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In this episode of the Nourished Nervous System, I welcome the insightful Darshana Avila, a trauma-informed somatic educator, practitioner, sexological bodyworker and international speaker. 

Darshana takes us through her transformative journey from a corporate career to pioneering work in erotic wholeness, which fuses somatics, sex and intimacy, and trauma healing. 

We dive deep into the crucial connection between a regulated nervous system and fulfilling intimacy, discussing the pervasive effects of societal conditioning on women's self-perception, and exploring the powerful concept of eroticism as life force energy. 

Darshana shares both her professional insights and personal experiences, offering a comprehensive view of the healing journey that honors individual pace and challenges cultural norms. 

The episode is rich with actionable advice, including a grounding exercise that listeners can immediately incorporate into their lives. 

In this episode:

• Darsana's Journey to Erotic Wholeness
• The Importance of a Regulated Nervous System
• Challenges of Intimacy for Mothers
• Reclaiming Eroticism and Life Force Energy
• Cultural Conditioning and Intimacy
• The Patriarchy and Disconnection
• The Journey of Healing
• The Importance of Guidance and Support
• Cultural Conditioning and Relational Living
• Protective Strategies and Self-Discovery

Connect with Darshana:

Website

Instagram

YouTube

LinkedIn

Skool

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System', I welcome Dr. Diane Mueller, a distinguished authority in sexual wellness with dual doctorates in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture and oriental medicine. 

Dr. Mueller delves into the importance of understanding sexual health, discussing her personal journey and professional insights into libido and long-term relationships. 

She shares valuable tips on improving intimacy, the role of hormones and stress, and the significance of communication between partners. 

We highlight practical steps for reigniting passion, including the importance of scheduling intimacy and learning to communicate desires effectively. 

Dr. Mueller also touches upon her resources, such as the Libido Lounge podcast, her online training institute, and her book 'Want to Want It,' aimed at helping people enhance their sexual wellbeing. 

This episode is packed with actionable advice and is a must-listen for anyone looking to enrich their intimate relationships.

In this episode:

• Dr. Diane's Personal Journey
• The Science of Passion and Desire
• Hormones and Libido
• Body Image and Sexual Health
• The Importance of Presence in Experiencing Pleasure
• Understanding and Communicating Sexual Needs
• Adapting to Changes in Sexuality Over Time
• Building a Safe Foundation for Sexual Conversations

Connect with Dr. Mueller:

Website

Youtube

Instagram

Hot And Modern Monogamy Club

 "Libido Lounge" Podcast

Free e Book: Revive Your Love Life: 5 easy steps for mindblowing orgasms and romance:  

 Description of Book: Is your libido low? Do you have desire discrepancy with your partner? Is sex and intimacy mostly something of the past? Do you feel bored or unmotivated to be intimate with your partner? So many people seek hormone replacement therapy as the answer for these problems. While balancing hormones is essential, many times this does not fix libido and people are left with their intimacy life falling apart. Want that new relationship energy back? Want the stability of monogamy but the excitement of novelty?  This book gives hope, insight, and actionable steps to how to keep your love and romance alive in your long-term relationships.

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System', we delve into the Ayurvedic approach to boosting immunity. 

We explore key concepts such as Agni (digestive fire), Ojas (vital immunity), and the seven Dhatus (tissue layers) which play a crucial role in maintaining health and vitality. 

The episode also provides practical tips on incorporating Ayurvedic herbs like ginger, turmeric, fennel, and rosemary into your daily routine to enhance your immune system, tailored to different doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). 

Additional emphasis is placed on balancing lifestyle factors, mindful eating, and creating rituals to support overall well-being.

In this episode:

• Understanding Agni: The Digestive Fire
• The Seven Tissue Layers and Ojas
• Balancing Ojas for Immunity
• Herbal Remedies for Vata Dosha
• Herbal Remedies for Pitta Dosha
• Herbal Remedies for Kapha Dosha
• Creating Rituals with Herbs

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I welcome somatic therapist, educator, and trauma specialist Julie MacAdam. 

Together, we dive into the interplay between dreams and the creative process for personal and collective evolution. 

Julie shares her journey through yoga, Ayurveda, and various integrative practices that led to her current work. 

We discuss the benefits of engaging with dreams, creative art as a healing practice, and how these methods can help process trauma. 

Julie also offers practical advice for listeners on how to begin working with their own dreams and senses for personal growth.


In this episode:

• Julie's Journey: From Yoga to Somatic Therapy
• Exploring Dreams and the Creative Process
• The Power of Dreams: Self-Reflection and Transformation
• Creative Process: Art for Art's Sake
• Benefits of Working with Dreams and Creativity
• Exploring the Benefits of Personal Practices
• Understanding Trauma and Its Nuances
• Dreams and Creative Processes in Trauma Work
• Practical Applications and Techniques

Connect with Julie:

website

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this episode, I explore the profound connection between our senses and well-being from both somatic and Ayurvedic perspectives. 

I delve into how our senses act as doorways between the inner and outer worlds, influencing our physiological states and overall health. 

I discuss the physiological and neurological underpinnings of sensory perception, the importance of mindful sensory management, and share practical tips for sensory care and balance. 

I also explain the Ayurvedic view of the senses, their connection to the elements, and how sensory overload can lead to imbalance and disease. 

I conclude the episode with actionable steps for you to create your own sensory retreat or reset to nourish and rebalance your senses.

In this episode:

• Understanding the Senses
• Somatic Perspective on Senses
• The Science of Touch
• Ayurvedic Perspective on Senses
• Daily Rituals for Sensory Health
• Creating a Sensory Retreat

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System,' I welcome special guest Christine Eck, an Ayurvedic health consultant, birth and postpartum doula, and founder of the Center for Sacred Window Studies. 

We discuss the importance of postpartum care through the lens of Ayurveda, focusing on Vata dosha, the concept of the sacred postpartum window, and how specific Ayurvedic practices such as Abhyanga (oil massage) can support new mothers. 

Christine shares her personal journey, touches on the intersection of postpartum care and nervous system health, and offers practical advice for those looking to support themselves or others during this critical time. 

I also share my own experiences with postpartum care and how these practices have profoundly impacted my life and health.

In this episode:

• Christine's Journey to Ayurveda
• Understanding Vata Dosha
• The Postpartum Nervous System
• The Sacred Window Concept
• Ayurvedic Postpartum Practices
• Christine's Work and Offerings

Connect with Christine:

Website

Instagram

Online or in person training in conscious postpartum care with Ayurveda through the Center for Sacred Window Studies.  

We have a free intro class that is a great place to start.  

Click Here to Learn More

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

As we fully enter into "Vata Season" here in the Northeast, I thought we would revisit the basics this week for anyone new to Ayurveda or needing a refresher on vata dosha.  

In Ayurvedic philosophy, Vata refers to a constitution made up of the air and space elements.  In this episode we will go a bit deeper into vata.  We will talk about 

• The qualities of vata
• How vata shows up in our bodies, emotions, environment, season, times of day, and times of life.
• How vata is connected to our nervous system.
• Why it is so hard to keep vata balanced in our modern world.
• Ways that you can begin to balance vata in your life.

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this episode, I delve into the challenging balance between 'doing' and 'being'. 

I discuss our cultural obsession with productivity and how it even extends to our self-care practices, creating a tension between implementing health routines and simply being present. 

Sharing some personal anecdotes and reflections, I emphasize the importance of rest and the need to cultivate more moments of doing nothing, as well as the benefits of practices such as yoga nidra to rejuvenate the nervous system. 

I also explore how modern distractions, like smartphones, can impede true rest, and suggest ways to build more mindful awareness in everyday routines.


In this episode:

• The Balance Between Doing and Being
• Cultural Obsession with Productivity
• Personal Reflections and Conversations
• The Importance of True Rest
• Practical Tips for Rest and Presence
• Understanding Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva
• Building Capacity for Rest and Boredom

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this episode, I welcome Donna Brooks, a respected somatic movement therapist, yoga therapist, and educator with 40 years of experience. 

Donna shares her background in yoga and somatic movement, her personal journey with pelvic floor issues, and her unique insights into how somatic movement can aid in pelvic floor health. 

We discuss the physical and emotional aspects of pelvic floor problems, the importance of integrating breath and movement, and Donna’s innovative approaches outlined in her ebook. 

Our conversation is filled with practical advice and offers a compassionate perspective on achieving balance and well-being through somatic practices. 

I also reflect on my own experiences with somatic movement and emphasize the importance of awareness and embodiment in healing.

In this episode:

• Donna Brooks' Background and Journey
• Understanding the Pelvic Floor
• Emotional and Societal Aspects of Pelvic Floor Issues
• The Power of Somatic Awareness
• Understanding Intra abdominal Pressure
• The Importance of Back Breathing
• Exploring Somatic Movement

Connect with Donna:

Donna's Pelvic Floor Ebook

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this episode of the Nourish Nervous System podcast, I discuss the importance of rhythm and rituals in maintaining balance, especially as we transition from summer to autumn. 

I explore definitions of rhythm from different sources and how it applies to daily life and nature. 

I emphasize the significance of rest and how creating small personal rituals can help ground and regulate the nervous system. 

I also touch on the impact of forced rhythms, like a nine-to-five work schedule, and offer suggestions for aligning with natural rhythms through Ayurvedic practices. 

I provide practical tips and resources to help you create and sustain meaningful rituals in your daily life.

In this episode:

• Understanding Rhythm
• Ayurvedic Perspective on Rhythm
• Creating Personal Rhythms
•  Impact of Forced Rhythms
• Seasonal Rhythms and Ayurveda
• Daily Rhythms and Rituals

Resources:

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram