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An exploration of stress, the nervous system, and resilience through the lenses of Ayurveda, Somatic Practice, Herbs, Neural Plasticity and much more!
124 Episodes
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Send us a text In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I welcome somatic therapist, educator, and trauma specialist Julie MacAdam. Together, we dive into the interplay between dreams and the creative process for personal and collective evolution. Julie shares her journey through yoga, Ayurveda, and various integrative practices that led to her current work. We discuss the benefits of engaging with dreams, creative art as a healing practice, and how these methods can...
Send us a text In this episode, I explore the profound connection between our senses and well-being from both somatic and Ayurvedic perspectives. I delve into how our senses act as doorways between the inner and outer worlds, influencing our physiological states and overall health. I discuss the physiological and neurological underpinnings of sensory perception, the importance of mindful sensory management, and share practical tips for sensory care and balance. I also explai...
Send us a text In this episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System,' I welcome special guest Christine Eck, an Ayurvedic health consultant, birth and postpartum doula, and founder of the Center for Sacred Window Studies. We discuss the importance of postpartum care through the lens of Ayurveda, focusing on Vata dosha, the concept of the sacred postpartum window, and how specific Ayurvedic practices such as Abhyanga (oil massage) can support new mothers. Christine shares her personal ...
Send us a text As we fully enter into "Vata Season" here in the Northeast, I thought we would revisit the basics this week for anyone new to Ayurveda or needing a refresher on vata dosha. In Ayurvedic philosophy, Vata refers to a constitution made up of the air and space elements. In this episode we will go a bit deeper into vata. We will talk about The qualities of vataHow vata shows up in our bodies, emotions, environment, season, times of day, and times of life.How...
Send us a text In this episode, I delve into the challenging balance between 'doing' and 'being'. I discuss our cultural obsession with productivity and how it even extends to our self-care practices, creating a tension between implementing health routines and simply being present. Sharing some personal anecdotes and reflections, I emphasize the importance of rest and the need to cultivate more moments of doing nothing, as well as the benefits of practices such as yoga nidra to re...
Send us a text In this episode, I welcome Donna Brooks, a respected somatic movement therapist, yoga therapist, and educator with 40 years of experience. Donna shares her background in yoga and somatic movement, her personal journey with pelvic floor issues, and her unique insights into how somatic movement can aid in pelvic floor health. We discuss the physical and emotional aspects of pelvic floor problems, the importance of integrating breath and movement, and Donna’s innovativ...
Send us a text In this episode of the Nourish Nervous System podcast, I discuss the importance of rhythm and rituals in maintaining balance, especially as we transition from summer to autumn. I explore definitions of rhythm from different sources and how it applies to daily life and nature. I emphasize the significance of rest and how creating small personal rituals can help ground and regulate the nervous system. I also touch on the impact of forced rhythms, like a nine-to-...
Send us a text This episode is the exploration of the importance of rhythm and ritual in daily life for mental health. I'm joined by Jocelyn Pepe, a mental health researcher, coach, and founder of TrU, who shares her journey from burnout to balance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. We discuss the impact of societal pressures, the myth of powering through, and the significance of breath work, mindfulness, and establishing healthy inner dialogues. ...
Send us a text In this episode I explore the parallels between the transition from summer to fall and the perimenopausal phase of life. Drawing on Ayurvedic wisdom, the discussion centers on how seasonal changes mirror the shifts in our bodies and minds, and offers practical strategies for finding balance during times of transition. In this episode: The connection between seasonal cycles and life stages (childhood, adulthood, perimenopause, postmenopause)Understanding the qualities of Vata Do...
Send us a text In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I am so grateful to have writer and teacher Catherine Simone Gray join us to discuss her journey through motherhood, intimate violence, and reclaiming pleasure. Catherine talks about her memoir 'Proud Flesh,' and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of body wisdom, healing, and sexuality. We explore her process of writing in a trauma-informed manner, the challenges she faced in her postpartum healing jour...
Send us a text Vibrancy is a glow, a sparkle and an aura of excitement. To feel truly vibrant is a robust, grounded and vital feeling. Do you feel vibrant? If not, when was the last time you truly felt vibrant? In Ayurvedic thought the feeling of vibrancy and vitality is connected to ojas, a biological protoplasmic substance that governs immunity and vitality in the body. In this episode: What ojas is and how it is formedWhy what we eat and digest affects our ojasTh...
Send us a text How often do you sit with a cup of herbal tea and really feel the effects that it has in your body? And if you have experienced this, what did you notice? Traditionally, through many ancient cultures plants have been allies to humans. Meditating with plants and fostering relationship with plants can be a profound way to potentiate both the plants and the meditation practice. In this special episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I am thrilled to welcome Dav...
Send us a text We've all heard the adage, "patience is a virtue", but I think of patience as an integral aspect of resilience. In this episode, I share personal reflections on recent challenges involving summer illnesses, rescheduling, and navigating the transitions between Pitta and Vata seasons. Drawing parallels between my gardening experiences and broader life processes, I discuss the importance of patience and the pitfalls of hyper-criticism. I delve into how I ma...
Send us a text The health of the pelvic floor is more nuanced than just doing Kegels. In this episode of the Nourished Nervous System podcast, I'm joined by my dear friend Kay'aleya from The Herbal Womb Wisdom Podcast. We delve into the pelvic floor, exploring its physiology, connection to breath, the belly, and the nervous system. Kay'a shares her journey as an herbalist and bodyworker, shedding light on how herbs can support both the nervous system and the pelvic floor. Sh...
Send us a text Are there certain seasons, foods or activities that aggravate your health or help you feel better? Are they different than the people who are close to you? This is because your body, mind and spirit is unique and has unique needs. In this episode, I talk about the Ayurvedic concept of Prakriti, which is your unique constitutional blueprint determined at conception. I explain the importance of understanding Prakriti to maintain balance and well-being, drawing f...
Send us a text This week is a flashback episode! This is an episode I put out almost two years ago about the basics of Pitta Dosha. I'll be back next week with a new episode! Original shownotes: Ever feel hangry? That’s Pitta. Acne and spreading rashes? That’s Pitta. Feel irritable and angry in hot weather? Also Pitta. Pitta Dosha is a combination of the Fire and Water elements. Fire is transformational, it literally changes things...
Send us a text In this special episode of Nourish Nervous System, I'm offering you a rejuvenating Yoga Nidra practice to help if you're feeling spread thin, burnt out, or depleted. Based on my own recent experiences with overbooking during the busy summer season, I'll share insights on recognizing and managing the spreading quality of Pitta Dosha. This episode includes a guided meditation focusing on softening, nourishing, and resting your body and mind. I'll encourage you to paus...
Send us a text What is vitality and how do we begin to cultivate it? In this episode , I explore these questions with Deborah Zucker, a naturopathic physician, mental health counselor, health coach, and award-winning author of the Vitality Map. Deborah discusses her journey through healing from chronic fatigue and depression and introduces her approach to deep vitality. The conversation explores the nine keys to deep vitality from Deborah's book, emphasizing the importance ...
Send us a text Do you experience gas, bloating or indigestion? You may need to work on your kindling your digestive fire. In Ayurveda, we call this agni. A digestive fire that burns just right will make digestion more efficient and can have a positive impact on other body systems. In this episode, I delve into the importance of digestion and its impact on various aspects of health, including the nervous system, hormones, and immune function. I share five practi...
Send us a text In this episode I welcome Julian Bermudez, a therapist and guide specializing in trauma, identity, and the integration of psychedelic experiences. Julian shares his personal journey from growing up in a racially divided, challenging environment to becoming a healer who helps others reconnect with their true selves. He discusses his unique approach to therapy, focusing on presence, deep listening, and somatic work to help clients navigate their pain and survival pat...
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