With so many options now on the market for this ever expanding health issue, we are faced with the question of what is best for us as individuals.

As an Ayurvedic Practitioner I use a number of tools to help with pain management. My first go to is a tool called a Guasha. This ancient hand held tool scrapes away pain and blocked lymph. It literally means ‘To Scrape Toxicity’ (Gua – Scrape, and Sha/Chi – Toxicity or blocked Energy).

History of the Guasha – Scraping Therapy

Originating in Asia, families would rely on the guasha as relief and prevention for many maladies. The Guasha was always used as first aid prior to calling on a physician. Every household would have one, and eventually the Guasha spread to become widely used in most of Asia and India, and more recently in the West.
Originally, Guashas were carved from buffalo horn or Jade. More recently wood, bone and resin have become popular materials in their production. Guashas are also made from Jade, Rose Quartz, Tourmaline, Agate and other semi-precious stones. These are for using on parts of the body where the skin is thinner, like the face and chest.

Most painful issues on the body and so a wooden guasha is a perfect tool for working on those areas. You can purchase a sandalwood one here, and I’ll send you a leaflet to go with it on how and where to use the guasha for many painful areas of the body. If you need further assistance, I am happy to give you a complimentary consultation on Zoom or by phone. See the options in the SHOP for a personal consultation with me.

Let’s get you out of pain and leading a more joyful life!

“I saw a beautiful red squirrel get hit by a car today. I quickly parked and ran back to help him but he couldn’t get up and there was blood coming out of his nose. He died as I told his mate, who was watching and squawking from the sidewalk, how sorry I was. His perfect little body quietly surrendered to passing as I cried.
It’s as if his sacrifice has allowed me to just let my strength collapse for a moment and grieve for what is happening around me……I wanted to move his precious little body to the side of the road, but I didn’t. I was frozen. Everything in this moment was so raw, as I know we all are on the West Coast of North America today.
Let my tears turn to rain and quench my desert home that it’s fast becoming…..”

Sometimes we just need to surrender to the overwhelming emotions that arise at unexpected times. Holding back and fighting them down can lead to undigested fear, sadness, anger and a plethora of other unhealthy emotions that can turn to dis-ease in the body.

If you are an empath you ‘feel’ with others, whether they be human or animal. Finding time to ground those emotions out through a few minutes of meditation can keep you healthy and protect you in the future.

Try this 15 minute meditation session if you are having trouble releasing unwanted emotions: https://melinasgarden.wordpress.com/15-minute-meditation/

Vata is associated with hollow organs such as the intestines and the lungs.
Keeping these organs clear of gaseous toxins and waste will maintain healthy Vata dosha.

Elements: Ether (space) & Air (wind)

Physical attributes: Thin, wiry, dry, sinewy, delicate, lithe, cold, irregular, chest breather, shaky

Emotional & mental attributes: Energetic, nervous, quick thinking, light sleeper, dry humor, airhead, mobile

Imbalances include but not limited to:

• Hardened Lymph Nodes
•  

Glandular Disorders (Hyper)

• Gas, bloating
• Dry skin & joints (arthritis)
• Constipation, weight loss
• Poor circulation
• Muscle spasms, shaking & cramp
• Asthma
• Cold hands & feet
• Insomnia
• Tinitus
• Anxiety, Fear, Shame, Irritable
• Indecisive

Remedies include but not limited to:

• Hydration! ~ Electrolytes – Essential Fatty Acids – Probiotics (as needed)
• Eat cooked food in bowls such as soups, stews, Broths, oatmeal
• Root vegetables
• Avoid dry, crispy, crunchy foods
• Create a daily routine – dinacharya (wake, meditation, exercise, eat & sleep)
• Apply oil to the body and feet for grounding
• Meditate on TRUST
• Practice grounding exercises
• Practice breath work (Pranayama)
• Stay out of the wind (if you can’t, then find solutions in Ayurved)
• Avoid caffeine & alcohol in excess (switch to Green Tea)
• Avoid sugar (switch to local honey) 
• Avoid gluten
• Avoid table salt (switch to sea salt) 

Take charge of your life now and make that first step! Book a 15 minute free consultation on the Shop page!