| "Ayurveda--Pathway to Wellness" is the title of a talk to be given to the Emerald Coast Meditation Society on Dec. 19. Speaker will be Nancy Gross, who has long experience in teaching people to manage their own state of wellness. The meeting will start with a silent 30-minute meditation at 6:30 p.m. at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 480 N. Co. Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach, one-half mile north of Hwy. 98. The ECMS is ecumenical and does not follow any religion. There is no charge. “The ancient science of Ayurveda provides a unique natural, prevention-oriented approach to health,” says Gross. “Over 70 percent of illnesses are preventable through lifestyle changes. I will share the time-tested Ayurveda lifestyle tools, including self-pulse diagnosis, knowing your dosha, and balancing your dosha through diet, exercise, meditation and other stress-reducing techniques.” The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily humors, or doshas, called vata, pitta and kappa. Gross, who founded a business called ZIA Wellness, has combined more than 40 years of experience in the wellness field to create programs teaching anyone, regardless of their age, to manage their own physical, mental, spiritual and social wellness. She has studied Eastern mind-body-spirit philosophies and current integrated-medicine disciplines. Gross holds a B.S. degree in food and nutrition from the University of Maine and an M.S. in food and nutrition from Boston University, with a minor in education. Her diverse career includes working as a registered dietician in medical centers, teaching nutrition and coordinating clinical experiences for Louisiana Tech University, and providing nutrition consultant services for schools, group homes, and more. She is certified to teach water-aerobics, yoga and worksite wellness, and is a Maharishi wellness consultant, as well as a level two reiki practitioner. Gross and her husband have one daughter and moved to south Walton County three years ago, after several years as visitors. The evening will conclude with a short guided meditation. The ECMS meets on the first and third Thursday of every month except July and August. Anyone who needs meditation instruction should arrive by 6:15 p.m. For information contact Nancy James at nancyjames@embarqmail.com. |