Sleep Wisdom: Ayurveda Meets Italian Monastic Traditions
Understanding Prana and Qi
In Ayurveda, life force energy is known as prana. It flows through every living being, powering both body and mind. Prana is considered the essence of life itself, and its harmonious flow is crucial for maintaining good health and wellbeing. Ayurveda tells us that when prana flows freely and is balanced, we experience vitality, clarity, and emotional stability; and when disrupted, it can manifest as physical or mental imbalances.
Dinacharya: Balancing Work Life with Ayurvedic Daily Rituals
In the demands of modern life, achieving balance can feel challenging. Dinacharya offers practical steps to harmonise our body, mind, and spirit with the rhythm of the day. By aligning our routines with these principles, we can create a foundation for holistic wellness, even amid a busy lifestyle.
Winter Wellness: Embracing Ayurveda and the Rhythms of Nature
The new year is a time of reflection and rejuvenation for all of us. For the last few years, I have been fortunate to spend the first week of the new year at the Mandali Retreat Centre, near Lago D'Orta, Piedmont, on a seven-day silent yoga retreat (side note: sadly, I was unable to attend this year as I'm recovering from a knee injury). I have found the retreat an ideal way to ground myself and set a mindful tone for the year ahead.
Detoxifying After the Holidays: An Ayurvedic Approach
I have just returned from a decadent week in Emilia Romagna, where I immersed myself in the true essence of an Italian Christmas. Sun-kissed days, long, lingering meals that stretched into the night, and the intoxicating charm of Cesena’s Christmas celebrations with my husband’s family. Panettone, fresh cappelletti, tortelli and ravioli, indulgent local cheeses, piadina, and glasses of Franciacorta, Trento DOC, or local Sangiovese wine were never in short supply.
Every moment was a celebration, and while I loved every bit of it, now that I’m back in London, I’m feeling the need to shift the kapha energy that’s built up over this indulgent December. I’m not a fan of the term "January detox," but it is time for a reset with an Ayurvedic approach to clear away the heaviness.
The Role of Agni in Ayurveda: Unlocking Your Digestive Power
In Ayurveda, Agni, which translates to "digestive fire" is considered the foundation of good health. Agni is responsible for digestion, metabolism, and the transformation of food into energy. When Agni is strong, the body functions efficiently, and digestion is harmonious. A weak or imbalanced Agni can lead to sluggish digestion, bloating, fatigue and potential disease in the long term.
Deep Dive into Doshas: What Are They?
In Ayurveda, the concept of doshas is fundamental. These biological energies govern the physical and mental processes in the body, forming the blueprint of your unique constitution. There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, each derived from the five elements - space, air, fire, water, and earth. Understanding your dosha is the first step in creating a lifestyle that supports balance and vitality.
The Foundations of Ayurveda: Understanding Your Mind-Body Connection
Ayurveda, often called the “science of life,” is an ancient holistic health system originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Rooted in the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit, Ayurveda offers a personalised approach to wellbeing.