Shiro, Abyangha, Chocolate, and more!

FEBRUARY EDITION

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What an interesting month it has been! If you are living in Maine, as I am, the weather has been cold, then arm ,then cold. We currently just “weathered” another snow storm, the last of a few for now. As I write, the winds are whipping snow drifts around my warm and cozy house.

My boys any I like to play with our awareness of which of the Five Elements are the most in play with the current weather. For example, I usually know when we are moving into Kapha season in Ayurveda, as the snow will turn more heavy, wet, and dense since the dominant elements of Kapha are Earth and Water. This usually aligns with the season of Spring here in the Northeast US. The season prior to Kapha season, Vata season, will have the qualities of Ether and Air predominately. We will see this in the quality of the snow during this time as the snow is lighter, more “crisp” and less water content, making snowballs less easily created.

With this last storm, there were elements of both Vata and Kapha! We noticed the snow was layered, with a more heavy and dense layer, and even some sleet, and also a light and fluffy layer that is easily blown around today.

Why does any of this matter? Well, besides bringing me into the present moment by stopping to notice the qualities present in a day, I am able to know what will best support me through diet and lifestyle practices for the day and season. Ayurveda is a guidebook to Living! I find myself journeying deeper into my Ayurvedic studies as I learn to balance my body and mind during my current phase of life, menopause…. and also balance my twin boys overall health through their teen years. There are so many layers, and I have learned so much and continue to learn more all the time. This also enhances what I offer to you, my clients!

SHIRODHARA

In maintaining balance within and without, it brings me so much joy to make “Live” my scheduling app for booking Shirodhara! I am now offering Shirodhara as well as Abyangha in my Ayurvedic Bodywork practice. Any of you are able to receive these treatments after completing my Ayurvedic intake form, which I can send to you upon request. There may be a few suggestions prior to receiving these treatments, and in some instances, there may be contraindications, hence the intake form. This intake form is a bit longer and more in-depth than my regular Bodywork intake form. This is to ensure the best treatment for you! Keep in mind that I would LOVE to create an Ayurvedic Wellness Plan tailored to YOU, and your specific goals, to aid you in maintaining overall health for years to come.

You can read more below about each offering. ❤️

FULLSCRIPT DISCOUNT

For those of you who already purchase Ayurvedic herbs or any healthy supplement or body/skin care, I am happy to be able to offer you a Discount on your products!!!! Below is the link to my Fullscript account, in which you can save 20% (or more!) on your Ayurvedic herbs, or supplements. They carry so much, including a lot of the teas I use! So, do check them out and save money on items you may buy everyday.

GROUNDED CONFECTIONS CHOCOLATE!

Lastly, In honor of Valentine’s Day and the month of February, I want to share about an amazing Chocolatier friend of mine!!! Jessica Ingraham is the sole proprietor of Grounded Confections! Jess’s chocolates are Vegan and Gluten Free, and made with only the best and sustainably sourced ingredients. They are truly the best chocolates I have ever had, and a favorite in our house. Read more about Grounded Confections below and get the link to listen in on her talk that I attended via Zoom on Sunday on her “Introduction to Chocolate.” This talk was offered through Wholistic Health Alliance (WHA), a non-profit started by my teacher, Dr Pratibha Shah.

WHOLISTIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

Wholistic Health Alliance (WHA) is a nationally launched 501c3, non-profit organization with the vision of building healthy communities as well as providing a platform for holistic health practitioners to come together under one umbrella, fostering collaborations, building stronger networks and enabling greater synergy with the community. WHA’s mission is simple - to build healthier communities through education and dissemination of information about simple tools for prevention and holistic solutions for health and wellness, through free, year-round events, publication of articles, and more. This not only benefits and empowers the community, it also gives exposure and visibility to the holistic practitioners who deliver the talks and write the articles.

WHA also strives to bring the holistic practitioner community together for networking, enhanced inter-disciplinary collaborations, and for simply learning more about other holistic modalities and their respective approaches to health and wellness. In addition to our year-round talks and events, we hold practitioner meetings and fun get-togethers to build a strong, well-connected body of holistic professionals.

You can read more about WHA and join the organization here.

Phew! That was a lot to share!! I hope you will read more about the above mentioned offerings below. As always, I am here to support YOU on your path of Wellness. Reach out anytime!

With Much Love and Light,

Kalyani Nicole

FULLSCRIPT DISCOUNT

SHIRODHARA

Shiro is Sanskrit for ‘head,” while Dhara means “stream.” Shirodhara is a beautiful Ayurvedic treatment in which warm oil is poured over the head and scalp for 20-25 minutes. This very nurturing treatment is perfect for balancing the Vata dosha, or the effects of an excess of the Ether and Air elements. Some benefits are better sleep, more focus, less “foggy” brain, a feeling of groundedness and centeredness, a balanced nervous system, and so much more. This is a great treatment for ADD and ADHD! Ideally, it is best to receive 3 treatments within a week or 2 of each other, and reassessing from there. This basic plan may be modified depending on the desired focus. Contact me with any questions and to receive the Ayurvedic intake if you are not already an Ayurvedic client of mine!

The image above is of my son, Griffith, receiving Shirodhara. This is shared with his permission.

SHIRODHARA

ABHYANGA

Abhyanga is from Sanskrit Abhi, to”into” or “glow,” and Angha meaning “body” or “body parts.” Abhyanga is literally an action to the body that creates a glow! Abhyanga is a rhythmic, full-body massage with warmed oils that often have specific Ayurvedic herbs added. Each oil and the herbs are chosen by the practitioner to achieve a desired effect. Most commonly, Sesame oil will be used, as it is the “king” of oils in Ayurveda due to it’s many health benefits. Some benefits are: nourishes and rejuvenates the skin and inputs softeners and a glow to the skin, promotes relaxation and stress reduction, improves blood circulation, enhances lymphatic drainage and detoxification, balances the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), calms and strengthens the nervous system, and soooo much more!!!

As with Shirodhara, you will need to complete my Ayurvedic intake form prior to scheduling and receiving this beautiful treatment. Contact me with your interest and any questions!

ABHYANGA

CHOCOLATE!

As promised! While the Live “Intro to Chocolate” talk through Wholistic Health Alliance by my friend, Jessica Ingraham had passed, you do not need to miss out!

Here is the link to the recorded talk on uTube. This is a fabulous talk that not only encompasses the origins of chocolate, it also gets into the differences between Chocolate, Cocoa, and Cacao, as well as the medicinal properties! There is great discussion on sourcing your chocolate mindfully, and what ingredients to avoid to better support your overall health. This wisdom is relevant with all our food sources as well. I know that I learned so much, and am very grateful that I took the time to be present for this talk. I hope you Enjoy!

I also highly recommend Jess’s chocolates, Grounded Confections!!! I am a huge lover of dark chocolate, and am especially happy when I can find a local chocolatier who is mindfully sourcing their ingredients, such as Jess. You can truly taste the difference and the love poured into these products. All of her flavors are amazing. You are also supporting a small female-owned local business! Win win!

You can find Grounded Confection on Facebook and Instagram, and through the Esty shop linked here!