Rediscovering Ayurveda with Disha Deshpande

Disha is a Yoga teacher and also a passionate traveller.

She has also worked as a music journalist previously with Rolling Stones India, it was during those days she came across a Yoga course and she felt “I HAVE to go here! I HAVE to know what Yoga can do for me”. And, since that first experience, Disha has been passionately practicing yoga and travelling as well.

Disha also designed a series of workshops about Yoga and Art, which combines creativity and therapeutic benefits of yoga.

To know more about such workshops and follow disha here (@swastiastu.yoga)

Let’s learn more about Disha’s journey here.

How did you start your journey as Ayurveda Practitioner? (Tell us your story)

As a teenager, I suffered from blinding migraines and regular nightmares that made me tired and gave me serious anxiety. Since I knew migraine was psychosomatic, I knew I needed to calm the mind and watch the pain without being affected by it.

That is how I began meditating.

Rediscovering Ayurveda with Disha

As for Yoga, though I was introduced to it at the age of 4, it only really called out to me 4 years ago.
Back then, I was a journalist – over caffeinated, underfed, sleep-deprived, dehydrated and working 14 hours a day – always anxious, restless and stressed. That is when I happened to spot a residential Yoga Teacher’s Training program at The Yoga Institute.

I thought to myself, “I HAVE to go here! I HAVE to know what Yoga can do for me”. That phase of my life surely had a purpose, but it was over, and I had to let it go. Let my old self go.

Yoga truly can be a life-changing experience. With simple and small changes that we start adopting in our regular life, a larger – life-changing experience comes up.

What inspired you to take the path of Yoga and Healthy Lifestyle?

When I was at The Yoga Institute, I had no intention of taking up teaching professionally. My purpose was to explore the Gurukul life and all that it had to offer. Inspiration didn’t really have much to do with it.

I gave everything new a fair chance and allowed by body to decide. As a former dancer, my body enjoyed asana practice immensely. The pranayama felt good to the mind and meditation was always a go to anyway. The sattvic food was initially strange on the flavour front but soon, my body began loving the simple and wholesome meals. I was sleeping better in the nights and was more energetic during the day. The “healthy lifestyle” that followed was just a by product.

What keeps you motivated to do what you do?

Human anatomy is so fascinating. Hundreds of muscles controlled by millions of nerves that manage all movements and basic human functions! Add to that the hormones that regulate more complex functions, physiology and behaviour.

Rediscovering Ayurveda with Disha

To top it all, there is the conscious and sub-conscious mind that are magnificent systems put it place for us to understand and experiment with. My own body and mind make me curious. I explore its limitations, put it in usual situations and constantly update my life style according to the needs of this human body that I have been given for this life. And then, there are my students, who teach me more about the body each day.

Tell us what a typical day in the life of a Yoga Practitioner looks like?

Rediscovering Ayurveda with Disha

I begin the day with a Tulsi and Ashwagandha green tea to jump start my brain and bowels. I eat 2-3 meals a day with sufficient amounts of juices, smoothies and electrolytes (ginger-lemon iced tea).

When I am in Goa, at least one of my meals is a salad, so I can be light and active during the busy months. My meals are mostly sattvic – nothing to salty or heavy on spices. Most practices change with my geographic location. When I am in the mountains, my teas are more spiced, I crave soups and my meals are protein and carb heavy. Although I haven’t begun the practice of Abhyanga for myself yet, it is definitely calling to me.

What are your three favorite healthy habits you practice regularly, taken from the philosophy of Ayurveda or Yoga?

For the Body:
Bed Routine – Spinal stretches to start and end the day with.

For the Mind:
Inversions and Pranayama, because the mind and breath and inextricably linked.

For the Soul: A variety of teas!

How do you think Ayurveda and Yoga relate to one another? How do you think awareness regarding both Ayurveda and Yoga can be increased?

They are both body sciences. Developing a self practice allows you to understand your individual body constitution, its phases and changes, and preferences. When there is an imbalance in the Doshas, it can be countered through specific asanas, pranayamas and kriyas, aside from Ayurvedic practices and diet. When there is a physical manifestation of a dis-ease in the body, it helps immensely to have the science of herbs at your disposal to revamp your body constitution. It is a such a beautiful connection that the two share.

As for increasing awareness, it is important for people to know how ancient sciences like Yoga and Ayurveda can help THEM specifically in their day to day lives. It is only when you see examples of how it can be applied to modern day life, will they want to try it.

What is your message for all Ayurveda, Spiritual, Yoga and Healthy living enthusiast?

Learning is best when experiential. All these areas are part of self-care, sciences to help the human body to help optimise its journey on Earth. Whatever you wish to upgrade in your lifestyle can only be done when you dive into it 100% with a willingness to try and an open mind.

The journey may be uncomfortable but the rewards are beyond measure!

Which Amrutam product would you love to try?

I would love to try the Kuntal Care DIY Hair Spa and the Kayakey Massage Oil! Since most of my classes and therapies take place outdoors, both seem like products that would make great additions to my self care regimen.