Copper Vessel Magic

An interest in yoga rarely goes very far without encountering the Ayurvedic teachings. My last blog post covered the necessity of dry brushing, an ancient technique rooted in Ayurveda. Today, I want to discuss the magic that happens when we drink water from a copper vessel – another practice found in these ancient teachings.

Here is the copper water bottle I use. It is FDA-certified and leak-proof.

As we delve more into Ayurvedic teachings here on my blog, I wanted to include a look at the etymology of the word.

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In Sanskrit, which is the also known as ‘the language of yoga’ – the word Ayurveda is literally translated to ‘life science.’ So, through these teachings, we can learn how to become more attune to the needs of our bodies.  We can view healing as something the whole body does, rather than just the ‘injured’ parts. We can learn how the systems of the body connect to function as one human organism.

Copper is considered an essential mineral for our body.  Ayurveda recommends storing water overnight in a copper jug and drinking it first thing in the morning.  The water stored this way is called ‘Tamra Jal’ and drinking this will work to balance all three doshas (Kapha, Vata and Pitta.)

Copper has an electromagnetic energy which is called Prana Shakti. Drinking water that is steeped for 3-6 hours in a copper vessel is very beneficial to the body – it helps maintain the body’s pH (acid-alkaline) balance.

Like everything else in life, the key to receiving the most benefit from this practice is balance. It is important to use this technique as a way to supplement your healthy lifestyle, but do not make this copper vessel your ONLY receptacle.

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It is advised that the best way to incorporate this extremely powerful practice is in a 3 months on/1 month off fashion.  

The following is a list of benefits you can enjoy by following the recommendation of drinking water in this way four times per week. 

  1. Anti-Aging: Say farewell to worries about fine lines and wrinkles, copper is your natural remedy.  Infused with powerful anti-oxidant and cell forming properties, copper fights off free radicals which are the main cause of oxidation in the body. Copper also aids in new cell formation. Out with the old and IN with youthful skin.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory: It is said that all sickness begins as inflammation. You can also feel inflammation in the body when you have aching joints or even arthritis. Drinking water steeped in a copper vessel can help to relieve pain in the joints caused by inflammation. In this same way, this practice can help with the relief of acne, eczema, and psoriasis (all three are evidence of inflammation).
  3. Regulates the Thyroid Gland: Experts agree that people with diseases of the thyroid have one thing in common: Low levels of copper. Copper is one of the most important trace minerals the thyroid requires to function optimally. A lack in copper will cause the deterred function of the thyroid. In this way, drinking water from a copper vessel can help to regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland.
  4. Melanin Production: Copper is the main component in the production of melanin – and melanin is the pigment that is found in our hair, skin and eyes. Say yes to brighter eyes and healthier hair! Melanin also helps to guard against sun damage and speeds up wound healing.

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Further reading from a blog partner: https://www.indianshelf.in/10-benefits-of-drinking-water-from-a-copper-vessel/

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Why You Should Dry-Brush Today

Spring is here and today I wanted to bring you a quick and simple guide to body brushing. Spring is THE perfect time to start a self-care practice like body brushing, and this blog post will explain why.

Using a stiff-bristled, natural fiber brush to gently stimulate the lymphatic system is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that I have been doing for over five years. Here is the link to the dry brush I use.

Let’s first discuss the lymphatic system in a little more detail.  This system operates along side the circulatory system. It is the network of vessels through which lymph drains from the tissues into the blood.  But unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart as its pump, the lymphatic system lacks an automated pump.

What does this mean?

We have to find ways to activate this system manually.

How can we care for the function of this very important system? Here are a few strategies we can use to improve lymphatic function:

  1. Any exercise that involves jumping
    1. Jump Squats
    2. Jump Roping
    3. Trampoline Time
  2. Dry Brushing
  3. Take time to reduce stress
    1. Yoga
    2. Pilates
    3. Deep Breathing
  4. Herbs and Ancient Remedies
    1. Milk Thistle
    2. Essiac Tea
    3. Manjistha Powder or Tea
  5. Perspiration
    1. Exercise
    2. Sauna
    3. Steam Room
    4. Hot Vinyasa Yoga
  6. Proper Hydration

Today I am focusing on body brushing in particular because it has the added benefit of getting your skin warm-weather ready through the method of topical exfoliation.

Other benefits of body brushing include:

  1. Reduced cellulite. Those lumps and bumps are the accumulation of strangled fascia and toxins. Gently stimulating blood flow across these areas will increase the drainage of unwanted build-up.
  2. Softer, exfoliated skin. Dry and flaky skin doesn’t stand a chance against your dry brush. This is something you can see immediately, the skin is instantly more smooth.
  3. Stimulating the nervous system. That’s right, not just the lymphatic system gets spoiled! You will  be able to feel the little bristles of the brush stimulating the nerve endings on the skin. You definitely feel it working.

How and when to body brush:

  1. I do it right before a shower, when skin is dry.
  2. I do it every day.  
  3. Move the brush across your limbs in the direction of your heart. Helping to move the lymph and blood towards your heart is a main component as to why this is an effective practice.

A few more tips:

  1. Be gentle. This should be stimulating, but not uncomfortable.
  2. The bristles will soften over time with continued use. This is a good thing.
  3. Access the mind/body connection during this practice! Use this as a time to praise yourself for taking a step towards a positive body image. Don’t get down on yourself.
  4. Stay consistent.
  5. The best time to brush is right before a shower, follow up with a rich body cream for luxuriously soft skin.

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