Lifestyle & Wellness - Ananda Wellness

Holistic wellness is about mind-body-community wellness. Explore our thought pieces on a number of important lifestyle topics that we hope may spark some inspiration on your journey.


 
Posts tagged ayurveda
Exploring the Five Koshas (Layers of Being) in Yoga and Ayurveda

In the realms of Yoga and Ayurveda, the concept of the five koshas provides a profound framework for understanding human existence and achieving holistic well-being. 

Koshas, often described as “sheaths” or “layers” represent different aspects of our existence or ‘being’, from the physical body (densest) to the innermost (subtlest) essence of the self. By understanding and nurturing these koshas, we can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. 

 Let’s delve into each kosha and explore practical ways to integrate this wisdom into our daily lives.

Read More
Effects Of Meditation On Brain Activity

Recently in a group discussion on the subject of mindfulness and meditation, we explored the effects of meditation on brain activity and how that impacts our daily lives, emotional and mental balance as well as overall wellbeing.

There are various ways that the brain is transformed in meditation, each distinct in activity; fluctuating with our actions and feelings. In this thought-piece I like to refer to the ‘path’ to meditation as a stepped process: starting with dharana (focused concentration, mindfulness), then dhyana (meditation, contemplative stillness) leading to samadhi (expansion, absorption). When practiced correctly, this process can transform the frequency and activity of the brain from higher to lower frequencies. This can profoundly impact how we experience life, by aligning individual with universal consciousness.

Read More
Exploring Abhyangha: Ayurvedic Full Body Massage

An Abhyanga Session is a distinct form of bodywork, and it isn't quite the same as a regular massage, even though some might refer to it as an "oil massage." It doesn't focus solely on working out muscle knots but also involves long, smooth, deep strokes along with potent oils to boost energy circulation and help the body regain vitality, easing out soreness, boosting circulation for greater healing. This technique is perfect for athletes, those sore and tired from long desk hours and especially for postpartum mamas.

Read More
Purusha and Prakriti | Exploring Masculine and Feminine Energies

Evolution stems from the union and realisation of purusha and prakriti from a state of primordial stillness

 Purusha = Masculine energy; passive awareness, the silent observer, the witness

 Prakriti = Feminine Energy; unmanifested seed holding the potential for all of creation, all the attributes of experience.

 Prakriti is the innate seed of potential + Purusha for the seed to be opened.

 Masculine = doing, seeing. Feminine = innate qualities, all potential lies within.

 Many of us today exercise a stronger dominance of the masculine, the doing. When you are stuck in the overactive masculine, your worth then becomes linked to how much you achieve.

 To validate this worth we need to keep doing, proving to feel satisfied, enough.

 Activation of the feminine is simply remembering your worth is INNATE.

 This looks like connecting with your body by listening to it, slowing down, staying receptive to support, connection, love, flow, trusting. It’s open and flowing, non-linear.

Read More
Amalaki (Amla) for hair loss, premature greying, liver function, immunity and so much more!

Amalaki (Amla) or Indian Gooseberry is a great natural source of vitamin C and one of the 3 fruits used to produce the highly revered ‘triphala’ formulation. Amla helps to manage excess pitta in the body, supporting the natural functions of the liver and the immune system
.
Amla oil or churna made into a hair pack is especially good at alleviating hair loss and early greyness. It is a renowned rejuvenative and adaptogen for slowing age (vayahsthapana), increasing virility, promoting immunity and inducing balanced health (satmikarana).

Read More
ananda wellness australia, ayurveda, ayurveda in hawthorn, ayurveda in sri lanka, ayurveda melbourne, ayurvedic massage, beauty spa melbourne, beauty spa richmond, best beauty ideas, Christmas gift ideas, christmas shopping, corporate wellnes, corporate wellness, face and body beauty care, gifting in melbourne, giftinginmelbourne, hawthorn wellness, holistic beauty richmond, indian head massage, massage, massage in hawthorn, massage in melbourne, massage in richmond, melbourne ayurveda, Natural face masks, richmond 3121 wellness, richmond ayurveda, richmond wellness, things to do in melbourne, wellness, wellness in melbourne, wellness in the city, workshops in melbourne, welnessAnanda WellnessAnanda Wellness Australiaananda wellness australia, ayurvedic cleansing, ayurvedic products, ayurveda in melbourne, ayurveda tea, ayurvedic cleanse at home, ayurveda, ayurveda tips, ayurveda workshop, Ayurveda, anandawellnessaustralia, ayurvedafordigestion, ayurvedic tips, ayurvedic routine for spring, Ananda wellness Australia, ananda wellness, ayurveda in sri lanka, ayurveda inspired winter routine, ayurvedic massage voucher, ahisma wellness massage and yoga, ananda blog, ayurvedic blog, ayurvedic detox, ayurvedic philosophy, ayuverda in winter, ayurvedicconsult, ayurveda recipe, anxiety relief, ayurvedic guide to winter wellness, ayurveda melbourne, ayurvedic principles, ayurveda voucher, Hay House, beauty, beautyvoucher, community, cooking with spices, cold and flu treatments, colds and flus in winter, digestion, sydney wellness, indian head massage, mindfulness, energy healing, energy medicine, wellness workshop, embrace the journey, gifting, life skills, lifestyle planning melbourne, health workshops, healer, health and wellness, health and wellness in melbourne, hawthorn wellness, holistic medicine, diet, mind and body, seasonal wellness, winter ayurvedic rituals, workshops, melbournewellness, nature, natural medicine in melbourne, natural treatments for cold and flu, online gift voucher, coughs, holistic, preparing for winter with ayurveda, routines for winter, Richmond 3121, seasonal cleanse, seasonal changes, spring routine, therapy in melbourne, vitamin sunshine Comment
Ojas: What it is + How to keep it Healthy and Strong

'When ojas is low the person is fearful, weak, worried, has deranged senses, poor complexion, weak mind, is rough and thin’ (Caraka Samhita Sutrasthana 17.73). However, a person with healthy ojas is calm, content & peaceful within, has strong immunity, digestion, potent fertility and endurance. There is a sparkle in the eye and a special ‘glow’ around them.

Read More
ananda wellness australia, anxiety, anxiety relief, ayurveda, ayurveda in sri lanka, ayurveda melbourne, beauty spa melbourne, beauty spa richmond, best beauty ideas, building better lives, Christmas gift ideas, corporate wellnes, corporate wellness, counselling services, face and body beauty care, gifting in melbourne, holistic beauty richmond, life coaching, massage, massage in melbourne, massage in richmond, melbourne ayurveda, Melbourne counselling, mental health, mindfulness, richmond 3121 wellness, richmond ayurveda, Richmond counselling, richmond wellness, shirodhara in melbourne, stress management, stress management tips, things to do in melbourne, wellness, wellness in melbourne, wellness in the city, workshops in melbourne, hawthorn wellness, massage in hawthorn, hawthorn counsellor, ayurveda in hawthorn, ayurvedic massage, indian head massageAnanda WellnessAnanda Wellness Australiaananda wellness australia, ayurvedic cleansing, ayurvedic products, ayurveda in melbourne, agni, ayurvedic cleanse at home, ayurveda, ayurveda tips, ayurveda workshop, anxiety, ahisma yoga, ayurvedic tips, ayurvedic routine for spring, ananda wellness, ahisma wellness massage and yoga, ayurveda inspired winter routine, ayurvedic massage voucher, ayurveda in sri lanka, ayurvedic blog, ayurvedic detox, ananda blog, ayurveda tea, anandawellnessaustralia, ayurvedicconsult, ayurveda recipe, anxiety relief, ayurvedic guide to winter wellness, ayurveda melbourne, ayurvedic principles, ayuverda in winter, ayurveda voucher, Hay House, massage in melbourne, hay fever, vata, ahimsa, ayurvedafordigestion, ayurvedic philosophy, hawthorn wellness, natural medicine in melbourne, hay fever in melbourne, hay fever relief, buygiftsinmelbourne, beat the blues, beauty, beat winter blues, breathing techniques, buy a gift in melbourne, buy a massage voucher melbourne, buy a spa voucher, buy a gift voucher online, bestgiftvoucherideas, best time to get vitamin d from sun, cbt, melbournewellness, Gabrielle Bernstein, melbourne weekends, melbourne wellness, Melbourne counsellor, melbourne ayurveda, Melbourne healing, melbourne health spa, Melbourne yoga, stress buster, what to buy for christmas, wellness blog, spasinmelbourne, mind and body, massageinmelbourne, summer in melbourne, gifting in melbourne, therapy in melbourne, building better lives, weekends in melbourne, life coaching melbourne, things to do in melbourne, social responsibility, lifestyle planning melbourne, health and wellness in melbourne, mindandbody, cooking with spices, counselling, corporate wellness, colds and flus in winter, christmas presents, cold and flu treatments, cheese making, cooking classes, connecting with nature, coughs, richmond, Richmond 3121, Richmond wellness, richmond3121, digestion, diet, sydney wellness, indian head massage, meditation, mindfulness, productivity, head massage voucher, giftidea, wellness workshop, wellness guru, wellnes routine, wellness, wellness gifting, mealplans, seasonal wellness, seasonal routines, healthy living, health workshops, healing massage, meal planning, healing, healthy springtime routine, healing lifestyle, mental health, tension tamer, peace, selfcare, gifting, lifestyleplan, life coaching australia, life coaching, life experiences, gift wellness, gift idea, gift an experience, self care day, yoga for the mind, gift experiences, online gift voucher, routines for winter, preparing for winter with ayurveda, pain relief, gut instinct, yoga, yoga philosophy, yoga workshop, yoga sutra, health and wellness, holistic medicine, kindness to self, divine timing, sleep, sleep routines, healthconsultation, massage, massagevoucher, massage voucher, natural treatments for cold and flu, workplace stress, yoga classes, pranayama, spa voucher, workplace wellness, therapy, retreats, Reflections on guru purnima, treat yourself, seasonal cleanse, seasonal changes, stress relief, spring routine, summer living, resilience, stress management, summer, the sunshine vitamin, workshops, spavoucher, winter ayurvedic rituals, treatyourselfComment
Wake up Wonderful!

When discussing wellness habits and routines, you might often have heard of this suggestion to wake up peacefully, without checking phones, socials, emails, calendars. Quite often a part of the 'programming' in modern life will be to reach for a device, sometimes with eyes still half closed. Without giving our psyche, energy, minds, selves a chance to recalibrate to the waking state from the dream state.

We might carry on then, overtly or subtly impacted by what we see - the ticking over our to-do lists of having to be somewhere, do the next thing; the inward groan or twinge of being reminded of something you'd rather forget... the list is endless!

Read More
ayurveda melbourne, ayurveda, anxiety relief, ananda wellness australia, beauty spa melbourne, best beauty ideas, building better lives, corporate wellnes, counselling services, dealing with uncertainty, holistic beauty richmond, life coaching, melbourne ayurveda, Melbourne counselling, mental health, mindfulness, richmond 3121 wellness, richmond ayurveda, Richmond counselling, richmond wellness, stress management, stress management tips, things to do in melbourne, wellness, wellness in melbourne, wellness in the city, workshops in melbourne, welnessAnanda WellnessAnanda Wellness Australiaananda wellness australia, ayurvedic cleansing, ayurvedic products, ayurveda in melbourne, ahimsa, ayurveda, ayurveda tips, anxiety, building better lives, beat the blues, beauty, breathing techniques, community, counselling, corporate wellness, sydney wellness, meditation, mindfulness, kindness to self, entrepreneurs, wellness workshop, wellnes routine, wellness, wellness gifting, seasonal wellness, healthy living, health workshops, meal planning, lifestyle planning melbourne, life coaching australia, life coaching, life coaching melbourne, life experiences, gift wellness, gut instinct, health and wellness, health and wellness in melbourne, Hay House, holistic medicine, mind and body, workplace stress, workplace wellness, melbourne wellness, Melbourne counsellor, melbourne ayurveda, self care day, natural medicine in melbourne, online gift voucher, peace, productivity, resilience, Richmond 3121, Richmond wellness, hawthorn wellness, universal timing, sleep, sleep routinesComment
Looking for Christmas Gift Ideas?

Gift experiences and not things this season, with an Ayurvedic Health consultation, uplifting herbal massage or oil treatment, Private Yoga Classes or some Ayurvedic herbal goodies

Give the gift of wellness!

Gift vouchers can be purchased online (here) or contact us (here) to place orders and we will be happy to post these pretty little cards out to you or the recipient.

Messages can be customised, to include recipient name plus a little greeting

Read More
Jala Neti - Saline Irrigation for Natural Hay Fever Relief

Hay fever has been particularly tricky to manage in the last few weeks and we have been helping out with advice and how to’s on using the Ayurvedic / yogic approach to finding relief using a natural approach over pharmaceuticals.

Read More
Snapshots of our Spring Wellness Day 2019!

Snapshots of our Spring Wellness Day 2019!

This day was designed to coincide with the Spring Equinox (today!) and provided a space to experience the cleansing and pausing between seasons preceding a Spring routine

We started with stimulating the thymus for immunity and then practiced invigorating and flowing asana (including lots of khatu pranam from the Yoga in Daily Life System) and pranayama, followed by a yummy, nourishing Spring friendly lunch and bliss balls for snacks, magnesium foot soaks and cleansing golden turmeric teas, healing massages, time for reflection and an uplifting yoga nidra

Read More
ananda wellness australia, anxiety, anxiety relief, ayurveda, ayurveda melbourne, beauty spa melbourne, beauty spa richmond, best beauty ideas, counselling services, face and body beauty care, gifting in melbourne, holistic beauty richmond, life coaching, massage, massage in melbourne, melbourne ayurveda, Melbourne counselling, mindfulness, richmond ayurveda, Richmond counselling, stress management, stress management tips, things to do in melbourne, wellness, wellness in melbourne, wellness in the city, workshops in melbourne, richmond wellness, massage in richmond, richmond 3121 wellnessAnanda WellnessAnanda Wellness Australiaananda wellness australia, ananda wellness, ayurveda inspired winter routine, ayurveda, ayurveda workshop, wellness workshop, wellness guru, retreats, self care day, healthy living, health and wellness in melbourne, health and wellness, yoga workshop, seasonal changes, seasonal cleanse, seasonal wellness, spring routine, holistic medicine, healing, healing massage, Hay House, richmond, Richmond 3121, anxiety, ahimsa, beat the blues, community, corporate wellness, diet, digestion, sydney wellness, meditation, mindfulness, kindness to self, mind and body, wellness, wellnes routine, meal planning, healing lifestyle, seasonal routines, health workshops, healthy springtime routine, mental health, tension tamer, beauty, lifestyle planning melbourne, life coaching, life coaching melbourne, life coaching australia, gifting, how to keep cool in summer, winter ayurvedic rituals, workshops, melbourne wellness, Melbourne counsellor, massage, Melbourne yoga, melbourne health spa, Melbourne healing, natural medicine in melbourne, yoga, yoga sutra, workplace stress, yoga classes, connecting with nature, peace, counselling, pranayama, breathing techniques, treatyourself, stress buster, stress relief, stress management, shoulder ache, therapy, therapy in melbourne, things to do in melbourne, summer livingComment
Breathing to relieve anxiety

The way we breathe is strongly linked to the way we feel. When relaxed, we breathe slowly, and when anxious we breathe more quickly.


When we inhale we take in oxygen (O2), creating a waste product carbon dioxide (CO2) when we breathe out. With relaxed breathing, the levels of O2 and CO2 we produce are balanced, allowing us to function efficiently. Exercise too leads to an increase in breathing rate to take in more O2 to fuel the muscles, thereby producing more CO2 being expelled, and the O2/CO2 levels are balanced. However, when we are anxious our breathing rate increases and this same process applies but our bodies are not working any harder ie we are not necessarily exercising and not using up any extra O2 and thus the CO2 level in blood concentration drops, creating a state of alkalosis. This is why we feel light-headed, tingly, clammy and sweaty.

Read More
Connecting with Earth’s Healing Vibration

Recently, I was sitting in my meditation space and watching the rays of the early morning sun bringing things to life in the room around me. The light flooding through the windows had ribbons of colour as they hit the ground, and there was vitality, freshness and ‘prana’ in the air I breathed in. There is something special about dawn, and I began to contemplate the interconnectedness between living things and the earth’s energy.

Later on, in my desk research I read about a phenomenon known as Schumann’s Resonance, which is like the Earth’s heartbeat - a pattern of electro-magnetic waves that sit between the Earth surface and ionosphere (this is a layer of Earth’s upper atmosphere that is ionised by the sun and cosmos).

Read More
Mindfulness: 4 Ways to Get More Done with Less Stress

The start of a brand-new year brings with it the promise of new beginnings, growth, change and good times. While our personal perspectives of the times we’ve left behind may be very different based on the experiences leading to them, most ‘bags’ of experience come with a mix of good, bad, ‘meh’, bizarre or more (insert your word here!)… and the natural tendency afterwards is to push ourselves to increase/ replicate/ decrease/ erase these experiences.

The sentiment to consider in this instance is ‘push’. When we push, we force our energy into what I call the ‘must-have’ zone. The issue with this is if that one thing isn’t reached, it typically creates a sense of lack or disappointment (or similar). That’s not to say that purpose, direction and goals aren’t important; rather, it’s our approach that makes the difference.

With this in mind, instead of the ‘must have zone’ or that one thing, I have decided to take on the yogic approach of adopting a ‘sankalpa’ for 2019, which is similar to an intention. For instance, when life becomes about managing a whole lot of moving parts – family and friends, jobs, relationships, finances, bucket lists (in no particular order!) - most of us tend to multitask for efficiency in juggling these. The end result (typically) is less presence, more detachment, more anxiousness and lesser enjoyment of the ‘journey’ and the task. So this year, I intend on doing less, to do more.

Check out this blog post below with a few more of my thoughts on how to get more done in a day while staying balanced, relaxed and content..

Read More
Erratic changes in one season: How do I stay balanced?

Ah, Melbourne. Just when we prepared (and hoped for) for a warm, crisp summer, the days become erratic and unpredictable, leaving us all guessing and on our toes. Hot and dry days followed by humidity and wetness, stormy days and jacket weather, and then sunshine again.

How do we adjust to this? I’ve had clients come in with headaches, dry skin, flaky scalps, skin eruptions, feeling frazzled and then other feeling sluggish, heavy and lethargic. It’s challenging to know how to stay balanced when things are all over the place.

The trick is to take it day by day. E.g. avoid kapha aggravating foods on the wet and cold days – e.g. heavy, cold and overly sweet or oily (smoothies, avocado, ripe bananas, rich desserts)…. And avoid vata and pitta aggravating foods on the hot and dry days (popcorn, chilli, too much coffee)…

Then, to manage the erratic energy around you:

Read More
Gift Vouchers for the Festive Season!

Gift experiences and not things this season, with an Ayurvedic Health consultation, uplifting herbal massage or oil treatment, Private Yoga Classes or some Ayurvedic herbal goodies. Give the gift of wellness 🤲🏽

Contact us to place orders and we will be happy to post these pretty little cards out to you or the recipient. Messages can be customised, to include description only plus greeting.

Read More
Sri Lanka: June - July 2018 Travel Journal

I had a wonderful time exploring Sri Lanka, and connecting with the world of ayurveda and yoga over there. Here’s a little summary of my time there…

Read More
Well-being consults, and yoga & meditation classes now in Sri Lanka

Hello from Colombo!

After two weeks of downtime in my island home I am back online and offering in person consults and yoga classes. Stay tuned for updates!

There are wellness workshops, yoga classes, a limited number of ayurvedic consults and marma point treatments coming up. These are all beneficial to addressing specific issues and ailments ranging from sleep management, digestion, skin conditions, to stress and anxiety reduction as well as overall well-being.

I'll be consulting online and available in Sri Lanka until the end of July 2018. For bookings please click here and select the online option.

Read More
Staying mindful in daily life: An observation through yoga asana

Balancing asanas can bring an amazing sense of freedom, strength and discipline but can be challenging – mostly for the mind. We pick a point to focus on but then the mental commentary starts, and rattles us!

Quite often we hear a lot of utterances of annoyance and frustration around us at this part of the practice too. Digging a bit deeper, this reveals a lot about our mental commentary or sense of ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) toward ourselves, not just in practice,` but also in daily life. Practicing Ahimsa is one of the foundations of a well rounded yoga practice, and bringing our awareness to how this can be tested helps us develop not just our practice but also our inner peace and resilience.

Read More
Upayoga samstha - ayurvedic guidelines on how to eat

Ayurveda reveres fire or agni - it is the metaphor for all metabolic functions in the body. Agni plays a vital role in our digestion, perception, taste, touch, hearing, sense of vitality, mental clarity and alertness. When agni and the functions it supports are balanced it brings about a beneficial state of health. We are sharper, clearer, more energetic and strong and feel more cheerful, confident and optimistic. When agni is imbalanced we typically feel an imbalanced state of health – heavy, slow, congested, sluggish, dull and experiencing frustration, anger, and fear.

Read More
Ayurvedic tips for Summer time

A typical summer season in Melbourne brings intense heat and dryness mixed up with days of cold and rainy weather. This erratic weather can lead to aggravations of your doshas (elemental balance) particularly vata and pitta in your body, leading to fatigue, dizziness, inflammation and headaches with the heat and patterns of dry skin, dry lips, flare-ups of dry eczema, dry coughs and cracked soles of the feet with the dryness.

Ayurveda teaches us to live in unison with this time of year rather than fight it by adjusting lifestyle, habits, food and drink, exercise, yoga and breathing to bring about major shifts to well being.

Here are some key things to remember in keeping the doshas in check from a dietary and lifestyle perspective…

Read More