Libsyn Directory

Erica’s Journey of Self-Compassion and Awareness - 437

Release Date: 03/26/2026

Letting Go of Optimization: Returning to Body Wisdom - 449

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Are you living by your body's wisdom or by your data? In today's wellness culture, we're encouraged to track, measure, monitor, and optimize almost every aspect of our lives. Sleep scores, step counts, fasting windows, heart rate variability, recovery metrics, calorie burn, protein intake, the list seems endless. While technology can offer valuable insights, many people are finding themselves increasingly disconnected from the very thing that matters most, their relationship with their own body. In this episode, Colette explores the growing culture of self-optimization through the lens of...

From Survival to Thriving: Athina’s Ayurvedic Healing Journey with Crohn’s - 448

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Ten years ago, Athina was severely ill with Crohn’s disease, exhausted, unable to eat properly, rapidly losing weight, and unsure if she would survive. In this deeply inspiring conversation, she shares how discovering Ayurveda became a turning point in her healing journey. Together, Colette and Athina reflect on the physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation that unfolded through simple daily practices, nourishment, self-awareness, and long-term lifestyle change. This episode is a powerful reminder of the body’s incredible capacity to heal when given the right support. In this...

Beyond Skin Care: Ayurveda and the Gut-Skin Connection with Vaidya Kamya - 447

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Could your skin be reflecting what's happening in your digestive system? Colette explores the Ayurvedic understanding of the gut-skin connection and why true radiance begins from within with Vaidya Kamya Pillai. While modern research continues to uncover the relationship between the microbiome, inflammation, and skin health, Ayurveda has long taught that healthy digestion, balanced doshas, and proper nourishment are essential for clear, vibrant skin. You'll learn how Agni (digestive fire), Ama (toxic accumulation), Rasa Dhatu (the body's primary nourishing tissue) and Ojas (our vital essence),...

People Pleasing and the Nervous System: An Ayurvedic Path Back to Yourself - 446

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

People pleasing is often misunderstood as simply being “too nice,” but for many people it’s much deeper than that. It can become a nervous system survival strategy shaped by childhood conditioning, fear of rejection, emotional hypervigilance, and the longing to feel safe, accepted, loved, and connected. In this episode, Colette explores people pleasing through the lens of Ayurveda, nervous system healing, and emotional awareness. She shares how these patterns can disconnect us from our true nature and why healing involves much more than simply “setting boundaries” or “learning to...

Why We Struggle to Rest – Permission to Slow Down - 445

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Why is it so difficult to truly rest, even when we’re exhausted? In this episode, Colette explores the deeper Ayurvedic understanding of rest, nervous system regulation, productivity culture, and the relationship between Vata and Pitta imbalance. Many people today are living in a constant state of overstimulation and “doing,” leaving the nervous system unable to fully soften and restore. Colette looks at how modern culture often praises dysregulation when it looks productive, why rest can feel emotionally difficult, and how busyness can become a way of avoiding deeper feelings and...

Sadvritta: Ayurveda’s Guide to a Compassionate and Conscious Life - 444

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Colette explores the Ayurvedic concept of Sadvritta, often translated as right living or ethical conduct, and how these timeless teachings can help us navigate modern life with more awareness, compassion, and harmony. While Ayurveda is often associated with food, herbs, and daily routines, the classical teachings remind us that true health goes far beyond the physical body. Our thoughts, beliefs, speech, and interactions with others all influence our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced and highly stimulated world, where disconnection, reactivity, and social...

Integrity in Ayurveda with Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath - 443

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

What does integrity truly mean in Ayurveda and why does it matter now more than ever? In today’s rapidly expanding global wellness space, conversations around ethics, responsibility, and authenticity are becoming increasingly important. While this episode doesn’t focus on specific events, it acknowledges that moments of rupture in any healing tradition can serve as powerful invitations to return to its roots, back to awareness, accountability, and integrity. In this episode, I’m joined by Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath, CEO and Academy Director of Kerala Ayurveda (USA), he brings both...

Not All Stress Is the Same: An Ayurvedic Guide - 442

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

In modern life, we often talk about stress as if it’s one single experience. We say “I’m stressed” and assume the solution is the same for everyone, but Ayurveda offers a much more nuanced understanding. From an Ayurvedic perspective, stress is not one-size-fits-all. It expresses itself through the lens of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and each one creates a very different experience in the body and mind. This is why what works for one person may feel ineffective, or even aggravating for another. In this episode, Colette guides you through the different types of stress according...

Ayurveda Myths Debunked: Animal Protein, Garlic, Onions, Coffee, Alcohol + More with Dr. Sujatha Kekada - 441

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Colette is joined by Dr. Sujatha Kekada to explore some of the most common myths surrounding Ayurveda and bring clarity to what this ancient system truly teaches. From questions around diet and lifestyle to its relevance in today’s scientific landscape, they unpack how Ayurveda is far more adaptable, nuanced, and evidence-aligned than many believe. Together, they explore how Ayurveda meets you where you are, honouring individuality, context, and balance rather than enforcing one-size-fits-all rules. In this episode, they discuss: Whether Ayurveda is truly “scientific” and how modern...

Mushrooms Through the Lens of Ayurveda with Sharmistha Guha Majumdar - 440

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Mushrooms have become increasingly popular in the modern wellness world, particularly for their potential benefits for the nervous system, immunity and resilience. But where do they fit within Ayurveda? In this episode, I’m joined by Sharmistha Guha Majumdar to explore mushrooms through the lens of Ayurvedic principles. While mushrooms are not extensively described in the classical texts, Ayurveda offers a sophisticated framework for understanding any substance through observation, energetics and ecological context. Sharmistha shares how we can move beyond simply asking whether something is...

More Episodes

Healing rarely happens through a single change. More often, it unfolds through awareness, consistency, and a growing relationship with the body and mind.

In this episode, Colette is joined by her client Erica, who shares her deeply personal journey of healing through Ayurveda. What began as a search for answers during a period of fatigue and sluggishness became a transformational process of self-discovery, compassion, and empowerment.

Erica began working with Colette in January 2025 and joined the Reset–Restore–Renew Program, where she experienced how structured cleansing, supportive routines, self-care and mindfulness practices can create a powerful container for healing. Over time, she moved from feeling heavy and depleted to experiencing renewed energy, clarity, and vitality.

In their conversation, Erica reflects on how life’s busyness can easily pull us out of balance and how returning to seasonal resets and supportive habits has helped her reestablish structure and stability. With each cleanse, she noticed her awareness deepening, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

One of the most beautiful insights from Erica’s journey is the role of self-compassion. Rather than striving for perfection, she has embraced an 80/20 approach to living Ayurveda, allowing her to maintain balance while still living fully.

This conversation is a reminder that healing is not about rigid rules. It’s about learning to listen to your body, honoring where you are, and cultivating kindness toward yourself along the way.

In this episode, they discuss:

How Erica’s personal healing journey led her to Ayurveda
Her experience inside the Reset–Restore–Renew Program
Moving from lethargy and sluggishness to renewed energy and vitality
How the busyness of life can lead to imbalance and how repeating cleanses helped her reestablish balance and structure
The increased physical, mental, and emotional awareness that she developed with each cleanse
The importance of self-compassion and self-love on the healing journey
How embracing an 80/20 approach made her Ayurvedic lifestyle sustainable

Join the Spring Digestive Reset Cleanse

If you’re ready to support your body through this seasonal transition, my Discounted Group Digestive Reset Cleanse begins April 17th.

This Ayurvedic cleanse is designed to gently remove winter accumulation, strengthen digestion, and help you re-establish daily rhythm while learning about your unique constitution and patterns.

You’ll also receive guidance, structure, and support throughout the process so that the experience becomes both healing and educational.

Learn more and register by booking your cleanse consultation at:

Group Digestive Reset Cleanse starting April 17th https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse

Private Digestive Reset Cleanse - choose your own dates https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse

Check out Colette's online services:

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 social media:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/

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!

TOPICS