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

 

  

I Did It!

The Alcohol-Free experiment is complete.  I made it 31 days without a drop of alcohol.  I'm feeling a mix of pride, contentment and surprise.  I knew that I could do it, but I'm astonished that it actually wasn't that hard.  The month went by fast, and I have even gone a few extra dry days.  Tonight I'm planning to enjoy a glass of wine at dinner with friends.  That one glass will now be it's own mini-experiment since my system is clean.  It's funny how any sort of deprivation makes the next bite or sip of that item absolutely heavenly.  I came across this same idea recently in a captivating book called Wild.  The author, Cheryl Strayed, decided to hike the Pacific Coast Trail alone for months.  In her case, she has limited access to basic necessities like water and food.  It's fascinating to watch her experience unfold.  In a way, the hike is her own type of experiment.  At this point in my reading, she is killing it.  I'm rooting for her as she battles her demons and conquers this gruelling challenge.  Like Cheryl, I'm realizing that we can surprise ourselves with our own capabilities... if only we take the chance and dive in.  Ready, GO!

Permission to Party

Today is Day 27 of the Alcohol-Free experiment.  It has been surprisingly easy for me to resist.  I was around alcohol last night, and the thing that struck me most was the smell.  We all know that tequila has a potent smell, but it felt like I walked into a tequila cloud when I entered the kitchen.  It had never smelled that strong to me before.  Yes, it was a little enticing because I love margaritas.  But on the other hand, it made me reconsider what that fiery liquid would do inside my body.  I opted for a cranberry and soda with a big squeeze of lime.  Just having something in my hand helps me feel like I still get to participate and be social.

It's true that a lot of the silly stories and crazy adventures from the past include alcohol.  And that's OK.  It's funny to remember back on the times when we let our guard down and just let loose.  Now I'm practicing how to relax and do that without the alcohol.  My boyfriend can tell you that I sometimes don't know how to relax.  I'll buzz around the house cleaning, doing laundry, making calls, cooking food when I could just sit down and hang out.  As I mentioned in my last post, I'm ready for a party, and I'm giving myself permission to party without the alcohol.  Permission granted!

Here are the other ways I'm allowing myself to relax and unwind:
1. baths with Epsom salts and a magazine (favorites: Real Simple and the Oprah Magazine)
2. reading and eating popcorn in bed (so naughty)
3. meditation
4. exercising in the gym in my building
5. going out to eat with friends (on deck this week: Plum)
6. buying flowers at the farmers market with Kevin
7. getting vegan ice cream and sitting at the park (favorites: coconut chocolate chunk from Molly Moon's and sorbet at Cupcake Royale)
8. watching New Girl, Mindy Project and Million Dollar Listing (look who has a TV now!)
9. going to the movies
10. walking around my beautiful city (I love you, Seattle!)

As I cruise through the last few days of this experiment, I'm feeling grateful for this opportunity to reconnect with myself and cut through the haze.  Have you ever tried giving up alcohol?  What worked for you?

I Need a Party!

I sit here laughing as I write this because I just realized that I need to cut loose.  I have been so strict with myself lately that I'm strangling all the fun out of my life.  No gluten, no alcohol, too much work, too many commitments...it's enough to drive a girl crazy.  I am officially inviting fun back into my life.  Too many rules is suffocating.  I am reconnecting with the medium path and finding any excuse to giggle, do a dance and be silly.  Bring it on, Universe!

HUGE NEWS!

Sometimes faith is all the we really have.  Faith that this crazy idea will work out.  Faith that my efforts and actions are leading me somewhere good.  Faith that this excitement, passion, energy...this feeling IS the point.  This feeling IS my ultimate goal.  Achieving my goal is not really the goal.  Feeling stoked and motivated and inspired on the way to a goal is the best part. 

Opportunities keep plopping into my lap and pointing me in the right direction.  Starting May 1st, I will be a member of the Glow Team at Glow Natural Health Center in Madison Valley.  We offer acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, Naturopathic medicine, psychotherapy and now AYURVEDA!  I will be seeing clients from 8am-12pm on Saturdays and 6:30-8:30pm on Wednesdays.

The lease is being looked over, website profile being revised, insurance paperwork being shuffled, promotion events in the works...I just can't keep the secret any longer.  This is truly a dream come true.  I am so inspired to guide my clients to happier, more joyous lives through nutrition, herbs, yoga, meditation, pranayama and lifestyle routines.  I am the Ayurveda Health Coach, and I'm ready to serve.