Retreat vs. Vacation

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Our yoga room at Peace Retreat, where the jungle symphony will serenade you through every asana.

Did you ever feel like you need a vacation after your vacation?

I went on my first yoga retreat as a “research trip.”  I love to travel. I love yoga. How can I combine the two…oh, right, a yoga retreat!  So I  spent one week in Tulum Mexico making connections with people I now consider dear friends, eating delicious fresh prepared meals in an idyllic beach front setting.  I was convinced that not only is this the best way to vacation, but I also wanted to share it with my own yoga community.  And our first Hot Yoga Ayurvedic retreat was born.  We’ve since journeyed Tulum, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Mount Hood Oregon, Outer Banks, North Carolina, and now we’re heading to Costa Rica.

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Ayurvedic meals will be provided twice per day. So you can feel good, fuel your yoga practice, and focus on you and the rest and relaxation you need.

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Make yoga adventure memories with us!

Think about the activities that make up the usual vacation.  Excessive exposure to sun, traveling in cars or planes, over eating, drinking, and planning. No wonder you didn’t relax on vacation…you didn’t even have timeC

Now think about a retreat.  Your meals are all healthy, tasty, Ayurvedically balanced, and prepared for you at regular mealtimes. There are yoga, Ayurvedic workshops, meditation, and pranayama classes all day long, which you may or may not attend.  The environment is quiet, peaceful, and relaxing with no shortage of salty fresh air and sea.  There will be on site discounted massage therapists and body workers at your service offering high quality therapies.  The company is like minded…we are all here to relax, do yoga and be well.

Consider taking a yoga retreat instead of a vacation.  You’ll return to your daily life truly energized, rejuvenated, and ready to start from scratch all over again. This time, let us do the planning for your vacation.  Our next yoga and Ayurveda retreat adventure takes place in Costa Rica, at Peace Retreat, located in the town of Playa Negra, along the stunning Pacific Gold Coast in the Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, near Tamarindo.

 

 

For more information, visit hotyogaphiladelphia.com/retreat or email info@hotyogaphiladelphia.com.

 

Self Healing Through Ayurveda Workshop Series

Ayurveda is all about self care. In order to implement lasting changes we need to educate ourselves! Join Half Moon Ayurveda practitioners Mary Rider and Katelynn Ingersoll for a series of educational workshops to kickstart your self healing process. These workshops will be held at our clinic located at 1520 Sansom Street, on 4th floor of  the Hot Yoga Philadelphia studio.

Daily Routine with Mary Rider March 13th 6:30 – 8pm

In this workshop we’ll learn simple, effective Ayurvedic techniques you can incorporate into your daily routine to restore energy, inner peace and overall well being. Learn how to nourish the five senses through ancient practices like self massage and the use of herbalized oils.  Theses time tested Ayurvedic therapies help us age gracefully and offer tools to stay calm through the storm of our daily lives.

Marma Therapy with Katelynn March 20th 6:30 – 8pm

In this workshop, we’ll learn how to utilize the 108 Vital Energy Centers, known as Marma Points. Similar to acupressure, these points provide access your inner pharmacology and stimulate deep healing.  We’ll discover uses and indications of these points so you can use them for healing of specific ailments. Discover simple, therapeutic touch as a healing method. 

Both workshops are hands on, full sensory experiences and space is limited.

25 dollar investment per workshop, 40 dollars for both.

Enroll before March 1st for a 10% early bird discount.

Register here

Ayurvedic Smoothie: Date Almond Shake

Ayurveda teaches us to eat seasonally, locally, and fresh.  The simple answer to the “what do I eat for my dosha??” question can be found at your local farmers market. Ok. So let’s get real here. It’s the dead of winter in the northeast US and whose going out to farmers markets? What’s even growing out there in this weather? This is your indicator that now is not the time for spring vegetables and fruits. In the winter, we should avoid  delicate fruits that grow in the spring and summer – like “spring mix” or berries of any sort. For all you self proclaimed health nuts out there, this may put a damper on your smoothie / salad options. As for salad, stick to steamed kale this time of year. You’re getting the same micronutrients and fiber, only your digestion will be able to handle it better. For your winter smoothie, I’ve been a fan of this date almond shake lately.  It’s packed full of ojas, (aka  life essence) building dates.  This makes it good for the nervous, reproductive and muscle tissue.  And who can argue with almonds? They were recently rated numero uno on BBC’s list of 100 most nutritious foods. Rich in mono-unsaturated fats helping to combat cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Swap this shake out for one of your berry smoothies and you won’t be disappointed. In nutrition, or in taste.  For added nutrition, you can add a serving of your favorite micro green or super food supplement powder.

Ingredients
  • One handful of raw, not roasted, almonds (about ⅔ cup) soaked overnight and peeled (if possible)
  • 4-5 medjool dates, soaked overnight
  • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 cups spring water
Directions
  • Drain the almonds and the dates
  • Place almonds, dates, and maple syrup in a blender
  • Add enough water to cover the mixture completely, and as needed for blending
  • Blend until smooth

Ayurvedic Spring Cleanse

Why seasonal cleanse?

For over five years, we have been leading guided seasonal cleanses. Join Mary and Katelynn for a modern approach to Ayurvedic detoxification.Ayurveda recommends we detoxify our bodies at the juncture of two seasons in order to remove built up ama, or toxic sludge, from the previous season.  Doing so keeps our bodies and minds ready for the upcoming seasonal elements.  The best time for a fall seasonal cleanse is October and November. After the heat of the summer has passed and before the deep cold of the winter sets in. We’re offering this program now through December.  You can start your week long cleanse whenever is convenient for you.  For more reading about the science of seasonal cleansing, check out this informational video.

 

What is included in your seasonal Ayurvedic cleanse?

We’ve got options for every budget and are ready to guide you in any way you desire.  It is a one week program.  We provide all the ingredients – organic herbs, medicated oils, food, organic herbal teas instructions, and schedule. You do the food and meal preparation in the comfort of your home. Coaching calls, consultations, and Ayurvedic treatments are available, depending on the program you choose.  See options below. While it is best to rest and relax as much as possible during your week of detoxification, it is possible to work while doing the program.

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit Only

Your Ayurvedic cleanse kit includes all the supplies you need for a do it yourself week of detoxification. We provide instructions and scheduling for your week of rejuvenation and renewal.  This is a great kickstart to your healing process. $90 purchase online here.

Fully Guided Cleanse Option

This is our favorite option. You’ll start your week off with an Ayurvedic consultation and we’ll customize your program together.  You’ll do the meal and herbal preparation, but we’ll be by your side every step of the way via text messages and daily coaching calls.  This package includes the cleanse kit plus a detoxifying full body Ayurvedic spa treatment. $345 purchase online here.

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit + Treatment 

Want the do it yourself option, but also want to treat yourself to the Ayurvedic spa treatment? Then this is your package.  Basically this option gives you a discount on the kit and the spa treatment, as a package deal. $240 purchase online here

Complete Customized Option

Beginning with a consultation with one of our certified Ayurvedic practitioners, together we’ll decide which treatments, herbs, and meal plan will work to meet your detoxification goals.

Pricing of this option varies. Please email halfmoonayurveda@gmail.com to start the conversation.


Please email Katelynn & Mary at halfmoonayurveda@gmail.com after your purchase so we can arrange for pickup of your kit and scheduling of your treatment and consults. We look forward to serving you this season!  We are also standing by to answer any questions you may have about the process.

Ayurveda Meal Prep – Healthy Eating for Spring Cleaning

A cooking class wIth Mary, Katelynn and Sean

Tired of the “what do I eat to feel good” dilemma???

On Saturday, May 12th from 1-3pm Katelynn will open her home kitchen for a very special afternoon Ayurvedic cooking class. In this intimate session, we’ll prepare (and of course eat!) a palete pleasing medicinal meal appropriate for the spring season.

You’ll leave with practical, easy food prep tips and techniques to get you started on a path to healthy eating.

Let thy medicine be thy food

Price: $25, includes a hearty Ayurvedic lunch

Location: 20 St. James Court, Philadelphia 19106

Register: Online here. 

Limited space!

 

Holiday Eating Survival Guide

Ayurveda teaches us that our Agni (metabolism, or digestion) is everything, and that one who has perfect Agni will have perfect health.  We celebrate the holidays with family and friends with elaborate meals and parties.  This year, instead of bringing in the new year with extra pounds and guilt from over indulgence, remember the teachings of Ayurveda with these very simple tips and practices.  Make your Agni bulletproof.  Before your holiday party or dinner, keep these simple things in mind:

  • During the day before a large meal or holiday party, Kapha types can fast.  Vata and Pitta types should take simple foods like kitcharee or rice with steamed vegetables and ghee.
  • Sip warm water throughout the day to kindle the digestive fire in preparation.
  • Avoid the snack table. Instead of munching on hors d’oeuvres and cheese and crackers, opt for a full meal.  Th
    is may seem counter intuitive, but nibbling bombards digestion and doesn’t leave room for the fire to burn.  Make a full plate.  Eat it. Then mingle!
  • 30 minutes before you eat, drink 8 ounces of water.  Eat your MEAL (not snacks). Wait a full hour before taking more liquids or water. Again, we are trying to kindle the fire so that digestion can happen.  Excessive liquids taken after a meal will extinguish the fire.
  • Avoid iced or carbonated drinks.  Opt instead for a glass of wine.
  • This one might be over ambitious, but give it a try: exercise or do yoga in the morning! There’s no better way to kindle Agni.
  • If you’re the cook, be sure to use plenty of metabolism kindling spices like cumin, coriander, fennel and ginger. Avoid snacking while cooking.
  • I decided to save the best news for last. Eat your sweets first. Salad last. It’s the nature of the chemical digestion process. Think of a fire. If we throw kindling on it (lettuce, or a salad), it will flicker and soon die. If we put a nice log on the fire, it will burn for hours and hours.

Oh, and have fun. May you be present and full of grace during the holiday season and always!

This Holiday Season, Give Healing. Give Ayurveda.

Half moon ayurveda gift cards are here.

With a Half Moon Ayurveda gift card, the recipient will be able to choose from a variety of classical Ayurvedic treatments, acupuncture, Thai bodywork, or traditional massage.  Email the gift certificate directly to the recipient, or print at home and hand deliver.

Browse our services here.

Gift cards are available in any amount and can be used for any product or service.

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 **Please note, when you purchase a gift card online, you will receive a printable gift card OR a link to email to the recipient. You will be given the option to personalize a note to include with your gift card at check out. **

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Ayurveda For The Whole Family

Join Ayurvedic practitioners Katelynn and Suzanne for a weekend of wellness for the whole family.

Saturday + Sunday

November 4th and 5th  1-3pm


 

Day 1 (Saturday)  :: Women’s Health with Katelynn

Screen Shot 2017-09-21 at 12.30.59 PMDemystify and even befriend your cycle, using it as a barometer for your overall wellbeing.  Experience freedom from common ailments through daily routine practices based on the science of Ayurveda.

 

 


 

Day 2 (Saturday) ::  Pediatrics with Suzanne

Are Screen Shot 2017-09-21 at 12.32.44 PMyou sick of your child always having a runny nose or being constipated? Are you tired of constantly giving your children snacks but then wrestling them to eat an actual meal?  Do you wish your children ate healthier, but then again you’re not even sure what it means to eat well? Are you worried about the pollutants and chemicals your children are exposed to daily? Learn how to raise balanced and blissful children through the simple, practical, and effective wisdom of Ayurveda. Just a few changes in diet, lifestyle, and routine can make a world of difference for your entire family’s sanity and well-being.

30 for each, 50 for the weekend.  

Childcare + kids yoga will be provided during the workshops. $10 drop in

Enroll here, for one or both of the workshops.

Self Administration of Nasya Oil

Nasya oil has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of diseases of the head and neck.  Though it can be curative, the strength of this remedy lies in its protective / preventative properties which work in the nasal passageways, stopping pathogens and allergens before they enter the respiratory tract and cause inflammation.

For acute conditions or high allergy days, use this oil every 2-3 hours.  For prevention and general maintenance of the nasal passageways and mucous membranes, use once every day, preferably in the am, after bathing.

Indications for nasya oil:

  • Allergies
  • Frequent colds
  • Headaches
  • TMJ
  • Teeth / jaw grinding
  • Epilepsy
  • Parkinson’s
  • Bell’s palsy

Our favorite nasya oil:

For more of Katelynn’s at home Ayurvedic allergy remedies, click here.

Screen Shot 2017-04-01 at 12.52.30 PMAbout the author: Katelynn Ingersoll, BSN, RN is a practitioner of Ayurveda, yoga studio owner, and non-profit founder.  You can find her at her spot in center city Philadelphia where she teaches workshops, sees clients, and practices yoga.  For questions, or to schedule a consultation contact her at 610.462.1352 or email halfmoonayurveda@gmail.com.