If you are reading this blog, you are likely following some aspects of an Ayurvedic lifestyle.  I thought I would assist in getting you back on the resolution bandwagon with what I perceive to be the top 5 Ayurvedic Resolutions for 2012.  These answers are based on feedback that I receive in consultations with clients.  Again and again, these are the most common areas for improvement, or those recommendations that will “get you the most bang for your buck”.  Here they are:

1) Make lunch the biggest, most important meal of the day.  Do not skip lunch!

2) Go to sleep by 10pm and wake by 6am.  Try not to nap.

3) Ban iced drinks (including water) and frozen foods (ice cream) from your diet.

4) Walk briskly every day for 20-60 minutes.

5) Learn a mindfulness, prayer or meditation practice and do it twice daily (morning and evening) for at least 15 minutes each time.

Depending on your Ayurvedic constitution and imbalance, there may be exceptions to the above.  And really, these are all just tips for moderation, centering and honoring the body temple.   So if you are already pursuing these things with your own resolutions, congratulations!  Studies show that it takes 30 days of uninterrupted practice to develop a new habit, so give it at least that long, if not longer.  You will gain confidence in yourself with each passing day.

If you would like personalized recommendations, please consider an Ayurvedic Initial Consultation for newbies or a Follow-up Visit for veterans.

Happy New Year,

Courtney Klick, Ayurvedic Practitioner

As an Ayurvedic Practitioner I am trained to treat an imbalance of the doshas.  Since I do not do formal medical testing nor do I treat medically-diagnosed pathology, analysis of symptoms is only means by which I have to determine whether or not someone is taking in adequate protein.

Late fall and winter are the season when the VATA dosha, or ether and air elements predominate.  During this time of year, one would expect to see more of the qualities of these elements, such as an increase in symptoms that are dry, light, cool, rough, subtle and mobile.

It is not surprise to me this time of year to see a lot of the following:

-sweet cravings
-muscle & joint pains and aches
-slow-healing from colds and viruses
-dry skin
-depression/anxiety
-light or disturbed sleep
-irregular digestion and elimination
-systemic coldness

Those who are prone to VATA imbalance are likely familiar with one or more of these symptoms. According to Dr. Douillard, many of these common symptoms during the fall/winter are also indications of a potential protein deficiency. I encourage you to read the hidden symptoms of protein deficiency article as it provides a list of symptoms as well as information on how to test for deficiency.

This article is not for vegetarians alone.  I was most surprised to read that those who eat white meats and fish may still lack adequate protein this time of year.  If you would like to explore doshic balancing as a means by which to prevent further deficiency and restored health, please contact me for an Ayurvedic Initial Consultation.

Warmly,

Courtney Klick CAP, LMT

Justin DiPrima, LMT
-Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Reiki, Hot Stone and Raindrop Therapy

Madison Ayurveda and Massage – Sabrina Henderson CAP, LMT
-Ayurvedic Consultations & Bodywork, Therapeutic Massage, Energy Work

Niki Henderson, LMT
-Therapeutic Massage, Raindrop Technique, Transformational Body Work, Reiki

Seishin Bodywork – Rebecca Printen  OT, RYT
-CranioSacral Therapy, Indian Head Massage, Reiki & Yoga

Puja Wellness – Courtney Klick CAP, LMT
-Ayurvedic Consultations & Bodywork, Pancha Karma, Puja Apothecary & Store, Therapeutic Massage

For those who have never experienced the many options available by practitioners at Puja Wellness, you might consider trying one of the following as a blissful introduction:

-Ayurvedic Initial Consultation
-Ayurvedic Bliss Treatment
-Abhyanga-Shirodhara
-Indian Head Massage
-Raindrop Technique

Wishing you happiness and health in the new year!

“A building can be friendly to its inhabitants or unfriendly, depending on how it is constructed and maintained.” -From the website www.vastucreations.com

Vastu is a word that consists of two Sanskrit words “Vas” and “Astu”, meaning a place of dwelling.  Vastu Shastra is an ancient art and science, containing principles and practices of building construction and design that ensures a harmonious balance between man and nature.  When this relationship is harmonious happiness and health prevail, wealth, propserity and success are abundant.  Expounded in the Vedas, Vastu Shastra outlines thousands of guidelines concerning the proper orientation, architecture and interior design of dwellings – all for the purpose of maximizing your spiritual well-being.

Check out these great books for more learning:

Vastu: Transcendental Home Design in Harmony with Nature by Sherri Silverman

Mayfly is a weekly yogabatics or acroyoga jam in Madison, WI that was started by Richard McCloskey, one of the many inspiring yogis/teachers at Puja Wellness.

MayFly currently meets Thursday nights:
7:30pm to 9:30pm
Center for Conscious Living.
849 E. Washington Ave. Suite 118.
Madison, WI 53703.

Introductory Workshop in Yogabatics or AcroYoga is required to participate at the Mayfly Jam.

If you are interested in participating in an upcoming Mayfly YogaBatics Introductory Workshop at Puja Wellness contact Richard McCloskey

Watch this video for some inspiration…

YogaBatics is a combination of yoga, assisted stretching, and weight-sharing fun.  Experience engaged energy and the joy of flight!  These sessions will begin with a forward sequence and end with a basic therapeutic cool down.

Two Introductory level classes are needed to be able to begin participating at the weekly Madison Mayfly Jam.

We are offering one set of classes in each of the following months:

Class dates:

Monday July 18th & 25th

Monday Aug 15th & 22nd

Monday Sept 19th & 26th

Class time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Registration required: Space is limited

Cost for Both classes:
Night of 1st class $45.00
Pre-paid registration $35.00

Location: Puja Wellness

For registration, information, or questions contact:

Richard McCloskey or email easternstar.thai@yahoo.com

YogaBatics is a combination of yoga, assisted stretching, and weight-sharing fun.  Experience engaged energy and the joy of flight!  These sessions will begin with a forward sequence and end with a basic therapeutic cool down.

Two Introductory level classes are needed to be able to begin participating at the weekly Madison Mayfly Jam.

We are offering one set of classes in each of the following months:

Class dates:

Monday July 18th & 25th

Monday Aug 15th & 22nd

Monday Sept 19th & 26th

Class time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Registration required: Space is limited

Cost for Both classes:
Night of 1st class $45.00
Pre-paid registration $35.00

Location: Puja Wellness

For registration, information, or questions contact:

Richard McCloskey or email easternstar.thai@yahoo.com

YogaBatics is a combination of yoga, assisted stretching, and weight-sharing fun.  Experience engaged energy and the joy of flight!  These sessions will begin with a forward sequence and end with a basic therapeutic cool down.

Two Introductory level classes are needed to be able to begin participating at the weekly Madison Mayfly Jam.

We are offering one set of classes in each of the following months:

Class dates:

Monday July 18th & 25th

Monday Aug 15th & 22nd

Monday Sept 19th & 26th

Class time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Registration required: Space is limited

Cost for Both classes:
Night of 1st class $45.00
Pre-paid registration $35.00

Location: Puja Wellness

For registration, information, or questions contact:

Richard McCloskey or email easternstar.thai@yahoo.com

Join us, and bring a friend, to Equilibrium’s OPEN HOUSE in celebration of our recent transition to the healing center at Puja Wellness!

Enjoy…

• Sampling free meditation, massage, yoga, and cranial sacral sessions
from 5:00-7:00pm

• Indulging your taste buds with a spread of delicious healthy food, including a special oil and vinegar tasting from VOM FASS

• Win fabulous health and wellness door prizes

• Make some new friends and get to know the practitioners at Puja Wellness

We look forward to seeing you soon!

To find out more about Justin Thelen and Equilibrium or to schedule an appointment using his 24 hr. online booking visit his website or call him at (608) 345-5430.

April 1st
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
$40

Learn all you need to know to begin a regular meditation practice. This will include simple techniques to meditate that are easy and practical to use in daily life.

The workshop will cover:
-Science of meditation
-How to sit comfortably
-Simple techniques to relax the body and mind for meditation
-Simple meditation techniques and practices that you can use in daily life
-Methods to incorporate meditation in your daily life

To help you sustain your practice, you will be given handouts and will also have the option to purchase Justin’s CD offering 5, 10 and 15 minute guided meditations so you can easily begin practicing on your own right away.

See Justin’s Schedule to see when these workshops will be offered next.

For general inquiries and questions contact Justin at equilibrium.wi@gmail.com or (608) 345-5430.

To reserve your place in one of these workshops, visit Justin’s online booking page.