Episode Overview:

In this rich and inspiring episode, Dr. Amy Wheeler sits down with Sarajean Rudman, a multi-disciplinary healer and professor at Maryland University of Integrative Health, to explore what it truly means to live Ayurveda in today’s world.

Sarajean shares how her journey into Ayurveda began at Kripalu and evolved through a deep immersion in yoga, fitness, health coaching, clinical nutrition, and integrative medicine. Her ability to translate ancient wisdom into practical daily action is exactly what modern healthcare — and families — need now.

Together, Amy and Sarajean explore:

• What integrative Ayurveda means in the context of modern healthcare
• How licensed healthcare professionals (LHPs) can incorporate Ayurvedic routines and language into their practice
• Why Ayurveda is not just for wellness seekers, but also for educators, parents, and burned-out professionals
• How simple acts — like warm water in the morning, walking after lunch, or creating a soothing workspace — can transform your nervous system and your life
• The surprising role of color therapy, aromatherapy, and Dinacharya (daily routine) in regulating mind and mood
• How children and teachers alike can benefit from Ayurvedic principles in classroom settings
• The cultural gap in understanding Ayurveda — and how to make it accessible, non-dogmatic, and evidence-informed

Sarajean also introduces her upcoming project, The Replacement Project, which aims to reduce harm and promote healthier daily rituals — especially for women who find themselves caught in the “coffee-to-cocktail” cycle of modern motherhood and overwork.

Featured Topics:

• Lifestyle medicine through the Ayurvedic lens
• Circadian rhythms and hormonal regulation
• Ayurvedic applications in mental health, sleep, and digestion
• Bridging Eastern traditions with evidence-based Western models
• Ayurveda for educators, children, and busy families
• Empowering clients to reclaim sovereignty over their health
• Tips for overcoming the cultural discomfort of slowing down and tuning in

About Sarajean Rudman:

Sarajean Rudman is a professor of Ayurveda, clinical nutritionist, yoga educator, and health coach. She has earned multiple graduate degrees in integrative health and brings a grounded, science-informed perspective to ancient Ayurvedic wisdom. Sarajean teaches at both Maryland University of Integrative Health and Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. She also runs a private integrative practice offering telehealth consultations that combine lab analysis, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and individualized lifestyle planning.

Website: www.sarajeanrudman.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarajeanrudman

Learn with Sarajean at MUIH

Sarajean teaches in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ayurveda program at MUIH, which includes four foundational courses:

1. Foundations of Ayurveda
2. Ayurvedic Nutrition
3. Ayurveda for Mental Health
4. Advanced Ayurvedic Lifestyle Skills

Perfect for yoga professionals, educators, and LHPs looking to deepen their self-care and bring Ayurveda into their client care and classroom environments.

Learn more: muih.edu

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Learn more about Amy’s programs: www.TheOptimalState.com

Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/master-of-science-in-yoga-therapy/

Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices/

Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at MUIH: https://muih.edu/academics/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification/