May 2025
- Dr. Arlini Singh
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Issue #1, May 2025
Namaste all!
The Sanskrit word, "Namaste" comes from "namah" meaning "to bow" and "te" meaning "you". Therefore, Namaste means "I bow to the Divine Spark in you." This is a timeless gesture of respect uniting all, regardless of faith.
This is our very first newsletter and we welcome all to join us as we share timeless Ayurvedic tips to nurture your mind, body and soul. Ayurveda advises us to live closely in harmony with Nature and this newsletter serves to guide you on a month to month basis on the best practices for that particular month, and season.
On May 20, 2025, A-YUR-VEDA celebrates 1 year at our new location, 520 Guelph Line, Burlington. 5 for the fifth month (May) and 20 for the date. So the number of our house - 520- is symbolic to us. We had relocated from 321 Appleby Line, Burlington, where
Dr. Arlini Singh had shared the clinic with her husband,
Dr. Kishore Singh (family physician) as an integrated medical clinic in Burlington - combining both family medicine and Ayurveda. This was a first for Burlington and the only one of its kind in Canada!
However, our new location, has allowed us to include an Ayurvedic Spa and to expand our retail division, to better serve our community.
Navigating May's Hot -and - Cold Weather with Ayurveda
May brings a dance of hot, sunny days and chilly crisp nights, reflecting the unpredicable energy of spring transitioning into summer.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, these fluctuations can stir the Vata (air and ether) and Pitta (Fire and Water) doshas, potentially causing restlessness, irriitabilty or fatigue. From an Ayurvedic perspective, embracing balance during these fluctuations nurtures your mind, body and spirit.
Here's how to stay balanced and vibrant this month with simple, time-honoured practices.
1. Embrace Warm, Grounding Foods:
Temperature shifts calls for grounding, warm meals to pacify Vata's dryness and cool Pitta's heat. Favour sweet, sour and salty tastes - think hearty lentil soup with carrots and sweet potatoes, spiced oatmeal with ghee or quinoa bowls with roasted vegetables and beets.
Avoid raw salads or icy drinks, which can aggravate Vata on colder days, especially when temperatures dip in the evenings.
Add warming spices like ginger, black pepper, cumin or turmeric to support digestion and stablize your energy. Sip warm water or tulsi (holy basil) tea throughout the day to stay hydrated without chilling your system.
2. Adapt Your Daily Routine:
Ayurveda's dinacharya (daily routine) helps you to flow with May's variability. Start your morning with a gently self-massage (abhyanga) using warm sesame oil to ground Vata and soothe nerves - perfect for chilly evenings!
On warmer days, opt for lighter activities like a brisk walk along Burlington's waterfront to cool Pitta's intensity. From early May, Spencer Smith Park on Burlington's waterfront is ablaze with cherrry blossoms. Just being out in Nature, balances all three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha,
Another light activity is to take a gentle stroll along the Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail, open April 5 to June 1. This 2km, accessible path links Spencer Smith Park, the Art Gallery of Burlington, and downtown Brant Street, showcasing over 50 sculptures. On a warm day, the breeze from Lake Ontario cools Pitta, on cooler days, layer up to ground Vata. Pause to admire works like stained glass or concrete, and scan QR codes to vote for favourites via the BWST app. Learn more at www.bwst.ca
Aim for consistent sleep by winding down with a 5 minute breathing practice (like the
So-Hum meditation) before bed or a warm cup of healing tea to pacify the nervous system and calm the mind.
3. Stay Flexible with Self-Care:
Listen to your body as temperatures shift. Dress sensibly in layers so that it is easier on the body to warm up or cool down. Dress in comfortable clothing and appropriate for the weather. In rainy weather, use an umbrella or a raincoat to stay dry. Don't think it is a short run from your vehicle to whereever you are going too - even a sudden exposure to the cold and rain affects the body.
These small adjustments keeps your body in harmony with Nature's rhythm.
If you are curious about tailoring Ayurveda to your unique needs, or want to know how to do a self-massage at home to what is So -Hum meditation, consider a personalized consultation at A-YUR-VEDA.
Book at $65/hour session with Dr. Arlini Singh, our Ayurvedic Doctor to craft your custom wellness plan!
Quick Tip :
Start your Ayurvedic Herb Garden with Containers
Spring is ideal for planting an Ayurvedic herb garden to ground Vata's airy energy. If you have clay soil, you know that it is very dense, so use containers for better drainage and root health. Containers even work well for small spaces or can even be used in a south-facing area of your home.
Choose pots with holes at the bottom and place the pot onto a saucer to catch excess water that may seep through. Plant any herbs of your choice. My personal favourite are Holy Basil (Tulsi) to increase immunity and to ease stress and Cilantro, to cool Pitta.
Fill your container with potting soil and place in a sunny spot. Cover the surface with either mulch or straw to retain moisture during the warm days. Water in the morning, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
Tend to your garden mindfully, connecting with nature's rhythm to soothe your soul. Gardening is meditation too. Snip fresh herbs for teas or recipes to enhance your wellness.
Send in pictures of your garden to share with our readers.
Enjoy the healing act of growing your own Ayurvedic allies this spring!
Community Corner : Your Wellness Questions Answered
With more people becoming health conscious, a common question we are asked is,
"How can I improve my daily wellness?"
Start with small steps, incorporating new practices once the recommendations become a habit. A great start is using the Ayurveda's copper tongue scraper every morning after brushing your teeth. This removes toxins and boosts digestion. This simple ritual, rooted in Dinacharya (daily routine) sets a mindful tone for your day.
Try it for a week and notice the difference!
Have a question? Email us to be featured next month.
Quote for the month
"Immunity is a strength within all of us that resists the causes of diseases and their aggressive tendencies"
Chakrapannidatta, Eleventh-century Ayurvedic Doctor
Warm Regards
Dr. Arlini Singh (B.A.,LL.B; Ay.D)
Ayurvedic Doctor
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