Join us this January 13th!

FREEDOM REVOLUTION!

Lauching January 13/13

Freedom Revolution is a 28 day on-line program to get clear on your desired dreams.

We will guide you each day with motivation and techniques on how to pave the way to your desires.

Some of the subjects we will be touching on are:

CLEAN UP THE MESS

LET GO

DREAM BIG

OPEN YOUR HEART

FIND YOUR TRUTH

RECEIVE CLARITY

FORGIVE YOURSELF

PAVE THE WAY TO A CLEARER VISION 

We will have a facebook group for added support and a platform for everyone to share in their experience 

We look forward to connecting with you!

Nadine & Stephanie xo

Abhyanga Massage

This Ayurvedic treatment is done regularly before your bath or shower in the morning. I love doing this treatment after exfoliating with gloves or you can find a natural bristle exfoliator.
This treatment helps ground and calm the mind and body. A great start to the day!

Abhyanga provides the means for trans-dermal absorption of the healing qualities of the material used in the massage, and it helps the skin, which is the largest organ in the body, perform its diverse functions efficiently, whether it is allowing toxins to be released from the body or nourishment to be absorbed by the tissues. It is like oiling the engine of your car -- if you do it regularly, your engine will be in peak condition, and give you years and years of trouble-free performance.

Begin at you feet and work your way up the legs then the abdomen. Start at your hands and work your way up the shoulder and finish at the back. Make sure you use circular motions on the joints and long strokes on the limbs. This can be done quickly to invigorate and wake you up in the morning. It's like giving yourself a hug!

I like to blend my own essences for treating the body for different seasons!


Have a great day!


Nadine

Gemstone Water

I've been studying colour therapy and crystal therapy for quite some time and I was always curious about using gemstones to infuse in your water. Since September I've been experimenting with different gemstones to infuse my water. I've been using a water bottle to carry a small to medium size stone.

I leave it for about 20 mins to infuse. If I infuse larger stone in the water I will only drink 2 oz of it each day for a period of the time.

I have used many different types of smooth crystals.
I started with citrine for 2 months. This stones helps the solar plexus chakra the Ego ( demon:Shame )
This helps balance the metabolism, digestion and energy levels.
In my past I have experienced with anxiety or feelings of nervousness in my abdomen. The 3rd Chakra is a great chakra to start working on to help balance the body.

Other stones I have tried is : amethyst and quartz are great to try as well.

I am currently working on bath/body oil that are being stimulate by gemstones and well as Epson salts ( on top of the container) blended with essential oils. As x-mas presents :D looking forward to hearing how people enjoy them.

Kapha Dosha

the Mother they are the work gods, stamina, factory workers and they are very loyal.

Skin type: Oily

General attributes: heavy, slow, cool, damp, oily, sweet, and dense.

Frame: Broad, well built, evenly proportioned

Weight: easy to gain, hard to lose

Shape of face: Round if more water, square of more earth

Skin: cool, fair, oily, large pores, blackheads, prone to cystic acne, scarring, deep wrinkles, tans easily

Hair: Thick, oily, wavy, curly, black, shiny

Nails: Clear, pale, square, white

Lips: thick, cold, pale

Eyes: Sensual, big, black, blue, thick, long, oily lashes, watery eyes

Nose: Straight, thick, good smell perception

Teeth: shiny, oily, strong, white

Tongue: white, slimy, excessive salvation, sweet.

Appetite: constant, likes spicy food, not to thirsty

Stamina: strong good immune system.

Sweat: moderate, sweet smell

Elimination: slow, regular, moderate

Sleep: needs more sleep, long, deep

Temperament: easily depressed, lazy, stubborn, attached, greedy, passive

Good qualities: calm, stable, dependable, nurturing, good memory, good providers, artist, dancer, doctors, accountants, teachers, and good parents

Sexuality: warm, enduring, good lovers, romantic

Prone to cystic acne, edema, swelling, sinus headaches, sore throats, respiratory problems, asthma, diabetes, cysts, tumors.

To balance kapha: Vigorous regular, exercise, and a little each day. Warm temperatures, Fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes. Favour pungent, bitter, astringent, light, dry and warm foods. Reduce heavy, oily cold, sweet, sour, and salty foods. Seek out variety and new experiences. Stay warm in cold, damp weather. Early to bed, early to rise.

Massage technique to balance kapha: Intense, deep massage.

Asana practice: Vigorous and challenging asanas to remove stagnancy. Focus on chest, head and stomach. Move energy up towards the sky.

“Treat Kapha like an enemy”

You may need to kick, prod and insult them just to get them off the couch. They require spiciness in their food, environment, and relationships to motivate and stimulate their interests. Since they lack motivation, they are motivated by fear and bribery.

 (Info taken from the book Absolute beauty pages: 51,53,57)

CHAKRA MEDITATION

This is a wonderful introduction to the Chakras using meditation. It will help you connect to your energy and were you might have some blockages. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. You might want to write some notes down on how you felt during the meditation.

Blessings

Chakra Rainbow Mediation

Sit in a comfortable position hands on your thighs

Close your eyes

Focus on you breath completely. Feel each breath come in through your nose down into your lungs filling them completely allow your belly to expanding out.

As you exhale feel you lungs empty and your navel move towards your spine feel the air as it goes up and out through your nostrils.

Bring your attention to your feet they’re firmly pressed against the earth beneath you. You can feel the earth’s energy pulsing under your feet.

You accept the earth healing, loving energy as the pulse goes up into your legs. Knowing that mother earth accepts you as you are.

Now bring your awareness to the base of your spine feel the spinning red wheel of energy in your perineum the area between your genitals and your anus. This is your first chakra. Feel the rich red color ground you.

Move your awareness up to your sacral area; 2 fingers width below your navel. See the color orange warm this area of the body. This is center of emotions, sensations, pleasure and movement.

If thoughts come in and out of your mind put them aside. Bring your focus back to the area of the body.

Move your attention up now to your solar plexus above the navel and under the ribcage. Picture a bright yellow sun in this area. This is your power area, your metabolism, your body’s energy. You might experience warmth in this area.

Moving up now to the heart chakra. Feel the love and peace as you imagine a beautiful green leaf tree. What kind of tree is it? What color are the leaves? Release the tightness in this area; allow it to leave your body. Fell the lightness. Allow yourself to be at peace.

Bring your awareness to the throat chakra does it feel tight? Is it hot? Is it scratchy? Have you been suppressing toughs? Is it sore have you been speaking too much? Imagine a beautiful light blue color like the sky on a sunny day. Let the tension in your throat melt away.

Come back to your breath

Focus your attention now to your third eye in between your eyebrows. This is your minds eye. This area is all seeing and knowing. Imagine a deep indigo color. Do you also see flashes of other colors? Let the tension in your head melt away.

Moving up now to the crown chakra. Located at the top of the head. The color violet and white mist surrounds this area. Feel the loving energy enter your body from this area.

Come back to your breath. Feel the air enter and exit your body. Thank your body for the information you’ve received today and it’s infinite wisdom and healing power.

When you feel ready open your eyes.

You can do this exercise at home. As an alternative you can spend time with one or more chakra during a meditation session.

Take 5 min to write some notes on your meditation experience

Written by Nadine Robichaud 

Why Forgive?

I just finished taking my level 2 (EFT) Emotional Freedom Technique with Al Rodee.
I just want to share with you my personal journey of the week.
During my training what I have noticed is I carry this pain in my heart.
What I though was a block about my life satisfaction came back as
I have been carrying hurt and pain by not forgiving

Do I want to be free of pain Yes! Is the pain in my body a reminder that I have things to let go of? Absolutely.
I have done talk therapy I though I had done all this work already but on a cellular level my body still carries this stuff  (when this was done........I felt rejected , betrayed etc.)
I've talked to my inner child I though she was ok she was happy!
No she wasn't heard on everything she was carrying.

People hurt our feelings it's not their fault they don't know. We are just reflections of each others pain.
When we want to run away from these feelings people in our lives reflect what we are trying to run away from.....isn't that interesting.
Do you hear people saying why does this situation always happen to me?

We haven't learned the lesson and the lesson is to FORGIVE FORGIVE FORGIVE and Love Love Love. We deserve love and forgiveness why won't we give to someone else? Does it make the person right?
Does carrying this pain make us right? Why do we burden ourselves even with not loving or forgiving ourselves? Why the punishment?( I am not good enough. I am not deserving of being on this planet.) Who has made us feel like we deserve these feelings or beliefs? Who implanted theses things in our souls?

So why do I carry this stuff ? Was it little girl stuff deep rooted that she had no words to explain or express herself maybe yes. What would I be or who would I be without this pain?
It is a security blanket?

Being in my first year of marriage I have understood that this bond that I have chosen with my husband is about loving and excepting the person right in front of me all the time. The reason I've bonded with this person is because he absolutely LOVES me (even the not so nice bits that I bring to the table) and I love him the same.  Forgive the parts that are not so pleasant and by forgiving I forgive myself. We reflect each other. I wish to treat everyone with the same respect this is my work and journey.

So That was a very intense week and I will be doing more tapping into these feelings and please share with me your thoughts?



It is a great day!

With Love and Forgiveness
Nadine

Does your cup runneth over?

"My Cup Runneth Over" is a quotation from the Hebrew Bible^[1] (Psalm 23:5) and means "I have more than enough for my needs" though interpretations and usage may vary.

When thinking about this in terms of energy in the body if your cup is empty what do you do?
How to fill your cup?

I've noticed when my cup isn't full I am not patient, I have a lack of energy and I never seem to get enough. I always crave stimulants: coffee and sugar meet you at the coffee shop :D
Do you sometimes feel like someone is draining your cup? 
Are there situations in your life that make you feel that way? Take notice because these are opportunity for you to learn and grow about yourself! We all have needs and our body's do try to guide us to get them met!

I heard an interesting concept that if your cup isn't full and you keep doing things for other people they are actually stealing from you. You are allowing them to steal from you.....really?



This is the time of year to focus on ourselves. 

I have found this year in particular that I've needed more me time. I feel such a huge amount of guilt of doing nothing. We are very schedule people and we need to be doing something all the time. I almost get nervous that I am waisting time (is there such a thing?)

Here are some suggestions for you to try that I have been incorporating this Fall.

I've been trying to do fun things that I enjoy doing. 
Find yourself a hobby 
Do you like art? express yourself with an art diary 
Go to the library see what books you're interested in. It's free and they always have programs and special recommendations for people!

I've started doing a guided meditation everyday. I though I've been pretty calm but lately I've noticed there's a lot of chatter so I kept having to come back to the mediation. Which means I will be doing much more of it!

Exercising helps keep you grounded. Spend some time outside be in nature observe what is around you.

Good nutritious food incorporate delicious fruit and veggies and them to your daily snacks. It's not about taking things away but adding then you will notice that you actually start graving more and more nutritious food. That means you are also adding more : Vitamins! 
You can also  add a multi vitamin to help boost your vitality!

It's ok to hibernated. Stay home and rest.

Please share with me what you like to do for downtime and fills you up to take care of yourself!

Have a great day!

Nadine

VATA

VATA is in the AIR!!!

  

Fall is coming around the corner this change is also represented in the Vata Dosha. As the temperature drop the wind starts blowing and the leaves on the trees starting drying and changing colour these aspects represent the elements of Vata.

Qualities of Vata:Cold, light, dry, irregular, rough, moving, quick, changeable

Vata is known as the King of the dosha because it represents movement. If you are dominant in this dosha you will tend to always be on the go, with an energetic and creative mind. As long as Vata is in balanced you will lively, enthusiastic and a lean body.

Vata's love excitement and new experiences. They are quick to anger and to forgive. When Vata is unbalanced they are prone to worry and have anxiety and sleeplessness.

TO help balance Vata make choices that bring warmth, stability, consistency and balance.

Going to bed by 10pm and waking at 6am.

Routine 

Avoid being cold as well as eating warm cooked foods ( a frozen berry shake will keep Vata cold all morning).

Touch is very grounding book a massage, do self massage every day(abhyanga massage),

do calming activities walk in nature, meditation, listen to relaxing music.

Favour richer foods : nuts, 

sweet heavy fruit: banana's , mangoes, coconut. 

Avoid eating dried fruit, to help digestion sauté fruits,

Heat your veggies: Asparagus, beets, carrots, 

eaten with ghee (indian butter) brocoli, peas, cauliflower, zucchini and  sweet potato

Beans can aggravate Vata so avoid except: tofu and mung been dahl 

Spices that pacify Vata include cardamom, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, salt, cloves, mustard seed, basil, asafetida, cilantro, fennel, oregano, sage, tarragon, thyme, and black pepper.

NADI what does it mean?

You might have though because my name is Nadine that is why this blog is called Nadi Body wellness but when chosing a name for a blog you want to make it fit and also represent the subject. 
The subject has never been about me but the journey.
I have been completely obsessed by the Chakra system for quite some time. The subject is so deep and yet I can't seem to get enough knowledge and information about it. It is one of my passions. I've always though that I would have the name chakra in the name until I opened the book 

Spiritual Nutrition: Six Foundations for Spiritual Life and the Awakening of Kundalini

The page I opened it was a chapter on the Nadis in the body and it all made sense!

Yes! 

Here is some info on the Nadi

Nāḍi (literally "river", here in the sense "tube, pipe") are the channels through which, in traditional Indian medicine and spiritual science, the energies of the subtle body are said to flow. They connect at special points of intensity called chakras.

An early version of the nadi system is mentioned in the Chandogya Upanishad, which says:

"A hundred and one are the arteries of the heart, one of them leads up to the crown of the head. Going upward through that, one becomes immortal." (CU 8.6.6)^[1]

One website states:

"Nadis are not nerves but rather channels for the flow of consciousness. The literal meaning of nadi is 'flow'. Just as the negative and positive forces of electricity flow through complex circuits, in the same way, prana shako (vital force) and manas shako (mental force) flow through every part of our body via these nadis. According to the tantras there are 72,000 or more such channels or networks through which the stimuli flow like an electric current from one point to another."^[2]

The word "Nadis" can actually be correctly pronounced as "NaRdi", with R+d loosely pronounced together. In normal biological reference, a "Nardi" can be translated into "Nerve" in English. However, in Yogic, and specifically in Kundalini Yoga reference, a "Nardi" can be thought of as a channel (not an anatomical structure). In regard to Kundalini Yoga, there are three of these "Nardis". "Irda", "Pingala", and "Sushumna". "IRda" (again, R+d spoken just like in "NaRdi" - the effort is made by the tip of the tongue, it curls up, pointing backwards, then lashes out springing forward to lay flat)is lies to the left of the spine, whereas "Pingala" is to the right side of the spine, mirroring the "IRda". Sushumna runs along the spinal cord in the center, through the seven chakras, "Mooladhaar" at the base, and "Sahasrar" at the top (or crown)of the head. It is at the base of this "Sushumna" where the "Kundalini" lies coiled in three and a half coils, in a dormant or sleeping state.

Functions and Activities

Nadis are thought to carry a life force energy known as prana in Sanskrit, or qi in Chinese-based systems. In particular prana (active) is supposed to circulate inside Pingala, while apana (passive) is supposed to circulate inside Ida. Inside Sushumna is supposed to circulate kundalini when awakened.^[3] The Ida and Pingala nadis are often seen as referring to the two hemispheres of the brain. Pingala is the extroverted (Active), solar nadi, and corresponds to the right hand side of the body and the left hand side of the brain. Ida is the introverted, lunar nadi, and corresponds to the left hand side of the body and the right hand side of the brain (crossing occurs in the optical chiasma). These nadis are also said to have an extrasensory function, playing a part in empathic and instinctive responses. The two nadis are believed to be stimulated through different practices, including Pranayama, which involves alternate breathing through left and right nostrils, which would alternately stimulate respectively the left and right sides of the brain. The word nadi comes from the Sanskrit root nad meaning "channel", "stream", or "flow". The rhythmical breathing and special breathing techniques are supposed to influence the flow of these nadis or energetic currents. According to this kind of interpretation (which is the Yoga interpretation) the breathing techniques will purify and develop these two energetic currents and will lead to breathing special exercises whose goal is to awake kundalini. Among 7 Nadi Chakras in our body. Of the seven, four are in the trunk of the body, two in the head- and there is one in the neck. Chakra is the power center associated with the subtle body of man. Each chakra is ruled by an incarnation of Goddess Parashakti.

This info was taken from Wikipedia

Have a great day

Nadine Robichaud

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Learning about the dosha an Introduction : VATA/PITTA/KAPHA

Constitution (prakiti)

According to ayurveda, a person’s constitution, or prakiti, is determined by the unique combination of physical and psychological characteristics formed at the time of birth. This natal constitution remains unchanged throughout life. Determining the proper treatment depends on knowing a person’s prakriti. Based on the individual’s prakiti, the ayurvedic practitioner gives guidance on a diet and behavior to help him or her heal disease or maintain health. The two types of prakriti are physical (sareerika) and mental (mansika). The physical or sareeka prakriti is based on the three life forces, or doshas, whose Sanskrit names are Vata, pitta and Kapha.

 The mental (mansika prakriti) is based on the three tendencies of mind ( Gunas): Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.

Life Forces ( Doshas)

The way the three life forces are balanced affects health, in conjunction with the physical condition of the body, metal attitudes and lifestyle. 

Doshas have these elements in common:

-   -    Each is made of two of the five basic elements: Earth, fire, water, air and space (ether).

    Each controls certain bodily functions- for example, vata controls the Breath and circulation.

-       Each person has a unique combination of the doshas, with one dosha usually more prominent than the other two. One can be a single doshic,bi-doshic or more rarely tri-doshic.

-       Each dosha has it’s own physical and psychological characteristics.

-       

An imbalance of a dosha will produce symptoms that are related to that dosha-for instance, an imbalanced vata dosha causes fear and anxiety.

VATA DOSHA

Vata dosha combines the elements of space (ether) and air. 

It regulates major bodily functions such as blood circulation, breathing, heart rate, elimination and the mind.

Vatas are lightweight with a thin build; they think and move quickly and have an aversion to cold, dry weather. 

Vatas have a tendency to worry and suffer light restless sleep. They find warm foods comforting. 

Physically, the are prone to have skin problems neurological conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. 

When unbalanced, they may suffer from fear and anxiety and have physical tremors and tics. 

When balanced, they are highly creative.

PITTA DOSHA

Pitta dosha present the element of fire and water. 

Pitta controls hormones, metabolism and the digestive system. 

Pittas are of modest build with a strong appetite; they may have reddish complexions with moles and freckles, an aversion to hot weather and a preference for cold drinks and foods. 

Pittas can be perfectionists. A person with a pitta imbalance may experience negative emotions, such as anger, and become critical and judgmental. 

Digestion may be compromised by fatigue, too much sun or eating too many spicy or sour foods. 

Pittas are susceptible to hypertension, heart disease, infectious disease and digestive problems such as crohn’s disease. 

A balanced pitta dosha builds qualities such as daring, courage and will.

KAPHA DOSHA

Kapha dosha combines the elements of water and earth. 

Kapha helps to maintain strength and immunity and controls growth. 

Kapha lubricates and moisturizes the body tissues, replace old cells, heals wounds and balances pitta and vata. 

Kaphas usually have a solid and heavy body. They have a great strength and endurance and are slow and methodical in whatever they do. Their skin is oil and smooth, their hair is lush, thick and dark and their sleep is sound and long. 

Kapha is unbalanced by greed, daytime sleep and eating too many sweets, starchy or salty foods.

Kapha are vulnerable to diabetes, cancer, obesity and respiratory illness. 

In balance, kapha gives vigor, strength and energy to the body, and calmness and steadiness to the mind.

Next post I will go more into detail for each Dosha!!

 Please refer to my last post to take the Dosha questionnaire

Have a great day!

Nadine Robichaud

Ayurvedic Facial Specialist,

Master Esthetician