What is Ayurveda?

Ayur means life. Veda means knowledge—science of mind, body, soul & senses. Ayurveda is based on the individual & nature, which we humans are part of. The science of self-healing is referred to as the mother of medicine; it is a living science & must be practiced to be understood. Developed together, yoga and Ayurveda influence each other; referred to as “sister sciences,” they work together to bring about significant benefits on all levels. Yoga may be prescribed in an Ayurvedic context as a healing method. With Ayurveda, one discovers one's body constitution and what may be out of balance, causing issues in one’s body and life. Ayurveda works in conjunction with Western medicine and science, offering suggestions and lifestyle changes. 

The number one precept of Ayurveda is “Food is Medicine”! We are truly what we eat!  

What is an Ayurvedic Practitioner?

Ayurvedic practitioners are concerned with promoting, maintaining, and restoring health. They help people maintain a healthy lifestyle, eliminate impurities from the body, reduce stress, and combat various health problems.

 An Ayurvedic practitioner focuses on the interconnectedness between the body, mind, and spirit to achieve the overall well-being of the individual. Ayurvedic practitioners are also known as Vaidyas, particularly in the Indian subcontinent where Ayurveda originated.

 An Ayurvedic practitioner can apply treatments in accordance with the principles of Ayurvedic medicine. They utilize a deep knowledge of disease diagnosis according to constitution or prakriti, Ayurvedic pathology, Ayurvedic anatomy, three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), Agni or digestive fire, panchakarma (purification therapies), dravyaguna (Ayurvedic herbal medicines), other Ayurvedic formulations and pharmacology, srotas or channels and eight branches of Ayurveda.

 Ayurvedic practice requires both a detailed knowledge of the academic disciplines and a competent application of its principles.

 In addition to being an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Nicole is also an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist.

She can effectively apply both sciences to help others.   She has additional training to conduct more in-depth consultations with clients seeking alternatives to work alongside their allopathic medicine protocols to maintain and achieve greater health. Yoga is one of the modalities recommended by Ayurveda. Yoga and Ayurveda are considered sister sciences.  

Nicole completed her first Ayurvedic Practitioner training in April 2024, before this she had become an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist in December of 2022. She is currently working and enrolled in a Doctor of Ayurveda Course. She is completing an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Therapist course, all of which is sanctioned by the Ministry of AYUSH in India.

 Her mission for incorporating Ayurveda training into her extensive Yoga training is to add the "piece of the puzzle" that yoga alone was lacking. These two sciences were once developed together. As Nicole says, "They have the same tap root." When they work together, there is an opportunity to improve one's life and overall health and well-being.   

Ayurvedic Treatments