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.

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Too much of a good thing?

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Too much of a good thing?

By Erica Harris

A lot of times I am asked, "How many times should I practice yoga per week?"  Of course, this is my own personal opinion, and should yours differ, we can still be yogi friends :)  I believe in doing some form of yoga every day: even if its just a few sun salutations in the morning to wake up the body (search "Amazing Yoga" via iTunes for a great example of a sun salutations warm up).  The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 times per week.  Walking the dogs, house cleaning, or anything that gets you moving counts!

I, personally, wake every morning with a few forward folds and sun salutations (about 4-8 times will do it).  During snow boarding season I increase my warm-ups in the morning and evenings.  By moving the body we can prevent future injury.  Currently, I teach 5 classes per week.  Most classes I do very little demonstration (but I might sneak in a satisfying downward facing dog) and I usually participate in the classes abdominal work.  However, as an instructor I still require myself to attend class.  I like to attend class at least twice per week.

If you're brand new to yoga I recommend 2-3 times per week in  a group format and daily warm-ups (such as sun salutations or other forms of stretching/cardio).  With this said, it is always important to listen to your body.  If you need to rest, rest. If you need to be challenged, challenge yourself in a way that you feel energized and not pushed to injury.  My oldest rule is if it hurts don't do it (or do the modification pose). If you feel challenge, accept it and breathe into it.  

Finally, if you need a place to practice yoga in a group, check out Mighty Yoga in Ithaca: Yoga every day of the week!

Yogi Toes

As a second part of my challenge I will also try out Yogi Toes: a super absorbent towel that can be placed right on the yoga mat.  I'll be the first to admit that when I practice yoga, I sweat like a pig! Yogi Toes have been seen in such publications as: Fit Yoga, Self, Flare,Shape, and Vouge magazines (just to name a few!)  Yogi Toes come in many colors, including a Chakra Collection-

SKIDLESS® PREMIUM

 .  Once you select your unique color ( I think I will go with the blue chakra, emphasizing life and yes, sexuality ;), you're ready to use!  Place the Yogi Toes towel on your mat (towels will fit the width of the mat and about half of the length).  Yogi Toes towels are unique in that they have tiny silicone nubs or grips on the back of the towel (

SKIDLESS® PREMIUM

)

--providing optimum grip to the mat.

So, if you should happen to look over at me in one of our classes at Mighty Yoga, perhaps I won't be slipping around my mat and there will be more sweat on my towel than dripping off my face!

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Jade Yoga Mats

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Jade Yoga Mats

By Erica Harris

The Jade Yoga Mat challenge!  I have been using a plastic-based yoga mat for my entire yoga practice.  Some mats were thicker like Wai Lana, and others were beautiful designed such as Gaiam (my mat boasts of a stretched out white tree and soft green hues).  Still, if you have ever done yoga in a heated studio (or in your basement) you may find yourself slipping and sliding.  This seems to be a common question among students: how to stop sliding around or reduce mat bunching.  

I had heard of Jade mats but had never felt one or tried it.  To make such a $60 investment (sold at Mighty Yoga) I had to investigate.  Jade boasts of being "Nature's best yoga mat".  Why you ask?  Jade mats are environmentally friendly-"made in the U.S. of natural rubber containing no PVC or other synthetic rubber". Because of Jade's unusual ingredient, rubber, Jade's mat's won't slip and guarantees maximum grip when you're standing in the powerful warrior pose or hovering over the mat in crow pose.  Jade mats will also be comfortable--the optimum amount of cushion making it easier on the knees or feet in standing positions.

On the Jade website, the company boasts of Jade mat users such as Shiva Rea, Baron Baptiste, Seane Corn, and other famous yogis.  And to top icing on this rubber cake, Jade Yoga company will plant a tree for each mat purchased.

During the month of September I am going to take the Jade Yoga mat challenge.  Starting September 1st, this yogi is going to switch to Jade!  I'm thinking the purple mat is calling my name!