Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

What if your brain has its own system for clearing waste and the health of that system is connected to your digestion, emotions, breathing and sleep?
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. John Douillard, Ayurvedic longevity expert, to explore the fascinating lymphatic system of the brain and how Ayurveda offers a different way of understanding this important process.
Dr. John was previously my guest in Episode 388, Rethinking Gluten Through an Ayurvedic Lens, where we discussed his research connecting wheat and the brain's lymphatic system. In this conversation, we take that exploration much deeper.
We begin by looking at what modern science understands about the brain's lymphatic system and then explore how Ayurveda has understood lymph, digestion and the movement of nutrients and waste through the body.
Dr. John introduces the Ayurvedic concept of Sara, or Ahara Rasa, the first emotionally charged digestive fluid produced from the food we eat and explains its connection to the lymphatic system and the emotional centres of the brain.
We also explore the fascinating relationship between chronic stress, the diaphragm, breathing, sleep and brain lymphatic drainage, and why the health of our digestive fire, or Agni, may be important when we think about lymphatic congestion.
This conversation offers a fascinating intersection between ancient Ayurvedic understanding and emerging modern science and some simple ways we can support the natural drainage and cleansing processes of the brain.
In this episode, we discuss:
What the brain's lymphatic system is and why it matters
How Ayurveda understands lymph and its role in the body
Differences between the Ayurvedic and Western scientific understanding of lymphatic function
Sara (Ahara Rasa) and its role as the first digestive fluid produced from food
The connection between brain lymph and the emotional centres of the limbic system
How chronic stress can affect the diaphragm, breathing, sleep and brain lymphatic drainage
The relationship between Agni, digestion and lymphatic congestion
How supporting digestion may also support healthy lymphatic flow
Practical ways to encourage healthy brain lymphatic drainage
Why sleep, breathing and our ability to manage stress may be more important to brain health than we realise
Guest Links 
Dr. John's website LifeSpa.com - https://lifespa.com/
 
Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community
This community 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
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
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 the Elements 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing
Thanks for listening!

Protein has become one of the biggest conversations in modern nutrition. We're constantly being told to eat more protein, prioritise protein at every meal, choose certain protein sources or turn to protein powders to meet our daily needs.
But Ayurveda asks us to look at food differently. Rather than focusing only on how much protein we consume, Ayurveda encourages us to consider our individual digestive capacity, our current state of balance, and the qualities of the foods we are eating.
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra, BAMS, an Ayurvedic Doctor with 15 years of clinical experience across the UK, to explore protein through an Ayurvedic lens.
We discuss why understanding your Agni (digestive fire) is so important, how your current Vikriti (state of imbalance) can influence your ability to digest and assimilate food, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition.
We also explore the Ayurvedic concept of Gunas, or qualities, and how understanding the qualities of different foods can help you make more informed choices for your unique constitution and current needs.
Most importantly, this conversation is an invitation to step away from the noise and develop a deeper awareness of your own body and digestive capacity.
In this episode, we explore:
Why understanding your individual Agni (digestive fire) and digestive capacity is so important.
How your current Vikriti (state of imbalance) can influence your ability to digest, absorb and assimilate food.
How understanding the Gunas (qualities) can help you make choices that are appropriate for your unique constitution and current needs.
The different qualities of protein sources including animal protein, eggs, tofu, dairy, legumes and protein powders.
Ayurvedic principles around food combining and protein.
Signs that your body may be struggling to digest a particular protein source.
How food preparation and meal timing can support the digestion and assimilation of protein.
Why looking beyond the numbers and learning to understand your own body can help you develop greater self-trust around food and nutrition.
This isn't about deciding whether protein is "good" or "bad," or giving you another set of rules to follow. It's about learning to ask better questions: What can I digest? What nourishes me? What is appropriate for me right now?
Because when we understand our own constitution and digestive capacity, we can begin to make food choices from a place of awareness rather than simply following the latest nutritional trend. 
Guest Links 
Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra website https://www.drvaralakshmi.com/
 
Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community 
Inside the community, 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
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
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 the Elements
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elementsofayurvedapodcast/ 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elementshealingandwellbeing
Thanks for listening!

Have you ever decided that you need to make a change and then wanted to change everything at once?
Maybe you decide you're going to eat better, exercise more, get to bed earlier, drink less alcohol, meditate every day or finally get yourself organised. We can become so focused on the result that we overlook the process of getting there.
In Ayurveda, sustainable change isn't about forcing the body into a completely different way of being. It's about understanding where we are, listening to the body and creating the conditions that allow change to happen.
In this episode, we explore why preparation is such an important part of an Ayurvedic reset and why this principle extends far beyond cleansing. Whether you're changing your eating habits, sleep, exercise, workload, relationship with technology or something more personal, the way you approach change can influence how sustainable it becomes.
In this episode, we explore:
Why we're often drawn to dramatic transformation and immediate results
The difference between forcing change and supporting change
Why sustainable change requires the body and mind to adapt
How Prakriti and Vikriti help us understand our individual needs
The role of Agni in preparing the body for change
How reducing excess stimulation can create more space for the body and nervous system
Preparing the mind and moving away from perfectionism, punishment and rigid rules
Approaching a reset with curiosity rather than focusing solely on results
How self-awareness can gradually develop into self-trust
Creating an environment that makes sustainable change more realistic
Why a health plan needs room for observation and adjustment
Learning to listen to what your body is telling you rather than simply following the rules


Join the Autumn Digestive Reset Cleanse
If you're ready to support your body through this seasonal transition, my Discounted Group Digestive Reset Cleanse begins October 9th. This Ayurvedic cleanse is designed to gently remove accumulation, strengthen digestion, and help you re-establish daily rhythm while learning about your unique constitution and patterns. You'll also receive guidance, structure, and support throughout the process so that the experience becomes both healing and educational.
Here are the 2 options for the Digestive Reset Cleanse:
Group Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 9th‍ ‍- https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse
OR
Private Digestive Reset Cleanse - choose your own dates - https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse‍ ‍
 
Check out the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community 
The Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find:
Early access to podcast episodes 
Monthly live Zoom meetups 
Member forums for discussion and Q&A 
Mindfulness and self-care practices 
Seasonal group challenges and reflections
Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community
 
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!

What happens when you stop asking your digestive system to constantly do more?
In Ayurveda, digestion is about far more than what happens in your gut. Agni, often translated as digestive fire, is the force of transformation, the process through which we digest, absorb, process and transform what we take in. And because we are constantly taking in more than just food, Ayurveda views digestion as something that can influence the whole system.
In this episode, we explore what can happen when we give digestion a little more space, simplicity and rhythm.
Colette covers the following:
Why Agni is about much more than digesting food
How modern lifestyles can place additional demands on digestion
The Ayurvedic concept of Ama and why it is often misunderstood
The connection between digestion, energy and mental clarity
Why Ayurveda looks at digestion as part of the bigger picture rather than simply focusing on the gut
How simplifying food, routines and daily habits can support digestion
What you can learn about yourself when you give your digestive system a break
How a seasonal reset can provide an opportunity to pause, adapt and reconnect with your body's signals
Why self-awareness and self-trust are ultimately more important than following someone else's perfect routine
 
Join the Autumn Digestive Reset Cleanse
If you're ready to support your body through this seasonal transition, my Discounted Group Digestive Reset Cleanse begins October 9th.
This Ayurvedic cleanse is designed to gently remove accumulation, strengthen digestion, and help you re-establish daily rhythm while learning about your unique constitution and patterns.
You'll also receive guidance, structure, and support throughout the process so that the experience becomes both healing and educational.
Here are the 2 options for the Digestive Reset Cleanse:
Group Digestive Reset Cleanse Starting October 9th ‍- https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse
OR
Private Digestive Reset Cleanse - choose your own dates - https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse‍ ‍
 
The Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community 
The Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find:
Early access to podcast episodes 
Monthly live Zoom meetups 
Member forums for discussion and Q&A 
Mindfulness and self-care practices 
Seasonal group challenges and reflections
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
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!

What if you didn't wait until your body was struggling before you gave it a reset?
In our modern world, we often think of a cleanse or reset as something we need to do after we've overindulged, eaten too much sugar, gained weight, or simply "fallen off the wagon." But Ayurveda takes a different, more preventative approach.
Because we are part of nature, the changing seasons affect us too, influencing our digestion, energy, routines, appetite, sleep and overall balance. In this episode, Colette explores why the transition between seasons is such an important time to pause, listen to the body, simplify and support ourselves through change.
An Ayurvedic seasonal reset is about much more than a cleanse or detox. Through the Ayurvedic principle of ritucharya, adapting our lifestyle according to the seasons, we can become more aware of how our bodies respond to environmental changes and make adjustments before imbalance becomes more established.
Colette explores the relationship between the seasons and the doshas, why supporting agni (digestive fire) is central to an Ayurvedic reset, and why cleansing should include preparation, simplicity, digestion, elimination and, importantly, rejuvenation. You'll also discover how a seasonal reset can become a powerful practice of preventative health rather than something we only turn to when something goes wrong.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why Ayurveda takes a preventative approach to health and wellbeing
How seasonal changes can influence our bodies, digestion, energy and daily routines
The Ayurvedic concept of ritucharya and adapting our lifestyle with the seasons
How the doshas can accumulate and become aggravated during seasonal transitions
Why subtle changes in digestion can be signals that your body is adapting to a new season
Why simplifying food, routines and stimulation can support the body during seasonal change
What an Ayurvedic digestive reset involves beyond simply "detoxing"
Why supporting digestion and elimination is an important part of a seasonal reset
Why the process doesn't end when the cleanse ends
The importance of rejuvenation and rebuilding after cleansing
Why you don't need to wait until something is wrong before supporting your health
How to make a seasonal reset personal to your constitution, lifestyle and individual needs
 
Join the Autumn Digestive Reset Cleanse
If you're ready to support your body through this seasonal transition, my Discounted Group Digestive Reset Cleanse begins October 9th.
This Ayurvedic cleanse is designed to gently remove accumulation, strengthen digestion, and help you re-establish daily rhythm while learning about your unique constitution and patterns.
You'll also receive guidance, structure, and support throughout the process so that the experience becomes both healing and educational.
Here are the 2 options for the Digestive Reset Cleanse:
Group Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 9th‍ ‍- https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/group-cleanse
OR
Private Digestive Reset Cleanse - choose your own dates - https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse‍ ‍
 
Episode 244 - An Ayurvedic Digestive Reset Cleanse
Click here to listen to Episode 244 - An Ayurvedic Digestive Reset Cleanse to learn more about how I approach an individually tailored Digestive Reset Cleanse.
 
Join the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community
The Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find:
Early access to podcast episodes 
Monthly live Zoom meetups 
Member forums for discussion and Q&A 
Mindfulness and self-care practices 
Seasonal group challenges and reflections
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
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!