As someone living in Boulder, Colorado, consulting a Naturopathic Doctor for health issues (be they acute or chronic) is as common as going for a hike, seeing an acupuncturist, attending a yoga class, or attending a meditation retreat. We as a city tend to lean towards natural and holistic healing as a rule.
Benefits:
Massages the internal organs.
Good post for teaching the fundamentals of twists.
Stretches the muscles of the back and front torso.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Sitting bones, thighs and outer feet form the base.
Outsides of the feet press into the floor.
Pelvis is square to the front of the mat.
Belly is toned.
From late November through New Year’s Eve, we can become overtaken with this season of comfort and cheer, celebration and indulgence. We typically arrive at the end of the year with a full belly, large credit card bill, and in addition to warm, cozy feelings of love and camaraderie, some feelings of shame or guilt or “time to get back to work!” Does this sound slightly familiar? I’d be surprised if it didn’t, and if not, you must tell me your secret!
Healing our spirit is just as important as healing physically and mentally. Our spirit can get injured, sick, and tired just like our body and mind can. It is important to know what you can do to help heal yourself in all aspects.
The Indigenous and Native peoples of North America, as well as other those from other regions around the world, used what is referred to as The Four Sacred Medicines. These medicines consist of Tobacco, Sage, Cedar, and Sweet Grass. All of these plants are considered to be spirit medicine.
Flying on the serpent of light, passing through initiation after initiation at each energy plexus, the rainbow colors activate and bring new layers and levels of consciousness to the one who opens the gates.
Benefits:
Great twist for the spine that is easy and in which you can teach the principles of twists safely.
Stretches the hamstrings.
Good opening for the shoulder girdle.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Feet are a wide distance apart and parallel to one another.
Feet are active, arches are lifting. Leg muscles are engaged, straight if available if not keep bent.
Sacrum is parallel to the earth.
If you don’t know what herbal tonics are, winter is a really great time to learn about them. They are easy to make and simple to store, but the benefits are incredible.
What Are Tonics?
Herbal tonics consist of an infusion of herbs mixed with water, consumable alcohol, vinegar, or oil. Tonics are used to restore and refresh our bodies, as well aspromote our general health and well-being. There are various ‘tonic herbs’ that will increase your overall vitality, improve longevity, invigorate the internal systems, and even strengthen the spirit.
Imagine, if you will, your true soul essence, your authentic nature, ready to manifest here on earth as bright as could be. As it came through, from wherever it was prior to birth, it was placed into a patterned cage with various notes and energy signatures that were the out-picturing of lifetimes of experiences, as well as generation after generation of thoughts and impressions. This cage became your identity until you were able to get out. You knew that you would not be able to live your pure soul light, authentically, while inside of this cage.
Spirulina is a blue-green algae growing in fresh water and is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals and has many health benefits. Spirulina has been used by the Aztec people since before the Conquistadors.
Benefits:
Great pose if you have a stiff back or sciatica.
Chest is expanded, enhances breathing.
Helps strengthen the back of the body, legs, back, arms, and shoulders.
Foundation and General Alignment:
Hands are shoulders distance apart, elbows are over the wrists, forearms perpendicular to the floor.
Feet are hips distance apart. Toes are flat on the floor pointed away.