The fad of Ayurveda is fast moving through the Western world and unfortunately calling something “ayurvedic” whether it’s a super food, super skincare blend or delicious herbal tea simply IS NOT “ayurvedic” without the consideration of the individual using the products at play. Many of these presentations and combinations are actually not recommended in Ayurvedic practice and much of this is playing with Indian herbs instead of understanding how these herbs work.

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being. We all notice the difference between the feeling of rest and rejuvenation and being drained from lack of proper sleep and overwork or exertion. The Ayurvedic scholars recognized this with deep regard thousands of years ago when they listed sleep as one of the three pillars of health in Ayurveda. Alongside food and energy control it was clear that nourishment, rest and rejuvenative practices created the foundation for a life of health, happiness and stability.

Food is a HUGE topic in Ayurveda with an emphasis on digestive health. What and how we eat create the building blocks of whole body healing along with the understanding of personal constitutions and specific outlines for each individual. The jump from personal care to family care often solicits the question: what does Ayurvedic cooking for the whole family look like? How do we approach this individualized dietary presentation when feeding someone else or an entire family?

If we were to give one single recommendation for you to jump start your healing practice, self-oil massage would be it. Modern living invites excess Vata dosha into the body from excessive travel, irregular schedules, screen time, fast paced living and overall feelings of being stretched often beyond our limit of personal comfort. While it is indeed lovely to get a massage from someone else, incorporating application of oil and giving yourself the opportunity for self-healing and a multitude of healing benefits to go with.

Healthy Moon Cycles are important! Discomfort and pain may seem quite “normal” these days, but they are actually far from natural. Ayurveda encourages us to notices the signs of our cycles to help generate a greater understanding of the process and consider what elemental qualities are predominant in our body and mind as currently reflected in Nature.

Agni, our digestive fire is a huge topic in Ayurveda and when we consider what health actually means the ancient scholars includes the status or function of our digestive system as one of the main points in its evaluation. Observing our own digestion can help us to understand the status or state of jatharagni and support determining which foods and herbs can support us right now!

The yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances) are often presented as the first two limbs of yoga. These initiate a growing shift and understanding surrounding the way a practitioner engages with the world (yamas) and themselves personally (niyamas). The integration of these practices can support the facilitation of Ayurvedic self-care practices. Similarly, the application of these self-care practices can support the integration of the yamas and niyamas.

Looking to get your loved ones something special that brings along the gift of health? Check out our top picks for the Ayurvedic enthusiast for this holiday season. They will love them and who knows, maybe you would like to treat yourself too!

The diet and herbs for Vata Dosha and Vata Season. Learn how the sweet, sour and salty tastes along with heavier unctuous qualities can be incorporated into your daily diet to support seasonal health and longevity. Including our favorite warming, grounding daily regimen and recipes. Learn the best practices for the season!

Pancha Karma, the famous Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation support recommended yearly. Understand the benefits and signs its time for Pancha Karma. For those looking to learn more you are invited to join Maha Vidya in Puerto Rico to experience this special program for yourself.