|
 Summer
is now officially over and as of September 23rd, fall
has started. The air now has crispness to it, the days
are getting shorter and soon the sun will set before
most of us get off work. Autumn is known as the time of
harvest and various groups celebrate this time of
fruitfulness as well as the coming of winter.
According to Ayurvedic philosophy,
autumn brings on the qualities of dry, light, cold,
clear and windy. Aches and pains in the joints and
muscles may appear, and the mind may become fearful,
anxious and lonely. In addition, dry skin, dry cough and
constipation may also occur during this time of year.
However, there are things you can do to stay balanced
during this transition time from summer to winter.
Getting plenty of rest to counteract your activity
levels is very important. Settle your mind by doing some
meditation or relaxation techniques.
Getting on a routine and keeping a
schedule will help lower stress levels, autumn is a
season of change and chaos may occur if a routine is not
in place. Too much TV is aggravating so read a book or
listen to music to soothe your soul. Ayurveda also
encourages oil massage. The oil helps promote softness
and luster of the skin, lubricates muscles, joints and
tissues and increases flexibility. Even if you do not
get regular professional massage, a daily self-massage
will help increase your vitality.
As far as your diet, favor foods
that are warm, well cooked that have sweet, salty or
sour tastes. Minimize raw, dry and cold foods. Drink
warm liquids and avoid large amounts of coffee, black
tea and cigarettes.
Here in Sunny San Diego, with our
mild seasons, it is good to honor the change however
small. Try to eat fresh, organic vegetables that are in
season and grown locally. To find out what is in season
and available here in Southern California here’s a link
http://www.cafarmersmarkets.org/consumer/inseason.shtml |
Essentials
There is a favorite essential oil blend
that I have been using during my treatments (except with
my pregnant clients) that is really good for sore,
over-stressed muscles. The blend is called Aroma Siez
and it consists of 5 essential oils that were picked due
to their ability to relax, calm and relieve tension.
Basil, Marjoram, Lavender, Peppermint, and Cypress are
these oils and together they absolutely smell wonderful.
I have used these oils individually but in the blend we
get all the benefits in one application. Lets go over
the benefits of each one.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Basil
was considered the “king of plants” by the ancient
Greeks and a protection herb used by the Hindu religion.
It was used for respiratory problems, digestive and
kidney ailments in ancient times. It has
anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It helps
relax spastic muscles as well as those that contribute
to headaches and migraines. It also is anti-viral,
antiseptic and energizing.
(Not to be used during pregnancy or on
those with epilepsy)
Marjoram (Origanum majorana):
Majoram was known as the herb of happiness and was used
to decorate weddings and funerals. Its properties are
anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, arterial vasodilator,
digestive stimulant and sedative. It is relaxing and
calming to muscles.
(Not to be used during pregnancy)
Lavender (Lavadula angustifolia):
Lavender is considered the universal oil in that it
balances the body whether there is excess or depletion.
It works to balance the areas in need. It is an
analgesic, great on burns, anti-depressant,
antihistamine, regenerative and sedative. It promotes a
general sense of well being.
Peppermint (Menta piperita):
Peppermint has long been used for digestive issues,
breath freshener and headaches. It is an
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic and
invigorating. It soothes and cools the system.
(Use with caution with pregnancy and
high blood pressure)
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens):
In ancient times, cypress was used on systems that would
have excess loss of fluids such as the urinary system.
Some of its properties are anti-bacterial, astringent,
lymphatic and prostate decongestant, vasoconstrictor,
and is refreshing and relaxing.
(Use with caution with pregnancy) |
Quotes & Inspirations
To Autumn – By John
Keats
SEASON of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells.
Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap’d furrow sound asleep,
Drows’d with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.
Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river
sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies
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