traditional indian medicine

name your percentage: how “from-the-ground” do you eat?

In the fall and winter, I frequent our local farmer’s market because of the fresh and varied (and affordable!)organic produce selection.  In the spring and summer, however, they’re off for the season (to build up the soil quality for the next planting), and I notice my purchasing of fresh veggies, citrus, and herbs also dips with their absence.  During the spring and summer, I tend to rely more on convenience foods, and although they are organic and natural, still contain sugars, carbohydrates, and synthetic vitamin enrichment that my body doesn’t need.

Eating whole, organic foods is the best thing we can do for our bodies and the first step toward transitioning to a life with more wellness: both physical ease and mental, emotional and spiritual clarity.  No matter the specifics of one’s eating plan, incorporating whole foods into our diet is the essential first component.  Along with most people, I also notice I feel better when eating whole foods, versus feeling more lethargic, tired, and cloudy when I don’t.  At least 75% from-the-ground foods is my general goal for eating; that is: 75% fresh, whole vegetables, proteins, seeds (hemp is my favorite), grains or beans, and herbs and spices, and 25% healthy convenience foods (such ascoconut milk kefir).

What is your percentage? Do you notice that you feel better when eating from-the-ground fruits, grains, meats, vegetables and herbs?  Do you also tend to rely on pre-made or packaged items during the months that such produce items aren’t easily available to you?  How does your body react?

Posted in chemicals, diets, grains, nutrition, seasons,summer, vitamins and minerals, whole food

Tagged chemicals, diet, fall, farmer's market, farmer's markets, farming, from-the-ground, fruits, nutrition, organic, produce, spring, summer, vegetables,whole food, whole foods, winter

how to keep your thyroid healthy this summer, tip #5: speak your mind

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The thyroid is located at the site of the fifth chakra (light blue, above). In traditional Indian medicine, the chakras dictate the energy flow and health of the person; they represent certain parts of the body. A blocked chakra indicates an imbalance, and fifth chakra blockages can indicate a few things, namely: improper voice modulation, sore throats, thyroid problems, and issues with independence, creativity and self-expression.

how to keep your thyroid healthy this summer, tip #5: speak your mind

Speaking truthfully and honestly, and not hiding our thoughts or creative impulses helps to heal the fifth chakra.  This can be a challenge, however, for those people with more passive personalities, or those scared of expression for sake of rejection.  Lies can also damage this chakra.  Unexpressed emotions can be especially hurtful to those with fifth chakra problems (specifically, thyroid disease and throat problems).  Singing, chanting, and humming can help clear energy out of the fifth chakra.Have you ever considered working on your fifth chakra as a complimentary healing modality for your thyroid, voice, or throat problems?  Have you had success with it?