Women Of The Wise - Rituals to Rise (Week 7)

Women of The Wise - Rituals to Rise Week 7.

What is our Sacred Sangha?

It is a circle where we will grow, learn and be raw and real together.

UNITE: Come or Bring Together for a common purpose to form a whole.

Agreeing to maintain full confidentiality, we create a space where we can attend in privacy and caring and collectively openly discuss our thoughts within the circle. We will all contribute positively and keep each other supported together integrating empathy and compassion and building our self-confidence, creating an alchemy in our Sangha.

Welcome Ladies,

I thank you for your time and space you hold in the unity of this Sacred Sangha

Affirmations:

Breathe in and close your eyes. One hand on your heart, One hand on your belly.

Inhale - "I am the peace that I seek"
Exhale - "I release what no longer serves me"

"I am truly and wildly abundant in all areas in my life!"

Mantra:

"I am willing"
"I am evolving"
"I am growing"
"I am worthy"
"The universe is helping me achieve all that I desire, I trust the process"

Prayer of Women Of The Wise:

"I bring honor to my radiant heart"
"Courage to my deep questions"
"Respect to my true nature"
"Compassion to the collective"
"Let my spirit be energized every step I take towards my soul's purpose"
"I thank you for all the gifts unfolding in this wisdom and beauty"

This week we are going to learn about Ayurveda, which is a hollistic approach to health and wellness that focuses on achieving balance in the mind and body.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years. Ayurveda focuses more on healthy living than treatment of diseases. One of the fundamental concepts of Ayurveda is the Doshas. 

What is a Doshas?
In Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India, "doshas" are the three primary energy forces that govern the physiological and psychological functions of the body and mind. Each individual is believed to have a unique combination of these doshas, which influence their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics.

The Three Doshas in Ayurveda are:

Vata: Vata is associated with the elements of air and ether (space). It is characterized by qualities such as dryness, coldness, lightness, and mobility. People with a predominant Vata dosha tend to be creative, energetic, and enthusiastic when in balance. However, they can also experience anxiety, restlessness, and digestive issues when out of balance.

Pitta: Pitta is associated with the elements of fire and water. It is characterized by qualities such as heat, sharpness, intensity, and oiliness. Pitta individuals are often driven, intelligent, and goal-oriented. When out of balance, they may become irritable, have skin issues, and experience inflammation.

Kapha: Kapha is associated with the elements of water and earth. It is characterized by qualities such as heaviness, coldness, moisture, and stability. Kapha individuals are generally calm, patient, and nurturing. However, they can become lethargic, gain weight easily, and experience congestion when imbalanced.

The balance of these doshas in an individual is determined by factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle, and environmental influences which can also change over time due to various factors.

Ayurvedic practices, including dietary recommendations, lifestyle choices, and herbal remedies, are designed to help individuals maintain or restore balance among their doshas. The goal is to promote overall health and prevent illness by aligning one's choices with their constitution and current state of balance.

To determine your dosha constitution and imbalances, you can consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner or use online quizzes and resources. Keep in mind that Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine, and recommendations should be personalized to your specific needs and circumstances.

Ayurvedic Cookbook:

Sukham Ayu: Cooking at Home with Ayurvedic Insights

Ayurvedic Rituals:

This week we are going to learn a few of my favorite Ayurvedic rituals that I have practiced for years which had wonderful effects for me in achieving balance of mind and body:

For the next 7 days, Lets set an intention to create a 10 minutes morning practice and 10 minutes in the evening. You are so worth this time! And the rituals you are creating for yourself.

• Dry brushing massage
• Oil pulling
• Tongue scrapping
• Neti-pot
• Warm Sesame body massage (Abhyanga)

Practicing Ayurveda rituals are designed to calm and relax the mind, body, and soul, improving vitality ,purifying and detoxifying the body and blood ,boosting mental health ,improving digestion and improving skin tone.

Dry Brushing Massage:

Dry brushing has its origins in many ancient cultures, from Ayurveda to traditional Chinese medicine. ”Dry brushing is a technique in which a dry, natural bristle brush is used to gently scrub the skin's surface. It is typically done before a shower, bath or sauna. It involves brushing in a specific pattern, usually starting from the extremities (feet and hands) and moving toward the heart. The idea is to stimulate the lymphatic system and exfoliate the skin. 

 Motion Map Technique

Our lymphatic system is a group of organs, vessels and tissues that protect you from infection and keep a healthy balance of fluids throughout your body this system is a fine-meshed structure that includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and certain organs. A well-functioning lymphatic system is essential to the immune system and is also interrelated to the body’s fluid balance and digestive system. Lymph drainage helps reduce swelling, supports relaxation, and can help the body boost its healing response also utilizing specific manual and mechanical techniques, can reduce cellulite leaving a smooth texture to the area and releasing accumulated toxins. Just make sure to drink a lot of water after you dry brush because the body flushes lymph fluid via urination.

Exfoliation is one of the main benefit of dry brushing exfoliation is the process of dead skin cells slugging off the top layer if the skin. If this layer of the skin becomes thicker, the skin feels rough, brushing makes the skin appear smoother and more radiant. Dry brushing opens the pores well allowing the skin to absorb   moisturizer more easily such as natural body products. Leaving you with soft, radiant skin that looks and feels wonderful improving circulation by stimulating blood flow to the body, also assisting in lymphatic drainage which helps remove waste and toxins from the body. This can potentially aid in detoxification and promote better circulation in the body.

How to Dry Brush:

Choose the Right Brush: Select a dry brush with natural bristles. Look for one with a long handle for easier reach to your back. I have 2 one with out a handle that cups in my hand and a long handled one to reach my back.

• Start with dry, clean skin. You can stand in your shower or tub to catch any falling skin flakes.
• Begin at your feet and move upwards. Always brush toward the heart to follow the direction of lymphatic flow.
• Use long, gentle strokes, applying light pressure. Avoid brushing too hard, as this can irritate the skin.
• Brush each area of the body several times but be gentle on sensitive areas.
• Pay attention to the abdomen, armpits, and groin, as these are areas with a high concentration of lymph nodes.
• For the back, it's best to use a long-handled brush or ask someone for assistance.

Oil Pulling:

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for a specified amount of time to promote oral and overall health.

Sesame and coconut oil are antibacterial have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help decrease and prevent harmful bacteria and toxins in your mouth,  removing plaque and strengthen gums and teeth. Reducing bad breath and helping with sensitivity. Removing tartar and improving gum health, acting as a seal and protective layer, supporting the structure of the teeth. Oil pulling can also whiten teeth naturally over time. Coconut oil is often considered the best oil for oil pulling because it has a milder taste. 

How to Do Oil Pulling:

• Choose an Oil: You can use either sesame seed oil or coconut oil for oil pulling. Both have their unique benefits, but coconut oil is often preferred for its pleasant taste and potential antibacterial properties.
• Timing: Oil pulling is typically done in the morning on an empty stomach. Some recommend doing it for 15-20 minutes, while others suggest starting with 5-10 minutes and gradually increasing the duration as you get used to it.
• Take a Spoonful: Take about a tablespoon of your chosen oil and put it in your mouth. If the oil is solid (as coconut oil can be at cooler temperatures), it will melt quickly due to your body's heat.
• Swish and Pull: Gently swish the oil around in your mouth, making sure to push and pull it between your teeth. Don't swallow the oil. The swishing motion is intended to help the oil collect bacteria and toxins.
• Spit It Out: After your chosen duration, spit out the oil into a trash can, not the sink or toilet. The oil can solidify and clog drains.
• Rinse and Brush: Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any remaining oil, and then brush your teeth as usual.

I like finish by gargling with warm salt water and 1 drop of peppermint oil then tongue scraping.

Ayurveda holds that the tongue shares a direct connection to several of the body's vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, and stomach. A tongue scraper gently removes toxins from the tongue itself and simultaneously stimulates, massages, and cleanses the associated organs and deep tissues. Because the tongue reflects the health of so many vital organs, systemic imbalances (and improvements) are reflected on the surface of the tongue.

In Ayurvedic medicine, tongue scraping is believed to enhance digestion by removing toxins that accumulate on the tongue, potentially supporting overall digestive health.

Tongue scraping is one preliminary measure to take in clearing your body from the unwanted buildup of toxins. The bacteria in our mouths are a necessary part of our natural flora and, when in balance, they actually help protect against other potential issues. It's true that good oral hygiene can help keep bacteria in check so that they can serve their purpose without wreaking havoc. Using a tongue scraper to scrape the tongue gently dislodges bacteria, as well as their food source, and is, therefore, one of the most effective means of combating tongue bacteria. In addition to brushing your teeth and flossing, the Ayurvedic practices of tongue scraping and oil pulling can have a tremendous impact on your oral health.

How to Tongue Scrape:

Choose a Tongue Scraper: You can find tongue scrapers at most drugstores or online. They are typically made of metal or copper. Select one that feels comfortable and is easy to hold.

Timing: Tongue scraping is typically done in the morning after waking up, before eating or drinking anything.

• Stand in front of a mirror and stick out your tongue.
• Hold the tongue scraper at the back of the tongue, and gently but firmly scrape it forward along the tongue's surface. Do not press too hard to avoid injuring the tongue.
• Rinse the scraper after each pass to remove the collected debris.
• Repeat this scraping process several times, covering the entire surface of the tongue.
• Be sure to avoid scraping the sensitive area at the back of the throat

Rinse and Clean: After you've finished scraping your tongue, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining debris. You can also follow up with a saltwater rinse.

Neti-Pot

The Neti-Pot, a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that dates back thousands of years. many allergies and chronic sinus sufferers are turning to it as an alternative to over-the-counter medication. Using a neti-pot is a quick, simple, and cost effective way to raise the body’s defenses against illness. When you breathe in allergens, pollution, and other forms of irritation, mucus production can increase, setting the stage for congestion and infection. You can help prevent and relieve symptoms that accompany sinus infections, common colds, and other illnesses by flushing with a Neti-Pot. 

The Neti-pot is filled with a saline solution and then poured into the nostril. The solution flows through the nasal passage, flushes out excess mucus and accumulated debris, and exits through the other nostril. The same process is then done to the opposite nostril. While saline packets typically come with the Neti-Pot, the mixture can also be made at home using a half-teaspoon of salt for every cup of water. Neti-pots are typically sold in drug stores, health food stores, and online.

How to Use a Neti-Pot

• Make sure your solution is warm not cold and use distilled water.
• Lean over a sink and tilt your head at about a 45-degree angle.
• Insert the spout into your right nostril and begin to breathe through your mouth as you tip the pot up slightly.
• The saline solution will flow through the right nasal passage and out the left nostril into the sink. If the solution runs down into your throat, simply spit it out, and blow your nose to get rid of any mucus and excess solution.
• You can blow your nose 5 times fast standing upright and 5 times fast leaning over your knees to release any solution left in the upper cavity of the nostrils.

Use daily while suffering from symptoms of sinus congestion.

 

Warm Sesame Body Massage (Abhyanga)

Abhyanga is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves the application of warm oil to the body through a gentle and rhythmic massage. Sesame oil is commonly used in traditional Abhyanga, but other oils like coconut, almond, or olive oil can also be used.

Some significant benefits of Abhyanga oil body massage are helping calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being. Improving circulation; This massage can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic circulation, which can aid in the removal of toxins and metabolic waste from the body.

The oil used in Abhyanga deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, promoting a healthy complexion and helping to support dryness and skin issues this gentle massage can help eliminate muscle tension and stiffness, and it is often used for addressing joint pain and promoting flexibility. Abhyanga is thought to support healthy digestion by stimulating the digestive organs and improving their function. You can practice this ritual and find peace and calm in the evening to support better quality of sleep, making it easier to relax.

 Ayurveda considers sesame oil the 'king of oils.' Sesame Abhyanga involves warming the oil and mixing it with herbs such as oils like Ashwagandha oil, Mahanarayan oil, Bhringaraj oil, Brahmi oil and Neem oil, before rubbing it on your body.

How to Perform Warm Sesame Body Massage (Abhyanga)

• Choose a Suitable Oil: Select a high-quality, cold-pressed sesame oil or another appropriate oil, depending on your dosha and skin type.
• Warm the Oil: Gently warm the oil in a water bath or by placing the container in a bowl of hot water. Ensure the oil is comfortably warm, not too hot.
• Set the Ambiance: Find a quiet, warm, and peaceful space where you won't be disturbed. You can use a towel or old sheets to protect your surroundings.

• Start by applying oil to your scalp and hair, gently massaging your scalp.
• Move to the face, neck, shoulders, and work your way down the body, paying attention to each part.
• Use long, flowing strokes and circular motions, and massage the limbs in the direction of the joints.
• Spend extra time on areas where you have tension or discomfort.

Creating rituals help ground us and reconnect to ourselves.

My goal for the next 3 months is for you to create a toolbox of rituals that resonate with you that you can keep going back to when your called to ground and nurture your body and soul.

Journal Prompts:

What do you love about being a women?

What is your favorite part about your self physically and emotionally?

Homework:

We have some Home work for the week! Date day or night! This week is all about self-care so lets keep it going and spend some quality time by ourselves. 

1. Its time to take yourself on a date! this could be a lunch or dinner date, Dine out. Pick a new fancy restaurant and treat yourself to a table for one and sit back and enjoy.
   
   
2. Take a class. We’re talking cooking, painting, workout... whatever delights you.
   
   
3. Explore a new neighborhood. Be a tourist in your own city and go exploring. Take a joy ride. Take a long drive and listen to your favorite album all the way through on full blast. Find a new coffee shop and order your favorite hot beverage and read a book.
   
   
4. Take a stay over. Find a local hotel, sleep in and order room service its all about YOU sister!
   
   
5. Did we miss something you’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t have someone to do it with? Do it solo, because choosing yourself means not waiting for anyone to fulfill your dreams.

Closing:

Breathe in and close your eyes. One hand on your heart, One hand on your belly.

Mantra:

"I am willing"
"I am evolving"
"I am growing"
"I am worthy"
"The universe is helping me achieve all that I desire, I trust the process"

Much Love, Crystal :)

"I choose to make the rest of my life, the best of my life" -Louise Hay