What is Ayurvedic Health Coaching?

"You do yoga in there?"  This question came from a naturopath at Glow on Saturday.  This question made me realize that there are a lot of people (including people I work with) that do not understand what I do.  This got me thinking... maybe I should explain it.  Duhr.

My clients learn to correct imbalances through Ayurveda and yoga.  Whether they want to lose weight, clear skin, improve digestion or reduce stress, Ayurveda and yoga provide so many natural ways to make that happen.  I am an Ayurvedic Health Coach and Hatha Yoga Teacher.  Many people understand the yoga part and think that I teach group classes at a yoga studio.  I do some of that at the Hatha Yoga Center in the summers, but mostly I work with individuals.  Why individuals, you may ask?  Often yoga classes can not address all the varying needs of all the different students including injuries, tightness and emotional issues that may come up.  I work with people one-on-one and design our sessions based on their dosha, the season and what they need that day.  I have a gorgeous room at Glow with a big window and enough space for us to meet and practice yoga.

Based on client needs, I design a 6 session package.  This way we can see growth and change over time.  Although plans vary from person to person, here is a typical 6 session package for Ayurvedic Health Coaching:

First session:  Dosha constitution assessment (that means we determine your unique mind/body type).  We discuss simple lifestyle and nutrition tips that can make a big difference in digestion.

Second session: We discuss an Ayurvedic seasonal routine, and I provided recipes based on your dosha.

Third session: Learn pranayama (breathing) techniques and meditation for stress reduction and weight loss. 

Fourth session:  Practice yoga and pranayama techniques together.  We discuss issues related to work and how to create life balance.   I also teach mantras for mental focus.

Fifth session: We practice more pranayama and yoga together. 

Sixth session:  To conclude the package, we celebrate successes. I lead a guided meditation for healing after yoga practice.  At this point, we decide if more sessions are necessary to reach goals.  Some clients see me on a weekly, bi-weekly or seasonal basis.   

Client testimonials:

“Coming here is a very peaceful experience. I am learning so much and seeing results. My digestion has improved so much along with my red bumps on my skin.”

“(I gained) common sense explanations of what can be challenging/new concepts and great recipes.  Enjoyed the yoga practice as part of the sessions.”

“...it is important to have an accountability partner and support system.  Nicole is a great energy and health coach.”

How can I start?

 If you're ready to lose weight, reduce stress, clear skin and/or improve digestion, schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Nicole by calling 206.568.7545.

Skype and home consultations also available.  Email Nicole at nperriella@yahoo.com

 

  

Back to Life

This first week back from India has been so interesting.  I feel like I'm an outsider in my own life and witnessing all of the people, places and events from afar.  It's like my vision has been cleared, and I see my whole life as "big picture."  I'm not back at work yet, so I have no routine, no serious obligations and my life is just wide open.

When I got back on Friday, I felt overwhelmed and in love with my boyfriend, Kevin.  He cleaned our entire place, left me a sweet note, came home with flowers and took me out to dinner.  I had been dreaming about that big, long hug for weeks.  As we sat at an outdoor Mexican place on our bustling street, I was looking around like a tourist, like I'd never been there before.  I was even looking at Kevin and thinking, "Wow, this guy's cute," as though he wasn't already "mine."  I was more quiet than usual because I didn't immediately verbalize every thought that came into my head.  It was such a strange feeling.

I've experienced this phenomenon again and again as I see friends (Wow, I see why we're friends!), enjoy my apartment and ease back into school life.  My concept of time has also shifted.  Before I left for India, I was constantly focused on my next step, next post, next project, next meal, next social event, go, go, GO!  Now I can step back and see all of the tremendous things that have already happened this year.  It really takes the internal pressure off to see how much I've already accomplished and not feel that nagging, urgent feeling to constantly need more.

Gratitude.  That's the overall essence of this week.  I'm so grateful for my life with it's bumps, beauty and love.  There is so much goodness, so many experiences waiting to manifest, so much learning and so much fun yet to have.  I don't have to force it, just flow with it.  Thank you for reading as I share this weird and amazing life.