Skip to Content

Ayurveda Health August Newsletter

Fri, 08/13/2010 - 17:45 — Perry Macdonald

Yogi Meditating

 
• Relationship between Ayurveda and Yoga
• Yummy recipe for Rice pudding (no sugar, no dairy).
• Upcoming retreat at Mana – October 15 to the 17
• Herb/product of the month - Ashwagandha
 
As this is the theme of the upcoming retreat I thought it appropriate to talk about the ancient relationship of Yoga and Ayurveda. They are sister sciences that repeatedly influence each other, and have done throughout history. Yoga as a physical therapy had its roots in Ayurveda, and treatment of both physical and mental disorders have traditionally included yogic practises such as meditation, mantra, asana (yoga poses) and pranayama (breathe awareness).

Both are sacred sciences evolving from the Vedic tradition from approximately 5000 years ago. Both look at the whole human being ie body, mind and soul. Both place emphasis on the unfolding of our higher consciousness.

For me Yoga (and meditation) provides the spiritual backbone required for true healing, whereas Ayurveda provides the foundation of self healing through diet, herbs, and lifestyle regimes, always working within the laws of nature.

Ayurvedic Cooking classes

These start again next week. The night time class is full however there are a couple of spaces (due to cancellation) for the daytime session starting Thursday 19th time 11.30 to 2pm. Let me know asap if you are interested in joining us.

Recipe – Spicy Rice pudding

I don’t know about you but I do like puddings when the weather is cold and wet. Good comfort foods! The following recipe can be made with no dairy (substitute dairy with diluted coconut milk) and no sugar. The spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and saffron help with digestion. The topping is optional.

1 pinch of saffron

1/3 cup Arborio Rice
1 tblsp ghee
½ cup coconut threads
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp cardamom
½ tsp nutmeg grated
½ tsp dried ginger
3 cups of milk (or coconut milk diluted)
1 cup chopped dates
 
Soak the saffron in 1 tablespoon of warm milk for 10 minutes.
Melt the ghee in a saucepan.
Add the rice and stir until well coated. Then add coconut threads and spices. Cook for 2 mins before adding the milk, saffron and chopped dates
Place in oven 150 degrees and cook slowly for 2 hours. Stir occasionally

Topping

Ground nuts (almonds or pistachios) with cardamom, cinnamon, grated lemon plus grated jaggery (unrefined sugar) optional.
Sprinkle over the pudding before serving

Retreat at Mana (Coromandel)

We must all use opportunities to practise the truth, to improve ourselves, instead of waiting for a time we think we will be less busy”– His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

How true. We are beginning to take bookings for Mana. This our 3rd year of offering a very special weekend where you have the opportunity to learn, restore and nourish yourself in a unique and beautiful environment.

On offer is delicious food, Ayurvedic body treatments and daily yoga, meditation and pranayama (breath awareness). If you have been thinking of attending and haven’t for whatever reason, this might be our last retreat at Mana. To find out more or to register you can click on http://www.ayurvedahealth.co.nz/content/retreats

Featured Herb - Ashwagandha (withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is one of my favourite herbs. I use it a lot in the clinic with really good results. It is the ultimate tonic for Vata, providing strength and nourishment to the tissues with special affinity for the reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems. It inhibits ageing, fortifies the immune system, and increases endurance. Very rejuvenative in its action Ashwagandha is used in all conditions of debility, joint and nerve pain, fatigue, and insomnia.

Clinic details http://www.ayurvedahealth.co.nz/consultations

That is it from me. I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and good spirits!

Namaste Perry



Theme by Dr. Radut.