Pamela’s 3 favourite Yoga Asanas for a healthy life

by | Oct 22, 2021 | Lifestyle

Pamela’s 3 favourite Yoga Asanas for a healthy life

When I started my own yoga practice in 2011 I was not at a good place in my life. But it was the perfect time to begin practicing yoga, and that is what I always remember when I look back to my first yoga class. In short, I can say that yoga has saved my life, literally.
Yoga is a way of living, it is a tool that offers us guidance to live our lives on this planet to the best of our abilities in harmony with our surroundings, with awareness, and heart. And if I have to put it in simple words, I can say yoga has helped me to become a better person.
Today I would like to tell you about three of my favorite asanas. You can practice on a daily basis and that supports your health on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. The reason I chose these postures is because they can be practiced by everyone, whether you are young or old, stiff or flexible, and even if you have physical health problems you can practice a variation of each of these three poses.

Malasana (Garland pose)

The first asana I recommend you to practice on a daily basis is malasana, a seated squat. Malasana is easiest to come into from standing (tadasana). I truly enjoy this asana as it opens up the hips while challenging the strength of the calf muscles, hamstring and glutes. Due to the fact that malasana is a hip-opener, it promotes digestion while opening and massaging the area of the pelvic floor. At the same time, we work on a downward energy (apāna vayu), so we also work on our stability in order to get a sense of grounding. I personally love to practice this asana around the days of my period, because I feel it supports the downward movement of my flow. As you might know, both the elimination of stools as that of the blood we lose during menstruation need to have a proper rhythm, quantity and flow for it to be healthy if we look at the Ayurvedic perspective on health. So, if you find you have problems on getting a bowel movement, you will find that sitting on the toilet seat with your legs in malasana will support you greatly since it helps opening up the anal sphincter.

If you have difficulties on keeping your balance in this asana, for instance if you can’t touch the floor with your heels, then just roll up the back of your mat to create some height, or lean against the wall for some extra support.

Viparita Karani (Broken or Half Candle pose)

One of the first asanas I learnt was Viparita Karani, and it has benefitted me so much! The best way to get into this pose is to lay down in the fetus position, so on your left or right side with your legs curled up and your glutes against the wall. Then you slowly turn on your back while bringing the soles of the feet against the wall. Then straighten your legs and touch the wall with your heels while letting the legs fall out. Personally, I like to keep a bit of distance between my bum and the wall for extra support in the lower back, especially since I suffer from scoliosis (curved spinal column). Straighten your arms with your palms facing up and keep them not too far from your hips or legs. I always recommend you try to loosen up all your muscles (yes, even your jaws and eyebrows!) and imagine you being soaked in by the earth. Viparita is a great way to end your asana practice as an alternative to savasana (corpse pose).
The benefits of this pose are endless, but its most important benefit is the rejuvenating effect that it has. Viparita Karani balances out hormones, gives the heart a good rest, and it reverts the blood flow into the legs, as to which it is highly beneficial to those suffering from varicose veins. By increasing the blood flow towards the face which finds itself in a relaxed state, it is said that it can reduce wrinkles. In case you suffer from high blood pressure, neck pain or thyroid problems, I recommend you consult with your doctor and a qualified Yoga teacher first before starting to practice this pose.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Vishes Pose)

As someone with a curved spine, I have to say this asana is one that I really enjoy since it always gives me the feeling of massaging my spine and surrounding areas. At the same time, I find it challenging not to become indulged by it, as I dread backbends (which probably means I need to practice them more, as my teacher would say ;)).

It is important for your glutes to be in contact with the floor at all times in this pose, because when you lose form, you lose the benefits as well. I like to practice ardha matsyendrasana with one leg folded, but if it is easier for you, you can keep the supported leg straight while holding the knee of your other leg (which is bent), twisting and looking over your shoulder. The hand behind the back firmly presses into the ground, while you keep space between the shoulder and the ear (avoid lifting the shoulder). Remember to keep a long and steady breath and try to find that sweet spot between relaxation, effort and steadiness.

What I like so much about ardha matsyendrasana is that it massages the organs of the digestive tract, supporting purification of the intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. For those of you who are familiar with the doshas according to Ayurveda, it is good to know that although twists are beneficial to all mind-body types, this is an excellent asana for people who suffer from imbalances related to Pitta aggravation.

I hope today’s post has been of help to you. If you would like to learn more about a yogasana practice according to your needs at this moment of your life, feel free to get in touch. We are all unique in the most beautiful ways, and this also means we might need specific support in different areas of our lives.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

Delicious Strawberry Fruit Bowl – Best ayurvedic diet for Summer in Spain

by | Sep 17, 2021 | Lifestyle

Delicious Strawberry Fruit Bowl – Best ayurvedic diet for Summer in Spain

An Ideal Diet for Summer in Spain

As summer heat increases in Spain, more fruits are available! Fruit is a wonderful breakfast option for the hotter seasons in Barcelona or Marbella in Spain when the Ayurvedic Agni (digestive fire) tends to be a little less strong because the body is trying to cool itself down, which takes away heat and strength from the digestive fire. The water content in the fruit also helps to keep the body adequately hydrated in the heat.

Lightly cooking fruit increases digestibility, and this summer strawberry fruit bowl guides you on how to spice and sauté your fruit for maximum flavor and optimal health benefits. Let us know if you enjoyed this fruitful, summer recipe:

SUMMER STRAWBERRY FRUIT BOWL
Ingredients Serve 4

  • ⅓ tsp mineral or rock salt
  • ¼ tsp anise seeds or anise seed powder
  • 1 tsp fennel powder
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • ½ Tbsp fresh chopped ginger
  • 1.5 tbsp ghee (or coconut oil)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh chopped mint
  • 4 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 4 cups pears, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 cups peaches, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups strawberries, sliced in half if small and in quarters if large

Steps
Warm 1 Tbsp ghee in a medium sized saucepan. Add ¼ tsp mineral salt, anise seeds, and Tbsp of the fresh chopped ginger. Simmer until the spices’ aroma comes up, add the fennel powder, and simmer for another minute. Add the chopped pears and water to only ⅓ of the height of the pears, and simmer until they start to become soft. Add in the peaches and simmer for 1 – 2 minutes until the fruit is slightly soft. Turn off heat.

Warm ½ Tbsp ghee in a small sized saucepan. Add ⅛ tsp mineral salt and cardamom powder. Simmer until the spices aroma comes up. Add the strawberries and water to ¼ the height of the strawberries. Simmer 2 – 4 minutes until the strawberries are soft.

Transfer the pears and peaches to bowls, and top with strawberries, 1 Tbsp maple syrup and about ¾ tsp mint per serving. Enjoy!

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

My Summer Freshness in New York- Watermelon Radish and Asparagus Salad – An Ayurvedic Recipe

by | Sep 10, 2021 | Lifestyle

My Summer Freshness in New York- Watermelon Radish and Asparagus Salad – An Ayurvedic Recipe

Ideal Ayurvedic Recipe For Summer in New York

Hey there, I’m Gina – you have probably noticed me on the ASHAexperience platform as an Ayurvedic Chef, if you haven’t yet, well I am an Ayurvedic Chef and have been creating modern Ayurvedic recipes for years.

I have met so many people that assume I specialize in Indian cuisine because of my Ayurveda touch. Although I have mastered many Indian Ayurvedic Recipes, I have also come to realize Ayurveda is not a cuisine, it is simply about eating natural foods that match your mind and body type.

In Ayurveda, as well as modern science, using fresh ingredients for your meals have an endless amount of health benefits.

Asparagus is a great source of fiber, vitamin A, C and K which will boost your digestive tract in no time. It is high in nutrients and low in calories, perfect for feeling full and healthy.

Watermelon Radish is a part of the radish family and does not actually taste like a watermelon. You are bound to feel a boost of energy after eating this because of its richness in magnesium, Vitamin A and C, potassium and calcium.

As we are in the peak of summertime, I am sharing a quick and easy recipe that will make you feel energized and cool on a hot day.

Watermelon Radish and Asparagus Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch Asparagus – chopped into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 medium Watermelon radish – chopped into half moons
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • Juice of ½ fresh lime
  • ¼ tsp of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Steps

  1. Prepare a bowl of ice water for the vegetables. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add salt to the taste of the ocean.
  2. Once the water is boiling, add the asparagus and cook for 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon and transfer the asparagus to the ice bowl for 10 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and let rest in a bowl.
  3. Repeat with the watermelon radish, cooking for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
  4. Now your vegetables are cooked and waiting in the bowl. Add the mint.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients to form a dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Pour over the vegetables and toss.
  6. Enjoy cool

Do you know your Ayurvedic Dosha (mind-body type)? Check out the substitute ingredients below:

Vata/Airy digestion – sub golden beets and add 1 tsp fresh grated ginger.

Pitta/Fiery digestion – radishes may be too pungent for you if you are feeling fiery. Sub golden beets or green beans. Additionally add 1 tsp of maple syrup to the dressing.

Kapha/slow digestion – these vegetables suite you well, but add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Want to discover more Ayurvedic recipes for different seasons? Connect with me on the ASHAexperience platform so I can virtually meet you for a personalized cooking session using your favorite ingredients!.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

Ayurvedic Recipe CCF Tea to Soothe Digestion

by | Jul 27, 2021 | Lifestyle

Ayurvedic Recipe to Soothe Digestion – CCF Tea

The ASHA Team

Learn from ASHAexperience – a quick and easy Ayurvedic Recipe to soothe digestion:

If you follow #Ayurveda, you are bound to have come across the famous Ayurvedic recipe – CCF Tea.

How to Prepare CCF – Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel Tea:

• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
• 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
• 500 ml Water

Allow your mixture to boil and infuse for 5 minutes. Now, it is ready to be served. Drink it twice a day. Keep reading to see the ayurvedic healing power of each ingredient.

Benefits of Cumin Coriander and Fennel Tea –

an Ayurvedic Recipe to Soothe Digestion

Healing Power of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are a natural source of antioxidants. It is known to fight bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties – moreover, cumin aids in weight-loss journeys by regulating digestion.

Healing Power of Coriander Seeds

Coriander is known to minimize internal body heat for many years. Its Ayurvedic medicinal properties aid in relaxing anxiety and stress, reduce muscle soreness and cramping, and improve blood circulation.

Healing Power of Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds are also a traditional medicine common to Ayurveda. It is known to reduce bloating and stomach discomfort. Over many years Fennel is believed to be a galactagogue. Lactating mothers drink fennel tea to increase milk supply naturally.

Discover more ayurvedic recipes from our Ayurvedic Nutritionists and Chefs exclusively on https://ashaexperience.com/ayurvedic-nutritionists-and-chefs/

 

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.