Ayurvedic Guide: How to Gain Weight

(Collage by me, Joy Boardman)

Gaining weight is not something a lot of people struggle with but for people like my friend it’s a real battle.
I researched Ayurvedic approaches to weight gain (typically a vata problem) and here is a summary of what I’ve found:
Diet:
Eat a lot of veggies (sweet potatoes!) and grains fully-cooked with olive oil or ghee (clarified butter- super easy to make)
Eat a lot of chicken, fish, and eggs
Eat as many raisins and bananas as you are in the mood for- just snack on raisins all day!!
Figs are great, too.
Juices (made with 100% juice)
In general, gravitate towards foods that are sweet, sour, and salty.

Lifestyle:
Stay positive.
Do yoga and lift weights. Exercising is good for circulation.
Nap in the afternoon.
Snack all day (every 2 hours) if you want- don’t eat junk made with white flour or sugar, though.
Stay warm.
Drink water after you eat.

Supplements:
Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6
(in capsule form and also naturally: get outside in the sun, drink milk and eat cheese, and eat lots of leafy green veggies like spinach!)

As always, let me know if this helps you and/or if you have another topic you’d like me to research. 

(This was originally posted onSeptember 15, 2012) 

6 Products I’ve Found on Pinterest

constellation earrings from Etsy

solar system necklace

epic bear sleeping bag

little ziplocks to make your own freeze pops!

twinkle lights on copper wire

everything from this company….their packaging is the best.

Have you ever bought something you found on Pinterest? I’m always so busy pinning that it never even occurrs to me….but the stuff on there is so cool!

Thank you for reading!

If you haven’t filled out my survey yet, and you’d like to tell me about yourself, please go here:

https://artisticdrama.polldaddy.com/s/i-want-to-get-to-know-you

2014: Best of the blog [my absolute favorite posts]

My favorite business moments of the year:
*Collage parties turned into art therapy

“I know I said it a bunch of times, but I still want to say ‘thank you’ once again for the collage party and for your insightful prompts on the making of the collages. As I said, I’ve not done anything that was free-flowingingly (I make up words sometimes) creative in many years. It was a great experience for me on so many levels.”

*My clients fell in love with 90-min massages

“I would DEFINITELY recommend trying a 90 minute massage – it allows extra time to be spent on areas that need extra attention, plus it’s 30 extra minutes of JOY!”

*I designed PlanetJoy t-shirts

*I started doing 2-hour massages

*2014 YOM client testimonials

My favorite health articles of the year:
*Yoga and nutrition for SAD

*What is the pineal gland and why is it making me SAD?

*Holistic help for KP (keratosis pilaris)

*Mucus in your colon?! Gross!!

*I learned how to spell eczema

My favorite artist of the year:
Ashley Percival

My favorite personal moments of year:
*Learning to tell it like it is

*My financial freedom plan

*I wrote my bio

*What if I were a novel character

*My year: 2014 in review

Favorite bonus helpful articles:
*My favorite free apps

*My 12 favorite blogs

2014: Blog stats

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 11,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 4 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

2014: My Year in Review

2014 was quietly wonderful. I stepped away from a lot of the things I was involved in during 2013 so life had a completely different texture.

Resolutions for 2014, part 1

Life-changing highlights: finding a counselor and paying off $11,000 of debt!!

Resolutions for 2014, part 2

Favorite memories:
Massage anniversary dinner party for clients
Marie Antoinette birthday party

Best shows/movies I watched:
Fringe
American Horror Story
Guardians of the Galaxy
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Mr. Nobody
The Theory of Everything

Favorite quotes:

“Last year you were a super nova, this year you are capable of sustaining life.”
-TJ

“You look like you’ve robbed the rainbow.”
-Leo Charre

Here are some more of the adventures I had!

January:
I started doing collage parties and discovered that they can be a form of art therapy!

First soufflé!

February:
Had a Valentine’s/Cold-Weather-Sucks Indian food party with my lovely friends
March:
Moved across the street back into my old house for the month while petsitting Ollie, a crazy adorable dog (therefore fulfilling my goal of owning a dog for a month)

Trained said dog

Met Jena and Colin a cute couple from NYC and introduced them to Staunton

Hosted a fabulous dinner party with 11 guests (and took ZERO pictures….ugh!!)
Had brunch in Harrisonburg with Ros and Melissa at The Little Grill

April:
Moved back home

Modeled for a Degas class

Was a tree for earth day. Got to hug everybody (“hug a tree”)

Held a successful cash mob for The Store

May:
Went to Richmond to visit Vanessa for her son, Max’s first birthday!

Traveled to Colorado to see my whole family for my cousin, Will’s graduation

Took over HourEconomy Swaps and turned them into Staunton Swaps

June:
Read all of the Harry Potter books

Watched all of the Harry Potter movies with Molly

Designed t-shirts for my business

Inspired work week for Hour Economy to promote exchanges. This prompted The Little Libraries to be built right in Jena and Colin’s backyard!!

July:
Marie Antoinette dessert and tea birthday party. With so many of my favorite ladies.

July got a little harder after that because my moms health started REALLY going down….

Mom went to the hospital in Salem for a few days.

My bestie, LeeAnn moved away….

I met a cute guy named Keenan.

I dyed my hair red. For a second.

Went to the safari park with my mom.

Movie nights at By&By became a regular event with Savanna and Brigitte.

The Dixie closed and we all went to see a double: ET & Jaws

August:

Got involved in fighting the pipeline

Went on a daaaaaate.

Got a raise @ Alls Well. Became Laura’s new partner in crime.

Dreaded my friend Yolo’s hair. New skill!
Started having breakfasts with Dawn every other Thursday

Started selling my shirts at Made;

Started meeting with my counselor, Suzanne.

Made my own hula hoop and learned how to use it :)

Full moon parties with Brittney

Brigitte and I got our portraits done!

Staunton Jams and my cutie pie CAITLIN CAME HOME FROM HONDURAS!!

September:
More pipeline stuff: Free Not Fracked

Chair massages at Cranberry’s

Apple picking

DC Art trip– got to meet up with my best friends from when I was little. All grown up now!!

Gave a talk at the YMCA about the Hour Economy

Church Downtown turned 1 and I got to speak about it’s affect on me

I met TJs friend, Sayward

October:

#Soctober!

Apple picking

House sitting for Suzanne

Finally got my office all clean

November:

Anne Buzzelli turned 40 and all of Staunton celebrated!

I was part of Art for Gifts for the 3rd year– packaging way improved this year :)

Sparkles and Sweets happened

Watched Cyrano at Blackfriars with Ros
Started accepting credit cards with my nifty Square!

December:

We were in the Christmas parade

Christmas Carol at Blackfriars

12 Dates at Blackfriars

Stone Soup closed it’s doors :(

Surprise birthday party for Monika

Ugly sweater party

Helped Caitlin move

Church Downtown got to have Christmas Eve at Blackfriars and TJ came with me!

Went on vacation for 2 weeks.

Became a mermaid.

So, it was actually a pretty full year…. I’m ready to start fresh, though!

This will be The Year I Got Out Of Debt, Got Fit, and Started REALLY Living

Word for 2015: Moxie!!

Bio for Joy Boardman, PlanetJoy:Otherworldly Massages

Joy Boardman 

Massage therapist:

*provides mind-blowing mini-massages in shops downtown: 

Cranberry’s every Friday from 1-5

Made; every Sunday (Nov/Dec) from 12:30-5

*performs myofascial release (gentle, deep-tissue massage) for Year of Massage clients in her home office on Sears Hill

*helps out at Alls Well Massage on Beverly Street 

Art therapist:

*hosts collage art parties around town and in home

*helps women set goals and craft treasure maps to their hearts’ desires

*hosts powerful women’s retreats which teach how to be EXCITED about your life 

It all began with lefty-scissors and a trip to Spain. 

Not only do Collage and Massage rhyme, they BOTH provide spiritual healing for mind and body.

When I’m not actively working with women to improve their lives, you can find me hosting full moon parties, doing nutrition research, making eye masks & aromatherapy bath fizzies. Also, drinking wine, eating food, and dancing….

*I know how to tango

*I’ve been to England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain (twice! &first time all by myself!!), France, & Italy 

*My hair has been at least 10 different colors

*I went to Governors School for Art when I was in high school 

*I started working for myself when I was 24 years old. 

*I studied at The Steiner Institute of Massage in Charlottesville, VA 

*I’m an only child of a single parent with mental illness 

*I work mostly with busy women (entrepreneurs, teachers, mothers) 

*I’m a liberal Christian, tree hugger, wild child, & pixie kitten 

*I want more than anything for women to take time to take care of themselves and live lives that make them excited to get up in the morning. 

I believe that there’s always time for a great glass of wine, life is too short not to eat as much as you like, & buying organic is important. I believe you should always be yourself and tell the truth: no holding back. I believe people will be just as happy as they allow themselves to be. I believe you can cure what ails you using natural foods, supplements, & essential oils instead of running to the doctor for medication. I believe touch is the universal language and it’s SO important to connect with each other.

Find out how to make time for yourself, take care of your body, and live your most exciting life: http://www.artisticdrama.WordPress.com

Message me to set up an appointment: 

http://www.facebook.com/planetjoyeaux

PlanetJoy: Otherworldly Massages, Planet-Friendly Collages

Malady Monday: Gastritis

I have a client suffering from chronic gastritis. She constantly has an awful taste in her mouth and has a very hard time finding foods that will sit well with her.

Gastritis
Literally means “stomach inflammation”
Term for any weak or damaged stomach lining

The mucus lining of your stomach protects from acids that help digest food.

Common causes:
Infection, pain medication, stress, alcohol, bile reflux

Made worse by:
Poor digestion, poor metabolism, & blocked elimination

Other factors that can worsen gastritis:
Overeating, excessive tea, coffee, or alcohol, excessive condiments (vinegar), stress, heat and sun

Drink:
*licorice tea
*2 cups of coconut water every day
*lemon juice relieves vomiting sensation and bloating
*hot water with cumin
*milk (only low-fat or fat-free to control stomach acid)
(Do not drink with meals–dilutes digestive juices and delays digestion)

Eat:
Coconut
Honey
Lean meats: chicken, cold water fish
(Key words: broiled, grilled, or roasted)
Rice, barley
Broccoli (actually KILLS h.pylori)
Potatoes, asparagus, carrots, peas
Apples (apple juice, apple sauce)
Pomegranate, grapes, peaches, pears, melon, kiwis
Bananas (eat with low-fat or fat-free milk in the morning)
Garlic, Coriander, cardamom (soothing)

Ginger (chewing ginger before meals stimulates digestion & treats acid)
1/2-1 t fennel after every meal
((Make sure to eat at strict times))

Supplements:
Triphala
Amla/Amlaki
Vitamin e
Goldenseal
Peppermint
Marshmallow
Aloe vera
B-12

AVOID:
Do NOT eat fried food
red meat, red pepper,
sour foods, pickles,
oranges, grapefruit, figs, berries, dried fruit
black tea, coffee,
sweets, and aerated drinks

Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.

A Quick Guide to 3 Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurveda is from India. Often in my research I will write that you should take or use Triphala, Ashwaganda, or Amalaki….these Indian herbs are probably not as recognizable to you as vitamin c, peppermint, or turmeric.

But, just because you havent been introduced yet doesn’t mean these herbs wouldn’t be beneficial to you.

Allow me to introduce you to:

Triphala (for detox and cleansing)
Used for gentle internal cleansing
Great for colon cleansing
Tonifies your GI tract
Detoxifies and improves digestion
Improves circulation
Replenishes and nourishes
Helps with weight loss
Lowers cholesterol
Builds immunity
Cleanses liver

Ashwaganda (for stress-relief)
Especially good for Vata
Improves thyroid health
Helps you rest effectively
Enhances your mood
Increases immunity
Boosts energy
Combats physical fatigue
Improves memory
Improves adrenal health
Stabilizes blood sugar

Amalaki (full of natural high-potency vitamin c)
Especially good for Pitta
Detoxifies and rejuvenates
Full of antioxidants
Boosts immune system
Heals scars– heals skin inside and out
Balances bowel function
Cleanses and nourishes tissues
Helps eye health

Wanna learn more about Ayurveda? Learn from the best: Monica Bloom. She is amazing and funny and makes everything very uncomplicated.

Are you ready to receive the most fun mail ever?

New service: Mailbox Magic

Everyone likes to receive snail mail. Especially when it’s wicked cool and you can hang it on your wall or use it to decorate your room.

Collage Art (made just for you–every one is different!) sent to your mailbox every month:

*1/2 year– $25

*A full year of Mailbox Magic– $98 (you’ll receive mail 2x month!!)

ALSO
Care Package Crafts

Awkward bunnies, eye masks, bath salts, sparkly stickers….

Only $24/month. Free shipping.

Sign up by emailing me at joyboardman@gmail.com.

I will send you a PayPal invoice and as soon as payment is received, you’ll be on your way to a Magical Mailbox :)

Malady Monday: Eczema

Atopic dermatitis AKA Eczema is always itchy

(if it’s not itchy then it’s not eczema, it’s something else called Keratosis Pilaris (KP))

It’s a chronic allergic condition characterized by areas of itchy, scaly rashes. 

In ayurveda eczema is also called vicharchika.

There are 3 kinds:
⊙Vata: DRY usually accompanied by constipation & anxiety; aggravated by cold and relieved with sesame oil

⊙Pitta: INFLAMED red and burning; aggravated by heat

⊙Kapha: MOIST cold, sticky, oozing, swollen; aggravated by dairy, oil, and sugar

Most common version is PITTA.

What helps all 3 kinds of eczema:
Turmeric (anti-inflammatory) Sandalwood
Guggol

For chronic eczema take licorice after you have finished detoxing with triphala (take triphala at night)

Externally use ghee, aloe vera, turmeric, neem*, and tulsi

*NEEM: relieves pain and protects from secondary infection

Vata eczema
⊙Sign of dehydration

⊙Use sesame oil externally

⊙Take castor oil internally

⊙Eat sweet, sour, and salty foods

⊙Take triphala, guggol, cardamom

⊙Use ghee with triphala, neem, and cardamom

Pitta eczema
⊙Avoid dairy, nightshades, oranges, peaches, strawberries

⊙Also avoid sun and heat

⊙Eat sweet, bitter, and astringent foods

⊙Drink coconut juice

⊙Internal: burdock, neem, dandelion, triphala, gotu kola, sandalwood, aloe, and amalaki

⊙External: rose water, coconut juice, aloe, gotu kola, sandalwood oil, neem, and turmeric

Kapha eczema
⊙Sign of poor digestion

⊙Avoid heavy, greasy, and oily foods (especially cheese & yogurt)

⊙Eat pungent, bitter, and astringent foods

⊙Internal: thyme, triphala, ginger, cardamom, gotu kola, and dandelion

⊙External: turmeric, neem, and chamomile

Did you know your skin is your largest organ of elimination? So, if you are having skin problems you need to change what is going into your body.

⊙Perform a liver cleanse

⊙Follow anti-inflammatory diet

⊙Eat grass fed animals vs. Grain fed (acid producing)

⊙Avoid caffeine

⊙Eliminate milk which irritates your immune system

Try to get more sulfur into your diet (eczema can be caused by a sulfur deficiency)

⊙Avoid shellfish (makes you itchy), hot spicy foods (adds dryness), and excess sugar and starch (adds dampness)

You can make a homemade salt and magnesium spray (magnesium flakes + Himalayan crystal salt)
Or take baths in the same solution

Essential Oils
Try using calendula lotion
Also try calendula tea + 5 drops of lavender oil 2x per day.

Other essential oils that can help are:
Bergamot, eucalyptus, juniper, Roman chamomile, lavender, & rosemary

Oils and Vitamins
Add GLAs (gamma-linolenic acids) to your diet with Borage oil and Evening Primrose Oil (500mg, 2x per day)

Also add Omega-3s

Take fermented cod liver oil

Take vitamin c, vitamin d, and vitamin e

Don’t use soap and avoid wool
Wear cotton-lined gloves when washing dishes

Let me know in the comments some things that have helped you find relief and healing from eczema.

Joy Boardman

Massage Therapist and Collage Art Therapist

Planet Joy: Otherworldly Massages for Women, Planet-Friendly Collages for Everyone

Find me here:

[PlanetJoy’s Blog]

[PlanetJoy’s Etsy Shop]

[PlanetJoy on Facebook]

[PlanetJoy on Pinterest]

A quick pick-me-up playlist for August

I listen to a lot of music while I’m doing massages and (thanks to my Songza app) I’m always getting exposed to new stuff.

So, I thought I would start sharing the love!

Here’s my August playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKcuyDIHajOQEuhqUuKB51iQ36BO4fjfX

A Joyful Year of Massage 2014

It’s finally here!!

Useful links:
YOM Mission statement

FAQ page

Client testimonials

If you know any cool ladies who want to sign up have them send me an email:
JoyBoardman@gmail.com

A Joyful Year of Massage: Client Testimonials

"Signing up for a year of massages forced me to take time out of my busy schedule to focus on myself, at least one hour a month. Massage added another dimension to wellness by allowing me to relax and address the physical stress on my body. I reaped the benefits of more relaxed muscles while also learning about homeopathic remedies. I also gained a great friend!"
-LeeAnn

“Sign up for a year of massage not just for your benefit but for your loved ones as well…massage makes the world a happier place…

Also it keeps the body healthier,a reg.massage has helped me stay away from sinus infections. Used to get 3/4 infections a year and now I can’t remember when I’ve had one….massage helps you both mind and body.”
-Candi

“My daughter really connects with her clients. She loves them and cares for them.

Her massages are gentle yet firm and effective. I’ve had excellent incentive to schedule and take advantage of her 90-minute treatments, which are heavenly.
I’ve committed to a year of massage to help her as well as myself.

Joy’s atmosphere is relaxing with aromatherapy and privacy. She knows her anatomy and holistic research. I trust her for body, mind and spirit. Her package deals make the commitment reasonable and regular scheduling has improved my stress relief and attitude.

Bravo! Well done! 100 stars! Do it!”
-Lynne (my momma, yay!)

“Joy provides a relaxing environment and knows her stuff in terms of technique. Most importantly for me, she is serious about massage as a personal therapeutic process – she listens to what I have to say about what is bothering me at the start of each session, and adapts what she’s doing to match. She’s great at this and it’s extremely helpful!”
-Dan

“Getting a massage from Joy not only is relaxing, but she genuinely cares about her clients’ well-being. She makes it easy to forget the stresses of life. When I visit Joy, I feel like I’m visiting not only a massage therapist, but a good friend as well!”
-Allison

“I scheduled a monthly massage with Joy and can’t tell you how delighted I am! I look forward to having her come to my home every month, set up her very comfortable table and turn on “ocean sounds” for relaxation. I have asked her to concentrate on my neck and shoulders which she has discovered is in much need of attention!

I highly recommend Joy for a wonderful experience in the personal surroundings of your own home.”
-Janie

“My massage from Joy has become the highlight of my month. I look so forward to my massage that it becomes a way to push through busy days and difficult tasks. I tell myself, “Get through this and you will be one step closer to your special hour!” My body knows when it’s time for my massage, too. It tells me!

Joy has the kind of wonderfully intuitive touch that reads what your body needs. I would never give up my year of massage! I love it! I highly recommend the year of massage to anyone considering!”
-Melissa

“As a fitness professional, I understand the importance of taking care of our bodies.

As a single, working mother of two teen girls, I understand the importance of taking care of our peace of mind.

As a woman with diverse life experience, I understand the importance of taking care of our spiritual health.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT….all of these are nurtured through massage. As a certified Personal Trainer, I counsel my clients on the importance of massage for relaxation, detoxification, myofascial release, workout recovery – overall general health. There is no substitute for the investment in our health to take care of our body. How you FEEL physically affects you every moment of every day.

And why do I recommend Joy Boardman to my clients? First of all, I have been going to Joy for massage for a few years and her massages are WONDERFUL!! She lives up to her name…she is a Joy! A beautiful and kind young woman!

Secondly, I love that she makes massage affordable by providing it in her home…the ambiance of her massage room is warm and cozy. She always does some sort of aromatherapy and relaxing music. It is my choice to chat during the massage or rest in silence as my body melts on the table! Joy takes special care to offer your preference of light massage, deeper tissue work, or a combination of techniques.

Finally, I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and pampered after massage. The day after my massage, by body looks beautiful, as my muscles are elongated and I feel the benefits 100% in my body. (can I say that massage makes you look better naked?)

I would encourage you to invest in a year of massage with Joy…she is spectacular and her massages will make you feel awesome to the core!!”
-Andrea

•For more information about PlanetJoy: Otherworldy Massages for Women, click here.

•Check out my 2014 massage menu by clicking here!

Be encouraged. Feel connected.

Be encouraged. Feel connected. You have something to offer. Stop giving to others from an empty bucket. Start giving back to yourself. It’s ok.
Experience joy.

PlanetJoy: Otherworldly Massages for Women &Planet-Friendly Collages for Everyone

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joyboardman@gmail.com

10 Positive Affirmations for Bad Days

1. It’s okay. (Keep it simple.)

2. I believe there is a God even when he is silent.

Be strong and courageous, God is with you.

3. I CHOOSE to be happy. (&it’s good for my health!)

4. My life is beautiful even if I can’t see that right now.

5. I create opportunities.

“It’s better to hope than despair.”-Goethe

6. I am clothed in strength and dignity.

7. I am a work in progress.

8. I will not chase anyone. Take me as I am or watch me as I go.

9. The less I need, the better I feel.

“When I get sad, I STOP being sad, & be awesome instead. True story.”
-Barney, from How I Met Your Mother

10. I am not who I was before.

Joy Boardman

Massage Therapist and Collage Art Therapist

Planet Joy: Otherworldly Massages for Women, Planet-Friendly Collages for Everyone

Find me here:

[PlanetJoy’s Blog]

[PlanetJoy’s Etsy Shop]

[PlanetJoy on Facebook]

[PlanetJoy on Pinterest]