Saturday, April 18, 2015

GUNDUSHA -is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique



Today I am so excited to teach you all about 'Gundusha'

​You know YOGA is my way of life and a big part of it is the NUTRITION  and LIFESTYLE.  We studied Ayurvedic
 in our Yoga Training and it has continued to fascinate me. Although we only touched on it at teacher training I love spending time getting to know and practice  Ayurvedic healing  why, because it  also just like YOGA, been around for thousands of years that is. It is is holistic, drug free and works.


GUNDUSHA -is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique

When it comes to holistic preventative health procedures I have always been willing to try anything and willing to give it a go, as long as it is in alignment with 100% whole foods and natural. 

I recently came across ‘Oil Pulling’ and I was obviously going to try it out for myself.
Oil pulling, also known as "kavala" or "gundusha," is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action supposedly draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health. WOW! I just hit the jack pot to a healthier body again. Now I want to share this with YOU! 

'I feel amazing, now it's YOUR turn'


Reported benefits include:

• Whiter teeth
• Cavity and gingivitis prevention
• Better breath (halitosis suffers also reported greatly improved morning breath) 
• Stronger teeth & gums 
• Less jaw pain (TMJ sufferers noted great improvement),
• sleep problems 
• sinus issues 
• Alleviation of headaches, hangovers 
• Skin issues (reports have shown improvement in acne, psoriasis and eczema)


Method 

First, pick an oil. I use coconut oil as it also has strong antibacterial properties, but you can use any other vegetable-based oil. Then, take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around your mouth for 20 minutes.

(Note: Be gentle here and take your time, as you will be doing it for 20 minutes and don’t want to get a stiff jaw! I visualise at the same time it is drawing the toxins and pulling them from my body. nourishing my gums and body)

The oil will almost double in size as it draws in saliva as well as the toxins. Be sure not to swallow as you will be taking these toxins into your body; the complete opposite of what you are trying to do.)
Once the 20 minutes are up, spit the oil out into a takeaway cup and into the trash (not your sink, where the oil may solidify and block up the drain) 
then swish your mouth with warm salt  (Himalayan) water. 

Finally, brush and floss as you normally would.


My experience

I recently had some gum trouble and pain, and had to go to my Dentist, It was so painful and looked like signs of Gum infection, my dentist prescribed me antibiotics, NOT HAPPY!  AND  planned out a very expensive laser treatment plan. I don't take drugs but I had to do be street smart ASSAP and find out what was going to be my holistic healing saviour. 

I asked his thoughts on 'Coconut Pulling' 

Given he has a very high reputation on his Dental Practice and is amazing at what he does, I was positive he would know what I am talking about. He looked at me like I was crazy, and had not heard about it and laughed at the idea.

I have been using 'Gundusha - coconut pulling since, and only after a few days could notice a difference, not only in my gum hygiene but also in my entire body. I am due to go back to my dentist, but have decided to give this some time to work and see if we can see a difference with my gum health. 

I used tablespoon, it may seem like a lot and you can always start with a teaspoon and work your way up.

Once melted it will become  easier to take, and start swishing.

I filled in time writing articles,   emails and researching just try do things to keep your mind off the time. I visualised the toxins being pulled from my body and that were now currently in my mouth. 

The good thing about coconut oil is that it doesn’t taste that bad. I'm not sure how I would like another type of oil, but 100% Organic cold presses Olive Oil could be good. 
 After reaching 15-20 minutes went by fast, Spit it out in a takeaway cup and then in the bin, not in your sink, and then just as you would at the dentist, rinse  with warm salt water, and brushed and floss as normal, there should  be no residue left.

Have Fun!

“Oil pulling, also known as “kavala” or “gundusha,” is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for 20 minutes. This action supposedly draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health.”
Potential benefits include: 
  • Whiter teeth
  • Cavity and gingivitis prevention
  • Better breath
  • Stronger teeth and gums
  • Less jaw pain, alleviation of TMJ
  • Improved sleep
  • Alleviation of headaches
  • Alleviation of hangovers
  • Alleviation of acne and skin issues like eczema
My only thing I ask myself is 'Why didn't we know all this while growing up!' My girls are making this part of their dental hygiene, GUNDUSHA 

Namaste 

AWESOME!

Nicky 










To sign up for my NEW 3 week Program


The Body Work 3 Weeks Detox 
click here
Teaching you all the techniques and tools to a healthier and slimmer YOU!
http://www.nickyarthur.com.au/the-body-work-3-week-detox.html

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Raw Sprouted Salad Sandwich with Mango and Coriander Dressing

Raw Sprouted Salad Sandwich with Mango and Coriander Dressing



You can't beat this crisp bread with its fresh salad and veggies. It tastes clean, crisp and very satisfying. 
Perfect for days when you'd like to eat bread.

 
Makes 4 open sandwiches 
For the Crisp bread
2 cups (8 oz/225 g) almond meal (ground almonds) or equal quantities of linseeds, sunflower seeds 
and almonds, mixed and finely ground
1 cup basil leaves 
1⁄2 cup (21⁄2 oz/70 g) pumpkin seeds 
1 tablespoon chia seeds 
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1⁄4 teaspoon chilli flakes 
1 tablespoon filtered water 
1⁄4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt 
For the Filling 
1 avocado, peeled, seed removed and flesh mashed
1 cup (1 oz/30 g) mixed salad leaves
1 cup sprouts 
1 tomato
For the Dressing 
1 cup (31⁄2 oz/100 g) mango, chopped 
1 cup (3 oz/85 g) fresh coconut meat
1⁄4 teaspoon chilli flakes 
1⁄4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt 
1⁄4 cup cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped 



To make the crisp bread, place all the ingredients in the bowl of a blender and process until smooth.
You may need to stop the machine and scrap down the ingredients from time to time, until it forms a 
dough-like texture. 
On a sheet of Teflex or baking paper, press out the dough with your hands, cover the dough with 
another sheet of baking paper and roll a rolling pin over the top until smooth. Dehydrate for 2 hours, 
or bake at 50°C/120°F until crispy for 30 minutes.
To make the dressing, blend all the ingredients together in the bowl of a food processor.
Cut the crisp breads into 4 large squares. Spread each thickly with avocado, then top with mixed 
salad leaves, sprouts and tomato. Drizzle the dressing over.


Mango and Coriander Chutney

Great for dips or spreads, or as a dressing for salad. 
Makes 1 cup 
2 cups mango, chopped
1 cup (3 oz/85 g) fresh coconut meat
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
1⁄4 teaspoon chilli flakes
1⁄4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt 
1⁄4 cup coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped 
Blend for 10 seconds in the blender, but do not over-process.

Get the full recipe book here 
The Power of Living RAW 

http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-power-of-living-raw-nicky-arthur/prod9781742575421.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKEAjw9bKpBRD-geiF8OHz4EcSJACO4O7TxEw4DBpr5n1T30fGBpBFXTZ0NAiSlostrF0TJJoqFxoC60jw_wcB

Enjoy 

Blessings 
Nicky 

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Discover the Power of Living Raw – Nicky Arthur

Health and vitality expert Nicky Arthur’s latest book Discover the Power of Living Raw is all about one of the biggest, most appetising food trends we’ve seen over the last couple of years: raw, unprocessed food.


Arthur, also a yoga teacher, workshop presenter and motivational speaker, covers everything from the surprising raw versions of pasta, pizza and sourdough breads to the fats that you should include in your diet to promote brain function, elevate mood, and prevent depression. Her recipes take a strong holistic approach and place the emphasis not on losing weight (as many recipe books do), but on being healthy.

With a host of delicious recipes to try for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and all that comes between – think grains, dips, smoothies, spiced teas, and importantly, desserts – Discover the Power of Living Raw is not short of ideas or options, even for the most reluctant diner.

Get your copy today 

Thank you for sharing my book retiree! 

Blessings 

Nicky 

http://www.the-retiree.com.au/features/2014-summer-book-club-pick-summer/

All leading book stores 

Or http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-power-of-living-raw-nicky-arthur/prod9781742575421.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKEAjwr6ipBRCM7oqrj6O30jUSJACff2WHDkkbVJnEeJWKSLFUBciZZQEHBhBLv6GOpeWMAX9Y2RoCc2vw_wcB






Saturday, April 11, 2015

Change your CARBS, change your LIFE

The Power of living Raw is not a fad, nor a DIET. It is a way of life and teaches you the body is the garden of your soul.
Let's talk about refined carbs, just so you know about whats what and how to fine tune your intricate machine, your garden, your temple, your body.

Healthy Carbohydrates

Your body requires a certain amount of carbohydrates to function optimally each day. Carbs help give your brain focus and nutrients for energy. Unfortunately, most of the nutrition is stripped from carbohydrates such as rice and other whole grains when they’re refined or they have been processed into ‘white’ flours  and grains. When you eating refined carbohydrates it can leave you feeling tired and lethargic as they quickly spike your blood sugar levels, and see your energy levels crash shortly after. You may feel full at the time, but after you can feel tired, my Bikram Bestie likes to call it a 'Food coma' 

By Consuming whole grains and plenty of vegetable sources of carbohydrates will top up your nutrients  into your meals, without the major energy slump!

Check out 7 delicious, nutrient-rich ways for you to transform your habits chuck out refined carbs and increase  the goodness of your favorite dish! After all you deserve 'GOODNESS'


1. Try lettuce cups instead of white flour tortillas 

Skip the flour tortilla for crisp and hydrating cos lettuce cup! Use fresh large leaves for wraps or taco shells, filling them with your favorite ingredients. Check out my Cos Tacos in my book Cooking with Chai for inspiration! Its the best for Friday night cook up a storm with friends, like Tapas.





2. WOW cauliflower pizza bases instead of white flour pizza bases

Add  extra veggies into this famous favourite by making the gluten free pizza base out of cauliflower! WOW! It is simple and yummy. Or check out the Raw Pizza in The Power of Living Raw, simple and fun to make. 




3. Try zucchini spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti

A Food Matters team favorite, we’re crazy for this fun alternative to regular spaghetti. Enjoy hot or cold. 
Try my Zucchini Pasta from my book The Power of Living Raw tasty Yum!

Zucchini Pasta and Rocket Pesto
Zucchini is a nutritious and healing vegetable. It is great for weight loss and easy to eat Raw. Try this recipe to replace the pasta and gluten in your diet. The texture is beautiful and very filling and satisfying. When you remove heavy foods from your diet, your energy levels will rise.
Serves 2
1 cup (6 oz/150 g) cherry tomatoes, quartered Sourdough, to serve (see recipe)
Balsamic vinegar, to serve

For the Pesto
1 cup rocket (arugula)
1 cup fresh basil
1⁄2 cup (2 oz/60 g) pistachio nuts, soaked in water for 2 hours 2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt
1⁄4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 zucchini (courgettes)

For the Pasta
2 zucchini (courgettes)

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until chunky.
To make the pasta, spiralise the zucchini. Arrange in a large serving bowl, mix in the pesto, and add the cherry tomatoes.
Serve with gluten-free sourdough and balsamic vinegar.





4. Yummy sweet potato fries instead of french fries, 

Deliciously satisfying, swap regular French fries for Sweet Potatoes chips from The Power of Living Raw, with rosemary, it will boost your intake of vitamin A and fiber and keep you full longer.



5. Be daring, try  portobello mushroom “buns” instead of burger buns  

I have never been a burger girl, but what I do know most burgers are usually more bun than filling! Why not change it up by with tasty Portobello mushroom buns.  Brush two mushroom caps with a little coconut oil, place on some aluminium foil and bake in the oven (400 F) for 20 minutes, you may need to turn them, or use a  dehydrator, or marinade in olive oil and balsamic, recipe in Cooking with Chia. Simple and Easy!



6. Embrace  quinoa instead of white rice 

My fav Quinoa; is packed with plant-based protein, fibre and essential minerals. Wheat free. Add it to soups, salads, or even your breakfast seedy breakfast. See The Power of Living Raw for more inspiration.



7. Use almond meal for bread instead of refined white wheat bread 
Healthy fats are vital,  along with fibre and protein by using almond meal as a base to make homemade crisp breads and breads  instead of regular white flour. Transform your old habits to new exciting and healthy ones. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back!


Want to learn more and how to eat Vegan and healing?

Join The Body Work 3 Week Detox where you will get all the recipes and tips to get you started on a journey of discovery of health, vitality and longevity. 




or go to 



Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The Body Work Post Easter 3 Week DETOX Program

The Body Work Post Easter 3 Week DETOX Program



On The Body Work Detox we recognise that optimal wellness comes from learning to love and respect the body, mind, and spirit, where health and well-being are a reflection of inner harmony.

Easy to follow, step by step. Holistic and enjoyable. 

Have you ever eaten something processed and then thought to yourself you will just go burn it off? This program is about creating a whole new everlasting holistic approach to your life that will prevent illness and a low immune system, especially down the track and later in life. I know that these concepts work for me: I do not spend time at the doctor, or ever spend money on medication and so can YOU! 

Do you want and easy Detox Plan?
Step by step and easy to follow?
Do you want to learn how to eat Raw and Yummy recipes that will give you energy but help you shed kilo's?


If you plan on over eating at EASTER and want to begin a Sugar free easy Detox plan next week...

Then this next 3 Weeks of for YOU!
Get back on track today by joining now.
Take the thinking out of it and just FOLLOW the steps.
Comes with grocery lists and meal planners.
Step by step guide to a healthy and holistic gentle cleanse.
NO fasting.
Real wholesome food.
Recipes, vegan, gluten free, dairy free.
Healing Juices and teas.
FREE meditation/relaxation CD.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FUDJLXHZ37584

Raw Food Living gives you a bounce back in your step, and help you to detox, but wait there is more to healing your body, re centering your balance and learning preventive health.

That is why I have evolved in creating this program. Especially for Women's health the holistic and total natural way.

After spending time with many women on the 10 Week Mind Body Transformation program I have learnt so much more about YOU, your body, mind and what your requirements are. I have also learnt so much more on the human body, especially the FEMALE BODY and the EMOTIONAL MIND.

The bottom line is if your body is out of balance then generally your mind is and then your whole life can feel out of balance and off track.

The next 3 weeks is all it takes to help you get yourself back on track. Of course it doesnt stop there, life transformation and aligning your mind body to contentment and vitality can be a life journey.


You can lose 2kg- 8kg depending on how much you have to lose, in only 3 weeks. It will also help tach you the Raw and safe way to Raw and Vegan living. 

NEWS AND UPDATES 

I am excited to now offer regular classes in my community Mosman. The studio is lit with light and serenity, and boutique style working with small groups so I can work more one on one with my students and help adjust you in your asana's.

I have collaborated with a group of trainers that also offer strength and rehab training using only body weight exercises with gymnastic and rings. My Yoga training compliments the studio offering one on one Yoga and small groups. 


10 Week Mind & Body Transformation Program online 

YES the 10 Week Mind and Body Transformation online program is still available for those wanting online Yoga, weekly recipe planners, motivation, raw vegan ideas to invigorate, heal, calm and soothe your mind. This program is for those who are serious about creating a lifestyle change, it is not a quick fix program nor a DIET. This is a holistic program that literally transforms not only your body but your life, step by step come on an amazing journey with me. 
For a one on one consultation contact me today to get you started.

RETREATS 

BALI 2015 is now fully booked. I am in the process of looking for a NSW location and will have details released soon.

The next BALI RETREAT dates will also be out soon. 

Yoga and living a Raw Food Lifestyle  is something I believe has transformed my on healing path, health and vitality, NOW it's your turn.

On the Body Work retreat  we recognise that optimal wellness comes from learning to love and respect the body, mind, and spirit, where health and well-being are a reflection of inner harmony.

The Body Work Wellness retreat includes, daily yoga, meditation for all levels or beginners , Raw food cooking classes,  traditional Balinese healing therapies aimed to detoxify and purify the physical body, and the non-physical mind and soul unifying body and mind towards a natural harmonious state of being, and allowing an organic healing process to unfold.

THE POWER OF LIVING RAW by Nicky Arthur 

Are you sick of being tired? Are you constantly battling sugar cravings? Are you thoroughly sick of yo-yo dieting?If you are confused about which nutritional path to follow, or are feeling overwhelmed with so much media coverage and are suffering from information overload with regard to what is good for you versus what is bad for you, The Power of Living Raw has the answers. The message is clear: We simply need to get back to the basics. This book includes smoothies, breakfast ideas, light meals and salads, soups, dips, sides, sauces, breads, mains and desserts. 

About the Author

Nicky Arthur is an author, workshop presenter, motivational speaker and yoga teacher. She is the author ofHow to be a Happier Mum and Cooking with Chia. She also regularly contributes to newspapers, magazines and food blogs.



Get your copy here online Booktopia 
http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-power-of-living-raw-nicky-arthur/prod9781742575421.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKEAjwru6oBRDDp4jRj4bL_xASJADJ2obyf3FO8PDLoecaFbgv7mFqAPT_fsAI0RcYoDAC0ClGjxoC_F7w_wcB

Thank you for your ongoing support 

Look out for Raw Chocolates for Easter soon. 

Have a happy and safe Easter. 

Love and Light 
Nicky xx

Monday, March 30, 2015

Y O G A ❤️ R O O T S

Y O G A is a healing process and you simply can't be in a rush or think you will get a quick fix over night. I go back to my YOGA roots often to remind me of how I got started and where I was in a junk body and  frantic busy mind. My mum and dad often would tell me 'Nicola you can't sit still for 5 mins, you have ants in your pants!' 
I seriously was a fitness freak,workaholic and party girl 7 days a week. Not that I partied every night but I over worked and socialised around drinking and dinners out  every weekend. When I did take a break from my business I often felt sick exhausted and struggled to just be without doing. Back then I had a cleaner, are out, didn't have time to cook or passion to want to, my staff kept me organised with apts, reminders and often would be pushing me out the door to catch my flight when I was traveling a lot for judging and organising competitions, committe meetings etc. 
I use to fly business class a lot and be a member of the lounge where everything was put in front of you, fine wine, food, coffee, stimulation and high heels that totally was throwing my body alignment  out. 
These days my  life is very very different and its a blessing to help you on your path. I know how it feels to be out of balance, Obsessed with success, fashion and temptations.  

Today if you take one thing away  from reading my blog, you gain knowledge and knowledge is power to change. Don't be overwhelmed by overload information on why is right and wrong. Start small with one small simple change today. 

Seeking contentment was just something that wSng taught to me in my early years yet it's so simple when you begin to heal from within, through mind body soul foods, it then flourishes through your cells without looking and a happy heart is with you daily. 

Obstacles come and go but the contentment is everlasting. 





Read more on Nutrition and my YOGA ROOTS story. 

Food, diet, muscle definition fitness, energy, weight loss preventative health longevity what is right what is wrong what gives you the best results and health benefits? My own transformation has been a big part of nutrition and learning to love respect and know how to look after my temple, my body which is my home to carry me  through my life happy vibrant and for as long  as I can. My ultimate his to be around long enough to one day be around to meet  my children's children and have energy to do the things we enjoy. 
But when we think about nutrition aren't, most  of all we are confused about it! At some point of your life. 
I can tell you I have been through my own fair share of that confusion over 20 years ago now.  The food pyramid tells us to eat mostly breads & cereals while many nutrition, and health  experts (myself included) tell us to eat mostly live grown plant based foods.  Our Doctors tell us eggs & butter are bad for our health & real food enthusiasts condone these very same foods. One minute we are told animal protein will give us cancer and shorten our lives, the next we are being told to use lard to cook with and eat liver! We now have to do more than read labels, ( something I rarely use to do in terms of calorie count big always looking out for preservatives and artificial colourings) 
My yoga roots and path have been a big part of working out a pain free healthy vibrant temple. Trying  to source local, organic if we can, biodynamic and live plant based foods And  grass fed food. We need to soak & activate nuts and grains before eating them. We should be drinking green smoothies, fresh greens juices, healing teas, ancient gluten free grains & seeds like quinoa, freekha, chia, millet, buckwheat, amaranth to fermenting vegetables and dissecting the nutritional labels of all the food our family consumes.

On my retreats and workshops you learn the three things I believe that are causing people problems 1. Overloaded stress 2. Bad nutrition habits 3. Mindset ( this looks a lot inside and at habitual mindset patterns you may not even know you have) 




My new book The Power of Living RAW is a fabulous book & tool to set you on the right path and I believe the path to healing, rejuvenating mind and body, Alkalizing your system while helping your colon & digestive system to have a rest from heavier  processed artificial food types. This can be the first simple step to begin the healing path. 


Yoga & meditation is also a big part of the journey helping you to finally feel your body and become aware of your mind to help you shift and make  those changes. 
#yoga #raw #vegan #health

Article from 2010


Back to my YOGA ❤️ ROOTS
I started my yoga journey in Dunedin New Zealand in a Ashtanga Trained studio, back then it was a shock for me and it was a little 'hippy' actually it was. Lot hippy and I felt really out of place. 
We paid $8.00 into a tin at the door it was up to you to put the right amount in, no one took the cash off you. 

The teachers name was Jessica,she clearly was a dancer and inspired me in her splits and handstsnds but what was a strong memory was the challenge of sitting on a hard floor cross legged meditating for 30 mins. My mind was constantly wondering when it would be over and thinking about my staff and salon commitments. However over time something started to feel amazing and my monkey mind slowly started to shut up! 
I travelled a lot to MELBOURNE in those days with my ex husbands operas, and was very fortunate to find Andrew Mournehis a fantastic teacher that taught Anusara Yoga who helped me heal my heart and self hate relationship I had with my body. 

You will be shocked to know if I caught myself in the mirror in yoga I would only see faults and what I thought was wrong with me... Too short, round face, fair hair, bulky arms flat chest! Learning to love and accept yourself is the real beginning of healing and transformation.

The world we are bought up around in today's world is so image based on social media magazines TV all of what I try now days not to spend time Looking at unless it is intellitual educational content on facts research that is adding knowledge to my work and passion. 

Standing in front of the mirror practicing yoga back then was a lot of self acceptance, these days for me my mind is quiet the ego has quitened down and I can focus solely on correct body alignment and breath to deepen my practice to get best results and go to new bench marks. 


If you want to find out more about my yoga roots follow my blog as the journey continues to help inspire you in your practice. 


When you get excited about going inside and look at what yoga is all about and the roots of it which is the postures  that are to heal in a therapeutic way for beginner level to transform your mind body life to a pain free and content heart that is the key. 


Blessings Love & Light 
Nicky 🙏



http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-power-of-living-raw-nicky-arthur/prod9781742575421.html?source=pla&gclid=Cj0KEQjw3M6oBRDnnIywo5i287ABEiQAXRm7S-Ql_1s_aleVl_UHuq4JlhrhpllutXn-0hbxh9SuP78aAql88P8HAQ

Change of season ❤️ change your practice

Change of season maybe time to change your practice? 



AUTUMN is here 


Been feeling a bit scattered, frantic or fidgety lately?



With the recent humidity and Warner temperatures we’ve had recently, you might want to place all of the blame for your discomfort on the weather. However, while the heat may be agitating, much of this edginess is due to the earth passing into its seasonal shift March 1 
the first day of autumn. Though we are still getting warmer thermometers are still hollering “summertime,” the fall equinox brings a subtle change to the air, and an emerging shift in our personal and hemispheric energy patterns. You can feel this shift in temperature morning and night. 

By 'Ayurveda'  standards, autumn is considered the Vata season. Vata energy is associated with the elements of space, air and movement, which make sense, since fall weather generally presents drier, windier conditions,  vata energy is associated with our body’s nervous system and is the cause of the frenetic energy that creates prickly attitudes and makes it difficult to produce focused thoughts with clarity.  On a physical level, this is the time of year many of us notice drier, rougher skin and a few more pops and cracks in our joints. This is the time to increase your Chia seed and lemon drinks, full of omegas to help your joints stay well oiled. 




To balance out this super-charged energy, we need to focus our attention on getting more grounded, calm and balanced. So I have been changing my yoga practice and my classes, when spring turned to summer, we now need to flow with the season and switch up our asana practice which is an enjoyable time as the heat increases we increased the heat in the body and stronger invigorating postures.  At this time need to modify any overly kinetic yoga practices because vata energy can very easily become chaotic.



To promote more stability and serenity in our practice, if we normally practice a flowing vinyasa, it’s important to slow down the pace. Exhausting ourselves only makes us crankier and more depleted. By practicing more standing poses, especially balancing poses, we increase the focus on our foundation and gain more overall stability. Holding poses just a little longer creates a feeling of rooting into the earch, which on a psychological level is reassuring – we don’t feel so “flighty.” Practicing “groundedness” draws the mind inward and calms the nervous system. Eg Lots of Trikansana, side angle postures, & Tadasana's 

This week we are focusing on Slowing our practice with meditative restorative yoga, hatha Bikram, Iyengar-style and Yin yoga with the ultimate goal to experience a deeper feeling of sthira (stability). Yin poses also have the added benefit of bringing attention to and more relief to the deeper connective tissues within and around the joints. We all need that. 

Other poses to add to our Autumn practice are twists, inversions and easy backbends. The wringing action of any twist is calming to the spinal nerves and also stimulates the digestive system, which oftentimes gets stagnant in the Autumn and leads to indigestion, bloating and other intestinal disorders. Inversions help to focus frenzied scattered  energy back toward the earth, giving a deeper feeling of support. Backbending poses open the chest area and can build up a bit of internal heat, which is very beneficial as the warmer temperatures of early Autumn cool off.




Making pranayama (breathing practices) a habitual part of our yoga practice promotes a more restful nature overall. In my YogaFit Classes you get the opportunity to learn  Nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) which is a highly beneficial breathing exercise  to clear out and relax the deep, subtle energy channels within the body. And ujjayi breathing deepens the breath and, like backbends warms the body as it pacifies an agitated nervous system.



When it comes to getting the best out of your body and mind I strongly believe it's well worth spending time looking at clean nutrition and yoga/relaxation breathing techniques and working out how to fine tune your own body. 

You may even find increased slightly warmer foods along with the raw way of life may suit you over the change  of season, using vegetable soups and earning healing teas. 


What works for one body type may not work for the next, however ancient practice that is holistic and healing for the digestive system and mind plays a huge role in keeping your body full of energy and vitality. That's why they call it the Yoga glow healing from Inside out. 


Blessings 

Nicky 

 

BALI JULY - booked out.

The Power of RAW in all leading book stores or get your copy online