Articles
If you read one book this summer…. ‘Gut’ by Giulia Enders
I saw this book in a charity shop and am very glad I bought it as it has been the book I have been recommending to clients ever since. The book’s message is very simple and is one that resonates totally with Ayurveda- if we treat our gut well, it will treat us well in […]
Posted June 4, 2018,
All change at Ayurvedic Yogi…
After running AyurvedicYogi for the last decade the time has come for a change. When I set up by practice I was a singleton living in Bristol. I am now married and live in Somerset with 3 children so it has been quite some 10 years, with Ayurveda and Yoga supporting me every step of […]
Posted June 4, 2018,
Staying cool and calm with Ayurveda
Everyone needs to take measures to avoid overheating from this time of year till the Autumn, though Pitta predominant types need to take special care in following a Pitta reducing diet and lifestyle throughout the Summer. Pitta is the Ayurvedic dosha made up of fire and water with qualities such as hot, penetrating, oily, sharp, liquid […]
Posted June 1, 2018,
A calming summer facial for all
Pitta types often get very rosy faces at this time of year, especially after a glass of wine or other alcohol (very heating!) As blood and skin are important Pitta sites in the body, excess heat can quickly show up in hot, inflamed skin. Skin conditions such as Rosacea are also due to high Pitta. […]
Posted May 24, 2018,
Enjoy a healthy Winter with Ayurveda
Favour a warm, nourishing diet to pacify Vata without aggravating Kapha: We’re designed to eat more in Winter, adding a few pounds without guilt! However, it must be the right types of foods to nurture whilst minimising congestion. Rice, barley, rye, healthy oils (ghee, coconut, linseed, avocado, hemp, olive), and seasonal root vegetables in soups and […]
Posted January 5, 2018,
Winter candlegazing- the Yogic practice of Tratak
During the Winter months I am always drawn to the practice of ‘tratak’ or gazing steadily into a candle flame. We’ve been practicing this in my weekly classes as it can be a very useful practice to help control the mind. It helps increase focus, concentration and helps with eye problems. I also like this […]
Posted January 5, 2018,
Winter herbal remedies and lifestyle tips
The UK Winter is predominantly a cold, wet and damp season. However, it can also be very dry, especially with snowfall when the air is crisp and dry. Its been pretty easy this year so far with bulbs already appearing. In Winter, both Vata and Kapha can get aggravated leading to coughs & colds and Spring […]
Posted January 5, 2018,
Staying healthy this Autumn with Ayurveda
Autumn a predominantly a cool season when Vata dosha dominates inside and outside our bodies. This time of transition sees many people succumbing to seasonal coughs, colds and flu. Vata dosha has cold, light, dry, rough, and moving qualities. It’s main site is the colon, hence bloating, constipation and gas are often early signs of aggravation. […]
Posted September 8, 2017,
Herbal remedies from the summer garden
Nature provides us with many cooling and calming remedies at this time of year. Even if you don’t have much of a garden, you can grow some of these in planters or window boxes to enjoy. A welcome trend in Ayurveda is looking at traditionally used Western herbs from the Ayurvedic perspective, rather than just […]
Posted June 20, 2017,
Ayurvedic tips for summer
Everyone needs to take measures to avoid overheating at this time of year, though Pitta predominant types need to take special care in following a Pitta reducing diet and lifestyle throughout the Summer. Pitta is the Ayurvedic dosha made up of fire and water with qualities such as hot, penetrating, oily, sharp, liquid and sour. […]
Posted June 20, 2017,
Delicious, healthy jams and dairy free strawberry ice cream
Enjoy these homemade treats using local, seasonal produce… The easiest home made dairy free ice cream 1 punnet of strawberries, 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 50-100ml coconut cream Trim the tops off the berries and roughly chop. Freeze until frozen solid, at least 2 hours but preferably overnight. Break the frozen berries up and place in a food […]
Posted June 19, 2017,
How to make your own easy raw Easter chocolates!
The shops are full of choices but most are full of processed ingredients with little ‘prana’ left. Raw chocolates are an obvious healthy alternativeve but are often very pricey (as the ingredients cost so much more). Why not try making your own raw chocolates this year? If you get some pretty silicone egg shaped moulds the results […]
Posted April 6, 2017,
Delicious spring recipes!
Now is the time to take care to reduce Kapha aggravating sweet, sour and salty foods which could cause water retention at this time. In common with the winter diet, minimise raw and cold foods, favouring warm, lightly cooked meals. Lighter grains such as quinoa, millet and barley are all Kapha reducing, but minimise wheat […]
Posted April 4, 2017,
How to feel brilliant this Spring!
The Ayurvedic daily routine lies at the heart of staying well, but if we fail to make some changes with the seasons, imbalances arise. The junctions between the seasons are common times to fall ill- many people catch a cold when the weather starts to turn warm after winter. It’s natural to hibernate a little […]
Posted March 20, 2017, Filed in Ayurveda, mung detox, netttle recipe, Spring health, Spring recipes, wild garlic recipe
Try a mung bean soup cleanse this Spring equinox
This soup recipe is highly nutritious and naturally detoxifies the body. It works by cleansing the liver, gall bladder and vascular system of any ama (undigested toxins).
Posted March 9, 2017, Filed in Autumn cleanse, Ayurvedic cleanse, Ayurvedic detox, moong soup cleanse, mung cleanse
Spring retreat 7-9 April 2017
Refresh body, mind and soul by escaping to the countryside for a rejuvenating retreat this Spring. Immerse yourself in Ayurveda, Yoga, and sound healing; enjoy nourishing but cleansing food and explore the stunning Somerset countryside as nature bursts into Spring. Joanna believes in learning through doing, and having lots of laughs along the way. With just […]
Posted September 14, 2016, Filed in ayurveda retreat, gong bath healing, retreats, somerset yoga, somerset yoga weekend, yoga retreat
Ayurveda Beauty & Body care day – 4th December 10- 3.30pm
Come and have a day of quiet relaxation before the busy Christmas period kicks in. Ayurveda is a very practical science and this workshop offers a chance to be nourished as well as get creative. It covers: Dosha questionnaire to assess your Ayurvedic psychosomatic constitution/ skin type Ayurvedic daily routine- cleansing the 5 senses- including […]
Posted September 14, 2016,
Autumn Face Mask Recipes to cleanse and nourish
Autumn weather (dry, cool and windy) tends to increase Vata dosha and make our skin feel equally dry, flaky and tight (think what happens to the leaves on the trees). If you work in an air conditioned office or cycle around, the effect is doubled! As well as a soothing, warm oil massage for […]
Posted September 8, 2016,
Ayurveda at Yoga for Peace Day in Frome, Saturday 26th September
I am really happy to be taking part in this event in Frome! Join us for a day full of yoga and Ayurveda! The event has been organised by local teacher Kay Bayly to raise money for the three charities supported by the Bristol charity, Yoga For Peace. They support Women for Women, Child Victims of […]
Posted August 31, 2015,
Yoga Nidra- an antidote to stress and much more
Yoga nidra is an ancient but little-known yogic practice that’s becoming increasingly popular as both a form of meditation and a mind-body therapy. It is a systematic form of guided relaxation that typically is done for 35 to 40 minutes at a time. It was popularised by the Satyananda School of Yoga but is now […]
Posted June 20, 2015, Filed in meditation, relaxation, Yoga nidra
How to make dosha balancing spice mixes at home
This week I have been making up some doshic spice mixes in the kitchen. Ayurveda has a vast pharmacopea (with over 1500 herbs and other substances used in medicine.) This picture was taken on one of my Indian internships. We don’t easily have access to such herbs, but based on the idea that all food […]
Posted March 3, 2015,
Ayurvedic views on yoghurt and a lighter non-dairy alternative to make at home
When people come to see me for a consultation, I give them some dietary advice according to their doshas and health issues. It comes as a great surprise to many that Ayurveda does not think raw food is very digestible for most people, even in the summer months. The second big surprise is that Ayurveda […]
Posted January 13, 2015,
What dosha am I?
We are all made up of a unique combination of what Ayurveda called ‘the 5 great elements’ of air, ether, fire, water and earth. Like the foundations of a building, these forces determine who we are, what we like to eat, how thirsty we get, how much sleep we need, how we respond to stress, […]
Posted January 12, 2015,
Join me and my husband in a Kitchari cleanse!
My husband and I will be eating just kitchari over the next few days to help counter the excesses of summer. This dish has a simple nurturing quality and is the Ayurvedic equivalent of giving chicken soup during illness. For those who want a deeper cleanse, you can eat just mung bean soup for up […]
Posted September 23, 2014,
Ayurvedic Yogi at new Bath location
From September 2014, I will be practicing at a new Bath location one Saturday a month. Appointments are also available on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays in Batcombe. I will be offering Consultations, massage and other Ayurvedic treatments between 10 and 5pm at The Practice Rooms, 26 Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RH (above the shop Lush). […]
Posted September 11, 2014,
Up and coming workshops on Ayurveda
‘Ayurveda’ is a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘wisdom of life’ or ‘knowledge of longevity’, and is the world’s oldest holistic healthcare system. Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom offers us a ‘Users Manual’ for how to get the most out of life. It offers a simple approach, without being simplistic! The Ayurvedic toolbox covers diet, natural remedies, lifestyle practices, […]
Posted May 5, 2014,
New Research on Yoga in Pregnancy and a new class starts soon!
I am very happy to be starting a new pregnancy yoga class on Friday 9th May in the Old School, Batcombe (near Bruton). Expectant mums to be make wonderful yogis as they are already ‘in the zone’ and may be experiencing a very powerful connection with their unborn child. At the same time, pregnancy can […]
Posted April 30, 2014, Filed in ayurveda and pregnancy, ayurvedic pregnancy care, pregnancy yoga, pregnancy yoga in somerset
Spring AyurvedicYogi retreat weekend, Somerset 28-30 March
These weekends run 4 times a year, hosted by Adventure Yogi, when the seasons change. Ayurvedic wisdom views this as a time when it is very easy to feel out of balance. Refresh body and mind by escaping to the countryside for a rejuvenating retreat. Immerse yourself in Ayurveda and Yoga, enjoy health fortifying food and […]
Posted March 19, 2014,
Detoxing in Ayurveda- Panchakarma
Proper digestive health (agni) is at the heart of Ayurvedic treatment and most of us have some undigested matter (ama) in our bodies. This is the root of many sign of physical and mental imbalance. Common signs of ‘ama’ include a heavy coating on the tongue that can’t be scraped off and feelings of lethargy […]
Posted March 19, 2014,
How to give yourself an Ayurvedic massage- free of charge!
Ayurveda places great importance on a regular warm oil massage.Traditionally infants and children were massaged weekly, and an Indian head massage was a regular exchange between adults. Indeed the Sanskrit word ‘sneha’ is translated as both ‘oil’ and ‘love’ as it is believed the effects of a good massage are akin to the feeling of being […]
Posted January 17, 2014, Filed in Ayurvedic oils, Massage, self-massage
Why is the digestive system key to good health?
Ayurveda really is obsessed with how we digest and eliminate food. If someone comes to see me with a host of issues, including constipation, this is the first thing to be addressed. The ideal stool is the shape and texture of a ripe banana, in case you wanted to know! What is Agni? The concept […]
Posted January 17, 2014,
Honey- Ayurvedic Nectar but does heating make it toxic?
Honey is known as ‘madhu’ in the Ayurvedic scriptures, meaning ‘perfection of sweet’. It is a fascinating food and medicinal substance due to its intrinsic connection with the honey bee, apis mellifera. One especially controversial view is that one should not heat honey or it becomes toxic. Sadly my bee colony (pictured) did not make it […]
Posted September 26, 2013,
Yoga for Autumn- warming, nourishing, grounding
Dr David Frawley writes: “Half of Ayurvedic treatment is what goes into the body, which is mainly food. The other half is what the body does by way of expression, which is mainly exercise. Asana deals with this.” Asanas reflect an amazing understanding of how the body works and how to release tension at a deep level […]
Posted September 17, 2013,
Now booking for Autumn Ayurveda and Yoga retreat!
Autumn Ayurveda and Yoga retreat 25-27th October After two wonderful retreats at this venue, I will be running another weekend at Pennard House, Somerset, hosted by Adventure Yogi. These weekends are timed at the change of seasons as Ayurvedic wisdom views this as a time when it is very easy to feel out of balance. They […]
Posted September 17, 2013,
Yoga to balance Pitta dosha
Yoga is good for everybody, but needs to be tailored for each and every one of us. This article looks at how Pitta types can tailor their practice. However, as the focus in Summer is on reducing excess heat in the body, these tips can be helpful for all in heat. Pitta types tend to […]
Posted July 24, 2013,
“Ayurveda Demystified” workshop at Wilderness Festival
I am pleased to announce I will be hosting a one off Ayurveda workshop on Saturday 10th August at Wilderness Festival on the beautiful Cornbury estate in Oxfordshire. This is a lovely family and yogi friendly festival, with a “Secret Sanctuary” healing field where the workshop will take place. Ayurveda, a 5000 year old Indian science, […]
Posted June 25, 2013,
Spring health with Ayurveda
During the cold, damp Winter, it is normal for what is termed ‘Kapha dosha’ to accumulate (due to the cold, damp weather and a heavier diet). This means we may put on a few pounds, have some congestion and generally feel a little sluggish. Spring is a time of fresh starts and potential, with nature […]
Posted April 8, 2013,
New weekly Yoga class in Batcombe, Somerset (3 miles from Bruton)
Sivananda Yoga Class in Batcombe After moving to the area 6 months ago, I have been looking for a good venue for a new evening Yoga class. The new class will be held in the lovely Old School Building in Batcombe, next to the Village Hall on Back Lane. Sivananda yoga offers asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises), […]
Posted April 4, 2013,
Ayurvedic Home remedies for Spring Health
Common Ayurvedic herbs, spices and making simple Ayurvedic home remedies . If you do succumb to a Spring cold help clear mucous by: Eating light, warm, simple foods as you rest. Soup and kitchari are ideal. Avoid dairy products, sweets, fried foods and yeasted bread which increase congestion. Fresh ginger tea is excellent, especially with raw honey […]
Posted March 26, 2013,
Tempted by the microwave to warm your lunch up?
My clients, family and friends have all listened to me on the issue of microwaves. My curiosity was first aroused as a student when I put a light bulb in a bowl of water and put in the microwave and pressed on. The bulb lit up and flickered until I turned the microwave off- my housemate […]
Posted January 19, 2013,
Two AyurvedicYogi retreat dates for your new diary- Easter & October
Spring Ayurveda & Yoga retreat, Easter Friday 29th- Monday 1st April 2013 (3 nights) Autumn Ayurveda and Yoga retreat Friday 25-27 October 2013 (2nights) After a wonderful Winter retreat in November 2012, I will again running two wonderful Ayurveda and Yoga retreats in Somerset at the beautiful Pennard House. These weekends are hosted by my friends […]
Posted January 19, 2013,
Winter Recipe: Vegetable Korma Curry
Ingredients: 2 cups of water or vegetable stock 4 cups of seasonal vegetables cut into bite sized pieces (carrots, pumpkin, potato, parsnips) 2 tablespoons of ghee (do buy some or make your own and it will taste so much better!) 1 tablespoon of Korma powder 2 table spoons of ground almonds 2 table spoons of […]
Posted January 18, 2013,
Is today’s “milk” really milk?
The last few years of my clinic practice have shown a pattern of many people having difficulty in digesting milk. This got me wondering why as both Ayurveda and Yoga hold milk in very high regard. I wasn’t aware of raw or unpasteurised milk’s existence at the time, but a year on I believe that […]
Posted November 30, 2012,
Book Review: “A Pukka Life” by Sebastian Pole
As people who have come for an Ayurvedic Consultation know, I heartily recommend ” Teach Yourself Ayurveda” by Sarah Lie as an essential accompaniment to healing the Ayurvedic way. Now, another lovely book has come along, which I feel makes an ideal companion to exploring how Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom is relevant to us in the […]
Posted October 22, 2012,
Well-being weekend with Ayurveda workshop 9-11th November 2012, Somerset
I will be teaching Yoga, meditation and pranayama from an Ayurvedic perspective on a retreat this November. Its being run by Adventure Yogi in beautiful Somerset. As its Autumn/ Winter time, we need grounding, warming and nourishing! If you mention ‘AyurvedicYogi’ when booking, you will get £50 off! Booking information: [email protected] or call us on 01273 782734. For […]
Posted October 19, 2012,
New arrival at the clinic!
Thanks to those who have got in touch to see how the birth of my second baby went. Eliza Rose Webber arrived on 7th June
Posted July 1, 2011,
Handover of the Bristol Ayurveda Clinic
It has been a pleasure to share Ayurveda’s time less wisdom with you over the last few years but the time has now come to focus on my family, with Baby No 2 due in 4 weeks.
Please read on for where to find Ayurveda in Bristol.
Posted May 11, 2011,
Tips for energising Spring Yoga
Yogis need to consider their Ayurvedic Doshic constitutions/imbalance and also age, season and times of day for an Ayurvedic yoga practice. Here are simple tips to energise your practice this Spring
Posted February 17, 2011,
Yoga & Ayurveda Spring Detox 11-13 March
Places now booking for the 12th-14th March 2010 weekend
Posted October 2, 2010,
Spring health with Ayurveda
Some simple diet and lifestyle changes to help you detox this Spring after a long, cold Winter. Feeling a little sluggish? Read on…
Posted March 9, 2010,
Ayurvedic Spring detox (or how to lose the extra Winter pounds!)
Detoxification is a natural body process that is compromised when our system becomes overloaded from a variety of causes that include poor diet, allergies, stress, infections, and toxins such as heavy metals. So what can we do to support the body’s natural process of detoxification at this time of year?
Posted March 8, 2010,
Enjoy a healthy Winter with Ayurveda
The UK Winter is predominantly a cold, wet and damp season. These conditions can affect both Vata and Kapha doshas, leading to coughs & colds. Stay warm to stay well!
Posted January 23, 2010,
Ayurvedic remedies for cold and flu
There have been a lot of nasty bugs around already, but with all this snow, there may be more to come! Ward off bugs with Ayurvedic wisdom…
Posted January 23, 2010,
Autumn Ayurvedic advice to stay balanced
As the seasons changes, it makes sense that our bodies require different types of food and lifestyle factors to stay balance. Autumn is predominantly a cool season where Vata dosha dominates. Keep Vata dosha in check with warming foods, self-massage, Ayurvedic face masks and some stillness each day.
Posted September 14, 2009,
Making a baby the Ayurvedic Way!
Women generally take very good care of themselves when they get pregnant. Ayurveda gives great importance to the preparation of both partners PRIOR to conception. This approach can be seen as the ultimate in preventative medicine with actions a few months prior to conception having lifelong effects for your child. This article outlines some ideas from Ayurveda about how to give your baby a good start.
Posted September 14, 2009, Filed in Ayurvedic fertility, Ayurvedic herbs for fertility, Ayurvedic pre conception care, Ayuurvedic pregnancy
A 21st century look at ghee- Ayurvedic nectar or heart disease risk factor?
In an ancient Indian tradition, newborns are given ghee and honey impregnated with special mantras. A daily dose helps with daily digestion and cow’s ghee is viewed as most wholesome. This view is supported by a modern scientific analysis. Rather than ghee being to blame for rising heart disease, it appears there are other culprits at hand…
Posted June 29, 2009,
Summer Ayurvedic beauty care
The blood and skin are key Pitta sites in the body. Hence if we are suffering from excess heat it can show here first as aggravated Pitta dosha affects the blood, which is turn is manifest in skin problems such as heat and inflammation. Convert your bathroom to a home spa once a week using your […]
Posted June 29, 2009,
Ghee’s central role in Ayurvedic treatment
No other substance is as widely used to prepare Ayurvedic medicines as ghee. It is also cited as the best substance for preparing the body for Ayurveda’s internal detoxification (Panchakarma). This article explores why.
Posted February 24, 2009,
AyurvedicYogi featured in Body & Soul escapes
AyurvedicYogi was favourably reviewed in Caroline Sylger-Jone’s book Body & Soul escapes: Britain & Ireland by Footprint Books. If you’re into well-being weekends and holidays, this book is for you!
Posted February 21, 2009,
Get ready for a healthy spring with Ayurveda
Now is the ideal time to reduce the natural build up of Kapha over winter (such as excess weight gain) to prevent feelings of sluggishness, as well as other problems such as spring colds and hay fever.
Posted February 21, 2009,
Warding off the Winter chill with Ayurveda
As the seasons changes, it makes sense that our bodies require different types of food and lifestyle factors to stay balance. Stay warm the Ayurvedic way!
Posted January 26, 2009,
Ghee’s role in the Ayurvedic Diet
Ghee is considered nectar-like for all wishing to live according to Ayurvedic principals and maintain positive health.
Posted January 16, 2009,
Ever wanted to clean your nose properly?
You may never have thought about cleaning your nose before, beyond blowing it now and again. Ayurveda and Yoga recommend regular cleaning, such as with the ingenious neti pot.
Posted January 16, 2009,
Ayurvedic Daily Routine
To stay healthy, we must keep our bodies in harmony and self-correcting, just as nature does. “Dinacharaya” advises on how to stay balanced according to natural rythms.
Posted December 8, 2008,
Ghee’s role in Yoga
Ancient texts contain countless references to the wonders of ghee but it is incresingly being replaced by ‘healthier’ artificial vegetable fats. In the first of a 4-part series, ghee’s use by Yogis is explored. Includes how to make your own ghee.
Posted November 6, 2008,
Twelve tips on being an Ayurvedic Yogi
Here are some tips to bring Ayurveda and Yoga into your daily life. Try mastering one a month, perhaps leaving Number 12 till last!
Posted October 29, 2008,
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