Ayurvedic Gut-Heart-Mind Connection with Dr. Sujatha Kekada - 416

Ayurveda teaches that the heart (Hridaya) is not just a physical pump for blood, it is central to our physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. Together, we explore how chronic stress, unresolved grief, and emotional trauma can affect both the heart and mind, and how Ayurvedic wisdom can guide us toward healing from the inside out. We also dive deep into the subdoshas, exploring the subtle energies of Prana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta, and Tarpaka Kapha, that regulate how we "digest life" and how they link the gut, heart, and mind.  In this episode, we cover: Dr. Sujatha's perspective of the Hridya (heart) beyond its mechanical function How the gut–heart–mind connection operates through the subtle doshas and channels (srotas) The impact of chronic stress, grief, and trauma on Prana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta, and Tarpaka Kapha Early signs that your heart–mind connection is under strain Dr. Sujatha's favourite Ayurvedic approaches for healing the heart through diet, herbs, therapies, and lifestyle Resources & Links:  Learn more about Dr. Sujatha and her offerings: AmrtaSiddhi Ayurvedic Clinic  Episode 411 - The Gut–Emotion connection  Episode 274 - Prana Vaha Srotas  Episode 302 - Ayurvedic Herbs for the Mind & Nervous System  Episode 103 - Subdoshas of Vata  Episode 105 - Subdoshas of Pitta  Episode 107 - Subdoshas of Kapha * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * 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.

If you've ever set out to make healthy changes but found your willpower fading after a few weeks, this episode is for you. In this final episode of my trilogy on Ayurvedic habits, we explore how to make change sustainable. While episode 412 looked at habits as anchors in uncertain times, and episode 413 explored the big results that come from small rituals, this conversation is all about longevity and how to move from good intentions to lasting transformation. You'll learn how Ayurveda shifts the focus from discipline to rhythm, helping you align your daily habits with nature's cycles and your unique constitution. Discover why willpower fades, but rhythm sustains; and how awareness, compassion, and alignment turn short-lived motivation into embodied wisdom. In this episode, you'll learn: Why willpower alone isn't enough to sustain healthy habits The Ayurvedic Formula for Sustainable Change — Intention → Awareness → Rhythm → Integration How aligning with your dosha and the rhythms of nature creates lasting balance A step-by-step guide to personalize your own micro-rituals How to move from striving to flow and make your daily routines feel natural and nourishing Mentioned in this episode: Episode 412 - Ayurveda's Anchor for Uncertain Times Episode 413 - Ayurvedic Habits for Holistic Health: Small Rituals, Big Results Ready to bring these teachings into your daily rhythm? Explore my self-paced Daily Habits for Holistic Health program which is a 28-day guided journey to integrate simple Ayurvedic rituals that align with your dosha, your energy, and your lifestyle. Learn to move from intention to integration and experience transformation that feels steady, not forced. Learn more about my online consultations, Digestive Reset Cleanse, and educational programs at elementshealingandwellbeing.com Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * Follow me on Instagram at @ElementsOfAyurvedaPodcast and on Facebook it's 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.

In this episode, Colette explores the liver, not just as an organ, but as your body's fire keeper, the great transformer of food, hormones, and emotions. Ayurveda teaches that the liver, or Yakrut, is the home of Pitta dosha and plays a vital role in keeping your inner fire balanced. During perimenopause, when hormones fluctuate and emotions rise and fall, the liver's workload increases making its care essential for digestion, mood, and overall vitality. You'll learn: How the liver acts as your body's master transformer, converting nutrients into energy, blood, and hormones The deep connection between liver health and perimenopausal symptoms such as irritability, hot flushes, and fatigue Why the liver is linked to fiery emotions and how awareness, forgiveness, and cooling habits can help soothe them Simple Ayurvedic strategies to support your liver through food, daily rhythm, and emotional balance The truth about alcohol in perimenopause and how even small amounts can impact your hormones, mood, and sleep How gentle lifestyle changes like bitter greens, herbal teas, cooling breath, and mindful eating can steady your inner flame This episode offers a holistic roadmap for nurturing your liver and balancing your hormones naturally through this transformative life stage. * Thanks to Kerala Ayurveda Academy for sponsoring this episode. Explore upcoming trainings at Kerala Ayurveda Academy. Use code ELEMENTS to save $100 on your enrollment. Learn more at keralaayurveda.us/courses. * Resources & Links Mentioned: Learn more about my online consultations, seasonal Digestive Reset Cleanse, and educational programs at elementshealingandwellbeing.com For more on Ayurvedic herbs that support the liver, listen to Episode 314 Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * 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.

We often think that transformation requires big, dramatic changes, but Ayurveda teaches us that it's the small, steady habits that create the deepest, most sustainable impact. In this episode, I share how small rituals act as anchors for your health, energy, and emotional balance. We'll explore why habits conserve mental energy, how Ayurveda personalizes them for your unique dosha, and the ripple effects that build resilience and longevity. You'll learn: Why daily habits matter Foundational Ayurvedic rituals and their impact How habits support different doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Practical simple rituals you can start today to shift digestion, sleep, and mood How to personalize your rituals so they truly feel nourishing (not like chores!) A step-by-step approach you can start using today By the end, you'll see that even the smallest habits can ripple out through the body and mind to create big results when practiced daily. Resources & Next Steps Explore my self-paced program Daily Habits for Holistic Health which is a guided way to build sustainable Ayurvedic routines and learn how to become your own healer. Book a personal online consultation for a tailored daily rhythm that aligns with your unique constitution. * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * 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.

Life can often feel unpredictable, whether from work pressures, social shifts, or simply the pace of the world. Ayurveda reminds us that stability isn't found in controlling the external world, but in cultivating steady rhythms and anchor habits within ourselves. In this episode, Colette explores how small, consistent daily habits can serve as anchors for your body, mind, and spirit. You'll learn why Ayurveda places such importance on daily self-care practices (dinacharya), how different doshas benefit from specific anchors, and how these tiny, steady routines ripple out to support digestion, sleep, energy, emotional balance, and longevity. Whether you're new to Ayurveda or looking to deepen your self-care practices, this episode will inspire you to choose just one simple anchor habit to bring more calm, clarity, and resilience into your life. What you'll learn in this episode: Why uncertainty often triggers "all-or-nothing" thinking and how anchor habits provide steadiness. Simple daily habit swaps to create calm energy, mental focus, and restful sleep. The Ayurvedic concept of dinacharya (daily routines) as a foundation for health. Dosha-specific anchors: grounding for Vata, cooling for Pitta, energizing for Kapha. How small, consistent habits ripple out to support nervous system resilience and longevity. Why anchoring your body naturally steadies your mind and spirit. Resources & Support: Explore my Daily Habits for Holistic Health self-paced online program  Book a 1:1 Online Ayurvedic Consultation for a personalized strategy Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call Let's Stay Connected: Instagram: @elementsofayurvedapodcast Facebook: Elements Healing and Wellbeing Website: www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Podcast Community: Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend who could use some stability right now. Don't forget to follow the podcast so new episodes download automatically and if you leave a review, it really helps others discover the show. Thanks for listening! * 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.

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: Join the Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 3rd: Elements Cleanse Prefer 1-to-1 guidance or different dates? Learn more about a Private Cleanse Explore my online consultations & services: Elements Healing & Wellbeing Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call   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  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Next discounted Group Cleanse starts October 3rd, 2025 Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * 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  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Next discounted Group Cleanse starts October 3rd, 2025 Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * 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  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Next discounted Group Cleanse starts October 3rd, 2025 Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * 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  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Next discounted Group Cleanse starts October 3rd, 2025 Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * 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.