Today I am interviewing Colette Kent, an Ayurveda practitioner and coach on Dinacharya – the power of daily rituals of longevity and vitality. The topics discussed in this interview are: The story behind Colette’s journey into Ayurveda [2:50] Why it’s important to simplify ayurvedic wisdom for the modern man [7:30] What are the non-negotiable habits for vitality according to Ayurveda [8:10] The power of night-time rituals for sleep [12:30] The significance of getting up before sunrise [19:38] Why self-oil massage is so important of our wellbeing [25:00] Why dinner must be light and easy to digest compared to lunch which can be heavy [28:01] Why it’s important to align with the flow of nature [30:00] Why fitness and health are not the same and how to understand the difference [31:07] Why dining out culture is not a healthy habit in the long term [36:28] Why it’s essential to have a fixed schedule for eating and sleeping [40:00] What is decision fatigue and how to overcome it [42:01] How dinacharya changed the life of a 70-year-old woman [43:08] Colette Kent is the host of the podcast show Elements of Ayurveda, a platform to share the wisdom of Ayurveda and healing. She also runs an Ayurveda website called www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com where she offers various online courses on Ayurveda and personalized coaching. Colette believes that life is a journey of self-realization and that this journey begins with self-study to understand your unique mind and body type. Colette’s passion is to educate and empower others to take charge of their health and wellbeing so that they can connect to their ‘true nature’ and thrive in life. For further details about your host Dr. Vignesh Devraj please go to Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat or visit www.sitaramretreat.com Would you like to take some amazing steps towards your own optimum health and vitality? Personal online ayurvedic consultations with Dr. Vignesh are now available! Simply DM to his Instagram @vigneshdevraj We truly hope you are enjoying our content. Want to help us shape and grow this show faster? Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast, so you’ll never miss out on any new episodes. Thanks for your support.

In this episode, I am interviewing Amandine Roche, a yoga teacher, healer, and women’s empowerment expert on how to heal from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), how to tame a monkey mind, and find inner peace. Some of the topics we are discussing today are: Women empowerment experience in Afghanistan [11:00] How Ayurveda changed Amandine’s own health [13:38] You cannot bring outer peace when you cannot focus on your inner peace [17:31] Vipassana, monkey mind and inner peace [18:30] Teaching experience of meditation and yoga for PTSD patients [25:06] Why yoga and meditation have nothing to do with any particular religion [29:06] What is it like to have PTSD [41:15] How to understand the difference between intuition and monkey mind [42:00] Why it’s important to follow our heart and not our head [43:50] How to tame your monkey mind [44:30] 5 non-negotiable habits to recover from PTSD and depression [45:40] How healing women on the planet is the way to bring compassion, harmony, love and care back to earth [52:10] Easy meditation and mindfulness practices we can incorporate in our daily life [55:18] Why we should never suppress our emotions or pain but rather listen to the meaning they offer [59:50] Amandine Roche is a human rights and women’s empowerment expert with 20 years of experience in conflict contexts across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. She worked with the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping, European Commission, USAID, UNICEF, UNDP, UNESCO, UNHCR, and UN WOMEN. She participated in 20 peace processes around the world. She’s an author, photographer, explorer, public speaker, social entrepreneur, and yoga and meditation teacher. Amandine is also a healer and a Search Inside Yourself teacher. She is the founder of the Amanuddin Foundation in Afghanistan and the inner peacekeeping program for humanitarians on the front line. She is now creating the Inner Peace Corps organization to bring the tools of inner peace in refugee camps. Find out more about her work on www.amanuddinfoundation.org and www.amandineroche.com Watch her TEDx talk: Inner peacekeeping for global peacekeepers For further details about your host Dr Vignesh Devraj please go to Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat or visit www.sitaramretreat.com Would you like to take some amazing steps towards your own optimum health and vitality? Personal online ayurvedic consultations with Dr Vignesh are now available! Simply DM to his Instagram @vigneshdevraj We truly hope you are enjoying our content. Want to help us shape and grow this show faster? Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast, so you’ll never miss out on any new episodes. Thanks for your support.

In this interview with Nidhi Pandya, an ayurvedic practitioner based in Mumbai and New York, we demystify some of the common myths about ayurvedic herbs and procedures. The topics we talk about in this episode include: How to honor an ayurvedic healing journey [02:35] Why following the circadian rhythm must be a non-negotiable habit for our health [04:20] Some common ayurvedic herbs that are misused and misunderstood [05:42] How to use turmeric in a healthy way [06:08] Why ghee is considered to be a great medium in Ayurveda [09:06] Understanding the proper usage of Chyawanprash [11:04] Triphala and its proper usage, benefits as well as side effects if misused [19:50] The correct way of taking honey in our daily life according to Ayurveda [25:10] The science behind Vasthi (ayurvedic enemas) and how it is different from other colonic and coffee enemas [27:50] Nidhi Pandya conducts ayurvedic self-healing workshops around the world and writes for international Ayurveda magazines. To find out more about Nidhi’s work and to connect, please go to www.nidhipandya.com or visit her Instagram page @my_ayurvedic_life Also, check out our podcast episode #09 in which Nidhi and I talk about how to enhance the immunity system through Ayurveda and provide you with a simple but very effective immunity-boosting checklist. For further details about your host Dr. Vignesh Devraj please go to Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat or visit www.sitaramretreat.com Would you like to take some amazing steps towards your own optimum health and vitality? Personal online ayurvedic consultations with Dr Vignesh are now available! Simply DM to his Instagram @vigneshdevraj We truly hope you are enjoying our content. Want to help us shape and grow this show faster? Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast, so you’ll never miss out on any new episodes. Thanks for your support.

In this episode I am interviewing Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra, an Ayurveda practitioner from Birmingham, UK. She is an expert in the management of gut health disorders and chronic pain using an ayurvedic, holistic approach. The topics discussed in this podcast are: How gut health and wrong food combinations can induce chronic pain in the body [04:00] The relationship between alcohol consumption and Vitamin D deficiency [07:05] Why Gluten, milk, and sugar can worsen your health problems [08:34] How overconsumption of coffee can alter your gut flora [11:03] Dietary recommendations to heal Irritable Bowel Syndrome [14:30] Healthy alternatives for cow’s milk [16:15] Why stress therapy is so important for IBS cure [19:10] How using mindfulness while eating can enhance your digestion [22:00] Common Ayurvedic herbs used for stress and IBS [24:16] How eating on time can reduce the severity of IBS [28:13] Why healthy nutrition and a balanced lifestyle are the two most important factors for health and vitality [36:50] Dr Varalakshmi Yanamandra is an Ayurveda practitioner, B.A.M.S, OMT and the Managing Director of the Ayur Wellness & Pain Centre in Birmingham, UK. She teaches Ayurveda online via Europe Ayurveda Academy and uses her ayurvedic and holistic approaches to educate and empower the art of healthy eating and lifestyle in British people. Varalakshmi also is an editorial board member for JAIMS, International Ayurveda Research Journal. Currently, she is working on creating healthy recipes by incorporating ayurvedic principles into the modern diet. Check out her work at: www.drvaralakshmi.com www.ayurnilayam.co.uk Instagram - @drvaralakshmi For further details about your host Dr. Vignesh Devraj please go to Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat or visit www.sitaramretreat.com Want to take some amazing steps towards your own optimum health and vitality? Personal online ayurvedic consultations with Dr. Vignesh are now available! Simply DM to his Instagram @vigneshdevraj We truly hope you are enjoying our content. Want to help us shape and grow this show faster? Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast, so you’ll never miss out on any new episodes. Thanks for your support.

In this episode I am interviewing Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum, author of the book “Healing the Thyroid with Ayurveda”. She has been in private practice for over 30 years and uses in-depth Ayurvedic principles in her experienced healing approach. Here are the topics discussed in this podcast: Why today thyroid disease has become a global epidemic [04:04] What are the functions of a healthy thyroid gland [04:46] The 6 stages of disease progression according to Ayurveda [07:15] Is it possible to come out of thyroid medications and be healthy [09:28] What are the lifestyle changes that need to be implemented to have healthy thyroid functioning [11:51] Why effective treatment of Hashimoto’s disease has more to do with improving the immune system than thyroid functions [13:15] Why we have so many people diagnosed with autoimmune disorders today [17:55] How stress can weaken thyroid health [19:00] Two healthy habits which can transform your immunity and vitality [21:50] What happens to your body when you take birth control pills [23:07] How to enhance Prana (the life energy) in your body [25:50] Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum graduated Summa Cum Laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1984. She immediately began her studies with Maharishi Ayurveda, obtaining Ayurvedic Practitioner certification in 1992. In the late 1990’s she began a 17-year one-on-one internship with Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra, an award-winning herbal formulator who hails from a 5000 -year-old family lineage of Raj Vaidyas. Dr. Teitelbaum is now writing books, articles, blogs and conducts courses based on the knowledge Vaidya Mishra imparted to her before his untimely passing in April of 2017. Her first book “Ayurveda and the Thyroid Gland: Natural Treatments to Heal Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s” published by Inner Traditions Publishing Company in March of 2019. She runs an extremely busy Ayurvedic practice based in Southern New Jersey, treating all diseases, by addressing her patients’ imbalances, instructing them in diet and daily routine, and teaching them Ayurvedic cleansing techniques. Please find further information about Dr. Teitelbaum on drmteitelbaum.com and her Instagram @marianneteitelbaum For further details about your host Dr. Vignesh Devraj please go to Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat or visit www.sitaramretreat.com Want to take some amazing steps towards your own optimum health and vitality? Personal online ayurvedic consultations with Dr. Vignesh are now available! Simply DM to his Instagram @vigneshdevraj Do you enjoy this show? Help us shape and grow it faster and leave your review right here. Also make sure to never miss out on any episodes by subscribing to the podcast. Thanks and we truly appreciate your support.

In this episode, I interview Ritu Kabra a family constellator on the importance of ancestral healing. The topics we discuss are - Why ancestral healing is important for our wellbeing? [00:30] How family constellation can resolve beyond childhood issues? [07:33) Why we may hold onto unhealed traumas unconsciously and how to resolve them? [08;45] How ancestral healing helps in breaking the pattern of depression and anxiety in families? [10:00] Why it is important to heal the disconnection with our parents? [14:15] How the root cause of every problem can be related to a lack of love? [22:20] The story behind what lead Ritu Kabra to pursue family constellation? [23;45] Ritu Kabra is a Family constellator (trained at Hellinger Institute Germany), Hypnotherapist, (California Hypnosis Institute), and therapist trainer based in Mumbai over 16 years of experience. For more information about Ritu Kabra please check -  http://www.family-constellation.in/ Her Instagram is - @familyconstellationindia Or contact  +919870367200 or kabraritu.68@gmail.com For more details about Dr. Vignesh Devraj please check Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat and visit www.sitaramretreat.com for personal online ayurvedic consultation and health coaching with Dr. Vignesh Devraj DM to his Instagram @vigneshdevraj Do you enjoy our show? Help us shape and grow it faster, subscribe to the podcast, and leave your review. Thank you, we appreciate your support

In this episode I am interviewing Divya Alter, author of the bestselling ayurvedic cookbook “What to Eat for How You Feel: The New Ayurvedic Kitchen” and co-founder of the first ayurvedic restaurant in New York which also ranks amongst the Top 50 vegetarian restaurants in the USA. Divya teaches ayurvedic cooking to many chefs and other people interested in vegetarian ayurvedic cuisine. The topics we chat about in today’s show: What’s the story behind Divya’s passion for ayurvedic cooking [01:46] The courage and vision behind the only ayurvedic restaurant in Manhattan [05:15] Why cooking with seasonal ingredients is important for our health [10:14] How eating freshly cooked food with mindfulness can improve digestion [13:20] What makes ayurvedic cooking different from normal cooking [14:00] Which are some good spices we can integrate to enhance our cooking [21:15] What’s the right way of using turmeric in your cooking [23:04] Why ginger is called as universal medicine in Ayurveda [28:09] How to fall in love with cooking and celebrating it [29:20] Why it is a blessing in disguise to have food sensitivity [34:40] Some incompatible food combinations that must be avoided [35:30] Few tips and tricks for healthy cooking [44:20] Divya Alter is the co-founder of Bhagavat Life, an ayurvedic culinary school and Divya’s Kitchen, an ayurvedic restaurant in Manhattan. Her book “What to Eat for How You Feel” is also available as a German edition. For more information about Divya Alter visit www.divyaalter.com or check @divyaskitchennyc on Instagram. For further details on your host Dr. Vignesh Devraj please go to Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat or visit www.sitaramretreat.com Want to take some amazing steps towards your own optimum health and vitality? Personal online ayurvedic consultations with Dr. Vignesh are now available! Simply DM to his Instagram @vigneshdevraj Do you enjoy this show? Help us shape and grow it faster and leave your review right here. Also make sure to never miss out on any episodes by subscribing to the podcast. Thanks and we truly appreciate your support.

The Internet has become humanity’s invisible central nervous system, connecting us at the speed of thought. Nowadays more people have access to mobile phones than to clean drinking water. Yet the most important technology is still the one within us: our brain, body, and consciousness. In today's podcast I am interviewing the Chief Evangelist Officer of Google, TEDx speaker and author of two best-selling books: The Internet to the Inner-net and The Happy Human. In this episode Gopi and I discuss: Why we miss the bus of self-care once we see a world of opportunities [03:22] 24 hours of time each day – the most egalitarian thing nature has gifted us with, irrespective of class, country or culture. Why still some people are happy whilst others are stressed-out and anxious [06:37] Why is the quality of your inner-net the quality of your life [14:35] How restricting news exposure can improve your emotional health [15:55] Why connecting with nature without any electronic device is important [17:05] How self-isolation done with the right mindset can bring out the best creative self in us [20:45] Why it is important to distinguish between social isolation and physical isolation [21:40] How practicing Yoga can help humanity to lose the sense of separation [24:30] Benefits of unplugging from the internet and plugging in to your inner-net [28:35] Gopi Kallayil is the Chief Evangelist, Brand Marketing at Google. He works with Google’s sales teams and customers to help grow customer brands through digital marketing. In his prior roles at Google, he led the marketing team for the company’s flagship advertising product, AdWords, and headed the marketing team for AdSense, Google’s publisher-facing product. In addition to being an avid yoga practitioner and teacher, Gopi is a triathlete, public speaker, global traveler and Burning Man devotee. He has spoken at TEDx, Renaissance Weekend, The World Peace Festival, Wisdom 2.0 and hosts a TV program called “Change Makers”. He wrote two books and released two music albums titled “Kirtan Lounge”. Gopi Kallayil holds a guest faculty position teaching brand marketing at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and sits on the Board of Directors of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation.  It was a great pleasure talking to Gopi again and we will be following his outstanding work. For more details about his book please visitamzn.to/1UCaAc3  For more details about your host, Dr Vignesh Devraj, please check Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat and visit www.sitaramretreat.com Do you enjoy the show? Leave your review now and help us shape and grow it faster. Make sure to never miss an episode by subscribing to the podcast. We appreciate your support.

In this episode I am interviewing Dr Nisha Khanna MD, an internist from Texas who also practices Functional Medicine and Ayurveda in her integrative healing approach. An extraordinarily gifted doctor with vast knowledge and experience in healing various lifestyle disorders. She is one of those doctors, any patient with chronic illness would wish to have taken her consultation a lot sooner to have prevented them from long-term suffering. In this interview we discuss the following topics: The benefits of traditional medicine vs integrative holistic medicine and what goes best for which condition [5.39] How various medical systems view immunity and why vaccination for Covid may not be effective What causes a leaky gut [10.30] How your gut health can influence your menstrual and vaginal health [12:21] How a Kapha pacifying diet and lifestyle can help to overcome candida [17:30] Which supplements can support healing candida [23:10] How mercury poisoning induces candida and why Panchakarma can help to detox this condition [26:30] Is it recommended to take contraceptive pills and how this can affect gut health [35:30] How can Panchakarma regulate menstrual health [39:00] Why it is good to eliminate cold beverages from our diet [45:25] Why it is important to have regular bowel movement [47:59] Why is proper food combining so essential for our overall health [49:03] Dr Nisha Khanna is a board-certified internist who has been practicing medicine since 2005. Pursuing further education in Ayurveda and Functional Medicine, today she runs her private practice in Functional Ayurveda in Austin, TX. She works with a patient’s entire mind-body-spirit complex and favours treatment plans that emphasise on hormone balance and intestinal health. Her focus is on patient education and empowerment. Dr Khanna uses the breadth of her knowledge and experience to treat her patients with a human-centred approach and enjoys offering education on prevention and treatment during her consultations. To learn more about Dr Khanna, please visit www.NishaKhannaMD.com and follow her on Instagram @NishaKhannaMD For more details about Dr Vignesh Devraj please check Facebook and Instagram @sitarambeachretreat and visit www.sitaramretreat.com Do you enjoy our show? Help us shape and grow it faster, subscribe to the podcast and leave your review. Thank you, we appreciate your support.

According to Ayurveda your immunity is the greatest pharmacy ever devised on this planet. In this interview with Nidhi Pandya, an ayurvedic practitioner based in Mumbai and New York, we discuss what are simple and easy to integrate habits one can do at home to boost immunity.   The topics we talk about in this episode include:    Why is it so important to boost your immunity  What immunity boosting actions can you take during lockdown/quarantine  Which spices are now good for you and how to use them  Why steaming, gargling and drinking hot water are as essential measures as washing your hands and social distancing  Which are the healing powers of Pranayama, Neti and Nasya  Easy methods to reduce anxiety  Why is self-oil massage or Abhyanga so important for our immunity  How to use essential oils  How to convert your home into a spiritual retreat    Nidhi Pandya conducts ayurvedic self-healing workshops around the world and writes for international Ayurveda magazines. To find out more about Nidhi’s work and to connect, please check www.nidhipandya.com and Instagram page @my_ayurvedic_life For more details about the work of Dr Vignesh Devraj MD (Ayurveda), please check www.sitaramretreat.com, Facebook @sitarambeachretreat and Instagram @Vigneshdevraj