Why do so many people get seasonal allergies, spring colds, or a sudden desire to lighten up and start exercising again right about now? Why do so many feel weighed down in early spring? In spring, the natural world starts rising up out of the stillness and cold of winter hibernation. Compared to dry autumn, … Continue reading What Spring “Detox” Really Means (and Why You Probably Need It)
We all know water to be one of the healthiest things we can put in our body. Pure water supports our life force unlike any other beverage. And yet there are some important nuances to consider. Quantity, quality, temperature and timing are all critical factors. Ayurveda always encourages us to pay more attention, and how … Continue reading How to Drink Water – Who knew?!
Sometimes when we are ready for a shift, it is what we STOP doing that makes an opening for real change, rather than adding something new. But how un-sexy is that for a January proposition! The stereotypical New Year’s Resolution is about scaling new mountains - taking up Crossfit, or learning to speak Spanish, or vowing … Continue reading The Anti-Resolution: The Medicine of Subtraction
I have a personal celebration to share with you. As some of you may know, I have an autoimmune condition called Grave’s hyperthyroid, and a few days ago I got some surprising news in a visit with my endocrinologist. Our conversation underlined for me some key ingredients to healing from chronic illness. If you have … Continue reading The Keys to Healing from Chronic Illness
In these last days of the year, it’s important to give ourselves permission to rest - goodness knows, we need it! - and to set aside intentional time to ENVISION the year ahead. Without taking a real break and getting some rest, we simply won't have the energy for powerful, effective visioning of what we … Continue reading Envisioning your New Year: 2 Potent Questions for You
When I was in Kerala in south India, I observed a beautiful ritual that was done every day at sunset, when the night was spread out before us and the dangers of darkness loomed large. (Watch my video below for more details.) When faced with darkness, or the hardships of life, we CAN choose to … Continue reading 5 Sources of Light (Where are Yours?)
I returned from India over a week ago after a 21-day panchakarma detoxification, and I realize now I am still engaged in the deep, subtle process of this revitalizing treatment. While I tried to immediately slide back into the flow of my life, I feel I’ve been buffeted out of the main current, contained for the moment … Continue reading Why to Follow your Instinct to Slow Down
Hello from south India! I arrived here a few weeks ago for the first time since 2019, returning to the Ayurveda community where I trained years ago. It has been such a sweet reunion after these pandemic years apart. (Come along on Instagram @ivyingramhealth for some pictures!) Every time I come here, I relish certain familiar joys - … Continue reading 4 Gifts for You From India…
As I write this, I am in an airplane high above the deserts of the Middle East on my way back to India after three years away. Outside, the huge moon glows in the daylit sky like a light bulb, thankfully still several hours shy of full, as at the moment of fullness on Tuesday … Continue reading On the Eve of Panchakarma
Vāta season is upon us again. Autumn is abundant in the qualities of Vāta dosha: dry, light, rough, cold, mobile, subtle and changeable. The dry leaves falling, the mobile winds, the cool nights, and the changeable temperatures all contribute to elevated Vāta within us. One of the most pervasive Vāta qualities right now, in my … Continue reading 6 Ways to Comfort Autumn Nerves (& the Pervasive Problem of “Subtle”)
Ivy Ingram, MA, AP 