Abhyangam: Abhyanga is a massage that’s done with warm oil.
- The oil is applied to the entire body, from the scalp to the soles of your feet.
- It’s the most popular massage in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine from India.
Agni: Translates to “fire” and is commonly referred to in the context of digestion and metabolism
- If you have strong agni, you have strong and balanced health in mind and body.
- His agni is so strong that he can eat almost anything!
- Did you know that certain foods can increase agni while others decrease it?
Ama: A toxin or sludge that’s produced when we don’t fully digest or cleanse regularly
- There are ways to decrease ama easily by making small changes to your daily routine and diet.
- Did you know that ginger often increases agni and decreases ama?
Asana: A limb of yoga philosophy that refers to the physical postures or poses
- There are 84 traditional yoga asanas.
- A yoga class is several yoga asanas put together in a sequence.
- There are many different styles of yoga. What’s your favourite style of yoga asana?
Ayurveda: The science of life supported by the integration and vitality of mind, body, and spirit
- Ayurveda is both simple and intuitive.
- I love Ayurvedic principles because it’s not one-size-fits-all wellness.
- Ayurveda understands that each of us is unique and different when it comes to balance and health.
- How do you pronounce Ayurveda? Eye-Yur-Veda.
Bija: Meaning “seed of sound” most commonly used in reference to mantras
- A bija is a seed of sound that carries a subtle rather than direct meaning with it.
- The bija I use in my meditation is unique to me and carries the resonance of peace.
- Do you know your unique Primordial Sound bija?
Chakra: Wheel of subtle energy
- You have seven main chakra centres that run along the length of your spine, which are a connection point between your physical and energetic body.
- I want to open my heart chakra more and become more loving and compassionate toward myself and others.
- Did you know that each main chakra has a colour associated with it?
Dosha: Your Ayurvedic mind-body type or combination of earth elements: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
- Each of three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity, their differing proportions determining individual temperament and physical constitution and (when unbalanced) causing a disposition to particular physical and mental disorders.
- By understanding your dosha, you can determine your unique lifestyle plan for balance.
- The foods that provide balance to me are different than those beneficial to my spouse as we have different doshas.
- What’s your dosha?
Ghee: A type of butter that is clarified by boiling
- Ghee separates the fat from the milk solids which makes it dairy-free.
- I make my own Ghee at home weekly.
Kitchari: Means mixture and usually is a combination of two grains that are both easy and nourishing to digest
- Kitchari is the best food to eat when you’re doing a cleanse like panchakarma.
- Traditional kitchari consists of beans and rice.
- kitchari is really easy to make at home.
Ojas: The subtle force in your body that provides health, digestion, strength, and vitality
- By following simple Ayurvedic principles each day, you can increase your ojas.
- When I’m mindful of what I’m eating, I notice a feeling of vitality or ojas.
- Did you know that eating your largest meal of the day at lunch can increase your ojas naturally?
Mantra: Mind tool or vehicle of the mind
- Mantra meditation reminds us that thoughts during meditation are normal and to be expected.
- When I meditate, I don’t try to get rid of my thoughts but, instead, use a mantra to help me feel peaceful and not get distracted.
- Have you ever participated in a mantra meditation with an App?
Neti: The process of flushing out the nasal channels using a saline fluid
- Using a neti each morning is a simple and effective way to clear congestion.
- Did you know that using a neti pot can help with allergies too?
Padabhyangam: Padabhyangam can be loosely translated as “foot massage “or “foot therapy”.
- This therapy holds a special place of importance in Ayurveda because our feet connect our body with the earth.
- Foot care is holistic and involves massaging the pressure points with herbal and medicinal oils.
Panchakarma: PanchaKarma (meaning ‘Five Treatments’) is a full cleansing program that removes all the harmful toxins from the body to create optimum healing conditions.
- Traditionally, panchakarma is done along with the changing of the seasons for maximum benefit.
- I find panchakarma to not only detox my body but also rejuvenate my mind and spirit.
- Have you ever gone on a retreat to do panchakarma?
Prakriti: Your essential nature and unique combination of earth elements or dosha determined at birth
- Your prakriti is your primary nature and doesn’t change.
- I think of my prakriti as my blueprint for balance or me as the most balanced version of myself.
- My prakriti is Vata/Pitta. What’s your primary dosha?
Prana: Our vital life force or breath
- Whether we notice it or not, prana is always flowing within us and all around us.
- I notice the strength of my prana the most after yoga.
- Have you ever tried specific breathing exercises to increase your prana?
Shirodhara: Shirodhara comes from the two Sanskrit words “shiro” (head) and “dhara” (flow).
- It’s an Ayurvedic healing technique that involves having someone pour liquid — usually oil, milk, buttermilk, or water — onto your forehead.
- It’s often combined with a body, scalp, or head massage
Shiroabhyangam: Shiro Abhyanga is a word comprising of 2 terms, Shiro meaning head, …
- The basic material needed for Shiro Abhyanga is oil.
Srota: The channels of circulation in the body
- Srotas are present throughout your body and are both visible and energetic.
- When I feel nasal congestion, I know the srotas in my nose aren’t open the way they should be.
- Have you ever had an Ayurvedic srota massage?
Vikruti: Translates to “after creation” and reflects the combination of earth elements in your mind and body right now
Take A Deep Breath 