Tips for Autumn Dr Hauschka Rhythmic night Conditionener

Rhythmic Night conditioner N is perhaps one of the most effective and special products in the Dr.Hauschka range and is best used as an intensive treatment between 2 - 4 times per year. Our skin is a reflection of how we are coping with internal and external influences. Therefore when life throws us extra challenges, such as seasonal changes, moving house or a new job, our skin is usually the first to respond. It may either become dry, flaky and sensitive or spotty and blotchy. This is when extra help is needed and where Rhythmic Night Conditioner is invaluable. This water-based special care product contains the pure strength of Nature: Roses, Marsh Mallow, Aloe, Bryophyllum, Anthyllis and Witch Hazel are combined with Silver, spring blossom Honey and Royal Jelly. These ingredients are rhythmised and poured into individual ampoules which are then sealed to retain the goodness. A full course of 28 ampoules is recommended as this corresponds with the skin's regenerative cycle.

Diet and Daily routines for Autumn

Autumn is a time of transition during this time Vata dosha which has accumulated during the summer months can be aggravated with the onset of windy changeable weather. This can result in dryness of the skin and internal organs. Vata also affects our mental state, so some disturbance may be felt, like worry and anxiety. if we look to nature we can see the leaves on the trees are changing colour, drying out until they fall to the ground. To ensure a smooth transition, include daily warm oil massage early in the morning. Eat more warming cooked foods, soups with pulses and lentils, milky rice puddings, stewed fruits, and drink hot spiced milk at around 9p.m at night. Try to get to bed early otherwise you aggravate Vata even more, 10p.m is good and be up around 6-7a.m. Make use of the autumn hedgerows and trees. Rose hips, blackberries, crab apples and quinces and medlers can be made into jellies or syrups. After your oil massage take a warm bath or shower then practice a few Yoga Asana's. Daily exercise routine is important, do what makes you feel good. If in doubt take up Yoga and learn how to still the mind with Meditation. Make time for yourself to reflect on your day even if time is short. Now is the best time to treat your skin and body to that much needed massage or facial.

Dr.Hauschka Skin Care: Imagefilm, part 1 of 2

Clients and friends often ask why are Dr Hauschka Cosmetics different from other products. I hope these two films will give you some insights into what makes them unique, unlike any other cosmetic. During my training at WALA, I spent some time in the lab preparing rose hips for their use in Rose day cream.

Dr.Hauschka Skin Care: Imagefilm, part 2 of 2

Yoga Alliance UK

Dr Hauschka Facial Treatment

Newsletter Archive

August 2010

The art of touch

Bad Boll/Eckwälden, 3 August 2010. A good cosmetic treatment is like a mini-break for the body and spirit. A feeling of lightness and deep relaxation can unfold. One finds one’s inner balance; a sense of absolute well-being flows through the entire body as everyday cares are forgotten. But what makes a good cosmetic treatment? When a few basic guidelines are followed, a visit to a cosmetics studio can become an unforgettable experience.

As is so often the case, the first impression is important. A treatment room with an inviting atmosphere makes the customer feel comfortable from the very start. This good feeling is important to the success of the cosmetic treatment. Only then can one let go and allow the spirit to open up and relax. A glance into the studio – everything is very clean and well cared for. The esthetician has the treatment couch ready and covered with fresh towels. A pleasant, warm greeting reinforces the good impression. She even takes the customer’s coat and hangs it up.

A pleasant chat

The stress of a busy day with lots of appointments is quickly forgotten. The warming foot bath at the beginning of the treatment allows time for a pleasant chat about what to expect during the treatment. “When I talk to my customer at the start of the treatment, it makes it less likely I’ll have to disturb her during the later relaxation or regeneration phases”, says Doris Donnert, owner of the Siebenschön cosmetics studio in Göppingen in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The experienced Dr.Hauschka Esthetician learns all she can about the customer’s current problems and any intolerances, allergies or medications. She also finds out what her customer’s wishes and expectations are – and can customize the treatment accordingly. Irritations and questions that might interrupt the course of the treatment are avoided.
An enjoyable silence and serenity fill the treatment room and soothing fragrances float on the air. It is now easy to relax completely on the treatment couch. During the treatment, conversation is limited to a few necessary words. No telephones ring, no other sounds break the silence. “After cleansing, I first complete a skin diagnosis to determine the current condition of the skin”, explains Donnert. “At the end of the treatment, every customer receives a personalised care plan based on her skin’s needs.”

Inner presence and quality of touch

The customer is the focal point of the treatment; the esthetician takes her individual needs into account. This inner presence and careful attention are necessary to achieve the special quality of touch that forms the cornerstone of the Dr.Hauschka cosmetic treatment. “My goal is to touch my customers deeply, but at the same time respect their boundaries”, says Doris Donnert. Her hands slide masterfully over the skin, touching gently but leaving a lasting impression. Body and spirit find each other in a wonderful state of harmony. The results of this unique treatment performed by a qualified esthetician can be felt and seen. Marvellously soft and revitalised skin reflects the well-being of the customer, who feels the wonderful effects of this holistic care.
The time flies by. Slowly, one returns to the here and now. “Of course, the relaxation should not be broken off abruptly. My customers are welcome to enjoy a short rest period after the treatment”, emphasises Donnert. At the end of the treatment, the Dr.Hauschka Esthetician offers individualised day make-up and, over a cup of tea, provides some useful skin care tips to try at home. “With a certain amount of experience, you can tell who is open to this and who isn’t. And this is also part of a good cosmetic treatment.” After all, as Doris Donnert says, “When my customers are happy with the treatment, they'll also be happy to come again.”

You can also experience these unique treatments with Tanya Bradbury at Priya Spa in Southwold. Please call me for more information.

Harmony Centre Open Weekend Sat 15th & 16th May

Dear friends ,The Harmony Centre has it's open weekend coming up this weekend. You are invited to come along and chat to our team of practitioners, counsellor's and teachers. Talk to them about any health concerns or issues you may have. Try out the free taster classes on offer, and enjoy the relaxing location of the centre. Refreshments and snacks will also be available. I will be taking two classes, entitled "Prana the breath of life" Please come along and experience some of the benefits of Yogic breathing. The classes will be 45 minutes long and begin at 11.am on Saturday 15th May, then repeated again the next day on Sunday16th May.

I hope you can attend and look forward to seeing you there,

Best wishes Tanya.

For more info contact: The Harmony Centre on 01986-784500

www.theharmonycentre.com

Priya Yoga The Way to Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind.

The word Yoga means Unity or oneness and comes from the Sanskrit word yuj which means to join. This Unity or joining is described in spiritual terms as the union of the individual consciousness, with the Universal Consciousness. Hatha Yoga has it's roots in the ancient Indian tradition of tantra. Tantra is a combination of two words, tanoti and trayati, which means expansion and liberation respectively. Therefore tantra is the science of expanding the consciousness and liberating the energy from the limitations of the mind and body, to live a life free from the bondage of the world while still living in it. On a more practical level Yoga is a means of balancing and harmonising the body, mind and emotions. This is done through the practice of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, shatkarma and meditation .Yoga can benefit people of all ages and ability. Yoga is not competitive, the aim is to be comfortable as you move into the posture. With regular practice knots, tension and stiffness in the body are released. The whole physiological and neurological system is enhanced. A feeling of balanced energy and well-being is experienced. The mind is relaxed and inner awareness is expanded. These are some of the benefits of Yoga. It's not necessary for you to fully understand the deeper philosophical meaning of Yoga, you will gain benefit by practicing and experiencing. Yoga is a spiritual practice but not a religion, therefore it does not clash or interfere with your own beliefs. My classes are designed for beginners, as you progress through the course I will gradually include different variations to enhance your practice. Classes last 1.5 hours and will include; mantra chanting, Gentle loosening movements, classical yoga postures, relaxation, breathing exercises and meditation. Class sizes will be restricted to provide a relaxing space and enough personal attention.I am a fully insured Yoga teacher and member of Yoga Aliance UK

Jain Temple in Wayanard District

Tying to perform a pose in beautiful Jain Temple somewhere in Wayanard district. Came across this ancient ruin surrounded by a coffee plantation. The fragrant flowers of the coffee filled the whole temple. It's a shame I only have this one photo as the sculptures were amazing.

Yoga Teachers Training in Kerala, India

Namaste dear friends, I recently returned from India, after a three month trip to study Hatha Yoga in Kerala. I was staying in the beautiful district of Wayanard, which is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats. The climate here was perfect for studying Yoga. I trained with The Yoga Vasishta Trust, an International School that is based in Calicut. The founder of the school Saji PK was our teacher. He completed his degree at SVYASA University in Bangalore and went on to do his masters at The Bihar School of Yoga, with Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Our teaching was based on the traditional gurukural, which is where you live and study with your teacher. We were a group of around 14,from all over Europe, the US and Canada. Typically our days started at 5.30 a.m. We just had time to shower before class. Then at 6 am we started the day with mantras, pranayama and meditation. Then we practiced and studied Yoga asana. By 9.00am we were ready for our breakfast. After breakfast we performed some Karma Yoga, which is selfless service, essentially helping clean and tidy our rooms and the Ashram. Then before lunch we would practice our Sanskrit Mantras. I loved this part of the course and I still continue every morning chanting before my own practice. It's a way of giving thanks to the masters and teachers of he tradition, but also so much more. Sanskrit is the mother of all languages, the language of the Vedas. Sound and vibration can be used to heal the body, when we chant in Sanskrit we enliven and unlock the inner intelligence within our physiology. Different sounds resonate with different chakras in the body. The chakras are energetic centres located along the spine, and they influence different aspects of the physical, emotional and subtle bodies.

We had delicious vegetarian food at the Ashram and much of the food was grown in the gardens, the coconuts grew all around and the nuns made use of coconut in most of the dishes. Along with drinking the cooling milk, coconut is also wonderful in savory dishes shredded and mixed with other vegetables. Our Milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt all came from our own cows. The sisters also grew coffee, which is grown all over Wayanard. After lunch I rested lying in the shade, then a little walk to the village nearby. This usually meant having some homemade chai or local coffee before we started class again. In the afternoon we studied Yoga theory and Philosophy, our teachers and professors mostly came from the prestigious Calicut University.We learnt and practiced more Yoga asana's in the late afternoon, with emphasis on variations and corrections.This would take us up to 7pm, then we would break for supper. Most days I was in bed by 9.30pm. So you can see the days were full but enjoyable. I looked forward to my sleep so much, as I found the first two weeks of the training quite tiring, but slowly my body became more flexible and my strength and energy increased. I learnt so much in a relatively short space of time. Our teacher Saji was brilliant and an inspiration to me and all the other students. I’ll never forget his kindness and beautiful smile.

I’m so happy to be putting this knowledge into practice. I started last month at The Harmony Centre in Walpole and teach twice a week there. And last week I started an evening class at the Village Hall here in Laxfield. My students are commenting on how much they enjoy the classes, and how much better they feel. Nearly all are now attending twice a week. “Please come and join us, and you'll discover that there is more to Yoga than meets the eye.”

"Yoga is not an ancient myth buried in oblivion. It is the most valuable inheritance of the present. It is the essential need of today and the culture of tomorrow."

Swami Satyaananda Saraswati

Tanya is a registered Yoga teacher and a full member of Yoga Alliance UK.

Ojas the Essence of the Dhatus by Tanya Bradbury

Definition of Ojas

Ojah somaatmakam snigdham shuklam shitam sthiram saram:

Viviktam mrdu mrtsnam ca pranayatanamuttaman.

Dehasyavavstena vyapto bhavati dehnam;

Tadabhavacca siryante sharirani sharirinam.

Ref: SS. Su 15: 25-26

I love the name Ojas it has a lovely ring to it don't you think? Ojas is such an amazing substance which modern medicine doesn't recognise or understand. I want to talk about it because it is something which everyone should know about. It is the body's built in immune system, protecting and preventing it from disease, a form of biological consciousness, which can expands and grow within the individual. You can increase Ojas in your daily life, by simply changing the lifestyle and diet. Ojas is described as the finest relative substance of digestion, or the purest expression of correct digestion and metabolism. It is the purest essence of the transformation of the dhatus.

Sushruta says that ojas is responsible for biological strength, vitality and immunity against disease. The ojas itself is the main determinant of bala and vyaadhiksamatva, or resistance against disease.

Properties of Ojas

• Guru, heavy.
• Sandram is like the consistency of honey.
• Bahlam that which spreads into the minute channels.
• Picchilam, sticky.
• Snigdham, oily similar in consistency to ghee.
• Madhuram sweet like honey.
• The smell of puffed rice or Laju.
• Sveta, white, the colour of fresh butter.
• Shitam, cool
• Vishada, clear,
• Mridu soft.
• Saram, flowing.
• Bala, strength and vitality to the body and mind.
• A well - formed musculature, proper functioning of all the motor activities.
• A Clear voice.
• Bright and lustrous complexion.
• Proper functioning of all the sensory, motor and psychic functions.

Two types of Ojas

There are two types of ojas found in the body, Apara Ojas is found circulating in the blood stream and is present within the organs and tissues of the body.( Ardhaanjali pramaana.) It is the result of the digestive process and the transformation of the dhatus.

Para ojas is found in the heart and consists of eight drops, or asta bindu. These eight drops are present at birth and stay within the heart. If the heart is damaged or injured the ojas will be lost, this is the reason why patients who suffer from severe injury to the heart die.

During the forth month of pregnancy the fetus receives the eight drops of para ojas from the mother. And again in the eighth month the ojas moves between mother and baby. This is why the eighth month is a dangerous time for delivery, both for the unborn child and the mother.We can say that para ojas is a concentrated form of ojas, which has a powerful effect on the vitality of all the body cells, tissues and organs. This is also known as Jivaniya Shakti The practice of meditation enhances and spreads the ojas inside and outside the body; enhancing happiness, immunity, love and compassion in the individual. The five bodily sheaths, or Pancha Kosha's which surround the body are strengthened. These five layers relate to the different functioning aspects of the individual.

• The Annamaya Kosha -physical body- solid matter related to Pancha Mahabhutas bodily wants and needs.
• The Pranamaya Kosha -pranic body- balanced flow of prana or vital energy through the nadis inti every cell in the body.
• The Manomaya Kosha - mind body- thoughts, emotions, desires, manifestation of stress or Aadhi. Over time this stress can seep into the Pranamaya Kosha and manifest as pshycosomatic disorders.
• The Vijnanamaya Kasha -intellect body- discrimination, wisdom and knowledge.
• The Ananadamaya Kosha- the most subtle which is the bliss body. A person established in internal bliss or Inner alert silence.

These layers make up the Aura of an individual, and are a powerful and natural form of protection. In satvik and enlightened people this aura is very strong, sensitive people are able to visualize and read them. Even after meditation Ojas can be seen as a healthy glow on the skin, and the eyes appear clearer and brighter.

We can say that Ojas is the Biological or physical manifestation in the body, and Soma is the comic manifestation of Ojas or “Cosmic Glue” which binds and holds together the entire universe. For even the universe depends on Soma to maintain it’s health, equilibrium and balance. In this way we can see how the actions of individual beings and nations (ie, wars, killing and destruction of our natural habitat) can have a indirect effect not only on our own evolution but on that of the entire world and universe.

Such a beautiful and perfect thing this creation is...

How to increase Ojas in the body

• Sadhana practising Yoga, pranayama and meditation daily.
• Chanting Mantra's.
• Satvik lifestyle following dinacharya and rytucharya
• Satvik diet, to increase ojas, i.e. freshly cooked organic vegetarian food, not overly spiced.
• Brining happiness and contentment into your life.
• Foods, which are naturally sweet, Milk, ghee, fresh butter, wheat, small amounts of cream.
• Fresh nuts, honey, dates.
• Whole grains and rice.
• Fresh sweet fruits and vegetables. Most of these foods are brimhana, i.e. they build and increase the dhatu’s.
• Practising Brahmacharyia
• Ayurvedic herbs and Rasayanas, these all enhance shukra dhatu and ojas and increase immunity and rejuvenation. Chayvan prash.
• I.e. Shatarvari, Bala, Shilajit, Kumari, Yashti madhu.
• Medhya Rasayanas- Ashwaghanda, Shankapushpi, Brahmi,
• Kronch wheat (type of seed) and Vacha.

Things which decrease ojas in the body

• Grief
• Constant worry, anxiety.
• Shock and trauma
• Accidents, i.e. Broken bones, puncture wounds, injury to marma points.
• Late nights and Insomnia.
• Shift work
• Excessive travel
• Lack of proper rest
• Starvation
• Excessive sex
• Eating unwholesome foods, incompatible foods.
• Processed and junk foods.
• Smoking tobacco and Cannabis
• Alcohol and any other recreational drugs.
• Allopathic medicine.
• Negative mental emotions, eg. Anger, jealousy, envy.
• Excessive pride.
• Unforgiving nature.
• Conditional love

Let Indra drink, O Soma, of thy juice for wisdom, and all Deities for strength.
So flow thou on as bright celestial juice, flow to the vast, immortal dwelling-place.
Flow onward, Soma, as a mighty sea, as Father of the Gods to every form.

ref: Rig veda

Presentation by Tanya Bradbury 28.01.10 at Jiva Institute Faridabad India