Thanksgiving is a wonderful American holiday to celebrate gratitude and abundance. One philosophy that binds Americans from all backgrounds together during Thanksgiving is gratefulness. Once a year we come together with family, friends and our loved ones to pay gratitude for all that we have.
In the Yoga tradition (which is a sister science of the Ayurveda tradition) along with keeping the mind and spirit healthy, gratitude is very important to create harmony in your life and health. According to the Yoga tradition, many mental and physical diseases begin with the discontented mind. Just the simple act of being grateful for what you have can bring harmony to the system. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't have any desires or ambitions but remember not to look over what you do have in the process.
So, this Thanksgiving, count all the blessings in your life; don't leave a single one out (no matter how small).
Sincerely,
La'Vanya Ayurveda Spa Team
Upcoming Workshop
A Playful Interactive Experience of Ayurveda
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
Optimize your Health through Simple and Easy Lifestyle Adjustments
Free Workshop at 9AM - 11AM
Will Be Covered?
- Hands On - All the questions you had about Breathing & Meditation
- How to conquer day to day subtle addictions; like emotional eating
- Lifestyle tips on keeping balanced and your health optimized.
- Balanced and Restful Sleep
- Breathing Techniques
- Use common kitchen remedies
- Reduce Stress and Bring Clarity
Call 650.494.9333 to Register Today! Seating is limited so sign up early.
| $15 Off - Ayurvedic Facials |
GREAT GIFT IDEA!
Come experience an all natural, organic, herbal, and Ayurvedic facial just for $75. The usual cost for a full hour facial is $90, but for this month special you pay $75 only for yourself or for a Gift Certificate!
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| Offer Expires: November 31, 2009 |
Treatment Spotlight:
Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Oil Massage
Abhyanga Massage - What is it?
- Abhyanga is a word for the Ayurvedic oil massage works with the body-mind in a different manner than other massage techniques.
- Incorporates understanding and strategies to balance the three doshas.
- Especially effective in balancing the movement aspect of Vata; and depending on the herbal oils used it brings balance to Kapha and Pitta doshas as well.
Benefits
Our environment demands so much of the body, clarity of mind and high performance. Our constant multi-tasking and over stimulation with media and activities throw all of our vata out of balance. That is a major theme we see here in Silicon Valley; almost everyone who come to our spa, have a Vata imbalance. Abhyanga is the primary treatment to resolve such an imbalance.
This extraordinary journey begins with a relaxing full body massage to release tension and increase vitality and blood circulation. It not only works on the physical but also the subtle level of the mind. Marma points are intertwined (vital energetic points) with the strokes which open up blocked channels in your body thereby increasing the flow of prana (life force) in you.
This Ayurvedic oil massage, using specific movements and oils, pacify the "vata, kapha or pitta" imbalances. The organic herbal oils penetrate deep into the tissues and liberate stuck toxins. Blocked lymphatic system can be the cause of great many illnesses according to Ayurveda, and this massage releases the lymphatic system, hence promoting immunity. It soothes and relaxes the whole nervous system. This massage rejuvenates and nourishes the skin, tones the muscles, eliminates impurities and promotes youthfulness.
Suitable For
Abhyanga is one of the most important and popular Ayurvedic treatments and is vital for everyone, regardless of your dosha. It's especially good for those between the ages of 16 and 75. Abhyanga is perfect for all body types. This treatment lasts for about an hour.
Difference:
What's so special about an Ayurvedic Massage and how does it differ from your traditional Swedish massage?
The way the ayurveda massage (Abhyanga) is different from your traditional Swedish massage is that it's no deep tissue. There is a completely different treatment in ayurveda for deep tissue called Vishesh, which is prescribed for very specific cases. The purpose of Abhyanga is therapeutic and to balance the whole nervous system rather then just working on focused muscle aches and pains. Although, Abhyanga is very effective in relieving body pain in a subtle and relaxing way. Abhyanga is also a great alternative for the many of us out there who prefer less painful massages.
We suggest you combine this with Shirodhara, which in itself is a divine experience.
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Ayurvedic Recipe of the Month
Savory Lentil Gravy for Your Thanksgiving Table
Ingredients
2 TBS Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Can be purchased at Wholefoods or any Indian
store - great substitute for butter in general
1 TSP Of Mustard Seeds
1 TSP Ground Cumin
Salt to Taste
Black Pepper to Taste
3 TBS Chopped Leeks
1/2 Small Finely Diced Zucchini
2 TBS Chopped Almonds
1/3 Cup Red Lentils, Soaked In Water and Covered For 1 Hour
2 TSP Chopped Fresh Basil
2 TSP Chickpea Flour (Add More for Thicker Gravy)
2 Cups Whey or Water
1 Cup Vegetable Stock
1 Cup Water |
Method
- Heat the Ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in the mustard seeds and sauté until it starts popping (about 4 minutes). Add in the leeks, almonds, and cumin and keep stirring occasionally.
- Add the Whey, stock, water, lentils, zucchini, and basil. Cover and simmer over the low heat until the lentils are soft (about 30 minutes).
- Raise the heat to medium and whisk in chickpea flour. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens.
- Let it cool and blend until smooth. Reheat in the pan and mix in salt and pepper to taste.
Recommended for Vata Dosha (What's my dosha?)
Dosha Substitute:
Pitta: Replace Red Lentils with Puy Lentils
Kapha: Omit Whey and Replace Leeks with Bell Peppers |
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