Everyone experiences summer in a different way.  If you have a fiery constitution, you might dread the heat and humidity of summer and dream of spending time in a cooler climate.  If you are someone who feels chilled all year round, you might relish the heat of summer.  Either way, we all benefit from making adjustments to our diet and lifestyle along with the flow of the seasons.  
 
Ayurveda says that like increases like and opposites balance which is why summer can increase those cranky feelings in a pitta person, and soothe the coldness in a vata person. Overall, the intense heat of summer drains the energy in everyone.
 

Have you ever felt more irritable in the summer, had dry skin in the autumn, feel heavier in the winter, or have sniffles in the spring?  The change of seasons in particular can upset our balance and bring with it uncomfortable symptoms.   Following a seasonal routine can help us adapt to the changing environment and this self knowledge of self care puts our health and well being into our own hands.

​Red lentils (masoor dal) are quick to cook and packed with protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They are calming and nourishing to the mind as well as the body. Treat yourself, and enjoy this simple and tasty recipe!

​Plus Tips for a Successful Seasonal Detox

​Now is a great time to consider doing a simple Fall Cleanse. A cleanse is an easy way to buffer your health and protect your well-being for the coming months and beyond.

​An Ayurvedic Perspective by Janet Shivani Chase

​There are many types of liver cleanses and liver flushes promoted today. Would you benefit from doing a liver cleanse? As with anything in Ayurveda, it depends. As we are all unique, with specific health circumstances and constitutions, we need to look at our own situation before deciding.

​Ayurveda provides us with a simple adage, “If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.” This is important to remember when choosing skin care products. The beauty and personal care market is worth more than $90 billion dollars annually,1 yet it is one of the least regulated industries in the United States. Often, off-the-shelf products contain a bewildering array of chemicals, many of which are known or suspected carcinogens, neurotoxins, endocrine disruptors, or harmful to our health in other ways.2 Even though we usually assume that products like shampoos, face creams, and toothpastes are tested and determined to be safe, it unfortunately is buyer beware. Thankfully, there are many companies that make wonderful, healing products, or you can easily create your own.

Fasting is the greatest remedy - the physician within"                                                                                                         - Philippus Paracelsus

​There is a so much contradictory information available about fasting that it can be difficult to decide which, if any, method to try.  What may be good for one person can actually be detrimental to another.  Fortunately, because Ayurveda recognizes the uniqueness of each individual, there are tools we can use to help us choose what will be most beneficial for us at any given time.

Ayurveda has a long tradition of utilizing fasting from food as a vital practice for maintaining and regaining health.  In our society, fasting is often viewed as a type of denial or deprivation, but you can instead choose to see fasting as a gift to yourself: a much needed rest from the constant barrage of foods and experiences you take into your body.  Welcome to the Ayurvedic approach to fasting.  ​