Why is a fall cleanse important, according to Ayurveda?

Why is a fall cleanse important, according to Ayurveda?

Why is a fall cleanse important, according to Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, a fall cleanse acts as a vital tune-up for your body’s intricate machinery, much like the regular maintenance your car requires to run smoothly. Just as you would change your vehicle’s oil and filters to prevent sludge buildup and ensure optimal performance, this seasonal cleanse helps flush out accumulated toxins and rebalance your system. 

By engaging in this rejuvenating process, you’re essentially giving your body’s engine a thorough cleaning, allowing it to operate more efficiently and withstand the wear and tear of daily life.

A Proactive Approach to Health

Moreover, an autumn cleanse serves as a proactive measure to winterize your body, similar to how you’d prepare your car for the harsh winter months ahead. Like adding antifreeze to your car’s radiator, this cleanse strengthens your immune system and helps prevent winter ailments. It also recalibrates your body’s internal thermostat, adjusting to the changing seasons just as you’d switch your car’s tires for better traction on icy roads.

By investing in this seasonal maintenance, you’re not only improving your current well-being but also safeguarding your health for the colder months to come, ensuring your body runs as smoothly as a well-oiled machine throughout the year

Here are 8 tops reasons how a fall cleanse will give you a tune-up for the winter months ahead: 

  1. It helps remove accumulated toxins (ama) and excess Pitta dosha that built up during the summer months. The heat and intensity of summer can lead to an accumulation of Pitta in the body.
  2. Fall represents a transition between seasons, from hot summer to cold winter. A cleanse supports the body in making this transition internally as well.
  3. It helps balance Vata dosha, which becomes more prominent in the fall and winter seasons. Balancing Vata can prevent issues like dryness, anxiety, and digestive problems.
  4. It strengthens the digestive fire (agni) and immune system in preparation for winter. This can help prevent winter illnesses.
  5. It allows for rejuvenation and nourishment of the body before the depleting effects of winter. Fall cleanses often focus more on rejuvenation compared to spring cleanses.
  6. It can help alleviate current imbalances and prevent future ones from occurring. Cleansing goes beyond just treating symptoms to address root causes.
  7. The moderate weather of fall makes it an ideal time for cleansing, as it’s neither too hot nor too cold. This allows the body to cleanse without additional stress.
  8. It helps shed what is no longer needed, mirroring the natural process of trees shedding leaves.

By doing a fall cleanse, one can reset the body-mind system, improve overall health, boost immunity, and prepare for the coming winter season in alignment with Ayurvedic principles.

Are you ready to experience more lightness and clarity in your mind, body and spirit while improving your digestion and safeguarding your health?

Embracing Ayurvedic principles through a fall cleanse offers a transformative path to holistic well-being that is both timely and profound. As the leaves change and nature prepares for renewal, your body and mind can also benefit from this ancient wisdom of balance and purification.

Join us in this Ayurvedic fall cleanse and experience the profound benefits that have stood the test of time for thousands of years.

Take the first step towards a more balanced life. 

By joining this Ayurvedic fall cleanse, you’re not merely participating in a temporary diet or fad; you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery and lasting health. The principles you’ll learn and apply will extend far beyond the cleanse itself, empowering you with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and vitality. 

 

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Balancing the Peak of Summer Energy in August

Balancing the Peak of Summer Energy in August

Balancing the Peak of Summer Energy in August

In the Northern hemisphere, the summer season has reached its peak – Ayurveda recommends focusing on cooling and balancing practices to counteract the accumulated intensity of the Pitta energy of the season. Start your day with a refreshing routine by splashing cool water on your face and eyes, followed by gentle exercises like yoga or a morning walk in nature before the day heat sets in.  By following these Ayurvedic principles, you can nurture your well-being and transition smoothly into the approaching fall season.

Physiologically, there are changes happening in the body, mind and spirit as the heat accumulates from the summer. Your intelligent body knows that a change of season is in the air, and it starts beginning to insulate the skin for the cooler mornings and nights.  You may start noticing more dryness on your skin in August. 

Five Ayurvedic Self-Care Tools

Here are five Ayurvedic self-care tools that anyone can implement in their daily routine for the month of August:

  1. Follow a Pitta-Pacifying Diet to take care of your gut health:

August is a time when Pitta dosha, associated with fire and water elements, can become aggravated. To balance Pitta, focus on cooling, hydrating, and soothing foods. Incorporate sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes into your meals, and avoid hot, spicy, oily, salty, and fermented foods. Cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens are ideal. Limit stimulants like coffee, which can increase Pitta.

  1. Practice Abhyanga (Self-Massage) – A self-care tool for your skin:

Daily or weekly self-massage with oils (abhyanga) can help counteract dryness and keep the skin vibrant. Use cooling oils like coconut oil or specially formulated Pitta Abhyanga Oil, which contains herbs like shatavari, manjistha, and neem to cool and soothe the body.

  1. Engage in Cooling Activities for self-care for the mind:

Spend time in nature and engage in moderate exercise during cooler parts of the day. Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours (10am-2pm). Activities like swimming in cool water or walking in shaded areas can help balance the body’s heat.

  1. Hydrate with Ayurvedic Drinks to cool the gut:

Incorporate Ayurvedic beverages that help cool and hydrate the body. Pitta Tea, made with ingredients like rose, tulsi, and lemon verbena, can be a refreshing alternative to regular tea or coffee. These drinks help reduce internal heat and provide a calming effect.

  1. Incorporate Cooling Herbs and Spices – A self-care tip to balance your stress:

Use herbs and spices that have cooling properties to balance Pitta. Herbs like ashwagandha and shankhapushpi can help strengthen the body and mind, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. These herbs are particularly beneficial as the body prepares for the transition from summer to fall.

By integrating these Ayurvedic self-care tools into your daily routine, you can maintain balance and health during the month of August.  Some of you may transition well into the fall season, while others may experience their most vulnerable season this fall, depending on their unique constitution.  It’s time to keep your immunity strong!

Note: Any herb should be taken with guidance of an Ayurvedic physician or Ayurvedic practitioner because each of us is unique in nature.

We dig deeper into self-care practices through workshops, diet, movement, meditation and rest during our Fall Equinox Self-Care retreat. These are crucial times to empower ourselves with Ayurvedic wisdom. Join in this retreat with other like-minded women: 

 If you are experiencing any Pitta related symptoms (learn more about Pitta related symptoms) I can help you through them by customizing your wellness solutions through diet, movement, breathwork, sleep and a personalized protocol. Book a free call with me to discuss.

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What symptoms become dominant during Pitta – season of heat?

What symptoms become dominant during Pitta – season of heat?

What symptoms become dominant during  Pitta — season of heat?

The season of heat and fire has become more dominant now. We are in full swing in the summer season. Although I love the summer season and the beautiful greenery that it brings to us – it doesn’t come without its associated manifestations. Each one of us will react differently to the summer heat, although folks who already have a dominant Pitta dosha will see this heat manifest in their body, minds and spirits more than others.

Pitta Season

During the Pitta season, which typically occurs in late spring through early fall when temperatures are hottest, several symptoms associated with Pitta imbalance tend to become more dominant. Here are the top 10 symptoms:

  1. Skin issues: Pitta-dominant individuals may experience increased skin problems like rashes, acne, inflammation, and sensitivity to sun exposure.
  2. Digestive issues: Symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and diarrhea can become more prevalent.
  3. Heat-related symptoms: Excessive sweating, feeling overheated, hot flashes, and sensitivity to hot temperatures are common.
  4. Inflammation: Various forms of inflammation throughout the body may increase.
  5. Headaches and migraines: These can become more frequent, often accompanied by a burning sensation.
  6. Emotional imbalances: Individuals may experience increased irritability, impatience, frustration, anger, and a tendency to be overly critical or judgmental.
  7. Sleep disturbances: Pitta imbalances can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, as well as excessive dreaming.
  8. Thirst and dehydration: There may be an increased need for hydration and cooling beverages.
  9. Eye-related issues: Sensitivity to bright light and eye irritation can occur.
  10. Fatigue and burnout: Despite having high energy levels when balanced, Pitta types may experience exhaustion if they push themselves too hard.

How to Manage Pitta Symptoms

To manage these symptoms during Pitta season, it’s recommended to follow a Pitta-balancing diet, stay cool, practice relaxation techniques, and engage in cooling activities like swimming. It’s important to note that while these symptoms are associated with Pitta imbalance, they can vary in severity and manifestation depending on individual factors. Furthermore, the solution to any of these symptoms can vary too, depending on the cause and severity.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, I can help you through them by customizing your wellness solutions through movement, diet, breathwork, sleep and diet protocol. 

Check my blog for a Pitta pacifying Coriander and Mint Chutney which is a wonderful cooling medicine for this Pitta season.

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Unlock the power of Summer Solstice meditation

Unlock the power of Summer Solstice meditation

Unlock the power of Summer Solstice meditation

Building Resilience

The energy of the sun is universal – Practicing meditation to honour it, especially during the longest days of the year helps build resilience in our spirits. 

Have you noticed how quickly the warmth of the sun changes our natural environment and our moods? The leaves on plants and trees grow greener by the day, known as the science phenomenon of photosynthesis. The sun has the same effect on humans – only if we take advantage of this time.

How can we take advantage of this extra sunlight to help us? By making the time to meditate and storing this energy in our body, as we move into fall and winter. 

Sunlight Governs Our Body

It’s a proven science fact that sunlight governs our bodily functions, such as how we digest our food, our sleep, our blood pressure levels, body temperature and cellular rejuvenation. As the sunlight period increases during the summer solstice time, this also impacts our emotional, physical and spiritual being.  Ayurveda has understood how our body feels the effects of more sunlight. Furthermore, it has been the only natural healing system that has emphasized this for thousands of years – much before modern science confirmed it. 

In 2017, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms that control circadian rhythms. “They found that the diurnal rhythm of nature affects the functioning of cells in plant, animals, humans, and even some single-cell bacteria.” – Deepak Chopra (Foreword given to the book – Change your schedule, Change your Life – Author: Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar).

Meditation to Balance Pitta

The summer solstice officially is the beginning of Pitta season or known as the summer season in the Gregorian calendar. During this time, the energetic qualities of hot and sharp become more predominant in our environment. With these qualities becoming more strong, some folks (especially who have a strong Pitta dosha or have imbalanced Pitta dosha) will feel more mental frustration, impatience and irritability in the mind and the body.

Any type of meditation done regularly during this time will help balance those Pitta qualities and create an anchor in your life, so that you can feel a deep sense of tranquility, especially when you do this in the mornings. By meditating during this time, you harness the heating qualities and direct them in a way to create internal transformations within. (just as the sun creates transformation outside of us).

To help you navigate this season, I’m offering the 21 Days of Honouring the Summer Solstice, where we will meet as a community, virtually on Zoom and practice 3 weeks of daily postures and meditation focused on Surya (sun energy). You will also benefit from many tips for the Pitta season.  Who wants to join in? 

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My retreat experience with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

My retreat experience with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

My retreat experience with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

The Start of My Healing Journey

Did you know that before I even imagined becoming a wellness coach, I began by attending a retreat for myself? This was the summer of 2009 – it seems so long time ago, but it was the start of my journey to dive deeper into my own self-development which was needed for my own sanity.

As a young child, I had attended Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda retreats and pilgrimages with my parents in India, and then continued that tradition when we moved to Toronto. Retreats gave me an experience that was so profound, even as a teenager. Each time I attended one – I learnt at least one new idea (if not many!) and made friendships with like minded folks.

Retreats Bring You Closer

I loved attending retreats, so I decided to co-facilitate them too, to help others experience transformations, just like I did. Why are retreats so profound? Because transformations and shifts can happen in a short period of time when you are held and supported with like-minded souls.

The first time I co-facilitated a retreat was with another passionate Yoga teacher in 2016 – and since then, I have not looked back. Each time I facilitate it, I see the impact on the participants – how it brings them closer to who they are meant to be. 

It’s not just about leading retreats but also gifting myself with a retreat – A habit that I have not stopped, because each time I attend, I evolve.  I decided to treat myself in 2024 by signing up for “Closer Together – A Solar Eclipse retreat” in Kingston, Ontario which was going to be lead by Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and David Chow. I chose to attend this retreat because I have been following Sophie Grégoire Trudeau for a few years on Instagram (IG). I admire her passion to create awareness for mental health and overall well-being. In the past, she had presented some inspiring guests and speakers, during her IG posts, especially during Covid-19. 

An Auspicious Occasion

On April 8th, Philippe and I drove to Kingston, Ontario to attend a three day and two-night once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Solar Eclipse while doing some yoga, meditation and Kirtan chanting. A moment like this does not happen often. According to Vedic astrology this was a time of great importance because it was a Solar Eclipse and also the start of the luni-solar calendar, new beginnings and the nine days of the creative feminine energy. It was the most potent time in 2024 to set intentions on what we wanted to create in the year ahead. 

Believe it or not, we were greeted at the beautiful Retreat Chalet, by both, Sophie and David with warm hugs. At first, I was intimidated by the presence of Sophie, her beautiful aura and bubbly energy that she carries with her. I couldn’t believe that I was there – in her presence! This was also the first time that Sophie was leading a retreat like this. (talk about new beginnings!)

I had always admired her from far and now I was there with her and a small group of 30+ retreat participants. Before we even started the program of the retreat, all of us experienced the solar eclipse moment – the time when the loon on the lake thought it was night and started wailing. The music inside the chalet was humming with mantras and beautiful vibrations, just perfect for this auspicious time. 

There were so many highlights during this retreat, including a restful restorative yoga class lead by Sophie, which put me in total relaxation mode. My muscles were so thankful. The chanting of mantras with David touched many chords inside me, connecting me to my Indian Vedic roots. The food was so lovingly prepared by the wonderful cooks – all calming and Satvik for the gut. 

Perhaps, the most magical moment was when Sophie coached me to get inside the icy cold lake with her, Philippe, and her close friend. Well – guess what? I reluctantly agreed after Sophie gave me some tips on how to take a dip in the icy cold lake – without fearing the cold. Yup – she held on to my hands, asked me to look into her eyes and say some powerful affirmations. And wow!  I could not believe it – I surprised myself too. We did this ritual 3 times – sauna, cold water plunge and relax on the deck. The second and third plunge was much easier. I had just overcome a fear of the cold and thanks to Sophie, who personally coached me through this. I had even a deeper respect for her because I resonated with her authenticity, down-to-earth personality, fun attitude, and adventurous spirit!!

Syncronicities

The retreat was even more magnificent because I met four other inspiring women who lived in the Hudson, Quebec area (where we recently moved!) and they had travelled to attend this special retreat. It turned out that we were all neighbours living only 5 to 15 minutes away from each other. (What are the odds that we meet up in Kingston?) I made new friendships and have a wonderful new network! I had the chance to meet more interesting souls coming from various backgrounds – including a doctor, a fitness instructor, many experienced yoga teachers, business owners. The list goes on and on….

So, this is why I say that retreats can change your trajectory in life. 

Are you ready to join me in Mont-Tremblant this year? Check the pictures of this location – It’s set up on top of the mountains and surrounded by nature, streams, and gorgeous views. This year, we have own personal chef too!

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How do I know when my digestion is not optimum?

How do I know when my digestion is not optimum?

How do I know when my digestion is not optimum?

“All diseases begin in the gut.”
– Hippocrates (known as the Father of Medicine).

Did you know that before Hippocrates said this, it was long established in Ayurvedic sacred texts 5,000 years ago? Modern science is now discovering how most diseases (including mental and emotional) are linked to an unhealthy gut.

Our digestive function is the most neglected part of our lifestyle. We focus so much on eating organic foods, doing exercise, meditating, making self-care time, getting enough sleep – but do we really know whether our digestive system is running at an optimum level? 

Digestive System Red Flags

Is our digestive system able to metabolize all the foods, our experiences, stress and our busy lifestyle?  In Ayurveda, before a health condition becomes chronic, our body gives us many signals. The question is whether we have noticed these red flags and done anything about it. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself on a regular basis:

  • Does your body have any discomfort and pain or digestive upset, regularly?
  • Do you have any digestive issues regularly such as acid reflux, constipation, or
    gastrointestinal issues?
  • Do you have any skin issues that never seem to go away?
  • Do you have bad breath?
  • Do you have any food sensitivities or allergies to certain foods?
  • Does your body react to environmental and seasonal conditions? (example
    seasonal allergies)
  • Do you burp too much?
  • Are you feeling hungry all the time, even two hours after your last meal?
  • Are you feeling full all the time, even after 5-6 hours since your last meal?
  • Do you poop more than three times a day?
  • Do you poop just few times a week?
  • Are you regularly constipated or is it hard to pass stool?
  • Do you have frequent diarrhea during the week?
  • Is your elimination irregular? (sometimes constipated, sometimes diarrhea,
    sometimes slow and sluggish)
  • Do you feel bloated after meals, although you never ate a large amount?
  • Do you feel too gassy throughout the day, although you are eating healthy food?
  • Is it too difficult to gain or lose weight?
  • Are you feeling tired and lethargic during the daytime?
  • Do you toss and turn during the night, without deep sleep?
  • Do you feel uninspired and dull about life?

If you responded “YES” to one or more of these red flags, your digestion is not running
at optimum level.

Components of Good Digestion

Optimum digestion reflects your unique internal eco-system. Good digestion means daily elimination too. You take food in everyday – You need to take garbage out every day too, before it starts fermenting in the body.

A normal bowel movement is 1 to 2 times a day without straining. A healthy poop looks like a long snake which is not sticky in consistency. It does not look like rabbit pellets nor is it liquid, mucous and sticky in consistency.

Why am I speaking of poop so much, you may ask? It’s because globally, digestive issues are on the rise – According to Ayurveda, this is a red flag for our well-being. Why is that? Because these red flags are a sign of an imbalanced digestion and the start of DIS-EASE in the body.

Your healthy agni (digestive fire) is an indicator of good health and an optimum internal eco-system.  Check my previous blog on this:  https://soniawellnesscoaching.com/why-is-digestive-health-the-cornerstone-of-well-being/. Luckily, modern science is now supporting what ancient science has understood for a long time – Poor gut health is a sign of poor microbiome, and the start of disease (just as Hippocrates said). 

Ways to Restore Digestive Balance

According to Ayurveda, there are many ways of bringing your digestive system back to balance, including doing a seasonal cleanse.

A seasonal cleanse is a digestive RESET for the system:

Did you know that before intermittent fasting became a fad in our modern-day world, this was being used for thousands of years by all ancient cultures? 

Seasonal cleanses have been part of human evolution for thousands of years to cleanse and strengthen the digestive system. Cleanses help strengthen the digestive functions in the body by doing the following:

  • Supports the elimination of toxins from the body (known as ama in Sanskrit)
  • Toxins build up naturally due to our lifestyle habits. Seasonal cleanses help flush out any accumulated toxins from the body.
  • When we remove toxins and undigestible material from our body, this increases our metabolism which consequently makes it easier to manage healthy weight gain or loss.
  • When our digestive capacity is at optimum our gut microbiome starts flourishing and promoting a peaceful and calm mind.
  • An optimal digestive system enhances our immune system and our overall well-being.

By doing a reset for your digestive system, you start addressing the root causes of imbalances happening in your body and eliminate any accumulated toxins, naturally. Therefore, an Ayurvedic digestive reset is the core of well-being by boosting your energy levels, supporting weight management and building inspiration in your life.

Learn how to reset your digestive system for your unique body-mind-type PLUS receive support, coaching and guidance from an Ayurvedic coach like me and world renowned Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, B.A.M.S., M.D. (Ayurveda) in this program.

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