Health Fact:

Clotting of blood in the winter months, caused by cold weather, leads to the majority of heart attacks and strokes occurring in winter months.

Aristotle recorded 2,300 years ago, his observations of brown bears “fattening before winter, and then going the entire winter without eating.” Brian Barnes, director of the Institute of Arctic Biology in Alaska, studied hibernation for 40 years, positing ‘hibernation is an adaptation to an anticipation of famine.’ He proved that an animal can ‘manipulate every cell’s need for energy and oxygen plus reduce heat production” thus curtailing its need for fuel when food is scarce. And by avoiding such stresses as hunger and bad weather, hibernating species live longer than those that do not.

Humanity, part mammal and part divine……here comes winter. Just as the brown bear plans to finish the winter restored and refreshed, we too foresee the Spring, reborn and full of potential. We naturally batten down the hatches before the winds arrive, preserving food, sealing the house, making the interior nest comfortable and warm. Our body has instincts in this season because there are real, observable changes in our physiology.

We have biological reflexes that keep our core temperature steady at 98.6 so our cells and organs are protected from damage. So when we feel the cold, our blood vessels constrict a bit, and our blood becomes a little thicker.  This triggers slower, shallower breaths. And our immune system also slows down a bit. These are all normal responses to cold weather. Our mind interprets these changes and seeks to  preserve our energy, lay on the fat, and incubate through the toughest part of the dark months of winter. If only the demands of life could support this perfect mammalian sadhana (a retreat with a spiritual practice and goal).

The urge, at least here in Michigan, to pull the comforter up over our head is about to become very strong. Knowing that, we can prepare for a successful immersion after 2-3 months of snow-gazing in your comfy sweater:

A human version of hibernation can become a thoughtful mode of being that is profoundly restorative if you prepare for and embrace the opportunity. What can you do today to prepare for the dark and cold of winter, making it transformative for you and your family?

Om Shanti, Shreejan

Service Spotlight:

Shirodhara

Every year in October we begin our Shirodhara series. ‘Shiro’ means head and ‘dhara’ means pouring. Shirodhara is a practice of pouring warm, medicated oil over the forehead in a steady stream for an amount of time. At Sita Wellness, our shirodhara service lasts 45 minutes, and ends with a scalp massage to stimulate regrowth of hair, and release of pent up tension in the upper neck. This service soothes the hypothalamus, which activates the regulation of the pituitary gland. It reduces elevated serotonin levels and stress hormones. It is an effective treatment for those suffering from stress, headaches, eye strain, lack of focus, and insomnia. The service is booked as a series of three, which are conducted in the evenings after 5 PM. Book yours today! 

“Time, nature, necessity, accident, elements, energy, intelligence - None of these can be the First Cause. They are effects, whose only purpose is to help the Self rise above pleasure and pain.” -Upanishads

By Shreejan Sita

When the leaves change colors, fall from their branches, and drift away across the landscape, we are witnessing Vata in nature - the energy of movement. When the summer flowers finish their lifespan, become dry and rough, and return to the earth as primary elements we can understand the Vata characteristic of aging, cycling, and satisfying the grasp of time over matter. And when a deer leaps, a bird flits about, or a squirrel moves in and out of his branch home with winter stock, we can see Vata at work in wildlife. Without this energy which can move things, the other doshas - Pitta (growth) and Kapha (strength) cannot operate and our world would come to a standstill.

By watching nature unfold in this season, we can come to understand how Vata and its companion energies animate us.  (Continue reading here...)

Oct. 25, Nov 29 6-8 pm

Trataka: Fixed Eye Gaze Meditation

Book Here.

Dec 7, 5-7 pm:  Hatha Yoga for the Eyes 

Book Here 

Jan. 19:  Pretty Handsome Healthy Party     9-12 Ladies;    1-4 Couples

Book Here 

We should eat only when we are hungry. So what if we aren’t hungry when it’s time to eat? Deepana to the rescue. Deepana means kindling. Deepana therapy is a crucial approach to health in Ayurveda. It refers to the appetizing component of GI health, a digestive that stimulates agni (appetite).  Deepana means the activation of digestive strength, which involves the stoking of metabolic fire.

When the digestive fire is robust, it ignites other fires within the body and mind, promoting overall well-being and health. And because all diseases are rooted in unsatisfactorily subdued agni, we pay special attention to ensuring our appetite is strong, especially when it is threatened by weather.

In the colder months, some constitutions, especially those who are primarily cold (Vata and Kapha), have poor or irregular appetites. The flame of appetite is regulated by our successful production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. There are several Deepana substances that promote the secretion of gastric juices and aid in digestion, depending on the person’s specific constitution. But everyone can enjoy chewing on a whole cardamom pod to stimulate appetite about 30 minutes before meal time.

Ayurveda considers Autumn as a breeding season for all diseases because of the aggravation or reduction of Pitta (fire) dosha – and agni digestive fires. Here is a list of suggestions for managing this season:

Dr. Vaishali Gautam Kamut, Ayurveda Physician with Sita Wellness

“My aim is to create a space where everyone can discover inner peace, strength, and a reconnect with their bodies, as I did!” --Kaitlyn Johns 

Kaitlyn brings this personal mission to every encounter whether it is as a full-time yoga teacher in a class or an individual basis with her continued studies in Ayurvedic Technics in natural and holistic approach to physical and mental health. Her 200-hours of yogic training in Goa, India, created a passion in sharing the asanas (movement), Pranayama (breath work) and meditation (calming the mind).

Her continuation of that training into yoga therapy have allowed her to share that same passion to encourage self-care to get the most out of life.  Her goal is for every student to be able to rejuvenate their body and mind by finding stability, grounding, and ease of breath on their mat and to carry this with them throughout their day.  

By blending her studies of yoga lineages and styles including Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin and Iyengar, she provides calming classes that slow down the breath and movement and yet are challenging and build strength. Afterwards, you will notice a sense of lightness, and a revitalized body and mind. Find out how to connect with Kaitlyn on the mat HERE.

Kaitlyn Johns provides Shirodhara to a client.

Since meeting Shree, Kaitlyn has been working at Sita Wellness learning the ancient methods of healing. She brings a sense of calm using her hands and heart whether through reflexology (foot massage) or head and shoulder Marma massage.

Eight lucky students will learn Hatha Yoga for the Eyes protocol to improve overall vision (myopia and hyperopia) and focus. This simple protocol is done daily to retain the integrity of the eye's anatomy.

5-7 PM Thursday Dec. 7, 2024 

Trataka (Fixed Eye Gaze) workshop, to improve eyesight and reduce anxiety and depression, and increase focus. This is the method Shree used to eliminate her epileptic seizures and has been teaching it to others, including children with ADHD and elders with Parkinsons, since 1986. The workshop is run monthly, and seats only 8 students in each workshop. Raold Dahl wrote a short story about this famous technique.

This workshop is contraindicated for those currently suffering a diagnosed seizure disorder such as epilepsy. For those students, a separate workshop is offered. Please inquire at shree@sitawellness.com

Other Happenings:

Retreat to India October 2025 Information Sessions virtual and in community

Shreejan's Book Launch: Yogecology - Spirit in the Soil