Alchemy & Ayurveda with Chitra

Where Ayurvedic wisdom meets neuroaromatherapy — Chitra, Doctor of Ayurveda and Tammy Davis of Aromagenomics™️ explore allergies, the senses & the healing power of aromatics. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

Hello Alchemist,Its been another of those weeks where I needed to focus on charting a new course for this newsletter and website.My continued prayers to all who are in need of healing and soothing.As winter in the northern hemisphere continues to deepen you may find vata and in specific the qualities of dryness and cold setting in.The skin and hair are particularly susceptible to dryness.In this recording, Clarissa and I delve into the multifaceted topic of hair changes during menopause.You don’t have to be in menopause or female for your hair to change, go gray or fall out. These tips concepts are for everyone who has a scalp.We explore how traditional practices in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda can support healthy hair through dietary choices, herbal remedies, and scalp care.The conversation covers personal anecdotes, the cultural significance of hair, and the impact of emotional well-being on hair health. We emphasizes the importance of nutrition, the benefits of oiling, and other preventive measures to maintain vibrant and healthy hair during menopause.00:00 Introduction and Welcome03:22 The Impact of Marketing on Holistic Health05:17 The Importance of Authentic Conversations08:12 Today's Topic: Hair and Its Significance09:25 Understanding Hair Changes During Menopause12:10 Ayurvedic and Chinese Perspectives on Hair24:19 Factors Contributing to Hair Loss33:50 Preventative Measures and Hair Care Tips39:28 Introduction to Ayurveda and Oil40:16 Weekly Hair Oil Routine41:23 Choosing the Right Oil for Your Dosha42:55 Tips for Washing Oily Hair44:01 Herbs for Hair Health45:21 Chinese Medicine and Hair Growth47:18 Cultural Perspectives on Aging and Hair49:41 Castor Oil: Benefits and Cautions53:18 Nutrition for Healthy Hair01:00:32 Herbs and Spices for Hair Health01:06:03 Personal Hair Stories and ExperiencesTil next time.Peace, Chitra This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

Dear Alchemist in TrainingIn the early ‘90s I visited my cousin from the Bronx who was studying with a chinese medicine doctor in China Town NYC. I was living the lifestyle that you see on TV and in movies of a single woman in the city. My cousin, took one look at me and said, show me your tongue and proceeded to tell me all about my sleep habits, what food I was eating and what I was ignoring when it came to my health.My jaw dropped, I thought I was hiding my lifestyle so well, not just from friends and family but from myself.That’s when I first became fascinated by the tongue as a diagnostic tool.While you regularly check your eyes, ears, and nose, when’s the last time you examined your tongue? This overlooked organ is actually an immediate diagnostic tool, showing what’s happening inside your body before you even feel symptoms.Both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have used tongue diagnosis for centuries. Why? Because your tongue is a map of your organs and systems. That coating you see in the morning? It’s showing you what your body couldn’t break down properly overnight.The problem: modern medicine has abandoned the practice of checking the throat let alone the tongue. Doctors don’t even use tongue depressors anymore. But learning to read your own tongue can save you money on doctor’s visits, supplements, and medications by catching issues early. And most importantly it gives you a heads up on your health.00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Video00:59 The Overlooked Importance of the Tongue02:30 Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine Perspectives03:29 The Tongue’s Role in Digestion07:17 The Tongue as a Diagnostic Tool10:48 Practical Tips for Tongue Health12:13 Upcoming Class and Q&A15:05 Daily Rituals for Better Health16:22 Q&A Session22:41 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThis is the first of 6 Daily Sacred Rituals for 2026 where you will receive support in making the most important dinacharya rituals a habit for long term health.Friday January 30th, you’ll learn:* How to read your tongue’s health indicators* Proper tongue scraping technique (and why brushing isn’t enough)* Which signs warn of upcoming colds, flu, or allergies* When to see a doctorThe class is free as a benefit to all paid subscribers.Everyone is invited even if you don’t subscribe and are just curious* Cost: $35* When Friday January 30th 12pm EST, 9am PST 1 hour.There will be laughter because sticking out your tongue is just funny.This class is designed people who take personal responsibility for their long term health through daily observation and simple rituals, not for those wanting a quick fix.Stop guessing about your health. Start reading the map your body shows you every morning.If you want to know more before signing up for class. This is a previous post I wrote earlier this year.Til next time.Peace,PS This class is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

In this episode of ‘Art and Heart of Menopause,’ hosts Chitra and Clarissa delve into the issue of acne, particularly in relation to menopause.We discuss how acne is perceived and treated differently in Western medicine compared to Eastern traditions like Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine.Exploring root causes such as diet, digestion, and emotional stress and explain various holistic remedies, including specific herbs, facial masks, and dietary adjustments.We emphasize the importance of early detection of imbalances to prevent acne and other menopausal symptoms.This episode is an exploration of natural ways to manage acne during menopause, offering practical advice for overall health and well-being.00:00 Introduction and Today’s Topic: Acne00:55 The Role of Skin in Eastern and Western Medicine02:19 Personal Experiences with Skin Conditions04:30 Introducing the Hosts 06:34 Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms08:26 Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine Perspectives on Acne17:30 Facial Mapping and Diagnostic Techniques27:20 Diet and Lifestyle Factors in Acne36:48 Yogurt and Sour Fruit: A Digestive Dilemma37:47 Irregular Sleep and Suppression of Urges39:46 Environmental Toxins and Emotional Stress2:51 Pathogenesis of Acne in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine49:08 Natural Remedies and Dietary Recommendations54:04 Herbal Treatments for Acne01:00:22 Practical Tips for Skincare and Lifestyle01:10:11 Concluding ThoughtsThanks for watching Art and Heart of Menopause. Conversations women should be having in midlife and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

Navigating Menopausal Skin: Holistic Insights from Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda In this episode of ‘Art and Heart of Menopause,’ hosts Clarissa, a Chinese medicine practitioner, and Chitra, an Ayurvedic doctor, explore the intersection of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda in managing menopausal skin changes.Join Clarissa (Chinese Medicine Practitioner) and Dr. Chitra (Ayurvedic Doctor) as they explore holistic approaches to skin health during perimenopause and menopause. This episode dives deep into how Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda view skin changes during midlife, offering natural alternatives to conventional anti-aging treatments. Learn why your skin is the body's largest organ and how it reflects your internal health, from digestion to bone tissue. The hosts discuss practical daily rituals including oil massage, dry brushing, lymphatic stimulation, and the importance of gentle steaming practices.Discover the constitutional differences that determine your skin type and needs according to both medical traditions. From Vata's dry, thin skin prone to early aging, to Pitta's inflammatory rosacea and acne, to Kapha's thicker, oily complexion - understand your unique skin constitution for targeted care. The episode covers specific foods and herbs that support skin health, including goji berries, tremella snow fungus, turmeric pastes, and the golden rule: "if you can eat it, you can put it on your skin." Learn why harsh chemical peels and excessive cleansing damage your skin's protective microbiome.Both practitioners emphasize that healthy skin requires consistent daily practices, not occasional treatments. From ancient Tibetan wisdom to modern skincare mistakes, this conversation bridges 10,000 years of traditional knowledge with practical applications for today's menopausal women. The hosts stress personalized medicine approaches over one-size-fits-all solutions, explaining why what works for your friend may not work for you. Next week's episode will focus on hair health during menopause - another external reflection of internal changes that affects how women navigate this life transition.Key Quotes from the Episode"I'm really passionate that women can be given the power and the knowledge to navigate what can seem a very overwhelming period of their lives. So much better to know that it isn't all just, uh, you are failing, take hormones, take meds, and that's the only route." - Clarissa"The skin is always going to be a reflection of the digestive system... and the skin is going to show everything. It's going to show how you care for yourself. It shows whether or not you're exercising and breathing and hydrating all of these things." - Dr. Chitra"If you can eat it, you can put it on the body, you know, so don't put anything on the body that you can't eat... These practices are not occasional. They are rituals. And there are... they don't have to be elaborate practices, but they can be rituals." - Dr. Chitra & ClarissaKeywords: menopause skincare, perimenopause skin changes, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic skincare, natural anti-aging, rosacea menopause, dry skin menopause, holistic skincare, constitutional medicine, skin microbiome, facial gua sha, oil massage, lymphatic drainage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

Weight & Healthy Living During Perimenopause & MenopauseEpisode OverviewJoin Ayurveda practitioner Dr. Chitra and Chinese medicine specialist Clarissa as they discuss the complex topic of weight management during perimenopause and menopause. The discussion explores how ancient wisdom from Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine offers practical solutions for understanding weight redistribution, healthy digestion, and maintaining balance during hormonal transitions. The hosts emphasize that weight gain during menopause. They talk about constitutional body types, digestive health, emotional processing, and the sacred role of adipose tissue in supporting women's health.Key Topics & Practical SolutionsThe episode covers essential strategies for healthy weight management including the importance of eating dinner before sunset, incorporating all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, astringent) into daily meals, and using warming spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom to support digestion. The hosts discuss why cold foods and drinks can impair digestion, leading to dampness and weight accumulation, and recommend warm, cooked foods over raw salads and smoothies. They also address the overemphasis on protein in modern diets, explaining how excess protein without adequate exercise converts to fat, and advocate for a balanced plate: 50% vegetables, 25% quality carbohydrates, and 25% protein.Mindful Eating & Holistic ApproachBeyond dietary changes, the discussion emphasizes mindful eating practices such as tongue scraping to assess digestive health, eating with gratitude and full sensory awareness, and stopping at 80% fullness. The hosts stress that weight management during menopause requires addressing emotional health, stress management, adequate sleep, and appropriate movement. They encourage women to view their changing bodies with compassion, understanding that fat redistribution is a natural part of the menopausal transition that serves important protective and hormonal functions. The episode concludes with a call to make food sacred again—from mindful preparation to grateful consumption—as part of a holistic approach to health during life's transitions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

Navigating Grief and Menopause: Insights from Traditional Medicine Episode 15 Art & Heart of MenopauseIn this episode, Clarissa, a TCM practitioner, and Chitra, a doctor of Ayurveda, explore the complex landscape of grief that often accompanies perimenopause, menopause, and midlife transitions.Marking the 9/11 anniversary, they discuss how grief manifests in both global and personal contexts.They emphasize the importance of acknowledging grief and offer insights from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to manage it.Topics include breath work, acupressure points, the significance of food and spices, and the role of ancient wisdom in modern life. They also highlight the need for compassion, support systems, and reflective practices like journaling and decluttering.Episode Overview: Navigating the Hidden Grief of Menopause and Midlife TransitionsWe discuss how grief manifests not just from external losses, but from internal changes - the subtle mourning for who we once were, dreams deferred, relationships evolved, and bodies transformed.Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Challenges: TCM and Ayurvedic Approaches to GriefDrawing from thousands of years of traditional healing knowledge, we explain how both Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda understand grief as a condition affecting breath, movement, and digestion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, grief lives in the lungs and belongs to the metal element - the autumn of our lives - while Ayurveda sees it as a vata (air/space) imbalance that constantly shifts and changes.We share practical tools including specific acupressure points (like the easily accessible web point between thumb and forefinger), breathing exercises such as bhastrika and bee breath, and dietary approaches using warming spices and white seasonal foods like pears and leeks.The episode emphasizes how our culture lacks adequate space for processing this transitional grief, often dismissing women's experiences or expecting them to "get over it" quickly.Practical Healing Tools: From Breath Work to DeclutteringThe conversation provides actionable strategies for supporting yourself through grief, emphasizing that there's no single "right" way to process these emotions since they manifest differently for everyone.00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment of 9/1100:26 Personal Reflections on Grief02:54 Welcome to Art and Heart of Menopause03:24 Meet the Hosts: Clarissa and Chitra07:03 Understanding Grief in Midlife10:50 Grief and Hormonal Changes11:58 Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine Perspectives on Grief17:05 Managing Grief: Practical Tips22:09 Cultural Perspectives on Grief30:55 Acupressure Points for Grief Relief35:01 Balancing Prana and Chi35:18 Calming vs. Stimulating Elements36:14 Warm Oil Massage and Digestive Foods37:05 Herbs for Grief39:04 The Story of Ashoka Tree42:12 Breathing Techniques for Healing52:16 The Power of Decluttering53:24 Seasonal and White Foods01:03:27 Compassion and GriefFresh unconventional conversations from the world of Ayurveda and TCM. Discover ageless wisdom about natural perimenopause.Join us for the next Art & Heart of Menopause live salon on Thursdays.Thanks for listening to Art and Heart of Menopause. Feel free to share this audio Conversations women should be having. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

Embracing Aging: Wisdom and Wellness in Postmenopausal LifeIn this discussion, hosts Clarissa Christensen and Chitra delve into the often-overlooked topic of post-menopause.They explore how societal concepts around aging, such as 'aging gracefully,' can undervalue the profound wisdom and spiritual depth that comes with age.Clarissa and Chitra draw on Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to advocate for nurturing the body's energy systems and microbiome. Stressing the importance of movement, diverse nutrition, and emotional self-acceptance.The conversation also touches on the transition from outward-focused living to a more introspective existence, emphasizing the value of lifelong learning, service, and relational growth.The hosts offer insights into how postmenopausal women can live fulfilling, dynamic, and meaningful lives by embracing these holistic principles.We discuss why terms like "second puberty" infantilize women and diminish accumulated experience and wisdom. We advocate for viewing this life stage as a time of harvest and deep spiritual connection rather than decline."What woman would want to go back to being 16 or 20 or revert to that time? I prefer that we look at it from more of a harvesting perspective, a late summer perspective where things are in bloom. There's plenty of warmth and knowledge and all of that growing pain stuff is done. And now we can harvest the juiciness of life." - Dr. ChitraThe conversation delves into the physiological changes that occur after menopause, focusing on joint health, digestive wellness, and the crucial role of the microbiome in maintaining vitality. Clarissa explains how Chinese medicine emphasizes nurturing the spleen system for optimal energy extraction from food, while Chitra explores Ayurvedic concepts of taste, diversity, and preventing the "drying up" (Vata increase) that can lead to physical and mental stagnation. Both stress the importance of movement, diverse nutrition, and maintaining curiosity to support healthy aging at the cellular level."We are dropping the illusion of youth that's coming away and we are applying all this wisdom that we have gained and more that we will gain for ourselves, but also for the greater good. We are so, it's so different. It's not the service we had as a younger woman, there's something different about that." - Clarissa ChristensenMoving beyond the physical, the we explore the deeper spiritual and emotional aspects of post-menopause, introducing concepts of dharma (life purpose) and the natural evolution toward inner wisdom and service. We discuss how this life stage offers freedom from external expectations and the opportunity to develop authentic relationships with oneself and community.This is a time of spiritual deepening, where women can embrace their role as wisdom keepers and guides, contributing meaningfully to society through their accumulated knowledge and inner strength."Dharma is your relationship within the world. It's the relationship to yourself. It's your purpose. But that doesn't mean it's your job. It doesn't mean that it's extraordinary. It means that you've established healthy relationships within self and with others. And that in and of itself is your purpose in this life." - Dr. Chitra00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues00:30 Changes in Media and Menopause02:54 Introducing the Hosts05:46 Personal Experiences with Aging11:01 Movement and Physical Health18:51 Cultural Perspectives on Aging25:35 Philosophical Insights on Aging38:12 Understanding Vata and Its Impact on the Body40:04 The Role of the Spleen in Chinese Medicine44:57 The Importance of Taste and the Microbiome47:48 Cravings and the Sweet Taste in Aging51:34 Diversity in Diet and Its Impact on Health55:02 Exploring Dharma and Purpose in Life 57:15The Journey of Post-Menopause and Inner Growth01:04:59 Embracing Elderhood and Living Your TruthFresh unconventional conversations from the world of Ayurveda and TCM. Discover what’s really happening during perimenopause beyond hormones.Join us for the next Art & Heart of Menopause live salon on Thursdays.Thanks for listening to Art and Heart of Menopause. This post is public so feel free to share it. Conversations women should be having in midlife and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

Episode Overview: Breaking Down Premenstrual SyndromeIn this episode, Dr. Chitra (Ayurveda specialist) and Clarissa (Chinese Medicine practitioner) tackle the complex topic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), exploring why this condition has become increasingly prevalent in modern times. Re-imagine ayurveda and menopause. Art of Menopausing is a reader-supported publication. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Art and Heart of Menopause: Understanding PMS Through Traditional MedicinePMS affects potentially more than 50% of menstruating women, representing a significant portion of their monthly experience - sometimes up to half the month when combined with menstruation. They discuss how environmental factors, including microplastics, processed foods, hormonal disruptions from xenoestrogens, and chronic stress from modern lifestyle demands, contribute to the severity of contemporary PMS symptoms. The conversation emphasizes that while Western medicine labels PMS as a "syndrome" (indicating unknown causes), both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine traditions offer clear frameworks for understanding and addressing the root causes of menstrual imbalances."The biggest takeaway is to bring discussions about PMS to the forefront. Not from necessarily a complaint place, but from an honoring place." Traditional Medicine Solutions: Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine ApproachesWe go into practical solutions from both medical traditions, focusing on addressing stagnation and deficiency patterns that underlie PMS symptoms. From the Chinese medicine perspective, PMS involves blood and chi stagnation combined with spleen deficiency, leading to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, breast tenderness, and emotional volatility. Ayurvedic medicine views PMS through the lens of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), with treatments tailored to individual constitution and specific symptom patterns. Both Clarissa and Chitra emphasize the sacred nature of menstruation, explaining how menstrual blood serves as emotional and physical detoxification. Key therapeutic approaches include castor oil packs for warming and circulation, specific acupressure points for emotional release and pain relief, warming foods and soups instead of cold/raw foods, and gentle movement practices that support downward energy flow rather than inversions or intense exercise during menstruation.Lifestyle Integration and Long-term Wellness StrategyThe discussion concludes with practical lifestyle modifications that women can implement immediately, emphasizing the connection between PMS management and smoother perimenopause transitions. We recommend establishing consistent daily routines (dinacharya in Ayurveda) that include proper elimination, mindful eating with all six tastes, and moon cycle awareness practices. The importance of emotional expression and release during menstruation, viewing this time as sacred rather than inconvenient is stressed. Environmental toxin reduction, particularly avoiding synthetic feminine products and microplastics, plays a crucial role in hormonal balance. The episode encourages women to track their symptoms and responses to treatments, building body awareness and self-sufficiency rather than delegating health decisions to others. We must emphasize that while individual approaches vary based on constitution, the fundamental principles of supporting flow, reducing stagnation, and honoring the body's natural rhythms apply universally to all women seeking PMS relief.To help understand your Ayurvedic Constitution Chitra offer’s a Women’s Doṣha Quiz. Which focuses on which doṣha is in need of support right now. It comes with a 15 min voice recording helping you focus your efforts in reducing PMS or perimenopausal symptoms. More information can be found here: Please help others discover these conversations. On the top or bottom of this post, please click on the “❤️” to let us know you like this and want more, click on the recycle like arrows ♻️ to restack this means sharing in the Substack app.If this video made you pause and question, click on the speech bubble “💬” and leave a comment or question.Reading in your email? Want to have nothing to do with the app (I get it) use the button below to share on any other app you are on or via email.Feeling super generous and use the app? Please use the share button to share on your social media.Sending you BIG HUGS 😻 and thanks in advance 🥰.Thanks for watching Art and Heart of Menopause. This post is public so feel free to share it. Conversations women should be having in midlife and beyond.Fresh unconventional conversations from the world of Ayurveda and TCM. Discover what’s really happening during perimenopause beyond hormones. Join us for the next Art & Heart of Menopause live salon on Thursdays. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com

Joint Pain in Menopause: Holistic Approaches to ReliefEpisode DescriptionJoin Clarissa, a Chinese medicine practitioner and mindfulness-based pain management expert, and Dr. Chitra, an Ayurvedic doctor, as they explore the often-overlooked topic of joint pain during perimenopause and menopause. This comprehensive discussion reveals why nearly half of women experience chronic pain during this transition and provides practical, holistic solutions from both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic perspectives. Learn about the root causes of joint pain beyond simple estrogen decline, including kidney yin deficiency, liver blood stagnation, and the Ayurvedic understanding of Vata imbalances.Key Topics CoveredThe hosts delve deep into pain management strategies that go far beyond conventional NSAIDs and opioid treatments. They discuss the importance of gentle movement practices like Qigong, proper body alignment, and the "motion is lotion" principle for joint health. The conversation covers specific herbal remedies including turmeric, ginger, Vitex, and the renowned Maha Narayana oil from Ayurveda, plus Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches like Gou Pi plasters. They emphasize the critical role of magnesium supplementation, explaining the differences between various forms (citrate, glycinate, malate) and their specific therapeutic applications for muscle relaxation and pain relief.Practical TakeawaysWomen experiencing joint pain are encouraged to track their symptoms through detailed pain journals, noting location, timing, quality (sharp, dull, moving), and triggers to better understand patterns. The hosts stress the importance of self-advocacy when working with healthcare providers, as women often face disbelief about their pain symptoms. Simple daily practices like morning joint stretches, self-hugging for nervous system regulation, and temperature therapy (hot/cold compresses based on inflammation type) can provide significant relief. The episode concludes with a reminder that pain is the body's communication system requesting attention, not something to simply mask, and that compassionate self-care is essential for healing chronic pain conditions during menopause.Fresh unconventional conversations from the world of Ayurveda and TCM. Discover what’s really happening during perimenopause beyond hormones. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com