Tag Archive for: cleanse

4 Tips for Vitality

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4 Tips for vitality through cleansing and detox - Axis Yoga Teacher Trainings - Denver, CO



The Yoga of Cleansing & Four Tips for Increased Vitality


Cleansing has become almost a household word these days. There are many reported and researched health benefits that come from cleansing such as improved digestion, reduced inflammation, dislodging environmental toxins and losing weight.


However, I believe there  are even more benefits to be gained from doing a cleanse.


Cleansing gives us access to expanded mental clarity and a renewed sense of inner freedom.  We all have the tendency to eat more from our emotions and habits than our bellies.  When we set aside our ingrained eating patterns, we become more conscious of our unconscious habits.


Expanding awareness is a cornerstone of yoga practice, and there are many other yogic principles that we can exercise when doing a cleanse.


The Sanskrit word “tapas ” means “to burn” and refers to austerities or discipline. By restraining our  lower desires and urges, we build a  kind of creative friction that gives insight, inspiration, builds character and supports spiritual growth.  Tapas has less to do with deprivation and more to do with creating boundaries that bring forth inner radiance.


Another major theme in yoga is “soucha” or “purity”.  Given adequate support your body naturally wants to return to an optional state of cleanliness and efficiency.


By releasing the accumulated toxic load of ongoing unconscious eating habits we open the gateway for a deeper state of health and long forgotten purity.  It’s like letting go of a “heavy load” we had no idea we were carrying for so long.


Doing a cleanse is less of an exercise in deprivation as it is an opportunity to revitalize your mind, strengthen your will and do a deep internal “cleanse”.  We can access the bodies deep healing capacities by simple removing the obstacles to cure, by eliminating less than wholesome foods and introducing foods that are more conducive to vitality.



Here are four tips to get you started with a fall time cleanse:


1. Drink hot lemon water in the morning
Get your day started with a refreshing and vitalizing glass of hot lemon water.  It is amazing how this simple beverage will pick you up. It helps alkalize your system, and cleanse your liver.


What’s more, hot lemon water will stimulate your bowels and get things moving.  Many people do not drink enough water in general and making a ritual of drinking this beverage early in the morning is a great reminder of how amazing water is for your health!


2. Eat at least 2 cups of vegetables a day plus salads
In my naturopathic doctoring practice, many people tell me that they have an aversion to eating vegetables.  They also come to see me with significant health issues, many of which can be greatly offset with dietary changes -such as eating more vegetables.


While your tongue may disagree, your body loves vegetables and rings with satisfaction once fed what it needs.  Eating a sufficient amount of vegetables will also off-set cravings for foods that are far less nutritious or even detrimental to one’s health.


3. Include a little protein with each meal
Often times sugar-cravings are rooted in not eating a sufficient amount of protein.  If you find yourself feeling hostage to sugary foods there is a good chance you are in need of more protein.  Eating enough protein will help you balance your blood sugar and give you a more even-quality of energy throughout the day.  Getting enough protein also helps you eat less refined carbohydrates.


4. Try fasting one day a week
Many cultures and spiritual traditions throughout the world recognize the value of fasting as a way to cleanse the body, revitalize the spirit and develop humility and gratitude.  Fasting is also a great way to give your digestive system a much needed rest.  Your body will naturally go to work cleaning house with the energy it would otherwise expend digesting food.


Generating the necessary discipline to fast also rubs off in other areas of your life.  It gives you the inner strength to address other issues that you may have been avoiding, freeing up energy that could be spent more productively.


Note: You can still have juices, broths, teas and water while performing a weekly fast.


Finally…..
Try on these simple tips and see what they do for your health and your yoga practice. If you are ready to take it to the next level, consider getting some outside support and supplementation by participating in a 10-day cleanse group I will be facilitating. Cleansers of all levels are welcome!


In Health,
Dr. Brenna

 

 

Join Us! October Fall Cleanse

Dates: Sundays, Oct. 8th and 15th, 11-12:30
Location: Sixth Ave. UCC – 3250 E. Sixth Ave. 80206
Click here to learn more!
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3 Natural Cures for Pain Caused by Inflammation

3 Natural Cures for Pain Caused by Inflammation - Axis Yoga Denver Cleanse and Detox


Inflammation. The source of pain and three things you can do about it!

 

We often hear a lot about “inflammation” but what does that really mean? Inflammation starts on a cellular level and involves a cascade of chemical reactions in the body that lead to aches and pains. Inflammation can occur anywhere in the body; our digestive system, our cardiovascular system, our musculoskeletal system and even our brain. We see evidence of excessive inflammation in conditions like Crohn’s disease, Alzheimers and Arthritis.

Learn about our upcoming 21-day anti-inflammatory program here.

The foods we eat influence these chemical mediators that lead to inflammation in our bodies.  It turns out that there are foods that can change the production of these mediators and decrease inflammation & disease in our bodies.

3 Natural Cures for Pain Caused by Inflammation

  • Berries– all kinds! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries. These foods are a type of bioflavonoid and are high in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are high in antioxidants and have strong free radical scavenging capabilities. In both in vitro and in vivo research trials, anthocyanins have demonstrated marked ability to reduce cancer cell proliferation and to inhibit tumor formation.
  • Turmeric – The rhizome (underground stem) of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family, yields the yellow spice turmeric. It has long been used in India and Asia as an herbal medicine and food and has played an important role in Eastern cultures. Specifically the active constituent of turmeric root,  curcumin has many anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric can be used as a tea and is also found in many curries and sauces.
  • Sardines– Yep, you read it correctly. Those little fish in a can are loaded with nutrients. Sardines provide the highest source of essential omega 3 fatty acids which we know are protective against heart disease, are good for your brain and compete directly against pro inflammatory foods to benefit arthritis. Sardines are also high in calcium that is easily absorbed in your body.  Sardines provide a high amount of Vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to improve calcium absorption, help with mood disorders and protect against certain cancers like colon and breast cancer.

There are many things that we can incorporate into our diets that will lower inflammation in our bodies and help us stave off disease. Please consider joining me in my upcoming anti-inflammatory diet program and learn how to take control of your aches and pains through food and nutrition!

 

21-Day Anti-Inflamatory Program with Dr. Brenna Hatami

Just by changing your diet, and taking key supplements, this 3-week program will empower you with the necessary tools to reduce inflammation in your body, prevent chronic diseases and improve mood. Receive the dedicated support of your peers as discover the path to new found health and vitality.

When: Sat. July 29th, 11-12pm & Sat. Aug. 12th, 11-12pm
Cost: $275 Includes support and informational meetings, booklet, recipes, and all supplements.
Registration: Dr. Hatami | 303-320-1174 | Email
Location: 3250 E. 6th Ave, Denver – 80206

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How to Go Inward & Find Your Center

Axis Yoga Trainings of Denver, Colorado - Yoga Teacher Training 200-Hour Program

Finding your center means more
balance, focus and awareness.

 

“Center everywhere, circumference nowhere.” -Kaivalya Upanishad

 

What does it mean to be at the center of your life?  Do you find yourself chasing an endless “to do” list that only expands the more items you scratch off?  Both Greek and Yogic myths tell the story of a wrathful creature, who when slain, only multiplies.

It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of outer and inner expectations and lose center in the process.  When our inner expectations do not correspond to the immediate reality it creates stress.

Sometimes we need to take action and address our situation head on.  Other times the situation requires that we change our perception of what is happening, to lessen our demands on life and return to that centered place within.

Yoga gives us physical and philosophical tools to be fully resourced when confronting outer and inner challenges.  On the physical level, one of the simplest things we can do is to check in with our breath.

We have all been told to be mindful of our breath in asana class.  Why? Yogic scriptures describe an immutable relationship between the breath and the mind.  The quality of our thoughts are reflected in our breath.

Asana helps to expand our breathing capacity.  Breathing practice expands our awareness.  With repetition and practice, we can shift from panic to placid by simply modifying our breath.

Try this the next time the creation does not correspond within your criteria:

Slowly, breathe in through your nose for a count of 4 and exhale for a count of 6 out through the mouth, pausing briefly at the bottom of the exhale.  When you find your rhythm with this pace, stay there awhile and then up the go up to a 1:2 ratio (in for 4 and out for 8) with a brief pause and the bottom of the exhale.***

Do this until the tension the dissipates.

Creating Wholeness & Peace

Philosophically, yoga teaches that we are always whole.  Our essence is forever at peace, no matter what is going on outside.  This is the ultimate goal of yoga, to align ourselves with the infinite source of the creation, to return to that centered place within, beyond any “to do” list.

From this centered, peaceful place we are far more resourced to affect positive change in the outside world, to serve life more fully.

Yoga retreats, such as our upcoming Spring “Return to Center” Retreat in Grant, CO, are a great way to return to center because they take you out of your element, remove you for the busyness of day-to-day life and force you to pause.

When you find yourself on the stressful outer orbit of who you truly are, remember to breath deliberately and marvel that your finite problems occupy a very small part of a limitless universe; the nature of which is infinite peace, and whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.

Yours in Spirit, Tradition and Service of Yoga,
Derik

 

 

“RETURN TO CENTER”
A DONATION-BASED RETREAT!
GRANT, CO – MAY 12-14, 2017

This unique retreat is co-lead by Derik Eselius and Beth Sanchez. With 34 years of yoga teaching experience between them, they have made a significant impact on the Denver yoga community, leading Yoga Teacher Training programs, and offering classes, workshops retreats that are affordable and accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Step out of your familiar routine and open the gateway to inner renewal and freedom. This retreat will be a remarkable opportunity to cultivate fresh insights and revitalize your core with the timeless practice of yoga. Join us as as we go beyond the ‘pose’ and dive into a multidimensional yoga practice; while surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Learn more here.

Where: YMCA – Santa Maria Camp Center: 51321 US-285, Grant, CO 80448 | One hour from Denver!
When: May 12th, 10:30am to May 14th, 12pm (home in time for Mother’s Day!)
Cost: Only $199 to cover the costs of food and lodging, making this retreat accessible to everyone, plus a donation at the conclusion of the retreat.
Register: Click here to learn more and to register!

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6 Reasons A Cleanse Should Be In Your Near Future

Axis Yoga Trainings of Denver, Colorado - Yoga Teacher Training 200-Hour Program

Spring is the ideal time of year to give your body a powerful reset.

In addition to ridding yourself of toxins and finding new vitality, there are many researched health benefits of cleansing. And we are doing a cleanse in Denver this month if you’re so inclined!

Here are just a few:

  1. Increased energy
  2. Improved digestive
  3. Reduced inflammation, thereby reducing pain
  4. Reduced cholesterol and improved liver function
  5. Purging environmental toxins
  6. Lose weight

There are even more valuable benefit to doing a cleanse…  letting go of foods, and old ways of eating that don’t serve you. We all have the tendency to eat more from our emotions and habits than from the wisdom of our bellies. By taking away what we are use to, we are left to become more conscious of our unconscious habits.  Peal back stagnant assumptions and immerse yourself in mental clarity and freedom!

As a Naturopathic Dr. of 20 years and a dedicated yogini, I would like to look further at the relationship between cleansing and yoga practice.

The ancient yogis found that they could accelerate their growth and strengthen their character through the practice of “tapas” or austerity.  Tapas, is the creative friction that arises from the restraint of desire.  Tapas empowers us to shine more brightly!  By practicing restraint we can find new reserves of strength inside of ourselves and build the fire of spiritual growth.

Another yoga practice that relates directly to cleansing is “soucha” or purity.  Soucha is a principle that not only extends to our personal hygiene, but it also relates to the purity  of our speech, thoughts and diet.

When we do a cleanse we support the body in ‘cleaning house’, thereby increasing our sensitivity to what is best for our body, mind and spirit.  We grow more wise through cleansing and are more empowered to choose foods that will not compromise our system in the first place.

So next time you do a cleanse, or if you decide to join my upcoming cleanse at the end of March, know that you are not just cleansing your physical body, you are also strengthening your character and purifying your awareness.  Become more conscious of what you put into your body and experience more peace and freedom!

 

Yours in Health,

Dr. Brenna Hatami, ND
(Axis Yoga Teacher Trainer)
www.doctorbrenna.com
doctorbrenna@gmail.com

 

Spring Cleanse!

Join Axis’ very own Dr. Brenna Hatami, who draws on nearly 20 year of experience as a naturopathic Doctor, as she leads you step-by-step into three distinct phases of the cleanse that will nurture your body’s innate healing wisdom.

Date: Wednesdays, March 29, April 5 and April 12 | 6-7:30pm
Location: 3250 E. Sixth Ave. UCC ~ Upstairs
Cost: $199 -Includes Supplements!
Register: Call or email Dr. Hatami | 303-320-1174 | Email

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