Nourishing Agni on a Mental Level

Tending to agni (digestive fire) within the subtle realms

For thousands of years, the medicine of Ayurveda has prioritized agni as an important aspect of health and well-being. Modern medicine is now confirming the truth of what Ayurveda has been saying for thousands of years—digestive health is a key factor in our ability to feel well in our mind-body dynamic. We tend to think of digestion in relationship to the physical body, but digestion actually happens on the mental and emotional levels, as well as being a part of our ability (or lack thereof) to process and release experiences, beliefs, and emotions. If we are to step more fully into our wholeness and truth (svastha), then we are going to have to digest, move through, and release limited mindsets and experiences we hold on to.

What is health from an Ayurvedic perspective? 

Let’s back up and take a look at how Ayurveda defines health. In Ayurveda, to be in a state of health is not simply to experience the absence of disease. To define health in those terms is to reduce the totality of what we are to just the physical dimension of our being. The word for health in Ayurveda is svastha, meaning to be situated in oneself or content in oneself. This definition encompasses not just the bodily factors but also our senses, mind, and spirit—conveying a holistic understanding of health. Therefore, we are being guided by Ayurveda to tend to our whole being to nurture health, which means taking care of the digestive fire not just within the physical sheath but also the mental and emotional sheaths.

So why is agni important to health? 

According to one of the ancient texts on Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, a person is as old as their agni. “Agni is necessary for the normal process of digestion, and the subtle energy of agni transforms the lifeless molecules of food, water, and air into the consciousness of the cell.” Agni also exists within the mental and emotional body, helping to transform our experiences through the five senses so that they may be processed and then released. Within the realms of mind and emotions, agni transforms the sensory experience into understanding. Right understanding leads to great discernment (buddhi) and wisdom, which ultimately fuel the path of self-realization as it relates to Ayurveda’s sister science Yoga.

What happens when agni is impaired?

When the digestive fire becomes vitiated due to an imbalance in the three doshas, or bodily humors, our food or experiences may not be broken down completely, and as a result, nutrients are not absorbed efficiently, beliefs and emotions get stuck inside us, and the cycle of intake, digestion, and release is hindered. This situation can lead to an accumulation of metabolic waste (ama) in the body—physical, mental, emotional, and/or energetic. Ama is sticky, heavy, and foul, and clogs the channels (srotas) of the body, thus impeding the flow of prana (life force energy) and ultimately causing our health to deteriorate from the inside out. When prana can’t flow freely, the intelligence of the body is disrupted, which leads to confusion in the mind-body dynamic. This can result in excess heat—inflammation, stagnant water (water retention), stuck earth (lethargy), chaotic air (dryness and lack of focus), and so on. On a more subtle level, this can result in frazzled energy that may manifest as fear and anxiety, anger, self-centeredness, and a judgmental mindset, as well as lead to over-attachment, lack of motivation, and depression. All these different possibilities prevent our true nature from shining forth and hold us back from experiencing a deep sense of well-being.

But tending to agni is not just for the sake of the physical human experience. 

We must remember that Ayurveda is Yoga’s sister science, and Yoga is the experience and practice of oneness, wholeness, and dissolution of mental activity into the self. It is our ultimate purpose from the spiritual perspective. While Ayurveda describes a plethora of food recommendations and herbal protocols to support individual constitutions, manage seasonal changes, correct doshic imbalances, and optimize the health of agni, we must also remember that attending to our physical needs can only take us so far if we don’t engage the other aspects of our being—mind, wisdom, and spirit. And I have found that this level of practice usually requires simplicity, presence, and intention. 

Three simple practices to sustain agni that nourishes your mind, emotions, and energy: 

1. Put away the screens during mealtime—when our mind is inundated by scrolling, reading, analyzing, and engaging with a screen, energy is redirected from the digestive system to whatever we are looking at. But we want energy going to the digestive process to support agni, so focus on one thing during mealtime, your meal. Eat slowly and savor the array of tastes, colors, and textures.

2. Sit down at the table to eat—for the same reason mentioned above. When we are walking, talking, driving, etc. while eating, energy is dispersed among these other activities and not focused on the digestive process. Not to mention, this can be aggravating to the vata dosha, which can lead to a host of problems, including gas, bloating, dryness in the colon, and poor digestion. Carve out time in your busy day that’s dedicated exclusively to meals, and set an intention to eat in a way that nourishes your entire being.

3. Light a candle when possible—the fire element is the essence of agni, and to physically bring fire into your mealtime environment is a subtle way of strengthening your inner fire. It also brings a sense of sacredness to mealtime, which truly exemplifies its nature. Eating is a time when we consume gifts from the earth as nourishment for our vessel, thus allowing ourselves to have a human experience. When we fail to see life through this unifying lens of gratitude, we miss out on a good portion of accessible medicine and forget that Ayurveda is just is not just medicine for the physical body but also a healing salve for inner states of disconnection from our spiritual essence.

4. Upon waking first thing in the morning, look at the morning sun and imagine your body infused with its radiant light and that radiant light nourishing the agnis of your entire being. Ask yourself this: How am I doing (from a judgment-free zone)? And then follow up with this question: What will feel nourishing for today? And incorporate the answers into your day.

5. At the end of each day, take time to reflect on what felt supportive of your whole being and what didn’t, again with no judgment. And then offer up these experiences to something bigger than yourself either through journaling, meditation, mantra, movement, or any practice that allows you to release and let go. Imagine the experiences of the day dissolving back into the cosmic ocean from which they arose.

 Sometimes it’s in the simple practices we find profound healing.

about the author

Ashlyn Miller is a Student, Teacher, Ayurveda Yoga Counselor, and Intuitive Medicine Guide. She is the founder of Inner Woven Wellness LLC, a portal for wellbeing & spirituality that offers educational experiences in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Earth-based practices. Ashlyn supports people in embracing their True nature and highest sense of Self through holistic medicine and spirituality, encouraging an intimate, nourishing relationship with life.

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Eight tips for better digestion with Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient system of health care. Ayurvedic theory is based on the tridosha concept: vata, pitta, and kapha. These tridosha are the backbone of Ayurvedic diagnostic and treatment principles, including those related to digestion.

The functions of the doshas

Everybody has all three doshas in their body but one is predominant. Only a few people have two predominant doshas. If all the doshas are balanced, then there is no problem. But when a dosha goes out of balance, it can create health issues.

Vata dosha is responsible for circulation and elimination, and it controls the nervous system.

Pitta means “which digests,” so it’s no surprise that it’s responsible for digestion and body energy.

Kapha dosha provides structural integrity. It acts as a cementing agent, giving your body its weight, mass, and stability.

Digestion: the foundation of health with Ayurveda

So many people are struggling with digestive issues. You already know that pitta dosha is responsible for digestion. Pitta dosha is also connected to agni, or digestive fire. Agni is the gatekeeper of good health.

According to Ayurveda, strong digestion is key to good health. When agni is imbalanced, digestive problems start to appear.

Improper digestion creates ama (toxins) in the body. Ama is the root cause of many diseases. Ayurveda says that your stomach, your digestive system, is the root of your body. If the root is strong, things are in order. If our digestion is imbalanced, diseases can develop.

Our wrong eating habits imbalance our agni. Everybody tries to eat good, healthy foods. But sometimes we don’t take our food on time. We don’t drink enough liquids. And maybe in couple of years, we start experiencing digestive issues.

Eight tips from Ayurveda for balanced digestion

Here are few tips to keep your agni and, ultimately, your digestion balanced.

1. Drink 2 liters (67.6 oz.) of water every day

Ayurveda recommends drinking four glasses of water on an empty stomach. And during the day it’s advised that you drink one glass of water every one and half hours.

The proper way of drinking water is to take one glass of warm water and drink it slowly sip by sip and finish it. Don’t just take a few sips now and a few more again after 5–10 minutes, because that will imbalance the digestive fire. Always drink warm water. Avoid cold and chilled things.

2. Always eat seasonal foods

Always eat fresh, cooked, and warm foods that are in season. Eat at regular mealtimes. Eat slowly.

Don’t freeze or store food for future consumption. Fresh, cooked food is alkaline. Stored food becomes acidic. So, follow the wisdom of nature, and eat foods that are in season.

3. Eat regularly, but not too frequently

Never skip breakfast. Your body, especially your brain, needs fuel in the morning. Food is fuel. There should be at least a 4-hour gap between two meals. The only exceptions to this advice are kids, old, and sick people.

4. Eat the right foods at the right time

Your food should be digested before going to bed because your body slows down when you’re asleep. Eat at least 2 hours before going to bed. Eat heavier foods in the middle of the day and lighter, easy-to-digest foods in the evening.

Avoid spicy, cold, fermented, and frozen foods. Always eat freshly cooked food.

5. Leave room for digestion

Don’t fill up your stomach. This Ayurvedic shlokha tells you how much to eat:

POORTE ASHNAINA ARADHA TRITYA UDKENTU
VAYO SANCHNNARTHA CHATURTH AVASHESHYAT

“One should fill half his stomach with food and
leave one-quarter for water and one-quarter for movement of air.” 

6. Exercise regularly

Walk and exercise regularly. As they say: “After lunch, rest a while, and after dinner, walk a mile.”

7. Spice it up

Drink ginger tea. Add cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and cumin. Add ajwayan and turmeric to your food. Keep in mind that everything should be used in moderation.

Ayurveda uses foods, herbs, and spices as medicine. This shlokha sums it up: 

VINAAPI BHAISHJYAEVIDHUI PATHYADEV NIRVARTATE
NA TU PATHYA VAHINSAYA BHAISHAJANANM SHTRRRAI

“No medicine is required by a person who carefully follows the prescribed diet guidelines. But who does not follow the diet principles cannot be helped even by hundreds of medicines.”

8. Follow Ayurveda’s daily habit recommendations

Follow Ayurveda’s dinacharya, or daily habit recommendations, to help keep your body in balance and, ultimately, free from disease.

Ayurveda helps you stay healthy and return to balance when your doshas go out of balance. It works with lifestyle, diet, and herbal remedies among other things to better your digestion. Please check with your doctor or health care provider before using any ideas mentioned in this article.

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about the author

N.K. Dutta, DNM, CAP, is Surrey BC Canada based Ayurvedic Vaidya. His main objective is to educate and raise awareness in human beings about Ayurveda in the world. He has more than 40 years of experience in Ayurveda. www.ayurvediccure.co

Helping Your Client Have a Healthy and Enjoyable Summer

A BRIEF REFERENCE GUIDE FOR STUDENTS AND AHC PROFESSIONALS

By Ana Chassot-Petersen, AHP, C-IAYT

Like George Harrison’s song says, Here comes the sun. It is a classic lyric associated with the season full of light, energy, and warmth.

As Ayurvedic practitioners who understand the significance of the change in seasons and its potential impact on health and wellness, we can offer our clients advice that goes beyond taking precautions to prevent sunburn. We understand that with its abundance of sun and heat, summer is the season that can most aggravate the pitta dosha.

When pitta accumulates and is aggravated, it can cause harmful inflammation – a hot topic these days. Studies have shown that inflammation can be a catalyst for negative cell transformation and become a pathway, or samprapti, for chronic diseases and some types of cancers. It can also accelerate the aging process. As we also know, more broadly, pitta regulates digestion, body temperature, and hormone levels, among other vital processes. It is responsible for metabolic transformations beginning at the cellular level. 

Making the change in seasons a teachable moment

A change in seasons is an opportune time to educate clients about health basics. Conversations can cover important topics such as adjustments to daily routine, diet, exercise, pranayama, and more. Of course, recommendations need to be client-specific, recognizing each individual’s prakruti (physical constitution) and potential for pitta accumulation and aggravation.

Below are some practices I have found personally helpful during summer. I offer them not as general advice, but to illustrate the breadth and depth of how we can engage our clients and help them to have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Starting the day well

• Lemon water in the morning has a sweet post-digestive effect (vipaka) and helps to alkalize the body, which can be helpful in circumventing harmful inflammatory processes.

• Because pitta can accumulate faster during late morning hours, eating a small and cooling breakfast can be a good way to begin the day. Include fruits such as cantaloupe, pears, and apples.

• For a more substantial breakfast, I like porridge with a little ghee, cardamom, some coconut milk, and turmeric.

Keeping to a consistent meal schedule

• Sticking to the classic Ayurvedic schedule of eating three times a day, with no snacking in between, can help keep pitta in balance. If we snack, we can create an overactive digestive fire and fuel harmful fermentation in the digestive tract. 

• Eat fewer calories. Controlling calories will help maintain a balanced metabolism and avoid pittagenic ama accumulation. Additionally, research indicates that a calorie-restricted diet can enhance mitochondria performance, which is related to the pitta dosha. (Of course, this suggestion is not appropriate for those who need heavier foods – for example, clients who are underweight or in a vata-aggravated state.)

Making good food choices

• Naturally sweet, astringent, and bitter foods are the basis of a pita-pacifying diet. Good options for summer include soaked almonds, avocados, bananas, and spinach.

• Feed the mitochondria, giving cells the fuel they need. Spinach and kale can boost the energetic metabolism that converts fats and sugars into adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, an organic compound that provides energy needed during the summer months.

• Prevent inflammation by including sources of omega-3s and alpha-lipoic acid, such as chia seeds, avocados, Brussels sprouts, chicken soup, and bone broths.

• For me, as the warmer months approach, blueberries always come to mind. The beautiful shape and cooling color of this antioxidant fruit always remind me of cute candies and take me back to happy and playful summers. Blueberries and other berries, such as blackberries and raspberries, and sweet fruits, such as strawberries, can protect the liver (a pitta organ), pacify pitta, and help to reduce the accumulation of heat.

• While they are tempting poolside treats and staples at summer barbeques, salty snacks and spicy foods can aggravate the pitta dosha.

Including helpful spices and herbs

• Cooling spices can pacify pitta. I like dry ginger, coriander, fennel, cumin, cardamom, and mint.   

• One of my favorite summer teas is fresh hibiscus. Hibiscus is packed with antioxidants that can help protect and detoxify the liver. Honey or maple syrup can be added as a natural sweetener.

• Even though not considered a cooling herb, ashwagandha calms the central nervous system and alleviates stress and irritability that can result from heat aggravation.

• Brahmi is a cooling herb. It also helps with irritability that can result from too much heat. The combination of ashwagandha and Brahmi can be very balancing.

Hydrating

• Adequate intake of water and other liquids is essential during summer. Depending on your client and their surroundings, natural coconut water may serve well as a cooling, hydrating, and rejuvenating agent.

• Aloe vera juice is also a very cooling and anti-inflammatory option.

Exercising when it is cool

• Summer can be a great time for invigoration. Proper exercise can slow inflammatory processes and helps keep telomeres – the ends of our chromosomes – long and strong as our cells divide. Remember, though, that it is best to work out or do an asana practice in the cooler hours of the day, such as the early morning or evening.

• Yoga postures such as uttanasana (standing forward fold), bhujangasana (cobra), and makarasana (crocodile) can cool and restore.

Practicing some cooling pranayama

• Sitali pranayama, a cooling breathing technique, can help to pacify pitta, especially in the summer. In a sitting position, with the spine erect, roll the tongue inward and point it outside the mouth. Inhale through the mouth and exhale through the nose. I have found that a round of six, twice a day can do wonders to cool the body and mind.

Enjoying some aromatherapy

• Picking a scent that evokes beautiful summer memories can be a cooling and healing experience. The scent of gardenia transports me back to my youth in Brazil, where the gardenia fields in my neighborhood perfumed the air during my early morning summer walks.  

• Sandalwood, rose, and neroli are great scents to enjoy and promote relaxation in summer.

Using cooling massage oils

• Good choices for massage before showering are coconut, Brahmi, and sunflower oils.

Getting a good night’s sleep

• Long, hot days make sleep all the more important in keeping the doshas in balance in summer. Studies have linked a lack of steady sleep to pitta aggravation and physiological inflammatory responses.

Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter. As we emerge to enjoy the good weather, we also can bring the light of Ayurveda to our clients and communities.

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About the Author

Ana Chassot-Petersen is a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), an E-500 RYT YACEP (yoga education provider), and a NAMA-certified Ayurveda Health Practitioner. Ana is also a journalist, TV and marketing promotions producer, and digital/TV content creator.

Why I Plan to Take the NAMACB Board Certification Exam

By Laura Klover

You might think that as a near straight-A student in college, I would be okay with the idea of taking a national certification exam. College, however, was many, many moons ago. Given that it has been such a long time since my last big exam, it stands to reason that as my Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) program comes to a close and the prospect of taking the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) exam looms, I am filled with trepidation.

The Importance of the Exam

To me, taking the AHC exam will be the culmination of my formal studies and a rite of passage. Not taking the exam would be like studying law and not taking the bar exam, or studying accounting and not taking the CPA exam. Taking the NAMACB exam marks a major milestone in my studies, an accomplishment in and of itself. Successful completion of the exam will provide proof that all my hard work and efforts have paid off.

 Ayurvedic medicine as a wellness profession is still emerging in the U.S. Passing the exam demonstrates to the public that I am an Ayurvedic professional who has attained a standardized amount of knowledge. NAMACB certification also assures clients of my proficiency in the services that I offer. Besides, when and if licensing comes to my state, I will have my NAMACB credential to support my state license application.

 Since I want to practice as an Ayurvedic professional, I believe it is important to support my profession, demonstrate my commitment to it, and participate in its self-regulation. NAMACB certification is one way I plan to provide such support. Credentialing processes in any profession or discipline foster credibility and elevate the profession. For the practitioner, credentials demonstrate attainment of peer-developed competency standards.

Passing my exam will allow me to use the NAMACB “CAHC” (Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor) mark,  and will convey my credibility as a practitioner to my clients. As a NAMA Professional Member, my status as a CAHC will also enable potential clients to find me and verify my credentials via the “Find an Ayurvedic Professional” search on the NAMA website.

“Passing my exam will allow me to use the NAMACB “CAHC” (Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor) mark, and will convey my credibility as a practitioner to my clients.”

— Laura Klover

Exam Preparation

Fortunately, the NAMACB provides potential exam candidates with some extremely helpful exam reference guides and practice questions. These resources are thorough to be sure, but I admit that I find them a little daunting in their breadth and depth. Then, there is the Sanskrit in the study materials. I am torn between utter respect for this sacred language and awareness of my lack of proficiency in it. Sighing, I return to my notes.

How will I know when I am ready to take the exam? Everyone is different; as for me, I will give myself a time limit in which to study and then force myself to take the test, treating it much like a final exam in college. Better to get it over and done with and the sooner, the better, while everything is still fresh in my mind.  

Time to get my exam scheduled! The NAMACB provides step-by-step directions on how to apply for the test and get a transcript approved and where and how to schedule your exam (online or on site). Click here for all this information and to schedule your exam!

One day soon, I plan to practice as a Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, and the path to this goal is through the national exam. If you are a student of Ayurveda graduating soon, or you graduated a while ago but have not yet taken the exam, won’t you join me?

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About the Author

Laura Klover is an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, registered yoga and meditation teacher, and a member of the NAMA Student Subcommittee. She loves building ojas by hiking with her man and her dog in the Kansas City heartland. Website: www.yogaprime.com; Instagram: @livingyogaprime.

Through the Ether: Moving the Study and Practice of Ayurveda Online

By Jennifer Kurdyla

“And may I see your tongue?” After several years of peering at my own tongue in the mirror every morning, and a week of looking at my classmates’ tongues during an AHC module at school, I was still nervous asking my first client to open her mouth for this integral part of our intake session. What made it even stranger, though, were the cues I had to give to actually be able to see her tongue: “Can you tilt your chin down a little, open wider, and say ‘aaaaah’? There, stop, now just hold it there!” The consultation was taking place over Zoom, and despite the clarity of our video connection, peering into the dark recesses of someone’s mouth probably wasn’t top of mind when laptop cameras were developed. 

Practically overnight, the slightly nerve-wracking, totally rewarding, experience of working with clients one-on-one got a whole lot more complicated—and Ayurveda programs like mine couldn’t have had the foresight to prep my class of budding health counselors in the art of online consults. Word of the spread of COVID-19 in the United States had just started to pepper news headlines during the aforementioned training module at the end of February 2020, and while hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes were in plentiful supply (along with coughs and sneezes and mucus, for that matter) in the center where my class gathered to study for ten days, no one was prepared for what would unfold in a matter of weeks. The global pandemic continues to create devastating losses, including closing the doors of many Ayurvedic schools, yoga centers, and other places of wellness around the world where Ayurveda is practiced.  

For me as a student of Ayurveda, the loss was manifold. My program, which I deliberately chose over others for the in-person learning environment, was put on indefinite pause, preventing me and my classmates from making dough bastis together in the kitchen, conducting our daily morning sadhana in the clear mountain air, and attending our graduation ceremony where we’d be together with friends and family, hug freely, and drink chai. Still, we were able to finish the program virtually and had a lovely and moving close to complete this transformative experience. Our dean and teachers sent us off with a missive that felt both scary and imperative: to embody Ayurveda even when it felt impossible in our uncertain world and to keep this healing art alive in a time where it was needed more than ever. 

And indeed, here we are. Ayurveda is persisting, thriving even, in virtual classrooms, consulting rooms, personal and professional calls, kitchens and dorms and hospitals all over the world. This should come as no surprise, really—throughout its long history of this medical system, Ayurveda has been threatened by many forces, and yet it has always found its way back into the light. The principles of adaptation, presence, and integrity at the core of its teachings are what keep Ayurveda alive in the face of all of these obstacles. They’re also what we, as students and practitioners, can return to as inspiration to help us adapt our work to the current times and the needs of our clients.

As a new AHC, I am myself surprised by how the seeming obstacle of working online has turned into an asset. My program’s cohort is able to have regular Zoom sessions to not only keep in touch with each other, but also “talk shop” about what we’re seeing in our practices clinically and brainstorm ideas for our individual offerings. Rather than being restricted by geography (which for me includes a fair amount of competition, since I live in a wellness-heavy city), I’m able to work with people in different time zones and countries one-on-one and in group settings. I’ve had to rethink my business strategy overall, but knowing that I can take and teach Ayurveda wherever I am has freed up the idea of where I call home, allowing me to live Ayurveda with more authenticity. As such, I can see how the way I teach, write, and create offerings is much more innovative and responsive to the needs of the moment, rather than a reaction to the “marketplace” or an attempt to keep up with my peers on social media. I feel that I’m planting seeds in more resilient and adaptable soil, and that I’ll be able to harvest good fruit from them for my clients and students for a long time.

Whether you see the current situation as a glass half empty or half full, Ayurveda asks us to see the situation clearly for what it is. In making decisions that support our ability to study and practice while sustaining our basic needs, there’s no wrong way we can go. Rather than resorting to worrisome extremes—I’ll never be able to take someone’s pulse again, or I’ll never be able to graduate now!—we can all practice taking the middle path and surrendering to the truth of our new world as it changes breath by breath. The macrocosm may be reflected in our microcosm, but the way we tend to our microcosms will ultimately reflect in the macrocosm with equal potency. By choosing to view the online Ayurveda universe through eyes of hope, compassion, and opportunity—whether we share the practices through our own self-care or helping others—we can take a mighty step forward in generating those qualities in the world at large. 

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About the Author

Jennifer Kurdyla is an Ayurvedic Health Counselor, yoga teacher, and writer. She is the co-author of the forthcoming cookbook, Root & Nourish: An Herbal Cookbook for Women's Wellness (Tiller Press, April 2021), and lives in Brooklyn, New York. Website: benourished.me | Instagram: @jenniferkurdyla. 

Why I will never miss a NAMA conference

by Maria Radloff

Chair – NAMA Students Subcommittee

It was through yoga that I discovered Ayurveda, and every time I practice, I think of my first teacher and all the doors he opened for me. Today I still practice ashtanga yoga, study Sanskrit, participate in a weekly Ayurvedic philosophy class, and am working on completing my AP training at Kerala Ayurveda Academy.

Ayurveda was an instant attraction for me, but it took many years to solidify my dream of attending a NAMA-recognized school. During that time, however, I did discover NAMA and longed to attend their conferences, featuring famous speakers and so many interesting topics. I was so smitten, but I was too afraid to go since I had no formal education in Ayurveda.

Fast forward ten years to when it became my dream to study Ayurveda. Not only am I now a NAMA Student Member, I am an active on a NAMA Students committee, and I have already attended two conferences and am registered for a third in April!

Community

I was a little nervous about going alone to my first conference, but a dear friend hooked me up with a roommate, and I had a few friends from other cities that would also be attending. I knew my teachers and some classmates would be there, which was also comforting.

After having attended two conferences, I can say that I have always felt included because everyone there is very friendly and welcoming. I met people at meals with whom I shared a table and at workshops, and I met other students. I now feel confident about going because there will be many familiar faces from my growing circle of friends who study and practice Ayurveda.

Spending an entire weekend with passionate Ayurvedic professionals and students is great support for me because I feel a bit isolated in my Ayurvedic community in Utah. Spending the weekend learning and sharing with such a variety of people really helps me stay connected to both the greater vision of Ayurveda and my purpose in studying it.

Good Eats

When I talk to people about Ayurveda, the subject I’m most passionate about is Ayurvedic cooking. I love food and I love encouraging people to cook and use spices. Let me tell you about eating at NAMA conferences! There is no greater joy than that of sharing an Ayurvedic meal, especially when the food is sublime. NAMA brings recipes to the chefs who prepare the meals, and the magic that happens in the kitchen produces unforgettably delicious results. There are three daily vegetarian meals that even for a snacking vata like me are fully satiating. The food is seriously the best!

Friends and teachers from Ayurveda school, 2019.

Panchakarma panelists, 2018

Friends that I knew from Phoenix who also love Ayurveda, 2019.

Learning

Because my knowledge of Ayurveda is still at the student level, I was nervous that the workshops might be over my head. That wasn’t the case. My feeling is that we hear is what we can understand, and we all get something a little different. The presentations are useful for students and  practitioners at all levels. What I enjoy most is hearing from a teacher who broadens my understanding of a topic by presenting it  in a new way. 

I can also continue my studies after the conference by purchasing recordings of the workshops. I listen to them on my iPod while hiking, dog walking, or traveling. Knowing that I can get the recordings means that I can be fully present to the speakers and not have to worry about taking notes.

Relevance in the Modern World

The conference is the best place to hear about the role of Ayurveda in the real world, complete with real-world data and studies. This material shows why the ancient practice of Ayurveda is a practical healthcare approach for modern society. Presenters share current data about health and cultural trends. For example, during last year’s conference on Ayurveda for the Mind, the topic of social media’s psychological impact came up frequently. We were given stats on how social media affects mental health and how we can use Ayurveda to manage its effects. If you want to learn about how Ayurveda is being used as a modern healthcare tool, the conference is the place to go.

Conferences really inspire me each year to study, practice, and invest in Ayurveda as an student, because it is there that I get to experience Ayurveda through the lens of NAMA. This perspective helps me truly appreciate NAMA’s vision and purpose. I am so excited that there is work being done to create a licensed Ayurvedic career pathway in this country. NAMA is needed to help our community eliminate the legal and other barriers to the growth of Ayurveda in the U.S. It was because of my first conference that I was inspired to join NAMA as a volunteer. 

Ayurvedic celebrities!, 2019.

Of course I’m sharing the photo with Robert Svaboda. Can you see my giddiness?!, 2018.

Ayurvedic Celebrities

And lastly, one of my favorite things about the NAMA conference is the chance to enjoy “celebrity sightings”! I see the authors of my favorite books and the famous Ayurvedic teachers—all of the big names in Ayurveda. Robert Svoboda was the keynote at the first conference I attended, and I am his biggest fan! He was as charming and smart in person as he is in his books. I was mesmerized. I tried to be nonchalant when I got a photo with him, but as soon as I felt my feet walking toward him, all giddy hell broke loose and I couldn’t stop smiling like a lunatic. I have since gotten my demeanor around Ayurvedic celebrities under control, but I have to admit, seeing them in person is still quite glorious!

Big Break for NAMA Student Members

If you’re a NAMA Student Member like me, you get the benefit of the biggest pricing discount NAMA offers. If you’re not, you can sign up (make sure you complete steps to become a Student Member). 

After you’re all signed up as a Student Member, you’ll want to take advantage of your discount and register for Conference.  

In Conclusion

Attending the NAMA conference had been a dream for so long that I do everything I can to make it happen each year. I have to plan early and budget, which can sometimes be intimidating, but I wouldn’t miss the yearly conference for anything. My experiences there are what inspires me to continue studying and practicing. As a student, I get to see what is possible. I learn from the best. I discover Ayurveda in new ways. I think it’s important for anyone studying or practicing Ayurveda to be able to attend as many conferences as possible in order to connect with other  students and practitioners, share ideas, and stay in the know.

I will be attending the NAMA conference in 2020 and look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces, especially the other students!

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About Author

Maria Radloff is currently an AWP student at Kerala Ayurveda Academy. Besides studying ayurveda, Maria practices and teaches Ashtanga Yoga as well as Sanskrit. She has taught at a variety of yoga studios for over ten years and has taught at many yoga teacher training programs. She also offers a regular online Sanskrit class. Besides her passion for yoga, she loves design and writing and works as a graphic designer, specializing in non-profits and yoga businesses. Her greatest love, though, is introducing Ayurveda to anyone she can reach through writing articles and teaching workshops.

Sharing Ayurveda With Young Adults

by Lisa Weinberg, AD

Teenagers are searching for balance and direction in life. Most young adults in my community are overscheduled. Their days are filled with academics and extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, and projects related to their school and local community, as well as chores and jobs. 

Their high school offers Advanced Placement courses, and most parents are directing their children to be involved in anything and everything that could benefit them in their college application process. The pressure is on and is felt by many. 

How do we guide our kids to find success and joy and maintain good health in body, mind, and spirit so they can love, live, laugh, be present, have passion, and stay grounded? 

Ayurveda. Over the past few years I have worked with local youth and high schoolers discussing yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda. I find that high school seniors preparing for graduation and college are most interested in learning how these disciplines can help them to live and succeed away from home. 

We discuss Ayurvedic healthcare routines, including daily habits that will serve them on their journey. Most important, we keep these routines simple and make adjustments along the way. 

Recently I was asked to teach a week-long immersion for the local upper school in my community. Most students were fascinated by our discussion of the three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. The first few days featured conversations about prakruti and vikruti and how to know the difference. The kids also found discussion of the four elements—ether, air, fire, water, and earth—informative and helpful in understanding both themselves and their surroundings. 

I still remember the two seniors I mentored in the spring of 2016. They worked with me learning the basics of Ayurveda and how to include simple Ayurvedic practices in their daily routines. We talked about their upcoming final exams and college selection. By the end of our time together, they were both committed to shifting their morning routines and sleep schedule along with incorporating daily meditation and personalized yoga sequences into their daily life. I was so gratified when they reported enjoying reduced anxiousness and better quality of sleep during the first ten days of their new Ayurvedic lifestyle. 

We know that understanding who we are and how we behave/react will better equip us to deal with times of transition and struggle. Offering Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation to those students has made a difference in their life and approach to living. 

One young lady who had enrolled in the week-long immersion course shared that she was excited to learn about Ayurveda, something she had never heard of before. She expressed her great enthusiasm to her parents. Her mom and dad appreciated their daughter’s newfound joy and interest in Ayurveda. They asked for book recommendations and thanked me for teaching their child and being open and engaging with her.

Reaching out to the next generation has been immensely satisfying. I have found that Ayurveda is more than just another tool in their toolbox. It has opened their minds and introduced their bodies to a happy, healthy way of being.

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About the Author

 “My commitment is to helping others help themselves—living life healthy and well.”

Lisa Weinberg, AD, is based in Cranston, Rhode Island, and has studied Ayurveda, Vedic astrology, yoga, meditation, and energy work and has earned certification in Pet Assisted Therapy Training (PATT). She has practiced Ayurvedic medicine since receiving her AD diploma in in 2001.

Ayurveda for Corporate America

By Vish Chatterji, BS Engineering, MBA, RYT

I spent 20 years climbing the corporate ladder, encountering increasingly mind-numbing stress. I relied on yoga and Ayurveda to keep me sane and balanced. When I finally called it quits, I decided to pay it forward and help my former colleagues do the same. After completing certification in executive coaching, Ayurveda, meditation, jyotish, and yoga, I emerged as an East-meets-West executive coach.

I have recently observed a wave of Human Resource departments trying to tackle the stresses and pressures of corporate life. Wellness coaches, meditation trainers, and yoga teachers are now showing up in corporate settings, and I believe Ayurveda is next. 

Corporate leaders have long loved categorization tools such as Myers-Briggs and DISC profiles and are forever trying to understand how different team members work and how to improve working relationships. Nothing, however, compares to the elegance and sophistication of the doshas. In a tense meeting, you can clearly see them at work. Vatas get anxious and think it’s their fault, while pittas get furious and start blaming everybody and kaphasget withdrawn. And inevitably the pitta yells at the kapha—“Why aren’t you saying anything?!”

I have been using Ayurveda for the past three years to help executives improve self-awareness, team spirit, and emotional health, and they readily gravitate to it. They appreciate the simple logic, connect it to daily examples at work, and relate it to their often long-standing health imbalances. From diet to appropriate scheduling (e.g., endurance tasks during kaphatime, negotiations during pitta time, and creative tasks during vatatime) to abhyanga, meditation, and pranayama, these simple “hacks” have markedly improved the performance and mental health of my clients.

I have shared many of my insights of Vedic wisdom for the corporate world in my upcoming book The Business Casual Yogi, where I hope you will find inspiration to share your knowledge in this underserved market. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vish Chatterji, BS Engineering, MBA, RYT, NAMA member, is an accomplished business leader turned executive coach, author, and speaker. He takes an East-meets-West approach to integratingVedic wisdom into his coaching services. He is a publicly elected Board Director of the Beach Cities Health District and author of the upcoming book The Business Casual Yogi.

An Event for Growth and Connection

Of all the things I look forward to every year, one of my favorites is the annual NAMA Conference. I have only attended the last two years, but the reason is because my journey as an Ayurvedic professional is still short. Both years I attended as a student, and the first year I was rather nervous about joining a group of seasoned experts. Surprisingly, I felt very welcome and not at all overwhelmed by the technical details of the presentations. In fact, I had an absolute blast! Call me a nerd, but I wanted to attend every session and absorb every ounce of knowledge that I could. The sessions were informative, interesting, and very relevant to current health trends and my interests. I was excited to hear from both Western and traditionally trained experts, as it shows there is a growing trend toward integrative and collaborative efforts, something I personally support and feel is necessary to improve the current state of health care worldwide. I knew at the start I would be back for more the next year.

The vendor displays were fabulous, too. I added to my library and got to sample lots of products, some of which have been incorporated into my business and are now earning me additional income. Knowing the company and products that I am endorsing gives me confidence when sharing them with my clients. I was also very moved that a couple of the vendors remembered me from the previous year’s conference. How many companies maintain relationships like that in this modern age? Truly, it shows the connectedness of the Ayurvedic community. We are a growing community spanning the globe, yet we remember each other from talking briefly a year ago!

In the past two years, I have met wonderful like-minded people who inspired me to keep growing my practice, even though I am in a location that is just starting to embrace the concept of holistic health. I engaged one-on-one with educators, vendors, practitioners, and other students, even though I find myself to be quite shy and an introvert. The knowledge I gained at the Conference helped me grow as an individual, and I have routinely used current research as focal points for conversations with clients and other professionals. NAMA has brought a sense of legitimacy to a field that is often viewed as “woo-woo.” I have the confidence to keep growing my practice and continue my advanced education because I know that there are highly trained professionals worldwide adopting the system of Ayurveda and raising the standard for practitioners for the benefit of people who need resources for healing.

This year I look forward to more of the same: wonderful connections, engaging presentations, and a sense of community. I also look forward to the new setting at a retreat in a beautiful part of the country. I know there will be amazing food, beautiful scenery, and a sense of harmony in the entire experience. For those who are on the fence about going, this will be the year to attend. See you there!

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About the Author

Eszter, LMT, AHC, RYT

Eszter is an Ayurvedic Health Counselor who is trained in neuromuscular therapy, prenatal yoga, and Reiki. She left engineering to grow her practice with her husband.

3-Steps to Building a Successful Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Practice

By Jennifer Rioux, Ph.D., AD, AYT, CIAYT, RYT

The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) paved the way for recognition of yoga therapy in the U.S. Building on that recognition, NAMA has now debuted the new professional category of Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist (AYT-NAMA). Our conception of this emerging profession draws from the IAYT’s statement that “although all yoga is potentially therapeutic and healing, yoga therapy is the specific application of yogic tools—postures/exercises, breathwork, meditation techniques, and more—to address an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional needs.”

The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) further defines Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy as the “application of Āyurvedic principles to the practice and principles of Yoga based on the Āyurvedic understanding of the nature of patient, the nature of imbalance, and the nature of the therapies, to promote healing and achieve a harmonious state of body and mind with respect to individual consciousness.”

Step 1: Reach the Appropriate Educational Standards

The education of a yoga therapist must go beyond the usual training of a yoga teacher to include instruction on client assessment and treatment. The individualized nature of yoga therapy separates it from yoga practice in a community studio. IAYT describes this distinction: “A general public yoga class can certainly ease everyday aches, pains, and mood complaints. But a yoga therapy session goes much further because it is tailored to the individual. Yoga therapists have in-depth training to help them assess and keep their clients safe. They work with you to address your specific goals while considering any limitations you might be experiencing.”

The unique nature of an Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist’s role dictates a Scope of Practice that includes services grounded in Ayurvedic theory and applied knowledgesof physiology and cause and effect according to the underlying gunasand the manifesting doshas. The AYT Scope of Practice states that “the Āyurvedic Yoga Therapist shall have the competency to design, implement, demonstrate, instruct, and teach an individual a yoga therapy program to help with their healing process based on the Āyurvedic Prakŗti/Vikŗti paradigm and Āyurvedic definition of health.” 

Currently, IAYT maintains high educational standards for yoga therapists that include the completion of more than 800 hours of training. IAYT now has over 175 schools worldwide that have been accredited to train yoga therapists. Comparatively speaking, our efforts to legitimize the field of Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy as conceived by NAMA are still in their infancy. Schools are in the process of seeking recognition to train individual practitioners. The accomplishment of these goals rests on the assurance that this professional designation requires extensive training t in both Ayurvedic medicine and yoga therapy that enables the practitioner to provide comprehensive whole-person care. To that end, the AYT Standards Committee has increased the required training hours d to between 1,100 and 1,500 hours, with 1.300 as the median.

Step 2: Take Policies into Consideration

An Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist has the ability to help with disease prevention, health promotion, and both acute and chronic health conditions. However, the legal status of such a practitioner will vary from state to state. The National Health Freedom Coalition lists 10 states with Health Freedom Laws. Ayurvedic Yoga Therapists in these states will have more leeway in describing and advertising their practice to the public and in interacting with clients. Consult your local and state statutes for the specific details.

NAMA is not qualified to dispense information or advice on legal issues related to AYT practice; however, we can provide information on what types of guidelines and administrative requirements may influence the nature of your practice. It will be critical that you ensure compliance with any licensing (business or provider related) that is relevant for hands-on healing in your area. It will be necessary to provide a disclaimer on your website and documents indicating that you are not engaged in the practice of medicine. State clearly that your professional objective is to treat Ayurvedic imbalances and request consent for treatment from your clients.

Likewise, it will be helpful to publish a code of conduct on your website that states how you will interact with clients, the parameters for physical contact, and the measures you have in place to protect their confidentiality. Ideally, your clients should feel fully informed before they walk in the door. Always ask if they have questions before beginning assessment or treatment. In addition, make sure that clients understand that you are not equipped to deal with healthcare emergencies. On your voicemail, remind clients to call 911 in the case of any health emergency. Familiarize yourself with NAMA’s Code of Ethics and make sure you can confidently address any client concerns related to ethical practice.

Step 3: Understand Best Practices

Best Practices include behaviors, actions, and approaches that will help you to ensure a high standard of care for your clientele. This may include organizational systems, strategies for keeping yourself accountable to your scope and ethics during sessions, protocols for client documentation, and standards that ensure each client receives equal and appropriate care. You may also want to have an online appointment system or a designated return-call policy of 48 hours. You should have a set of documents you use for recording assessment and treatment information for clients to standardize recordkeeping across your practice. You may want to develop “charting” strategies for tracking patient progress as wellaspprotocols for common conditions that you can use as a foundation for personalized care.

Everyone will set up their practice differently; however, following some of the previously mentioned advice will help the field of Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy gain legitimacy and will helpt AYTs communicate with each other and with other health professionals more effectively. As we recognize more individual members of the AYT professional category and begin to approve training programs, it will benefit all of us to be mindful of the impact of training requirements, the defined Scope of Practice for AYTs, and local and state policy considerations on your approach to providing AYT services. The manner in which we implement best practices will ensure that the public has quality information and will ultimately increase both accessibility and effectiveness of Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy, thereby increasing the clientele for this emerging healing discipline. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Rioux, Ph.D., AD, AYT, CIAYT, RYT specializes in the professionalization of Ayurveda/Yoga and their relationship to Integrative Medicine. Dr. Rioux has been faculty and researcher at the University of New Mexico, Arizona medical schools and the University of North Carolina.