Where do Indian Cuisine and Ayurveda Meet?
In my kitchen, of course!
After more than four decades of connection with India and it’s glorious cuisine, I have finally been ignited by Ayurveda.
I’ve studied innumerable health and healing modalities in my life. It seemed natural and obvious that I’d feel attracted to study Ayurveda as well, but every time I thought of it or someone mentioned it, I felt disconnection, zero interest nor desire to know anything about it.
Until recently. A friend offered to lend me a book by Deepak Chopra titled “Perfect Health”. She said it was the book her naturopath had recommended to her as being a great primer about Ayurveda. I’ve been told by friends who do know about Ayurveda that there are three types of bodies/temperaments and that mine was Vata. When the characteristics of Vata were described to me I had no doubt this was my “dosha”. When certain habits and tips were explained to me I listened and took them in with recognition and gratitude. But Ayurveda always seemed too complicated and I didn’t want to take the time to understand it.
So, when my friend offered to lend me “Perfect Health”, I thought, “Well, I’ll have a glance at it at least. If it can help me to understand and help myself it will be worth it.”
I began reading and continued. The book spoke to my metaphysical leanings, which leant the book credibility for me. Then it got into the details of the three doshas, what they are like, and what aspect of nature they represent. I appreciated reading that they were part of nature and that as part of us, in varying and unique degrees and ways, their natures manifested as our own. Ayurveda, as I’m understanding it, is a way to wisely and consciously work with the nature of these doshas in our body and being – to achieve and maintain balance, strength and health.
I gobbled up the information and took copious notes. The book has been my current “bible,” the only one I want to read. I re-read and study and I am taking in the information and suggestions, practicing and integrating them.
Besides various yoga postures, bathing and self-massage techniques, along with eating according to my dosha and keeping to a schedule...
I’ve studied innumerable health and healing modalities in my life. It seemed natural and obvious that I’d feel attracted to study Ayurveda as well, but every time I thought of it or someone mentioned it, I felt disconnection, zero interest nor desire to know anything about it.
Until recently. A friend offered to lend me a book by Deepak Chopra titled “Perfect Health”. She said it was the book her naturopath had recommended to her as being a great primer about Ayurveda. I’ve been told by friends who do know about Ayurveda that there are three types of bodies/temperaments and that mine was Vata. When the characteristics of Vata were described to me I had no doubt this was my “dosha”. When certain habits and tips were explained to me I listened and took them in with recognition and gratitude. But Ayurveda always seemed too complicated and I didn’t want to take the time to understand it.
So, when my friend offered to lend me “Perfect Health”, I thought, “Well, I’ll have a glance at it at least. If it can help me to understand and help myself it will be worth it.”
I began reading and continued. The book spoke to my metaphysical leanings, which leant the book credibility for me. Then it got into the details of the three doshas, what they are like, and what aspect of nature they represent. I appreciated reading that they were part of nature and that as part of us, in varying and unique degrees and ways, their natures manifested as our own. Ayurveda, as I’m understanding it, is a way to wisely and consciously work with the nature of these doshas in our body and being – to achieve and maintain balance, strength and health.
I gobbled up the information and took copious notes. The book has been my current “bible,” the only one I want to read. I re-read and study and I am taking in the information and suggestions, practicing and integrating them.
Besides various yoga postures, bathing and self-massage techniques, along with eating according to my dosha and keeping to a schedule...
I am of course attracted to the use of spices for health
Vata Churna
There are these mixes called “Churnas” which I have been preparing. They’re powdered condiments of specific spices and herbs in specific proportions, which you simple sprinkle onto your food. The churnas are said to balance our body’s digestion.
I have been using my Vata Churna daily and besides being delicious, I am feeling incredibly well. Between the Churna and my other new routines, I am feeling more stable, calm, grounded, centered, strong, and overall WELL than I ever recall.
It occurred to me – Why not offer these churnas to my students and everybody else?
So, that’s what I’m doing.
Interested in learning more about Ayurveda? I recommend chopra.com.
For a sense of the effects of each dosha I suggest this friendly article.
Wondering what your primary dosha is so you can be healthier, experience more balance, feel better and choose the appropriate churna for you? Take this short quiz.
As I learn more I’ll incorporate some Ayurvedic aspects of Authentic Indian Cuisine in my classes.
I’m excited to be putting together the pieces and connecting the dots between this ancient healing modality and the cuisine I love and share with you!
Please be in touch with any questions about my offerings.
Information about my Authentic Indian Cooking classes are on this page and a list and description of my artesanal spice blends is here.
I have been using my Vata Churna daily and besides being delicious, I am feeling incredibly well. Between the Churna and my other new routines, I am feeling more stable, calm, grounded, centered, strong, and overall WELL than I ever recall.
It occurred to me – Why not offer these churnas to my students and everybody else?
So, that’s what I’m doing.
Interested in learning more about Ayurveda? I recommend chopra.com.
For a sense of the effects of each dosha I suggest this friendly article.
Wondering what your primary dosha is so you can be healthier, experience more balance, feel better and choose the appropriate churna for you? Take this short quiz.
As I learn more I’ll incorporate some Ayurvedic aspects of Authentic Indian Cuisine in my classes.
I’m excited to be putting together the pieces and connecting the dots between this ancient healing modality and the cuisine I love and share with you!
Please be in touch with any questions about my offerings.
Information about my Authentic Indian Cooking classes are on this page and a list and description of my artesanal spice blends is here.
