Imbalances in the Prana Vaha Srotas (Respiratory Channel) - 346

As we move fully into early winter, many of us begin to notice changes in our skin, tightness, dryness, rough patches, or increased sensitivity. In Ayurveda, these seasonal shifts are meaningful clues about what's happening internally. Winter, especially early winter, increases Vata dosha with its cold, dry, and mobile qualities, which can intensify skin imbalance if we don't adjust our routines and nourishment. In this episode, we dive into Ayurveda's full guide to winter skin care. You'll learn what happens to the skin during early winter, how to identify signs of imbalance for your dosha type (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and the internal and external practices that keep your skin hydrated, radiant, and resilient all season long. This episode includes: Seasonal skin insights: How early winter's Vata qualities affect moisture, circulation, and sensitivity Signs of winter imbalance for each dosha Why rasa dhatu matters for skin health Internal and external rituals to support dryness, irritation, or congestion The emotional connection: How mood imbalances show up on the skin Holistic winter self-care that brings radiance from within Whether your skin becomes dry and flaky, red and irritated, or dull and congested during the colder months, this episode offers practical, grounding tools to support your unique doshic needs. Episode Mentions Ep. 92: Ayurvedic Nutrition of the Dhatus Ep. 392: Ayurvedic Skin Care for Spring Ep. 400: Ayurvedic Summer Skin Care Ep. 413: Ayurvedic Habits for Holistic Health: Small Rituals, Big Results Links & Resources Group Digestive Reset Cleanse – Join the next Group Cleanse starting January 23rd, 2026 https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse Private DIgestive Reset Cleanse - choose dates that work for your schedule. Learn more at https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live! Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I'm delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open! This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find: Early access to podcast episodes  Member forums for discussion and Q&A  Mindfulness and self-care practices  Monthly live Zoom meetups  Seasonal group challenges and reflections It's a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path. Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha. Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community here:  https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community I look forward to connecting with you soon! Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources Stay connected on the Elements Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing 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. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we explore how to support steady blood sugar during the holiday season using Ayurvedic wisdom. With more sugar, irregular meals, travel, and stress during the holidays, it's easy for the body's metabolic fire (agni) to become overwhelmed. Ayurveda offers practical, gentle tools to keep digestion strong, cravings balanced, and energy steady. We take a deeper look at the pancreas as a home of agni and how its function relates to three key subdoshas: Pachaka Pitta, Kledaka Kapha, and Samana Vayu. You'll learn how these forces work together to regulate metabolism, mood, and digestive rhythm and why sugar crashes are both a physical and emotional imbalance. You'll also discover: Why holiday habits disrupt blood sugar How sugar cravings form from an Ayurvedic standpoint Simple remedies for sugar crashes Spices that naturally support metabolic balance Eating rhythms and lifestyle tools that strengthen agni Practices to prevent toxins (ama) and emotional overload during the festive season Whether you struggle with cravings, energy dips, or digestive heaviness this time of year, this episode offers grounded, practical support to help you stay balanced through the holidays. Thanks for listening! Links & Resources Sponsor: Kerala Ayurveda Academy – Join Kerala Ayurveda Academy for an engaging online workshop in Vedic Astrology from February 28-March 1, 2026. To learn more, visit https://www.keralaayurveda.us/courses/vedic-astrology/. For $50 off, use the code 50VEDIC when you join! Group Digestive Reset Cleanse – Join the next Group Cleanse starting January 23rd, 2026 https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse Private DIgestive Reset Cleanse - choose dates that work for your schedule. Learn more at https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse Golden Turmeric Milk Recipe download – https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live! Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I'm delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open! This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find: Early access to podcast episodes  Member forums for discussion and Q&A  Mindfulness and self-care practices  Monthly live Zoom meetups  Seasonal group challenges and reflections It's a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path. Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha. Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community here:  https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community I look forward to connecting with you soon! Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources Stay connected on the Elements Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing 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. Thanks for listening!

In this inspiring episode, Colette is joined by her client, Sónia from Flores, a small and remote island in the Azores archipelago off the coast of Portugal. After an overstimulating and energetically demanding Summer season, Sónia felt called to reset her body and mind. She chose to do the private Digestive Reset Cleanse in October, but quickly realised that the cleanse required a pace of life she wasn't accustomed to. Together, Colette and Sónia explore: Her desire for a full body-mind reset and the initial reluctance to slow down her activity during the cleanse. How awareness slowly blossomed as she softened into the process, noticing where her resistance to rest and stillness was coming from. The many positive effects of the cleanse, including improved bloodwork results, a noticeable reduction in inflammation, more energy, and a sense of glowing from the inside out. The surprising simplicity that followed, as her new habits naturally moved onto autopilot, making her daily life feel more spacious and easeful. Her new 80/20 approach, which allows her to maintain balance while still enjoying life, without rigidity or overwhelm. Sónia's story is a beautiful reminder that slowing down isn't always comfortable at first, especially for those who thrive on movement and stimulation. But with support, presence, and Ayurvedic guidance, it can become one of the most transformative medicines, offering clarity, ease, and renewed vitality. If you've been feeling overstimulated, resistant to rest, or craving a reset, this conversation will resonate deeply and offer gentle encouragement to honour your body's needs. Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program Bundle All 3 Above = Reset-Restore-Renew Program Next Discount Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - January 23rd, 2026 Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Join the private Elements of Ayurveda Community. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. Thanks for listening!

Holiday season is here and this time of year often brings a beautiful mix of joy, connection, nostalgia and let's be honest, a little chaos. The festive season can easily throw us off rhythm. We may be travelling, eating differently, staying up later, or navigating emotionally layered gatherings. Ayurveda offers practical tools to support digestion, soothe the nervous system, and help us meet this season with greater steadiness and ease. In this episode Colette shares simple, grounding Ayurvedic tips to help you stay nourished, present, and balanced throughout the festivities. We explore: Understanding the dosha dynamics of the holiday season Ayurvedic tips for enjoying holiday meals without the stress Simple daily rituals that keep you grounded (even on busy days) Emotional and energetic boundaries for the holiday season Travel tips - your Vata-soothing toolkit A short guided holiday intention practice Resources & Links Mentioned: Pranayama Tutorial - Breath work tutorial Digestive Reset Cleanse – Next group discounted cleanse begins January 23, 2026 Take the ama (toxin) quiz! - Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body?  Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community – Join the community for connection and seasonal guidance Thanks for listening! Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program Bundle All 3 Above = Reset-Restore-Renew Program Next Discount Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - January 23rd, 2026 Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Join the private Elements of Ayurveda Community. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages.

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast, Colette is joined by her sister, Niamh, an Occupational Therapist who specializes in mental health for children and young adults. Together, they explore Niamh's honest and vulnerable journey through perimenopause, a time that tested even her professional understanding of the mind and her long-time relationship with Ayurvedic living. Despite her professional knowledge of mental health and years of practicing Ayurvedic principles, Niamh found herself facing out-of-character symptoms and a sense of losing control, especially during intense hot flushes and cognitive difficulties. This conversation offers a compassionate look at what it means to navigate hormonal shifts when even your best tools seem to fall short. Colette and Niamh discuss how Ayurveda supported her self-understanding, how she began to view her therapeutic work through a new lens, and how the Ayurvedic Digestive Reset Cleanse helped her find stability amidst the fluctuations of perimenopause. They also talk about Niamh's integration of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) as part of her perimenopausal journey. This episode is a reminder that perimenopause is not just a hormonal transition, it's an invitation to deepen self-awareness, compassion, and connection to one's true rhythm. In this episode, they discuss: The impact Ayurveda had on Niamh's self-understanding How she applies Ayurvedic wisdom in her work as an Occupational Therapist The out-of-character symptoms that surprised her during perimenopause How the Digestive Reset Cleanse helped rebalance her system Her ongoing journey integrating Ayurvedic practices with the hormonal support provided by modern medicine Resources & Links Mentioned: Dr. Lisa Mosconi – Neuroscientist specializing in women's brain health Digestive Reset Cleanse – Next group discounted cleanse begins January 23, 2026 Take the ama (toxin) quiz! - Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body?  Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community – Join the community for connection and seasonal guidance Coriander Hima (cold infusion) recipe Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program Bundle All 3 Above = Reset-Restore-Renew Program Next Discount Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - January 23rd, 2026 Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Join the private Elements of Ayurveda Community. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast, we're exploring a truly beautiful concept in Ayurvedic wisdom, Sneha, a Sanskrit word that means both oil and love. And that's no coincidence. Sneha is the essence of softness, warmth, and care that keeps our body, mind, and heart supple. It's both nourishment and an act of conscious love, a daily reminder that tending to ourselves is not selfish, but sacred. In this episode, Colette shares how Sneha can be practiced both externally through self-oiling rituals like abhyanga, and internally through nourishing fats such as ghee or medicated oils. You'll also discover how Sneha softens not only the physical body but also the mind and emotions, helping to cultivate resilience, calm, and compassion in your daily life. In this episode, you'll learn: The dual meaning of Sneha in Sanskrit and why oiling is an act of love The difference between external Sneha and internal Sneha  How Sneha supports physical health, from joint mobility and skin nourishment to digestion and immunity The emotional and psychological benefits of Sneha for calming Vata, reducing stress, and fostering self-compassion How to personalize your Sneha practice for each dosha and season Simple, daily Sneha rituals you can try at home, even if you only have a few minutes Links & Resources Sponsor: Kerala Ayurveda Academy – Advance your Ayurvedic education with the Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) Program. Enroll at keralaayurveda.us/aap and use code FreeAAP26 to waive your application fee. Digestive Reset Cleanse – Join the next Group Cleanse starting January 23rd, 2026, or book a Private Cleanse anytime that suits your schedule. Learn more at Elements Healing & Wellbeing Golden Turmeric Milk Recipe – Elements Healing & Wellbeing - Resources Recommended Ayurvedic Oils - The quality and source of your oil matter. Choose organic, cold- or expeller-pressed oils for purity and safety. I recommend the following companies for high quality oils: Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** 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.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live! Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I'm delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open! This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find: Early access to podcast episodes  Member forums for discussion and Q&A  Mindfulness and self-care practices  Monthly live Zoom meetups  Seasonal group challenges and reflections It's a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path. Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha. Join the new community here: Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community I look forward to connecting with you soon! Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out! Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. 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. Thanks for listening!

In this heart-centered episode, Colette explores the vital role of community in Ayurveda and how sangha, a gathering of like-minded souls, nurtures our healing, balance, and wellbeing. In a world where loneliness has become a quiet epidemic, Ayurveda reminds us that true healing doesn't happen in isolation. It happens through connection, in shared rhythm, trust, and support. Join Colette as she reflects on the modern epidemic of disconnection, what Ayurveda teaches about collective balance, and how belonging strengthens our ojas, the subtle essence of vitality, love, and resilience. She also shares exciting news about the revitalized Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community, a new online sangha designed to bring listeners together for deeper learning, inspiration, and connection. In this episode, you'll learn: What Ayurveda teaches about sangha - community as medicine. How loneliness and isolation relate to vata imbalance. Why genuine connection strengthens ojas and supports emotional resilience. The ancient Ayurvedic view of collective healing and interdependence. How sattvic community uplifts our energy, balances the nervous system, illuminates the mind promoting inspiration and clarity. 🌿 Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community! A conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path. You will recieve: Early access to podcast episodes Monthly live Zoom meetups Member forums and Q&A Mindfulness practices Seasonal group challenges Stay Connected Website: elementshealingandwellbeing.com Instagram: @elementsofayurvedapodcast Facebook: Elements Healing and Wellbeing If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, it really helps others discover these teachings. And most of all, thank you for being part of this global sangha. True healing happens together.

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  Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. 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. Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. 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: Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. 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.