October 22, 2012: Focus on Pitta

This week we focus on how to cope with fall for the Pitta dosha. Fall is a transition period for all doshas. For the next 3 weeks we will address how to cope with the changes of fall and the different challenges they present for each of the three doshas. This week our discussion beings with pitta, next week we will cover vata, followed by kapha in the following week.

How to wear your mala beads this fall: Ideas for Pitta

Fire and air constitute the pitta dosha. Dominated by fire pitta needs to focus on cooling and calming on and off the mat. As the weather cools in the fall, pitta will benefit from reduced heat stress. However, the fall is also a time of year when balance is important for each dosha. The cold and flu season of the fall can present challenges to the immune system for everyone. For pitta, keeping comfortable, soothed, and internally cool becomes important. In the picture below, we feature the Water Mala. The water mala is made especially for pacifying the pitta dosha. It is made from opal mala beads which are calming and soothing. It uses sterling silver, a metal that is ideal for cooling pitta. The cool greys, greens, and browns in this piece look great with the grey, black and dark brown colors in your fall wardrobe. Next week, we will feature how to wear your mala beads in the fall for vata.

Ayurvedic Beauty: Soothing oil for Pitta

Each dosha may experience a variety of skin problems during the transition period from fall to winter if the body is out of balance. For pitta this may manifest as acne or rosacea or increased sensitivity and/or oil production. To keep your skin balanced during the fall, try using a pitta pacifying oil at bedtime. An excellent product to aid in overnight balancing is the Pure + Simple Sensitive Pitta Face Oil. After cleansing and toning your face and neck, gently massage a thin layer of this oil onto your face and neck followed by your regular moisturizer. Made from Neem, Bringraj, and Chamomile this oil is designed to soothe, making it exceptional for pitta.

Next week, we will feature Ayurvedic beauty for Vata.

Yoga Thought of the Week: Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga changed my life. For many years, I practiced vigorous asanas and looked at yoga as a form of exercise. I took hot yoga to push myself as hard as possible on the mat. I practiced perfectionism in each pose. This form of yoga kept me physically strong, but I was still unhealthy, suffered from regular colds, and acne, and I was never calm. Unsurprisingly, I am a pitta and my choice of practice was not helping me. Today, I understand yoga holistically. I meditate, I eat for my dosha, and I never push myself in yoga. As a pitta, coming to understand how yoga can create balance in my body, sooth my intensity and perfectionism, and quite my mind has been the most gracious gift of my practice. One key step in this transformation in my perspective and practice was my introduction to restorative yoga. I began practicing restorative yoga once a week in 2010, and it truly changed my life. Restorative yoga is beneficial for all doshas, but if you are a pitta restorative yoga should be part of your weekly practice. Restorative yoga is considered an ideal practice for pitta because of its calming and soothing effects. Restorative yoga focuses on deep supported relaxation. In restorative yoga you use props and long hold times to allow the body to passively stretch, release tension, and rest completely. By resting the body, and slowing down your breath, the mind is given a chance to also calm down. If you have never practiced restorative yoga, why not try a class in your neighbourhood or try one online. Pick a time in the evening after which you have nowhere to go and no other commitments. Be sure to wash your face and remove all makeup before the class. Wear comfortable and warm clothing. If you can, try a 30 minute class to start. If practicing at home, find a calm, clean, spacious, quite place to practice. Light some candles and make sure the lights are dim and soft. You will need a yoga mat. If you have props such as a bolster, blocks, strap, and yoga blanket that is perfect and if you do not have these props, there are many prop free restorative practices online. Or you can get creative and use a pillow in place of a bolster, 2 bath towels, and a throw blanket from your bedroom or living room.

Next week, we will feature Yoga for Vata.

Ayurvedic Recipe of the Week: Cream of Celery Soup for Pitta

Finding foods to eat in the fall can be challenging for pitta. A pitta pacifying diet recommends eating cooling foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, beans and grains. In the fall, when it is cold outside, rainy, and windy, it can be hard to reach for a fresh cold salad. This soup is excellent for pitta. It is easy to make, and combines pitta pacifying ingredients in a warm soup for pitta on a cold day.

Prep time 45 minutes.

2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) or butter
6 medium celery ribs chopped
1 medium russet or white potato, chopped
2 medium leeks, chopped and washed well
2 ¼ cups of vegetable stock with low salt content
1 ¼ cups of skim milk
¼ teaspoon of celery seeds
A pinch of salt
A pinch of nutmeg (if desired)
Black pepper to taste (use pepper in moderation, since it is heating)

1. In a large soup pot, melt the ghee or butter over low heat. Add the celery, potato, and leeks. Stir to coat with ghee or butter, cover and cook gently for 15 minutes.

2. Add the stock and milk. Add the celery seeds and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes at a low simmer until the vegetables are tender.  Remove from heat.

3. Let the soup cool a little. Use a hand blender or a food processor to purée the soup. Add the nutmeg and the pepper.

4. Serve warm.

Next week, we will feature Ayurvedic food for Vata.

October 15, 2012: Focus on the Lotus

Fashion idea of the day: Wearing your mala beads to work for the urban professional

The Lotus Mala was designed for a friend who is a human resource manager by day for a large multinational and a devoted yoga practitioner by night. She was looking for mala beads that would work with her classic fashion style and her cool winter coloration. We decided to make a mala with classic beads such as sterling silver and fresh water pearls, and rose quartz was used for its rich texture and cool undertones. She can now meditate on the mat and wear her affirmations during the day with her mala as a necklace or as a bracelet when she is at work.

Yoga Thought of the Week: Grounding and Lotus Visualization

Since ancient times, yogis have used the rich symbolism of the lotus flower to anchor meditation and help visualize physical postures. Stand tall and imagine yourself as a lotus, your head rising high. Look down and see you strong supportive stem (body and legs), held in place by strong roots (your feet) which draw nourishment from the earth. (1,000 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom, by Liz Lark)

Ayurvedic Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies for Pitta

The best recipe I’ve found for healthy chocolate chip cookies for the pitta dosha.

1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
1 cup of oats (large or quick cook)
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 of unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of natural vanilla extract
1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup of shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large mixing bowl mix together flour, oats, baking soda and salt. In another bowl cream butter and sugar at a medium speed for 1-2 minutes or until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until well blended, add the vanilla until well blended. Using a wooden spoon mix the flour and oat mixture with sugar and butter mixture. Once combined fold in the chocolate chips and coconut.

On a non-stick cookie sheet lay out 12 tablespoons of cookie mix about 2″ apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Leave to cool for 5 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. Makes 24 cookies. These cookies freeze very well.