Health and Enlightenment

The Newsletter of Maharishi Vedic Health Center at Lancaster, MA

June 2007

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In this issue:

• A Cooler Summer, Inside and Out
• Cooling and Nourishing Facial Mask
• Contact Us

A Cooler Summer, Inside and Out

According to Ayurveda—the world’s oldest system of holistic health care—each season has a distinct influence on our mind-body balance. This is especially true when we are exposed to extremely hot or cold weather, or other climatic challenges such as excessive dryness, humidity or wind. As we are approaching the summer season, here are some Ayurvedic recommendations to help you stay balanced and comfortable:

Cooling Drinks:

These traditional Ayurvedic drinks should be served at room temperature or slightly cooler, never ice cold. Favor organic ingredients whenever possible. Ingredients marked with an * are available at Indian grocery stores or online. You can try different recipes on different days or use the one(s) you enjoy the most.

1. Summer Lassi I Blend ¼ cup of plain fresh yogurt (homemade is best), ½ tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of sugar (or powdered rock sugar*) for 15 seconds. Add ¾ cups of water and blend for about one minute. Take one cup at 11 AM and another one at 4 PM.
2. Summer Lassi II: Blend ¼ cup of plain yogurt, 1 tsp of honey, and 10 drops of lemon juice in a blender for 15 seconds. Add ¾ cup of water and blend for about one minute. Take in the afternoon, between 3:30 and 5 PM. (If you take Lassi I in the morning, this recipe can replace the afternoon serving of Lassi I.)
3. Coconut water: Take one cup of water from a fresh green coconut* and add one ½ tsp of sugar. This drink can be taken several times per day to protect the body from excess heat.
4. Kanjee water: Cook ¼ cup of white Basmati rice in 4 cups of water for about 30 minutes, until the rice is very soft. Strain the water and place it in a pitcher. You can take 1 cup of this water 2-3 times per day. Add 3 pinches of rock salt and ¼ tsp of Amalaki* powder to each serving and mix well. (back to top)

Cooling and Nourishing Facial Mask

Traditionally, this creamy mask is prepared with fresh yogurt made from raw, non-homogenized cow’s milk. Such yogurt has a layer of cream on the top, which is the key ingredient in this recipe. If you don’t have access to non-homogenized milk, make or buy regular plain yogurt.

Ingredients: 4 tsp of “yogurt cream” or plain yogurt, 1 tsp of sandalwood powder*, and ¼ tsp of neem powder*

Mix all ingredients together and apply to clean face with your fingers (instead of using a spatula) in the following sequence: under eyes, upper eyelids, tip of the nose, upper lip, lower lip, then the rest of the face. Next, gently massage the entire facial skin with your fingertips (omitting the thumbs and using only the fingertips, not flat parts) for up to 10 minutes. Leave the mask on for 20 more minutes. Lie down and relax if possible. Wash the face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

This mask can be done daily. It nourishes and protects the delicate facial skin from the summer heat and dryness. On the more relaxed days, when you are not wearing make up, you can also use this mixture instead of your regular facial cream—just use a very small amount. (back to top)

Contact Us

For more information on our programs please call (toll free) 877-890-8600. You can also email us at info@lancasterhealth.com.

© 2007 Maharishi Vedic Health Center. All rights reserved.
® Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health, Transcendental Meditation, Maharishi Rejuvenation, and Maharishi Vedic Health Center are trademarks licensed to Maharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation and used under sublicense or with permission.
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