Aging is a natural journey, but it doesn’t have to mean surrendering to decline. I’ve discovered that embracing gentle, time-tested Ayurvedic practices can help us maintain vitality, clarity, and grace as the years go by. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing, offers a nurturing approach to support our bodies and minds in a sustainable way. Let's take a look at Ayurvedic practices for healthy aging, so you can feel great and live fully. Embracing Ayurvedic Practices

If you're living with a chronic disease, you may want to learn how to improve your digestive health to reduce symptoms as well as flareups. As someone living with a chronic condition, I can tell you honestly that digestion plays a huge role in feeling better, improving symptoms, and lessening the chances of relapses. I have found that nurturing my digestive system makes a world of difference in how I feel every day. By improving my digestion, I’ve been able to lose excess wei

Garshana, or dry brushing, is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been used for centuries. This invigorating and restorative technique helps to rejuvenate, heal, and revitalize the body. What is Garshana or Dry Brushing? Unlike Abhyanga, which is a relaxing Ayurvedic massage with oil, Garshana is an Ayurvedic dry massage technique that uses raw silk, linen gloves, or natural bristle body brushes to vigorously massage the body. It increases circulation and energy, stimulate

In February, we're still experiencing cold weather, but we may also enjoy a few warmer days here and there, pointing to the warmer weather that will be coming in spring. The days are noticeably longer now too. It's natural to want to slim down, rejuvenate, and refresh yourself in late winter, so consider following some of these selfcare tips for February. February Selfcare Tips Food You may notice that your body naturally wants some lighter foods now, particularly green leafy

Various dried herbs stored in glass jars for herbal remedies Living with a chronic disease, such as an autoimmune condition, heart disease, and diabetes, can feel like navigating a maze. Every day brings new challenges, and finding ways to support your body gently and effectively is essential. That’s where custom herbal remedies come in. These natural allies can help soothe symptoms, boost your energy, and nurture your overall well-being. Understanding Custom Herbal Remedies

As we head towards winter, the days continue to get shorter and colder, beckoning us to slow down and stay home more often. While we may feel inclined to stay home and settle in, we also have many celebrations this month. To balance the hustle and bustle of the holidays, be sure to eat healthily when you’re not celebrating, and get some rest. To help you maintain balance during the festive season, here are some self-care tips for December. December Self-Care Tips Food In gene

Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic self-massage practice that involves applying warm (sometimes medicated) oil to the body. It is a traditional wellness ritual that has been practiced for centuries in India. We use oil because it matches the skin’s sebum (the oily substance that protects your skin from drying out), so it penetrates through the layers of the skin better than lotion, thereby helping to protect your skin’s natural hydration. Abhyanga - Self Oil Massage Benefits of Abhyang

Living with an autoimmune disease can feel like walking a tightrope. Every day brings new challenges, and finding balance often seems elusive. But what if there was a way to nurture your body, mind, and spirit all at once? That’s where the power of holistic health benefits comes in. By embracing a whole-person approach, you can take meaningful steps toward feeling better, reducing flare-ups, and reclaiming your life. Let’s explore how you can achieve balance through simple, p

A good night's sleep is so important for overall health. If you're having trouble sleeping, make a cup of Golden Milk at night for a good night's sleep. Golden Milk, aka Turmeric Milk, is a warm, spiced milk that supports both the immune system and the nervous system. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and high in antioxidants, Antioxidants are compounds that fight cell damage and protect your body from oxidative stress. Cinnamon and ginger are also high in antiox

The leaves are turning color, and the Balloon Fiesta is starting this weekend here in the Albuquerque area. It’s a beautiful sight – lots of colorful balloons with colorful changing leaves. So, now that we’re fully into Fall (or Vata season), it’s important to stay warm and build immune health. The holidays are right around the corner, so be sure to get some rest to calm the nervous system. Follow some of these selfcare guidelines for October. Selfcare Guidelines for October

In late September, summer comes to an end and autumn begins. The mornings and evenings are becoming cooler, the leaves are starting to turn color, and soon the smell of apples and pumpkins will fill the air. Autumn is Vata season in Ayurveda, and has the qualities of dry, cold, windy, and rough. We need to balance these qualities with moist, warm, stable, and smooth. So, follow some of these selfcare tips for September. September Selfcare Tips Diet Minimize or avoid raw foods

Although we’re still in summer, which is Pitta season in Ayurveda, we can feel that summer is winding down, preparing us for the transition to Autumn. Fall begins Vata season, which is characterized by the qualities of cold, dry, light, and mobile. Many of us notice these qualities in our bodies in the Fall, which can manifest as dry, rough skin; dry mucus and nasal passages; chapped lips, increased urination at night; depleted electrolytes in the body; earaches; insomnia; co

The summer months fall under Pitta dosha in Ayurveda, and July is the peak of this Pitta season. Pitta is comprised of the elements of fire and water, but mostly fire. It rules all transformation in the body, such as digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients.  People who have a predominance of Pitta dosha tend to have a medium build, good muscle tone, healthy digestion, and piercing eyes. They’re also passionate, very motivated, enthusiastic and brilliant, as well

April is within Kapha season, according to Ayurveda, and is characterized by increasing warmth and moisture. This moisture can lead to a buildup of Kapha dosha in our bodies, causing heaviness, lethargy, and congestion. If this sounds like you, then try some of these selfcare tips for April. Selfcare Tips for April Food We need a diet that is light, warm, and dry to drain dampness and to support the liver. Light, warm, dry foods include greens like dandelions, beet greens, le

As we transition from winter into spring, you may be suffering with sinus or other respiratory issues. If so, try Nasya Oil for sinus and respiratory health. Whether your sinuses are dried out from indoor heating, or you have some congestion due to allergies, you may benefit from this classic oil treatment from Ayurveda. Nasya Oil Benefits Nasya Oil can soothe and protect the nasal passages, clear the sinuses, and support respiratory health. I'm prone to sinus congestion

The seasons are getting ready to transition again.  According to Ayurveda, the season of spring goes from mid-February through mid-May in the northern hemisphere, so we're actually in mid-spring right now. We’re preparing to leave the harsh, frigid winter for the warmth of spring.  In nature, everything will loosen up – the rivers will flow due to the melting snow, and the tree sap will begin to flow.  Our bodies will also try to loosen up and release excess fat and congestio

It's January and we’re in the “dead of winter” now, which has the energetics of cold, heavy, and slow, and can cause stagnation in the body. To counteract these energetics we want warm, light and mobile, so try a few of these selfcare tips for January. January Selfcare Tips Food Cut down on, or avoid, heavy or gooey foods such as dairy and wheat. We need warming foods now to combat the cold, so avoid raw foods. Instead, eat cooked foods, and try broth, soups, and stews.

Welcome to November!  The cold, dry, windy air is with us and is characteristic of Vata dosha in Ayurveda. To counteract these qualities, we want the opposite characteristics of warm, moist, and grounded. To do so, follow some of these selfcare tips for November.   November Selfcare Tips Diet Include hearty whole grains, as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables. Favor sweet and earthy root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squashes and potatoes. Be sure to eat

An herbal electuary is a thick paste, made with powdered herbs and honey.  It’s a wonderful way to take your herbs, because the honey makes it taste great. So, this is ideal for children, who may not like the taste of herbs.  However, do not  give honey to children under 12 months of age, because honey can contain bacteria that produces toxins in a baby's intestines.  Herbal Electuaries The use of herbal electuaries dates back thousands of years.  They were used in ancient Ar

Aah – September! After a long, sizzling summer, we start to get a break from the heat, especially in the mornings and evenings. Autumn is coming, and we’re in a two-week transitional period called Ritu Sandhi in Ayurveda or Seasonal Junction.   The last week of one season and the first week of the next season make up this two-week Ritu Sandhi period. It’s a sensitive time when we need to let go of the previous season’s diet and lifestyle practices and welcome the next season’