About

About the blog

I began the blog to introduce people to Ayurveda and share my passion for this holistic health system, the companion medical science to yoga.  Ayurveda is a wonderful way to live in harmony with yourself and your natural surroundings and promotes good health and vitality.  It has been so helpful for me that I want to share its secrets with anyone who expresses an interest in or curiousity about it.

About my background in Ayurveda and Yoga

My formal Ayurveda training is through the Himalayan Institute (HI).   I first enrolled in their Ayurveda Yoga Specialist program and continued with the Torchbearer Case Study program, both organized by Kathryn Templeton.  Then I entered their Graduate School, a 2 year program taught by both Kathryn and Dr. Rosy Mann, who is the Ayurveda doctor in residence at the Kripalu Institute. Upon completion I became certified as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association or NAMA.

My initial yoga training, RYT 200, was through Willow Street Yoga. I furthered my studies with Para Yoga, led by Rod Stryker, and earned my 500 hour RYT through them.  I continue studying yoga, pranayama, meditation and tantra with Para Yoga as well as senior teachers at the Himalayan Institute, including the spiritual director Pandit Rajmani Tigunait.  I traveled to India in the spring of 2016 to study with him at their center in Khajuraho for a 10 day retreat.

Services I Offer 

I infuse my yoga classes with Ayurvedic principles and tips.  I teach group classes at Circle Yoga and Rock Creek Sports Club and offer private and small group classes at the Yoga studio or at people's homes. I am Certified to teach the Yoga for Osteoporosis program of Dr. Loren Fishman, and teach this program in workshops and privately.

One of my passions and specialties is cooking, and I offer seasonal Cooking Workshops in which participants learn about Ayurveda while they prepare and then eat a delicious Ayurvedic, mostly Indian, vegetarian meal in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.  I generally talk about the Ayurveda Clock and briefly cover the elements, doshas and the 6 tastes.

As an Ayurvedic Health Counselor I am trained to provide individual counseling and make recommendations on disease prevention and health promotion, educating and assisting clients with daily routines, diet and lifestyle. Working in collaboration with my clients, I assist them in maintaining balance and vitality in their lives.

Techniques used in each individualized treatment plan may include: healthy eating, food and meal choices, preparation and cooking; breathing practices; meditation; specific yoga routines or poses; restorative poses and relaxation practices.

Issues addressed in treatment plans may include:

Healthy eating and dietary changes
Sleep issues
Stress Reduction
Digestive issues and
Healthy Aging.

I also offer Ayurveda workshops in areas such as Spring Cleansing, Fall Rejuvenation, Healthy Aging, Yoga and Ayurveda for Healthy Bones, and  an introductory What is Ayurveda.

Information about my workshops is posted on my blog.  For information about private diet and lifestyle counseling, please contact me at dhelfeld(at)starpower(dot)net