Yoga for the Common Cold

By Erica Harris

With all the talk of the flu and and colds starting to rear its ugly head in the workplace and at school, what can the healthy conscious do?  Even after taking vitamins, eating healthy, and exercising, we still might contract a virus.  For many years I used to suffer with the "strep throat" virus, or Streptococcus bacteria.  Common symptoms are: difficulty shallowing, general discomfort in the throat area, swelling or reddening in the throat, or fever that begins suddenly.  One of the purest ways to temporarily relieve pain is by ingesting honey or hot tea with honey.  A woman I used to work with swore by Organic Throat Coat ®.  Its a little thicker than most teas and has a licorice flavor.  The tea is a soothing blend of organic licorice root  [PhEur] 760 mg, Organic slippery elm bark  [USP] 80 mg, Organic licorice root dry aqueous extract (8:1) 60 mg, Organic marshmallow root  [PhEur] 60 mg. Another way to alleviate throat discomfort is through yoga. For example, go to a quiet place and come into lion pose (see below). You can sit with legs crossed if this is more comfortable, or on the back of the heels. Place the hands on the knees (palms down) and fingers outstretched.  Imagine that all the new breath is flowing through the crown of your head, down the throat, into the belly, and shooting out the fingertips.  Open the mouth nice and wide, sticking out the tongue and say "haaaaaaaaaa" (just like at the doctor's office).  Try looking upwards or between the eyes (but without crossed eyes)  Why does it work?  Not only does this pose prevent the signs of aging by tightening the neck and sliming the facial muscles, it also releases the muscle in the throat.  Many professional singers use this pose to preserve their voices and to literally exercise their vocal cords. In ancient tests, it is said that lion pose destroys diseases and promotes immediate well-being.  Its best to perform this pose at the first onset of a sore throat (but it can be down later too).

A Healthy Journey by Erica Harris

So, I've been going to my local watering hole, Coffee Mania, for the last 2 years. I have completely abandoned my grande skinny latte from the big chain store Starbucks and am full heartedly embracing good local businesses.  This business is unique since they roast their own beans.  The owners Craig and Michelle are absolutely obsessed with quality and freshness.  Their kids work behind the register, they drink and breathe coffee--people with a true passion for their work and passion for their coffee.  They established their own artisan-roasted coffee in Cortland to meet the demand for roasted coffee.  Tiny drive thru Coffee Mania stands were placed in the Cortland and central NY area for connivence.  In 2008 the owners opened their local shop called "Origins" by Coffee Mania.  This is a cozy, modern-styled cafe situated between route 281 and route 90. A warm electric fireplace, small tv to keep up with the news is nestled in a small corner.  There are also bar seating that overlooks traffic with large open windows.  There is even a small private table to conduct business meetings or share a tea pot service with friends.  The selection of fresh roasted coffee, (that can often be seen delivered by Michelle, a busy mom and roaster), and various coffee accessories makes this cafe more than just a cafe.  What keeps me coming back week after week?  Sure, anyone can make coffee at home. I even own my own espresso machine to make lattes.  The smiles on the baristas faces keeps me coming.  They are always quick to recognize me (even by name) and even offer suggestions to try a new drink or pastry.  They take the conversation slow with that good old "southern hospitality" (I know, I'm in the north now) yet, still being poised and professional.

So, the newest drink I am trying, (besides a cold chai with 2 shots of espresso) is Mona-Vie.  It caught my eye in its sleek wine bottle and bright foil-colored neck (ok, so I thought it WAS wine!)  When I asked what this intriguing drink was the staff was quite knowledgeable about its contents and to my surprise health benefits.  Mona-Vie: the premier Açaí (ah-sigh-ee) blend (look for the purple top) is packed with a blend of 19 fruits, including the Açaí berry. So, what is the Açaí berry? The Açaí berry is a superfood-which is a high phytonutrient content said to have high nutritional benefits.  The berry has been described as an explosion of berry flavors and chocolate undertones. The berry is picked in the rain forests of Brazil. It was mentioned as the number 1 superfood on Oparh's top picks.  The pulp contains a concentration of antioxidants that help with premature aging, and 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes, blueberries, and even red wine.  As a result many people have claimed weight loss, better health, and over all sense of well-being.

Mona-Vie comes in 3 different varieties: purple (original blend), green (targets healthy joints) and red (targets cholesterol).  My husband and I are taking a 90 day challenge this flu season.  At the end of our day (along with a daily multi-vitamin and excerise) we are consuming a 4-oz shot of Mona-Vie. In just 4 oz of Mona-Vie, this delicious juice has "the equivalent antioxidant capability to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables!" (from the approved claims list from www.monavie.com)

So, if you see Brad and I out in town--ask us how we are feeling! Its been 7 days of our challenge and we both feel great.  It tastes good and its a nice after dinner treat. We hope that you also take the challenge to reduce your chances of getting the flu this season.  Salut and bottoms up!

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: A New Approach to Homework and Finals

By Erica Harris

It wasn’t too long ago that I was writing 14-page research papers or memorizing the conjugations of French verbs.  During these times of little sleep and high levels of stress, myself and many students found it helpful to take a break.  Some reconnected with the world by going to bars or parties. However, a new growing trend of students found harmony through yoga.

Why practice yoga? Weather you already have a workout routine or are just looking for something new yoga has the perfect balance of cardio (raising the heart rate), stretching, and mindfulness.  Some athletes find yoga a helpful way to stretch and build arm, leg, and abdominal strength.  Some of the many benefits include: back pain relief, weight loss, improvements of flexibility, detoxification (great after a night out or one too many bags of potato chips!), toning of muscles, improved balance, improved posture, reduced stress, increased strength and energy, and much more! (find more reasons at   www.YogaJournal.com

Never practice yoga before? Yoga can be done by anyone.  If you can sit down and stand back up you can do yoga.  Check out Mighty Yoga where there are all levels and all ages classes in a Power Yoga format.  Power Yoga is a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga (or literally “constant flow” from one pose to another).  Power Yoga is as challenging as you want it to be and will leave you feeling both energized and relaxed.  

Erica Harris teaches Yoga at various studios in Cortland, Ithaca, and Dryden.  Check her website for all class schedules:  HYPERLINK "http://www.EricaHarrisYoga.com" www.EricaHarrisYoga.com and for past “Confessions of a Yoga Instructor” check out my blog http://EricaHarrisYoga.blogspot.com

Jade Yoga Mat: Purple!

Today was my first class with my new Jade Yoga mat and Yogi Toes I purchased at Mighty Yoga in Ithaca.  I am already impressed!  I wasn't thrilled to dish out the amount it would cost to buy at least 5 plastic mats--but now I can see and feel the quality.  I sweat-a lot--and this mat and towel soaked it all up (yuck!).  My mat never slipped and I even felt better comfort and support in any poses on my knees or back.  

I look forward to using my mat and I encourage anyone else who is looking for a no-slip mat to choose a Jade mat.