Ayurveda: A Beacon of Ancient Wisdom in My Health and Fertility Journey
Jul 27, 2023
The Fruits of Old Knowledge and Dietary Missteps
The concept of healing isn't confined to one path or one form of treatment. As I continued my journey towards optimal health, I found solace and guidance in the ancient principles of Ayurveda. This knowledge was a part of my past, a subject I had delved into during my yoga teacher training course back in 2014. I remember being captivated by its profound wisdom. However, as I pursued my nutritional therapy studies, Ayurveda became a blurred memory, tucked away on a dusty shelf of forgotten knowledge.
The Mistakes of the Past: Reevaluating My Diet
In the realm of nutrition, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the vast array of dietary advice and wellness trends that promise to "heal" and "nourish" us. I was guilty of succumbing to these promises, which, in hindsight, didn't align with my unique constitution and bodily needs.
I had been consuming cold foods like acai bowls and smoothies and indulging in large salads – practices touted as 'healthy' in the nutrition world. But my body was paying the price. These foods, I discovered, were dampening my 'Agni' or digestive fire, according to Ayurvedic philosophy, causing my digestive system to become sluggish and unresponsive.
Over time, I also realized that I was eating at the wrong times. My routine consisted of skipping meals in the morning, eating breakfast late, and not leaving enough time between meals for proper digestion. This routine, although seemingly innocent, further disrupted my digestive health. There is so much conversation around intermittent fasting and it is easy to get carried away with trends that are not followed properly. I keep telling my women clients that fasting in the morning is not beneficial especially if they are working with their fertility. Stability is key when it comes to fertility and hormonal health. Regularity and consistency, rhythm, are key.
The Embrace of Ayurveda: Correcting the Course
With a rekindled passion for Ayurveda, I started incorporating its principles into my lifestyle. I had consultations with an exceptional Ayurvedic practitioner, who prescribed specific herbs to assist my healing process. I started making my own ghee and completely transformed my eating habits.
Cold and raw foods were out. In their place, I integrated foods that align with traditional Chinese medicine principles and optimize digestion. No snacking and eating at the right times completely aleviated my digestive issues. This shift in dietary practices revolutionized my health, transforming me into a different person.
In the next blog post, I'll delve deeper into how I dealt with new health challenges that arose, despite these significant dietary changes. We'll explore how I utilized my nutritional therapy expertise to navigate through these hurdles and optimize my health for the potential arrival of baby number two.
