* Take regular bath and sauna to promote sweating

HERBS

* Burdock
* Juniper Berries
* Ginger
* Cinnamon
* Katuka
* Yarrow
* Cloves
* Orange Peel
* Guggul
* Cypress
* Rhubarb
* Triphala
* Eucalyptus

ESSENTIAL OILS:

* Anise
* Caraway
* Frankincense
* Marjoram
* Saffron
* Angelica
* Cinnamon
* Ginger
* Myrrh
* St. John's Wort
* Allspice
* Clary Sage
* Grapefruit
* Myrtle
* Tagates
* Basil
* Coriander
* Hina
* Orange
* Tangerine
* Bay
* Cumin
* Hyssop
* Parsley
* Tea Tree
* Benzoin
* Cypress
* Immortelle
* Peppermint
* Thyme
* Bergamont
* Dhavana
* Jasmine
* Petitgrain
* Trififolia
* Birch
* Dill
* Juniper
* Rose
* Wintergreen
* Black Pepper
* Eucalyptus
* Lavender
* Rosemary
* Yarrow
* Cardamon
* Fennel
* Lemon
* Sage
* Cajeput
* Fir
* Lemongrass
* Sandalwood

Mixing Oils:

* Sweet Almond Oil
* Mustard Seed Oil

The Pitta person who should be a dynamic leader has now become your worst boss! This can be caused by excessive exposure to heat, alcohol, smoking, deadlines, spicy or overstimulating foods. Again much of this hyperactivity has become ingrained in our control-oriented culture.

In these modern times it is imperative we take a little extra time and care for ourselves, otherwise we could manifest our Pitta as anger, intolerance, and criticism,  or physically as acidity, inflammation, and sensitivities. We need none of this, it is better to be warm, loving contented, courageous, bold and intellectual. 

Below you will find a few helpful hints on how to keep in check your Pitta and live a happier life.  If you are unsure of your imbalances feel free to take the self-test here. http://tridosha.com/selftest

Pitta = Fire + Water

Pitta represents Transformation

Creates our digestive fire, regulates our body temperature

It moves the warmth and circulation of the body.

It’s sharpness enables sharp memory, sharp pain or sharp words

Pitta

When in balance

Warm. loving, contented, enjoys challenges, strong digestion, lustrous complexion, good concentration, articulate and precise speech, courageous, bold, sharp wit, intellectual.

When out of balance

Demanding, perfectionist, tendency towards frustration, anger, tendency towards skin rashes, irritable and impatient, prematurely grey hair or early loss of hair.

What aggravates Pitta

Excessive heat or exposure to the sun, alcohol, smoking, time pressure, deadlines, excessive activity, too much spicy, sour or salty food, skipping meals.

General Information:

* Cool foods & drinks; foods with predominant sweet, bitter & astringent tastes.

* Have flowers around the house.

* Bathe in moonlight. Take flower baths

* Take walks in cold air.

* At night, massage head with coconut oil.

* Team sports which give competitiveness and promote cooperation are ideal.

* Also sports like hiking which are vigorous and not ego producing.

* For meditation colors, use blue and green.

* Best stones (to be carried on the right side of the body) are sapphire, aquamarine, azurite.

* Do regular liver-flushes (olive oil and fresh lemon juice but without garlic or cayenne).

* FOLLOW DIET AND AVOID RESTRICTED FOODS MOST OF TIME!

* Best metal to use on the body is silver.

* AVOID EXCESSIVE SAUNA, HOT TUB OR SUNBATHING.

Use the Following Bitter Tonics and Astringent Herbs:

* Aloe Vera
* Dill
* Mint
* Bala
* Echinachea
* Mustard
* Barberry
* Fennel
* Neem
* Bibitaki
* Gentian
* Pepperming
* Catnip
* Golden seal
* Red Clover
* Chamomile
* Sandalwood
* Chaparral
* Jasmine
* Wintergreen
* Juniper berry
* Yarrow
* Coriander
* Lavender
* Yellow Dock
* Cypress
* Lemon Peel
* Dandelion
* Lemongrass

ESSENTIAL OILS:

* Cumin
* Tagetes
* Cedarwood
* Immortelle
* Rose
* Chamomile-blue,gold
* Jasmine
* Sandalwood
* Champa
* Lavender
* Saffron
* Clary Sage
* Lemongrass
* St. John's Wort
* Coriander
* Lime
* Myrtle
* Vanilla
* Dill
* Neroli
* Wintergreen
* Fennel
* Palmarosa
* Yarrow
* Geranium
* Peppermint
* Ylang-Ylang

MIXING OILS:

* Coconut
* Sunflower
* Olive

Vata imblalances the most common of the ailments that is found. Not only is Vata the most volital of the three doshas, but the demands of our society are such that it forces us out of balance. For example our multitasking, running from place to place, or eating on the run or not at all, are prime examples of how we can and do raise our Vata in the body.

In these modern times it is imparitive we take a little extra time and care for ourselves, otherwise we could feel pain, fatique, and lowered immunity. It also sets in the mind as Anxiety, the inability to focus and fear. Peple with Vata imbalances tend to be "spacey" and forgetful, and have disturbed sleep patterns.

Below you will find a few helpful hints on how to keep in check your Vata and live a happier life.  If you are unsure of your imbalances feel free to take the self-test here. http://tridosha.com/selftest

Vata = Air + Ether

Vata is responsible for energy, movement, thought and perception of senses. The air element keeps the body fresh and cool the ether creates space within the body between cells causes involuntary air movement for respiration Allows for mobility.

Air and Ether- are a gaseous matter, it is existence without form.

Attributes: cold, dry, mobile, subtle, clear and sharp.

Within the body: it is used for oxidation and is the basis for all energy transfer reaction.

Vata When in balance

vibrant, lively, enthusiastic, clear and alert mind. Flexible, exhilarated, imaginative, sensitive, talkative, quick to respond.

When out of balance

Restless, unsettled, light interrupted sleep tendency to over excert, fatigued,constipated, aanzious,worried, underweight.

What aggravates Vata

Irregular routine, staying up late, irregular meals, cold, dry weather, excessive mental work, too much bitter, astringent or pungent food, traveling, injury

General Information:

• Warm foods & drinks, oily food, foods with predominantly sweet, sour and salty tastes.
• Oil your body every day with sesame oil and essential oils.
• Best not to eat alone.
• Best meditation colors are yellow, orange, red.
• Avoid dark colors.
• Best stones are jade, peridot.
• Best metal is gold.
• Avoid cold wind, dampness, excess travel, television, radio, movies, excess talking and thinking.
• Practice yoga that is calming and grounding.
• Use bulk and tonic laxatives like flax seed and psyllium.
• Meals should be small but frequent.
• Avoid light diet and fasting, dry foods, cold foods and drinks, foods having predominantly pungent, bitter or astringent tastes.

HERBS:

Angelica
Ginger
Asofoeida
Ashwaganda
Sandalwood
Licorice
Jatamasi
Valerian
Comfrey
Gota Kola
Valerian
Solomon Seal
Chrysanthem

ESSENTIALOILS:

Cinnamon
Ginger
Vetiver
Camphor
Clove
Celery
Angelica
Bhrami
Cumin
Carrot Seed
Valerian
Trififolia
Cardamon
Cypress
Vata

MIXING OILS:
Sesame Oil / Hazelnut Oil

Panchakarma is how you find a state of bliss

It all began for us almost 14 years ago... Selene and I went for a week of Panchakarma in Yelapa with our teachers, Dr's Bryan and Light Miller.  Little did we know that that week would change our lives forever.

During the treatment there were many unknown and new therapies for us. We confronted our fears and went forward to face the unknown. During which a wonderful transformation did take place. My skin got softer, eyes brighter, and the body felt lighter and more energetic, from all the delicious foods, and treatments.

The shocking part for me was afterwards when meeting up with friends they asked "what happened to you"? "you look younger, you are glowing, and your eyes are super white and bright".  So after hearing that from a number of people it was a solid confirmation that my initial feelings of "I need to learn how to do Ayurveda" that I had during the treatment was a must for me.

Within two weeks we were in Sarasota, Florida studying Ayurveda and learning how to be live in balance and  be in harmony. Below is a brief explanation of what and how panchakarma works. enjoy!

Panchakarma is about detoxification. Over time, our bodies accumulate toxins. Ayurveda believes that a clean body is necessary for good health. Thus, we must find a way to rid ourselves of built-up poisons in our systems.

PK has been practiced for over 5000 years in India. It is undoubtedly one of the safest, most comprehensive, and customizable method of assisted detoxification on the planet.

There are five steps to Panchakarma. The first involves the use of oils both internally and externally to lubricate the body. This is called oelation or snehana. It is done to prepare the body for the other therapies to come.

Purgation (virechana) is the second step. This step begins the internal cleansing of the body through the use of herbal laxatives. Next, the pores are cleansed in the steam cabinet. This is called sweat therapy or svedhana.

Internal cleansing continues with an enema (basti). Finally, the detoxification concludes with nasal therapy, known as nasya, which involves the inhalation of drops of oil through the nasal passages.

PK is a 6-day intensive process. 7-14 days of preparation are required before starting. It is important to remember that PK is designed to support your body’s own natural ability to detoxify, regenerate, and heal.

The result of Panchakarma is an incredible feeling of purity, cleanliness, and lightness of bein or Bliss... It is difficult to grasp just how much our accumulated toxins weigh us down. Another common benefit is weight loss, often as much as ten to fifteen pounds. Most of this is excess water retained because the body is out of balance. Not only does the panchakarma eliminate bloating in this way, it forms the basis for a proper Ayurvedic diet which will keep it off and help burn off excess fat as well.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the scheduling of treatments, please contact me from the below mentioned information.

Ayurveda The science of life.

Ayurveda [i-yur-VAY-da] comes from the ancient spiritual texts of India known as the Vedas, or “Books of Wisdom” which date back at least five thousand years and are regarded as the first written texts.

The term Ayurveda derives from the Sanskrit words ayus and veda. Ayus translates as “life” and Veda as “knowledge” or “science” Ayurveda thus means the “Knowledge or Science of Life.” According to Ayurveda Ayus is union of the mind, body, senses and soul. It is energy and vitality it is eternal.

Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with the basic laws of nature. According to Ayurveda, health is a continuous and participatory process that embraces all aspects of life: physical, mental emotional, behavioral, spiritual, familial, social, and universal. Achieving balance on all levels of being is the true measure of vibrant health.

Five Element Theory

All organic and inorganic substances are made up of five basic elements. Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth. These are the building blocks of all material existence. Everything we know has a varying ratio of the five elements. Since we as humans are a combination of the five elements we also have a distinct pattern or map for each person, and no two people will be the same. We nourish ourselves with foods from the earth, and eventually, our body returns to the earth, from where it came. Water is our life sustaining fluid, making up a large percentage of our total body mass. Fire is within us accounting for the heat and radiant energy that exists within all metabolic and chemical actions. Air flows freely throughout the body, giving movement to biological functions and feeding every cell with oxygen. Space is ever-present, patiently residing in the background, providing the other elements with an opportunity to interact.

The five Elements also explain why substances of the natural world are harmonious with the human body. We utilize plants, herbs, minerals, and water because these substances are the same in composition and character to our own underlying make-up.

All this is learning how and what empowering foods are best for your body type, to give you the day full of energy and vitality to achieve all your goals and dreams.

Unlike Western medicine, which until recently has concerned itself primarily with healing the sick, Ayurveda takes a holistic view of health. Prevention is as important as cure to an Ayurvedic practitioner. It's ironic that principles known to Ayurveda for thousands of years are now trumpeted as new discoveries by Western medicine.

Life in the Balance

The Ayurvedic approach to health is twofold: heal sickness by restoring the body's natural balance of energies (doshas), and preserve health by carefully maintaining that balance through daily and seasonal routines.

Dinacharya, the daily routine, prescribes good hygiene, proper diet, moderate exercise, efficient elimination of wastes, stress-reduction, and a positive mental attitude. The day is divided into four-hour periods, each corresponding to a doshic energy: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Ayurveda recommends a daily routine synchronized with this doshic cycle.

Similarly, Ritucharya prescribes a seasonal routine based on the doshic cycle of the seasons. In Ayurveda, the year is divided into six seasons. Each corresponds to a type of doshic energy; each, therefore, requires a different regimen if we are to remain in harmony with nature.

By following the recommendations of Dinacharya and Ritucharya, balance is maintained and health preserved. If, however, an unbalanced state is allowed to persist, the development of disease is virtually inevitable.

shirodhara bliss, Bryan & Light Miller

Herbs for Teas and Food, Dreamstime

Healing Hands, Dreamstime

Ancient God, Dreamstime

Colors of India, Dreamstime

Ganesh Statue, Dreamstime

Three Headed God, Dreamstime

Statue Indian God, Dreamstime

Ganesh, Dreamstime

Gift to the Ganges, Dreamstime

Prayers, Dreamstime

Sunset Statue, Dreamstime

Morning Nutrition, Dreamstime

Shirodhara, Istock

yoga, Istock

Delicious Lunch, Dreamstime

yoga on the beach, Istock

shirodhara bliss, Bryan & Light Miller

Herbs for Teas and Food, Dreamstime

Healing Hands, Dreamstime

Ancient God, Dreamstime

Colors of India, Dreamstime

Ganesh Statue, Dreamstime

Three Headed God, Dreamstime

Statue Indian God, Dreamstime

Ganesh, Dreamstime

Gift to the Ganges, Dreamstime

Prayers, Dreamstime

Sunset Statue, Dreamstime

Morning Nutrition, Dreamstime

Shirodhara, Istock

yoga, Istock

Delicious Lunch, Dreamstime

yoga on the beach, Istock