Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

What does integrity truly mean in Ayurveda and why does it matter now more than ever?
In today's rapidly expanding global wellness space, conversations around ethics, responsibility, and authenticity are becoming increasingly important. While this episode doesn't focus on specific events, it acknowledges that moments of rupture in any healing tradition can serve as powerful invitations to return to its roots, back to awareness, accountability, and integrity.
In this episode, I'm joined by Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath, CEO and Academy Director of Kerala Ayurveda (USA), he brings both traditional wisdom and modern perspective to this essential conversation.
Together, we explore the ethical foundations of Ayurveda, the responsibilities of practitioners and teachers, and how integrity can be embodied in both personal practice and professional life.
In this episode, we discuss:
What integrity means within the context of Ayurveda
Why this conversation is especially relevant in today's global wellness landscape
The role of dharma in guiding ethical decision-making
What is a dharma-based business in Ayurveda
Marketing your Ayurveda business with integrity
How to cultivate discernment and inner authority when navigating the wellness space
Subtle ways integrity can be compromised, even unintentionally
The importance of self-awareness and personal practice in maintaining professional integrity
Ayurveda as a consciouness-based medicine
Ayurveda is more than a system of health, it's a path of conscious living rooted in awareness, responsibility, and alignment with natural law. As the tradition continues to evolve and expand globally, maintaining its integrity becomes a shared responsibility.
This conversation offers both practitioners and students an opportunity to reflect, deepen their understanding, and reconnect with the values that uphold Ayurveda at its core.
Episode Sponsor:
Kerala Ayurveda Academy offers certification programs where you can build real knowledge, real confidence, and real impact for yourself, family, and clients. If you're looking for:
Authentic Ayurvedic education rooted in classical texts
Supportive mentors who guide you every step of the way
A program designed to help you actually practice Ayurveda
Visit the KAA website www.keralaayurveda.us for more information, and let them know you heard about KAA here!
Visit National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) here.
 
Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community
This new online community was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find:
Monthly live Zoom meetups 
Early access to podcast episodes
Member forums for discussion and Q&A
Mindfulness and self-care practices
Seasonal group challenges and reflections
This community is a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path.
Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing community.
Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Community here
https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community
 
Check out Colette's online services:
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Private Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse
Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits
Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew
Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on the Elements social media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing
Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!

In modern life, we often talk about stress as if it's one single experience. We say "I'm stressed" and assume the solution is the same for everyone, but Ayurveda offers a much more nuanced understanding.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, stress is not one-size-fits-all. It expresses itself through the lens of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and each one creates a very different experience in the body and mind.
This is why what works for one person may feel ineffective, or even aggravating for another.
In this episode, Colette guides you through the different types of stress according to Ayurveda so you can begin to understand your own patterns and choose support that truly aligns with your needs.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why stress is not a one-size-fits-all experience in Ayurveda
How stress manifests through Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
The key signs and symptoms of each stress type
Common lifestyle triggers that aggravate each dosha
Why generic self-care routines often don't work
Simple, aligned ways to support your body and mind based on your current state
Why awareness is the first step in healing and regulation
Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live!
Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I'm delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open!
This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find:
Early access to podcast episodes 
Member forums for discussion and Q&A 
Mindfulness and self-care practices 
Monthly live Zoom meetups 
Seasonal group challenges and reflections
It's a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path.
Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha.
Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community here:
https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community
Check out Colette's online services:
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Private Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse
Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits
Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew
Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on the Elements social media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing
Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!

Colette is joined by Dr. Sujatha Kekada to explore some of the most common myths surrounding Ayurveda and bring clarity to what this ancient system truly teaches. From questions around diet and lifestyle to its relevance in today's scientific landscape, they unpack how Ayurveda is far more adaptable, nuanced, and evidence-aligned than many believe.
Together, they explore how Ayurveda meets you where you are, honouring individuality, context, and balance rather than enforcing one-size-fits-all rules.
In this episode, they discuss:
Whether Ayurveda is truly "scientific" and how modern research supports its core principles
Ayurveda's perspective on vegetarianism and the role of animal protein in healing
The origins of avoiding garlic and onions and when they may be appropriate
How Ayurveda evaluates coffee and alcohol 
Why Ayurveda is not inherently strict or restrictive, and how it embraces flexibility and indulgences
How to follow Ayurvedic principles while maintaining a vegan lifestyle, including alternatives to ghee
Check out Dr. Sujatha's offerings here Amrtasiddhi.com 
Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live!
Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I'm delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open!
This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find:
Early access to podcast episodes 
Member forums for discussion and Q&A 
Mindfulness and self-care practices 
Monthly live Zoom meetups 
Seasonal group challenges and reflections
It's a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path.
Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha.
Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community here: 
https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community
I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Check out Colette's online services: 
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse
Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits
Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew
Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/ 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing
Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!

Mushrooms have become increasingly popular in the modern wellness world, particularly for their potential benefits for the nervous system, immunity and resilience. But where do they fit within Ayurveda?
In this episode, I'm joined by Sharmistha Guha Majumdar to explore mushrooms through the lens of Ayurvedic principles. While mushrooms are not extensively described in the classical texts, Ayurveda offers a sophisticated framework for understanding any substance through observation, energetics and ecological context. Sharmistha shares how we can move beyond simply asking whether something is listed in the texts and instead learn how to evaluate it through the Ayurvedic concepts of dravya, guna, karma, and the subtle energies of prana, tejas and ojas.
Together we explore how mushrooms grow, what their ecological patterns reveal about their energetics, and what considerations are important when incorporating them into the diet.
In this episode, we discuss:
How substances like mushrooms can be evaluated through Ayurvedic principles
The role of observation and ecological intelligence in understanding the energetics of foods and herbs
Mushrooms and their potential influence on the subtle energies of prana, tejas and ojas
General qualities and considerations when incorporating mushrooms into the diet
Why digestive capacity and agni are important when consuming mushrooms
The energetic patterns and potential actions of specific mushrooms including; Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga 
Why Ayurveda is a living framework that allows us to interpret new substances through timeless principles
This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how Ayurvedic wisdom can be applied to modern foods and herbs, helping us deepen our understanding of both mushrooms and Ayurveda itself.
Connect with Sharmistha Guha Majumdar here on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayurvedistsharmistha/
Check out Colette's online services: 
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Private Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse
Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits
Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew
Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on the Elements social media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing
Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!

As winter transitions into spring, many people begin to notice subtle shifts in how they feel. You might experience brain fog, sluggish digestion, low motivation, seasonal allergies, or new cravings for sugar and comfort foods. While these symptoms may seem random, Ayurveda recognizes them as common responses to the seasonal shift from winter to spring.
In this episode, Colette shares seven signs that your body may be asking for a seasonal reset and explain how Ayurveda views these signals as early messages from the body. Rather than waiting for deeper imbalance to develop, Ayurveda encourages us to recognize these subtle signs and support the body through seasonal cleansing, lighter foods, and strengthening digestion.
You'll learn how seasonal accumulation develops, why spring often brings feelings of heaviness or congestion, and how small adjustments can help restore clarity, energy, and digestive balance.
In this episode, we explore:
Why kapha accumulates during winter and begins to mobilize in spring
How seasonal changes can weaken agni (digestive fire)
The Ayurvedic concept of ama (metabolic toxins) and how it forms
The 7 signs indicating winter accumulation
Why spring is traditionally considered the ideal season for cleansing
Check out Colette's online services: 
Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - April 17th, 2026 https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse
Private Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse
Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits
Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew
Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
Stay connected on the Elements social media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing
Thank you for listening!
If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda. 
Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.
Thanks for listening!