How to Do Abhyanga: Warm Oil Massage for Stress Relief and Better Sleep

How to Do Abhyanga: Warm Oil Massage for Stress Relief and Better Sleep

Here in the Northeast, we get dry and chilly in winter. The ancient Ayurvedic practice of abhyanga, a massage using specific warm oils, can be done by an Ayurvedic professional, or you can do it yourself as a daily practice. Abhyanga has transformed the quality of my winter skin and made me feel calmer and more balanced.

This deeply nourishing ritual supports your body, mind and spirit. It promotes relaxation, detoxification, and metabolic health. Whether you’re new to Ayurveda or a seasoned practitioner, incorporating abhyanga into your daily routine can profoundly affect your overall well-being.

Just What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that involves massaging your entire body with warm oil. The word “abhyanga” translates to “oil massage” in Sanskrit (an ancient language). This holistic practice is rooted in the Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, which emphasizes balancing the body’s constitutional energies (doshas) to promote health and prevent disease.

The oils used in abhyanga are typically infused with herbs tailored to an individual’s dosha type (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha). Sesame oil, coconut oil, and mustard oil are common base oils, each offering unique therapeutic benefits. The practice is believed to improve circulation, enhance lymphatic drainage, and rejuvenate the body.

Here’s what my abhyanga set-up looks like: 

pyrex bowl on a coffe cup heater, with 2 oils next to it, and oil warming in the cup

How to Perform Abhyanga

Doing abhyanga at home is simple and can take just 10-20 minutes (longer for your oil to soak in, which is ideal). 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. Choose Your Oil

    Select an oil that suits your dosha. For Vata calming, warming sesame oil is ideal. Pitta balancing benefits from cooling coconut oil, while Kapha calming thrive with lighter oils like mustard or safflower. If in doubt, it’s hard to go wrong with Vata pasification (which tends to be calming). I use jojoba oil, which suits all doshas, and one infused with rose.

  2. Warm the Oil

    Heat the oil slightly to enhance absorption. Place a small bowl of oil in a larger bowl of hot water to gently warm it. Or, use a plug-in coffee cup heater and a small Pyrex bowl to warm the oil for about 10 minutes. 

  3. Create a Calming Environment

    Find a warm, quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Light candles, play calming music, or use essential oils to create a serene atmosphere. If you are in the bathroom, take a moment to look in the mirror and say to yourself – I am nourishing my nervous system with loving self-care. 

  4. Begin with Your Head

    Begin by massaging the oil into your scalp, beginning with the crown of your head, with circular motions. This stimulates blood flow and nourishes your hair follicles. Massage your outer ear, and ear lobes, gently massage your forehead, temples, jaw, chin and neck. 

  5. Move to Your Body

    Use long strokes on your limbs and circular motions on the joints. Apply light pressure on sensitive areas like your abdomen and chest and more vigorous pressure on thicker-skinned areas like the soles of your feet and palms. Do this massage lovingly, paying attention to your body and sending it good wishes as you massage.

  6. Focus on Your Marma Points     

    Marma points are sensitive energy points in the body (similar to pressure points in acupressure) in the Ayurvedic energy system. Gentle stimulation of these points can help release blocked energy and promote healing.

  7. Give the Oil Time to Soak in

    After completing the massage, allow the oil to sit on your skin for 15-20 minutes. I massage myself naked, then put on old clothes to shuffle around in for a while while my oil soaks and softens me. This allows the herbs and nutrients to penetrate deeply.

  8. Take a Nice Warm Bath or Shower

    Rinse off excess oil with a warm bath or shower. Use a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.

  9. Consistency is Key

    When I am under stress or need to perform, I try to do abhyanga daily – it keeps me relaxed and energized. For the greatest benefits, perform abhyanga daily or at least three times a week. Ultimately, whenever you can do it is great!

What does the science of Abhyanga say?

From a Western clinical perspective, there are not yet large randomized controlled trials (RCT) for using abhyanga. RCTs are the gold standard when comparing treatments to see what works best for what.

There are however, several case studies and trials, including a pilot study funded by the National Institutes of Health (4). Some of the studies use abhyanga within a mixed Ayurvedic regimen that suggest substantial benefit for inflammatory and stress-related conditions (1-3). The NIH funded pilot (n=20) also suggested substantial stress relieving benefit. It is well established that massage has physiologic and psychological benefits, and that the aroma of warm oils has an impact.

Abhyanga is an extremely low-risk intervention – if you have sensitive skin, don’t do full abhyanga until you’ve tested the oil on a small patch of skin. Be aware of just warming the oil so that it’s pleasant and comfortable. 

The bottom line is how it feels and how it benefits you in your life as a self-care practice. If you have an inflammatory or stress-related condition or are at risk for one, if this appeals to you, check it out!

How Abhyanga Manages Stress & Balances

One of the greatest benefits of abhyanga is its ability to help manage stress. Chronic stress is almost universal today, is associated with health problems, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and metabolic disorders, and makes almost every health issue worse.

Here’s how abhyanga can help:

  • Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System: The gentle, rhythmic strokes of abhyanga activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” side of the autonomic nervous system. This helps calm your mind and body, reducing the physiological effects of stress.
  • Improves Circulation: This massage enhances movement and blood flow, promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues while helping to remove toxins. Improved circulation also supports lymphatic drainage, helping the body eliminate waste more efficiently.
  • Balances the Doshas: According to Ayurveda, stress can cause imbalances in the doshas, particularly Vata. Abhyanga helps ground and stabilize Vata energy, reducing feelings of anxiety and restlessness.
  • Promotes Better Sleep: Lack of quality sleep is an epidemic in our busy culture. By calming the nervous system and relaxing the body, abhyanga can improve your quality of sleep. Restful sleep is essential for managing stress and maintaining metabolic health.
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How Abhyanga Benefits Metabolism

Metabolic health refers to the body’s ability to create and process energy – to maintain optimal levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Poor metabolic health can lead to conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, thyroid imbalance and even some cancers.

Abhyanga offers several potential benefits for those struggling with metabolic issues:

  • Reduces Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to metabolic disorders. The herbs and oils used in abhyanga have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce systemic (body-wide) inflammation. In one small study using abhyanga within a combination Ayurvedic treatment, nearly 65% of a group with osteoarthritis reported significant improvement, and an additional 23% reported moderate symptom improvement.(1)
  • Supports Detoxification: Massage can stimulate the lymphatic system, supporting the removal of toxins. A well-functioning lymphatic system is essential for maintaining metabolic balance.
  • Enhances Insulin Sensitivity: Regular abhyanga can improve insulin sensitivity by reducing stress and promoting circulation. This is crucial for anyone with metabolic issues, including individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
  • Improves Digestion: According to Ayurveda, abhyanga supports agni (digestive fire), which is essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients efficiently. Healthy digestion is a cornerstone of metabolic health.

The Mind-Body Connection:

Abhyanga & Emotional Well-being

Beyond its physical benefits, abhyanga can have profound effects on your emotional well-being. The act of self-massage is inherently nurturing and fosters a deep sense of self-love and compassion. It encourages mindfulness and helps you connect with your body, promoting a positive self-image.

Additionally, abhyanga can help release stored emotions and trauma held within the body. The gentle touch and mindful practice create a safe space for emotional healing and self-discovery.

abhyanga oil massage Annie B Kay holistic dietitian

Incorporating Abhyanga into Your Modern Life

While abhyanga is traditionally performed daily, it can be adapted to suit modern lifestyles. Here are a few tips:

  • Start Small: If daily practice feels overwhelming, start with once or twice a week.
  • Focus on Key Areas: If time is limited, focus on key areas like the head, feet, and hands.
  • Make it a Ritual: Treat abhyanga as a sacred time for self-care. Set aside time each week to unwind and reconnect with yourself.Abhyanga is a powerful nurturing Ayurvedic practice that offers a myriad of benefits for physical and emotional well-being. By incorporating this self-massage ritual into your routine, you can help manage your stress, promote balanced health, and support your metabolic health journey. Whether you’re looking to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or enhance your overall vitality, abhyanga provides a holistic approach to achieving wellness from the inside out.

    Have you embraced this ancient wisdom and made abhyanga a part of your self-care toolkit for a healthier, more balanced life? I want to know!

    Please share a comment!

Sources

(1) Clinical study on Sandhigata Vata w.s.r. to Osteoarthritis and its management by Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu. Akhtar B, Mahto R, Dave A et al. (2010) Ayujournal, 31(1). 

(2) Role of Shirodhara and Abhyanga on serum cortisol in Anxiety – A case report. Sharma et al.(2025).J Ayurveda and Integ Med 16 100948

(3)Ayurveda management of Major Depressive Disorder: A case study. Tubaki B, Chandake S, SarhyalA (2021)Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine 12, 378e-383.

(4) Pilot study investigating the effects of Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage on subjective stress experience. Basler AJ. Altern Complement Med. 2011 May;17(5):435-40. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0281. Epub 2011 May 13. PMID: 21568717.

 

Rosemary for Remembrance

Rosemary for Remembrance

Remembrance of Rosemary

Who doesn’t love the piney scent of rosemary? Aromatic rosemary has been a beloved culinary herb since ancient times. Its integrative medicinal and spiritual uses may be less well known, yet are certainly just as compelling. Rosemary helps you remember – in every dimension from your body to your soul – who you are and your place in the web of nature and life. 

This post takes you on a journey of remembrance – of rosemary’s ancient wisdom, modern science, and everyday uses of this health-enhancing herb. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you. You can read my full disclaimer here

What a delight to take a fragrant journey into remembrance of rosemary! Thank you for joining me. This article will unveil rosemary’s nutritional science and medicinal potential, explore its culinary uses, and uncover some of its historical and spiritual significance.

 

Medicinal Uses of Rosemary

Picture a serene garden where rosemary flourishes, nurturing both body and soul. Our exploration begins with a dive into rosemary’s multifaceted healing potential, a potential that has intrigued cultures and healers across centuries.
At the heart of rosemary’s allure lies a collection of biochemical components, each contributing to its flavor, fragrance, and health-enhancing properties. From its aromatic oils to its antioxidant-rich compounds, rosemary beckons us to get to know her. Here we go.

Rosemary for Cognitive Health

Rosemary is the fragrance of memory. Scientific studies suggest rosemary’s aromatic compounds can be protective of both your body’s and your brain’s neurophysiology. Intriguingly, the origins of the phrase “Rosemary for Remembrance” are rooted in the herb’s historical role in enhancing memory and concentration. Ancient cultures revered rosemary for its ability to stimulate mental clarity and sharpen recall, a belief that modern nutritional science would say has stood the test of time.

Rosemary contains carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS), abietane-type phenolic diterpenes. These compounds have been shown to act as neuroprotective agents in people with Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and in people struggling with long-term COVID. That neuroprotective action is mostly due to CA and CS’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action in some key neural pathways. In the case of CA, its action appears to occur both systemically (throughout your body). It also crosses the blood-brain barrier to act on the neurobiology of the brain.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Benefits

Beyond its culinary appeal, rosemary holds an arsenal in the fight against inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation occurs when your body causes an immune response – usually in response to an injury or infection. Under usual conditions, inflammation is the helpful first stage of healing. The problem is when the inflammatory response gets over-activated, which can happen when the body simply doesn’t recognize what it’s being exposed to (think about the synthetic chemicals in hyper-processed foods, low-quality supplements, medications and even cleaning products).

Oxidative stress is a normal byproduct of metabolism and happens all the time. The process of oxidation creates free radicals, which are highly-oxygenated (and highly reactive) molecules. Free radicals are natural but in high amounts can cause damage to your organs and tissues. This is where anti-oxidants come in. Found widely in colorful fruits and vegetables, anti-oxidants are like free radical vacuum cleaners. They help maintain a healthful balance of nutrients and free radicals, preventing oxidative stress.  Rosmarinic acid, a polyphenolic compound found abundantly in rosemary, is a  powerful defender against cellular damage that can begin the over-activated process of inflammation and that also acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Digestive Aid and Immune Support

As our journey continues, feel rosemary’s gentle aid to your digestive system and immune defenses. Whether it’s sipping a comforting cup of rosemary-infused tea or savoring dishes with its aromatic essence, rosemary’s soothing touch has been recognized for its potential to promote digestion and bolster immunity.

A 2022 study of rosemary’s essential oil found it effective against candida albicans, a common strain of yeast often found to be a culprit in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive tract or other areas.

Folk Herbal Uses of Rosemary

Rosemary holds a cherished place in the wisdom traditions of your herbalist forebearers. From easing respiratory or muscular discomfort, rosemary’s use spans many cultures and generations. It well may be that your ancestors observed what this fragrant herb can do – what today you’d call its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or anti-microbial benefits.

Take a deep breath and know that rosemary has long been used for respiratory well-being. From ancient steam inhalations for tired or weakened lungs, to time-tested herbal remedies that help ease congestion, rosemary is one of nature’s respiratory allies.

Do you have a creaky joint or aching muscles? Rosemary just might come to the rescue. Traditional liniments and infused oils often include soothing rosemary to ease those discomforts.

Ever dreamed of radiant beauty? Rosemary’s historical skincare and haircare secrets. Armed with simple yet effective homemade recipes, and a few well-chosen supplements, you just may embark on a journey toward that coveted glow.

Plant Initiation Weekend with Annie B Kay

Metaphysical and Symbolic Significance 

Beyond the realms of tangible science, rosemary has profound spiritual and energetic properties.

Purification and Protection

In the midst of life’s whirlwind, rosemary is an ever-watchful protector of sacred spaces.  Like an energetic sentinel, rosemary acts as an invisible shield against negative energies. Its aromatic molecules are thought to interact with the vibrational frequencies of the environment, creating a protective barrier that repels discordant energies and ushers in a sense of purity.

Used in rituals and practices that tap into the deep remembrance that rosemary holds, you just might find yourself enveloped in her aura of cleansing and rejuvenation, in a harmonizing dance between its energetic field and your own.

Enhancing Intuition and Mental Clarity

Close your eyes with the intention to remember, and feel the gentle stirrings within. With rosemary, you could embark on a quest to awaken forgotten depths of your mind. But how does it foster such a profound connection to our inner wisdom? The answer lies in rosemary’s unique energy signature or vibrational resonance.

Rosemary’s vibrations resonate with the frequencies of heightened awareness, acting as a conduit to the deeper recesses of your consciousness. Through meditation and spiritual practices, the energetic resonance of rosemary can align your mental faculties, allowing you to tap into your intuitive capacities with greater clarity. The result is a harmonious synchronization between your spiritual essence and the profound energy emitted by rosemary.

Rosemary for Remembrance, indeed!

Rosemary for Remembrance and Memory

As we travel the tapestry of rosemary’s history and tradition, can you feel the threads of rosemary’s symbolism in remembrance and memory gently unfurl? If you do, you are experiencing an evocation of some powerful associations. If not, patience and practice may get you there. Keep practicing.

But how does rosemary evoke deep remembrance? Once again, the answer lies in rosemary’s energetic mechanism. Its vibrations are thought to possess an ability to resonate with the energy of memory and reverence. This resonance creates a bridge between the physical and energetic realms, infusing ceremonies and celebrations with an air of nostalgia and honoring. Whether it graces solemn ceremonies or joyous celebrations, rosemary’s essence transcends the boundaries of time, becoming a potent emblem of honoring the past and celebrating the present, all brought to life through its energetic alchemy.

How to Use the Herb Rosemary

Culinary Use: Tips & Cautions

We all know the familiar flavor and aroma of rosemary. In the kitchen, it introduces a dimension of depth and warmth to savory soups or richens the flavor of traditional stews.

Tips on Culinary Use of Rosemary

To wield rosemary’s culinary magic with finesse, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours:

  • Fresh or Dried: Both fresh and dried rosemary have their place in the kitchen. Fresh sprigs infuse dishes with a robust, immediate aroma, while dried rosemary offers a more concentrated flavor. Use fresh rosemary for roasts and grilled dishes, and dried rosemary for marinades and in spice blends.
  • Balancing Act: Rosemary’s potent flavor can easily overwhelm dishes if used excessively. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly, especially if you’re using dried rosemary.
  • Complementary Pairings: Rosemary pairs harmoniously with a range of ingredients. It complements meats like lamb, poultry, and pork, as well as roasted vegetables, potatoes, beans, and even bread.
  • Infusion Techniques: When using rosemary in soups or stews, tie the sprigs together with kitchen twine for easy removal before serving. Alternatively, you can strip the leaves from the stem and finely chop them to disperse the flavor evenly.
  • Oil and Vinegar: Elevate your culinary creations by infusing olive oil or vinegar with rosemary. Place sprigs in a bottle, cover them with oil or vinegar, and let it steep for 3 to 6 weeks. The resulting infusion adds an aromatic twist to dressings, marinades, and dips.

Culinary Caution

While rosemary’s culinary potential is boundless, a few precautions can ensure you get the best out of this herb:

  • Avoid Overcooking: Prolonged exposure to heat can make rosemary bitter. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor.
  • Textural Sensitivity: Rosemary’s needle-like leaves can be quite potent if left whole in a dish. To avoid an overwhelming texture, consider chopping them finely or removing the leaves before serving.
  • Respect the Balance: As with any herb, balance is key. Don’t let rosemary dominate the dish; rather, let it enhance the flavors and create a harmonious blend.

With rosemary as your guide, may your kitchen become a laboratory of flavors. As you savor every bite, remember that your dish carries not just the essence of rosemary, but the embodiment of its entire alchemy.

 

Medicinal and Spiritual Use of Rosemary: Embracing Nature’s Gift

Our journey would be incomplete without delving deeper into Rosemary’s integrative health uses. From the world of tinctures to the soothing solace of teas, rosemary opens a gateway to a profound union of body, mind, and spirit. Here’s where the recipes from ancient wisdom intertwine with modern practices, and the spiritual essence of rosemary reveals itself.

Supplements, Tinctures, and Teas: Nurturing the Body

In the realm of herbal medicine, rosemary stands as a versatile ally, offering a myriad of health-enhancing benefits. If you are interested in experimenting with rosemary as a supplement, you can find it in pure capsule form, or as part of a combination formula.

Tinctures, prepared by extracting rosemary’s essence in alcohol or glycerin, capture its potent healing properties. These tinctures can be taken orally to support digestion, alleviate headaches, and even boost cognitive function. A few drops of rosemary tincture in water can usher in a sense of vitality and clarity, tapping into the herb’s invigorating energy.

And then there are teas, the gentle infusions that allow rosemary’s essence to slowly unfurl within us. A warm cup of rosemary tea offers more than just comfort; it provides a gentle nudge to the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, rosemary tea can offer relief from aches and pains, while its antioxidants combat the effects of oxidative stress. A sip of rosemary tea can be a ritual of self-care, a moment of connection with nature’s healing embrace.

Here are a few products from my botanical formulary, where you always get 25% off and free shipping over $50 (not for resale).


Flower Essences: Merging with the Ethereal

The world of flower essences is ethereal. The essence of plants are energy medicines, and reach beyond the physical, touching the very essence of our being. Rosemary’s flower essence holds within it the energetic blueprint of the herb’s essence. Just a few drops under the tongue can foster a profound shift in your energetic state, offering insights, clarity, and a sense of connection with your higher self.

Through the flower essence of rosemary, you can open yourself to its spiritual teachings. Its energetic resonance gently nudges your intuition awake, inviting you to explore the depths of your inner wisdom. Whether used in meditation, ritual, or as a daily practice, rosemary’s flower essence becomes a conduit for spiritual growth, a bridge between the earthly and the divine.

If this aspect of plants interests you, check out my Plant Initiation Weekends. These are fun shamanic journey meditative weekends held near the equinoxes & solstices.

So, What’s Next for You?

With rosemary for remembrance, may you carry forward the wisdom and wonders of this aromatic herb, learning to weave its essence into the tapestry of your life. May your path forward be graced with the aromatic grace of rosemary’s blessings.

If this article resonated, oh good! I have more! Here are a few that might interest you.

Tulsi: The Incomparable Sacred Herb

Nature’s Timekeepers: Solstice & Equinox, Breath & Circadian Rhythms

Healthy Mindset: What, Why and How to Develop Yours

Plant Initiation Weekends
How to Receive the Gifts of Plants (and Life)

How to Receive the Gifts of Plants (and Life)

Receive.
Receive what comes to you.
My plant spirit teacher taught me that plants that will heal me will come to me. All I need to do is receive.  Receiving – coming into relationship and taking that in, however – takes a little preparation.
Those of you who read my newsletter know that my family had quite a struggle through the winter with a life-threatening illness – happily we’re on the mend and the dark rider passed us by (sheesh!). Through that time I cut way back on work – we lived on air and the love of family and friends. We are resting and integrating that experience. This morning it dawned on me that my garden this year has serious messages for me and mine.
Is this obvious enough?

This mullein plant (the tall fellow in the back) sprung up smack dab where my usual sunflowers gather. Hi mullein. Guess what mullein does, on the energetic level? It is protector of home and supporter of abundance, among other things.
Other plants that have nearly overwhelmed us with no input from me are calendula – a beautiful healing fire plant (it’s the yellow-orange flower up front), borage (that blue fellow) a 5th chakra healer of communication for me, and dill. So much dill (again a protector of home an supporter of abundance). Oh, and a bumper crop of wild strawberries are right outside my office – food for my indigenous genetics. I could go on and on, but will stop there.
Get the message, Annie?
These plants are three feet from my front door. All I have to do is receive their support.

How to Receive the Support of Plants

So, how do you receive the support of the plants that make their way to you?
In order to participate in any ecological system (and plants belong to an ecological system along with you) meaning that there are complex dynamic inter-relationships, you first need to get out of a consumer mindset. We humans and certainly Americans get into consuming – eating as fuel or in a mechanistic way, for example. Instead, think of a plant as another being. A person, if that’s helpful. Or think of them as akin to a power-animal or guide. You might thing of eating as receiving – rather than consuming.
Then, get quiet and open your heart. One easy way to do this is to sit quietly, and lengthen and deepen you breath (without forcing it – let your breath deepen as in response to an invitation). You might imagine yourself seated in the velvety dark cave of your own heart. take a few moments to quiet and center yourself in this way.
Next, make contact with the plants. Be among them, breathe them in. Admire them. If they are edible, slowly and mindfully, as a meditation, taste them. Breath and relax, and notice how it feels to commune with the plants in this way.
The practice of receiving is simply the practice of being open and feeling how it feels to be in relationship. The practice of receiving is a practice of appreciation – of acknowledging, as my teacher would say, your place in the magnificent web of life and nature. All is well.
As you receive the gifts these friends, these guides have for you, expressing gratitude is an excellent next step if it feels right for you. Take a moment to appreciate what’s happened, a few notes in a journal may be helpful, and off you go on a blessed day.
You can receive the gifts of any part of your life – be it your yoga or meditation practice, the love of a friend, the good work you do, anything you enjoy or find interesting or challenging in your life – can you receive it? Can you slow down enough to take it in?

Benefits of the Practice

Learning to have a bit more of this in your life can help you to understand your place in the ecology – in the interactive web of life – in which you live, and that you have created. It may help you see aspects of life, or things in your life that no longer serve you or that actually injure or inhibit you. You can let go of those things. Learning to be a little more receptive can inform your next step.
Be well, and here are a couple other posts that may interest you:
How Mindful Presence Transforms
Mindful Eating: The Art & Science of Eating Better

Let's Get Coherent

Let's Get Coherent

There’s been talk in the integrative wellness world about coherence, so here’s a bit about that. It’s about vibration and the waves created therein. Some scientists say that all communication comes down to vibrational waves – light, sound, movement – how animals and plants, the cells within them and much of the world itself communicates.
Let’s talk about waves and how to begin to discuss them. A good place to start is with few definitions.
Wavelength: A wavelength is the distance between two similar points of two waves – crest (top) to crest or trough (bottom) to bottom, for example.
Frequency: The number of waves produced per second. Speaks to speed and length.
Amplitude: Half the distance from peak to trough. It can also be thought of the height of a wave from the rest position (the inflection point in the middle where the wave is not moving) to the peak. How big it is.
Wave Speed: How fast it is moving (in meters per second).
Period: The time it takes to pass a point, in seconds. Speed.
Some of these sound close in definition and they are, but I am going to leave it there for the time being. If you are curious, do a little more research. Thanks.
So, coherence involves two waves meeting – they can meet in a coherent way (speed and frequency are similar enough to become in sync) and increase amplitude, or incoherently and decrease amplitude. When waves are incoherent, the waves can actually cancel each other out, or go a little haywire and splat (not a technical term but I hope you get the visual – plop!).
The metaphysical idea is that we are each born with a certain frequency (my teacher says we each come in on a different color of the rainbow of light). Our wavelength and frequency determine, to a great extent, to whom and what we resonate. What’s coherent to us, the thinking goes, is what gives us a boost and makes us feel stronger. Philosophers in this area go on and on, spiraling deeper and deeper in the dance of energy.
The human heart – that strongest muscle in our body –  is an oscillator – it creates electical waves, and some believe it creates the human energy field. Get where I’m going?

What Might It Mean?

  • When we do grounding practices in yoga we become more coherent with the earth.
  • When we show appreciation for a plant, we are becoming more coherent with the plant.
  • When we seek to understand what another person is saying, or feeling – when we empathize, we are becoming more coherent with that person.
  • When we cultivate gratitude we become more coherent with our own life and life itself.

Coherence is a basis for communication – it is a connection. My teacher says it is a communion.
I say it is a way of understanding energy. Of understanding our subtle bodies (meaning our energy bodies, our emotional bodies, the aspects of us we can’t see and have difficulty measuring) and the world around us. The idea that cultivating coherence leads to and is akin to following our bliss. These ideas are consistent with both yoga and with positive psychology and with plant spirit healing. They are energy-competent lenses for experiencing life.

Is This for Real?

Is there Western clinical science that might back this up? From what I’ve see thus far, there are many interesting possibilities, but I have yet to see a really well conducted study that proves this all happens in the way I’ve presented. I want one, believe me – intuitively it makes perfect sense. But the science, well, it’s so young it doesn’t yet speak.
And yet. It’s worthwhile to study energy. Knowing how to operate your own energy field, how to ground yourself, how to expand when it’s helpful – these are clearly helpful skills in this destabilized and chaotic time. So, let’s keep studying. With a clear eye and an open heart.
Through my programs this year – in Costa Rica, the March weekend (Every Bite Is Divine) , my week with Jeremy and the program I’ll lead in July (Subtle Body Nourishment) at Kripalu, I will be diving into the how of coherence – there are practices that can help you live more from, and funnel life through – this magnificent organ at the center of our being – our heart.

Hail Tulsi – Green Mahadevi

Hail Tulsi – Green Mahadevi

Hail Tulsi - Green Mahadevi by Annie B Kay - anniebkay.com
My garden right now is filled with the sweet green goddess known as tulsi.
Tulsi is a type of basil that originated in India. There are several types, like sisters in a family. If you ‘do yoga’, love botanicals, AND you haven’t met tulsi yet, I’m happy for you. Your future includes meeting one of the most sweetly powerful and healing herbs in the canon. I have great sisterhood with this plant and feel that I am introducing you to one of my coolest and best friends. When I refer to her, I am referring to the big T – the green goddess herself – tulsi.
A distinguishing feature of tulsi is its fragrance – it’s rich, buttery and flowery with an undertone of funk. Tulsi (which translates as “incomparable one” in Sanskrit) occupies an auspicious place in yogic/Ayurvedic tradition. It is thought to be an embodiment of the goddess Lakshmi, she of abundant good fortune, of being held in esteem in a community, and of generosity. In India, many homes have a tulsi plant at their doorstep, and women (and I’m sure men) have a tulsi plant near their bed so that the gentle breeze carries the scent of tulsi to them as they sleep, bestowing them with ageless beauty.

In the Garden

Much like the goddess, my tulsi seems to have a mind of her own. She goes where she wants, comes up really late (late June this year – thank goodness I held her space!). I have not been successful at growing her from seed so that I can get a jump on the season – nope, not how she’d prefer to roll. Yet, tulsi comes rolling back, year after year in her own preferred manner my garden. I often smell tulsi and then oh, there’s a plant popping up amongst the roses or corn.
I never needed tulsi seeds, though I’ve purchased many packets. My original tulsi plant came to me auspiciously – from Sweetwater Sanctuary in VT. Pam Montgomery gave me and my fellow apprentices plants (in 2013), and mine has happily multiplied into tulsiville.

Culinary & Preserving

I’ve tried for years to make a good oil infusion of tulsi but have been only modestly successful at capturing that unique fragrance in oil. Drying, I find, works best for me. I’ll then drink it as tea through the cooler months. If I have a gathering of gal herbalists I may attempt herbalist Brittany Wood Nickerson’s yellow cake which she served once incorporating dried tulsi….magnificent. She’s just come out with a cookbook filled with scrumptious herbal fare, but the way, which I strongly recommend.
You can also make a pesto with tulsi.
To dry tulsi or any herb (I have mugwort, cilantro, lemon balm and mint drying now), gather a bunch of it, tie it into a bundle at the stem, and hang in a place that will be warm and dry. Attics are great if they are reasonably well ventilated, and you can find a place to hang your crop. After a couple dry weeks (challenging this year), cut the bundle down. For plants that I intend to use as a tea of spices, I pull the dry leaves off the stem and place them in glass jars. Between Mason and jelly jars, you have a jar for any quantity of herb.

Medicinal & Energetic

From a Western medical perspective, tulsi is an adaptogen and has been studied for a variety of uses. Adaptogenic activity means that, like ginseng, it contains a complex array of phytonutrients that act in different ways but tend to overall support homeostasis – or healthful balance. So, tulsi tea is a terrific drink through the fall when back-to-whatever stress and cool winds conspire to give us colds and other crud.
Energetically, I’ve done a number of shamanic journeys with tulsi and here’s what I learned. Tulsi embodies all the goddesses of tantra – she’s Lakshmi, Deva, and yes Kali and all the rest – all rolled into one. She just might be the MahaDevi – the mother goddess. This is my own perspective colored, no doubt by my study of the goddesses of tantra. I know and love them, and draw on them often. In my study, these goddesses represent parts of ourselves (even if you are a man – we each contain both divine masculine and feminine within us). So, interestingly, I’ve found tulsi is energetically adaptogenic as well. From my discussions with other herbalists in my tradition who work energetically with plants, my view is not unique.
You can increasingly find tulsi plants and seed at your local garden shop. If not, try Mountain Rose Herbal or Horizon Herbs.
Have a beautiful day.
Hail Tulsi - Green Mahadevi by Annie B Kay - anniebkay.com

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Plant Alchemy: Energy Hygiene

Plant Alchemy: Energy Hygiene

Plan Alchemy Energy HygieneUpdated:  5/16/2023

How many of you, when you look at how I describe myself, say to yourself “What the heck is plant alchemy?” Come on now, I know you do.

What Are Alchemists?

Alchemists were the scientists of the 16th century. They were a fascinating lot – a little scientific, a little more than a little out there. While they were the doctors and healers of their time, their obsession was transformation, most famously, the preoccupation of how to turn lead into gold.

Modern Day Alchemy

Alchemy today embraces the science, art, and spirit of healing. So, as a plant alchemist, I stay up on the science of plant-based diets for health, and the advantages and disadvantages of eating in this way. I also embrace the art of plants – of growing, cooking and living with plants, learning from them as they are our ancestors. I love herbalists and Ayurveda practitioners, as well as clinical nutritionists and naturopaths. Then, there’s the energetics of plants and nature. I’ve been diving into how we can use plants as an entree into ecstatic healing, and the many medicinal plants, including the astounding array of psychoactive plants as well as the much less dramatic, ones available to us for health and healing.

So, that’s plant alchemy, and that’s what I do – the science art and spirit of green beings. It’s very very good work if you can get it.

Energy Hygiene Practices

Within plant alchemy, energy hygiene has made a big difference in my life and I teach it all the time. For years now I’ve been doing a daily smudge with Paulo santo (a wood from South America) and I’ve fallen in love with the ritual and of course, I love love that beautiful smell. The smudge, wherein I light a piece of wood and scrub my energy body, is the greeting of the day “Hello tree, good morning stones, hi birds.” I then move my spine and undertake some fiery belly pranayama practice – stomach pumping, fire breath, a “take the whole thing and lift and throw it over your shoulder root lock” (or subtle version – a fine thread lifting version) – depending on my needs and the season. I give thanks, I make blessings, then move on with my day. In the shower, I have flowers or plant matter whenever possible, and as I shower I intentionally clear my energy field. Often, I will head outside to stomp around barefoot, grounding. All these practices – the daily fare of clearing and charging my energy field – are energy hygiene practices.

We modern humans can learn how to live our days in harmony with the earth and with nature. The earth and nature are changing, destabilized, and we feel it at our very cores. We can learn how to navigate that – how to ground ourselves when we need it, how to charge ourselves when we need it – by learning the skill of energy hygiene.

Learn more:

Plant Alchemy Energy Hygiene by Annie B Kay (Pinterest Pin (1000 × 1500 px))

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