A lesson I have recently learned on how to make your relationship work. Even when it's not.
Read moreYoga For Immunity
Yoga For Immunity
When I started teaching yoga 6 years ago, I ran into a wee bit of a stumbling block; I was constantly trying to find subs because I was ALWAYS sick. Why? Well lets think about it...
I AM CONSTANTLY TOUCHING MY STUDENTS (not like that! No lawsuits, please!). Every class I teach, I touch everyone at least once. I do so in order to provide a physical adjustment, or to help a student relax further or breathe deeper. It's no wonder I contracted every virus within a 30 mile radius.
So then 18 months ago I went to this little island called Bali.
Shameless Plug: come to the bali JUNGLE SPIRIT YOGA RETREAT April 2014
While in Bali, my hubby and I took a private yoga class on the remote Eastern Coast with a woman who did not appear to speak a word of English. The class was basically like a game of "Simon Says" lol. At the end of the class, we were supposed to do a headstand which was not in either of our practices yet. We looked at each other and telepathically communicated the following sentence: "shit, do we just sit here like fools?". Well, the tiny Balinese yogini proceeded to pick up each of our legs in turn to help us into headstand. It was awkward, but certainly kind of her to put that effort in. After class, she pulled me aside and said:
“You do headstand. It like medicine for you.”
Well I went home to Canada and practiced every day in my kitchen until Sirsasana became like second nature. And since that day, I have never been sick.
Students at my 2013 Costa Rica Yoga Retreat learning how to do headstands in the sand.
True story.
Rock on my friends,
l.e. martini
Yoga Food Part 2: the next SUPERFOODS
You know those things they sell in the produce section at the healthy grocery stores? The ugly and gnarled looking bits that you have never actually heard the name of and would not ever dream of eating. MAKE THEM YOUR BEST FRIENDS. They are the next "superfoods". Here are a few of my favourites.
Burdock Root:
The burdock root has vital ingredients such as calcium, arcigen, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, potassium, and a host of other elements that are helpful to the body. Furthermore, the root also has an ample amount of vitamin C, chromium, magnesium, and trace amounts of organic mercury, which can make a good detox formula.
The burdock root can be chopped into salads and is also tasty fried in coconut oil. It has a pleasant earthy flavour. I place a couple chopped pieces into a cup of hot water to use as a tea. Be mindful and conscious eating this root as it is powerful and used by First Nations as medicine. It is most well known for purifying the blood.
I buy the root from Choices however the quality is not always spectacular (look for firm roots) and the cashier never knows what it is because I could, quite possibly, be the only person in town who buys the root lol.
Turmeric Root:
Turmeric is a powerful spice used to prevent some cancers and slow the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. It is also anti-inflammatory like it's more commonly used cousin, ginger. For more health benefits of turmeric, visit this site.
You can commonly find turmeric ground up as a spice to use in curries and other vegetable dishes. I prefer the power of eating it raw! I buy the whole root from Choices and then juice it. I dilute the juice with water and a little bit of lemon and honey. I like to drink it either cold or hot as a tea. Be careful with the preparation of this root as it is neon in colour and will stain anything.
After researching the topic of "superfoods" I found some that I had never heard of but am interested in trying. Check out the Chaga Mushroom which is apparently called by Siberians "the gift of god". I am also interested in the Ashwagandha Root which was difficult to find information on but at the same time it seems like every supplement company wanted to sell me their version of the root. It is apparently used in Ayurveda as a rejuvenative tonic and can help with memory loss and sleeping problems.
Well that's it for this week! Try them out and let me know what you think, k? Lots of love and namastes,
rock on,
l.e. martini
What does a yogini eat? The best recipes to enhance your yogic lifestyle!
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