Moksha Yoga...hot hot hot

I'm a little behind with my posts, but I have wanted to share with you my recent experience with Moksha yoga. When I was living in Toronto as a naturopathic student I used to do this form of yoga on a regular basis, but since moving to Barrie, I haven't had the opportunity to continue (the closest studio is in Vaughn). Recently however my good friend and neighbour Terri Ann and I have made a commitment to try to get a class in once a week. We made our first trip last week and boy was it worth it! It's 90 min of an amazing yogo workout in a HOT room. You are drenched with sweat by the end and have an incredible feeling of peace (I actually felt that I burned off all the adrenaline that is normally coursing through my veins!). This style of yoga is excellent for most people, however it's extremely beneficial for individuals with poor circulation, those that are perpetually cold and as an adjunct to a naturopathic detox program. It's been worth the commute to Vaughn!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Wow it's been cold outside!!

So I think it's pretty safe to say that many of us are feeling the post-holiday, long cold winter January slump! This is the time of year where we no longer have the holidays to look forward to and the winter wonderland now just looks like a gray, cold and uninviting place to be. I'm finding that with two small kids this weather is getting to me as well, as I'm feeling a little limited with my activities. It's time to get creative. First off, as a naturopathic doctor I encourage everyone to be taking vitamin D during this time - not only for it's immune stimulating activity, but for it's effect on mood/depression during this time. I don't know about you, but I haven't been in the 'sunlight' for a while now! Secondly, be determined to find some indoor activities to keep you going. Doing your exercise indoors is a great option - treadmills, mini-trampoline or yoga are all great. Next, find some fun things to do with the family that doesn't require snow-suits! We've been making more trips to the Rec centre for family swim times. There's also indoor playgrounds, Chapters, Library and various play-groups for those with young children. And finally, at the first opportunity of milder weather, bundle up and get outside. Even with the limited sunshine, natural light has a mood elevating effect! And that's my naturopathic prescription!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

My Family Chicken soup recipe

So I thought I'd share a traditional soup recipe that was made for me as a little girl whenever I got sick (it's true what they say about the healing power of chicken soup). Now, whenever anyone in my family has the sniffles/colds/flus, this soup is the first thing I make. I'm pretty sure it's been passed down through several generations, with only a few small changes! I hope you like it, and I hope it warms you from the inside out.

Anna's Chicken Soup:
Chicken drumsticks (10-12) or leg & thighs (6-8)
8-10 carrots
2 parsnips
2 stalks of celery
2 medium onions
4 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste

If you can use organic produce, even better. Use chicken that has bone in it (avoid using breasts), the bones release lots of minerals. Chop all your veggies. Put everything in a pot and cover with water. Simmer for 1.5 hrs. Adjust salt and pepper at the end. I like to add a splash of Bragg's seasoning for extra richness. I cook rice pasta or brown rice separately and add it to the bowls as I serve them (to prevent them from getting too mushy/starchy) - this is my naturopathic spin on the traditional recipe!
Enjoy!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!