• Ayurveda Ayurvedic Remedies Beauty
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THE KANSA WAND IS A POWERFUL AYURVEDIC TOOL FOR YOUR SKIN—HERE’S HOW TO USE IT

With the Ayurvedic Kansa wand, skincare doesn’t only benefit the skin—it also detoxifies the body, promoting lymphatic drainage and circulation. Kansa—the Sanskrit word for “bronze”—is a metal alloy composed primarily of copper. In Ayurveda, copper serves a wide variety of beneficial purposes thanks to its antimicrobial and detoxifying properties. The ability of the Kansa wand to cleanse impurities, improve lymphatic function, and boost complexion is part of the reason why we decided to make our own! Here, we’ll unpack the basics of this powerful tool, including how to use it and its major benefits of incorporating it in your skincare routine.

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WHAT IS A KANSA WAND?

A Kansa wand is a handheld wooden tool whose rounded tip is made of copper and tin. The benefits of the Kansa metal include the balancing of pH levels, the purification of toxins, and, of course, the improvement of the skin texture. It works its magic by making contact with the marma points around the face, which are the energy centers that help determine our internal balance. Thanks to its portability and easy-to-use application, the Kansa wand is a simple—yet powerful—skincare tool to incorporate into your daily routine.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE KANSA WAND?

When applied to the skin, the Kansa wand has a large variety of benefits—both internal and external—which include:

• Promoting lymphatic drainage: By massaging the skin’s marma points, the Kansa wand helps to drain out toxins from the lymph nodes and gently exfoliate. As a result, the natural detoxifying processes of the skin kick into gear, resulting in a brighter, more luminous, and clearer complexion. One study shows that manual lymphatic drainage can also help reduce swelling. 
• Balancing the skin’s pH levels: According to Ayurvedic tradition, the metal of the Kansa wand helps restore a balance of pH levels in the skin. While the skin has an average pH level of just below 5, imbalanced pH levels can exacerbate conditions like acne, inflammation, and wrinkles. By bringing the skin’s pH levels back into balance, the Kansa wand is believed to promote good skin health. 
• Alleviating stress and muscle tensions: Through a targeted application to the marma points in the face, the Kansa wand can alleviate stress, relax muscle tensions, and improve energy flow within the body. No matter what ails you, you can use marma therapy to target specific points to achieve your desired results. 
• Improving the skin’s complexion and glow: Studies have shown that face massages increase circulation, help in relaxation and stress relief and promote a healthier complexion. Using the Kansa wand every day is a simple way to make your skin radiate!

HOW DO YOU USE A KANSA WAND? 

Using a Kansa wand is simple: you gently massage different marma points on the face and neck, resulting in improved circulation, stimulated relaxation, and a refreshed complexion. Below is a diagram to walk you through this process.  

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UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF MARMA POINTS: ENHANCE YOUR HEALTH

For those who are interested in a natural, holistic approach to pain relief, mind-body balance, improved complexion, and a boosted immune system, marma point therapy is an ideal solution. Through this ancient Ayurvedic self healing practice, energy points on the body are massaged to treat a variety of ailments, from digestive problems to inflammation to body aches and joint pain. The best part? While you can receive formal treatment from a trained Ayurvedic practitioner, you can also tap into the healing effects of the marma points from the comfort of your own home with a Kansa wand. UMA even recently released our own Kansa Wand as part of our Ultimate Ayurveda Kit!

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Here, we’ll outline the basics of marma points, and how you can use marma therapy to take charge of your own health.

WHAT ARE MARMA POINTS?

Before we dive into treatment options and benefits, it will be useful to understand what marma points are, and how they can influence our health and holistic wellness. In short, marma points are energy centers on the body where various types of tissue meet, such as ligaments, joints, and bones. They reflect the balance of the doshas and circulate channels of the body’s inner life force, or prana. By stimulating specific marma points, marma therapies aim to bring the doshas into positive balance and to treat various ailments and conditions. Marma points are comparable to acupressure points in Chinese acupuncture, though marma points are linked to chakras while acupressure points are linked to meridians. 

In ancient times, knowledge of marma points was used on the battlefield to target the weak points of enemies as well as in treatment and surgery. Today, marma therapies typically focus on stimulating a subset of 107 marma points through massages in circular movements, and treatment can be tailored to each individual’s needs and help in self discovery.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MARMA POINT THERAPY?

The range of marma therapy’s treatment possibilities is truly impressive—as one study demonstrates, marma therapy can improve circulation and strengthen digestive, cardiac, endocrine, and immunological systems. Marma therapy can thus be used as an effective treatment for a variety of ailments, ranging from back pain to inflamed skin. The benefits of marma therapy include:

• Increased circulation and balanced pH levels for clear, healthy skin
• Reduced tensions and stress in the muscles
• Pain relief (including headache, backache, and joint pain)
• Reduced digestion and elimination problems
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved energy levels and mental focus
• Better sleep quality
• Boosted internal peace and tranquility

As you can see, marma point therapy provides a wide range of benefits for your needs, both physical and emotional. Plus, the stimulation of the massage will boost circulation and promote a sense of bodily relaxation almost immediately!

HOW CAN I PRACTICE MARMA POINT THERAPY AT HOME?

In a formal marma therapy treatment, an Ayurvedic practitioner will assess your needs and stimulate the relevant marma points using circular massage movements. However, you can also conduct your own mini marma therapy at home using a Kansa wand! Using a Kansa wand, you can stimulate marma points around your face and neck in order to promote benefits that are especially healing for the skin, including a brightened complexion and lymphatic drainage for the purification of toxins. Below is a diagram demonstrating how to use a Kansa wand, and more information about the uses and benefits of the Kansa wand can be found here.

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DRY BRUSHING IS THE SIMPLE WELLNESS BOOSTER YOU NEED

DRY BRUSHING: THE BASICS

On the surface, dry brushing might look suspiciously simple: to dry brush, all you need to do is run a dry brush against your skin in gentle, firm strokes. As it turns out, this Ayurvedic body detoxification practice has a host wide-reaching health and wellness benefits, including the exfoliation of dead skin, the improvement of circulation, and the draining out of toxins from the lymphatic system. Through the simple daily ayurvedic practice of dry brushing, then, you can make small but meaningful steps toward boosting your health and holistic well-being.

One of the most powerful elements of dry brushing is its ability to stimulate the lymphatic system. In short, the lymphatic system acts as an important fluid guard against illness and disease, helping protect the body against foreign elements, toxins, or other impurities. As the firm, stimulating motions of dry brushing boost oxygen and blood flow, the flow and drainage of lymph is also boosted, allowing for healthy circulation and the necessary expulsion of toxins.

On the surface of the skin, a boosted circulation can also leave your skin looking more lifted, firm, glowing and helps in enhancing energy and blood flow. In addition, while this simple practice only takes a few minutes to complete, the soothing strokes of dry brushing will leave you feeling instantly rejuvenated and energized. Given the immense short- and long-term benefits of this Ayurvedic practice, UMA even created our own Lymphatic Detox Dry Brush! Made of natural, vegan wood and bristles, this dry brush is a worthwhile and luxurious addition to any self-care routine.

UMA Lymphatic Detox Dry Brush $27

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THE BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING

• Natural Detoxification: When considering a natural detox, you might think of a cleanse or supplements as go-to detox practices. However, dry brushing takes the idea of natural detoxing to the next level: without needing to follow any diet or strict regimen, you can promote detoxification within the lymphatic system through the simple movements of running the dry brush against your skin. 
• Reduced Swelling: In addition to the general promotion of good health and the expulsion of toxins, a stimulated and active lymphatic system has also been shown to reduce swelling and inflammation. 
• Boosted Circulation: Dry brushing promotes the flow of blood and oxygen within the body, allowing important nutrients and white blood cells to circulate. Poor circulation can be associated with conditions like memory loss, a lack of energy, and hair loss. 
• Improved Complexion and Exfoliation: In addition to its importance for our physical health, strong circulation also manifests itself in a brightening natural glow. On the surface level of the skin, dry brushing also helps to release dead skin follicles, toxins, and dirt that have accumulated, thus exfoliating the skin. 
• Reduced Appearance of Cellulite: One study even showed that lymphatic drainage—a key benefit of dry brushing—is effective in thinning out fat and reducing the appearance of cellulite.  

HOW TO DRY BRUSH

Before you try out dry brushing for yourself, there are a few important things to note. Firstly, people with inflamed or sensitive skin, an open wound, or conditions like psoriasis and eczema should exercise caution when dry brushing to ensure that the skin doesn’t become irritated. Additionally, while it might seem natural to apply a lot of pressure to feel as though the skin is being massaged, it’s important to apply only a moderate amount of pressure. That way, you can protect your skin from becoming irritated or sore. 

Essentially, you want to use short, delicate strokes beginning from the feet and moving upward to the back, stomach, arms, chest, and neck. While you should approach the legs, arms, and back in short, upward strokes toward the heart, the stomach and chest should be brushed in circular motions, and the neck area should be brushed downward toward the heart. Below is a diagram that lays out these steps—feel free to save it and refer to it whenever you dry brush!

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AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS FOR BACK PAIN: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Despite being a common condition, back pain often feels difficult and even impossible to treat. Whether one experiences a backache after a long day of physical exertion or finds their back more regularly in pain due to other lifestyle factors, back pain comes in many forms and intensities. Oftentimes, treatments that provide immediate relief are only temporary in effect, and back pain lingers as a recurrent condition. Especially for those who experience chronic back pain, unproductive visits to doctor’s offices and days spent at home because it feels too difficult to walk can lead many to feel like their pain is an inevitable and unsolvable condition.

However, while back pain might seem like a mysterious and insurmountable condition, Ayurveda believes that such pain is never something we should resign ourselves to—nor do we deserve to live in such a state. If we are attuned to both our internal state and our environment, we can identify sources of imbalance and institute effective lifestyle changes that can lead to long-lasting results. Whether one wants to alleviate PMS symptoms or combat brain fog, an Ayurvedic approach can illuminate specific points of weakness within our own bodies and offer concrete, natural strategies for improving the balance between ourselves and our environment. Back pain is no different—equipped with an Ayurvedic understanding of its root causes, we can feel empowered to take charge of our ailments and practice effective solutions.

How Ayurveda Views Back Pain

Back pain takes a number of different forms—it can affect many areas, from the upper back to the lower back and the base of the spinal cord, and it can occur along the muscles, spinal nerves, joints and discs. There are also a wide range of potential causes for this pain, including sitting with poor posture, not eating a balanced diet, texting or typing too much and engaging in strenuous exercise and other forms of labor. Understanding on a more immediate level what kind of lifestyle practices may be causing your back pain is a good first step in rectifying the situation: for example, if you find that your back feels strained after a long period of sitting at a desk, make sure to insert movement breaks and to sit with an erect and well-balanced posture.

Ayurveda locates the root cause of back pain as an excess of Vata, which is characterized by ether and air. When Vata becomes elevated, there is an influx of dryness and stiffness, which in turn negatively impacts the spinal cord, making it difficult to bend, twist, stand and walk. To remedy back pain, an Ayurvedic approach involves the pacification of Vata.

Tips For Alleviating Back Pain

Stay Warm

Similarly to how Ayurveda recommends eating warm foods, it is essential to keep yourself warm when experiencing back pain to combat the coldness of Vata. Whether that be by taking warm showers or dressing warmly, there are many ways to ensure that your body is well-heated, as coldness will only make your back more susceptible to pain.

Practice Self-Massage For Back Pain

One extremely potent way of back pain relief on your own is through self-massage, which is a practice that involves massaging oil into different parts of your body. You can tailor your self-massage routine to focus on specific areas and to include oils that target your needs. For those with back pain, applying a warm massage oil onto your back can help soothe tension. Sesame and mustard oils are especially revered for their pain-alleviating abilities. In addition, our UMA Absolute Essential Self Massage Oil is made with a versatile formula designed to reinvigorate skin, detoxify the body and combat inflammation, stagnation and pain.

For more information on self-massage and how to get started, check out our blogs on the topic:

• Self-Massage: The Gift That Keeps Giving
• How to Self-Massage: The Best Essential Oils for Your Self-Care Routine
• Abhyanga Self-Massage: Our Favorite Ayurvedic Gift of Self-Care 

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Try Out Ayurvedic Herbs

There are a number of herbs that combat the inflammation associated with back pain, including turmeric, ginger and black pepper. In addition, since the seat of Vata is the colon, the strength of one’s digestion can actually impact back pain—those who experience indigestion and constipation, the toxins that the body cannot excrete spread to other parts of the body, including the back. It’s thus important to eat well and take care of one’s digestion. One way to combat indigestion and bloating is by taking a triphala supplement (like our UMA Digestive Detox Herbal Supplement), which alleviates inflammation and cleanses the digestive system.

• Ayurvedic Remedies Beauty Body Care
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UNLOCK THE SECRET TO A YOUTHFUL NECK, CHEST & DECOLLETE

When we consider the aesthetic signs of aging we—by default—think of the face: The fine lines around the eyes, a lackluster complexion, sun damaged cheeks. But what about the delicate region just south of the visage? The neck and décolleté present many visible signs of aging—and for some, even more so.

Due to skin thinning and sun damage, the neck and décolleté area is susceptible to sagging and crepey skin, says Koko Hayashi, founder of Koko Face Yoga. The skin covering this area is naturally thinner than the skin on the face, which means it may reveal signs of aging more quickly. Add to that the modern day posture of constantly craning over our computers, phones, and smart devices and the neck, chest, and décolleté can present as wrinkled, sagging, and even spotted.

Caring for this vulnerable region calls for a bespoke approach. It starts with a nutrient dense serum that addresses the unique needs of neck, chest, and décolleté skin—which is how UMA Flawlessly Firming Neck, Chest & Décolletage Serum was born. Formulated to provide targeted nutrition to this sensitive area it contains frankincense and tamanu, which work in tandem to help reduce the appearance of unevenness and age spots. A nourishing and antioxidant-rich base of moringa and pomegranate oils provides deep and fast-absorbing moisture, preventing the appearance of premature signs of aging. This serum also provides a sensual moment of self care with its exotic aromas of botanicals like jasmine, sandalwood, and geranium.

Yoga exercises are also a powerful way to maintain the integrity and health of the neck, chest, and and décolleté skin, says Koko. She has been practicing targeted yoga for the face and décolleté for more than a decade, having first learned it in her native Japan. Since, Koko has built a coveted following for her unique wellness practice of expressive movements lauded for their ability— with proper and consistent practice—to give the skin a more lifted and toned appearance. (The results from a 2018 study show that targeted facial exercises sustained over a period of time resulted in the appearance of fuller cheeks and a more youthful look.)

Below Koko gives us an exercise to target and tone the neck, chest, and décolleté. Combining this daily movement neck exercises with a nourishing serum makes for a healthy protocol for self care and self reflection.

UMA Flawlessly Firming Neck Chest & Décolletage Serum $105

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KOKO FACE YOGA’S EXERCISE FOR NECK, CHEST, AND DÉCOLLETÉ

Firstly, it’s paramount to maintain good body posture, says Koko, and good tongue posture “because the tongue is another big muscle which is connected to neck, décolleté, and chest.” (She describes how to maintain good tongue posture in her exclusive video.) 

Next, suck the tongue up to the pallet till you show vertical lines on the neck. Count to three and release. This is one set. Do not move any other muscles. You want to solely focus on the tongue and neck areas. It is highly recommended to practice in front of the mirror to make sure that other muscles are not moving. (You can see a video example here.)

Start with one set a day. If you can continue on a regular basis extend up to five sets a day. Consistency is the key for success.

Shop UMA Flawlessly Firming Neck, Chest & Décolletage Serum here.

To learn more about Koko Face Yoga, visit kokofaceyoga.com and their new app.

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• Ayurveda Ayurvedic Remedies Doshas
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GARSHANA: THE ULTIMATE KAPHA SEASON RITUAL

As we progress through the chilly winter season and look ahead to the brighter days of spring, we may find ourselves itching to try out new detox and wellness practices—especially ones that can be carried out indoors. And during kapha season, it’s more important than ever to adopt and maintain a regular health and wellness routine. As the shorter days and colder weather make it more difficult to keep up with regular exercise and an intentional, nutrient-filled diet, kapha season often leads to stagnation—both physical and mental. The body becomes more susceptible to accumulating toxins, and we may also feel emotionally drained, uninspired and demotivated. Ayurvedic tradition asserts the fundamental entwinement of our bodies, minds and external environments, and this certainly holds true during the winter months, which are notorious for bringing on both physical and emotional challenges.

Fortunately, there are a wide number of beauty, wellness and diet practices you can incorporate into your daily routine to transform your relationship to winter and to keep the body and soul uplifted and nourished. One simple, yet potent practice that is especially recommended during kapha season is Garshana, or dry brushing. Garshana is an Ayurvedic practice that involves applying a natural firm-bristled body brush in firm motions all over the body. We think the practice is so important that we created our own organic, vegan and artisan-crafted Lymphatic Detox Dry Brush for a luxurious holistic detoxification experience. While this centering, revitalizing ritual takes only a few minutes out of your day, it brings powerful long-term detox benefits to the lymphatic system, circulation, complexion and more.

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BENEFITS OF GARSHANA FOR DETOX AND REJUVENATION

1. It Improves Lymphatic Drainage

Our lymphatic system carries out the vital work of guarding against illness, disease, environmental damage and external toxins. The potent, stimulating motions of dry brushing boost oxygen and blood flow and further encourage the flow and drainage of lymph, which in turn leads to the expulsion of toxins from the body. In addition, research has shown that a healthy and active lymphatic system can alleviate swelling and irritation. Especially during the winter months, our lymphatic system may need to work harder than usual to expel accumulated toxins. Garshana is a powerful way to boost lymphatic function and further aid this important system in maintaining our overall heatlh. 

4. It Centers, Energizes & Motivates

Especially given our increased susceptibility to feelings of stagnation and deflation during the winter months, Garshana also offers an excellent way to feel centered, grounded and energized. By taking a few moments to really focus on our bodies, we can combat emotional detachment or sadness and feel more connected to ourselves. Through acts of self-care like Garshana, we learn to re-appreciate our bodies. The ritual also imbues the skin and body with feelings of groundedness and rejuvenation, making it easier to approach the day with renewed motivation and positivity. 

HOW TO PRACTICE GARSHANA

The graphic below outlines basic dry brushing techniques for different parts of the body. You can save it on your phone for easy reference as you incorporate this simple ritual into your daily routine. Note that those with inflamed or sensitive skin, open wounds or conditions like psoriasis and eczema should be extra gentle on their skin to avoid irritation.

• Ayurvedic Remedies Health Oral Health
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OIL PULLING: THE NATURAL WAY TO WELLNESS

Swishing oil around in the mouth—known as oil pulling—is an ancient Ayurvedic practice for promoting oral hygiene, cleanliness and health. It may seem bizarre, but it is, in fact, a proven wellness practice that has immense oral benefits. Firstly, it helps to rid the mouth and body of ama (excess impurities and toxins). Studies show that is has an effect on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. As the oils swishes throughout the mouth the debris, viruses, bacteria, and other toxins stick to it, ultimately pulling it from the mouth.   

Furthermore, research touts oil pulling as a way to “cure more than thirty systemic diseases when practiced regularly and as directed.” Our oral cavity is often looked at as a telling sign of what else is happening in the body, from gut issues to autoimmune diseases. Billions upon billions of organisms fester in the mouth, many of which can contribute to various illnesses and diseases, from cardiovascular issues to diabetes. All of this is interconnected with our oral health, which makes it an essential element to care for. Oil pulling helps in mouth detoxification, to kill bacteria connected to these health ailments, ultimately preventing various illnesses. Studies show it can also help to increase metabolism and improve overall longevity. 

There are also the superficial benefits: Oil pulling is key for freshening breath, healthy gums and even whitening the teeth. At UMA, we love it because it can also feel like a massage on the gums and tongue. It’s incredibly simple to do: Take approximately one tablespoon of oil—coconut is preferred in Ayurveda for its lauric acid content, a fatty acid that boasts anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. (Sesame is an excellent oil to use as well.) Gently swish it around your mouth for about fifteen to twenty minutes, making sure to move the oil around so it touches all areas of the gums and sides of cheeks. (You can use this time to listen to a podcast, do your self-care routine, shower—you name it.) When finished, spit the oil into a trash can and rinse your mouth with water. Make sure not to swallow any remaining oil as this is riddled with toxins. This practice—which is ideally performed daily—can be done at any time of day, but traditional Ayurvedic medicine recommends oil pulling in the morning. 

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THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON MULTITASKING: BALANCING MIND AND BODY

In today’s world, multitasking often seems like a natural part of life: we listen to podcasts while we ride the train, put away the laundry while we watch television or read a book while sipping a cup of tea. Especially given the increasing accessibility and capacities of technology, it has become increasingly hard for people to go about their daily life without multitasking; paying full attention to a task may often leave us feeling antsy and easily distracted. While the types of multitasking listed above tend to be harmless, especially because at least one of the tasks often doesn’t require much mental engagement, multitasking can also harm our ability to concentrate and carry out tasks effectively. If you’re scrolling through social media while trying to listen to a lecture, for example, you’re unlikely to retain much of the information relayed in the lecture. 

As research has shown, American youth spend about 7.5 hours each day using forms of digital media, and about 29% of that time is spent multitasking—to often detrimental effect. As one study demonstrated, those with heavy media usage have poorer short-term and long-term memory than those with low media usage. Other research has also suggested that multitasking increases the amount of time it takes to complete a task while also decreasing our efficiency and ability to complete it without error. As you can see, multitasking—especially when it involves mentally-stimulating tasks—is not the time-saving mechanism we think it is. Instead, it worsens our ability to concentrate and retain information.

Ayurvedic wisdom also backs up these findings. When we multitask, we disrupt Vata, which governs movement and flow. By refusing to allow our minds to concentrate on one task at a time, we constantly disrupt the flow of our attention. When Vata is out of balance, we feel anxious, scatterbrained, overstimulated and have difficulty sleeping, among other symptoms. Ayurveda emphasizes paying singular, mindful attention to important tasks (and yes, this includes eating). According to Ayurveda, we cannot engage in two mindful tasks at once; for example, we can’t drive and talk on the phone at the same time—since both of these tasks require our mental attention, doing so increases the risk of getting into an accident. As Dr. Sharmistha Dattagupta tells Vogue, “Too much thinking takes away concentration.” 

So how does Ayurveda recommend we increase our attention and concentration and how to improve multitasking ability? Here are a few for combating multitasking by improving focus and increasing mindfulness in everyday life.

TIPS FOR IMPROVING MUTLITASKING ABILITY

1. Meditate

Meditation is a powerful Ayurvedic tool for sharpening mindfulness and training the brain to free itself from distraction, offering numerous mindfulness benefits. One can know how to improve concentration through meditation. Especially for those who haven’t tried out meditation before, a simple meditative practice can start off with just 20 minutes of quiet breathing each morning. As you continue to practice mindfulness meditation, you’ll find that you feel increasingly grounded, rejuvenated and focused. For more information on meditation and how to establish a regular meditation practice to experience mindfulness benefits, check out our blogs here and here.

3. Take An Ashwagandha Supplement

Ashwagandha is a touted Ayurvedic adaptogen in the wellness world, and for good reason—as research has shown, this ancient herb’s powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties enable it to combat stress and anxiety, promote memory and intellect and even combat neurodegeneration. Ashwagandha benefits also includes boosting energy levels, reducing inflammation and promoting overall happiness and contentment.

One way to incorporate the mind-enhancing benefits of this Ayurvedic superstar into your daily routine is by taking an ashwagandha supplement. Our Deep De-Stress Herbal Supplement is a good place to start; simply take one capsule morning or night, before or after your meal, to experience ashwagandha’s transformative effects.

2. Spend Time Away From Electronics

To combat the sense of distractedness and lack of mental focus that results from multitasking, try to be mindful about regulating your electronics usage. As research has shown, too much screen exposure before bedtime can interfere with our circadian rhythms and disrupt the quality of our sleep. Another study suggests that technology usage disrupts learning during class time. If you feel that you’ve had a little too much screen time and your concentration is waning as a result, take some time to exercise, read a book, journal or meditate—in short, spend time devoting your energy to a single task outside of the digital world. 

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4. Get Regular Sleep

High-quality sleep is crucial to both our physical well-being and our cognitive health. As such, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night to improve memory and focus and to feel rejuvenated enough to tackle tasks mindfully—without multitasking. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how to get better sleep, or how many hours to sleep; each dosha has different sleep tendencies. Vata, for example, might struggle with light or disrupted sleep and should take steps toward promoting restful sleep for longer durations. Kapha, on the other hand, tends to struggle with oversleeping, and should practice regulating their sleep schedule and getting up earlier as a result. For more information on how to get better sleep according to your dosha, check out our blog on the topic here.

These are just a few Ayurveda-informed suggestions for improving focus and combating multitasking. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to approach your tasks mindfully and to avoid engaging in two mindful tasks at once. By working toward building focus and attention, you’ll complete your tasks more smoothly and effectively. Best of all, when you avoid multitasking and devote time and care to your tasks, you’ll produce results you can truly be proud of.

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DISCOVER 6 AYURVEDIC SECRETS TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

AYURVEDA, THE SCIENCE OF LIFE:

The integration of centuries-old Ayurvedic techniques into people’s daily wellness routines results in a unique take on the beauty and wellness industry. Ayurveda’s holistic emphasis on the inseparable connection between one’s body, mind and spirit allows for not only noticeable physical improvements reflected on the skin, hair or felt within the body, but a sense of personal empowerment to one’s spirit. At UMA Oils, wellness is beauty and beauty is wellness. Since Ayurveda is principled upon the goal of having every human realize their full potential, beauty and wellness practices centered around it can bring a profound amount of joy, peace and balance into one’s life. These invaluable personal benefits mixed with the bonus of ethically contributing to the industry of sustainable luxury makes Ayurvedic wellness a revolutionary imperative for the contemporary consumer. Glow from the inside out with these six easily adoptable Ayurvedic lifestyle hacks:

1

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has become a trend amongst those looking for a whiter and brighter smile. Ancient Ayurvedic medicine teaches us that using oil mouthwash compared to traditional mouthwash can more effectively detoxify teeth and gums and fight harmful bacteria in the mouth that results in bad breath. Try oil pulling with a mixture of coconut and sesame oil with a hint of peppermint essential oil to leave you with a clean and minty feeling afterwards.

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2

Identify Your Dosha – Skincare

In Ayurveda, there are 3 doshas: Vata (Ether and Air), Pitta (Fire and Water) and Kapha (Earth and Water). People can have one distinct type or a combination of two or three. Identifying your dosha is important because it is your individual constitution. It can help guide you to know what your body needs in order to achieve balance. Your dosha affects your skin type as well which is useful in knowing which products to use. People with a Vata dosha have thin, cold, rough and quick-drying skin. It is important to protect this type of skin from harsh heat, such as hot baths and showers, and the cold as it is sensitive to extreme temperature shifts. Help your Vata skin retain moisture using the UMA Beauty Boosting Day Face Oil. People with a Pitta dosha have smooth, oily, warm, rosy and sensitive skin. This skin type is easily burned so make sure to apply SPF daily. Keep your inflammation at bay by balancing it with UMA’s Total Rejuvenation Night Face Oil. People with a Kapha dosha have thick, oily, cool and smooth skin. This type of skin is susceptible to irritation so try detoxing regularly with UMA’s Deeply Clarifying Face Mask.

UMA BEAUTY BOOSTING DAY FACE OIL $125

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UMA TOTAL REJUVENATION NIGHT FACE OIL $150

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UMA DEEPLY CLARIFYING FACE OIL $125

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Identify Your Dosha – Diet

Since Vata is characteristically rough and cold, a balanced Vata diet focuses on freshly cooked foods that are soft or mushy in texture, rich in protein and fat, seasoned with a variety of spices, and served either warm or hot. Since Pitta is characteristically warm and sensitive, a balanced Pitta diet involves foods that calm pitta by decreasing internal heat and preventing inflammation like water-concentrated fruits and vegetables. Since Kapha is characteristically thick and cool, a balanced Kapha diet focuses on foods that are light, dry, warming and well-spiced.

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Learn The Art Of Self-massage

The Ayurvedic self-massage involves oils being rubbed into the body as a way to improve bodily circulation which relieves stress and re-energizes the mind. Do this before your shower and notice visibly nourished and glowing skin when you get out.

UMA ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL SELF MASSAGE OIL $54

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Practice Aromatherapy

Balance your senses by centering yourself in the healing powers of essential oils. Aromatherapy can be practiced in a variety of ways from dropping essential oils like lavender into a diffuser for stress-relief bliss or topical application of a massaging oil like UMA’s Pure Energy Wellness Blend into your temples for a spark of life to your nervous system. To meditate using essential oils, try out the alternate nostril breathing technique: apply essential oil or UMA Wellness Blend of choice to your hands, cover one nostril with one hand while you deeply inhale the scents of your free hand in your open nostril, switch sides and experience the physical and mental benefits of aromatherapy!

UMA PURE ENERGY WELLNESS OIL $85

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Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Although the most intuitive way to feel rejuvenated in your mind, body and spirit, getting a good night’s sleep is still a struggle for most. However, the healing properties of a regularly scheduled solid eight hours cannot be overstated like great skin, good immune health and holistic wellness. There are oils and supplements based on Ayurvedic medicine that are available to help aid in maintaining this essential pillar of health like UMA’s Pure Rest Wellness Blend or sesame oil. Along with oils, there are natural remedies that you can find in your kitchen cupboard. Before bed, try drinking a cup of hot milk with honey, turmeric and powdered pistachio. If you are allergic to nuts or do not drink cow’s milk, chamomile tea has equally calming effects.

UMA PURE REST WELLNESS OIL $85

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• Ayurveda Ayurvedic Remedies Health
• Posted By

DISCOVERING SATTVA: THE SECRET TO LIVING A FULFILLING LIFE

Last week, we posted a basic introduction to the three Gunas, or the three fundamental states through which we cycle throughout our lives. We experience different levels for each Guna that shift according to our lifestyles. This balance between the gunas underlies our doshic balance and permeates all living things in the universe—under this perspective, we can begin to understand how we are fundamentally connected to other beings, and how the environment plays a role in our overall well-being and balance.

While the Rajas Guna represents intensity and motion, and the Tamas Guna represents stasis and inertia, the Sattva Guna balances and regulates the other two Gunas through its promotion of intelligence, understanding, joy, harmony and awareness. The ultimate goal of spiritual practice is to maximize Sattva levels, which can in turn bring greater happiness, clarity and wisdom into our lives. When Sattva is maximized, we experience beneficial changes on all fronts: our minds can think more clearly and gain greater discernment; our actions reflect our desire to contribute positively to the world; and we become more in tune with our own internal wants, needs, desires and hopes. We feel in touch with ourselves in a world where constant stimulation and work can leave us feeling alienated.

Fortunately, boosting Sattva is something you can achieve with a few simple, yet transformative lifestyle changes. Here are some ways you can maximize Sattva in your life for greater clarity, mind-body balance and peace.

TIPS FOR INCREASING SATTVA

3. Incorporate Meditation & Breathing Exercises

On a fundamental level, practicing regular, deep breathing has immense benefits on our physical and emotional wellbeing, bringing feelings of calm and groundedness. Whenever you feel stressed, frantic or otherwise out of balance, take a moment to breathe deeply and reconnect with your inner goals and ambitions.

On a fundamental level, practicing regular, deep breathing has immense benefits on our physical and emotional wellbeing, bringing feelings of calm and groundedness. Whenever you feel stressed, frantic or otherwise out of balance, take a moment to breathe deeply and reconnect with your inner goals and ambitions.

Deep breathing can also be a part of a larger meditative practice. Meditation is a deeply individual process, one that requires stillness and dedication and that, when experienced fully, can bring about great tranquility, self-acceptance and rejuvenation. For those who want to try meditating for the first time, a good place to start is our guide to how to meditate for each dosha—from there, you can determine what works for you and what doesn’t, and how you can take your meditative practice to the next level in the future.

4. Eat A Clean Sattva Diet

The qualities of certain foods are associated with each Gunas. If you eat too much spicy food, for example, you can aggravate Rajas, and if you over-consume alcohol or eat too much meat, you can aggravate Tamas. To balance these two states, you should aim to eat a clean, healthy sattvic diet full of fruits, vegetables, herbs and grains. For information on the benefits of different Ayurvedic herbs, check out our new Ayurvedic Spice Cabinet Series. And here’s a breakdown of 4 Ayurvedic ingredients to elevate and nourish your diet.

5. Prioritize Work-Life Balance

When you overwork yourself and don’t give yourself enough time to rest and recover, you aggravate Rajas, which can lead us to over-consume and become burned out by the intensity of our endeavors. On the other hand, not working enough and letting yourself become overtaken by inertia, fatigue and dullness can cause Tamas to become imbalanced, making it difficult to achieve mental clarity and motivation. You can maximize the harmonizing, balancing effects of Sattva by taking a mindful, conscientious approach to work, outlining and tackling your goals without overdoing it. Be sure to take regular breaks throughout the day, and to set aside time each morning and evening away from work. It’s also important to spend time with loved ones, participate in self-care practices, take trips and try out new activities—without feeling guilty or pressured to get back to work. In fact, there’s no need to feel guilty when you know that taking time for yourself is contributing to your overall contentment and wellbeing.