The Elixir of Life Guidebook
The purpose of this guidebook is to provide you with information and tools that will help you tap into your inherent ability to heal, see more clearly, and become increasingly more empowered. Perhaps the time we spend together during the Elixir of Life Retreat is just the initial stage of a longer journey toward increased wellness, purpose, community, and joy. Let’s dive in!
TANTRA
During the Elixir of Life three-day retreat, we take a sacred journey through the full range of Tantric Hatha Yoga. The Sanskrit word “tantra” is derived from the root word “tan,” which means “to stretch,” and “tra,” which means “beyond limits. A central concept of Tantra is that we are all born with certain conditions and limitations. Tantra is how we overcome these boundaries and limits in the fastest way possible. Tantra also means “to accelerate”. At the heart of the science is the skillful use of energy. Energy is a tool to accelerate growth and go beyond our limits. Before we can cultivate more energy and power for positive ends, we need to attain a certain level of refinement. Only through clarity can we use the forces in the proper manner.
Tantra refers to a system or methodology that provides a framework for understanding and engaging with various aspects of life, including wellness, spirituality, rituals, philosophy, and practices. Tantra helps us weave the sacred and the mundane so that our most brilliant and profound experiences of the divine can stretch into or be woven into more and more moments of our everyday lives.
According to the ancient tradition of Tantra, there are three stages of the practice:
Moon (mind)
Sun (energy)
Fire (soul)
Knowing when and how to apply these stages is the key to unlocking the ultimate aim of yoga which is lasting happiness and freedom. Through intelligently sequenced practices will receive you the essence, or the flavor, of the Sun, Moon, and Fire. Although not all of the Elixir of Life workshops are tantric yoga-centric, understanding the key concepts of tantra can give a rich context for deeper exploration and meaning making.
KEY POINTS OF SUN+MOON+FIRE:
There are two main approaches to yoga: Classical Yoga and Tantra.
Classical (Patanjali) yoga emphasizes mastering the mind. The goal is to still the mind. Once the mind is still, it is easier to remember the true self (soul). Patanjali does mention the use of prana, but the advanced techniques are only accessible through a living, oral tradition.
Tantric yoga emphasizes the centrality of prana and teaches that if we change our energy, the mind will follow. Our experience of life is a precise reflection of our energy. When you change how prana flows you feel different. Therefore, the way prana flows dictates our experience in life.
According to the ancient tradition of Tantra there are three stages of the practice: Moon, Sun, and Fire. Knowing when and how to apply these stages is the key to unlocking the ultimate aim of yoga which is lasting happiness and freedom. Through intelligently sequenced practices will receive you the essence, or the flavor, of the Sun, Moon, and Fire.
MOON- MIND
Once the moon is made steady, the sun can be made to rise. We cultivate a calm mind before embarking on the more powerful energy building practices associated with the sun. Moon practices create stability and reflectivity. Moon practices incorporate forward folds, twists, and restorative postures which help us let go and relax into an effortless stability. We intend to cultivate a smooth and steady breath with an even inhale and exhale. This 1:1 breath has a calming and stabilizing effect on the mind. In cultivating the lunar energy we recall the gentle, soft, and cooling light of the moon. Through the grace of the moon we access a part of ourselves that is unchanging, without beginning or end. After a restful savasana and gentle pranayama, the practice concludes with a meditation that can give you a glimpse, an embodied experience of the finest, most refined aspects of the mind.
Soma, another word for elixir, means tender, soft, radiant rays of the moon. This nectar of the moon has such a delightful flavor that once you taste it you will remember it forever.
Qualities and associations: calm, cool, reflective, feminine, receptive, still, water, knowledge, intuition.
SUN- ENERGY/PRANA
With a steady mind and secure vessel cultivated by the moon, we are ready for practices that build prana.
What is prana? The word prana comes from the Sanskrit root “PR” which means first unity, or primary; and “ANA” which means breath or respiration; and “ANU” which means atomic or the subtle one. PRANA is the primary and most essential or subtle force.
Prana is the basis of the Hatha yoga tradition. “The ultimate strength is the control of prana” (Srimad Bhagavatam). Prana animates all of life; it is the force that sustains the world and is behind all actions of the mind, body, and emotion. Prana is what moves you from where you are to where you want to go. And sometimes prana moves you to where you do NOT what to go. We stabilize the mind and practice self-reflection to build discernment, so that when we harness the power of prana we use it wisely.
Prana is the companion of the soul and how the soul fulfills its journey in this world. Prana is how the soul expresses its inherent nature of beauty and bliss. The soul (which is consciousness) needs prana to express itself and to manifest itself into action, will, and knowledge.
The sun is a source of energy. Whether or not we are able to see its light or feel its warmth, the sun shines constantly. Like the sun, prana gives us energy. Learning how to cultivate prana empowers us to live more fully. Sun practices are about expansion: expansion of awareness, capacity, and energy. Practices that cultivate the sun create a feeling of inspiration and willpower. Charged with a vibration of determination and action, our yoga now expands off our mats and we become agents of change in our lives and world.
Sun practices incorporate the use of techniques that allow us to generate more prana. These techniques strengthen our connection to the experience of prana in the body. The postures are those that allow us to breathe more fully such as laterals and backbends. The intention surrounding the breath also has to do with expansion. By gradually increasing the length of the inhales and exhales we illuminate and invigorate the pranic body.
Qualities and associations: warm, energetic, willpower, determination, active, masculine.
FIRE- SOUL
The Tantrics call “fire” or “Agni”. In Tantra, fire is not a symbol of spirit, it is spirit made manifest. When there is simultaneous knowledge, will, and action there is fire. By cultivating the moon and the sun, we create the conditions for the fire to manifest. The practice will stoke the fire at the navel center, which is the fire bowl within the body. We have to exert effort, so our fire practice will incorporate tapas, the heat of transformation through discipline, but ultimately the spark of the fire arises out of surrender and grace. We will incorporate bandhas, mudras, mantras, and chanting that will help us gently melt physical, mental, and emotional obstacles so that our hearts and minds can at last revel in the splendor of the true self.
The internal fire practices are even more powerful than the external fire ceremony. But the external fire ceremony is beautiful and creates a collective, shared experience. By seeing the literal fire we are better able to cultivate it in our manipura chakra (navel center). The detailed instructions for the fire ceremony were written in the Rig Veda around 1700 BCE. The instructions need to be followed precisely in order to avoid confusion or harm. It is best to follow the example of thousands of years of experience. There are many subtle and metaphysical aspects of the sacred fire, but on a practical level this is what is involved:
Building the fire pit
Selecting the wood
Sitting in the appropriate position and maintaining a prayerful atmosphere (no talking at the fire and once the ceremony begins do not leave except to get more wood for the fire)
Clearing the space of any negative energy
Inviting all the divine beings to gather around
Igniting and propitiating the fire. After each mantra is recited ghee (clarified butter) is offered into the fire
The main fire offering will be the Sri Sukta; after each mantra participants will offer samagri (grains, sugar, flowers, herbs, black sesame seeds) into the fire
If the samagri doesn’t make it into the fire leave it there, what the fire doesn’t consume other divinities will, and in this way will return back to nature
Have water at hand. If the fire jumps out of its place splash some water toward the fire, but do not dump water on the fire
The last offerings are for the lifeforce and conclude the fire ceremony
Ask the divinities to return to where they came
Commune with the fire for as long as you like, and when you want to leave back away from the fire and do not turn your back on it.
There will be time to talk about and integrate the fire ceremony the following morning.
Qualities: transformational, divine
MALA
What is a Mala?
You have probably seen these gorgeous gemstone necklaces with a tassel. Although they have become fashionable among yogis and spiritual gangsters, they are a lot more than a beautiful necklace! Utilizing the highest purpose of a mala can help you access states of higher consciousness while remaining grounded and having a thread of awareness of time.
A mala is a garland of 108 beads, strung, and often hand-knotted together, usually with a large extra, “guru bead” as the 109th bead. They are used as a tool in meditation to count mantras (more on matras later). In the beginning, using a mala can feel a bit awkward. If the beads are too small or too slippery our attention can be split between the movement of the beads through the fingers and the mental repetition of the mantra, which is not ideal. We have given you larger, sandalwood beads because they are easier to use. It is said that sandalwood assists with bringing people closer to the divine, incites calmness, and helps create a clear and steady mind.
As you cultivate your relationship with your meditation practice and mala, you might find a natural desire to keep the mala safe and clean. We have provided a silk mala bag for safe-keeping. You can also, if you like, keep the mala inside the bag as you use it. To use the mala, hold it in your dominant hand. Rest the first bead, the one right next to the large “guru bead” over the third finger. Draw the beads toward you, one by one, using the thumb. Each bead counts one repetition of the mantra. When you get around to the guru bead, you do not count it, nor do you pass it; you stop there, mentally bow to the light within, flip the mala around, and start going back the other way. Each time you come to the guru bead you know you have repeated your mantra 108 times, you pause in gratitude, then you turn around and go back the way you came.
Although it might feel easier to pass the beads between the thumb and pointer finger, we do not use this finger because it is associated with pointing blame and with the ego. Be patient and kind with yourself as you learn how to meditate with a mala. Eventually, it will become second nature, and a powerful tool on your spiritual journey.
How to use a Mala: A mala can be used with either hand. Always start with the bead next to the Guru bead. As you repeat the mantra, use your thumb to move each bead towards your body over the meridian point (see below). Thus, the Guru bead will descend and eventually ascend to be the last bead of your meditation. As you hold the Guru bead, repeat your mantra and make a prayer or intention. To begin again, turn the mala around without the help of the other hand. Move the beads towards you and continue (thus, never making a complete circle).
The use of different fingers with the Mala: Each finger you use relates to a different part of the brain. By running the mala over the first segment of each finger, between the tip of the finger and the first knuckle, you create a different result (some lineages suggest you don’t touch the mala with the index finger because it is associated with the ego).
Thumb: solar plexus
Index finger (Jupiter): wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity; heart chakra
Middle finger (Saturn): patience; Throat Chakra
Ring finger (Sun): health, vitality, and strong nervous system; root chakra
Little finger (Mercury): communication skill, and intelligence; sacral chakra
The Power of a Gemstone Mala: You can also hold your mala in your hands, your lap, or intertwined into a specific mudra as you meditate. The healing qualities of the gemstones, as well as the mantra and intentions used during the creation of your mala, are always active.
About the number 108
The number 108 is considered auspicious in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Tantra, and Vedanta. This number repeatedly shows up in spiritual texts, mathematics, science, nature, astrology, and human history. According to the mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci, who was born around A.D. 1170 and after whom the Fibonacci sequence is named, it is believed that that the number 108 has a way of representing the wholeness of existence. Ancient yogis believed that we could attune ourselves to the rhythms of creation by completing practices in rounds of this sacred number.
There are 108 marma (energy) points in the subtle body.
Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.
108 points in the ancient tantric symbol, Sri Yantra. On the Sri Yantra there are marmas (points0 where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersection has a masculine and feminine quality, which represent Shiva and Shakti. 54 X 2 equals 108. Thus there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra and the human body.
In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets = 108
54 letters in the sanskrit alphabet each has a masculine and feminine form to make 108
The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth
The distance between the earth and the sun is approximately 108 times the sun's diameter.
The distance between the earth and the moon is 108 times the moon's diameter.
There are 108 stitches on a baseball.
TRADITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR USING A MALA
Traditionally malas are gifted rather than purchased for oneself, this is especially true for your first mala.
Malas are kept in a silk bag big enough that you can use the mala inside of the bag
Do not let your mala touch the ground
Do not let others touch your mala
Keep your mala out of sight
When you are given a new mantra you start using a new mala
The mala is invested with spiritual meaning because it reflects the mental pulsing of an eternal sound.
GHEE
Ghee is the essence of milk. It is made by melting butter and cooking out the impurities. Use in moderation. About ½- 1 teaspoon per meal is good for most people. Keep in a glass jar at room temperature. Use a dry spoon when removing from the jar, as the water in the jar can spoil and mold the ghee. Otherwise it keeps for a long time.
Benefits:
Has powerful anti-inflammatory properties
Boosts metabolism
Highly stable cooking agent
Balances all three doshas in moderation
Acts as a carrier and synergy-food for other medicines and nutrients, supercharging their properties
Is a nutritive tonic
Soothes a hoarse throat and smooths the voice
Slows the aging process
Fosters strength and resiliency
Makes the skin smooth and luscious
Boosts memory, intelligence, and decision-making abilities
Softens and tones tissues, making it a create massage oil
Soothes red, dry, or burning eyes
Tones and supports the reproductive system in women and men
Increases virility and libido in women and men
Used to brighten complection
Is better than butter, because the milk solids (which clog arteries) have been removed in the cooking process
Directions for making your own ghee by Banyan Botanicals
Heat one pound of unsalted organic butter over low heat in a heavy-bottomed pot. During this entire process, do not stir butter at all. The butter will begin to simmer and will make a little crackling noise. After about 15–20 minutes, there will be a thin covering on the top and a thicker, curdy sediment stuck to the bottom of the pot. At this point you need to watch the ghee very carefully so it doesn’t burn. When the crackling sound has almost entirely stopped; the butter is a completely clear, beautiful golden color through to the bottom, and there are only a few air bubbles on the surface, it is done. Let it cool for an hour and then strain it carefully into a clean, glass container. Be sure that the sediment at the bottom of the pan remains there; it contains the impurities from the butter and can be discarded. The foamy layer on top of the ghee is fine. Ghee can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated.
MOON JUICE: BOOST THAT OJAS
Boots immunity, resilience, brilliance, and strength in a matter of a couple of days. Seeds and nuts are full of trace minerals, fatty acids, and fiber. Juice up!
The Sanskrit term “ojas” is derived from the root word “oj”, which means “vigor”, “strength”, or “energy”. Ojas is primal vigor, the subtle energy of water as the stored up vital reserve and is the basis of physical and mental endurance. Ojas is responsible for nourishing and grounding the development of all higher faculties.
Ingredients:
1 tsp pumpkin seeds
1 tsp poppy seeds
1 Medjool date
1 fig (dried)
2 black peppercorns
1/2tsp cucumber seeds
2 cups water (for soaking)
5 almonds
1 cup water (warm)
Yield: 1 serving
Method:
Add all the ingredients, except the almonds, to the water and soak overnight. Soak the almonds in a separate bowl
In the morning, drain the water from the bowls and remove the almond skins from the soaked almonds
Add all ingredients to a blender with 1 cup warm water. Blend well.
Drink it up!
Shelf Life: Drink immediately; do not store.
Benefit: This special mix is a guarantee of fiber, healthy fat, protein, and carbohydrates all in one cup. It is excellent in case of weakness, lack of energy, dry skin, and for strengthening all tissues.
Caution: Do not prepare extra and refrigerate. Make this fresh every day!
Special tip: You may boil the baste of all these ingredients in 1 cup cow mild, then blend for a special focus on nourishing the muscle and bone tissues.
TEJAS TEA: YOGINI ROSE ELIXIR
This cooling rose elixir smoothes the mind, opens the heart, and kindles the flame of immunity.
The Sanskrit term “Tejas” is derived from the root word “tij” which means “to be sharp”, “to shine”, or “to glow”. Tejas is inner radiance; the subtle energy of fire as the radiance of vitality through which we digest air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level, it governs the unfoldment of all higher perceptual capacities.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon ghee or coconut oil
½ teaspoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon brahmi powder
¼ teaspoon shatavari powder
¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
¼ teaspoon tulsi powder
2 drops pure rose attar essential oil
1 cup whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, or hazelnut milk
Put the ghee in a saucepan over low heat with all the spices except for the rose essential oil. Once the mixture becomes aromatic, add the milk and rose oil and whisk until hot.
GOLDEN MILK
Golden Milk is a traditional Ayurvedic elixir that has been used for thousands of years in both Ayurveda and yoga to promote health. Some of the benefits of Golden Milk include improved digestion, clear skin, join health, and respiration. The ingredients build agni, or digestive fire. Turmeric is one of the most celebrated substances of yoga and Ayurveda because of its anti-inflammatory properties. The alchemy of the turmeric and black pepper increases the anti-inflammatory properties of the turmeric up to 2,000%. So don’t forget to add the black pepper to super power this time-tested elixir.
1 teaspoon ghee
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg powder
A few strands of saffron
1 cup whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, or hazelnut milk
Put the ghee in a saucepan over low heat with all the spices except for the saffron. Once the mixture becomes aromatic, add the milk and saffron and whisk until hot. You can also throw it into a blender for a more frothy hot milk. To make this more of a rejuvenating tonic, add ½ teaspoon shatavari or ashwagandha powder.
CHYAWANPRASH
Chaywanprash is rich in Vitamin C and Antioxidants. Add a sweet and delicious spoonful to your day with this yummy jam! Add a sweet and delicious spoonful to your day with this vitamin C rich jam! Chyawanprash is a nutritious herbal supplement that supports your immune system and can boost your energy levels. This delicious spread has an apple-butter consistency and is most commonly spread on toast or eaten off a spoon. Chyawanprash is packed with a semi-spicy combination of herbs, which gives the spread a sweet and warm taste.
The principal herb in this 2,000 year old formula is amla (amalaki), one of the world's most concentrated naturally occurring antioxidants and sources of vitamin C. A spoonful a day of chyawanprash is a tasty way for people of all ages and doshas to nourish their mind and body and support healthy immune function.*
Directions
Enjoy 1 to 2 teaspoons of chyawanprash daily on an empty stomach, ideally followed by hot water or boiled milk. Consider age, size, constitution, and personal preference when choosing serving size. Chyawanprash is not intended for use by those who are pregnant or lactating, have diabetes, or are taking medication, without first consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use if the safety seal is broken. Use only as directed.
Ingredients (Himalayan Institute Proprietary Blend)
Amla fruit, Sugarcane, Ghee (Clarified butter), Honey, Indian Sesame oil, Long Pepper fruit, Potassium Sorbate, Mysore Cardamon seed, Spanish Pellitory root, Mesua flower, Indian Kudzu root, Sandalwood, Malabar Nut tree leaf, Arjuna bark, Ashwagandha root, Shatavari root, Bacopa leaf, Holy Basil Left cvs af, Chebulic Myrobalan fruit, European Grape Fruit, Ginger rhizomeoi, Licorice root, Sacred Lotus flower, Jatamansi root, Neem leaf, Tribulus fruit, Bael tree fruit, Indian Tinospora stem, Phyllanthus herb, Zedoary rhizome, Cyperus rhizome, Indian Elecampane root, Himalayan Pistachio fruit, Leptadenia leaves, Boerhavia root, Fig, True Cinnamon, Clove bud, Indian Cassia leaves, Saffron stigma
* The statements made here have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If taking any medication, consult with a healthcare practitioner before using this product. Do not use during pregnancy or lactation unless recommended by a healthcare practitioner. As with any herbal preparation, consider size, age, weight, constitution, and lifestyle as guidelines for use.
Product description taken from the Himalayan Institute webpage, here.
DRY BRUSH
Use a dry brush so that you can establish a habit of garshana, which is a traditional Ayurvedic dry massage that refreshes and stimulates the skin and lymphatic system, enhances blood circulation and releases accumulated toxins. To perform a garshana, you will need natural silk gloves, a soft sponge, or a dry brush that gently removes dead skin layers leaving the skin supple and glowing.
The ideal time to dry brush is in the morning before you shoare, so that you can rinse off the impurities loosened by the massage.
Directions
Massage your entire body, excluding your face, chest, and heart. Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken or inflamed.
Use circular strokes on the stomach and joints (shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, hips, and ankles), and long sweeping strokes on the arms and legs
Apply light pressure where the skin is thin, such as the underarms, and harder pressure where the skin is thicker, such as the soles of the feet.
The direction of the stroke should always be toward your heart as this helps drain lymph back to your heart. Massage from your feet upward, continuing up to your torso and on to your neck. Also massage from the hands to the shoulders. Continue for at least five minutes.
Complete your Garshana with a shower.
To enhance the release of toxins, end with a few cycles of hot then cold water. First turn the water to as hot as you can take it for several seconds, then to as cold as you can tolerate, then back to hot, and so on. This will stimulate the blood circulation and further invigorate the skin.
Directions taken from the Chopra Center website.
TRIPHALA OIL
Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal formula. The word 'Triphala' is translated as 'three fruits.' These fruits are Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. Triphala oil has these three fruits infused in a sesame seed oil. It is a tri-doship oil, which is good for all constitutions. The sesame seed oil has a gently warming effect, making it a good oil for the fall and winter seasons. Rich in antioxidants, Triphala is prized for its ability to both cleanse and nourish. The deeply penetrating and rejuvenating qualities make this oil especially beneficial for massage. We have included Triphala oil in your wellness bundle so that you can use it to give yourself “Abhyanga” or self-massage.
There is no greater expression of self-love than anointing ourselves from head to toe with warm oil—this practice is called Abhyanga. A daily Abhyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. The Sanskrit word Sneha can be translated as both “oil” and “love.” It is believed that the effects of Abhyanga are similar to those received when one is saturated with love. Like the experience of being loved, Abhyanga can give a deep feeling of stability and warmth.
A daily Abhyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. Regular Abhyanga is especially grounding and relaxing for Vata dosha imbalances, but everyone can benefit from this practice.
Benefits of Abhyanga
Nourishes the entire body—decreases the effects of aging
Imparts muscle tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body.
Imparts firmness to the limbs
Lubricates the joints
Increases circulation
Stimulates the internal organs of the body
Assists in elimination of impurities from the body
Increases stamina
Calms nerves
Benefits sleep–better, deeper sleep
Enhances vision
Makes hair (scalp) grow luxuriantly, thick, soft and glossy
Softens and smoothens skin; wrinkles are reduced and disappear
Pacifies Vata and Pitta and stimulates Kapha
Abhyanga Routine and Oils
Massage your body with love and patience for 15-20 minutes.Here are the recommendations for frequency and oil type, based on the doshas:
Vata Dosha: 4-5 times a week using sesame, almond, or a Vata-balancing oil, such as the relaxing Abhy Oil.
Pitta Dosha: 3-4 times a week using a coconut, sunflower, or a Pitta-balancing oil, such as the soothing Abhy Oil.
Kapha Dosha: 1-2 times a week using safflower or a Kapha-balancing oil, such as the invigorating Abhy Oil.
Good for all Three Doshas: Jojoba oil and Triphala oil
Steps to Follow for Self-Massage:
Warm the oil (pour approximately ¼ cup into a mug and warm using a coffee-cup warmer.) Test the temperature by putting a drop on your inner wrist, oil should be comfortably warm and not hot
Sit or stand comfortably in a warm room
Apply oil first to the crown of your head (adhipati marma) and work slowly out from there in circular strokes—spend a couple of minutes massaging your entire scalp (home to many other important marma points—points of concentrated vital energy)
Face: Massage in circular motion on your forehead, temples, cheeks, and jaws (always moving in a upward movement). Be sure to massage your ears, especially your ear-lobes—home to essential marma points and nerve endings
Use long strokes on the limbs (arms and legs) and circular strokes on the joints (elbows and knees). Always massage toward the direction of your heart
Massage the abdomen and chest in broad, clockwise, circular motions. On the abdomen, follow the path of the large intestine; moving up on the right side of the abdomen, then across, then down on the left side
Finish the massage by spending at least a couple of minutes massaging your feet. Feet are a very important part of the body with the nerve endings of essential organs and vital marma points
Sit with the oil for 5-15 minutes if possible so that the oil can absorb and penetrate into the deeper layers of the body
Enjoy a warm bath or shower. You can use a mild soap on the “strategic” areas, avoid vigorously soaping and rubbing the body
When you get out of the bath, towel dry gently. Blot the towel on your body instead of rubbing vigorously.
Enjoy the feeling of having nourished your body, mind, and spirit and carry that with you throughout your day.
Instructions from the Chopra Center.
NASYA OIL
What is Nose or Nasya Oil?
When the air gets dry during the fall and winter seasons, ayurveda recommends adding a moisturizing nose oil to your dinacharya (daily routine). Nose oiling is a traditional practice in ayurveda— a calming and relaxing aromatherapy. The Pure Bliss Nose Oil blends the relaxing scents of sandalwood, rose, and jasmine to create a feeling of “pure bliss” as you end your day.
Pure Bliss Nose Oil comes in a 1 fl oz (30 ml) container, which makes it convenient for traveling long distances or short road trips. Now you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and nose oiling wherever you are!
Directions - To use this nose oil, wash your hands and place a few drops around the inside of your nostrils using your small finger, a dropper, or a cotton swab. After you have finished oiling, inhale deeply to allow the oil’s aroma to be absorbed. Repeat this procedure throughout the day as needed.
Do not use nasya oil right after using a neti pot, because this can cause bacteria to form in the nasal cavity.
Ingredients
Organic sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) oil, organic apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca) oil, organic walnut (Juglans regia) oil, organic castor bean (Ricinus communis) oil, pure essential oils of: sandalwood (Santalum spicatum), rose (Rosa damascena), and jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum).
Information taken from The Himalayan Institute. To access the article or buy Nasya Oil click here.
TULSI TEA OR TINCTURE
Tulsi or Holy Basin (Ocimum sanctum), or “Queen of Herbs” has been revered as a sacred plant for centuries in India. Tulsi has numerous benefits including anti-anxiety effects, mild anti-depressant effects, antioxidant effects, and anti-stress/adrenal protective effects. It also has anti-viral properties, pain-relieving properties, blood glucose stabilization properties, and more. This Fresh Pickins tulsi tea and tincture was organically grown on Ram Island Farm in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The bees love the tulsi flowers which were cut and used fresh to create this tincture.
TONGUE SCRAPER
The ancient Ayurvedic recommendations of tongue scraping is one that is often overlooked. There are many benefits to this daily practice as far as oral health, and overall physical, mental, and spiritual health. Since oral activity is one of the main gateways between your mind/body and the environment, maintaining the health of this connection is critical to general well-being.
Benefits of tongue scraping with a metal cleaner:
Supports good oral health
Supports good breath
More hygienic than a brush
Supports
In the Charaka Samhita, an early Ayurvedic text, it says that by cleaning the tongue, “(this) removes foul smell, tastelessness … and by taking out dirt coated on the tongue, teeth and mouth brings relish immediately.” No doubt, people who clean their tongue on a daily basis can validate the invigorating effects this practice has. In fact, by removing the coating and stimulating the tongue this helps to balance the heavy and dulling qualities of Kapha dosha in your physiology.
Scraping the tongue daily removes any build-up on the tongue, which, if left untreated, can lead to bad breath and may house a significant number of bacteria. This simple practice is a direct way of removing Ama from your physiology. In Ayurveda, Ama refers to any accumulation of toxic residue in the mind-body. This can result from improper eating, poor digestion, or a reflection of an imbalance somewhere in the gastrointestinal system.
Product description taken from an article by The Chopra Center. Read the full article Here
Material of Tongue Scraper
Vata: If you are of a Vata nature, it is said to use a Gold tongue scraper. Pitta: If you are of a Pitta nature, it is said to use a Silver tongue scraper. Kapha: If you are of a Kapha nature, it is said to use a Copper tongue scraper.
Directions - Scrape your tongue once a day, perhaps in the morning after brushing your teeth. Stick out your tongue and gently use the edge of the tongue scraper against your tongue. Start at the back of the tongue and slowly scrape toward the tip of your tongue. Repete seven times. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
JOURNALING
Journaling can be as simple as writing thoughts, to-do lists, or diving into your emotional being and reflecting on larger things in your life. Wherever you need support, writing it out can be helpful to process and sort out everything going on in your head.
One of our favorite journals to use is Keneo. Keneo was created in Maine by husband and wife Rachelle and Forest Gagné. They started Kineo in 2021 because they couldn't ignore the itch to serve and share their passions for self-care, spirituality, and whole-life embodiment. They believe everyone has the right to live a joyful and balanced life and are committed to bringing you all the goodness from a masculine and feminine perspective to ensure all the cracks are filled.
The Gagné’s believe that joy is a basic human right and that it can be experienced by anyone, anywhere, anytime, with simple techniques and daily practice. We agree! The prompts and flow of the journal are here to help you. The goal is as follows;
Unplug - Set aside mindless habits. Remove unnecessary distractions that prevent you from experiencing true joy.
Ground In - Find your center and balance. Reconnect with nature and the world around you.
Breathe - To breathe is to journey into oneself. Release negative thoughts and welcome life-giving energy.
Clear & Align - Let go of that which no longer serves you to focus on what truly matters. Practice visualization and align your Self with your intentions.
Keneo's Embody The Sacred Journal is a 33-day journal for gratitude and devotion to self. Give Structure to Your Mindfulness Practice with daily templates, weekly self-care techniques, guided meditations, self-work, and breathwork; this journal has everything you need to help you access your fullest potential.
GUA SHA
Whether you’ve heard of the phrase “Gua Sha '' before or your first time hearing about it, let’s demystify this incredible ancient Chinese beauty and skincare technique so you can start incorporating it into your wellness and beauty routine right away.
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing method used as a home practice to relieve muscle tension, boost blood circulation, and encourage lymphatic drainage to eliminate bloat. Sounds pretty magical. Well, there is a reason Gua Sha has been around for so long and continues to gain popularity among the beauty and wellness community. It truly works!
To get started with Gua Sha, you need a little training, a stone, and an all-natural face oil.
Once you have your Gua Sha tool of choice and the appropriate face oil, you must learn the correct techniques to ensure you get the most out of your Gua Sha treatment without discomfort or damage. Be wary of online beauty gurus teaching Gua Sha techniques on TikTok and Instagram because they are only sometimes performed correctly. When in doubt, leave it to the professionals!
How-To: Gua Sha Techniques for better skin:
It is vital to have oil for your face so your gua sha tool performs gently, gliding against your skin rather than pulling. First, ensure you’ve cleansed your face and washed your hands, then add a few oil pumps.
I always like to start with a few neck stretches and massaging the neck to get things moving and flowing.
To start with your Gua Sha, hold the tool almost flat against your skin at the top of your neck and pull it downwards towards your collarbone. This should be a light pressure to get your lymph nodes in your neck engaged and woken up. You can work from the back of your neck with 3-5 strokes in each area and move closer to the front of the neck (always avoid using any pressure right over the very front of your throat.
Start in on your face by holding two fingers on your chin to minimize the pulling of your skin. Take the gua sha tool with your other hand and lay it flat against your jawline. Gently glide the gua sha tool from your chin upwards to your ear. With slight pressure, wiggle the device under your ear and then slide it down your neck to your collarbone. Repeat this 5-10 times for optimal results.
Continue using this technique, focusing on half of your face at a time. Start at a midpoint of the face, work your way outwards, and then down the side of your face and down your neck. Use your gua sha tool to massage with moderate pressure. Do this 5-10 times as well for best results.
More of a visual learner? You can watch this video for a basic tutorial.
These are some of the positive effects gua sha can have on your skin - to name a few:
Lymphatic drainage - Gua Sha stone and facial cupping massages are a great way to promote lymphatic drainage and keep your nodes healthy!
Tighter skin - you will likely notice (within weeks of beginning use!) that you have tighter, younger-looking skin. This is because Gua Sha promotes rapid cell turnover and helps blood flow to every skin cell.
Tension relief - When stressed, we can hold tension anywhere, including in our necks and faces.
Anxiety relief - The grounding nature of using a Gua Sha combined with the natural calming effects of a routine makes Gua Sha a good practice for anyone with anxiety, especially around bedtime.
Reduces acne scarring - The great thing about Gua Sha stones is that they promote cell turnover and rejuvenation, helping get rid of acne scars.
Choosing any crystal can be a very intimate process. While shopping in person, we always encourage you to pick up each stone and figure out which one feels right.
DISCOVERY YOUR AYURVEDIC CONSTITUTION
The most skilled Ayurvedic doctors are able to determine constitution by reading the pulse. However, if you do not have access to an Ayurvedic doctor you can still figure out your constitution by taking a free assessment online. These quizzes will typically ask you a series of multiple choice questions that have to do with your physical body, your mind, and emotions. Click here to discover your constitution and learn more about the foundations of Ayurveda take the quiz offered by Banyan Botanicals.
To learn how to weave together Yoga and Ayurveda to create a complete approach for optimal health, vitality, and higher awareness, read Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by David Frawley
Elixir of Life Healing Facilitators and Workshop Leaders:
Mary Cate - Retreat Host, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPCc), and Mental Health Entrepreneur.
Tara Evelyn - Retreat Host, LMT, Holistic Aesthetician, Sound and Polarity Therapist, Wellness Entrepreneur.
Dr. Kristin Werner - Mala Making Workshop Leader, Psychologist, Yoga Teacher, and Body Worker.
Sam Migliozzi-Zanfragna - Movement is Medicine Workshop Leader, Master of Alternative Medicine.
Paula Kersch - Foraging for Medicinal Herbs Workshop Leader, Herbalist and owner of Botanically Curious.
Dr. Lauren Facreau - The Embodiment of Emotions in Chinese Medicine Workshop Leader, DAC, LAC, DIPL. AC (NCCAOM), Doctor of Acupuncture, Creator of Rune.
Regina Verret Foster - Healing Facilitator, Owner of The Celestial Womb, Autonomous Birth Consultant.
Dr Victoria Campbell - Healing Facilitator, Owner of Tree of Life Chiropractic, Pediatic Chiropractor, Reiki Practitioner.
Susan Tompkins - Healing Facilitator, Certified Life Coach & Creator of Energy Art.
James and Amy Harder - Healing Facilitators, Owners of Float Harder, Grateful Cup, and Ripple Float & Wellness Center.
Sponsor List:
Health Resonates
Moka Origins
Kineo
Motiv
Tree of Life Chiropractic
Wholistic Honey
The Celestial Womb
Rune Acupuncture
Float Harder
Susan Life Coaching
Botanically Curious
Padmani
Experience Maine
Ayurvedic Protein
CONCLUSION
There are three signs that your practice effective:
JOY- your life is full of joy
FEARLESSNESS- you approach your own limitations and life itself fearlessly
AN INCREASED CAPACITY TO ACHIEVE YOUR DESIRES- The gap between intention and manifestation narrows.
If you are not feeling joyful, fearless, or if you are struggling to fulfill your desires our hope is that you connect with a fellow participant or facilitator for guidance and support. Most likely, you need to refine your practice or use different tools. The old saying, “when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail,” illustrates the importance of expanding our set of skills, approaches, tools, and perspectives to effectively overcome a wide range of limitations or challenges. The above tools have been included in the Elixir of Life Guidebook because of how incredibly effective they are, but there is no “one size fits all” approach to healing or spiritual growth. These tools are ultimately about creating power and guiding you toward self-sovereignty. The intention of the Elixir of Life Retreats is to offer you tools for self-mastery and to curate an experience where we can build relationships and community that will support us far into the future.
If you are wanting more guidance on this journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mary Kate and schedule a consultation or appointment.