The Big Apple

15. October 2009 by admin.

Imagine being able to just pop around the corner for a colonic, flow through a Jivamukti yoga workshop, pamper yourself with a day long massage and sauna treatment, take part in an Ayurveda check up, or even have specially prepared fasting juices delivered to your home.   What luxury to have a wealth of resources at the tip of our fingers, but give up rugged can do qualities of small town Alaska NEVER!

It’s that adaptability to any challenge so endearing about Ketchikan.  If you’re still toying with what type of fast you want to do, be inspired by this retreat near the Big Apple and create a regime of your own, giving up (sugar, caffeine, alcohol) and just one meal each day, replacing it with your favorite juice concoction centered on the Chakras.

Long before the art of dissection was practiced, the ancient yogis were able to deduce certain subtle aspects of human anatomy through close observation of their own bodies.  They estimated that within the body there were between 75,000 and 350,000 channels called nadis; the nadis are pathways of sensation along which the life force, prana, travels.  Three important nadis emerged running vertically from the base of the skull to the tailbone(similar to the spine) and two others (similar to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system) weaving back and forth to cross over the vertical channel, where these two channels intersect are called the chakras. The chakras, also referred to as wheels have distinct properties relative to the physical location in the body.  When a chakra is open to the flow of prana, then the characteristics of the chakra become manifest.  For example, when the heart chakra is open then you are healthy, compassionate and psychologically stable and centered.

According to a very easy and practical book “A Handbook of Chakra Healing”  Charkra work is an energy therapy that improves the condition of your energy system and through simple exercises; you can raise the level of your energy and strengthen your powers of intuition, as well as recognize problems that arise from energy blockages.  Its positive effects include stimulation of the metabolism, detoxification and strengthening of the immune system by infusing cells and organs with healing energy. The mind and spirit are not left out as Chakras are not just energy centers they’re centers of awareness and over time this work can help resolve afflictions such as anxiety, stress, removing negative attitudes toward live so that you can look forward to experience serenity, happiness and inner peace in short period of time.

With an excerpt from the book (see link on left) or online you can take the Chakra Personality Test to determine which chakras are dominate and which are weak and which have blockages.  Take it now and again at the end of the cleanse to see a shift in your balance.

Throughout this cleanse, you may want to strengthen your life energy by focusing on two Chakras: sensuous love in the sacral chakra and spiritual, universal love in the heart charka. The union of both charkas expands the entire potential for human love.  As we all know the power of love to change the world can bring about a multitude of positive changes and more happiness.  Who doesn’t want that?

More do-it yourself:   SPA TREATMENT as outlined in this recent Yoga Journal newsletter.

A day at the spa is a fine antidote to the sense of imbalance that we all experience from time to time. But you don’t have to wait for a windfall to indulge yourself. You can create many of the same benefits at home.   The most important element for your home-spa day is uninterrupted time. Take a personal day from work, send the kids and husband out for some bonding time, turn off your phones. Fill the tub with hot water and let the steam fill the room. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or create a “bath tea” by filling a cotton sock with a mixture of dried herbs, tying it at the top, and letting it soak in the water. While you wait for the water to cool a bit, exfoliate your skin with a natural-bristle body brush, using circular motions. When you’re done wrap up in a comfy robe or some loungewear, and make a cup of your favorite herbal tea. Now that you are scrubbed, relaxed, and warm, prepare an herbal facial steam and take time to nourish your soul as well as your body. Read uplifting words—poetry, yoga philosophy—or write in your journal. Whatever else you do today, go slowly and gently. Letting a sense of peace and relaxation settle deep into your bones may be the most pampering thing of all.

Namaste,

Deby

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