Yoga + Ayurveda

Yoga

Yoga, meditation and breath work are the perfect way to find your way back home to your body after childbirth, and to connect with your body as it shifts during pregnancy and grows a new life.

Most of us are familiar with the physical practice of yoga called asana. Western images of yoga celebrate the fancy poses and promote a certain body aesthetic that is not attainable for many of us - myself included.

But yoga is much more than physical flexibility and acrobatic poses. The yogic texts encompass a holistic philosophy for living a healthy and aligned life.

These principles of self-discipline and guidelines on how to relate to others and the world around us have particular value in the perinatal period, as we journey to a new version of ourselves (Maiden to Mother, or Mother Again).

These ancient teachings show us the way to strength and flexibility, not just physically, but mentally as well.

Mindfulness and gentle movements are perfect for connecting with your baby during pregnancy and postpartum. Practicing stillness and ease will help you transition into parenthood with more grace.

I teach 1:1 private yoga, please reach out if you would like to schedule a session!

Ayurveda

Ayurveda means “the science of life” and it’s a beautiful way to nourish yourself after birth. This ancient medicine takes a holistic approach to health - mind, body and spirit are all tended to through simple meals and practices.

There are three doshas or physical constitutions in Ayurveda - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. During the fourth trimester, Vata is imbalanced.

The qualities of Vata are dry, rough, light, cold, subtle and mobile (airy/scattered)... which embodies postpartum pretty well if you think about it! Some ways these qualities can show up are anxiety, constipation, dry skin, low energy, bladder/urinary disorders, insomnia, muscle stiffness, and low back pain, among other things.

The goal of Ayurvedic postpartum care is to pacify or balance Vata. In order to soothe or balance these qualities, we look for foods and nourishing practices that have the opposite qualities - moist, smooth, heavy, warm, stable (grounding). 

Cooking for people has always been something I love to do, and I’ve cooked meals for some postpartum friends based on the principles of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine over the years. Each time, the new mother remarks at how balanced, grounded and nourished these meals make her feel. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula services I offer, please set up a discovery call. I only take on a few clients at a time, so space is limited for this kind of in home care.