Transformative Habits: How Daily Practices Ignite Our Inner Healing | Ayur
Vol.19 of the Ayur Newsletter
Transformative Habits: How Daily Practices Ignite Our Inner Healing
Recently, I was reflecting on my own well-being journey – both professionally and personally.
When Covid-19 pandemic started out, I was working as a primary care physician (PCP) where I was no longer finding joy, meaning, or purpose in the traditional setup. Personally, I was mentally and physically exhausted. Around that time, I had been accepted into the Integrative Medicine Fellowship Program at AWCIM. After considerable thought and despite the challenges of working as a PCP in the midst of a pandemic, I decided to move forward with the program.
Transformative Habit
To say the fellowship program was transformative might sound cliché. However, as I progressed through the learning modules, I began incorporating a few practices into my own life. For example, inspired by the nutrition module, I switched to whole grains, increased my weekly intake of greens, and cleared refined sugar from my pantry. After the meditation module, I began incorporating morning prayer meditation. Then, with mind-body practices, I decided to try yoga for the first time. I spent more time in nature, adding evening outdoor walks with my husband, growing indoor plants, and learning to care for them (though many didn’t survive my early efforts!).
These small, consistent habits created profound shifts in my health — mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While I recognized the impact, I couldn’t fully explain it at that time.
What is Agni in Ayurveda?
As I delved into Ayurveda, I encountered the concept of Agni. Agni, described as the digestive fire or metabolic energy, is essential for digesting, assimilating, and transforming not only food into nourishment but also thoughts and sensory experiences into awareness and consciousness. Balanced Agni is fundamental to physical health and mental clarity. When Agni is balanced, it supports a strong immune system, mental clarity, vitality, and emotional balance.
A verse in the Charaka Samhita captures the importance of Agni (in Sanskrit)
आयुर्वर्णो बलं वर्णः प्रश्रभावप्रीतिविष्टपम् | अशक्तिः प्राणिनां प्राणः अन्नानां पार्थिवस्य च ||
(In English: Ayurvarnom balam varṇaḥ prabhaavaḥ preeti-vistapam. Ashaktih praanninaam praanaḥ annaanaamam partthinvasya cha)
The verse states: “Agni is responsible for āyus (lifespan), varo (strength), balam (vitality), varṇa (complexion), and prabhava (radiance).
It controls the experience of pleasure, sustains life, and supports all bodily functions.
When Agni is balanced, it provides health and wellness; when impaired, it leads to disease and degeneration.”
Agni: Forming Habits
By making small, intentional changes to my diet and lifestyle, I transformed my Agni. This inner shift enhanced my physical, emotional, and spiritual health, empowering me to leave a career path that no longer aligned with my values. I routinely share these Ayurvedic insights and practices with my patients, helping them ignite their own Agni to support true, lasting health and vitality.
Check out The Previous Newsletters
Some Earlier Topics:
- Crafting a Nutritious Salad
- Perfect is the Enemy of Progress
- Value of Connections
- Recovering from Illness
- Nature’s Tools for Holistic Health
- Incredible Power of Plants
- Our Environmental Commitment
- Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness
- What is Integrative Medicine
Learn more about our Practice
If you’re ready to feel more balanced, energized, and in control of your health, I invite you to explore Ayur’s holistic approach.
At Ayur Integrative Medicine, we blend the best of Eastern and Western medicine. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting wellness in a way that feels empowering, sustainable, and aligned with your values and beliefs. More info: www.ayur.today
Information contained in this document is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not intended to constitute the practice of medicine. The document’s educational content is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses. Please consult with your own healthcare professional for health care services, or formally subscribe in writing to the practice’s subscription programs. In case of any emergency, please call 9-1-1 and/or utilize ER services.
Ayur Integrative Medicine
Portola Valley, California
Pleasanton, California