Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

In Ayurveda, digestion is never just about food, it's about how we process life itself. When our digestion is weak, the body feels heavy, the mind becomes clouded, and both physical toxins (ama) and mental toxins (mental ama) begin to accumulate. In this episode, Colette explores how poor digestion affects not only our physical health but also our emotional wellbeing, clarity, and self-confidence. You'll learn how the gut-mind connection works in Ayurveda, why unprocessed emotions weigh just as heavily as undigested food, and what practices help restore balance. We'll also look at how an Ayurvedic reset, including diet, awareness, and daily routine can help clear both physical and emotional heaviness, bringing you back to lightness, calm, and clarity. What you'll learn in this episode: How Ayurveda explains the gut-mind connection through the mano vaha srotas (the channel of the mind). The role of the subdoshas, Sadhaka Pitta, Prana Vayu, and Tarpaka Kapha in processing emotions and experiences. What mental ama is and how it impacts mood, memory, and self-confidence. The emotional imprint of poor digestion, why heaviness, irritability, or brain fog often follow sluggish digestion. How sattvic foods and routines promote clarity of mind while rajasic and tamasic influences create imbalance. Practical Ayurvedic guidelines for preventing the build-up of mental ama, from mindful eating and circadian rhythm to tuning inward and protecting your senses. Links & Resources: Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Let's stay connected: Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community Instagram: @ElementsOfAyurvedaPodcast Facebook: Elements Healing & Wellbeing Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10. **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

The thyroid may be small, but its influence on our energy, metabolism, mood, and overall vitality is profound. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders today. Ayurveda takes a holistic perspective to uncover root causes and pathways to healing, looking at digestion, doshas, lifestyle, and even emotional health. In this episode, I'm joined by Vaidya Kamya Pillai, a specialist in Ayurveda with over a decade of clinical experience. Together, we explore hypothyroidism through the Ayurvedic lens, including: How Ayurveda understands the thyroid and its role in the body The symptoms and root causes of hypothyroidism The doshas and dhatus involved in thyroid imbalance The role of ojas, stress, emotional health and energetic balance How dinacharya (daily routine), ritucharya (seasonal routine), and regular cleansing can support thyroid health Ayurvedic dietary guidelines for those with hypothyroidism A case study from Vaidya Kamya's clinical practice Whether you're living with hypothyroidism or simply curious about how Ayurveda views thyroid health, this episode offers insight and practical wisdom for supporting balance and vitality. Check out episode 92 Ayurvedic Nutrition of the Dhatus here. * Thanks to Kerala Ayurveda Academy for sponsoring this episode. Explore upcoming trainings at Kerala Ayurveda Academy. Use code ELEMENTS100 to save $100 on your enrollment. Learn more at keralaayurveda.us/courses. * Click here to register for the discounted Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 3rd, 2025 * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10. **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

As the seasons shift, your skin tells a story. Autumn's dry, cool winds can bring flakiness, sensitivity, or dullness, while lingering summer heat may still trigger redness or irritation. Ayurveda teaches us that these changes aren't random, they're reflections of dosha balance, digestion, and even our emotions. In this episode, we explore how to keep your skin radiant and resilient during autumn by understanding the connection between seasonal shifts, inner health, and emotional wellbeing. You'll learn how Vata and Pitta influence the skin at this time of year, why seasonal cleansing is key for preventing imbalance, and simple Ayurvedic rituals that nourish both inside and out. You'll discover: Why autumn is a sensitive time for the skin Dosha-specific tendencies and skin challenges in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha types The role of digestion and seasonal cleansing in radiant skin Emotional imbalances that can show up on the skin Ayurvedic rituals: oil cleansing, abhyanga, hydrating masks, diet, and grounding routines Your skin is more than surface deep, it's a reflection of your inner balance. Join me in this episode to discover how Ayurvedic wisdom can help you move into autumn with vitality, resilience, and a healthy glow. Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 396 - Emotional Alchemy with Ayurveda: Turning Reactivity into Awareness Kumkumadi oil from Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase. Dosha oils from Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase. * Click here to register for the discounted Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 3rd, 2025 * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10. **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

Have you ever noticed cravings sneak up when you're stressed, tired, or at the change of a season? Ayurveda teaches us that cravings aren't about willpower, they're messages from the body, pointing to imbalance. Whether it's toxins (ama), weak digestion (Agni), or long-held emotional patterns, cravings are signposts that something deeper is asking for attention. In this episode, Colette explores: The Ayurvedic view of cravings through the six tastes (rasa) How doshic imbalances (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) shape what we crave The difference between true nourishment and false cravings Why ultra-processed foods disrupt our natural signals How an Ayurvedic cleanse rekindles Agni and resets your palate The emotional side of cravings - samskaras, habits, and food as comfort Practical tips to integrate into everyday life with mindful eating, seasonal foods, and gratitude ✨ Special Invitation ✨ If you'd like to experience this reset for yourself, join my upcoming Group Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 3rd. Together, we'll clear ama, strengthen digestion, and reset cravings in a supportive, guided container. Early Bird Special: Book before September 5th and save an additional 10% with code CLEANSE10. Click here for more info or to register for the Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 3rd. * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10. **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

When most of us think about improving digestion, we focus on food choices, what to eat and what to avoid. But Ayurveda teaches us that how and when we eat, along with our daily lifestyle habits, are just as important for keeping agni (digestive fire) strong and preventing ama (toxins). In this episode, Colette explores five often-overlooked habits that quietly weaken digestion over time and shares simple Ayurvedic fixes to reset them. These shifts may seem small, but they can have a profound effect on energy, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Why agni thrives on rhythm and how irregular eating times throw digestion off track How emotional stress diverts energy away from healthy digestion The hidden impact of late-night screen use on your body's natural repair cycles Why even "healthy" foods can cause ama when combined improperly How eating out of sync with the seasons creates imbalance and what to do instead You'll also hear practical, before-and-after lifestyle examples to help you notice where these patterns might be showing up in your own life. * If you're ready for deeper support and motivated to do an all-in-one reset, then come join the discounted Group Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 3rd, which addresses all five of these areas at once. This guided group cleanse includes a 90-minute online consultation so I can tailor the program to your unique needs and lifestyle. It's designed to: Eliminate toxins (ama) from the fat cells Improve digestion and elimination Boost immunity Help you maintain a healthy body weight for your constitution Promote mental clarity and awareness Improve sleep Restore balance, clarity and energy You'll step into autumn feeling light, clear, and full of energy. Book before September 5th and save 10% Use code: CLEANSE10 at checkout (Cannot be combined with other discounts) Click here to register for your Digestive Reset Cleanse today & save! * For more info on Colette's online services visit her website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. * Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code EOA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10. **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.

Colette is joined by Ayurvedic doctor and educator Vaidya Princy Prasad for a deeper exploration of Agni, the inner fire that fuels far more than just digestion. While Agni is often associated with metabolism, its influence extends into immunity, hormonal balance, emotional clarity, and overall vitality. In this conversation, they discuss the following: What Agni really is and why it's central to vibrant health and ojas The different types of Agni and various levels of action Signs of optimal (sama) Agni and what happens when it's imbalanced The types of impaired Agni: Vishama, Tikshna and Manda How Agni influences key hormones Practical Ayurvedic tips to kindle and sustain a balanced Agni Why seasonal cleansing is vital for resetting Agni * Thanks to Kerala Ayurveda Academy for sponsoring this episode. Explore upcoming trainings at Kerala Ayurveda Academy. Use code ELEMENTS100 to save $100 on your enrollment. Learn more at keralaayurveda.us/courses. * Click here to register for the discounted Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 3rd, 2025 * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code EOA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10. **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

As we approach the threshold between summer and autumn, it's the perfect time to explore how the doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha accumulate imbalance during the summer months and how this can affect your digestion, immunity, and emotional wellbeing. In this solo episode, Colette invites you into an Ayurvedic exploration of seasonal transition, with a special focus on digestive health and immune strength. In this episode, you'll discover: How seasonal accumulation affects each dosha type How to identify early signs of imbalance and toxin (ama) buildup The overlooked emotional and psychological residue of summer How Ayurveda and modern science align on seasonal health Why now is the ideal time to reset your digestive fire (agni) You'll also learn how to perform a gentle "ama audit" and how a personalized, holistic cleanse can support your seasonal transition from the inside out. Links & Resources Take the Ama Quiz - "Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body?" Listen to the episodes mentioned: Episode 122: Ayurvedic Ritucharya – Guidelines for the Seasons Episode 401: Summer as a Time of Sadhana * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code EOA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10. **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

The Elements of Ayurveda Podcast turns 8 this month and in this special anniversary episode, I'm reflecting on 8 years of sharing Ayurvedic wisdom through this podcast, in my personal practice, and in client work. Over this time, Ayurveda has taught me countless lessons, but there are 8 core insights that continue to shape how I live, heal, and show up in the world. May they inspire your own journey with Ayurveda and remind you of the deep wisdom already within you. The 8 lessons are: The body is always communicating There is no one-size-fits-all path to health Digestion is the root of It all Rhythm and routine are more powerful than perfection Emotions are energy that need digestion too Healing is seasonal, cyclical, and spiral-like You are nature, not separate from it True health is alignment with purpose * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code EOA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10. **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thanks for listening!

In this enlightening episode, Colette is joined by Dr. Bruno Renzi, a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and pioneer in the integration of Ayurveda into psychosomatic medicine. Dr. Renzi created and led the first integrated medicine center for psychosomatic disorders at an Italian university, bringing together modern psychiatry and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda in a groundbreaking clinical setting. Dr. Renzi has served as a university professor at the State University of Milan and is the author of several publications, including The Mind in Ayurveda and the preface of Ayurveda Scientifico Vol. II. He currently serves as co-director of the Maharishi College for Perfect Health International. In this conversation, they discuss: Dr. Renzi's personal journey from Western psychiatry to Ayurveda The differences in approaching psychosomatic disorders in modern medicine versus Ayurveda What inspired him to merge these two worlds in the psychosomatic field The practice of Transcendental Meditation and its benefits Dr. Renzi's current work teaching the Maharishi Ayurveda Integrated Approach to Psychosomatics, which addresses stress, mild anxiety, and depression The outcomes he's witnessed from this integrative approach His future projects and initiatives Resources & Links: Click here to learn more about the Maharishi College for Perfect Health International Connect directly with Dr. Bruno Renzi for information about his new online courses: br.renzi@tiscali.it * CELEBRATING 8 YEARS OF PODCASTING!!! To express my heartfelt appreciation for your support, I'm offering 10% off ALL of my Online Services until August 6th, 2025. Use the code ELEMENTS8 at checkout. Choose from the following online services: Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Thanks for listening!

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 sees the child not just as a developing body, but as a whole being, mind, body, and spirit, shaped by early experiences, daily rhythms, nutrition, and love. They discuss the following: What makes Ayurvedic pediatrics unique The importance of preconception, prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum care for both mother and child How to understand your child's unique constitution (prakriti) to support balanced growth and development Ayurvedic guidelines for the Kapha stage of life, from birth to puberty Insights into nutrition, sleep, behavior, and emotional wellbeing through an Ayurvedic lens How early experiences can influence a child's long-term health * Thanks to Kerala Ayurveda Academy for sponsoring this episode. Visit Kerala Ayurveda Academy to explore upcoming trainings. Enroll today and save $100 with code ELEMENTS100. Learn more at keralaayurveda.us/courses. Click here to find Dr. J's book, The Parent's Complete Guide to Ayurveda. * CELEBRATING 8 YEARS OF PODCASTING!!! To express my heartfelt appreciation for your support, I'm offering 10% off ALL of my Online Services until August 6th, 2025. Just use the code ELEMENTS8 at checkout. Choose from the following online services: Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Thanks for listening!