Health, wellness, and spirituality have always been in my DNA. Back in 2011, I chose to dip my toe in wellness safely, and I went to school to be an esthetician. Although I’m forever grateful for the knowledge I gained, I felt that it was a stepping stone into a more expansive path of self-discovery and exploration.
From starting my own matcha company in 2014 to becoming the unofficial family healer in 2020, I chose to make it official and became a certified holistic health coach. This enlightening chapter in my life shattered the narrow perception of health confined to mere food choices. It revealed a profound truth: health encompasses the mind, body, soul, and spirit. It's about fluency in the language of nature and nurturing your nervous system and energy field with the utmost care.
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This is why I named my Substack Inner Garden Alchemy, as it encompasses the magic of tending to our inner garden.
My commitment to my well-being and guiding others on their healing journeys is not just a passion—it's an unwavering dedication that has unveiled itself as my life's purpose. Beyond the labels of a certified holistic health and wellness coach (though let's be real, the word 'coach' feels a bit stale to me), my journey has unfolded through yoga, breathwork, and meditation certifications. In January 2024, I’m excited to embark on a year-long journey to become an Ayurveda Health Coach.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, often referred to as the "Science of Life," is an ancient system of medicine that has its roots in India and has been practiced for thousands of years. This holistic approach to health and well-being views individuals as unique combinations of energies and seeks to balance the mind, body, and spirit.
Key Principles of Ayurveda
Derived from the Sanskrit words "Ayur" (life) and "Veda" (knowledge or science), Ayurveda is a comprehensive system that encompasses various aspects of life, including health, diet, lifestyle, and spirituality. It is not merely a system of curing ailments but a guide to living a balanced and harmonious life.
The doshas represent the three fundamental energies that govern the body's various physiological and psychological functions. Balancing these energies is essential for achieving optimal physical and spiritual health.
Tridosha Theory:
Central to Ayurveda is the concept of doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas represent different combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and govern the body's various physiological and psychological functions.
Individual Constitution (Prakriti):
Ayurveda recognizes that each person has a unique combination of doshas, known as their Prakriti. Understanding one's prakriti is essential for tailoring lifestyle, dietary choices, and therapeutic practices to maintain balance.
Pancha Mahabhutas (Five Great Elements):
Ayurveda believes that everything in the universe, including the human body, is composed of the five elements. The balance of these elements is crucial for optimal health.
Ayurveda is the compass that aligns us with the natural rhythms, guiding us towards a life harmonized with the universe. - Key Ocho
The Six Tastes of Ayurveda
Ayurveda categorizes food into six tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Each taste corresponds to specific elements of the doshas, and incorporating a balance of these tastes into our meals is believed to support overall harmony.
Sweet: Nourishes and grounds us and is associated with earth and water elements.
Sour: Enhances digestion and stimulates appetite, and is associated with Fire and Earth elements.
Salty: Supports electrolyte balance associated with Water and Fire elements.
Bitter: Detoxifies and purifies, associated with Air and Ether elements.
Pungent: Stimulates metabolism and circulation, associated with Fire and Air elements.
Astringent: Offers structure and tones tissues associated with Air and Earth elements.
Mindful Eating as a Spiritual Practice
Ayurveda encourages us to approach meals with mindfulness and gratitude, considering not just the physical nutrients but also the energetic qualities of the food. Here are some ways to incorporate spiritual nutrition into your daily eating habits:
Conscious Eating: Slow down and savor each bite. Be present with your food, appreciating its flavors, textures, and aromas.
Express Gratitude: Begin your meals with a moment of gratitude. Acknowledge the journey of the food from farm to plate and the nourishment it provides.
Cook with Love: Infuse your cooking with positive energy and intentions. The energy you put into your food can impact how it nourishes your body and soul.
Seasonal Eating: Align your diet with the seasons. Ayurveda recognizes the influence of seasons on our diets and believes that consuming seasonal, local foods can help maintain balance.
In Ayurveda, food is considered a carrier of prana, the vital life force. Choosing fresh, whole foods that are rich in prana is believed to enhance the life force within us, supporting both physical and spiritual vitality.
In the realm of Ayurveda, the act of eating becomes a sacred practice, a means of nourishing not only the body but also the soul. By embracing the principles of spiritual nutrition, we can cultivate a deeper connection with our food, our inner selves, and the world around us.
If you’re interested in receiving Ayurveda support, I welcome you to sign up for my coaching waitlist by clicking here. If you’re unable to wait for extensive wellness support, you can book a one-on-one holistic health and wellness counseling session here.
If you’re curious and would like to take an Ayurveda quiz to see which dosha you may be, click here to receive my Ayurveda Essentials Guide. This short guide includes information about Ayurveda, each dosha, a dosha quiz, and recipes. If you decide to receive the guide, I hope you enjoy it; please feel free to reach out and let me know if you found the guide to be supportive.
As always, I am sending you big love and astral hugs wherever you are if you need them.