tringent are beneficial for the
Pitta constitution.
Kaphas need stimulation and
movement. They are like the
Turtle People, you can not hur-
ry a Kapha. The tend to be oily
and moist, so they benefit the
most from bitter and astringent
or drying herbs. Stimulating
herbs such as cayenne, ginger,
clove and cinnamon help move
the blood and promote sweating
are great for the Kapha constitu-
tion. Warm, stimulating oils
such as mustard oil makes a
great massage oil for the Kapha
person. They also benefit from
a strong, vigorous workout and
breathwork such as the breath
of fire.
In the Ayurvedic system of
medicine, we can learn from
our doshas what it is we need to
keep us in balance. Food, exer-
cise, breathwork, massage oils
and herbs can help to keep and
maintain a healthy, happy mind,
body and spirit.
In Ayurvedic medicine we
are born with a basic con-
stitution, a dosha, which is
genetically determined. It is
the energy that defines us
and governs all functions of
the body. The three doshas
are vata, pitta, and kapha. If
you would like to know
what your dosha is, turn to
page 3 and take the quiz, be
aware that you could be a
combo of two or even a
tridosha, a combo of all
three.
When our doshas become
unbalanced, we become
vulnerable to dis-ease in
the body, mind and spirit.
For example, a vata’s nerv-
ous system can be thrown
out of balance by too much
caffeine and/or movement
such as being in a car and
driving all day. We have all
seen an out of balance
Vata, they are like a nerv-
ous cat, twitching, anxious,
nervous and ready to jump
out of their skin. Calming
herbs, slow deep breathing,
meditation and a warm sesa-
me oil massage benefit Vata
energy. Foods that balance a
Vata are sweet, sour and
salty.
Pittas may become imbal-
anced and heat up. Pittas can
be control freaks when they
become imbalanced, so their
imbalance ends up in their
stomachs. They get red in the
face, sweat, get acid reflux
because their tendency is too
much fire. Therefore, raw
foods and juicing can cool a
Pitta off. Stay away from
spicy and hot foods, cool
down your digestive fire with
aloe vera drinks, cucumbers,
and watermelon. Cooling oils
such as coconut oil with
sweet fragrances of sandal-
wood, lavender and gardenia
are great massage oils for
balancing the Pitta. Foods
that are sweet, bitter and as-
Ayurveda: Balancing the Doshas
AYURVEDA: BALANCING THE DOSHAS 1
SUPERB HERB ~ TULSI 2
FOOD AS MEDICINE ~ CHERRIES 2
DOSHA CHART 3
MUSCLE OF THE MONTH ~ SARTORIUS 4
AURORA THEATER ~ FOOTLOOSE JULY 13—AUGUST 25 LET GO, LET GOD KUNDALINI YOGA & MEDITATION ~ AUGUST 4 3 PM INTRO TO SUP YOGA ~ AUG 4 9-10:30 AM L HEAD SLIP T5 REIKI I CLASS ~ AUGUST 4 9:30 AM—5:30 PM HIDDEN SUN DARK MOON MEDITATION AUG 11 AT 6:30 PM CACAO & CHAKRA CLASS AUGUST 11 AT 9 AM AT THE SHACK FARMER’S MARKET ~ EVERY WEDNESDAY AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS DOWNTOWN CORPUS CHRISTI 5-8 PM EVERY SATURDAY AT EVERHART & HOLLY CORPUS CHRISTI 9-12
August 2018
~ T H E R A P E U T I C M A S S A G E & H E R B A L H E A L T H ~
Superb Herb ~ Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Inside This Issue:
Upcoming Events:
This newsletter is pub-
lished by Chiron Holistic,
LLC. The information in
this newsletter is meant
for educational purposes.
Our passion is bringing
therapeutic massage, herb-
al health and well being to
you. Call or text (361) 877
-6900 for an appointment
today!
Chiron Holistic Closed For September
Chiron will be closed for the month of September as Sparky will be traveling
throughout the west and northwest collecting plants, hugging trees, staring at
the stars from her hammock and contemplating life. If you need any supplies
and/or massage please call this month for an appointment. Thank you!
Page 2
Superb Herb ~ Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
In Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi
or holy basil is a highly
revered herb, also known as
“Queen of Herbs” or “The
Incomparable One”. It has
been used for
some 3,000
years as medi-
cine, food, sa-
cred ceremo-
nies, and natural
insect repellant.
It is valued for
its benefits on
the spirit, mind
and body.
Tulsi is a mem-
ber of the Labi-
atae Family or
the mint family. It is native to
Asia, but can be found in
most tropical parts of the
world. It has a warming ener-
gy and is pungent and bitter.
It brings about spiritual clari-
ty. It strengthens the Qi and
Shen (mind). It fights condi-
tions associated with cold
and dampness.
as E. coli, listeria, salmonella, and
candida. It also slows the inflam-
matory process due to its flavo-
noid and eugenol properties. It is
great for circulation, digestion,
respiratory, nervous,
energetic, immune and
muscular issues. Prelimi-
nary studies have shown
it to help fight cancer and
its proliferation.
Tulsi is easy to grow
here in South Texas, just
throw out a few seeds in
the soil or a pot, water
and watch it grow. Make
sure you get the right
species as the sweet basil
(Ocimum basilicum)
does not contain all the medicinal
properties as Tulsi (Ocimum
sanctum). You can make a tea,
tincture, capsule, fresh or pesto.
Start making your pesto with
fresh basil, olive oil, garlic and
nuts (i.e. pecan, pine, walnut,
etc.). Pesto also freezes well, so
freeze some for the winter
months . Enjoy!
Holy basil is a powerful anti-
oxidant, antibacterial, antifun-
gal, and anti-inflammatory. Its
active ingredients include fla-
vonoids, triterpenes, tannins,
phenols (mainly eugenol),
minerals and vitamins. The
herb is great for digestive,
respiratory, reproductive, skin,
muscular and joint pains. The
essential oil is high in eugenol
which acts as a powerful anti-
bacterial and antiviral agent.
Research shows that it has
great efficiency against antibi-
otic resistant pathogens such
Food as Medicine ~ Cherries Who does not love this
fleshy, red drupe? I can eat
pounds of them, like popcorn,
one after another. My daugh-
ter and I would stop by the
side of the road, and get sever-
al pounds of them from the
roadside vender in Montrose,
Colorado, freshly picked that
morning, and eat them all the
way home, spreading seeds
down the highway as we trav-
eled home.
Cherries are full of antho-
cyanins, antioxidants and
melatonin. Anthocyanins
are beneficial in reducing
the risk of high cholester-
ol, high blood pressure and
diabetes. Cherries are great
for gout, the buildup of
uric acid usually in the big
toe and osteoarthritis pain.
It is the tart ones that help
with muscle pain and
swollen joints. Also the
tart cherries are a good
source of melatonin, thus
helping with insomnia and
promoting a good night’s
sleep. It is a great snack
for diabetics because of
its low glycemic index.
They are also chock full
of antioxidants thus slow-
ing down the aging pro-
cess.
One cup of cherries
equals 77 calories, 268
mg potassium, 13 grams
of sugar, vitamin A and
C, calcium, iron, B6 and
magnesium. A great and
healthy snack!
“COMFORT
IS POPULAR,
BUT COURAGE
CHANGES
LIVES.”
- JOHN O’LEARY
Page 3
Find out your dosha by circling the line that best pertains to your constitution. This means how you were born and your body type/
shape before mid-life. Add them up at the end. The one with the most is your predominant dosha. You may be a combo of two or
three.
Vata Pitta Kapha
Frame Thin, Poorly developed Moderately Developed Large, Stout, Thick
Tall, short Muscles visible Muscles not Visible
Body Weight Low Moderate Heavy
Disease Tendency Pain, Nerves Inflammation, Infection Mucus, Congestion
Heat, Fever Water
Skin Dry, Rough, Cool, Moist, Pink, Moles, Thick, Oily, Cool
Cracked, Veins Freckles, Acne, Soft
Oily, Warm
Complexion Brown, Black Fair, Red, Yellow, Pale, White
Dull Ruddy, Flushed
Hair Brown, Black, Dry Soft, Oily, Fine, Yellow Thick, Oily, Wavy
Wavy, Scanty, Coarse Red, Early Gray, Bald Dark or Light
Joints Thin, Dry, Cracking Medium, Soft, Loose Thick, Move smoothly
Unstable
Teeth Protruded, Cracked, Spaces Size Moderate, Soft, Pink Large, White, Full
Thin and Receding Gums Bleeding Gums
Eyes Active, Dry, Brown, Black Medium, Penetrating, Piercing Big, Wide, Prominent
Small, Thin, Unsteady Green, Gray, Yellow, Red Blue, Thick, Oily, White
Scerla
Elimination Constipation, Hard, Dry Loose, Soft, Oily Oily, Thick, Slow, Heavy
Activity Active, Talkative, Nervous Moderate, Mid-Length Lethargic, Stately
Short Bursts Purposeful, Goal Setting
Appetite Variable, Erratic, Low Excessive, Strong Slow, Steady
Thirst Variable Excessive Slight
Sleep Insomnia, Light Short and Sound Heavy, Deep, Long,
Excessive, Difficulty Waking
Mind Restless, Curious Aggressive, Perceptive Calm, Slow, Steady
Short Attention
Personality Strength Creativity Leadership Loyalty, Calm, Content
Personality Weakness Anxiety, Fear Jealously, Aggression Greed, Attachment
Insecurity Irritability Self-Centered
Memory Short-term Good, Sharp, Clear Slow, Good Retention
Long-Term Poor
Dreams Active, Flying, Fear, Angry, Passion, Color Water, Romance
Involved, Nightmares Fire, Conflict Few Dreams
Speech Chaotic, Continuous Cutting, Incisive Slow, Melodious,
Quick, Talkative Argumentative, Convincing Definite Reticent
TOTALS ________________ _________________ _________________
Sartorius, is the longest
muscle in the body, extend-
ing from the lateral side the
hip, crossing over the thigh
and inserting on the medial
side of the tibia. Sartorius is
the Latin word for “tailor”
because it is the muscle
used for crossing the legs. It
is also called the
“honeymoon muscle” be-
cause it causes abduction
and lateral rotation of the
hip joint, an action fre-
quently used during the
‘honeymoon’.
Sartorius is a long, thin, flat
band of a muscle. It origi-
nates at the anterior iliac
spine on the side of the hip,
descends across the hip
joint and thigh, runs across
Muscle of the Month ~ Sartorius
505 South Water Street
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Corpus Christi, TX 78401
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Website:
www.chironholistic.com
Check us out on Facebook Sparky’s Spa
Chiron Holistic, LLC is an herbal apothecary and therapeutic massage studio. Susan ‘Sparky’
Sparks began studying medicinal plants some 30+ years ago. She incorporated massage into
her practice in 2001 after studying with Dr. Rosita Arvigo, who developed special massage
techniques from Don Elijio Panti, a famous shaman from Belize. She makes herbal products
with certified organic herbs or they are ethically wildcrafted with love and prayers. Sparky
combines 17 years of massage experience in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Shiatsu, Jin Shin
Do, Tsubo, Foot Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Myofascial Release, Myoskeletal, Maya Ab-
dominal, Maternity, Burn/Scar, Onocology and Medical Massage. She is a member American
Bodywork & Massage Professionals, American Botanical Council, American Herbalist Guild,
South Texas Botanical Gardens and serves on the Advisory Board for the Texas Department
of Licensing and Regulation for Massage Therapists. She is a Qi Gong Level I Instructor and
Master Gardener. Chiron Holistic is dedicated to providing a pathway towards holistic
health. We are here to assist you on your journey towards wellness.
C H I R O N H O L I S T I C ~ S P A R K Y ’ S S P A
and down toward the medi-
al edge of the knee, yet at
the knee turns and descends
to insert on the medial side
of the tibia in the lower leg.
It is invigorated by the fem-
oral artery and the femoral
nerve.
Sartorius flexes the thigh
and rotates the hip. It is
used in flexion, abduction
and lateral rotation of the
hip. It is also used in flex-
ing the knee. We use it
while crossing the legs, sit-
ting cross legged or looking
at the bottoms of one’s feet.
As you can see, an im-
portant muscle when ad-
dressing the hip flexors or
any knee problems.