“Yoga Nidra, which is derived from the tantras, is a powerful technique in which you learn to relax consciously. In yoga nidra, sleep is not regarded as relaxation. People feel they are relaxing when they collapse in an easy chair with a cup of coffee, a drink or a cigarette, and read a newspaper or switch on the television. But this will never suffice as a scientific definition of relaxation. These are only sensory diversions. True relaxation is actually an experience far beyond all this. For absolute relaxation you must remain aware. This is yoga nidra, the state of dynamic sleep.” – Swami Satyananda Saraswati more…

Stress is a natural condition of life – any change in our external or internal environment creates a need for the body to balance the effects of that change.

Stress creates the opportunity for growth – physically and mentally. The important point is that periods of stress must be followed by periods of recovery for growth to occur – otherwise, instead, there is damage or burnout. This is the principle that is used in world-class athletic training – and can be applied to all aspects of life. more…

People have been having colds and influenza (flus) since the beginning of Time (and remember, Time was invented by humans!). Epidemics started not long after, and flu pandemics now occur every year.

The main distinguishing features between cold and flu symptoms, are that flus are often accompanied by muscle aches and high temperatures. Flu in addition tends to infect the lungs and cause  more malaise (feeling “under the weather”). more…

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Natural health is all about understanding the influences around you – your foods, local geography and climate, the seasons; and even the clothes and gemstones you wear, and the positions of the planets and stars!

The seasons of Spring and Autumn represent major shifts in energy – Spring being the time of renewed vigour and the rising sap; and Autumn the time of slowing down, of withdrawing for hibernation and rest. In traditional societies, Autumn is the time of the final harvests; processing and storing foods; and preparing for the short days and cold, dark nights of Winter. more…

Pain can be emotionally and physically exhausting, and many people are searching for safe and effective solutions – yet there have been natural solutions for pain for thousands of years!

Science of Life is now offering a holistic approach that includes herbal anti-inflammatories, ayurvedic massage therapies, diet and lifestyle recommendations, gentle exercise – and the latest technology, called Microcurrent Electrical Therapy (MET). more…

Turmeric is a root that is often used in East Asian cooking, and is now being recognised as a herb brimming with health-giving and health-restoring properties. It is called haldi in Hindi, haridra in Sanskrit and goes by the botanical name of Curcuma longa. more…

The easiest way to make lasting positive changes in your life is to have a daily routine. This provides a structure for your health improvement plan. Daily routines have been recommended by ayurvedic texts for over 2,000 years! I have taken some of these recommendations, and modified them to our modern needs and resources. Commit to doing your routine for 40 days, and it will become a habit. more…

Author: Maya Tiwari (now Swamini Mayatitananda)

Publisher: Healing Arts Press, USA

Paperback; 368 pages

Available from amazon.com

A comprehensive guide to ayurvedic nutrition and cooking by a pre-eminent female authority on Ayurveda. This book gives a clear introduction to the principles of Ayurveda, including the body types (doshas); and how to apply them in a way that promotes not only health but also spiritual wellbeing. more…