https://www.kalaayurveda.com/blog-1 daily 0.75 2021-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1620049662374-2VGLPWDHTZNKKNA0XY1M/ellieelien-H7g0deWbgqo-unsplash.jpg Blog It is my prayer that this wellness space be used to heal, nurture, nourish, love, create & unify. With gratitude for the wisdom that came before me, the wisdom within, and the wisdom that surrounds—I’m eager to share, to listen, to discover & to create community together. Check back for your dose of wild & witchy wellness! https://www.kalaayurveda.com/blog-1/mind-your-manas monthly 0.5 2021-05-03 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/home daily 1.0 2025-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/79a7b6af-c602-4431-9b5c-8b9a4ee7bf47/MeganHorvathPhotography-72.jpg Home - Massage Therapy Massage therapy is not just a luxury—it helps maintain balance and proper functionality in our body systems. By relaxing the nervous system, it not only reduces stress & pain, it also helps encourage hormonal regulation. Receiving bodywork improves joint range of motion, muscle health & encourages proper breathing patterns. The lymphatic system undergoes a detox during massage, helping to support the body’s immune system and digestive wellbeing. As an added bonus, your skin is left nourished, protected and youthful. It is my intention to approach our sessions together with compassionate listening. Whether you’re seeking relaxation from emotional stress -or- relief from chronic pain, misalignment/postural discomfort, overuse injuries, or sport maintenance— It is my goal to create a space tailored to your therapeutic endeavors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/6e07c073-39b4-43a1-83a1-84498be22bd5/MeganHorvathPhotography-53.jpg Home - Ayurveda & Yoga: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living Translating to “science of life,” Ayurveda is a holistic system of wellness, supporting the wholeness of individuals. Through sophisticated understanding of the intricately interwoven mind-body connection, it emphasizes the importance of creating & maintaining vibrant health through lifestyle practices. Ayurveda respects & honors the natural world, which lives in each of us. Our sessions together will be individualized guidance, allowing time & space to focus on how Ayurveda can best fit into your life. Together, we’ll incorporate yoga philosophy, breathing exercises, mindfulness tools, customized herbal & dietary recommendations, various seasonal routines, and rejuvenation practices to support your unique goals. These practices assist & support the body by eliminating impurities, reducing stress responses, increasing immunity & resistance to disease, while also helping to create harmony and vitality in the mind-body system. With an emphasis on total wellness, Ayurveda’s wisdom works to harmonize our internal and external worlds. Approaching health through a bio-psycho-social-spritual holistic compass, Ayurveda understands that the physical body cannot be separated from the mind & heart. Through practical applications, we’ll work together to foster wellness, discover balance, and to become more firmly established in Self. We’ll walk together, and we’ll discover together. Interested in learning how this may benefit your life? 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Book an appointment to begin cultivating meaningful change. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/yoga daily 0.75 2025-09-02 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/about daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/f1c91ad7-923e-4514-99cf-5487a97ddadb/IMG-0459.jpg About Melissa Haight LMT, AWC, RYT-500 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/contact daily 0.75 2024-04-21 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/terms-of-service-privacy-policy daily 0.75 2025-02-04 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/subscribe-1 daily 0.75 2022-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1630520819529-5SRAWII5YVMEKMX44IMD/content-pixie-s7Ay1F1GuEg-unsplash.jpg Subscribe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1630520873674-WFUJ0VN5ONVCEUY36T0D/chinh-le-duc-vuDXJ60mJOA-unsplash.jpg Subscribe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1630521018880-9UCVXK620F3U5XA9PCLL/maddi-bazzocco-TOZqUHD8L38-unsplash.jpg Subscribe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1630522940115-3H0TZBP2DCGC1BTM5Q42/viva-luna-studios-zu_hPWH32wA-unsplash.jpg Subscribe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1633201521726-97TMXY6NNPREPQQSKN1C/jackson-david-WUydTfaP3t4-unsplash.jpg Subscribe - Slow Down & Tune In Placing your hand on your heart—ground, breathe, and gently meet yourself where you are. I’ll meet you there, too! https://www.kalaayurveda.com/ayurveda daily 0.75 2025-09-02 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/bodywork daily 0.75 2025-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/63dd7bd8-16da-48aa-9a8f-afeef2b4dd3c/IMG_0014.jpg Massage & Bodywork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/workshops-1 daily 0.75 2023-04-29 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/gift-certificates daily 0.75 2023-12-06 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/get-started daily 0.75 2023-07-09 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content daily 0.75 2021-09-01 https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9 monthly 0.5 2022-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1635168903713-9DK7OLH8I0OXF1536XEA/matt-seymour-PVSCfkqcMP4-unsplash.jpg Member Content - November: Like the WIND - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1633200766681-JUQT354AYJ0TF21FSRYO/serjan-midili-IHvbODWm4hM-unsplash.jpg Member Content - November: Like the WIND - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1633982944663-UH57FZFNJ2HUFDRUPLZX/content-pixie-OR7fRyaaD5k-unsplash+%281%29.jpg Member Content - November: Like the WIND - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9-4c3ne monthly 0.5 2022-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1633049846438-T9RMYZ2FR2JWGQ8TDD5O/artur-rutkowski-XCcD2uO8dj8-unsplash.jpg Member Content - October: VATA Vata Vroom As we move from warm & long days of summer (Pitta season) into cool, dry & rough qualities of autumn (Vata season), our bodies are also undergoing a transition. This exchange from one season into the next is known as, ritusandhi; our physical and mental bodies are particularly vulnerable to change during this transition, and require some loving care to ensure a safe landing. Not to worry, Ayurveda’s got your back! Vata Dosha is the reining queen over autumn and early winter. Associated with the space (akash) and air (vayu) elements, Vata represents movement, action, and transportation in the body. When Vata is balanced in the mind-body system, you’ll be lively, expressive, imaginative, intuitive, and have a healthy ability to communicate. However, experiencing an imbalanced Vata will often unveil fear, anxiety, loneliness, exhaustion, a racing mind, insomnia, muscle spasms, irregular digestion, and weight loss. If these early symptoms of a Vata imbalance present themselves, it’s important to slow down, integrate meditation into your day, listen to calming music, avoid skipping meals, eat cooked & warming foods, and cultivate an early bedtime. Maintaining a regular lifestyle with a daily routine is beneficial for maintaining groundedness and balance through Vata season. Over the next few months, you’ll find a guide for daily practices, meditations, recipes, and wild & witchy goodness to help encourage balance through this wild & windy season. Settle in, root down, grab a scarf, a hot tea, and tap into your creative & intuitive energies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1635168943344-2GYFJXKXJ6G81K7E5N1M/allison-christine-thJ4nDg9f3o-unsplash.jpg Member Content - October: VATA Vata Vroom - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1633049552869-DCLJTJ2XIPUL65YAGBXC/osha-key-wCml4tvK-Yg-unsplash.jpg Member Content - October: VATA Vata Vroom - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/1633049288709-LK7V9FGIABN07L91NWLX/edz-norton-JfXNWz1J3pE-unsplash.jpg Member Content - October: VATA Vata Vroom - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9-ca5wr monthly 0.5 2021-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/23e3e194-789a-4a15-af8b-7c593c8cc7c0/maci-patterson-qqWqrn-dOJQ-unsplash.jpg Member Content - December: COLD, Calm & Collected - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/aa5ecbc4-c0c8-4987-87d3-cf4f6847703d/audrey-fretz-0_McYfdyEDA-unsplash.jpg Member Content - December: COLD, Calm & Collected - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/70e82a10-8a30-49b1-ac83-2b182f619705/min-ling-36g2WADarDk-unsplash.jpg Member Content - December: COLD, Calm & Collected - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/eba2f30e-b48b-4d78-aab0-bccb20361694/kelly-sikkema-Mw55efS-Ws0-unsplash.jpg Member Content - December: COLD, Calm & Collected - Make it stand out Stay Cozy Out There! https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9-4c3ne-scz7e monthly 0.5 2022-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/173f3986-a7d3-4e49-b80c-1c6c1148a54e/audrey-fretz-ctGMNKTGszE-unsplash.jpg Member Content - January: MINDFUL Manifestations The New Year, Is Here! Welcome in 2022 with reflection, self-expression, mindful intentions for the year ahead, and….rest. Around mid-January we begin to welcome in late winter (shishir ritu) as we shift from Vata season to Kapha season. The trees have shed their leaves, the sky becomes more grey, and it begins to transition from dry & windy (Vata season) to damp, cold & heavy (Kapha season). If you’re feeling a lack of motivation to dive into those New Year’s resolutions, that’s OK! Winter is all about becoming clear in your intentions, resting, reflecting, and building immunity & strength. Come spring, you’ll have the internal strength and clarity needed to bring forth the change that you’ve been manifesting. Waking early in the morning, eating light/spicy/pungent foods, avoiding cold foods & beverages, and ensuring regular (energizing) exercise are all beneficial ways to maintain balance through this wet & heavy season. And don’t forget that hat! Over the next few months, you’ll find a guide to help tap into the grounded, calm and nurturing nature of those sweet, sweet Kapha vibes. Embrace the stillness of winter with the slow return of the sun. Honor your body by honoring the season: rest, reflect, restore & manifest. Invite Kapha season in with open arms, a warm hat & all the spices! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/7f046c21-01f2-4dff-9081-3ae59fc0e6bb/andriyko-podilnyk-QcM9pXkkc7g-unsplash.jpg Member Content - January: MINDFUL Manifestations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/368b94c6-95ad-4c4e-b160-46c9ce58eb16/erik-jan-leusink-HrMD7MngiBE-unsplash.jpg Member Content - January: MINDFUL Manifestations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/5691e17d-fc4b-4ea2-b7f1-12fa2b602142/daniel-mingook-kim-UXR--t8CZ1U-unsplash.jpg Member Content - January: MINDFUL Manifestations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/531272f2-1a1d-46e9-ad4e-5e57a9312967/conscious-design-VsI_74zRzAo-unsplash.jpg Member Content - January: MINDFUL Manifestations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/ea8ecfed-69ed-4970-8d54-13fda765a75f/hue12-photography-yTnjFssdo7w-unsplash.jpg Member Content - January: MINDFUL Manifestations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9-4c3ne-byzwy monthly 0.5 2022-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/747d1c39-22db-4bfc-ab5e-f39c47d9dce8/jakob-owens-SaO8RBYC0bs-unsplash.jpg Member Content - February: Vajikarana Rasayana VALENTINA - Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby! Love it or hate it, February-along with all of the hearts and chocolate- is here! Whether you’re in a partnership, multiple partnerships, or riding solo, your sexual energy & sensuality is sacred and requires tender, loving care. In Ayurvedic and yogic tradition, one’s sexual energy is highly revered, honored & nurtured. Ayurveda teaches that the Three Pillars of Health are: food (digestion), sleep, and sexual energy. Each pillar represents the importance for proper nourishment, rest, a peaceful mind & creative expression. All three -food, sleep, sexual energy- are necessary to ensure a healthy mind-body biome, with a deep connection to your vitality (ojas). Sexual energy is about more than our patterns and behavior around sex. Sensuality is our ability to cultivate beauty and pleasure in our day-to-day. To become present in our surroundings, to behold the beauty, and find pleasure in our senses. Our sensuality is about tuning in & connecting to the emotional, creative, self-expressive, pleasure power (Kama Shakti) force that lives in each of us. When our sexual energy is suppressed (or overused) it creates blockages & imbalances through our mind-body system. You’ve gotta love, nurture & nourish all aspects of your sensuality! Not just those steamy moments in the bedroom. We are all deeply sensual beings. Our mental, physical, emotional & energetic being are all beautifully and delicately interwoven. Suppression, overuse, or abuse of our sexual energy leads to depletion, damage & destruction throughout this delicate system. However, the positive flow of sexual energy supports our immune system, and helps build our ojas mojo magic. Because of sex’s alluring sensory dynamism & expansiveness, it has the ability to transform our consciousness & to help connect us to our deepest, truest self. If sexual energy is used in a sacred form through love, deep connection & awareness, it has the potential to transform. Slow down & tap into your sacred, self-expressive sensual Self! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/59139616-1bbb-4594-afd4-5b6ed11494dd/as-verna-5p83zEQlJV0-unsplash.jpg Member Content - February: Vajikarana Rasayana VALENTINA - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/cfd7a245-f7d9-4f3e-aeaf-dd9230d460e2/noemie-roussel-dsZ1dLCc5EQ-unsplash.jpg Member Content - February: Vajikarana Rasayana VALENTINA - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/7e04f645-ffef-45ed-bbde-2efa308d4cc2/IMG_0474.jpg Member Content - February: Vajikarana Rasayana VALENTINA - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/85444602-51f1-4b7a-bfca-11e8ad14317f/amelia-bartlett-llarxtokGAM-unsplash.jpg Member Content - February: Vajikarana Rasayana VALENTINA - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/ad4bdea3-5471-428a-ba17-380dedb92b72/aditya-kulkarni-MCeNtqgbJUo-unsplash.jpg Member Content - February: Vajikarana Rasayana VALENTINA - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/7dd26984-4b1c-48cd-bda4-e24114adc6d6/monika-kozub-9Evqbiy9Lj8-unsplash.jpg Member Content - February: Vajikarana Rasayana VALENTINA - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9-4c3ne-pt7ge monthly 0.5 2022-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/3c2fe2ee-2415-425b-b742-5c4432e58eb2/gage-walker-6LT0b6LmCt4-unsplash+%281%29.jpg Member Content - March: SPICE It Up - Keep’n It Spicy We are full ON in Kapha season as the wet, cold & heavy qualities of early spring make their appearance. Ayurveda teaches that what happens externally also happens internally, as we embody the elemental nature of our environs. It’s common throughout the spring season to experience lack of motivation, brain fog, or to have strong emotional reactions. These are signs of excess Kapha, as the external world begins to take up residence internally. Kapha is associated with the earth (prithvi) and water (aap) elements—it represents nourishment, construction, and lubrication in the body. When Kapha is balanced in the mind-body system, it offers a deep sense of stability & inner calm. You’ll also benefit from high endurance & stamina, enjoy a strong immune system, and may even experience more nurturing vibes. However, experiencing an imbalanced Kapha will often unveil resistance to change, emotions of attachment (objects/relationships/jobs/habits/thought patterns, etc.), motivational struggles, weight gain, swelling, and congestion in body & mind. Don’t stress! As always, Ayurveda’s got you. Engaging in energizing, invigorating & fun physical activities is incredibly healing and balancing during Kapha season. Mix things up! If you find yourself stuck in a monotonous routine of exercise (vyayama), seek ways to spice it up with adventure & play. Grab a friend, and try something new. If possible, it’s best to exercise between 6:00-10:00 (am or pm)—however, if those times don’t work for you, choose when does. Just get that body move’n & groove’n! We’ve spent the winter months hibernating, eating heavy & grounding meals, and building up immunity. Now it’s time to lighten the load! Begin favoring more bitter and astringent foods (all those leafy greens!), lighter meals, and keep things warm & circulating with lots of spices. There are many Kapha supporting spices, but here’s some tasty ones to favor: ginger, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, mustard seed, bay, oregano….all the spices, really! Just use all the spice. And don’t forget to cook your food! Eating cooked food, while avoiding too much raw intake, will help keep Kapha balanced, uplifted & energized. There’s lots of recipes come’n at ya in March! Use them over the next couple of months to help maintain energy, vitality & to tap into that natural, inner Kapha rhythm. Spring, we’re come’n for ya! Full of positive, vibe’n intentions & excitement for the return of the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/b4b1e6e6-1661-404c-a04a-ab34e94f0602/julia-topp-kuIiEew8V-A-unsplash.jpg Member Content - March: SPICE It Up - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/883b9d5c-def5-4d19-bf0d-379dbe99be5e/allef-vinicius-xxTHuC_wdn0-unsplash.jpg Member Content - March: SPICE It Up - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/e761daee-236c-44c5-9a36-708308daacf0/brooke-lark-7P2GGTqXRw4-unsplash.jpg Member Content - March: SPICE It Up - Make it stand out Detoxifying Bath Ritual The water and earth elements are in abundance during Kapha season as they put on rainstorm shows & prepare the ground to bloom, open & come to life. With springtime will often emerge heavy emotions, expectations, and attachments. There may also be an increase in congestion, stagnation, and body swelling. This means, it’s time to sweat (svedana) it out! This classic Ayurvedic detoxification bath recipe is excellent for purging toxins, soothing sore muscles & joints, exfoliating & brightening the skin, while also uplifting & energizing the soul. Grab some candles, herbal tea, music jams of choice, and get sweating! What You Need: 1.5 cups Epsom Salt 1/2 cup Himalayan Sea Salt 1/2 cup Baking Soda 10 drops Essential Oil—lemon, orange or lemongrass are all great choices to encourage a spirit uplift *Omit the ginger if you’re experiencing any rashes, skin irritations, or know that you have a current Pitta condition. Ginger is very heating, and will increase the condition. Take time after the bath to sit quietly and notice any expectations, attachments, or self-limiting thought patterns you may be holding onto. Breathe deeply, feeling the body expand, and exhale the air out with a slow “haaaaaaa” sound. Repeat several times. Releasing & re-wiring self-limiting thought patterns takes time. Recognizing them—with gentleness and love—is the first step. Be gentle with yourself & breathe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/6a5bd3cc-d6ca-409c-aa12-57153a16abfe/maddi-bazzocco-6-wc9Oa256k-unsplash.jpg Member Content - March: SPICE It Up - Make it stand out Baked Grapefruit Recipe This easy and delicious baked grapefruit recipe makes a perfect breakfast as we shift out of winter and into spring. It helps pacify both Vata & Kapha, supports immunity, cleanses, detoxifies, stimulates digestion (agni), and encourages stagnation to get a’move’n. Just what Kapha ordered! Ayurveda recommends only eating fruit with other fruit— especially avoiding the combination of dairy & fruit. Because of fruit’s natural, fermentative nature & the speed at which it digests, combining other foods can cause a buildup of toxins (ama) in the body. What You Need: Grapefruit 1 Tbsp Raw Honey 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder 1/2 tsp Cinnamon Powder *This recipe is base on 1 serving, bake as many grapefruit as desired! What To Do: •Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit •Slice grapefruit in half & sprinkle with spices •Bake 10-15 minutes •Remove & drizzle with honey •Eat, savor, and feel light! Many thanks to Maharishi Ayurveda for this lovely recipe. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9-4c3ne-h6e83 monthly 0.5 2022-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/744c69a5-4367-4af0-ade0-114678f93898/dmitry-shamis-uaufwPBhbio-unsplash.jpg Member Content - April: CLEANSING & Clearing - Cleansing & Clearing Spring is for cleaning, cleansing, and moving forward. It’s common practice to open windows, remove unnecessary clutter, clean, organize & feel renewed as the warmer weather appears. Our spiritual & physical bodies are no different. Spring is ideal for a cleanse & reset—ridding the body of toxic build-up, supporting the digestive fire (agni), and returning to the intentions set over the winter months. The seed of change has been planted, and now it’s time to tend to it’s growth from a place of renewed strength. For the past several months of winter, we’ve been slowing down, drawing inward, and eating heavy & dense foods. Our digestive fire is strongest during the winter months, allowing for a heavier diet—however, our digestive system is only able to do so much. Many people eat more sweets and hard-to-digest foods during winter, making it difficult for the body to fully assimilate what’s being ingested. This creates the accumulation of ama (sticky, toxic byproduct) that begins to clog channels (shrotas), and ultimately effects the body’s ability to carry nutrients to the cells. Accumulation of toxins can often show up as sluggishness, lack of motivation, fatigue, brain fog, sinus & respiratory issues, frayed emotions, bad breath, white coating on tongue, and an overall feeling of heaviness. Ayurveda teaches this accumulation of toxins in our body system can eventually manifest as health disorder or disease. Introducing a cleanse is beneficial during any seasonal change, but especially during the transition into springtime. Just as the warmer weather of spring begins to melt snow and thaw the ground, it also begins to liquify the impurities that are clogging the channels of our body. Cleanses help support the removal of toxins, stimulate the digestive fire, reestablish healthy lifestyle patterns, and offer a container to slow down & self-nurture. Gifting your body a seasonal cleanse is a beautiful way to (re)connect to the fresh & energetic human that you are. The good news? Ayurvedic cleanses aren’t about starving yourself. That’s right! You can, and should, continue to eat throughout the cleanse. This will nourish and nurture the body through the detoxification process. It’s what you’re ingesting & what time of day you choose to eat that matters. No retreat center or spa needed—you can do this at home, in the comfort of pajamas & pet snuggles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/e08951ec-2c43-4b3d-93cd-aa87ccc56773/nick-owuor-astro-nic-visuals-w640DEXkAP8-unsplash.jpg Member Content - April: CLEANSING & Clearing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/ee5d7aaf-4254-4217-a4bb-abd496edff53/timothy-dykes-E_gitAfmfE4-unsplash.jpg Member Content - April: CLEANSING & Clearing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/42d09aa8-005a-4015-9674-2dcaa9e80197/marya_volk-7O-__rhcZ5Y-unsplash.jpg Member Content - April: CLEANSING & Clearing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/cdd108ff-b193-49f4-b872-2ae09e1d5cc4/sasha-freemind-frq5Q6Ne9k4-unsplash.jpg Member Content - April: CLEANSING & Clearing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/dff8bd0b-95dc-400c-a38f-d283c026aef6/mario-raj-0ni63gRt4PE-unsplash.jpg Member Content - April: CLEANSING & Clearing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/d5d18db5-de51-477c-90f8-b635d506cd95/mor-shani-AyylJTi7k1w-unsplash.jpg Member Content - April: CLEANSING & Clearing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9-4c3ne-h2x8b monthly 0.5 2022-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/d816bd42-481b-43bf-9ac0-dde5e7a6a72b/nitish-meena-s7rU_y27PJU-unsplash.jpg Member Content - May: ALLERGIES & Ayurveda Pollen Has Arrived Spring has sprung, flowers have bloomed, and pollen has arrived! This time of year can be a dreaded struggle for those affected by seasonal allergies. Each dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) can be aggravated by substances that cause allergic reactions. Typically, Vata-type allergies cause uncomfortable symptoms in the digestive tract (bloating, burping, gas, abdominal pain), while Pitta-type allergies often present as skin irritants (rashes, itching, hives, eczema). It’s the quintessential springtime allergen reactions (bronchial & nasal congestion, sinus infection, asthma, hay fever, cold, cough) that are associated with Kapha. Ughh, sound familiar? Ayurveda teaches that allergies are an attack on the body’s immune system. Due to the extreme changes in the external environment, seasonal transitions (especially spring and fall) are when the body’s immune strength is the most fragile. Just when our immunity is most vulnerable, Mother Nature makes Her grand entrance into spring with an explosion of color…. and pollen. Our bodies digest everything—sensory impression, ingested food & liquid, topical application, air, and yes, pollen. This constant process of digesting, filtering, and assimilating can be an overload on the body. That’s why you gotta help a gal out! The best way to help prevent seasonal allergies is to transition into spring with a strong & healthy immunity and mind-body system. This ensures when the onslaught of pollen appears, your body is armored & ready for battle. Sounds great! But, how? As always, Ayurveda’s gotchu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/5bb5c6bb-1898-470b-a0cc-943457b20ada/aditya-saxena-_mIXHvl_wzA-unsplash.jpg Member Content - May: ALLERGIES & Ayurveda - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/a9791ec3-bf52-40f6-8c43-d0e8af4bf3f7/bundo-kim-ur2zmbseUIA-unsplash.jpg Member Content - May: ALLERGIES & Ayurveda - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/f2a655c3-9756-468a-b190-d614b75fd9e0/sasha-freemind-frq5Q6Ne9k4-unsplash.jpg Member Content - May: ALLERGIES & Ayurveda - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/5f2f1eac-4ae4-4dfc-92c2-bd925c10605d/james-resly-yUuMYk3L6rM-unsplash.jpg Member Content - May: ALLERGIES & Ayurveda - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/619c5fea-26a0-4fea-b416-5109a30c7c0a/amritanshu-sikdar-LoGnr-w1D8E-unsplash.jpg Member Content - May: ALLERGIES & Ayurveda - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kalaayurveda.com/monthly-content/project-one-wfgh9-4c3ne-hn2ag monthly 0.5 2022-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/252254f5-ac75-423f-9e9f-1f7da86694f6/scott-webb-5SDN0S1ITa8-unsplash.jpg Member Content - June: TEJAS Tamer As we move from cool & rainy days of spring (Kapha season) into long & hot days of summer (Pitta season), our bodies are also undergoing a transition. This exchange from one season into the next is known as, ritusandhi; our physical and mental bodies are particularly vulnerable during seasonal transitions, and require some nurture & love. Pitta Dosha has a strong presence throughout summer and into autumn. Associated with the fire (tejas) and water (aap) elements—it represents the energy of transformation, conversion and digestion. Pitta is connected to intelligence, understanding, and the ability to digest thoughts, emotions, experiences, and food. When Pitta is balanced in the mind-body system, you’ll be goal-seeking, precise, an excellent leader, and have strong digestion. However, experiencing an imbalanced Pitta will often unveil criticism, jealousy, irritability, and anger. Imbalances will cause heat to rise in the body and mind—you may experience heartburn, inflammatory conditions, hypertension, and loose stool. If these early symptoms of a Pitta imbalance present themselves, it’s important to “cool” down. Choose a nature walk or swimming over competitive activities. If possible, avoid exercise between 10am-2pm, when Pitta is at it’s peak heat & easily aggravated. Begin favoring moon bathing over sunbathing. That’s right! Moon bathing. You won’t get that killer tan, but it will help restore & regenerate the body from excess heat. Take time for quiet meditation, cooling breathing exercises (sheetali pranayama), and relaxation. If you don’t have a hammock, now’s the time! Begin noticing if you’re engaging in more conflict or arguments. If so, this is a sure sign of excess Pitta. Step away from the debate! Spritz some rosewater on your face, and cool those jets! And take time for carefree, unrestrained fun—grab your favorite gals & reconnect to your inner child. She’s in there, I promise! This is the season to eat more sweet, bitter, and astringent foods. Incorporating fresh green vegetables, basmati rice, sweet apples & berries, watermelon, cucumbers, cilantro, and coconut will help keep Pitta nice and cool. It’s best to avoid too much spicy & salty food, garlic, onion, fried & processed food, caffeine, and alcohol. These are all foods that will increase heat in the body system and create imbalances. And when Pitta gets imbalanced, watch out! Using cooling herbs (cumin, coriander, cardamom, fennel) will help soothe the digestive tract, while also offering flavor & a lovely aroma. And don’t forget coconut! All things coconut. And for my favorite Pitta balancing advice from Dr. Vasant Lad: “ Working in a hot kitchen provokes Pitta. If someone cooks three days in a row, on the fourth day you should treat that person to dinner in a restaurant. This will avoid conflicts in the relationship.” A very wise man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/88e8e054-b7b2-4525-9abf-01d8b91b4a42/gabriel-silverio-u3WmDyKGsrY-unsplash+%281%29.jpg Member Content - June: TEJAS Tamer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/6002a3df-bee3-4ee5-9438-05b2c08ced25/emily-bauman-fnAN6OFXR9A-unsplash.jpg Member Content - June: TEJAS Tamer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/f2a393c9-47ca-4db2-8500-4dea178c09af/julia-caesar-3-3k_sYEJ1s-unsplash.jpg Member Content - June: TEJAS Tamer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5feb342820b15171e8848dcb/6d1569a8-f20e-469c-9d6a-bc573f866149/jernej-graj-rlNibgIqi4o-unsplash.jpg Member Content - June: TEJAS Tamer - Make it stand out Stay Cool Out There!