Come join us on Monday, May 24th for DoshaCare Signature Services! A workshop built to strengthen your immune system by using the powerful traditions of Ayurveda.

When: Monday, May 24th
Where: Epiphany Skin and Body Wellness
6203 West 87th Street
Westchester, CA 90045
Time: 10am-3pm

*Lunch Included*

click to enlarge picture!

We hope to see you there!

In the centuries-old Indian Ayurvedic philosophy, authentic beauty is achieved through lifestyle choices that nourish the body and fulfill the mind. This healing system addresses all factors that influence the quality of life, such as maintaining a consistent daily routine, engaging in meditation and regular exercise, sustaining a healthy diet, and being in harmony with nature. In the professional environment authentically radiant skin is achieved by engaging all five senses through customized Ayurvedic Facial Services provided by DoshaCare and the new DoshaVibes. 

The DoshaVibes CD that was composed to complement DoshaCare Facial Services, specifically addressing each of the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  Ayurveda combines the five elements in nature (water, earth, wind, fire and space) into three distinctive categories.  
-Vata, the air principal, is comprised of space and air. When we have too much Vata in our body, our skin is dry.  
-Pitta, the fire principal, is comprised of fire and water. Too much Pitta in our system will result in skin that can be sensitive.
-Kapha, the earth principal, is comprised of earth and water. Too much Kapha can result in oily, congested skin conditions.

Each DoshaVibe CD meets the unique needs of each dosha, resonating with the individual’s nervous system to bring them into the deepest level of relaxation possible. For the esthetician giving the service, each music composition provides cues to move to the next segment of the treatment. This allows the esthetician to perform the most relaxing manipulation in concert with the deepest relaxation of the nervous system, giving the client a meditative and restorative service that supports authentically radiant skin. The last segments of each CD are designed to gently guide the client out of the supremely relaxed state to a balanced consciousness of rejuvenated clarity.

The Vata Service is designed for dehydrated skin that requires nourishment to bring the natural function of sebum and moisture into balance. Skin is returned to balance with a breathing ritual and head massage inspired from India’s ancient traditions incorporated with deep cleansing and hydration treatment.

The Pitta Service is designed for sensitive skin that requires nourishment to soothe the over-heated system,  reducing inflammation, the biggest sources of premature aging, by incorporating gem stones and single note essential oils for the Pitta mind, body and spirit. Balance is restored by decreasing inflammation and increasing hydration.

The Kapha Service is designed for skin that is congested due to overactive sebaceous glands. Skin becomes nourished by decongesting pores, stimulating healthy circulation and strengthening the immune system. The rich tradition of Ayurveda incorporates Marma therapy (Ayurvedic version of acupressure) to balance Kapha mind, body and spirit.

Each of the three DoshaCare protocols have unique add-on features that can be performed in 55 or 75 minute format.

With DoshaCare Customized Ayurvedic Facial Services estheticians move from beauty services to wellness services providing clients the benefit of inner peace, outer radiance and ageless living.   DoshaCare is seeking professionals who are looking to offer a deeper level of customizable service by believing and practicing the following core concepts:
*True health is more than the absence of illness; it is a balanced state of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
*Balance is achieved by following a lifestyle that nourishes our body and fulfills our mind.
*Quiet introspection, or meditation, can be one of the most powerful tools for relaxing the mind and igniting our internal pharmacy.
*Our business thrives upon creating an experience that indulges the five senses – sound, sight, taste, touch, and smell. 
*Indulging the five senses allows us to reach a deeper level of being which is therapeutic, holistic and health supporting.
*By thoroughly educating and training our staff, we can provide a haven for health that supports inner and outer radiance.
*We don’t simply sell products; we take care of people.

 
If you are a beauty industry professional contact us for a meeting at Cosmoprof North America July 18th-21st in Las Vegas to become a DoshaCare Wellness center.  If you are a not in the professional beauty industry and would like to experience a DoshaCare service, visit your favorite salon or spa and tell them about DoshaCare and your desire to have one of our wellness services.  You can make a difference by letting your local beauty professional know that you are no longer interested in getting just a facial.  Times have changes and now you can have a treatment that restores your inner, outer and ageless health.

Source: www.ayurbalance.com

Ayurvedic healers highly recommend periodic internal cleansing as a way to maintain good health and prevent disorders from taking root in the physiology. Just like you regularly flush out the plumbing system in your home or change the oil in your automobile engine, periodically helping your body flush toxins out thoroughly is a good maintenance technique that will help organs and systems stay more efficient for a longer period of time. Especially after the age of 40, when your body’s own cleansing and rejuvenating capability starts slowing down, supporting it with a cleansing regime is important for ongoing health and vitality.

The Seed and Land Theory of Ayurveda

Proper digestion is crucial for health. When digestion is efficient and complete, all of the food you eat is either converted into nutrient fluids for absorption into the body, or flushed out as wastes. When the digestive process is incomplete or inefficient, partially digested food matter is left behind in the digestive system. This substance, called ama in ayurveda, becomes toxic to the physiology if allowed to stay in the body or build up over time. Ama is not only inherently toxic in itself, it also clogs the channels of the body, further disrupting the flow of digestion and leading to an escalating cycle of toxin build-up. Ama is fertile ground for infections and disorders to germinate, take root and flourish. Ama build-up is considered the first stage of imbalance in the physiology. If not addressed, disorders invariably follow.

The digestive process leaves behind toxins either when you eat foods that are not fresh, natural or suited to your constitution and digestive capability, or when you follow eating routines and practices that are not ideal. Eating processed or artificially flavored foods and foods that are grown with chemical pesticides and fertilizers can lead to toxin build-up. Drinking iced water or ice-cold beverages douses the digestive fire and causes ama to be generated. Eating heavier foods after sundown, eating a new meal before the previous one is digested, or eating when stressed or working also impact digestion. For help with choosing foods that are best for you and for ayurvedic digestion guidelines, read our “Eating for Balance” articles.

It is best to visit an ayurvedic healer and have him or her assess your ama levels. The following are general indications that you may have an accumulation of toxins in your physiology:

1. Your tongue has a white coating in the morning when you wake up.
2. You yawn after a main meal and just want to curl up and snooze.
3. You feel tired and lethargic all day long, even though you eat well and sleep well.
4. Your appetite is poor or you crave junk foods.
5. You feel a general lack of motivation or zest for life.
6. You feel “spaced out” and your mind is cloudy.
7. You experience abdominal bloating and gas, especially after a main meal.
8. You feel heavy and congested or constipated.
9. You have a general sense of malaise, with vague aches and pains.

If you experience three or more of the above on a regular basis, your physiology would probably benefit from a cleansing regime.

Eat cooked foods, warm or at room temperature.

Drink lots of warm water through the day. Accompany meals with small sips of warm water as needed. A detoxifying “tea” is even better. Coriander, cumin, fennel and ajwain (carum copticum) are digestion-enhancing spices to choose from. Here are suggestions for detoxifying herbal waters for the three doshas:

Bring two quarts of pure water to a rolling boil. Add the herbs/spices listed below, turn off heat after a couple of minutes and let steep for about 15-20 minutes. Strain and pour the water into a thermos. Drink the tea through the day, especially 15 minutes after a meal. Throw out any that remains after 6.30 pm, and make a fresh batch the next morning.

Vata: 1/2 tsp cumin seed, 1/4 tsp ajwain seed, 1/2 tsp fennel seed
Pitta: 1/2 tsp cumin seed, 1/2 tsp coriander seed, 2 fresh mint leaves
Kapha: 1/2 tsp cumin seed, 1 clove, 1-2 slices fresh ginger root

If you can find fresh Tulsi (Holy Basil), add a leaf or two to the water for all doshas. Tulsi is known for its ability to cleanse the physiology of environmental toxins.

Include lots of cleansing fruits and vegetables in your diet. Barley water or rice kanjee, made by cooking a small amount of grain with a large quantity of water (1/2 cup to 10 cups) are also wonderful cleansers of the digestive system and the urinary tract. Greens, daikon radish, bitter gourd, cabbage and celery are examples of cleansing vegetables. Cooked apples and pears are a great way to get elimination going in the morning. Prunes, pineapple, papaya and pomegranate are other fruits that aid digestion and cleansing. Herbs such as cilantro, mint, fresh ginger and lemon are also helpful for cleansing and purifying the digestive system.

Cook with digestion-enhancing, detoxifying spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, clove, ajwain, fenugreek, dried ginger, Chinese cinnamon and fennel. Add the turmeric to foods as they are cooking, and sauté other spices in ghee or olive oil and pour over prepared dishes for the best therapeutic benefit. Digestion-enhancing lassi, made with some of the herbs and spices mentioned in this section, is an excellent choice for a lunchtime beverage.

Now in traditonal Ayurveda, they would tell you to avoid all junk food, caffeine, processed foods while undergoing a cleanse, but the reality is that that course of action isn’t always plausible. I try to adhere to many of these dictates, but when I feel that I’m not on my best behavior, I’ve found something that helps me out. It’s a product I found at Whole Foods called Michael Tierra’s Tri Cleanse by Planetary Herbals and it’s the only internal cleansing product that I’ve found with Triphala in it. Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic formula consisting of Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki, and when combined are powerful warriors against toxins and disease.

Pan-Fried Paneer and Fresh Avocado with Pineapple-Papaya Salsa
(For Vata and Pitta balancing diets)

You will need:

• 1 cup 1/2″ paneer cubes
• 1 cup diced firm avocado (dice just before serving)
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves, trimmed and washed
• 10 almonds, soaked, blanched and slivered
• 2 tablespoons ghee

For the salsa, you will need:

• 2 tbsp chopped ripe pineapple
• 2 tbsp chopped ripe papaya
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 tsp minced fresh cilantro
• Rock salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Combine all the salsa ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and set aside to blend.

Heat a non-stick skillet and add the ghee.

When the ghee has melted, lay out the paneer pieces in a single layer on the skillet. After a couple of minutes, turn the pieces over carefully with the tip of a knife to the other side. Continue turning until all sides are done. When done, all the paneer pieces should have a light golden look on all sides.

Scoop the paneer out and set aside; then toast the almonds in the ghee for a couple of minutes. Scoop out from the pan and set aside.

Now add the spinach leaves to the pan and wilt slightly, a couple of minutes. Remove pan from heat.

Line a serving dish with the wilted spinach. Combine the paneer and avocado gently and lay the mixture over the spinach. Sprinkle the almonds on top.

Drizzle the salsa over the dish.

Enjoy warm.

(Serves 2 as a side-dish)

Ghee: The Golden Cooking
Oil of Ayurveda

Ghee is the cooking oil of choice in ayurveda. It is made by cooking butter to remove all the milk-solids and water, so that what’s left is a pure golden oil with a royal flavor and aroma. Once you have cooked with ghee, you’ll never go back to using oil or butter again! Ghee can be used for sautéing, stir-frying, deep-frying, baking, for popcorn, or as a spread. It’s so flavorful that you’ll need much less ghee than butter or other kinds of oil.

Organic Ghee from Purity Farms (available on http://www.ayurbalance.com/shop_organicghee.htm) is made with 100% certified organic butter.

This ghee is

• free of bovine growth hormones
• a non-genetically modified food
• non-hydrogenated
• free of transfatty acids
• free of oxidized cholesterol
• salt-free, casein-free and lactose-free

 

 

Among the many natural plants and herbs that people in India use for their medicinal properties, the Neem tree (L. Azadirachta Indica) is one of the most beneficial for natural or Ayurvedic medicine. Found over most of the forested regions of the Indian Subcontinent, as well as in other countries of similar climatic conditions, the Neem tree can thrive in climates that range from hot, or tropical (45 degrees Celsius) to altitudes of semi-temperate, higher altitude regions, with temperatures slightly above freezing. Used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,000 years, the Neem tree’s bark, Neem leaves, Neem seeds, and roots can be made into various medicinal remedies for a wide range of ailments, ranging from anti-hemorrhoids and loss of appetite, to leprosy and other skin disorders.

For generations, Indian medical practitioners have made poultices from Neem leaves to cure skin diseases such as boils, ulcers, eczema, and ring worm. Pastes and extracts from Neem trees have also proven effective in treating various skin fungus conditions, including athlete’s foot and lesions in the mouth and vagina. More serious diseases such as chicken pox and small pox have been treated with Neem tree pastes; and even people suffering from herpes and hepatitis B viruses have obtained relief from Neem tree preparations.

Oil made from the Neem tree’s fruit and seeds is light to dark brown in color and somewhat bitter tasting; almost like a combination of peanuts and garlic. The oil contains quantities of steroids, including beta-sitosterol (used to treat men suffering from enlarged prostate glands) as well as linoleic and olei acids (Omega 6 and 9), and is found to contain the well known Omega 3 fatty acid (used to prevent arterial sclerosis). In addition to its medicinal properties, Neem oil is also used as a base for variety of organic cosmetics including soaps, shampoos, hand and body lotions and creams. It is also used as an organic bio-pesticide repellant against insects such as Japanese beetles, meal worms, and aphids.

For more information on authentic ingredients orginating from India, visit www.organicindia.com

Ayurveda is a system of medicine that combines natural therapies with a personalized approach to the treatment. This form of health care focuses equally on the wellness of the body, mind, and spirit where an imbalance results in illness. There are three doshas, which govern the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The mouth is the seat of the kapha dosha, care must be taken not to vitiate it. Problems with this dosha lead to several dental problems some of which are:

Bad breath

Toothache

Bleeding gums

Yellow teeth

Tooth decay

Ayurveda suggests a wide range of herbal and dietary solutions to dental problems some of which are:

Neem

The neem tree is a traditional remedy for white healthy teeth. Neem twigs are used as toothbrushes. Neem oils contain astringent and antiseptic properties to fight bad breath, kill microorganisms accumulated on the teeth and combat dental caries.

Turmeric

Besides flavoring food, purify blood; dental remedy is probably the most common use of Turmeric in Ayurveda. Prepare a mixture of a quarter teaspoon of common salt with mustard oil and apply on the affected tooth. Its daily use prevents dental caries, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches. Burn some turmeric sticks; make a fine powder and use as tooth powder. Gumtone is a trusted tooth powder from Charak Pharma.

Clove

Another remedy for toothache is in the use of clove, which lessens pain. It also helps decrease infection due to its antibacterial properties. Clove oil, applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also reduces toothache. Use a paste of zinc oxide powder and clove oil to fill the cavity in the aching tooth, also preventing food materials from accumulating in the cavity. Peel and crush a clove of fresh garlic and mix it with peanut butter. Apply it to the aching tooth and keep it there for some time.

Vitamin C prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, and bleeding of the gums. Take Vitamin C rich diet to fight against toothache.

Sugar from candy, cookies, soft drinks and desserts damages teeth and gums hence should be avoided.

http://www.ayurvedaforall.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Rajesh_Nair

1. Eat a wide variety of foods during the day.

Up until about 10,000 years ago, we spent most of our days hunting and gathering food. During the course of a day, we sampled dozens if not hundreds of food sources. In addition to any animal protein we could snare, we ate a diverse range of roots, leaves, fruits, nuts, berries, beans, mushrooms, and seeds…The average Western diet is much more limited in variety, and as a result we miss out on the extensive natural pharmacy that is available.

2. Listen to your body’s signals of hunger and satiety.

3. Use food to fill the emptiness in your stomach, not your heart.

We learn to associate comfort with food at an early age. As adults we sometimes seek food for its soothing, rather than nutritional, properties. This often results in poor digestion, disturbed sleep and weight gain. Use food to feed your body. Develp conscious communication skills to fill your heart.

4. If the meal isn’t delicious, it isn’t nourishing you.

If you are struggling with a diet that you believe is good for you,  but do not find at all appetizing, it will not ultimately be nourishing and you will not be able to stay with it for long…you do not have to sacrifice delicious meals for good health.

5. Favor foods that are natural and vital.

To the extent possible, favor fruits and vegetables that are locally grown, freshly harvested, and prepared as soon as possible after picking. Not only are they more delicious, but you are sending your body the message that it is receiving the highest quality health-promoting nutrients.

6. Use herbs and spices liberally as both flavor and health enhancers.

Become familiar with the culinary and health-promoting effects of herbs and spices and use them generously. Even the simplest quickly prepared meal can be transformed into a culinary delight through the appropriate use of seasonings.

7. Eat with awareness.

A principle of Ayurveda is: How you eat is as important as what you eat. If you gobble down your meal while driving or watching television, it will not be as nourishing or life supporting as when you eat with awareness. Savor your food through all five senses.

The innovative formulations of the DoshaCare skincare line combine this Ayurvedic philosophy with the best of Western technology to produce an effective, powerful hybrid that reveals healthy, nourished skin. This truly customizable skincare line caters to the three Ayurvedic constitutions: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Based on the results of a brief DoshaCare skincare survey, you’ll discover how your specific mental and physical characteristics determine your constitution, or Dosha.

The DoshaCare line addresses more than your skin type; its formulators take into account your diet, exercise routine and personality traits to select the most appropriate skincare system.

The same care and dedication applied to formulating these products was also given to the sourcing, production and packaging of the entire DoshaCare line. Each DoshaCare product, made up of 98 percent botanical ingredients, comes from socially and environmentally sustainable sources and meets fair trade and vegan standards. The packaging yields to the highest standards of environmental responsibility, with tubes made of 70 percent recycled materials, bottles made of 100 percent recyclable materials and labels printed with environmentally-conscious soy ink. When producing its product boxes, DoshaCare uses recycled paper to construct the inner packaging and virgin paper sourced from managed forests for its outer packaging.

Dosha Profiles

Your Dosha not only reflects the characteristics of your skin, but also reflects your personality and general nature. Through a series of questions, the Dosha survey determines your primary and secondary Doshas. As people often discover their secondary Dosha differs greatly from their primary—DoshaCare’s  customizable skincare line allots for these differences and allows you to create a skincare regimen to address all of your skin’s characteristics.

Dry skin generally characterizes people with a predominance of Vata in their nature. Also, as we age, our skin tends to become more Vata in terms of its condition. While an out-of-balance Vata can be characterized as easily excitable and anxious, they are also known for their adaptable and flexible nature when balanced. An irregular, inconsistent appetite generally accompanies the small, slender Vata frame.

When out of balance, inflamed and acne-prone skin accompanies the irritable and critical nature of Pittas. On the contrary, balanced Pittas are known for their strong, determined, goal-oriented mindsets.

People with a predominance of Kapha in their nature commonly experience congested, oily skin. Kaphas, generally known for their easy going, steady nature, can become withdrawn when out of balance.

The DoshaCare system offers a comprehensive skincare regimen of mix-and-match products to be tailored to your primary and secondary Doshas, including: cleansers, exfoliants, masques, moisturizers and elixirs.

The DoshaCare Sakala line presents an array of products appropriate for all Doshas, including: an exfoliant, refining tonic, eye and neck balm, environmental shield and a sunscreen.

The heart of Ayurvedic philosophy is based on the belief that all aspects of wellness, both internal and external, greatly affect our inner being. To this point, DoshaCare assembled an advisory board to provide a valuable resource for consumers: The Holistic Lifestyle Report. Ideas and information from experts in fields such as holistic dentistry, aromatherapy, nutrition, herbology and social and environmental responsibility convene on the pages of this bi-annual report to encourage consumers to apply Ayurvedic principals to all aspects of their lives.

DoshaCare products are available at doshacare.com.