Everyday Ayurveda with Kate

I am excited to have Sonia Lloyd, the founder of Rasasara Skin Food, on the show with me today. Sonia founded her skincare company in Australia twenty years ago. She developed an interest in compounding skincare products after struggling with ultra-sensitive skin. Following the Ayurvedic model, she created a line specifically tailored for vata, pitta, and kapha skin types.In our discussion today, Sonia shares her experience as a skincare consultant and dives into how her products get made. She reveals how our skin reflects our diet and lifestyle and explains how the qualities of vata, pitta, and kapha within the body show up in our skin. We also explore ways to recognize what is happening in our skin and how to care for it.You will not want to miss this epic conversation with Sonia Lloyd of Rasasara Skin Food. Join us!Her Journey Sonia has been a part of the organic skincare business for 20 years, motivated by her passion for Ayurveda and a desire to eliminate the excessive fragrances in existing products. Apart from the Ayurvedic skincare products she found at local Indian grocery stores, she often encountered products laden with artificial scents that aggravated her sensitivity. That led her to discover that if a product is inedible, we should not use it on the skin. That prompted her to create Rasasara, a brand focusing on edible skincare, minimal packaging, and aesthetically pleasing design.Product Philosophy and Skin TypesSonia bases her products on Ayurvedicdoshas, targeting different skin qualities. The packaging clearly labels products for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha skin types, and the Rasasara website features a skincare quiz to help identify skin types. Sonia highlights the importance of understanding your skin type to achieve better results but reassures customers that even using the wrong product is still more beneficial than conventional options.Understanding Doshas and Their Impact on SkincareThe qualities of the three doshas:Vata: Fine and dry skin, prone to roughness and coldness. Vata products use heavier oils like black sesame to nourish and hydrate.Pitta: Typically sensitive skin with oiliness in the T-zone. Pitta skin often shows signs of heat and redness, so Sonia uses cooling ingredients such as rose and sandalwood for this skin type.Kapha: Kapha is often associated with thicker, more resilient skin that can be oily and congested. Kapha products detoxify and stimulate the skin using lighter oils.People often have a mix of dosha qualities. Sonia recommends focusing on imbalances rather than fitting strictly into one category.Recommended Skincare RoutinesPitta skin can be easily irritated. Start with a warm compress, use a floral mist, and end with a carefully selected oil for Pitta imbalances. The key is to avoid friction and inflammation while promoting healing and balance in the skin.Understanding Aging and Skin HealthBy prioritizing what we put on our skin and inside our bodies, we can dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging. Using products free from toxins allows our bodies to focus on building new tissue instead of expelling harmful substances. Many mainstream skincare products contain synthetic ingredients that act as dumping grounds for chemical byproducts, contributing to skin issues.Nourishing the SkinSkincare is nourishment for the skin. Using pure, natural ingredients means the skin can repair itself rather than battling against chemicals. The increasing awareness of the skin microbiome highlights the importance of using non-toxic ingredients. Harmful substances are still prevalent in many products, which is a challenge, especially for children.Body Oil...

We are talking about exercise today.In this episode, I answer some of the many questions I receive about the best kinds of exercise, how much you need, and how to adapt it as you age. We explore the Ayurvedic approach to exercising and the aspects of your unique makeup that are essential to consider before starting a movement routine. I also share very openly about my journey and experiments over the last decades as an active person beginning to notice some signs of aging.Exercise in AyurvedaIn Ayurveda, exercise is about harmonizing the mind and body, promoting joy and purpose in movement while adhering to the principle of moderation. It is vital for maintaining balance in the body, especially as we transition into the Vata stage of life. Weight-bearing exercises strengthen Mamsa (muscle tissue) and support physical stability. Regular exercise helps preserve the Dhatus (tissue layers), enhancing mobility and maintaining bone density. A balanced exercise routine should include strength training and mobility work. Elemental Body TypesVata Types tend to experience lightness, dryness, and coldness. They often do not require extensive exercise and benefit from gentle activities like Tai Chi, as their sensitive nervous systems may become fatigued with excessive exertion.Pitta Types possess a fiery element and generally thrive on exercise. They usually prefer colder environments and should be cautious about overheating when exercising. Balanced routines are ideal for them to prevent burnout.Kapha Types are heavier and benefit significantly from vigorous exercise, as it rids the body of excess water and increases vitality. Regular movement is crucial for this group to prevent mental and physical stagnation.Seasonal Considerations for ExerciseWinter is a time for increased activity to combat the cold, which can constrict bodily functions. Exercising in the cold helps invigorate the body.Spring encourages movement to detoxify the body after the winter heaviness, making it a good time for cleansing activities.Summer The warm weather decreases the need for structured exercise, as our circulation is already active. Swimming or biking are ideal during this season.Fall is a transitional period. We may need to be more mindful of our joints and reduce the intensity of our workouts until we acclimate to the cooler temperatures.Individualized Fitness GoalsAthletes and those with specific fitness aspirations should tailor their routines to their unique needs and seasonal changes. Balancing vigorous activities with adequate rest and nutrition is essential for avoiding injuries and making sustainable progress toward fitness goals.Movement with AgeAs we age, exercise shifts from a casual activity to a crucial requirement for staying mobile in daily life. Regular movement and weight-bearing exercises are essential for maintaining strength and flexibility as we age since muscle mass naturally decreases after 50.Recognizing Declines in StrengthMonitoring your strength is vital for spotting potential issues early. Strength training and focusing on upper body strength can help with physical tasks and improve your well-being as you age. Finding Balance in ExerciseAyurveda promotes balance in physical activity. Balanced exercise routines should focus on burning calories, building strength and flexibility, and enhancing mobility.Joy in MovementMovement can be joyful, especially when it is pain-free. Our mental well-being is crucial, and physical activity can alleviate mental stagnation. Incorporating outdoor

I am excited to welcome DhyanaMasla as my guest on the podcast today. Dhyana is the author of Ayurveda Mama, a book about conception, pregnancy, and postpartum care. She grew up in a community deeply rooted in Yoga and Ayurveda, which you can sense through her spirit-based worldview and how she values parenthood. In this episode, we dive into her spirit-centered perspective, going beyond diet and recipes to explore how we can nourish ourselves through the transitions we experience in life. Join us for a truly inspiring, insightful, and captivating conversation with DhyanaMasla.Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community MembershipWebsite: www.ayurvedahealthretreat.comAyurveda Health RetreatShout out to Soul Space, our online community focused on yoga, Ayurveda, and joy-filled living.Mentioned in this episode:Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!Women and Stress Workshop

We are talking about seasonal cleansing today. In Ayurveda, practicing seasonal cleansing is essential for maintaining balance within the body throughout the year. In this episode, we break down what the cleanse entails, how it works, how to do it, and when to avoid it. You will also learn to make kitchari, the go-to dish for Ayurvedic cleanses. Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community MembershipIf you have any questions, please email us at hello@ayurvedicliving.instituteMentioned in this episode:Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!Women and Stress Workshop

I am delighted to have Dr. Claudia Welch joining me as my guest on the podcast today.Shifting Focus on Women's HealthThe conversation on women's health initially focused on external factors. However, there is currently more awareness of the importance of internal nourishment and rest. Rest and nourishment are crucial for maintaining balance with all the external distractions that draw our attention outward. Nurturing inner stability creates ripples of positivity, much like the various cycles of nature. Inner Attention Versus External FocusWe need to focus on our internal motivations rather than our external actions. While actions like cooking or caregiving may seem nourishing, the internal mindset driving those actions is what truly matters. In Ayurveda, nurturing our inner world is essential as it helps reduce the impact of fears and external seductions, allowing for more balanced and grounded lives.Shifting Interests in HealthOver time, there has been a shift from focusing on the biological details of health, like hormones, to a broader view of how people live their lives. According to Eastern philosophy, health imbalances stem from internal belief systems, fears, and seductions. That is why we need to address the root causes of those imbalances rather than focusing on biological symptoms for lasting health.Hormone Management: HRT vs. Bioidentical HormonesClaudia emphasizes the benefits of bioidentical hormones over traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), explaining that while lifestyle, diet, and herbal remedies can help with menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and insomnia, they may not offer immediate relief for those with a history of poor health habits. Even though those symptoms are not life-threatening, the stress they cause can have long-term health impacts. If bioidentical hormones are inaccessible, HRT might be an acceptable alternative despite the associated risks.The Uncertainty of Medical ScienceClaudia is skeptical about overly confident medical opinions and encourages everyone to be cautious and self-aware when using hormone therapy. In the decades she spent studying hormones, she learned that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Stress and Hormonal Imbalance in MidlifeStress, especially during midlife, significantly impacts our hormonal balance. The emotional challenges many women face in their late 40s and 50s, like the fear of aging and death, can amplify stress. The demands of caring for children and aging parents often worsen these hormonal imbalances.Confronting the Fear of DeathReflecting on a personal experience in India, Claudia once believed she did not fear death. However, she felt afraid when she faced the possibility of dying from hepatitis. She feels it is essential for us to intentionally engage with the concept of death as a natural part of life.The Practice of Dying DailyClaudia has come to embrace the idea of dying daily, a practice from various spiritual traditions. That means we need to let go of our professional, personal, or emotional attachments if we want to learn about the impermanence of life. By surrendering to that process, we can reduce our fear of death while supporting our hormonal health.Embracing Loss and Personal TransformationLetting go means accepting that we cannot control everything. As we age, we must make peace with the inevitable losses we will face. Even though the void our losses leave can feel overwhelming, it ultimately leads to transformation and growth.Menopause Support and Facing MortalityClaudia created the Menopause Chronicles, a community to support one another and share experiences for women navigating menopause. She is also excited to...

I am delighted to have Julia Geer joining me on the podcast today.Julia is my AI teacher. We met when she was a student at one of the Ayurveda schools where I teach, and now she offers a program to help solopreneurs like me, especially those in the wellness space, automate their businesses using AI.As the founder of The Gear Shift, Julia blends cutting-edge AI with ancient wellness practices shaped by her 20 years of experience in healthcare, where she helped commercialize the first FDA-approved AI technology for clinical use. She is also a certified yoga therapist, Ayurvedic health counselor, and mindfulness meditation teacher.With her holistic approach to business and personal growth, Julia makes the journey into AI surprisingly relevant to everyday tasks like cooking. In this episode, she explains how to use tools like ChatGPT and other AI engines to simplify meal planning. She even teaches us how to Ayurveda-size meals and tailor recipes to fit the season or your body type. While we also touch on AI ethics, we focus on practical and hands-on tips. This episode is full of surprises, and I know you will love it! Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community MembershipAmplify with AIMentioned in this episode:Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!Women and Stress Workshop

Conversations about the mind can sometimes feel oppressive or daunting, especially as we begin exploring what goes on there. The mind is a system mostly comprised of space, filled with various elements, some good and others not. Creating positive space around you in simple and enjoyable ways will also uplift your internal spaces.So, today, in the second part of our series on Ayurveda and the mind, we focus on ways to cultivate good space. Stay tuned for practical ideas to enhance your surroundings and inner world.Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community MembershipMentioned in this episode:Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!Women and Stress Workshop

Today, I address your questions about anxiety and depression.I am excited to explore this important and extensive topic, as Ayurveda offers a nuanced and refined perspective on mental wellness. In this discussion, I share practical and helpful strategies to guide you in considering and managing the mental landscape. You will definitely not want to miss it, so stay tuned for more!Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community MembershipMentioned in this episode:Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!Women and Stress Workshop

Today, I am delighted to have Rich Ray, my partner of 11 years, joining me as a guest on the podcast. Rich and I had our first proper conversation at a yoga party, even though we had known each other for several years through the yoga community. Rich shared that he had spent four years living in a monastery about a decade earlier. That piqued my interest and made me want to know him better.Stay tuned to hear his fascinating story and learn about the benefits of yoga and meditation.Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community MembershipConnect with Rich Ray:On his websiteOn InstagramThe RayBeam PodcastRich's teacher is Cheri Huber at Living CompassionMentioned in this episode:Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!Women and Stress Workshop

Today, we are diving into circadian rhythms. Did you know that establishing a consistent daily rhythm can enhance your mood, sleep, digestion, and almost every aspect of your well-being? Striving for a healthy daily rhythm is not just a scientific endeavor. It is also a magical and mysterious experience governed by the celestial movements of cosmic entities like the sun and moon. Stay tuned to learn how aligning your daily rhythms with the cosmos can transform your life.Mentioned in this episode:Beat the Heat with the Summer Self-Care Workshop!Get my recommendations on the top food choices, herbs, and daily practices to balance summer heat and inflammation. Summer Self Care Workshop

In this episode, Ayurvedic practitioner Kate O'Donnell dives into the pivotal role of digestion in overall health. She explains how, according to Ayurveda, all diseases originate in the gut due to toxins, or "ama," formed from poorly digested food. Kate highlights the importance of a strong digestive fire, or "agni," to prevent toxin buildup and ensure proper nourishment. She offers practical tips on avoiding cold foods, overeating, and snacking between meals. Additionally, she touches on the impact of stress and emotional eating on digestion. Kate encourages mindful eating habits and meal spacing to support optimal digestive health.Mentioned in this episode:Beat the Heat with the Summer Self-Care Workshop!Get my recommendations on the top food choices, herbs, and daily practices to balance summer heat and inflammation. Summer Self Care Workshop

In this podcast episode, Kate chats with Emma Balnaves about Shadow Yoga, a unique method developed by the guest's husband, Shandor. The conversation delves into how Shadow Yoga supports women's health through life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Emma highlights the importance of harnessing female energy and adapting practices to support the body and mind during transitions, especially perimenopause. They also discuss seasonal eating and a calming evening routine focused on grounding the mind. Kate and Emma share a friendly and insightful dialogue, promising future discussions to explore more questions from listeners.Mentioned in this episode:Ready to Take Your Health to a New Level?Join the Ayurvedic Living Community and take advantage of all of the benefits that membership has to offer. Click below to learn more.Ayurvedic Living Community Membership

In this episode, Kate O'Donnell, an expert in Ayurveda, delves into the Ayurvedic perspective on hormones and how to achieve balance through lifestyle and dietary changes. She explains that while Ayurveda doesn't specifically name hormones, it provides a framework to understand their qualities. Kate introduces the concept of balancing sex hormones (cool and moist) with stress hormones (hot and active) to maintain overall health. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating cooling, moistening activities and foods, managing stress, and prioritizing self-care to achieve hormonal harmony. Kate's insights offer a holistic, approachable way to enhance well-being through ancient Ayurvedic principles.Mentioned in this episode:Beat the Heat with the Summer Self-Care Workshop!Get my recommendations on the top food choices, herbs, and daily practices to balance summer heat and inflammation. Summer Self Care Workshop

In this podcast episode, Kate O'Donnell, an expert in Ayurveda, delves into the fundamentals of this traditional Indian healing system. Kate explains the importance of understanding the four aspects of life: the physical body, the mental field, the senses, and the soul. Kate also discusses the role of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) and the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) in maintaining bodily balance. Emphasizing the impact of seasonal changes on health, they offer practical dietary and lifestyle adjustments to address imbalances. The episode underscores the individualized nature of Ayurveda and its holistic approach to wellness.Mentioned in this episode:Ready to Take Your Health to a New Level?Join the Ayurvedic Living Community and take advantage of all of the benefits that membership has to offer. Click below to learn more.Ayurvedic Living Community Membership