Share Everyday Ayurveda with Kate
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
By Kate O'Donnell
5
2323 ratings
The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.
I am excited to have Sonia Lloyd, the founder of Rasasara Skin Food, on the show with me today.
Sonia founded her skincare company in Australia twenty years ago. She developed an interest in compounding skincare products after struggling with ultra-sensitive skin. Following the Ayurvedic model, she created a line specifically tailored for vata, pitta, and kapha skin types.
In our discussion today, Sonia shares her experience as a skincare consultant and dives into how her products get made. She reveals how our skin reflects our diet and lifestyle and explains how the qualities of vata, pitta, and kapha within the body show up in our skin. We also explore ways to recognize what is happening in our skin and how to care for it.
You will not want to miss this epic conversation with Sonia Lloyd of Rasasara Skin Food. Join us!
Her Journey
Sonia has been a part of the organic skincare business for 20 years, motivated by her passion for Ayurveda and a desire to eliminate the excessive fragrances in existing products. Apart from the Ayurvedic skincare products she found at local Indian grocery stores, she often encountered products laden with artificial scents that aggravated her sensitivity. That led her to discover that if a product is inedible, we should not use it on the skin. That prompted her to create Rasasara, a brand focusing on edible skincare, minimal packaging, and aesthetically pleasing design.
Product Philosophy and Skin Types
Sonia bases her products on Ayurvedicdoshas, targeting different skin qualities. The packaging clearly labels products for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha skin types, and the Rasasara website features a skincare quiz to help identify skin types. Sonia highlights the importance of understanding your skin type to achieve better results but reassures customers that even using the wrong product is still more beneficial than conventional options.
Understanding Doshas and Their Impact on Skincare
The qualities of the three doshas:
People often have a mix of dosha qualities. Sonia recommends focusing on imbalances rather than fitting strictly into one category.
Recommended Skincare Routines
Pitta skin can be easily irritated. Start with a warm compress, use a floral mist, and end with a carefully selected oil for Pitta imbalances. The key is to avoid friction and inflammation while promoting healing and balance in the skin.
Understanding Aging and Skin Health
By prioritizing what we put on our skin and inside our bodies, we can dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging. Using products free from toxins allows our bodies to focus on building new tissue instead of expelling harmful substances. Many mainstream skincare products contain synthetic ingredients that act as dumping grounds for chemical byproducts, contributing to skin issues.
Nourishing the Skin
Skincare is nourishment for the skin. Using pure, natural ingredients means the skin can repair itself rather than battling against chemicals. The increasing awareness of the skin microbiome highlights the importance of using non-toxic ingredients. Harmful substances are still prevalent in many products, which is a challenge, especially for children.
Body Oil Massages
For individuals with dry skin, Sonia suggests regular oil massages. Oiling the body can help overcome overall dryness and improve skin health. The practice can be conveniently done in the shower, as the warm water allows oils to penetrate the skin, enhancing their effectiveness.
Incorporating Compresses into Skincare Routine
Sonia highlights the benefits of warm compresses in skincare routines. Repeatedly applying a warm, damp cloth can improve circulation and relaxation, making it an essential practice for better skin health.
Lifestyle and Diet Influence on Skin Health
Sonia explains that lifestyle choices, particularly diet, can affect skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. For example, consuming black coffee on an empty stomach can exacerbate inflammation and skin irritations. Adjusting your dietary habits and recognizing the link between internal health and external appearance is crucial for achieving healthy skin.
Links and Resources:
Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Meet the Rasasara Founder, Sonia Lloyd
Skin-type Test
Find Rasasara in the US
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!
Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!
Women and Stress Workshop
We are talking about exercise today.
In this episode, I answer some of the many questions I receive about the best kinds of exercise, how much you need, and how to adapt it as you age. We explore the Ayurvedic approach to exercising and the aspects of your unique makeup that are essential to consider before starting a movement routine. I also share very openly about my journey and experiments over the last decades as an active person beginning to notice some signs of aging.
Exercise in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, exercise is about harmonizing the mind and body, promoting joy and purpose in movement while adhering to the principle of moderation. It is vital for maintaining balance in the body, especially as we transition into the Vata stage of life. Weight-bearing exercises strengthen Mamsa (muscle tissue) and support physical stability. Regular exercise helps preserve the Dhatus (tissue layers), enhancing mobility and maintaining bone density. A balanced exercise routine should include strength training and mobility work.
Elemental Body Types
Seasonal Considerations for Exercise
Individualized Fitness Goals
Athletes and those with specific fitness aspirations should tailor their routines to their unique needs and seasonal changes. Balancing vigorous activities with adequate rest and nutrition is essential for avoiding injuries and making sustainable progress toward fitness goals.
Movement with Age
As we age, exercise shifts from a casual activity to a crucial requirement for staying mobile in daily life. Regular movement and weight-bearing exercises are essential for maintaining strength and flexibility as we age since muscle mass naturally decreases after 50.
Recognizing Declines in Strength
Monitoring your strength is vital for spotting potential issues early. Strength training and focusing on upper body strength can help with physical tasks and improve your well-being as you age.
Finding Balance in Exercise
Ayurveda promotes balance in physical activity. Balanced exercise routines should focus on burning calories, building strength and flexibility, and enhancing mobility.
Joy in Movement
Movement can be joyful, especially when it is pain-free. Our mental well-being is crucial, and physical activity can alleviate mental stagnation. Incorporating outdoor activities with yoga and flow-based practices allows for diverse movements to enhance our happiness and health.
The Timing of Exercise
Ayurveda also considers the timing of exercise throughout the day. Morning workouts are optimal for circulation and detoxification. Exercising on an empty stomach can enhance detox benefits, but those with fast metabolisms may need a light snack. Evening exercise can also be beneficial, but we should be mindful of meal timing to ensure proper digestion and recovery.
Embracing Variety and Personalization in Exercise
Consider your age and body type when choosing an exercise routine. As the elements shift over time, we need to recognize that the type and amount of exercise we need may change.
Links and Resources:
Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Intro to Ayurveda Course
Seasonal Movement Practice Bundle
Lunar Yoga Ritual
I am excited to welcome DhyanaMasla as my guest on the podcast today.
Dhyana is the author of Ayurveda Mama, a book about conception, pregnancy, and postpartum care. She grew up in a community deeply rooted in Yoga and Ayurveda, which you can sense through her spirit-based worldview and how she values parenthood.
In this episode, we dive into her spirit-centered perspective, going beyond diet and recipes to explore how we can nourish ourselves through the transitions we experience in life.
Join us for a truly inspiring, insightful, and captivating conversation with DhyanaMasla.
Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Website: www.ayurvedahealthretreat.com
Ayurveda Health Retreat
Shout out to Soul Space, our online community focused on yoga, Ayurveda, and joy-filled living.
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!
Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!
Women and Stress Workshop
We are talking about seasonal cleansing today.
In Ayurveda, practicing seasonal cleansing is essential for maintaining balance within the body throughout the year. In this episode, we break down what the cleanse entails, how it works, how to do it, and when to avoid it. You will also learn to make kitchari, the go-to dish for Ayurvedic cleanses.
Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!
Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!
Women and Stress Workshop
I am delighted to have Dr. Claudia Welch joining me as my guest on the podcast today.
Shifting Focus on Women's Health
The conversation on women's health initially focused on external factors. However, there is currently more awareness of the importance of internal nourishment and rest. Rest and nourishment are crucial for maintaining balance with all the external distractions that draw our attention outward. Nurturing inner stability creates ripples of positivity, much like the various cycles of nature.
Inner Attention Versus External Focus
We need to focus on our internal motivations rather than our external actions. While actions like cooking or caregiving may seem nourishing, the internal mindset driving those actions is what truly matters. In Ayurveda, nurturing our inner world is essential as it helps reduce the impact of fears and external seductions, allowing for more balanced and grounded lives.
Shifting Interests in Health
Over time, there has been a shift from focusing on the biological details of health, like hormones, to a broader view of how people live their lives. According to Eastern philosophy, health imbalances stem from internal belief systems, fears, and seductions. That is why we need to address the root causes of those imbalances rather than focusing on biological symptoms for lasting health.
Hormone Management: HRT vs. Bioidentical Hormones
Claudia emphasizes the benefits of bioidentical hormones over traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), explaining that while lifestyle, diet, and herbal remedies can help with menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and insomnia, they may not offer immediate relief for those with a history of poor health habits. Even though those symptoms are not life-threatening, the stress they cause can have long-term health impacts. If bioidentical hormones are inaccessible, HRT might be an acceptable alternative despite the associated risks.
The Uncertainty of Medical Science
Claudia is skeptical about overly confident medical opinions and encourages everyone to be cautious and self-aware when using hormone therapy. In the decades she spent studying hormones, she learned that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Stress and Hormonal Imbalance in Midlife
Stress, especially during midlife, significantly impacts our hormonal balance. The emotional challenges many women face in their late 40s and 50s, like the fear of aging and death, can amplify stress. The demands of caring for children and aging parents often worsen these hormonal imbalances.
Confronting the Fear of Death
Reflecting on a personal experience in India, Claudia once believed she did not fear death. However, she felt afraid when she faced the possibility of dying from hepatitis. She feels it is essential for us to intentionally engage with the concept of death as a natural part of life.
The Practice of Dying Daily
Claudia has come to embrace the idea of dying daily, a practice from various spiritual traditions. That means we need to let go of our professional, personal, or emotional attachments if we want to learn about the impermanence of life. By surrendering to that process, we can reduce our fear of death while supporting our hormonal health.
Embracing Loss and Personal Transformation
Letting go means accepting that we cannot control everything. As we age, we must make peace with the inevitable losses we will face. Even though the void our losses leave can feel overwhelming, it ultimately leads to transformation and growth.
Menopause Support and Facing Mortality
Claudia created the Menopause Chronicles, a community to support one another and share experiences for women navigating menopause. She is also excited to offer a course on death and dying this October to help people approach mortality with peace and acceptance.
Links and Resources:
Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Dr. Welch’s Website
Book: Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life
Course: Part I: Hormonal Balance & Stagnation
Menopause Chronicles
Satsangam's Vedic Threads
Death & Dying Course (Coming October 19)
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!
Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!
Women and Stress Workshop
I am delighted to have Julia Geer joining me on the podcast today.
Julia is my AI teacher. We met when she was a student at one of the Ayurveda schools where I teach, and now she offers a program to help solopreneurs like me, especially those in the wellness space, automate their businesses using AI.
As the founder of The Gear Shift, Julia blends cutting-edge AI with ancient wellness practices shaped by her 20 years of experience in healthcare, where she helped commercialize the first FDA-approved AI technology for clinical use. She is also a certified yoga therapist, Ayurvedic health counselor, and mindfulness meditation teacher.
With her holistic approach to business and personal growth, Julia makes the journey into AI surprisingly relevant to everyday tasks like cooking. In this episode, she explains how to use tools like ChatGPT and other AI engines to simplify meal planning. She even teaches us how to Ayurveda-size meals and tailor recipes to fit the season or your body type. While we also touch on AI ethics, we focus on practical and hands-on tips.
This episode is full of surprises, and I know you will love it!
Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Amplify with AI
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!
Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!
Women and Stress Workshop
Conversations about the mind can sometimes feel oppressive or daunting, especially as we begin exploring what goes on there.
The mind is a system mostly comprised of space, filled with various elements, some good and others not. Creating positive space around you in simple and enjoyable ways will also uplift your internal spaces.
So, today, in the second part of our series on Ayurveda and the mind, we focus on ways to cultivate good space. Stay tuned for practical ideas to enhance your surroundings and inner world.
Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!
Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!
Women and Stress Workshop
Today, I address your questions about anxiety and depression.
I am excited to explore this important and extensive topic, as Ayurveda offers a nuanced and refined perspective on mental wellness.
In this discussion, I share practical and helpful strategies to guide you in considering and managing the mental landscape. You will definitely not want to miss it, so stay tuned for more!
Links and Resources:Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!
Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!
Women and Stress Workshop
Today, I am delighted to have Rich Ray, my partner of 11 years, joining me as a guest on the podcast.
Rich and I had our first proper conversation at a yoga party, even though we had known each other for several years through the yoga community. Rich shared that he had spent four years living in a monastery about a decade earlier. That piqued my interest and made me want to know him better.
Stay tuned to hear his fascinating story and learn about the benefits of yoga and meditation.
Links and Resources:
Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Connect with Rich Ray:
On his website
On Instagram
The RayBeam Podcast
Rich's teacher is Cheri Huber at Living Compassion
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!
Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!
Women and Stress Workshop
Today, we are diving into circadian rhythms.
Did you know that establishing a consistent daily rhythm can enhance your mood, sleep, digestion, and almost every aspect of your well-being?
Striving for a healthy daily rhythm is not just a scientific endeavor. It is also a magical and mysterious experience governed by the celestial movements of cosmic entities like the sun and moon.
Stay tuned to learn how aligning your daily rhythms with the cosmos can transform your life.
Mentioned in this episode:
Beat the Heat with the Summer Self-Care Workshop!
Get my recommendations on the top food choices, herbs, and daily practices to balance summer heat and inflammation.
Summer Self Care Workshop
The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.
10,282 Listeners
282 Listeners
1,338 Listeners
1,219 Listeners
32,156 Listeners
260 Listeners
3,970 Listeners
306 Listeners
3,743 Listeners
24,049 Listeners
376 Listeners
40,458 Listeners
838 Listeners
881 Listeners
658 Listeners