Ways We Can Support You

Ayurvedic Healing

with JoAnn Portalupi

Ayurveda is a time-tested holistic approach to wellness that teaches people how to maintain optimal health throughout the duration of life.

Ayurveda teaches that all things in nature are comprised of some combination of the five great elements — ether, air, fire, water, and earth— including ourselves. We are, in essence, a microcosm of the macrocosm. The body constantly seeks balance in order to maintain healthy functioning. As factors in our environment shift, the body moves in and out of balance. Little shifts are fine. But when patterns continue and imbalance becomes the norm, conditions are ripe for discomfort and eventually disease will set in. Upwards of 80% of what lands us in a doctor’s office is a result of choices we make around diet and lifestyle. Likewise, it is often diet and lifestyle that put us back on a path to wellness.

Have you ever wondered why one person can eat six meals and not gain a pound while another can simply look at a piece of cake and feel bloated and heavy? Why watching disturbing news may tip one toward anger while another toward anxiety? Each of us has a unique constitution governed by foundational rules of nature that influence how the environment impacts our state of well-being. Some of this environment is out of our control – weather, seasons, world events, age. But diet and life style, also part of our environment, are totally in our control. Working with an Ayurvedic Health Counselor will help you understand your unique nature and how factors in the external world support or hinder your ability to maintain optimal health.

What is it like to work with an Ayurvedic Health Counselor?

Think of it as a big conversation which begins with you sharing your health priorities and any current symptoms you may be experiencing. I’ll ask about your life – not just the physical stuff, but how you spend your time and what feeds your spirit. Ayurveda understands that mind, body and sprit all coalesce to contribute to your best version of yourself.

At some point we’ll talk about poop – yep, poop.  Ayurveda believes the root of most disease is improperly digested substances and so its important that the body works smoothly to digest and evacuate.  Ayurveda is concerned about the effect any given substance may have on the body and so a fair amount of time will be spent discussing foods that exacerbate issues and foods that can heal. Each of us has a unique balance of the five elements. In the physical body we talk
of these in terms of doshas. Understanding one’s doshic constitution (the one we have at birth and the state currently expressed) is a big factor in understanding what food, life style and exercise choices will help you maintain health. An Ayurvedic Counselor will help you understand your constitution and partner with you to find strategies to help you achieve your goals.

If you are interested and would like to learn more, contact me to schedule a free 30 minute consultation. In this session I’ll share more of this ancient healing art and you can ask any questions you have about working with an Ayurvedic Counselor.

Offerings

Ayurveda

• Free 30 minute introductory session.
  

  Potential clients have a chance to learn about Ayurveda’s method of health care and to gage whether working with JoAnn would be a good fit.

• Two Session Package $150.00
  

  One Intake Session: 90 -120 minutes

  One Follow up Session 45 – 60 minutes

Home Yoga Practice

• Beginning Yoga Series4 Week Series. $60.00
  Thursday mornings 8 – 9am
  October 12, 19, 26, Nov 2

Dosha Balancing Yoga for Self Care

What is dosha balancing yoga?

Yoga and Ayurveda share a rich lineage going back to the Vedas. Both practices view humans as physical, mental and spiritual beings. Ayurveda’s emphasis leans toward health of the gross body; yoga’s concern is with the subtler aspects of being and the inner journey toward union with one’s true self, a self imbued with universal spirit. Ayurveda gives us a roadmap for understanding how the human body functions. This includes the workings of the three doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha, their tendency to vitiate, and how to maintain balance which leads to optimal health.  Through intentionally designed classes and weekly letters we explore ways to achieve Ayurveda’s goal of living a long and healthy life.  This session will focus on strategies for healthy eating and digestion.

• 12 Wednesday morning practices 8:15 – 9:15. February 2 – May 4.
  

  No practice on Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 16th.
  On weeks with no class, video recordings will be available for students who want a guided practice.
  All sessions will be on Zoom, allowing you to join regardless of where your physical body may be at any time during the series!

   

  Interested in this or future sessions? Contact me at yogaandayurvedawithjoann@gmail.com