Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Regular guest Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath, also known as Dr. J, joins Colette to explore a topic that touches his heart and the hearts of many: how to raise healthy, resilient, and balanced children with the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda. Kaumarabhritya (Ayurvedic pediatrics) is one of the eight classical branches of Ayurveda. This ancient science offers guidance starting from preconception and see...

Colette explores how summer, a season of heat, light, and intensity can support  sadhana , your conscious spiritual practice. Sadhana refers to any intentional, disciplined effort we make to align with our higher Self, whether that's through meditation, mantra, prayer, mindful movement, self-inquiry, or acts of devotion. She explains how we can harness our inner fire (tapas) and creative light (te...

As the weather warms, your skin might become oilier, break out more, or feel dull and irritated. These issues, including redness, inflammation, sun sensitivity, rashes, and heat bumps can indicate an increase in Pitta dosha. Ayurveda teaches us that skin health reflects internal wellbeing, including digestion, blood, toxins and emotions. Colette explores how to take care of your skin holistically...

Dr. Rainer Picha is an Austrian cardiologist who received his Ayurvedic training at the Maharishi Vedic University in Vlodrop, Netherlands. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the International Maharishi AyurVeda Foundation for Health Professionals and is the Director of the Maharishi College of Perfect Health International. In addition to his leadership roles, Dr. Picha runs a medical practic...

Summer, with all its brightness and intensity, is a time when Pitta can easily go out of balance, even for those who don't have a Pitta constitution. And when we don't know the signs of imbalance or we ignore them, it can lead to everything from digestive issues and skin flare-ups to burnout, irritability and emotional overload. In this solo episode, Colette shares some of the most supportive Ayur...

Dr. Sujatha Kekada is the Head Physician and Co-Founder of AmrtaSiddhi Ayurvedic Clinic in Ubud, Bali. She is a certified Ayurvedic Doctor (B.A.M.S) with a degree from Rajiv Gandhi University, India. She talks with Colette about cancer with a particular focus on breast cancer and they discuss the following: Ayurveda's understanding of the root causes of breast cancer from an ama (toxins), dosha (v...

In this solo episode Colette explores how Ayurveda can help us transform reactive emotions into self-awareness. Ayurveda views emotions as opportunities for understanding ourselves better. By acknowledging the energies behind our emotions, we can practice emotional alchemy, turning reactivity into wisdom. She discusses the following: Emotions through the lens of Ayurveda.  The emotional tendencies...

Colette chats with her client Wendy who is a fitness coordinator in Bountiful, Utah. Wendy is a passionate community builder and wellness advocate dedicated to helping individuals and families live healthier, more connected lives. With a background in recreation leadership and a heart for mental health, she leads programs that inspire movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Whether organ...

In this solo episode Colette explores listening to your body's needs and the wisdom of Ayurveda when choosing your exercise and recovery program. She discusses moving with intention and emphasizing regeneration over depletion, especially in our fast-paced culture where over-exercising is common. She covers the following: Core Ayurvedic principles to consider when choosing an exercise program:  Str...

Life often becomes a rush of tasks, leading to a disconnect from ourselves, our breath, our inner rhythm and the rhythm of nature.   Ritual helps us return to ourselves within our existing routines. It transforms mundane actions like showering or having tea into moments of presence and appreciation.   Approaching self-care practices as rituals, rather than tasks that need to be checked off daily,...

Spring, often referred to as kapha season in Ayurveda, shares similar qualities with the kapha dosha: cold, moist, heavy, static, soft, and liquid. We observe these characteristics in the environment through cooler temperatures and the earth saturated by melting snow or rain. This external environment significantly influences our bodies. As a result, you might experience clogged pores, increased o...

Colette chats with her client Julie about her recent Digestive Reset Cleanse experience and her journey with Yoga and Ayurveda. They discuss the following: Julie's early exposure to Yoga and her introduction to Ayurveda. Her decision to choose a supported cleanse. The awareness gained during the cleanse journey. Julie's experience transitioning into the vata stage of life. The role of creativity i...

Colette discusses sarcopenia in this solo episode. Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function that occurs with aging. It typically begins around the age of 40 and accelerates after the age of 60 and it can lead to reduced mobility, increased risk of falls and fractures, and a diminished quality of life. She covers the following topics: The impacts of sarcope...

In this episode, Colette addresses questions from the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community, including an insightful question about hair thinning and hair loss. She discusses the potential root causes of this issue and shares holistic tips to support healing for both body and mind.   She also delves into the 20 gunas, or 10 pairs of opposites, which are fundamental in Ayurvedic healing. These qua...

Colette chats with Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP who is a globally recognized Ayurvedic + sports medicine educator with 40 years of experience. He is the author of seven health books, including bestsellers Eat Wheat and The 3-Season Diet . In this episode Colette chats with Dr. John about his bestselling book Eat Wheat and the fear that exists today around wheat and gluten. They discuss the followin...

Dr. Matt Van Auken is a triple board-certified, multistate-licensed medical doctor. He has extensive, multi-specialty medical experience. He is also the founder and clinical director of The Buddha's Medicine, an Ayurvedic medical practice in Portland, Oregon, and he loves to take on complex and ambiguous cases, in particular.  Colette chats with Dr. Matt about Dravya guna which is a science that t...

Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath aka Dr. J represents a lineage of Ayurveda Practitioners from Kerala, India.  He is  the CEO and Academy Director of Kerala Ayurveda (USA).  Colette chats with Dr. J about modern day Ayurveda and finding the balance between preserving tradition and adapting Ayurveda for our world today. They discuss the following: The historical roots of Ayurveda. The contrast between...

Dr. Sujatha Kekada is the Head Physician and Co-Founder of AmrtaSiddhi Ayurvedic Clinic in Ubud, Bali. She chats with Colette about inflammatory disorders in the urinary system and they discuss the following: The Ayurvedic perspective on the urinary system and the doshas involved. The root cause of inflammation. Dr. Sujatha covers the following disorders: Burning urination Urinary tract infections...

When we think of dieting, restrictive eating, calorie counting, and short-term trends often come to mind. Ayurveda takes a different approach. It offers personalized dietary advice that nourishes and heals your body. Rather than a short-term restriction, Ayurveda views food as an integral part of a sustainable, holistic wellbeing strategy which helps to keep your body/mind in balance, preventing d...

Colette chats with her client Ana about her journey with Ayurveda and her recent experience on the Digestive Reset Cleanse. They discuss the following: Ana's introduction to Ayurveda. Her concerns prior to cleansing. Ana shares her cleanse experience. Setting self-care boundaries. The benefits she reaped from the cleanse. Ana's new habits and increased awareness from the cleansing process. * Visit...

Vaidya Princy Prasad is an educator and has a special focus on Orthopaedic management. She was trained by experienced Vaidya's of Kerala and obtained her Degree in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery and Master degree in Surgery (Ayu) from Kerala University of Health Sciences. She continued her research studies in Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar for the fulfillment of Doctor of   Philosophy (PhD...

Ayurveda views blood sugar balance as crucial for overall health because it directly affects our digestive fire (agni), the health of our tissues (dhatus), our prime energy reserve and vitality (ojas), and it helps to maintain balance of the doshas of vata, pitta and kapha. Colette discusses the following in this episode: The role of doshas in blood sugar regulation. How imbalances in the doshas a...

Ayurveda views mobility as a reflection of vitality, when joints are healthy, well lubricated, and move with ease. When joints are compromised basic movements like walking, climbing stairs or even the act of sitting can become more painful and challenging. Chronic joint pain or stiffness can lead to reduced quality of life and emotional stress, affecting our independence and participation in physi...

Colette discusses how the doshas impact our relationships, whether it's a relationship with a significant other, with family members, friends, or pets. Understanding your doshic makeup and the doshic makeup of those you're in relationship with will enhance connection, compassion and harmony in your relationships.  Colette covers the following in this episode: The basics of each dosha type of vata,...

Vaidya Sheena Sooraj is Kerala Ayurveda USA's Chief Clinical Officer and a core faculty member. She is an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner from Kerala, India. Coming from a family with a strong Ayurvedic background, she developed her passion for Ayurveda at a young age, as her grandfather was a well-known Ayurvedic physician and astrologer. She is an active advocate of Ayurveda and is an experie...