Santa Cruz Ayurveda

11/13/2025

The term Yoga Nidra (योग निद्रा) comes from two Sanskrit words:

Yoga (योग) – meaning union, integration, or harmony.
Nidra (निद्रा) – meaning sleep.
Together, Yoga Nidra translates as “yogic sleep” or “the sleep of the yogi.”

It refers not to ordinary sleep but to a state of conscious deep relaxation, where the body rests while the mind remains aware. In the Ayurvedic and yogic traditions, it is considered a bridge between waking and sleeping consciousness, a state of pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses).

The term Yoga Nidra (योग निद्रा) comes from two Sanskrit words: Yoga (योग) – meaning union, integration, or harmony. Nidra (निद्रा) – meaning sleep. Together, Yoga Nidra translates as “yogic sleep” or “the sleep of the yogi.” It refers not to ordinary ...

10/31/2025

Why do we have adrenal fatigue especially in the colder months? Here is an Ayurvedic perspective on Adrenal Fatigue and suggestions to stay balanced.

Understanding “Adrenal Fatigue” in Ayurvedic Terms The modern term “adrenal fatigue” doesn’t appear in classical Ayurvedic texts, but the pattern it describes — chronic exhaustion, poor stress tolerance, insomnia, anxiety, and low immunity — corresponds closely to several interrelated ...

10/16/2025

Welcome to Autumn! Crisp air and golden leaves are a reminder that we are transitioning into the cooler months of the year. Take a look at our new article with helpful tips on maintaining balance and immunity using Ayurvedic practices. Included are two delicious ayurvedic recipes for breakfast and dinner.

In Ayurveda, Ritu Sandhi, the juncture between two seasons, is considered a delicate and crucial time for maintaining health. As the body adapts to new environmental conditions, immunity can weaken, making us more susceptible to colds, allergies, and digestive imbalances. The primary transitions occ...

10/02/2025

Fasting has been practiced for centuries in many cultures as a path to cleansing, healing, and spiritual clarity. In Ayurveda, the science of life, fasting (Upavasa) is not simply about abstaining from food but about restoring balance to body, mind, and spirit. When done correctly and at the right time, long-term fasting can be a powerful tool for healing.

Fasting has been practiced for centuries in many cultures as a path to cleansing, healing, and spiritual clarity. In Ayurveda, the science of life, fasting (Upavasa) is not simply about abstaining from food but about restoring balance to body, mind, and spirit. When done correctly and at the right t...

09/24/2025

In a world filled with division, Ayurvedic wisdom offers us a sanctuary of balance. Discover how to cultivate inner harmony today!

In a world increasingly defined by division; political, social, cultural, and even internal, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda offers a profound pathway back to balance. Rooted in the philosophy that healing begins within, Ayurveda invites us to reconnect with our true nature, restore our internal equi...

09/04/2025

In Ayurveda, water is more than hydration: it is spirit, flow, and life itself. One of the five great elements, water symbolizes connection and cohesion. It nourishes rasa, known as the “juice of life” that carries both vitality and emotion. Water is also one of the two elements that make up the pitta dosha. It softens fire, reminding us to temper ambition with compassion. Water steps in as a cooling, soothing ally — balancing intensity with flow. During Pitta season, water keeps us steady, nourished, and at peace, washing away heaviness or excess fire. Learn about the healing mental, physical, and spiritual properties of water in our article, “Water Wisdom for Pitta Season”, live now on our website.🌞💧✨

09/03/2025

When the summer heat rises, it’s tempting to reach for an ice-cold drink. But in Ayurveda, icy water can weaken your Agni (digestive fire), slowing digestion and disrupting circulation. Instead, sip room-tempertature water to stay hydrated, and try cooling, refreshing options like coconut water or a cucumber-mint drink. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post, “Water Wisdom for Pitta Season", where we’ll dive into balancing fire with cooling, nourishing practices that feel good inside and out.

08/28/2025

The fiery energy of Pitta season can leave us feeling overheated, irritable, or burned out, and while we want to keep our bodies moving, it’s important to do so with balance. Gentle practices like Restorative Yoga, Hatha, and slow Vinyasa help cool the fire while keeping energy circulating. Pair these movements with a cooling breathwork practice such as Sheetali, a simple pranayama where you curl the tongue, inhale cool air through the mouth, and exhale slowly through the nose, to soothe the body and calm the mind.

For more on the best times of day to exercise, how to move with balance, and which breathwork practices to try, check out our latest article, Movement & Breathwork for Pitta Season!

08/21/2025

In Ayurveda, summer’s fiery Pitta energy can show up as overheating, skin irritation, or even burnout. The way you dress can help keep your body cool and your doshas balanced.

Tip: Wear light, loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or linen in cooling colors—this allows your skin to breathe and reduces excess Pitta heat.

Look out for our full blog post on Ayurvedic skin & sun care tomorrow at 2 PM! Find it on our website, linked in our bio.

08/20/2025

We’re excited to share that Santa Cruz Ayurveda will be part of this year’s Santa Cruz Wellness Expo at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History!

Join us on September 20, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 PM for an afternoon of wellness and community. We’ll be offering insights into Ayurvedic medicine and how it can bring balance to your mind, body, and spirit to foster vitality, harmony, and overall well-being. We hope to see you there!

08/15/2025

In Ayurveda, the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are formed from the five elements: air, ether (space), fire, water and earth. Each of the five elements in Ayurveda shape our overall wellbeing through their expressions in our mind, body, and spirit. When these elements are in harmony, we feel connected, balanced, and at peace. When out of balance, we may experience disharmony and feel disconnected in certain areas of our lives.

Here are five simple practices to bring balance to each element:

Air: Practice light movement like gentle yoga or walking to keep your body moving and flowing.
Ether (space): Take time for stillness through meditation and small pauses in silence throughout the day.
Fire: Incorporate a cup of ginger and lemon tea into your day to keep your digestive fires going
Water: Engage in creative expression (drawing, singing, dancing, or anything else that you feel inspired to engage in) without judgement for at least 5 minutes.
Earth: Take pauses of gratitude before every meal.

Want to learn more about each of the five elements in Ayurveda and how their unique qualities express themselves both individually and through the three doshas? Be on the lookout for our upcoming article, "The Five Elements in Ayurveda" tomorrow at 2 PM!

08/07/2025

According to Ayurveda, vyayama (physical exercise in Sanskrit) is essential for maintaining balance between the body, mind, and spirit. It boosts agni (digestion), improves circulation, boosts immunity and removes toxins (Ama). In ayurveda, finding the right vyayama practice for your dosha consititution and lifestyle is necessary to ensure that exercise is beneficial, not harmful. One simple rule in ayurveda that applies to all dosha types is to work out to only half your capacity, stopping before breathlessness or strain.

Be on the lookout for information on vyayama for the three doshas, eating for a balanced vyayama practice, exercising seasonally and more on our website tomorrow at 2 PM!