Below you will find Hilary Garivaltis story: it offers a window into how Ayurveda has changed her life and how having access to Ayurvedic medicine across the nation can help many.
When you support NAMA, you help build a community of practitioners who can provide this service and help people like Hilary get a real chance to heal.
Ayurveda Changed My Life!
I was a typical working American, a 40-year-old mother of three running three businesses with my husband. After years of this demanding lifestyle, my health started heading in the wrong direction. I was fatigued, my body felt out of balance, and my periods were irregular and horrendous. When my menses did occur (3-4 times a year), all my joints ached so much that I could barely get up and get moving in the mornings. I was exhausted, all over the place, and unhappy. All of these things began to affect my relationships and my capacity to cope as a young mother.
I had been a meditator but somehow had fallen out of the habit until my best friend reminded me of its value and suggested that maybe it would help. As I was striving to renew my practice, I found a book on Ayurveda—it changed my life! Just reading the book inspired me and helped me see that I could change the trajectory I was on. I soon found myself studying and practicing Ayurveda.
Within the year, I received pañcakarma and, as I continued all my practices, eliminated all my symptoms. I had my first normal periods on a regular cycle for the first time in my life; my joints were all healed; my energy was back; and my emotions stabilized. I was happy and enthusiastic again! I not only became dedicated to Ayurveda for myself and family, but also began hoping to find a way to share it with others.
Eager to extend this life-changing experience to a broader group of people, I was lucky to fall into a relationship with Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, where, in 2004, I helped launch an Ayurvedic school and other programs on Ayurveda for their 30,000 guests. I became a board member of NAMA to help create an even broader base for Ayurveda in the United States.
I’ve seen Ayurveda change not only my life, but also the lives of so many others. My story is not unique, but it should be shared so others can find health and balance in their lives. This is why it is so important for us all to help support the incredible work that NAMA is doing to advance the profession and to ensure Ayurveda gets the recognition and exposure it truly deserves.
Please support NAMA’s Accreditation initiative as a step toward the goal of access to Ayurveda for all in the United States. We are poised to make this happen but need your help.
Please donate generously!
In gratitude,
Hilary Garivaltis
NAMA Executive Director