Shows
The How to Take Care of Yourself PodcastResilience, Ayurveda & the Nervous System with Kristen TimchakIn this episode of How to Take Care of Yourself, I sit down with Kristen Timchak—Ayurvedic Health Counselor, somatic stress release practitioner, and host of The Nourished Nervous System podcast. We delve into the intersections of Ayurveda and somatic practices, exploring how they can support nervous system resilience. Kristen shares insights on the concept of manas (the Ayurvedic mind), practical tools for stress relief, and the importance of honoring our body's wisdom.Chapters:00:00 Intro 01:45 Kristen's journey into Ayurveda and somatic work 10:30 Understanding manas and its role in stress 18...2025-05-0544 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemConnecting with your Life Force and Creating the Conditions for ThrivingSend us a textThis idea for this episode began while starting seeds. Is anyone else consistently amazed when their seeds sprout? An I the only one?In this episode, I reflect on this awe-inspiring experience and draw a parallel to the ways we sometimes relate to our health and wellness. Through exploring the natural growth of plants and their unique care requirements, I illustrate how creating the right conditions allows both plants and humans to thrive. Despite societal pressures to conform, I emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring our indi...2025-04-1722 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemCreating Your Life on Purpose with Elysia SkyeSend us a textIn this episode of the Nourished Nervous System, I have a deep and insightful conversation with Elysia Skye, a motivational speaker, mindfulness facilitator, author, podcast host, and intuitive life and business coach. Elysia shares her journey to becoming an intuitive business coach and the crucial role intuition played in her life, particularly during a health crisis. Together, we discuss how to recognize and trust your intuition, overcome self-limiting beliefs in business, and the importance of being the 'lighthouse'—guiding others from a place of strength. Elysia also provi...2025-04-1041 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemCreating Balance Using the Six Tastes of AyurvedaSend us a textFood is more than it's nutritional composition. It is also a composition of tastes, and these tastes can be important clues to whether that food is going to bring us in or out of balance.In this episode, I focus on the six fundamental tastes in Ayurveda and their effects on the body's doshas. I elaborate on how these tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent—influence our physical and emotional wellbeing through the foods and herbs we consume. To aid your understanding, I've created a detaile...2025-04-0332 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemAll of Our Bodies: Exploring Somatic Experiencing, Authentic Movement and Cultural Somatics with Daniel Bear DavisSend us a textIn this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I welcome my longtime friend Daniel Bear Davis, a somatic experiencing practitioner with a rich background in dance, performance and bodywork. Our conversation explores the intersections of somatic experiencing, cultural somatics, and authentic movement. Daniel shares how dance and movement have shaped his approach to trauma renegotiation, emphasizing the importance of body awareness and elemental balance. We discuss the transformative power of community practices, the concept of 'agency of attention,' and creating space for healing within our bodies and...2025-03-2749 min
The Nourished Nervous System5 Ways to Get Unstuck in Kapha SeasonSend us a textDo you ever feel stuck in the early spring? Heavy, tired, sluggish digestion or stuck in your emotions? This is because one of the qualities of Kapha Dosha, present in the spring is the "sticky" quality. In this episode I'm going to dive into Kapha Dosha, specifically the sticky quality and explore some ways to get unstuck.I talk about how Kapha's qualities can impact us, using personal stories of dealing with sluggish lymph nodes and a clogged kitchen sink to illustrate. I also offer practical tips like...2025-03-2031 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemCultivating a Community Mindset with Chandra CantorSend us a textAs things feel more chaotic in the world, there is a common sentiment that this is an important time to focus on community. I hear a lot about community in the circles I am in, but what does it actually mean to be in community? And how can one create or foster community wherever they are at in the process? These are some of the questions that Chandra Cantor, a mom, yoga teacher, life coach, and passionate community builder, shares on this episode. The conversation delves into what...2025-03-1340 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemCuriosity as a Pathway to ResilienceSend us a textCuriosity is innate, and yet it is also something that can be cultivated. It can be used as a tool for more self awareness as well as creating connection.In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I explore the concept of curiosity and its importance as a pathway to resilience. I discuss how curiosity can help combat rigidity, control, and perfectionism by promoting flexibility and openness. Sharing personal anecdotes, including a story about understanding my son’s anxiety, I illustrate how cultivating curiosity can lead to deepe...2025-03-0619 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemChange Your Movement, Change Your Brain with Lara HeimannSend us a textNeuroplasticity is a big part of resilience. We know the impact of our thoughts on so many aspects of our lives. But how does your posture and movement affect your brain and neuroplasticity?We are going to explore this in this episode of The Nourished Nervous System with Lara Heimann, a physical therapist, yoga teacher, movement educator, and creator of the LYT Method. We discuss Lara's journey, from her early interests in movement and curiosity-driven upbringing to her development of the LYT Method, which combines physical therapy, yoga, and neu...2025-02-2735 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemSamprapti: The Six Stages of Disease According to AyurvedaSend us a textHave you ever wondered why Ayurveda is so focused on seasonal transitions, digestion and prevention? It all ties into the Ayurvedic perspective of disease and how it manifests in the body.In this episode I delve into the Ayurvedic principles of maintaining health and preventing disease through seasonal transitions. With the world in a state of flux, grounding and resilience become paramount. I discuss the concept of Samprapti, or the birth of disease, explaining the six stages from accumulation to differentiation. I highlight the importance of daily pra...2025-02-2026 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemA Seat at the Community Table: Inclusive Eating with Chay WikeSend us a textDo you have food sensitivities or allergies? Do you cook for someone that does? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, you won't want to miss this episode with Chay Wike, author of 'The Kitchen Commune'b. This heartfelt conversation delves into Chay's journey with autoimmune diseases and Lyme disease, and how it led her to discover the power of food as a tool for healing. Chay discusses her approach to inclusive eating, the importance of community and shared meals, and the integral role whole foods play in self...2025-02-1339 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemThe Somatic Pause: A Practice for ResilienceSend us a textHappy Imbolc! This is the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It is also the beginning of Kapha season in Ayurvedic thought. In this episode, I briefly share my observations on this seasonal shift and introduce the concept of the 'somatic pause,' a simple, regular practice focusing on tuning into the body's needs and signals. This practice is designed to help regulate the nervous system by skimming the overflow of daily stress and fostering a deeper connection with one's body. The Somatic Pause is an as...2025-02-0618 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemAyurveda and Mental Clarity with Kate O'Donnell: Integrating Food and Mind for BalanceSend us a textWe know that the food we eat impacts our physical bodies. We are also beginning to recognize how it impacts our minds. The teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda have a lot to contribute to this topic.In this episode of the The Nourished Nervous System podcast, I welcome Kate O'Donnell, a nationally certified Ayurvedic practitioner, author of multiple Ayurvedic cookbooks, and founder of the Ayurvedic Living Institute. The discussion explores how Ayurveda's complex and nuanced concepts can be made accessible for the Western mind. Kate elaborates on the...2025-01-3041 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemCultivating a Resilient Immune System with AyurvedaSend us a textHere in the Northeast United States, it is cold and flu season. So, in this episode of the Nourished Nervous System I discuss the Ayurvedic approach to maintaining a healthy immune system.This is more of a long game approach as opposed to a quick fix. The episode covers the importance of balancing the digestive fire (Agni), cultivating and protecting Ojas, and managing stress, sleep, and diet. Practical tips include using herbs like ginger and turmeric, simplifying diets, and tracking bodily cues for better health. Also the imp...2025-01-2323 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemTending the Bones: Ancestral Connection to Heal Transgenerational Sexual Trauma with Dr. Pavini MoraySend us a textIn this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I welcome back Dr. Pavini Moray, a somatic coach and author with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Moray introduces their new book, 'Tending the Bones: Reclaiming Pleasure After Transgenerational Sexual Trauma,' which guides readers through a 13-month somatic journey involving ancestral rituals and embodiment practices. The discussion highlights the significance of building relationships with well ancestors for healing, the transformative and connecting power of ritual, and the critical role of understanding and reclaiming pleasure. Dr. Moray explains how...2025-01-1636 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemExploring the Complexities of Surrender: Insights on Control, Collapse, and TrustSend us a textIn this episode I embark on an intriguing exploration of surrender's nuanced landscape. Delving into the delicate balance between surrender and collapse, the conversation unravels the intricate dance between resistance, control, and acceptance. Personal anecdotes, including transformative parenting moments and the liberating act of trusting one's body, highlight the profound impact of surrender on the nervous system. Surrender is strategy for the preservation of resources. Tuning into the body and practicing acceptance and surrender can be a valuable tool to have more resources for problem solving and crea...2025-01-0927 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemSmoothing the Transition of Perimenopause Using Breathwork with Larissa CarlsonSend us a textIn this episode I welcome back Larissa Carlson, an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga specialist certified by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and Yoga Alliance. Larissa shares her extensive knowledge on pranayama (yogic breathwork) and its benefits, especially for managing Vata imbalances and promoting Sattva during perimenopause. The episode explores various breathwork techniques, their mental and physical health benefits, and the importance of adapting practices to individual needs and life stages. Larissa emphasizes the significance of slowing down and incorporating soothing exercises, lifestyle shifts, and mindfulness practices int...2025-01-0250 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemWinter Restoration: A Yoga Nidra Practice for YouSend us a textHappy darkest days of winter to you!In celebration of these dark times, when ideally we get more rest, quiet and stillness ( but the reality is often otherwise), I am offering you a small gift of a Yoga Nidra practice for restoration. This episode is different than most, I talk a little bit in the beginning but the majority of the episode is the actual practice. Take a moment for yourself in the chaos and drop down into a deeper state of consciousness, giving your body and mi...2024-12-2625 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemAncient Wisdom Meets Modern Research : AbhyangaSend us a textIf it is winter where you live, and you feel cold, dry, spacey, are having trouble sleeping or feel that your nervous system could use some love - you may need an abhyanga.What the heck is an abhyanga? Listen to this episode and find out! I am going to dive deep into the Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga, which involves applying and massaging warm oil into the body. I explain the different benefits of Abhyanga, such as soothing the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, enhancing circulation, and improving skin health as...2024-12-1933 min
The Nourished Nervous SystemTransformative Healing Through Dance with Anika VoySend us a textYou don't need to be graceful or "good" at dancing to experience the healing power of dance. Just about anyone can dance and there is so much power in moving our bodies in this way.In this episode I am joined by certified dance therapist Anika Voy. Anika shares her journey from Germany to Costa Rica, how she discovered dance therapy during a period of severe depression, and its impact on her life. We delve into the transformative, healing, and expressive powers of dance, discussing its role in...2024-12-1234 min