40 days of yoga - day 16

the cleanse is going well. as part of my cleanse i wanted to make sure to book an ayurvedic massage session at blissblissbliss. just like the one i had on day 10.

anytime you are doing a cleansing you should try to find a massage therapist who does ayurvedic treatments as they really help the body shed it's toxins. not to mention, being slathered in warm oil is divine!! i am also certified to do ayurvedic massage and i really love doing these treatments. in fact, i am giving one to a client later in the week.

as far as my yoga challenge, i was able to get in some yoga before i gave a massage this evening. i made sure that after being holed up all day catching up on weeds (love this show!!). i love mary louise-parker and saw her play the leading role of hedda in hedda gabler last year.

i taught shoulder and heart openers in my morning vinyasa class today so i made sure to do a few of the asanas that i taught before and after giving a massage so that my shoulders were ready to do the job.

if you are still doing the yoga challenge, how is it going for you?

hugs & namaste

image credit

40 days of yoga - day 11

today yoga session was just what i needed. i was able to attend heidi's morning vinyasa class at 8am at blissblissbliss. check out heidi doing the asana of the month for november. :) today we focused on heart opening with some gentle back bends. it was perfect!

being that today is an auspicious day (11/11) i am starting a 14 day cleanse. the cleanse i am using was suggested to me by my ayurvedic practitioner. i am doing supreme cleanse by gaia herbs. i will keep you updated as to how the cleanse is going as well as my progress on my daily yoga challenge.

enjoy the beautiful sunshine.

hugs & namaste

image credit

40 days of yoga - day 10

today was nice. and. slow. :) i didn't actually get in any asana but did 15 minutes of pranayama & contemplation in the tub.

as i was lying on the table before my ayurvedic massage treatment at blissblissbliss began, i set an intention to be open & receptive. after my wonderful treatment, i came home, make a cup of mint tea and vegged on the couch with my copy of 168 hours. i indulged in a little nap as well. after ryan came home, i made a very simple dinner: roasted cauliflower, broccoli & chickpeas and a salad. i decided to keep it low key and get into the tub to soak for a while. listening to my body and taking it easy was exactly what was in order for me today. but i still got my yoga in ;)

hugs & namaste

image credit

ayurveda 101 for massage therapist

i just attended a 3 day 'ayurveda 101 for massage therapists' continuing education training. i had the most amazing time and didn't want it to end. i'm actually going through a little withdrawal today...


here are a few techniques i learned from the lovely karyn chabot d.ay, lmt

panchakarma (pancha meaning 5 and karma meaning action) is a wonderful cleansing sequence for the body, mind and soul. it helps to restore your constitutional (dosha) balance by improving health. it helps to eliminate toxins and brings a deep sense of relaxation to the body and mind.

some of the steps of panchakarma that i learned to do are:

~ garshana - dry brushing the body with raw silk gloves to benefit the lymphatic system, detoxify the body, and helps to alkalize the blood.


~ abhyanga - rubbing the body with oil helps to calm the nervous system, increases restful and restorative sleep, and gives smoother, softer skin.


~ nasya karma - application of medicated oil in the nose to benefit sinuses, brightening of the eyes, helps with migraines and headaches, and provides mental clarity.


~ karna purna - application of medicated oil in the ears to help alleviate tmj, ringing in the ears, improved hearing, removal of built up ear wax, and sinus infections.


~ swedhana - steam therapy to help detox, remove impurities, stimulates oxygen flow through the body, and brightens the skin.


~ shirodhara - warm oil flowing over the third eye and crown of the head to help calm the central nervous system, clears the mind and the senses, and activates the pituitary gland. this is the most spiritual and sought after component of pancha karma.


doesn't that all sound delightful? i am here to tell you that it is a magnificent therapy and can't recommend it highly enough.

ever since the day i heard the word ayurveda, i have been craving to know more. after attending this training, it only kicked my craving of all things ayurveda into high gear. i put becoming an ayurveda doctor on my long-term goal list. stay tuned for more tricks & tips i learned from this training.

hugs & namaste

image credits ici, ici, ici, ici, ici, et ici