Saucha (or sometimes, sauca) is one of the Niyamas in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. It is often translated as purification or cleanliness. In the sutras, we learn that both the body and mind need to be made clean and ready for the practice of yoga.
Read MoreMay 19 was the 120th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Ida P Rolf. This video includes Dr Rolf talking off screen. She guides the practitioner (Peter Melchior) on where to work. Her ability to perceive what the client’s body needs is impressive.
Read MoreDo you consistently practice healthy habits? If so, give yourself a gold star! If not, spring is a great time to make adjustments and engage in more healthful behaviors. Warmer weather and longer days make it easier to exercise outside or do yard work. Farmers markets and stores are already getting local produce to add more veggies to meals.
Read MoreI was sifting through a stack of articles when I rediscovered one from Yoga Journal, called Begin Again by Mirka Scalco Kraftsow. It covers several strategies to help guide one to new beginnings.
Read MoreI hear a lot of conversation about what does massage and bodywork do, does it really work and, if so, how does it work? A study from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in 2012 provides some clues. The study looked at the changes in muscles cells in young men who received massage after doing a hard workout. The analysis of the muscle tissue revealed that massage reduced the production of compounds that cause inflammation. Researcher Dr Simon Melov suggests that the reduction in pain associated with massage may be similar to the mechanism of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, massage promoted the formation of mitochondria, organelles in our cells that are responsible for energy production.
Read MoreKnees take a surprisingly large load in activity. If your knees sometimes get crabby, Structural Integration may benefit you by improving alignment and releasing strains in your structure. However, I also think it’s important to pay attention to the strength of the muscles that support the knee. This video (also, below) from Hilton Head Health shows exercises that you can do at home without any special equipment.
Read MoreAre you a runner? As the snow melts and the temperatures warm up, you might be thinking of switching from the treadmill to taking workouts outside. I hope you are also thinking about your running technique. I like the information on Good Form Running. The four main topics are posture, midfoot, cadence and lean. If you are ready to practice some new running habits, this video discusses transitioning from “common running form” to “good form.”
Read MoreA friend recently told me about making nut butter fudge in the freezer and it is pretty great! I have made it with sunflower seed butter and almond butter and am very pleased with the results.
Read MoreIn the US, we collectively waste about 40% of our food. This is an issue in part because hunger remains a significant problem in our nation. It also means all the water, energy and human effort to grow and transport that food is also wasted. The money paid to buy the food is wasted as well.
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