Ayurveda - Diet and Seasonal Traditions

Introduction to Ayurveda, with Debbie Helfeld, MPH Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor  Yoga Teacher,  RYT-500

Discover the underlying principles of Ayurveda: the 5 elements, 3 doshas, Prakruti (innate constitution), Vikruti (current states of imbalance), and living in accordance with the Ayurvedic clock -season, time of life, time of day. We will also make a tea that promotes healthy digestion. The 3 pillars of good health, diet, lifestyle and stress management, will be introduced, and we will focus on each of these 3 in the subsequent workshops.

This program is designed as an introduction to Ayurveda to incorporate Ayurvedic principles as a lifestyle.  The purpose of Ayurveda is to help live in harmony with nature and create, maintain, and live long healthy, and well-balanced lives.

Ayurveda means "knowledge of life"; it is a complete science of healing that focuses on the whole person - physical constitution, mind, and spiritual outlook.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest health care systems in the world, dating back about 5,000 years, and is based on ancient Sanskrit texts called the Vedas. We look forward to share this program with you.

Introduction to Ayurveda

Debbie begins with the underlying principles of Ayurveda: the 5 elements, 3 doshas, Prakruti (innate constitution), Vikruti (current states of imbalance), and living in accordance with the Ayurvedic clock -season, time of life, time of day.

We will also make a tea that promotes healthy digestion.

The 3 pillars of good health, diet, lifestyle, and stress management, will be introduced and focuses on each of the 3 in the subsequent workshops. $30

February 28th Sunday 3-4:30pm livestream

Diet and Seasonal Transitions: Spring Cleanse

The importance of diet, what, how, when, and where we eat.  This will be woven into the idea of doing a spring kitchari cleanse.

We will touch on 6 tastes and make kitchari.$30.00

April 11th, Sunday 3-4:30pm livestream

Lifestyle: Developing a Daily Routine, plus Good foods for Spring

The importance of developing a daily routine or Dinacharya cannot be overemphasized.  We will go through good practices for a morning and afternoon routine, and touch on the evening.  We will review good foods to eat during the spring season and make ghee. $30.00

May 23rd, Sunday 3-4:30 pm livestream

Stress Management and Preparing for Summer

This workshop will involve both discussion and practices that reduce stress and promote good quality sleep. It will include pranayama, restoratives, maybe a guided relaxation like 61 points, and a nighttime routine that ends with massaging our feet with oil (participants should bring an old pair of socks).  We will make a summer tea, Hibiscus Mint, and talk about good foods for the summer. $30.00

Your presenter:

Debbie Helfeld, MPH

Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor

Yoga Teacher,  RYT-500

Debbie began practicing yoga in 1997 to help her body feel stronger and more flexible, and to learn to calm her mind. As yoga became a more integral part of her life, she wanted to share its benefits with others.  Debbie has been studying ParaYoga with Rod Stryker and draws inspiration from him, Marion Griffin, and yoga teachers at the Himalayan Institute. Debbie holds her RYT-500 through ParaYoga, and she is certified by the National Ayurveda Medical Association (NAMA) as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor. She is also certified to teach Dr. Loren Fishman's Method of Yoga for Osteoporosis.

In addition to teaching group classes, Debbie offers private consultations in both yoga and Ayurveda. She provides her private clients with recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle, as well as asanas, breathing, and meditation practices. One of her specialties is leading seasonal Ayurvedic cooking workshops.