Teaching the Full Wealth of Ayurveda in the Modern Western World

by Nidhi Pandya, CAP

“I consume ashwagandha, thus I practice Ayurveda.”

“I follow Ayurveda. I have taken a dosha quiz online.”

“I like what Ayurveda has to offer, but I find it very restrictive and daunting.” 

I have lost count of the number of times I have heard such statements. Given its vast scope and accessibility, it’s surprising how completely misunderstood and underutilized Ayurveda is here in the West. To put it into perspective, 36 million Americans practice or have tried yoga and 65 million have explored Traditional Chinese Medicine, while only 250,000 Americans have dabbled in Ayurveda. Given the potential that Ayurveda holds, this number boggles my mind.

Upon investigation and introspection, I found that Ayurveda is often presented in a very dogmatic and counterintuitive form. How did a health preserving and nurturing science that was meant to be intuitive, get so far removed from its original intent? This question led me to look back into my own childhood. My grandfather, being an Ayurvedic healer in Mumbai, introduced me to Ayurveda when I was still a baby. As a result, I was taught this natural healing science like one learns a first language, effortlessly through immersion. This approach eventually brought me to an epiphany: Ayurveda needs to be passed on as a science, not with a list of practices or prescriptions. Rather, it should be passed on as a complete set of principles that can be applied to all aspects of one’s life.  

As a practitioner in the West, carrying my lineage from the East, I feel responsible for passing on this wisdom in a way that communicates its true potential so more people can benefit from its richness. Together, we can present Ayurveda in its true light and preserve its original teachings, albeit in the modern world. The first part of this article deals with the challenges of the current presentation of Ayurveda by putting us in the shoes of the modern Ayurvedic enthusiast. The second part offers some tried and tested ideas that practitioners can put into practice to empower their clients and give them a more intuitive understanding of Ayurveda.

Challenge #1: You need to know your dosha to practice Ayurveda

The Challenge

Most people stumble on Ayurveda because it respects bio-individuality. And while a dosha quiz makes people feel understood, it can quickly become a trap. The body is a very complex machine that is changing all the time. It is impossible for any quiz to cover all aspects of a human body and at the same time be able to consider its dynamism. People are often frustrated as different quizzes may yield different doshic results. Additionally, putting ourselves into a box can be confusing as we may experience different symptoms at any given time. This often leads to doubt and frustration and even shying away from Ayurveda altogether. 

The Solution

While taking a dosha quiz can be entertaining and give someone an idea of his or her dosha, the results should not be considered a definitive analysis. However, the experience can empower people to tune into their own body to understand symptoms. Presenting them with a chart of 20 gunas, or pairs of opposite qualities (for example, wet and dry, hot and cold), and exploring their symptoms on the basis of their gunas, has often worked well with my clients. Additionally, dividing all symptoms into three categories—building or nourishing (K), transforming or heating (P), and drying or depleting (V)—can be very useful in getting a sense of one’s own body. As intuitive understanding is achieved, one can extend that understanding to everything in his or her universe. This is more empowering than surrendering to a quiz that one cannot fully comprehend.

Challenge #2: You have to eat Indian foods to practice Ayurveda

The Challenge

While Ayurveda has its roots in India, it is a truly universal science based on simple principles of the planet—of Mother Nature. When people feel they are limited to spicing their food with turmeric or eating khichdi every day, they find Ayurveda extremely restrictive and are less likely to practice it and pass it on. Additionally, certain Indian spices and foods can be very pungent for some. I often say that an Indian spice such as turmeric, when consumed with the wrong understanding, can become non-Ayurvedic, whereas a Western spice used with the right principles can become Ayurvedic.

The Solution

As practitioners, we have a duty to communicate the principles on which and how substances are used in Ayurveda. Substances are not used for their absolute benefits as measured in laboratories. They are used on the principle of Dravya (Substance), Guna (Properties) and Karma (Action). Each substance is understood for its potency, its properties, and thus its actions. It can then be determined if the herb or food should be used alone or in combination to create the desired outcome. Ayurveda provides the tools, or pramanas, so that new substances can be studied through this lens and their application can be understood in the modern world. The misuse of Ayurvedic substances has caused a backlash and thus slowed down the growth of Ayurveda globally.

Challenge #3: Ayurveda is not backed by science

The Challenge

In the world of rationalization and research, people are likely to label Ayurveda as unscientific. We ascribe so much power to only those things that can be comprehended through the five senses that we tend to discard explanations that require us to look beyond our usual way of perceiving as gibberish.

The Solution

One needs to be reminded of the innate power and instinct we all possess. Some of the most complex processes of life are intuitive. For example, when a baby is born, he or she instantly knows how to suckle. Even the process of intercourse, which leads to the creation of an entire organism, is almost free of intellect and cannot be replicated in a laboratory with cells even if one tries. I also often point at the accuracy of the scriptures to prove their merit. A verse in the Sharira Sthana, states that a woman is most likely to conceive on Dwadash Nisha, the twelfth night after her period. How did the sages know this information long before the West even understood ovulation? It is important to convey that this knowledge was procured through inner wisdom that was a result of deep meditation and total detachment from the sensory world.

Challenge #4: Ayurveda is popularized as a treatment modality

The Challenge

People often come to Ayurveda in their quest for an alternative healing method when the mainstream medical system has yielded no results. They are prescribed herbs and a diet they may follow blindly and see some results without knowing how these treatments work. While this approach to Ayurveda may help them in the short term, it does not offer the potential to transform their way of living. Ayurveda clearly states that eliminating the cause of the disease is more important than merely treating it.

The Solution

Seldom do people have an awareness or understanding that Ayurveda is an all-encompassing science and a source of profound wisdom that lends perspective to every aspect of life and our lived experience. It is not only a treatment modality, but also a body of knowledge that really teaches us how to live well, nurture and sustain well-being, and prevent disease. For example, the second chapter of Ashtanga Hridayam talks about sadvrutta, or good conduct. Similarly, the Uttar Sthan goes into details of caring for a newborn. There are no questions regarding human life that Ayurveda cannot answer. By offering clients simple Ayurvedic principles to follow, we can empower them to change their everyday life for the better. Some principles I offer in my practice are listed at the end of this article.

Challenge #5: Ayurveda is ancient

The Challenge

If Ayurveda dates back 5,000 years, why should it be relevant today? A lot of people dismiss Ayurveda as an outdated system, one that may have held merit in the past but is obsolete today.

The Solution

Just as physics is the science of matter and chemistry is the science of chemicals, Ayurveda is the science of life. The laws of physics don’t change, but their applications do. Similarly, since Ayurveda is based on the study of the human body and its connection with the universe, the principles of Ayurveda will remain relevant for as long as the Earth orbits the sun. I have found that instead of backing up the merits of Ayurveda using modern-day research, which can be easily refuted, it has been more rewarding to explain the Ayurvedic perspective by going back to how it originated, with a deep understanding of the macro-cosmos and micro-cosmos.

Challenge #6: Ayurvedic terms lose their meanings when translated

The Challenge

I have found this issue to be a real challenge. Sanskrit is a rich language, and the nomenclature encodes what a substance means. Very often, the message and depth are lost in translation.

The Solution

I find it very useful to use analogies and metaphors to convey the right meaning. For example, the word for oil is sneha, which also means “love.” Translating the name of the substance used for abhyanga as “oil” misses that point. Therefore, it is important for us as practitioners to familiarize ourselves with the basics of Sanskrit terminology so we can convey its deeper meaning to our clients. I have found that people connect more deeply with their practices when they understand their true essence.

Simple Principles & Tools

I would now like to offer some simple principles and tools that as practitioners we can use to educate our clients, teaching them how to bring sustainable Ayurveda into their lives or the lives of their clients. 

Following the Circadian Rhythm

I have found this to be the easiest way to communicate the ideal design for the day. We are diurnal mammals, and just as all mammals function according to their relationship with the sun, so should we. Our body is designed to rise with the sun and go to sleep when it sets on most days, except during really cold winters. Additionally, as the sun is just coming up in the morning and the earth remains wet from dew, our agni and biological systems are mirroring these phenomena. We can honor this synchronicity by kick-starting our system with some vyayam or exercise and a warm breakfast. As the sun peaks in the sky, our agni and ability to concentrate and focus also reach their zenith, making the afternoon pitta kala the best time for a big meal and intellectually stimulating work. All phases of the day can be explained by encouraging the client to look at the clock of the universe. 

Human Beings Are Warm Blooded

Human beings are warm-blooded creatures with a normal body temperature of 98.7℉, and our body likes to stay in that zone. At the same time, our body is constantly processing and transforming what we take in, whether it be food or information. Just as all transformation in the universe requires warmth, so does our human body, by way of endothermic and exothermic reactions. This analogy makes a great case for avoiding cold foods and keeping warm all that we consume.  

The Gunas Chart

Encouraging clients to pin up a chart with the 20 gunas to refer to consistently will be greatly beneficial. I encourage my clients to go back to the chart every time they are experiencing a symptom and to try to see where it falls on the chart. I also encourage them to bring their attention to the opposite guna to understand what they need to do or what they may need to avoid.

The above are simple and non-overwhelming ways to bring Ayurveda into one’s life. If we can make this science more accessible to people in a comprehensible manner, I am certain that it can be established as a health system that takes people away from the fear of disease and gives them the freedom that comes from being well.

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About the Author

Nidhi Pandya, CAP, is a third generation Ayurvedic practitioner. She has a strong foundation in the ancient Ayurvedic texts. She is a core part of the faculty at the US based Shakti School and been a speaker at various organizations, including Google and The Chopra Center.

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

Myra Lewin: Achieving Success in Business and in Life

An interview with Myra Lewin, CAP AYT, Bali, Indonesia

by Maria Radloff

Is it possible to have a successful, thriving Ayurveda and Yoga business for over twenty-three years? Myra Lewin, NAMACB board certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Ayurveda Yoga Therapist of Hale Pule Ayurveda and Yoga, has established that it not only is possible, but also can be done in a way that fosters self-preservation and balance.

I spoke with my Myra, who currently resides in a village outside of Ubud on the island of Bali. I could hear the tropical birds singing as we spoke on Zoom about how she was denied re-entry to her new residence in New Zealand due to the Covid-19 lockdown. When asked how this situation affected her business, she stated that many of the in-person trainings such as chef trainings and treatment trainings had already been cancelled due to Covid-19, but because her entire clientele was now online, moving locations was something that could be done with ease. Before coming to New Zealand, Myra had developed a beautiful Yoga and Ayurveda practice in Hawaii over the span of twenty years, in which 80 percent of the business was offered in person.

Being online has simplified her business and allows her to reach a global population, including people in pockets of the world that would never otherwise have access to her services. Although her business is more profitable, the struggle now is monitoring time spent at the computer since she has seen the effects on her body from sitting at a desk all day. Seven hours is tolerable, but on some days, the hours at her computer can get up to ten! She looks forward to returning to in-person clients and trainings by the end of the year.

Growing up in rural Tennessee, Myra enjoyed working on and racing cars, crafting with wood, and teaching. She got her first car at fourteen! She explored a career in manufacturing and distribution, but after ten years, the details of her true path began to unfold. She had been teaching Yoga and Ayurveda daily, doing workshops, and seeing clients since 1996, but based on an astrologer’s suggestions, she moved to the Hawaiian Islands, and felt the push to begin her full-time Yoga and Ayurveda business, even though it’s not what she ever expected she would do.

A beloved grandfather had shared words of wisdom about work and life with her, stating that those two things should co-exist. And from that inspiration, Hale Pule (“House of Prayer”) was launched in her Hawaiian home, allowing Myra to create a sanctuary for both herself and the clients she was serving.

So what are the secrets to Myra’s success?

Running a small business isn’t easy. It requires a major investment of time and energy, and there are sacrifices to be made. Attempting to become an entrepreneur can turn a person’s life upside down—leading to eating fast food on the run, not exercising, letting relationships fall apart, and definitely not making time for yoga practices. It’s almost a death sentence for some. But here is Myra, twenty-three years later, looking healthy and radiant, just going with where the universe takes her business and her.

1. Create a foundation assembled of practices that support you.

What does a normal “day at the office” look like for Myra? Since she has fully integrated her work and personal life, she starts her day early with her own practices. Unless she is catching an early flight or feeling sick, which only happens once every five to seven years, she never misses the meditation or pranayama segments of her daily yoga routine. She insists that having this foundation is critical to well-being and success. The rest of her day is filled with consults, administrative work, and team meetings. And she always finds time to cook simple meals and take a walk.

Before moving to Hawaii, Myra dabbled in Iyengar yoga, but soon switched to Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga when a friend suggested she needed a breathier practice. Working her way through Patthabi Jois’s first three series, she to this day draws from the Ashtanga practice.

Investing deeply in her foundation, she studied with Richard Freeman in Colorado, as well as trekking around the world to Mysore, India, to study with the creator himself, Sri Patthabi Jois. She was willing to share some funny stories of practicing with some of these master teachers, which all seem to take place in small spaces!

She met a lovely German fellow at the original Mysore Ashtanga yoga shala, which held only twelve people. Imagine a hot, sticky room, filled to capacity with moving bodies, sweating onto mats. The German gloated about his healthy, all-cabbage diet—from both his mouth and, well, the other end.

The other story takes place at Tim Miller’s shala in Carlsbad, California. A traditional Ashtanga Mysore practice lines up practitioners in two rows, facing each other. While getting into garbha pindasana, Myra found herself doing a complete summersault out of the posture, rolling into the row across from her. Ashtanga yoga practice is good for not only building strength and flexibility, but also serving up a nice dose of humility.

A beautiful lesson that Myra enjoyed sharing with me was that you can’t rush or force things in life, regardless of how enticing they may be. Only a couple of months into her deep dive into the Ashtanga yoga system, she had hopped into an advanced class that her mind loved, but her nervous system simply wasn’t ready for. After the practice, a friend found her sitting outside on the sidewalk, noticing something was wrong, making it clear there is no fast-tracking one’s yoga practice. To this day, Myra continues to practice a true vinyasa (slow connection of the poses with the thread of the breath) from Ashtanga yoga, modified to meet her body’s balancing needs.

From her own experience in going too far, too fast, she instructs her yoga clients to practice from the inside out. She asks them to focus inward, with full attention on the body, energy, and mental state rather than what is going on around them. She encourages a challenging practice yet not going beyond your limit. One of the most prominent trends she has seen in yoga is pushing too hard and over-practicing, causing depletion and injuries.

2. Manage your energy from the inside out. 

This takes us to another important secret of success—managing one’s energy. I inquired about how she manages to fit in her own practices, cook her meals, and keep up with work, even on the craziest of days. She laughed and said she doesn’t allow herself to have crazy days. She can’t afford the vata vitiation that gets stirred up from over-scheduling or trying to do too much. She values a steady day that chugs along at a comfortable, peaceful pace. She even takes this ideology with her on trips to Japan, where—although she believes that Tokyo is the fastest place on the planet—she maintains steadiness and good measure. Anything is possible when you take the time to prioritize, stay with the plan, and be a bit flexible.

We all must plan and prioritize our activities in this busy world, which offers so many interesting opportunities and enticing choices! Because it is easy to derail with distractions, one must be focused and not tempted to chase down and invest precious time into things that aren’t on the priority list. To illustrate, she shared a story of a client who offered to teach her 250 mantras. While she was amazed and enchanted that somebody could maintain such a lovely collection of chants, Myra instantly knew that her three to four chants were sufficient for her practice and was then able to strategically decline the tempting offer. It’s important to value experiences and practical application of knowledge rather than constantly collecting data and information.

This is another trend that she sees seducing humanity—trying to do too much. Without having a conscious understanding of one’s priorities, how can the right choices be made? She sees that overscheduled children will face imbalances as they grow up from not having the discernment to turn away exciting opportunities that sidetrack them from their true goals. This will exhaust them at an early age, depleting their ojas and vitality.

Throughout the day, Myra doesn’t let the outside world dictate the inside pace of her life. There is no need to succumb to panic from others if one can remain focused on the schedule and priorities set for the day. Energy management starts with having a clear vision of what the priorities are and making choices to support them, rather than becoming distracted. It’s okay to let everything else go.

A peek inside Myra’s successful business

Myra loves watching trends. Living in Hawaii, she watched the tourists as they ate in the local restaurants. Over the years, she saw their health declining as modern eating habits increasingly diverged from sustainable lifestyles. She constantly sees eating fads in the news and uses all this information to educate her clients on how to eat without falling victim to these modern trends.

When I asked Myra if she had any advice for new NAMA Professional Members, she offered that you need to remain attuned to the reasons why you chose this path in the first place. What is in your heart? Make your choices from the inside out. Stay focused. Clear the limiting beliefs that hold you back. 

1. Health starts in the kitchen.

This is illustrated in Myra’s desire to heal those who have fallen victim to poor eating habits. She follows her heart, not getting distracted by all the other problems in the world. A yoga teacher once instructed her to make cooking a part of her yoga practice. At the time she was not one who enjoyed cooking, let alone cleaning up afterwards!

 Myra grew up learning to cook a bit from her mother since they lived in a rural area and eating out wasn’t convenient. She learned just enough that she was able to serve up an entire Thanksgiving meal when she was eight because her mom had fallen sick that day. But it wasn’t until Myra dove into Ayurveda that her cooking skills solidified enough to author two cookbooks.

Before Ayurveda really hit the U.S., there were only two Ayurvedic cookbooks available: Amadea Morningstar’s The Ayurvedic Cookbook and Dr. Vasant Lad’s Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing, which focused mainly on Indian cuisine. While these books were helpful introductions, it wasn’t until she got to peek into some kitchens in India that she had some aha moments. 

Myra produced two books on Ayurvedic eating and cooking. The first, Freedom in Your Relationship with Food: An Everyday Guide (2008), was written as a transitional book since Ayurveda hadn’t quite found its way into the mainstream yet. The book covers how to eat in a style that is still familiar to people in Western cultures, but gently introduces Ayurvedic practices. It also offers recipes that are accessible to those living in the West. 

Her second book, Simple Ayurvedic Recipes: A Companion Cookbook to Freedom in Your Relationship with Food (Simple Ayurvedic Cooking) (2011) focuses more on recipes based on her own simple everyday cooking—nothing fancy, just meals that are tasty and fulfilling. Rather than including photos of the food, Myra left the task of visualization to her readers’ imagination so they could create their own dishes, not recreate hers. Everyone has a different kitchen, a different environment, and a different body to feed, so food should be personalized, just like everything else in Ayurveda.

I was curious about her favorite flavors and spices, and when I asked her about them, she noted that we should be wary of our favorites because those preferences can indicate an imbalance. But to play along with my question, she did offer that she loves a nice blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla, as well as the pairing up of rosemary and ginger. She loves having access to fresh cilantro and coriander in Bali, too. Her advice when it comes to spicing is to begin with three spices plus salt, until you get familiar with some tasty blends and can begin creatively expanding your own master mixes.

Regardless of cooking skills, love is always the most important ingredient. Sharing meals with friends and family is a wonderful expression of this love, and it supports a connection with one’s self, the other dinner guests, and nature. Having grown up in a large family, Myra cautions against bringing the day’s drama to the dinner table, suggesting that we just keep the conversation light and enjoyable. Having some meals in complete silence connects us with the food and eating process.

2. Yoga and Ayurveda must be used together.

While practicing yoga helps us better understand ourselves as eternal, Ayurveda heals us from the disease stemming from our disconnection from this truth. An understanding of the holistic nature of using yoga and Ayurveda together for healing explodes the old way of viewing things, and as one’s thinking evolves, incredible changes take place. This allows life to get fabulous! Peak results are derived.

I asked her which topic in Ayurveda was her favorite to discuss with her students. She expressed how much she enjoys discussing the six stages of disease with them because they begin to observe their own symptoms and how imbalances evolve, so they can then take steps to reverse the disease process.

As one of the the early disciples of the integration of yoga and Ayurveda in the U.S, Myra grew up with access to master teachers who greatly inspired her, such as David Frawley, Robert Svoboda, Patricia Hansen, and Sarasvati Burman. Now that she is a master teacher herself, I wondered what advice she would offer a student seeking to embark on a new Ayurveda program. She suggested first getting clear on the why, visualizing how he or she wants to work with clients, and how that might show up in his or her life. For example, at what level would the student like to practice? It’s important not to get hung up on titles. Some individuals may excel as a health coach or counselor and would thrive in community education and assisting individuals with healthy daily routines. Others might be talented in treating diseases and imbalances or in developing custom yoga practices and behavioral and mental therapies.

When researching educational programs, it’s prudent to consider both the academics and practical experience of working directly with clients. Teaching students the principles of these disciplines in classes without demonstrating their application cheats them of a vital part of their training. Myra includes this integration of knowledge with the experience in all her training programs.

The hard parts of business 

It would be unfair to say that running a business is as easy as Myra makes it look. I had to know where she got hung up! The first thing she mentioned was marketing. This wasn’t a skill she developed in her previous business career since advertising was actually frowned upon in her industry. She had to begin from scratch, which was okay, because everyone was starting from scratch as the internet was just emerging in the mid to late nineties, perfect timing for her business, which opened in 1999. Honoring the flow, she accepted the resources that showed up when she needed them, nudging her toward developing a website and helping her to bring it to fruition. As online publishing gained momentum, she had to face her introverted personality and begin the process of posting photos and videos. She set out to prove that the integrated practice of yoga and Ayurveda is not just a fad, but a potent approach to healing and living.

If there is one thing to conclude from all of Myra’s advice, it’s to be naturally driven from within, which empowers creative choice. Design a marketing strategy from a place in your heart rather than being led around by external surroundings and circumstances. You should allow your marketing to express who you are. This authenticity will get people’s attention and allow them to receive and understand your message and will ultimately generate the results you are seeking.

Besides marketing, Myra finds administrative tasks somewhat burdensome and difficult. As technology develops, the simplest things become complex. These administrative tasks also require more hours at the computer, which continue to pile up these days.

Other than that, business for Myra has been enjoyable and a bit of an adventure. By maintaining her foundation built from supportive practices and by managing her daily energy from within, built around a list of priorities, she has found success both in her business activities, but more important, in her pursuit of overall happiness and well-being.

The future of Ayurveda in the West

As a Professional Member of NAMA, Myra values the many benefits of membership, like connecting with other members, making lifetime friends, and feeling supported in her work, as well as enjoying continuing education with monthly seminars. She’s no stranger to the annual conferences and loves to buy the recordings when she can’t attend in person.

Speaking about her vision of what is possible practicing Ayurveda in the U.S., she notes the importance of healthcare freedom laws. She hates to see limitations on the way Ayurveda is practiced and wishes that the rest of the states would follow the lead of the eleven states that have already embraced freedom in healthcare choices. She is concerned the practice of Ayurveda could get diluted when used within our current medical system, especially if it becomes commercialized. She yearns to see Ayurveda practiced to its full extent as a comprehensive system of knowledge and healing and feels that great education is the key.

To learn more about Myra and her Yoga and Ayurveda services, please visit Hale Pule.

About the Author

Maria Radloff is currently a student at Kerala Ayurveda Academy and practices and teaches Ashtanga Yoga and Sanskrit. Besides her passion for yoga, she loves design and writing and works as a graphic designer, specializing in non-profits and yoga businesses.

National Ayurvedic Medical Association 2021 Annual Conference Report

by Baba Lou Haber

The 17th Annual Conference of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) brought together online 45 experts whose presentations centered on Ayurveda as evidenced-based and integrative medicine. The conference demonstrated how practitioners are harnessing scientific research to validate classical Ayurvedic approaches, growing expertise in disciplines of emerging importance such as microbiome research and genomics, and building bridges with Western medicine.

Integrative Medicine Defined

Among the first presenters was Victoria Maizes, MD, executive director and professor of medicine at the University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Maizes offered a definition of integrative medicine as “healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle” and “emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.”

An internationally recognized leader in integrative medicine, Maizes began with an alarming statistic from JAMA: Even though 70% of deaths in the United States are due to behavioral and environmental factors, only 1%–3% of healthcare dollars are spent on disease prevention, compared to 97%–99% spent on medical care and biomedical research. She emphasized how “something is missing from our healthcare systems, and we believe that we can do a better job taking care of our patients through integrative medicine.”

Innovative Integrative Approaches

That spirit of advancing a better way to improve healthcare and foster wellness was abundantly evident throughout the NAMA conference. Presentation topics included evidenced-based approaches to healing leaky-gut syndrome (in which an unhealthy gut lining allows undigested food and toxins to leak into the bloodstream); innovative therapies to address gastrointestinal tumors; Ayurvedic approaches to mitochondrial diseases and disorders (which occur when mitochondria fail to produce sufficient energy for the body to properly function); and Ayurvedic prevention and treatment of gynecological disorders.

Among the presenters on yoga were Susan Bass, AP- and AYT-NAMA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner and Ayurvedic yoga therapist who founded the Sarasvati Institute of Ayurveda & Yoga Therapy and the Sarasvati Mission. “Ayurveda excels at digestion and detoxification, so it is about improving the quality of blood,” noted Bass. “That’s why Ayurveda and yoga are exponentially more effective when practiced together, because who cares if you have the blood moving around the body when it is of poor quality and does not nourish the cells and the organs?”

Bass led two sessions. The first examined the beneficial role of yoga in reducing stress and improving mental health. In her second presentation, Bass brought together asana, pranayama, mudra (gestures), and marma (vital body junction points) therapy to address vishama agni (irregular/weak metabolism), the type of digestive imbalance caused by excess vata (air/wind).

A Deeper Understanding of “Evidence”

Bhushan Patwardhan, PhD, national research professor at the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, provided an overview of Ayurveda as an evidenced-based science. He emphasized that Ayurveda and yoga require a different approach to research and a fresh look at what constitutes evidence, given that they have an entirely different framework than Western medicine.

According to Patwardhan, the integration of Ayurveda and modern medicine will entail an “epistemological transformation process” in which Ayurveda as a holistic, experiential, and natural approach will need to be more fully appreciated and understood by medical practitioners and the medical research community.

A New Paradigm to Foster and Sustain Health and Wellness

In her presentation “Biodiversity Is Health; Biodiversity Is Sustainability,” Vandana Shiva, PhD, likewise emphasized the critical importance of a paradigm shift—one to a more holistic understanding of health that includes our interconnectedness with all species and the entire planet.

“The paradigm we have today is one that doesn’t work with whole systems,” said Shiva, a researcher and eco-feminist food-sovereignty activist who founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology, and Ecology in Dehradun, India. In contrast, Shiva noted, Ayurveda teaches us that health is about balance. “The body is not little fragments and parts; the body is a non-separable whole interacting non-separably with the world and the biodiversity around us,” she said.

Shiva ended her talk with a call to action. “If there is one thing we can take forward from ecology, from biodiversity, from Ayurveda, it is our interconnectedness,” she said. “We are one, and we can be interconnected through health and regeneration, or through disease and degeneration. [E]ach of us should cultivate the will and determination and the hope that the regeneration part is what we will evolve.”

A Look at COVID-19

NAMA additionally offered a post conference event providing perspectives from conventional medicine and Ayurveda on COVID-19. The presentation, by Dhaval Dhru, MD, and Mimi Guarneri, MD, included a survey of preliminary research looking at promising results of both integrative and Ayurvedic treatments of the virus.

Throughout the conference, NAMA encouraged attendee donations to help the people of India during the country’s COVID-19 crisis through such organizations as Sewa International USA (www.sewausa.org).

Mark Your Calendars

Planning is already underway for NAMA’s next annual conference. The 2022 gathering will be a special event where participants will hopefully again meet in person. The theme of the conference, to be held in Tucson, Arizona, April 22–24, is “Ayurveda for Family Health.”

Originally published in Yoga Therapy Today, a publication of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org). Shared with permission.

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About the Author

Baba Lou Haber has written for CBS News, served as a communications executive for several companies and public agencies, and is a Cicero Award–winning speechwriter. He is currently studying to be an Ayurvedic Health Counselor. Baba Lou also serves as a member of NAMA’s Communications Committee.

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.

Dr. Anu is Helping to Grow and Expand Global Awareness of Ayurveda

One of the foremost leaders in the field of Ayurveda, Dr. Anu is helping to grow and expand global awareness of Ayurveda. I sat down with her in February to discuss her inspiring travels around the world.

In October 2019 Dr. Anu traveled to China for the World Traditional Medicine Forum. Here is a brief description of her time there.

I was honored to receive an invitation to participate in the Shanghai Forum for World Traditional Medicine as a representative from the field of Ayurveda. Experts from Germany, Japan, Thailand, the USA, China, Australia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, along with three international organizations, were there to discuss the latest developments in traditional medicine and international standardization of traditional complementary medicine in their home countries and their region of the world. During the last part of the trip, I had the opportunity to visit a few temples in Shanghai. These experiences made my time in China very special.

 What did you find most interesting about the forum?

[I was very amazed ] by the progress of  traditional medicine in other countries. It was interesting to learn how these traditional healing arts are practiced in some of these countries and how they have been integrated into the main healthcare system. I was proud to represent Ayurveda at this conference. We are also at the forefront of this resurgence of traditional medicine. Ayurveda is one of the oldest  medical systems in the world and a fully developed approach to healthcare in India, and it has been growing globally over the past few decades. 

What were your takeaways from the forum?

Understanding how other systems of medicine, like Chinese Medicine, have gained acceptance worldwide helps me envision how Ayurveda can achieve the same. The biggest difference with Chinese Medicine is that Chinese scientists have been successful in promoting its practice with evidence-based research, while Ayurveda is still in the process of doing so. We need to conduct more pharmacoepidemiological studies documenting the safety and effectiveness of Ayurvedic  medicine. Different systems of medicine can learn how to progress and grow from each other. 

You have also traveled to Japan; can you tell me about that?

Since few years, I have been travelling to Japan to give a talk at Japan school of Ayurveda and this time I also got the invitation to give a lecture organized by Tokyo University, and Nihon Pharmaceuticals university. While I was there, I also taught an introduction to Ayurveda at a yoga center. Ayurveda is gaining popularity in Japan. Its educational aspect is the primary focus of interest in that country. Over the last 10–20 years, a few clinics in other healthcare modalities have introduced Ayurvedic approaches to wellness. It is very interesting to see that few Ayurvedic research studies were also conducted there. Since aging populations are a major concern in Japan, medical providers there are more interested in the practical application of Ayurvedic strategies for preventing disease and optimizing health.

Can you tell me about your participation in the World Health Organization’s benchmark development meeting?

 It was a great honor to be part of the World Health Organization meeting on benchmarking documents for the practice of Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and Unani. There were 53 members from different countries who participated in this meeting. I truly enjoyed working with this team, and I am so proud to see the growth of Ayurveda globally! 

The WHO is currently taking an active role in developing global training, practice, and educational standards for Ayurveda, and I was glad to be able to represent the U.S. in discussions toward that end.

To what do you attribute the current surge in interest in establishing global standards for Ayurveda? 

The Indian Government is putting a lot of effort into the development and growth of Ayurveda worldwide. In India, AYSUH is collaborating with the WHO to establish consistently rigorous standards for Ayurveda practice and education globally. I believe that we are on the right path, though it may take some time to develop and implement these standards. Once our profession is firmly grounded in standards that ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of our services, Ayurveda will gain increased acceptance and respect around the world . 

What are your goals for the future of Ayurveda?

My dream is to see Ayurveda as a mainstream practice in U.S. Though this may take time, we need to start doing groundwork for this. I believe that this ancient medicine has so much value. It is a time-tested medicine practiced for thousands of years. Recent studies in modern medicine indicate the importance  of diet, sleep, and exercise for health promotion and disease management, a concept that emerged thousands of years ago in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a complete science, but it is not yet very well known to the world, so we have to educate others about this profound healing science of life—Ayurveda. 

Do you have any advice for new practitioners?

It can be overwhelming when you are starting out, because of the need to master the specific language, terminology, and extensive knowledge base of Ayurveda. In the U.S. the number of educational hours required for graduation from Ayurvedic programs is increasing, and this is very important and good for the students. Do not give up; have commitment to and a passion for learning Ayurveda. Practice in a genuine way, without relying on shortcuts. Our profession is growing with more and more  clients seeking care from Ayurvedic professionals. Protect the profession while practicing and teaching. Strict ethical standards need to be followed. Understand your limitations and the scope of your practice, pursue continuing education, and read the classical texts. I also feel that we need to learn to speak in a shared language that makes Ayurveda understandable to everyone. Ayurveda is a patient-centered, customized approach to healthcare for individuals and families, as well as an all-encompassing way of life. The unique value of Ayurveda lies in consciousness-based practices that nurture health in body, mind, and spirit and that promote balance in every aspect of our life. A balanced and peaceful state of mind is a key aspect of well-being. Ayurveda has taught me to value community, family, relationships, love, compassion, and peace. Its lessons inform my belief that we must all join hands with each other because our future depends on a community that stays together. A strong, united community will guide the mission, vision, and growth of Ayurveda. 

Your work is currently receiving international recognition. Which awards have meant the most to you?

I am extremely honored and humbled to have received the Sheikh Zayed International Award for Ayurveda in Abu Dhabi. This award bears the name of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a visionary statesman who dedicated his life to laying a solid foundation for a progressive society that benefits everyone. The award aims to create, recognize, and reward excellence in traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine. 

The APHA ICTHP service award for outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to integrative complementary and traditional health practices also means a great deal to me.

 Another award that I cherish came from the SoCaL Kerala Ladies: the 2020 Surya Prabha Women Achievers Award for outstanding contribution in the field of Ayurvedic medicine.

I dedicate all these awards to my family, teachers, friends, students, and the Almighty. These honors make me more determined than ever to dedicate my life to Ayurveda. Ayurveda has been practiced for thousands of years. As the adoption of this powerful healing system continues to spread around the globe, the ancient science of Ayurveda now promises to become one of the most valuable contributions to the future of modern healthcare. 

Anupama (Anu) Kizhakkeveettil, BAMS (Ayurveda), MAOM, L.Ac., CMT, C-IAYT, Ph.D.

Dr. Anupama (Anu) Kizhakkeveettil is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, and certified yoga teacher. She is a professor and Program Director of Ayurvedic Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences. She serves as Board Director for National Ayurvedic Medical Association and California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine. She also serves as president of Athreya Herbs.

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About Author

Anjali Deva, AP

Anjali Deva is an Ayurvedic practitioner, writer & teacher in Los Angeles. Her private practice Rooted Rasa specializes in understanding anxiety, depression, PTSD, digestive disorders and women’s health. Anjali has been greatly fortunate to have been introduced to Ayurveda at a young age by her father and mentor Arun Deva. 

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.

Sanskrit: The Language of Ayurveda

THE IMPORTANCE OF SANSKRIT IN PRACTICING AYURVEDA IN THE U.S. 

by Maria Radloff

Like yoga, Ayurveda exists within the language of the gods—Sanskrit. Rooted in poetic Sanskrit verses, Ayurveda had been passed down solely through the memorization of these sacred scriptures until only recently when Ayurveda began its journey beyond the borders of India.

Unlike yoga, whose language and culture have been completely Americanized in this country, Ayurveda has maintained more of its traditional Indian character. It is almost impossible to study Ayurveda in the U.S. without using some Sanskrit terminology. Everyone understands vāta, pitta, and kapha, even if they’re not pronounced properly.

The meaning of so many Ayurvedic concepts is so deeply embedded in the language, that it would be nearly impossible to teach Ayurveda without using Sanskrit. Imagine replacing the word pañcakārma with “cleansing process” every time you refer to this Ayurvedic procedure. The English term hardly does justice to the treatment’s complexities. Likewise, how would you refer to the process of upaśaya without having that word in your Sanskrit vocabulary? Sanskrit words don’t always translate neatly into English because they often convey concepts whose meanings are deeper and more nuanced than their literal definitions suggest. Some of these Sanskrit concepts don't exist in Western culture, so translating them is impossible; you have to explain them instead, which can be arduous. Without the Sanskrit terms, you have to resort to lengthy explanations or deficient English replacements to speak about Ayurvedic principles and practices.

One of the beautiful things about Ayurvedic terminology is that once you understand the root words, you can decipher and understand many of the Ayurvedic terms more clearly by breaking them into their original parts. For example, it’s easy to figure out that hrdroga refers to heart disease once you know that hrd means “heart” and roga means “disease.” This approach gets a little trickier with words like grdhrasi (the Ayurvedic term for sciatica). In this case, the root grdhra, which means vulture, refers to a characteristic sign of the condition—an ungainly vulture-like walk.

As someone who learned Sanskrit in the U.S. through yoga, I had an advantage in understanding the language of Ayurveda through these root words. For example, prasara, which means “spread,” is used in Ayurveda to refer to the third stage of disease, when it spreads from its original site to other locations in the body. This word is familiar to yogis from the frequently mispronounced name of the popular pose prasārita pādottānāsana, or wide spread intense extended leg posture. Because yoga and Ayurveda were born from the same philosophy, Sanskrit is equally interwoven into both sciences, so understanding one will help a student understand the other.

One of the biggest obstacles to learning Sanskrit is the variety of ways that words are spelled. There is the Americanized version of Sanskrit that spells words phonetically, such as moola, dosha, and sheeta. This is helpful for those unfamiliar with the Sanskrit alphabet, but creates a quandary for those with a little bit of Sanskrit knowledge, since some of the sounds are lost or unclear.

Then there is the IAST convention of writing that uses special markings on characters. This system indicates exactly how each sound should be pronounced, but is altogether confusing to anyone without Sanskrit training, not to mention scary!

And the final obstacle is that Sanskrit is downright hard! In the Sanskrit classes I take, everyone, including the teacher, is always looking up terms, and we frequently have to correct our study guides and handouts. I always tell my own Sanskrit students that they just need to let go of trying to “get it”—that Sanskrit can't be “gotten” in the usual way. I explain that I will make mistakes, and they will make mistakes and that's just how it goes. Sometimes the hardest part is just being okay with that.

If you’re studying Ayurveda in the U.S., I believe you’ll find that most schools use at least some Sanskrit vocabulary, even if it’s just the most basic, Americanized form. Here are several key reasons why I believe it is important for anyone studying Ayurveda (and yoga) to learn Sanskrit, along with the sounds of its alphabet.

Reason 1: Lineage

Ayurveda always has been, and still is, handed down via Sanskrit ślokas and sūtras. As an Ayurvedic student, I’ve found that almost every class I attend is taught by a traditional Ayurvedic Doctor from India who was required to learn not only Sanskrit, but also the classic Ayurvedic texts. Not a class goes by where we don’t hear a verse from Aṣṭānga Hrdayam or Caraka Samhitā. My teachers sometimes need to recall a memorized verse from a Sanskrit text to answer a question correctly.

Reason 2: Communication

For Ayurvedic professionals to understand one another, they must share a common language. I have met people from many different countries and cultures who practice Ayurveda, and regardless of their native language, they all share the common language of Ayurveda. While I don't think it's important to know Sanskrit when communicating with rogis, as most of them won't apprehend the nomenclature, it is important when working or learning around other Ayurvedic professionals, researching topics in this field, or reading Ayurvedic texts. Without knowing Sanskrit, one will be locked out of understanding many books and other resources.

Reason 3: Understanding

The principles of Ayurveda remain the same whether they’re conveyed in English or Sanskrit, but when you learn them in English, your understanding of them will only be as deep as the translator’s. There is deeper wisdom held in the language of Ayurveda, as many of the Sanskrit words don't translate into English. This is due to the fact that the concepts the words are expressing don’t exist in the American culture. To understand the philosophies underlying Ayurveda, we must connect with the words that embody these unfamiliar ideas. Ayurveda has been learned through chanting and sound for millennia, so the true meaning of Ayurveda resides in its native language.

Reason 4: Purify the Mind

One of the most efficient ways to purifymanas is to use Sanskrit and chanting. Spoken out loud or even internally in the mind, Sanskrit can purify the mind and create a more sattvic state. To use Vedic chants or mantras for these types of practices, knowledge of the Sanskrit alphabet and the sounds associated with it is vital.

Reason 5: Sound

In Sanskrit, the meaning of a word is considered inseparable from its sound, so when words are mispronounced, their meaning is lost. For example, if you say ananda with only one measure of sound on the first a, you’re actually saying “no bliss.” To tap into bliss, you need to pronounce aananda (ānanda) with two beats on that first a sound. For example, I always explain to my yoga teacher-training students that there are no wrong pose names, just new poses; for example, mispronouncing nāvāsana as navāsana turns boat pose into number nine pose. So to properly use Sanskrit as a healing tool, you must understand the sounds of Sanskrit.

Reason 6: Accuracy

If you’re going to work with Sanskrit words, why not do it right? There is no extra effort involved in saying ka-pha than there is in saying ka-ffa (i.e.,a breathy “p” sound versus an “f” sound). For someone new to Ayurveda, it is just as easy to  learn the correct pronunciation of a word as it is to learn an incorrect one. Therefore, I think it is exponentially more important for a teacher of Ayurveda to know how to pronounce Sanskrit words than it is for the student. The students will echo the teacher’s pronunciation. To learn Sanskrit properly they need an authentic learning experience, where the teacher is well versed in speaking the Sanskrit sounds. One of the things I appreciate most about my teachers is their precise pronunciation. Even though there are words they Americanize for students, I hear all of the authentic Sanskrit sounds that make up the words when they speak—the retroflexes, the aspirates, the nasal sounds. Hearing these sounds is so helpful. Since I understand the nuances of the Sanskrit alphabet, I can usually grasp the meaning of words more fully when the sounds of the Sanskrit characters that the words are rendered in are spoken exactly as the phonetic rules of the language dictate. So why not incorporate proper Sanskrit pronunciation into Ayurvedic education? The price of the education will remain the same, but it will provide far greater benefits.

Reason 7: Standardization

As Latin is to the Western medical industry, so is Sanskrit to Ayurveda. Most industries have their own languages. As a web designer, I need to be able to speak in HTML and CSS, which are computer languages. Architects, engineers, lawyers all speak a unique language that conveys the principles and concepts that inform their day-to-day work. Why should our industry be any different? Sanskrit is the precise way to communicate the meaning of Ayurvedic terms. Imagine trying to explain Ayurvedic concepts or use your own everyday language rather than standard-industry terms when discussing a case. The lack of a common language would significantly increase the potential for errors and miscommunications that could undermine the effectiveness of traditional Ayurvedic protocols.

Reason 8: Truth

Without knowing the language of Ayurveda, there will always be a barrier between the truth and you. Sanskrit embeds universal truths within it, and since Ayurveda and yoga constantly invoke the Self and the discovery of those truths, it can serve as a conduit to that magical ah-ha moment in your journey. Sanskrit is not an old, abandoned language; it is the living language of the Divine that lives deeply within us all, that unites us, and provides language for the deepest wisdom we could ever touch upon.

In Conclusion

Although I love that Ayurveda continues to spread (prasara) around the world, adapting to an endless number of languages and cultures, I will always believe that there is just a bit more truth and understanding conveyed when the Sanskrit language is used. The principles of Ayurveda are powerful whether described in English, Spanish, or Hindi, but the true master of Ayurveda that will use this divine language and really know Ayurveda in its deepest sense.

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About the Author

Maria Radloff is an Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner student at Kerala Academy. She begrudgingly began studying Sanskrit and Vedic chant when she became an ashtanga student of Dave and Cheryl Oliver in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her studies quickly unlocked the magic of Sanskrit, and soon she was devoting more energy to the language than to the asanas—in effect, the language became her yoga. Maria teaches Sanskrit for yogis and Ayurveda students and professionals.

Editor Note: I used “American” Sanskrit in a normal font, such as Ayurveda and Yoga. Words that are meant to be in pure Sanskrit are in italics with IAST.