Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system from India, uses the terms Agni and Ama to describe two concepts that relate to our ability to digest food. Agni refers to our digestive fire; our ability to eat food and receive its highest benefit in the form of nutrients that fuel our bodies. We suppress our digestive fire by forgetting to eat, eating on the run, overeating, and eating foods that are too heavy, dry, or difficult to digest. When our digestive fire is suppressed, it causes Ama, the accumulation of undigested materials. This creates stickiness, heaviness, and dullness in our bodies and minds, further preventing optimal digestion and leading to symptoms.
Community News
Getting Motivated to Exercise!
Motivation to get up off that couch can be challenging at times, especially when we are exhausted from life’s everyday challenges. Try finding some extrinsic motivators to help you get out the door to the gym or for a walk, such as treating yourself to a massage or getting your nails done once you’ve stuck with it for x number of sessions. Perhaps a contest to give you a jumpstart or grabbing a buddy for some accountability? Extrinsic motivators like those can be great until it becomes a habit and therefore an “intrinsic” motivator in and of itself.
Healthy Resolutions For The Whole Family
January is about new resolutions! It is important to help our little ones with resolutions too and be a role model. As we go to the gym, we should look to see what gyms and fitness centers are available for our young ones. Some places start classes as young as six months! You can never be too young to begin a healthy lifestyle. When we get our children active early in life, it becomes part of a routine. Having a healthy lifestyle for our children by attending regular classes makes it easy for children to keep active as they become older. So keep our children healthy and active and see what is available for babies to adolescence in the new year!
Natural Product Review: Rhoziva™
Rhoziva™ is a proprietary herbal blend utilizing the powerful Rhodiola rosea root which helps to fight fatigue, promote mental focus and clarity, enhance memory, increase physical endurance during periods of physical exertion and support physical and mental stamina during times of increased stress. One of the most notable properties of Rhoziva™ is that of balancing the human body’s stress response. It is well recognized that a physically negative reaction to stress is the main contributing factor to sickness and disease. By helping you deal with stress, Rhoziva™ is a simple and proactive first step in bringing your mind and body into balance.
Dealing with Diabetic Complications?
Hyperbaric oxygen is a powerful tool to help manage and reverse the complications of diabetes by increasing the amount of oxygen reaching the body tissues. The effects of elevated blood sugars are well documented: poor insulin control, weight gain, poor wound healing, eye damage, and organ dysfunction. Hyperbaric oxygen is a safe and proven method to help control and lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve wound healing outcomes, even preventing the need for amputation in many cases if used early enough. Most importantly, the need for a healthy diet and consistent exercise is paramount in any healing program.
Soup up Your Gut
Our intestines are responsible for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the food and liquids we consume. In order to accomplish this, the gut lining must be semi-permeable. Sometimes this lining is more porous than it should be – a condition called leaky gut – which allows undigested food to enter the bloodstream. This causes inflammation, a potential root cause of most illness and disease including mental illness. One effective way to repair the gut lining (and warm up on a cold winter day) is to drink mineral and nutrient rich bone broth made from organic beef, chicken, or fish bones.
Healthy Fun for Everyone
Jan. 19. 10 am – 5 pm. The Healthy Living Expo showcases exhibitors and demonstrators that promote all aspects of wellness, sustainability, innovation and a healthy lifestyle. Join us at the Harvest Centre at Westerner Park.
First Annual Winter Luncheon
Jan. 28 11:15 am. The Lending Cupboard’s First Annual Winter Luncheon fundraiser features Jann Arden sharing her songs and experience with Alzheimer’s and her mother’s long goodbye. Join us at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer.
Art Classes with Sally Towers-Sybblis
Several Winter classes to choose from such as Zen Inspired Landscape Cards, Watercolor Class and Lettering Art Guild led by Sally Towers-Sybblis. No experience necessary. Visit ‘Events’ section of SallyTowersSybblis.com or call 403-597-1594 to register.
Suffering from Chronic Pain?
In the words of a past participant, “Learn to focus on your life rather than your pain.” Moving on with Chronic Pain is an 8-week group program teaches skills to decrease and better live with varying levels of chronic pain. Program features interactive sessions where participants learn the role the mind-body connection has in chronic pain, and how certain lifestyle factors can improve this relationship via simple changes, goal setting and practice. Discussion and a positive atmosphere foster both accountability and learning. Ask your doctor for a referral or self-refer by calling 403-343-9100.
Drink Water for Immunity
One of the SIMPLEST ways to boost your immune system during cold and flu season is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! When dehydrated, your cells become less efficient at removing toxins AND the cells that form your skin, gut tract lining, and mucus membranes (e.g., lips and mouth) form tiny “micro-cracks”, which can allow even more water loss. These tiny openings can be points of entry for viruses and bacteria and are the easiest way for them to hijack your system. So, drink more water in the winter – don’t wait until you’re thirsty, make it a habit.
