Moksha Center - Ayurveda, Yoga & Polarity Therapy

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Gina Mastroluca, director of Moksha Center, practices polarity therapy in Portland, Maine.  She integrates mind-body counseling, energetic nutrition, intuitive bodywork, and ayurveda.   In her 12 years of practice, Gina’s focus has been women’s health and wellness.  She helps women nurture and balance mind-body and spirit especially in times of transition such as career change, divorce, menopause, childbirth, illness, and loss.

Polarity therapy addresses the root cause of emotional stress and physical tension.  This allows us to let go of old patterns, connect with our own healing wisdom and experience the vibrant possibilities for health and living fully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abhyanga, Warm Sesame Oil Self-Massage
Ayurvedic essentials for radiant health

Abhyanga, oil massage, is an essential component of an ayurvedic daily routine in the cold seasons of autumn, winter and early spring. The warmed sesame oil relaxes the muscles, calms the nervous system and nourishes the largest organ of the body—the skin! The sanskrit word sneha translates as both “oil” and “love.” So, oiling the skin regularly can impart the warmth and stability of feeling loved. This simple 15 minute addition to your bathing routine has immediate and cumulative benefits. Even if you can do abhyanga once or twice a week you will immediately notice the benefits of feeling more relaxed in your body and resilient to stress. This nurturing practice is simple and transformative. Enjoy!

Traditional Benefits:

Supports better sleep
Decreases anxiety
Nourishes and strengthens the whole body
Strengthens resilience to stress
Enhances immunity
Decreases the drying effects of aging
Increases longevity
Stimulates the internal organs and circulation
Detoxifying tissue layers
Anti-inflammatory effect on joints

How to do Abhyanga:

1) Start with Organic raw sesame oil (not toasted!). Pour about a ½ cup of sesame oil in small (4oz-8 oz) plastic container with squirt top. Sesame oil is medicinal for dry skin, tight muscles and increased vata. It is rich in vitamins A, B, E as well as the minerals iron, calcium, magnesium.

2) Submerge plastic container in mug of hot water to gently warm the oil.

3) Create a warm and comfortable space in your bathroom.

4) Massage warm oil from soles of feet to head. Massage as much of your back and spine as is possible.; With loving attention, massage in circular motions for joints, abdomen and chest. For arms and legs use long patient strokes. You don’t have to do your face if you have sensitive skin and you can skip your head if you don’t want to get your hair oily. It is soothing and beneficial to massage the top of the head with warm oil, if this appeals to you.

5) Allow this to be an unhurried, restorative time. You can stretch and breath and enjoy the quiet or listen to soothing music.

6) After your body is coated lightly with oil, return to sore or stiff joints or body parts that could benefit from more attention. Then, bathe or shower.

7) There is no need to soap up skin (just soap up private areas.) Allow the hot water and steam to penetrate the oil into your body. Towel dry.

8) Ayurvedic texts caution pregnant women to avoid Abhyanga.
A pitta constitution may benefit from a lighter oil like sunflower oil. Those with increased kapha may use sesame oil (sparingly), corn oil or massage without oil.

To learn more about Ayurveda and vata, pitta, kapha go to Ayurveda article.

• Healing Benefits of Brahmari Breath Practice

Pranayama is the yogic practice of breathing that cultivates a deep connection with the flow of life force throughout the body.; Breath practices deliver prana to every cell and balance the nervous system. Ayurvedic Doctor, Vasant Lad, says pranayama destroys all disease. Disease is when prana becomes stagnant. Brahmari breath can reduce anxiety, expand joy and allow you to relax in your body!

How to do brahmari breath (bee breath)

Begin by closing off ears and eyes with thumbs in your ears and fingers over your eyes. Inhale through your nose allowing your abdomen to expand. Exhale a breath thru closed mouth- humming. The hum or buzz creates a vibration throughout your head and throat. Continue for 10 to 20 full inhales and exhales. Rest and notice how you feel.

Benefits according to Dr Vasant Lad:

Stimulates the thyroid gland increasing metabolism
Balances hormones
Activates serotonin release for balanced moods
Balances high blood sugar
Oxidizes fat
Balances logic and intuition – the two hemispheres of the brain
Used for alzheimer’s disease

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