Learning & Living Ayurveda

Colleen’s Journal: Where Is Enlightenment?
I’m going to begin this story the way a good friend of mine always begins his, with a voice and a phrase that tickles my spirit and invites it to dance. But first, This story is a classic demo of how fiesty pitta (our fire energy) can make us impulsive, determined,...

Is Ayurveda an Effective Cancer Treatment? What the Studies Say
Did you know that Ayurvedic cancer treatment dates back to seventh century BC? Atreya (one of the great Indian sages) and Dhanwanthari (the God of Ayurveda) used herbal medicines as cancer treatments (1). Studies show these herbs are still used today for rejuvenating...

Pitta-Kapha Doshas Unite: Managing This Warrior Constitution
A dual dosha constitution doesn’t have to result in a duel of energies. Managing a pitta-kapha dosha predominance is easier than you might believe. Understanding how the elemental qualities and attributes of each dosha interact to form this powerful constitution is a...

6 Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips to Enhance Ojas
What is Ojas? If you’ve recently started learning about an Ayurvedic lifestyle, you may be asking, what is ojas (OH-jus)? Put simply, it is our vitality responsible for sustaining life. Building ojas is arguably the key objective of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, so we’ve...

Colleen’s Journal: MIND OVER MATTER?
Many years ago, when I was working on my thesis, I had a breakdown. Well, I might classify it as an anxiety attack, a breakdown warm-up, like an appetizer before a meal. I marched around my house trying to pacify myself. My feet hit the old wooden floors like bricks...

Managing Kapha Dosha: A Guide For Every Constitution
Kapha dosha is the energy comprised of water and earth. If your Ayurvedic constitution is predominately kapha, managing a healthy balance in both mind and body is perhaps easiest for you of the tri-dosha. (If you don’t know your dosha type, click here to find out)....

The Role of Ayurveda and Yoga in a Healthy Menstrual Cycle
Before Ayurveda entered my life, my menstrual cycle used to wreak havoc on my life every month. About ten days before my flow, nearing the end of ovulation, my demon side would appear with swollen breasts, a bloated belly, an insatiable appetite, and cravings for all...

Managing the Vata Dosha for a Healthy Constitution
Profile of Balanced Vata Constitution: Picture a person with lean, toned muscles, a bounce in her step, a productive worker, and astute conversationalist. She awakens with a smile on her face and has regular, pleasant trips to the toilet each morning. Balanced vata is...

Colleen’s Journal: Fake Flowers Don’t Grow
Recently I read somewhere that there are four pillars to meaningfulness in life: Belonging, which comes from loving another person and being part of a group or relationship. Purpose involves using our strengths to serve others and make a positive contribution to the...

Perfect for Pitta Dosha: Tips for Managing a Fiery Constitution
The pitta dosha, of fire, water, and vibrant spirit. You’re determined, insightful, competitive, and drawn to projects that allow you to unearth new capabilities. You’re also intensely driven, competitive, jealous, impatient, and critical of yourself and others. Fire...