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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Nurture Your Spirit...
HEALTHY INSIGHT Submitted by Contributing Community Author
Donna Lanni Prana Flow® Instructor
Heart Stream Yoga www.heartstreamyoga.com (907) 474-8108
Spring Cleaning Inside and Out With Ayurveda and Yoga
Supporting the dyslexic community with hope, encouragement and the latest scientific research
Nuture Your Spirit
REBECCA GEORGE Certified Academic Language Therapist
“Let us be the Bright Spot in your Day” 374-3039 • 370 Chena Pump Road
Professional member of the International Dyslexia Association and the Association of Adademic Language Therapists
457-6821
Clinic: 150 Eagle Avenue, Fairbanks • www.anewdayservices.com
Medical Hair Loss?
Beginner to Advanced Yoga Classes • Workshops Saturday Recovery Program
Yoga Clothing JadeTM Mats
11387890 Spec
3550 Airport Way Suite #201 AND #206 www.heartstreamyoga.com
11406609-3-13-13H&W
11407769-3-13-13H&W
418 3rd Street • 451-8070
474-8108
11404401-11-7-12H&W
Leslie’s BEAUTY SUPPLY
Our thanks to Donna Lanni for contributing this column. The article is intended to be strictly informational.
Heart Stream Yoga...
Wigs, Eyebrows, Eyelashes & Wig Care products Available at:
11407791-3-13-13H&W
Fridays 4-8 p.m. single sessions 50% OFF
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Offering initial academic language assessments and private language therapy sessions for all ages
12408033 3-13-13H&W
with a controlled, therapeutic session of vitamin D and relaxation.
The emerging sunlight in the arctic is certainly a welcome sight. Every being begins to stir reflecting and moving toward its brilliance. But with its return can also herald a time of unrest, agitation and a feeling of stagnation. The sun shows us the colors of all nature around us, but it may be the cluttered junk under the snow that catches our attention. This can be a tough time for some people. There may be mental fogginess and a little (or a lot) more weight gained. It is a time when most feel the need to change or “shake up” their routine, “get a grip” and establish movement towards simply feeling better. There are many diets and weight loss programs offered that have the person eliminate a good portion of their food or carbohydrate intake forcing the body to purge unwanted fats and body weight. The yogic concept of cleansing based on the practice of Ayurveda is quite different. It is designed to support the system with a warm plant based diet rich in plant proteins and herbs, and incorporates an abundance of rest, body cleansing processes, gentle yoga and reflection. These practices support the system in order to release “ama” or toxins from the body. Toxins can come in many forms. Preservatives, alcohol, caffeine, drugs and emotional stresses are just some of the common factors that produce ama. They can be stored deep in the tissues causing stiff joints, constipation, mental lethargy and a host of other symptoms. A gentle ayurvedic cleanse usually lasts about 10-14 days. Lemon water and gentle herb teas are consumed freely, caffeine is eliminated (or reduced dramatically), and garlic and onions are discouraged. Spices and flavors such as cumin, tumaric, coriander, ginger, hing (onion flavored), pepper, lime juice, coconut and salt are encouraged. Ghee, or clarified unsalted butter is also used in food preparation. Breakfast is an easy to digest grain. A mixture of basmati rice, mung bean dal, and vegetables (kitcheri) is eaten twice daily for lunch and dinner. This healthy “mono” diet can seem bland at first, but the body begins to thrive on its consistency as it gently removes the cravings for sugar, dairy, meats and fried foods. Massaging the body prior to bathing with sesame oil is called “abhyanga”. This practice is done by applying a thin coat of warm sesame oil over the body, using long strokes over the arms, legs and joints and then showering. Abhyanga helps to provide movement to the release of ama and aides in sealing the integrity of our largest organ: the skin. It is also a lovely way to begin the day. Tongue scraping and gently “brushing” the skin prior to abhyanga, release the toxins as well. Gentle yoga or other relaxed forms of exercise also aide to gently stimulate the release of toxic ama. Slow and methodical twists, forward bends and lingering hip opening yoga asana (poses) aid in the digestive process. Added heat to the room allows for the muscles to stretch deeper releasing toxins hidden long ago. Throughout the ayurvedic cleanse, reflection and journaling are encouraged. A spirit of mindful attention to the nuances of change and vitality seen in the body during this process, becomes reflected in the mind itself. This is the true essence of yoga; that union of consciousness and the body Thoughts that were once foggy become clear and the ideation of spring unfolding in all its dynamic potential becomes a joyful reality.