Helene Whitfield

Vancouver, Canada

Posted

29 Oct 13:31

Using a neti pot at home is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that can help clear nasal passages, reduce congestion, and relieve sinus symptoms. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a neti pot easily and safely:

Materials Needed:

  • A neti pot: This is a small container with a spout, specifically designed for nasal irrigation.

  • Non-iodized salt (preferably fine sea salt or Himalayan pink salt)

  • Sterilized or distilled water: Do not use tap water unless it has been boiled and cooled.

  • A clean towel

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the saline solution:

    • Fill the neti pot with about 8 ounces (240 ml) of lukewarm distilled or sterilized water.

    • Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt to the water.

    • Stir until the salt dissolves completely.

  2. Position yourself:

    • Stand over a sink or basin to catch any runoff.

    • Tilt your head sideways, keeping one nostril pointed towards the ceiling and the other towards the sink.

  3. Begin the irrigation:

    • Insert the spout of the neti pot gently into the upper nostril, creating a seal.

    • Slowly pour the saline solution into the nostril, allowing it to flow out of the lower nostril into the sink.

    • Breathe through your mouth during the process.

  4. Switch sides:

    • Once you've emptied half of the solution, remove the neti pot, stand upright, and gently blow your nose to clear out any remaining solution.

    • Tilt your head in the opposite direction and repeat the process with the other nostril.

  5. Finish up:

    • Once you've used all the saline solution, stand up and gently blow your nose to clear out any remaining solution and mucus.

    • Clean the neti pot with warm water and soap after each use. Allow it to air dry.

Important Tips:

  • Always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Using tap water directly can introduce harmful organisms into your nasal passages.

  • If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop the procedure and consult a healthcare professional.

  • If you are new to this, start with a milder saline solution and gradually increase the salt concentration if needed.

  • Consult with a healthcare professional before starting nasal irrigation, especially if you have a medical condition or concerns about the procedure.

Using a neti pot can be beneficial, especially during allergy seasons or when experiencing nasal congestion. However, always ensure that you're using it correctly to prevent any potential complications.

Replied on Nature Yin

29 Oct 13:21

Thanks for sharing - yes, sometimes no music works even better :) 

Posted

22 Oct 17:08

In a rush... spicy avocado toast is a flavourful and satisfying treat that's quick to prepare. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

  1. 2 slices of your favourite bread (sourdough, whole grain, rye, etc.)

  2. 1 ripe avocado

  3. 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  4. 1/4 tsp ground cumin (optional for an extra kick)

  5. Salt, to taste

  6. Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  7. 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)

  8. Juice from 1/4 lemon or lime

  9. Olive oil or chili oil, for drizzling

  10. Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  11. 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (for extra spice and garnish, optional)

  12. Radish slices (optional for added crunch)

  13. Feta cheese or Cotija cheese crumbles (optional for added creaminess)

Instructions:

  1. Toast the Bread: Place the bread slices in a toaster or oven until they are golden brown and crispy.

  2. Prepare the Avocado: Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh into a bowl. Using a fork, mash the avocado to your desired consistency. Some people prefer a smooth paste, while others like it chunky.

  3. Season the Avocado: To the mashed avocado, add red pepper flakes, ground cumin (if using), salt, black pepper, minced garlic (if using), and lemon or lime juice. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

  4. Assemble the Toast: Spread the spiced avocado mixture generously onto the toasted bread slices.

  5. Garnish: Drizzle with a bit of olive oil or chili oil. Sprinkle with cilantro or parsley, red chili slices (if using), radish slices, and cheese crumbles (if desired).

  6. Serve: Enjoy your spicy avocado toast immediately!

This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add or omit ingredients based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Enjoy!

2

Posted

22 Oct 16:06

Did you know most of your questions can be answered in our help centre?! It's also the best way to connect with us, if you have a specific question.

Check it out :)

https://youryogaflow.helpdocs.io/category/i578vny4ag-online-studio-membership

25

If it calls to you - DO IT!

Replied on Guided Relaxation

19 Oct 11:27

Thanks for sharing :)

Posted

19 Oct 00:15

In today's fast-paced world, we are inundated with a cacophony of sounds - from the hum of traffic and the buzz of notifications to the constant chatter of televisions and radios. Amidst this auditory overload, the genuine power and profundity of silence often go unnoticed. Yet, silence, or more accurately, the sounds of silence, holds unparalleled significance in our lives. Here's why.

1. Silence as a Sanctuary

In our quest for productivity and incessant connectivity, our minds seldom get a moment of true respite. Silence offers that refuge. The stillness found in silence acts as a balm to our overstimulated brains, granting them the space to rejuvenate, reflect, and heal.

2. The Revelations within Quietude

Silence isn't the absence of sound but rather a canvas where softer, usually overshadowed noises come to the forefront. The gentle rustling of leaves, the rhythmic heartbeat, or even the distant echo of a bird's song. These delicate sounds serve as reminders of the world's innate wonders, urging us to tune into the present and foster mindfulness.

3. Enhancing Creativity

Ever noticed how your most innovative ideas or solutions to problems emerge when you're in a quiet space? Silence, devoid of distractions, allows the mind's creative juices to flow freely. It's in these quiet moments that the subconscious mind surfaces, offering insights that might remain buried under the weight of everyday noise.

4. Emotional and Spiritual Growth

Silence aids in introspection. Delving deep into one's thoughts and feelings in a quiet environment can lead to a better understanding of oneself and one's place in the universe. This self-awareness can be a catalyst for personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual development.

5. Fostering Deep Connections

Sometimes, the most profound conversations occur in silence. Being with someone in a silent space, where words become superfluous, can lead to a depth of connection and understanding that words often fail to achieve.

The sounds of silence - be it the soft whispers of nature or the resonating stillness - possess a magic that's both healing and transformative. As the great musician Paul Simon once sang, "People hearing without listening." Maybe it's time we truly listen to the sounds of silence, embracing its wisdom and finding solace in its serene symphony.

2

Replied on Hatha for Stability

18 Oct 10:57

Thanks for sharing, Emilie.