Ivy Ingram - Women's Health & Ayurveda

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Ivy Ingram - Women's Health & Ayurveda

Ivy Ingram is an Ayurveda Practitioner with a master’s degree in psychology. She helps clients through online courses, cleanses, and private consultations.

She helps motivated, curious clients find natural support for issues such as digestive concerns, menstrual discomfort, chronic health conditions, and stress-related imbalances.

12/06/2025

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE KEEPING OUT

When I’m at home in India, there’s not so much background noise.

No TV, no radio advertisements, no grocery checkout line magazine racks…. No junk text messages, no Black Friday “deals,” no robo calls.

Fewer external distractions means, eventually, fewer internal distractions. Intuition becomes more possible.

We must protect the quiet, wherever we find it. I don’t want anyone else’s bad ideas taking up space in my mind.

Know what you’re keeping out, and why.

12/02/2025

THE GOLDEN HOUR

When we slow down, we can all feel that the sandhi, or joints, of the day such as sunrise or sunset are powerful, liminal times when we might enter a special frame of mind, a reassuring awareness of our place in the world and the immense gift of being alive right here, right now…

12/01/2025

I’m glad mainstream medicine is paying more attention to the needs of women in perimenopause and menopause.

🧐 However, there are some points that modern nutrition gets exactly backwards, according to the traditional science of Ayurveda.

For example: the encouragement to eat high amounts of protein in order to build muscle and bone in perimenopause - especially combining different types of protein like nuts and yogurt, or eggs and cheese.

Ayurveda explains that for many women, eating excess protein and reducing grains will increase hot flashes, night sweats, bloating and weight gain.

🔥 In perimenopause, most women’s metabolism changes (sometimes radically), and if we don’t take steps to strengthen it, we will experience weaker digestion.

Eating excess amounts of protein creates internal heat AND if our digestive power is already weak, then we digest it poorly resulting in metabolic waste (or āma), which clogs up the system, leading to more trapped heat, indigestion and weight gain.

🌺 Ayurveda teaches us how to support our digestion in this sensitive time of our life, what to eat to reduce excess heat, and how to build strong bones and muscle in this metamorphic life stage, emerging on the other side with more clarity, strength and peace.

Find more info about working with me 1:1 at the link in my bio

11/15/2025

A cup of warm milk is such a lovely part of my day, especially here in India where our community includes about 40 cows who spend their days in the fresh air and give beautiful milk.

Whole cow’s milk often gets a bad rap these days, as many people have difficulty digesting it.

However, that may be because of the way the cow was treated OR the way we’re drinking the milk, rather than an inherent problem with milk itself.

Milk is packed with vitamins and essential minerals, like calcium, Vitamin D, and vegetarian Vitamin B12 (found primarily in meat, eggs and dairy).

When we digest it well, whole milk builds strong muscles and bones, deepens sleep, improves immunity, regulates the nervous system, and helps us cultivate a peaceful sattvic mind.

Milk can be especially helpful during perimenopause/ menopause when Vata’s dry and light qualities can cause insomnia, anxiety, and dry skin, and Pitta’s heat can create hot flashes.

However, milk is nutritionally DENSE, so we must help our body digest it! Here are the key milk guidelines from Ayurveda...

🔥DRINK IT HOT. Milk is naturally cooling, so warming it up helps us process it more easily. Bring it up to just under boiling, then turn off the heat to preserve the enzymes that actually help us digest it.

🫚SPICE IT UP. Add a few pinches of digestive spices to help break down its rich nutrition - try turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and/or black pepper.

🌟 SEPARATE IT FROM OTHER FOODS. Mixing milk with other foods can create incompatible combinations that lead to gas, bloating and discomfort (such as with fruit, cereal, or meat). Instead, try a cup of hot milk on its own when you feel hungry, or just before bed.

🌟 DRINK IT WHOLE. Whole milk has the natural proportion of fat, protein and carbs to facilitate absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. When we drink 6-8 ounces of hot, spiced milk, our body uses the fat intelligently.

Yes, some people are truly allergic, but perhaps fewer than we think.

11/09/2025

In the expansive view Ayurveda holds, “health” includes so much more than our body alone.

Here at Vaidyagrama, our Ayurveda community in south India, we’ve just completed a weeklong celebration of the Nava Graha - typically understood as “the 9 planets,” but literally translated from Sanskrit as the 9 cosmic forces that “seize” us. Such astrological influences can directly impact our health physically and psychologically.

A team of priests came from Kerala, the next state over, to perform daily ceremonies or poojas, with drumming, chanting and offerings made to each planet. Certain herbs, specific grains and ghee were offered into the fire for each planet.

Each day, elaborate mandalas were “painted” on the floor with powdered herbs, revealing symbolic elements of each planet and serving as the focal point for our contemplation.

At night, we honored the goddess in her many forms - Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance, Kali, the force of destruction and transformation, Annapoorna with her ladle, the goddess of food and nourishment…

The divine is recognized as a multifaceted expression of Nature, a diversity of powers that is reflected in each of us. The microcosm of our human existence reflects the macrocosm of these powers and energies. Learning about them and honoring them with respect is a good first step to bring them into healthy expression.

These Nava Graha poojas are such a beautiful, inspiring spectacle that Vaidyagrama brings to life with such devotion. Consider joining me here next year for my annual panchakarma healing retreat.

09/11/2025

Are you overwhelmed and exhausted by the daily grind?

What if REST could be your secret weapon?

Dare to imagine a life where you feel rested and energized while doing everything you love.

I’m truly excited to be a featured presenter for the Rest Revolution, starting this Sunday, September 14.

I decided to join this summit because the topic is deeply inspiring to me, and it aligns with the needs I see in my clients every day - namely, more inspiration and practical wisdom about the importance of rest and how to make it happen in a busy life.

My talk is titled “Ayurvedic Rhythms for Rest and Wellbeing“ and I get to share some of the most powerful, impactful guidance about how to get better, deeper rest.

There are 12 other yoga teachers and practitioners teaching who are experts in holistic health, spirituality, and personal development.

Join us for this free summit and discover how to create change without pushing, rest deeply without disengaging, and achieve wellness on your terms – without hustling!

More info at the link in my bio or at www.myRestRevolution.com

09/10/2025

What a joy it is to be back in India! Here are some glimpses of life as I settle back into my little home at Vaidyagrama Ayurveda village.

I arrived during Onam, a harvest festival celebrated with feasts and mandalas of flower petals known as Pookalam. I was greeted by several in the airport, their fragile beauty even more arresting in a bustling airport!

At , I got to observe pookalam being made - such a celebration of nature’s temporal beauty.

I was then swept up in “Tatwa Tantu: Sacred Threads of Reality,” the annual conference at Vaidyagrama. This year’s theme is the many faces of the goddess.

Each day starts with a homa, or fire ceremony, dedicated to a different goddess. This one honored Sarasvati, the goddess of the arts, knowledge, and learning.

One evening we were treated to a masterful Bharatnatyam performance, a traditional Indian dance, by Rukmini Vijayakumar.

Her ability to conjure up characters and emotions was startling - as much theater as dance. Her embodiment of Radha’s sorrow at the loss of her beloved Krishna literally brought me to tears.

In one workshop we learned about rangoli, the elaborate rice flour designs that are common in southern India. Here’s my attempt - humbling, to say the least!

Here’s the view from my front porch of some of my neighbors - it’s evident from the lush foliage that the rains have been generous this year.

On the night of the full moon, I caught the moonrise out my back door, right on the cusp of entering panchakarma treatment myself - 3 weeks of rejuvenation and detoxification with my longtime doctor and teacher, Dr. Ramadas.

It’s been 3 years since my last panchakarma. Each time holds such transformative and nourishing gifts - I’m looking forward to disconnecting and discovering what’s in store for me.

There’s still time to join my group and come for panchakarma with my doctor here in November! Airfares are still reasonable - and the powerful healing and immersion in self-learning is truly life-changing.

More info in my bio!

05/03/2025

🇮🇳Have you ever considered going to India for Ayurveda treatment? 🌸

I am thrilled to be bringing another small group to India this November to receive treatment with my own doctor and teacher, Dr. Ramadas.

We will also visit a few local temples, some gorgeous sari and clothing shops, and of course enjoy some delicious south Indian food! AND we have room for the right person to join us…

Panchakarma is a profound detoxification and rejuvenation protocol that is tailored to the patient’s current condition and needs.

The protocol is renowned for its ability to restore function, reverse some disease progress, and even transform emotional and spiritual issues.

It’s also powerful preventative medicine, strengthening digestion, elimination and immunity.

The cost of treatment in India is far less than something comparable would be in the West - but the truer statement is that there simply ISN’T anything comparable in the West.

India itself is an integral part of the healing that I have witnessed. To be supported by this culture - the warmth and genuine hospitality of the people, the devotion of the caregivers, the belief in a pervasive spiritual reality - is a powerful healing force.

In this current political reality, it is even more evident how precious it is to be ABLE to go to India to receive Ayurveda treatment. I am encouraging clients to seize the opportunity now - we never know what the next year may bring.

However, India is not necessarily an intuitive place for visitors to navigate, and communication is not always straightforward.

This is why each year I shepherd a small group into the care of the amazing Ayurveda physicians whom I have known for over a decade. Because of our history and relationship, I can support clear communication and help with each step of planning.

🌸 I’m holding an Information Session on May 21. Come listen in!

Read more about our Panchakarma Healing Retreat and sign up for the info session at the link in my bio .

It would be an honor to have you join us. 🌸

04/27/2025

Last week I had the great honor of teaching a 3-day program, “Awaken the Voice, Quiet the Mind,” with over 100 participants at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in the Bahamas.

What a gift to get to introduce the practice of Veda chanting to such a receptive and devoted community of yogis.

Chanting mantras from the Veda can be a powerfully captivating concentration technique, or dharana, opening the door for deeper meditation.

I probably lived in an ashram in a former life - the daily rhythm feels so natural! Wake before dawn, meditate and chant in community, do yoga overlooking the water, followed by the most delicious and hearty brunch… then teach in the afternoon, yoga again before dinner, and an evening satsang with more meditation, chanting and teaching. Bliss.

For this introductory program, I shared some of the historical context of the Vedas and why its wisdom is so meaningful in this age.

Then we dove in and started chanting - the most important part! We practiced the Sun-praising Gāyatrī mantra to cultivate clarity, and I shared some longer sūktams to demonstrate the variety of topics included in the Veda.

I’m so grateful to my teacher, Shantala Sriramaiah of for opening this path for me to share these exquisite teachings as part of an unbroken lineage of teachers. May the timeless wisdom shine through in our time. Om namah shivaya.

03/28/2025

Do you struggle with
seasonal allergies or excess mucus
constipation, bloating, hyperacidity or diarrhea
food sensitivities to dairy, gluten, or other foods
painful periods, PMS or difficult perimenopausal symptoms

joint pain or aches that come and go
dramatic energy dips throughout the day
feeling stuck in a rut or old mental patterns

When our digestive power is less than fantastic, poorly digested food and waste byproducts block the channels in our body and get lodged in our deep tissues, causing havoc and disrupting all sorts of normal functions.

It may seem subtle at first, but over time, this lodged waste can lead to more serious symptoms - even things that don’t seem connected to digestion.

Ayurveda has a profound method of clearing out old waste and resetting our digestive power so the body can naturally self-correct and heal. It is also great preventative medicine that strengthens the immune system and sets us up to feel steady energy and mental clarity. Brain fog lifts and energy returns.

Join me for a guided Ayurveda Detoxification & Rejuvenation, starting in about a week! It’s a gentle method that nourishes us into health - no harsh fasting or crazy laxatives.

The Early Bird Discount expires Monday, March 31.

Learn more and register at the link in bio

02/18/2025

Have you ever thought about coming to India to receive an authentic panchakarma detoxification and rejuvenation treatment?

This November, I’m bringing a small group of patients to receive this powerful treatment with my own Ayurveda doctor and teacher, Dr. Ramadas.

Soooo I’m holding an Info Session this THURSDAY on zoom for anyone interested in learning more. Come join me! Sign up at link in bio.

An authentic panchakarma treatment is a powerful way to:

🌟 Detoxify and rejuvenate the body and mind at the deepest levels

🌟 Restore your body’s innate healing capacity

🌟 Re-establish proper digestive function

🌟 Address early-stage disease symptoms before they become deeply rooted

🌟 Uncover mental clarity and new perspective

🌟 Return home with a renewed commitment to your health

When you come to India with me, I support you every step of the way - from getting the necessary visa and planning what to pack, to arranging your airport pick-up in India and meeting with you every day during treatment.

I’m holding an Info Session on zoom this THURSDAY, February 20, 6:30-7:30pm Eastern / 3:30-4:30pm Pacific.

Even if this isn’t the year for you to do it, feel free to come listen in and learn what it’s about! Sign up for the Info Session at the link in my bio .

I’ll be covering:

🌀What defines a panchakarma protocol, and how the term is often misused

🌀The potential benefits for common diseases and the role of panchakarma as preventative medicine

🌀How the protocol can help reverse disease development, and the transformative space it offers for our mental health

🌀 My personal experience receiving panchakarma 5 different times in India - and why I plan to do it every 2 years for the rest of my life

🌀More details about the opportunity to come to India with me in November 2025 to experience panchakarma yourself.

01/24/2025

Since October, I’ve been on a sabbatical in Southern India, staying in a small house in the Ayurveda community where my teachers live outside Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. I spend my days practicing, studying and teaching at the Ayurveda treatment center next door. I have reveled in the healing simplicity of life here, the ready sense of purpose and calling, and the ease of human connections with fewer distractions.

I have taken a break from social media and most news, and I must say I haven’t missed either. However, I have missed YOU, my people hidden behind the addictive bells and whistles of the online infrastructure. (I bet a new wave of connective technology is coming, as I hear disgruntled grumblings from an increasing number of us who are ambivalent about connecting here. I remain hopeful, at any rate...)

I’ll be milking the last few weeks here before returning to the US, but I wanted to share a few glimpses of life here. I’ll share more in the weeks ahead - so, more to come!

1 - Honoring the cows, who give us pancha gavya, the five gifts of milk, butter, yogurt, dung (used for fuel), and urine (used medicinally)
2 - Shanthi arranging flowers in the urli at the entrance to our house
3 - At the free medical camp for local villagers
4 - Welcoming one of my clients who arrived for panchakarma
5 - Dressing up with another client
6 - Honoring goddess Sarasvati
7 - At one of the Navagraha poojas, the worship of the 9 planets
8 - Children watching the pooja
9 - The priest’s view
10 - The scene outside my window one day…
11 - at the temple in Hampi
12 - my chanting teacher and assistants at our retreat in Hampi, Karnataka
13 - at the Sarpa Bali pooja to show gratitude to the snakes as the emissary of all the animals we have displaced by building on this land
14 - visiting a school for dance and other cultural arts
15 - An amazing veena concert, with the timekeeper seated in front, a violinist, and several drummers and percussionists

Address

Durham, NC

Telephone

+19199060659

Website

http://www.ivyingram.com/

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Ivy Ingram, MA, AP, is an Ayurveda Practitioner with a master’s degree in Psychology specializing in women’s health issues. She helps motivated, curious clients find natural support for issues such as digestive concerns, menstrual discomfort, chronic health conditions, and stress-related imbalances like insomnia, anxiety and fatigue. Using tools like food, herbs, and lifestyle tweaks, she helps clients through individual consultations, online courses, and seasonal cleanses.