Inspirational Stories

I just wanted to write a quick note to thank you for putting your ginger tea recipe on the website.

For the past 20+ years, once I would get a cold, it would go straight to my lungs and I would always get bronchitis, sometimes pneumonia, and once pleurisy. The bronchitis was at a minimum of twice a year. I was to the point where I just had to call my doctor (not be seen) to get a prescription for bronchitis, it was so common for me!!

Wai Lana, since I have tried your tea three years ago, I have yet to get any of these!! Not a single one! As soon as my cold starts, I drink the tea, and sure enough I'm better within one day!

I have always been one to "take pills" to cure my illnesses and I was certainly reluctant to try this, but now I must have sent this recipe to 30 people already praising its effectiveness!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!

Best regards,

Kathy

My name is Christen J. and I have only recently found your wonderful yoga program on TV and have been enjoying it immensely. I have also just been to your website and tried some of your ginger tea (yummy!) and am anxious to try some other recipes. I was writing to ask your opinion on fasting and if you have any recommendations on it. I was injured recently and have been mostly bedridden for a whole month! Needless to say, I feel very sluggish and all tied up inside from being inactive and from the medications that I had taken. I was very active in the gym and with self-defense training before the accident and I feel very low on energy. I love your program, and even before I could get up and participate I would just watch your show and meditate. The locations where you practice, the music, and your voice all just flow together and make that time very peaceful for me. Thank you for bringing your light out and sharing yourself. If you have any suggestions for the fasting, that would be great. I know that you must be very busy, and if you cannot, I understand. Overall, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your show and respect your practice.

Sincerely,

Christen



Wai Lana's Response:

Thank you for your recent request for advice. Before we reply, please note that the comments we give you may or may not apply for your personal (medical) condition, of which we have no knowledge. As with all exercise programs, please contact your doctor or licensed health professional for specific recommendations and treatment.

Dear Christen,

Thank you very much for your e-mail and your kind words.

I hope you're feeling better and are able to exercise a little more now. As you've seen, yoga has so much to offer that even if you can't do the poses, you can always practice meditation.

Fasting is part of the hatha yoga process and can be helpful if done correctly. Many yogis fast one day a week to give the digestive system a rest. You can do a one-day fast drinking only water, or you may prefer to do a juice fast. Water fasts are more intense, and sometimes the cleansing process occurs too quickly. For example, you may experience headaches when toxins are released. If you fast on juice, which is less intense, it's generally safe to fast for up to three days. If you're planning a longer fast, consult your doctor first. Also, fasting may be harmful and dangerous if you're taking medication, so be sure to talk to your doctor if that's the case.

If you do decide to fast, drink plenty of liquids. Eat light, natural foods both before and after the fast to ease your body into and out of the fasting condition. That way, even if the actual fast lasts only a day or two, a light and healthy diet both before and after will enhance the benefits of the fast and make you feel cleaner inside. During the fast, don't do any heavy workouts. Light stretching or walking is fine.

Kind regards,

Wai Lana

P.S. I have a cookbook coming out shortly. I'll add you to our mailing list and we'll send you an e-mail when it's available in case you're interested.