Discover the profound connection between breath, energy, and consciousness in this insightful discussion with Akshay Bhatt, a practitioner of yoga and Ayurveda. The conversation explores the transformative practice of pranayama, or breath control, as a gateway to understanding the mind and body on a deeper level. Akshay explains how the practice of elongating the breath, retaining exhalations, and techniques like Brahmari (humming) can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and unlock profound states of awareness.

The speakers delve into the ancient teachings of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Raja Yoga, revealing how breathwork aligns with the pranic body, the subtle energy field that governs vitality and balance. Akshay also shares practical tips for integrating pranayama into daily routines, emphasizing its role in managing emotions, improving focus, and preparing for meditation.

The discussion touches on the nuances of energy-based practices, such as Reiki and Pranic Healing, which help expand and balance prana (life force energy). Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how conscious breathing not only supports physical health but also cultivates emotional resilience, spiritual awareness, and an enhanced sense of inner peace. This episode invites you to transform your daily habits through the power of breath.

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Exploring Pranayama: The Fourth Limb of Yoga

00:03:58 - Hatha Yoga: The Foundation for Raja Yoga

00:10:23 - Sensing the Subtle Energy Between Palms

00:15:16 - Pranic Healing and the Heart's Centrality

00:19:48 - The Power of Subtle Body Expansion

00:23:04 - The Power of Prana: Exploring the Pranic Body and Breath Practices

00:29:16 - Breath Holding and Oxygen Advantage

00:35:20 - Pranayama and Meditation Techniques for Relaxation

00:42:09 - Chakra Chanting and Meditation

00:43:16 - Chakra Activation through Mantra and Breath

00:45:43 - Observing Chakra Energies and the Mind

00:49:13 - Integrating Pranayama into Daily Life

00:52:21 - The Power of Breath in Meditation

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/

Emotions like anger, frustration, and rage are part of the human experience, but how can we navigate them in a healthy way? In this episode, the guest dives deep into understanding these intense emotions, sharing practical tools to process them constructively and avoid their negative impacts on the body and mind.

The discussion explores how emotions like annoyance and anger trigger physical responses, such as increased cortisol levels and heightened stress. The guest explains how unresolved feelings, like resentment, can build over time and lead to physical tension and disrupted energy flow, particularly in organs like the liver and heart, as seen through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine. They highlight the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions in real time to prevent long-term emotional and physical strain.

Drawing inspiration from leaders like Nelson Mandela and insights from Brene Brown, the conversation emphasizes the power of vulnerability and emotional awareness. Techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling, and body awareness are recommended to calm the nervous system and build emotional resilience. Through personal stories, including challenging travel experiences, the guest illustrates how self-awareness and self-compassion can transform emotional turmoil into personal growth. Listeners will walk away with tools to navigate their emotions and build deeper empathy and connection with themselves and others.

Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Science of Anger and Frustration

00:03:32 - Emotions, Physiology, and Traditional Medicine

00:07:22 - The Physiology of Anger and Rage

00:10:46 - Rage, Anger, and the Body's Response

00:13:52 - Unresolved Emotions and Their Impact

00:16:50 - Emotional Intelligence: Practical Techniques

00:20:44 - Techniques to Manage Anger and Frustration

00:29:50 - Emotional Trek and Flight Delays

00:32:02 - Navigating Airline Booking Mishaps

00:34:06 - Navigating Airport Frustration with Yoga-Inspired Calm

00:35:49 - Coping with Stress and Emotional Turmoil

00:37:53 - Navigating Emotional Challenges

This episode offers a deep dive into the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine, focusing on balance as the key to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Jocelyn Keoh, a Chinese medicine practitioner, shares profound insights into how elements like fire, metal, and water influence our well-being.

The discussion explores the fire element, associated with passion and warmth, and its connection to the heart and small intestine. Jocelyn explains how imbalances can manifest as overexcitement or depletion and offers practical advice to maintain equilibrium through rest, emotional expression, and mindful living. The conversation also touches on the role of digestion and how our mental state influences gut health. By being fully present while eating, we can optimize our body's natural rhythms and support the rest-and-digest response.

Other topics include the vital connection between the lungs and skin, the importance of kidney health for energy and detoxification, and the Taoist concept of "jing" or kidney essence, which fuels our vitality. Jocelyn emphasizes the need to care for our lower back, avoid rushing detox processes, and seek personalized guidance from trusted practitioners.

This episode inspires listeners to tune into their body's signals, embrace balance, and take small, mindful steps toward lasting well-being.

TAO’s Medicine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taomedicine/

Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Exploring the Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine

00:03:05 - The Heart: Governing Emotions and Sweat

00:07:45 - The Imbalance of Intensity

00:10:25 - The Balance of Body Fluids and Emotions

00:13:06 - Repressed Emotions and Chakra Imbalance

00:15:49 - Digestive Health: Balancing Mind and Body

00:21:35 - The Power of Presence and Mindfulness

00:25:48 - The Lungs and the Metal Element

00:29:24 - The Metal Element: Balancing Dominance and Vulnerability

00:33:24 - Breathing Through the Nose: Lungs and Emotions

00:36:11 - The Kidneys: The Foundation of Yin-Yang Balance

00:41:59 - Balancing Yin and Yang in Kidney Health

00:46:52 - Navigating Altitude Adjustments

00:47:46 - Personalized Approach to Wellbeing

00:49:23 - Consult a Health Professional Before Detoxing

00:51:19 - Upcoming Herbal Medicine Course

Imagine understanding health not as a fixed state but as an ongoing journey of balance. This episode dives into the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine, where harmony between yin and yang is the cornerstone of well-being. Jaclyn Keoh, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, shares profound insights into how balancing our body’s energy, or "chi," can lead to improved health and happiness.

The conversation unpacks the interconnectedness of seasonal changes, personal constitutions, and emotional energy. Jaclyn explains how yin-yang theory applies to everyday life, emphasizing the importance of rest and activity, emotional release, and personalized self-care. Through relatable metaphors and personal stories, the speakers highlight the importance of understanding one's unique constitution and using that knowledge to make lifestyle adjustments that align with nature’s rhythms.

Listeners will gain practical tips on recognizing energy imbalances, addressing emotional stagnation, and fostering harmony within relationships. Jaclyn emphasizes self-compassion and self-awareness as keys to sustaining health in a world of constant flux. This episode is an inspiring reminder that our well-being is not just about physical health but about embracing life’s natural ebbs and flows with grace and intuition.

TAO’s Medicine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taomedicine/

Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Sharing Yoga Through Podcast Reviews

00:02:28 - Exploring Chinese Medicine with Jocelyn Kyo

00:04:19 - From Accounting to Holistic Health: My Journey

00:06:52 - Profound Encounter Sparking Health Journey

00:08:20 - From Gili Air to Chinese Medicine: A Journey of Learning

00:11:12 - Exploring the Connections Between Buddhism, Ayurveda, and Yin-Yang

00:14:59 - The Yin-Yang Balance of the Female Cycle

00:20:02 - Exploring the Elements and Seasons

00:22:19 - Adapting to Change: Exploring Personal Constitutions

00:24:37 - Balancing Personality Elements

00:28:18 - Balancing Wood Element and Stress

00:32:37 - Understanding the Intelligent Energy of Chi

00:35:57 - Releasing Emotional Stagnation for Optimal Health

00:39:37 - The Journey of Finding Balance
00:42:33 - Embracing the Impermanence of Life

Imagine reaching a 5,400-meter summit in the Himalayas, finding a powerful sense of pride that goes beyond the climb itself. In this episode, Michael shares insights from his journey about cultivating self-worth and finding balance between internal and external validation.

Michael explores the importance of self-compassion and how we can appreciate ourselves without relying solely on big achievements or outside approval. He suggests we aim for 70-80% of our validation to come from within, using practices like journaling, setting personal goals, and celebrating small wins. This helps build resilience, avoid burnout, and steer clear of perfectionism traps.

Michael also emphasizes the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin and oxytocin in feeling pride and accomplishment. By focusing on inner growth, he argues we can foster lasting self-confidence, letting positive emotions guide us toward personal goals. For anyone interested in building self-worth through inner growth, this episode offers practical steps to boost confidence, resilience, and joy in everyday life.Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Practicing Self-Compassion for Emotional Resilience

00:02:09 - Cultivating Pride: Lessons from Nepal

00:05:50 - Harnessing the Power of Pride and Growth

00:10:16 - Balancing Internal and External Validation

00:14:45 - Embracing Self-Appreciation and Compassion

00:17:52 - Cultivating Self-Appreciation Through Reflection and Skill Development

00:20:20 - Balancing Goals and Self-Worth

00:23:22 - Avoiding Burnout: Balancing Achievements and Self-Worth

00:27:43 - Building Confidence Through Self-Appreciation

00:31:11 - Celebrating Effort, Seeking Feedback, and Reflecting on Growth

00:33:05 - Avoiding Burnout: Balancing Work and Joyful Activities

00:36:23 - The Neurochemistry of Pride and Accomplishment

In this episode, Akshay Bhat, an Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher, delves into the Ayurvedic principles of health and the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. He explains that Ayurveda views health as a balance between physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, emphasizing that one’s dosha is just a piece of the larger puzzle of well-being. Akshay discusses how understanding these doshas can help individuals tailor their lifestyles, diets, and routines for optimal health.

Vata, associated with movement, can lead to issues like back pain when imbalanced. Pitta, linked to fire and digestion, can cause inflammation if not balanced. Kapha individuals, with slower, heavier constitutions, may thrive on more intense exercise. The speakers highlight the importance of knowing your unique constitution to maintain a balanced lifestyle, stressing that what works for one may not work for another.

They also explore the concept of circadian rhythms and how aligning daily routines with Ayurvedic principles can promote overall health. The discussion encourages listeners to embrace their unique constitution and take steps toward better self-care through Ayurveda. Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Ayurvedic Doshas and Yoga Practice

00:03:23 - Ayurvedic Holistic Health: Balancing Doshas and the Path to Wellbeing

00:08:15 - The Puzzle of Life: Always Something Missing

00:10:41 - The Principles of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

00:15:47 - Understanding Vata Body Type and Personality

00:18:11 - Understanding Dosha Constitutions in Ayurveda

00:20:59 - Addressing Root Causes of Imbalance

00:22:30 - Cheetah-Like Metabolism and Exercise Needs for Pitta Types

00:25:29 - The Role of Kapha in Yoga and Fitness

00:29:37 - Understanding Your Ayurvedic Body Type

00:32:08 - Finding Your Dosha: The Value of a Doctor's Evaluation

00:34:37 - Exploring Ayurvedic Doshas for Self-Understanding

00:42:48 - Finding Your Unique Nutrition Approach

00:45:42 - Discover Your Ayurvedic Constitution

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/

In this episode, Akshay Bhat, a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, explores the four pillars of life in Ayurveda: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (material possessions), Kama (fulfillment of desires), and Moksha (liberation). He emphasizes that balancing these aspects is crucial to leading a happy and healthy life. Akshay delves into how Ayurveda and yoga are interconnected, with both practices supporting spiritual growth and well-being.

Ayurveda, which dates back over 6,000 years, is not just a system for physical health but also a guide for living a purposeful life. The speakers discuss how disease is viewed as a "mistake of intelligence" in Ayurveda, and how balance across the four life pillars is key to achieving wellness.

The concept of Dharma is explored, contrasting it with Adharma, which represents a life driven by ego and negative emotions. The importance of balancing material and spiritual needs, or Artha, is highlighted, with the caution that modern society often promotes unnecessary desires. Finally, Moksha, or liberation, is discussed, with the speakers suggesting that it can be found through various activities like yoga, meditation, and creative pursuits. Each person’s path to freedom is unique, and discovering what brings a sense of expansion is essential for personal growth.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Ayurveda: The Four Means of Life00:04:49 - Exploring Ayurveda with Akshay Bhat

00:08:02 - The Origins and Principles of Ayurveda

00:11:22 - Exploring the Foundations of Ayurveda

00:15:14 - Mistakes of Intelligence and Psychosomatic Diseases

00:18:40 - Dharma: Balancing Inner and Outer Values

00:21:48 - Dharma, Adharma, and Holistic Health

00:23:23 - Balancing Material Possessions with Dharma

00:26:42 - Fulfilling Desires Through Conscious Presence

00:32:53 - Finding Liberation Through Various Practices

00:35:28 - Moksha: The Liberation of the Mind

00:38:15 - Finding Personal Moksha

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/

In this episode, the speaker dives into the concept of intuition and how it can often be clouded by fears, trauma, and conditioned behaviors. They explore the challenge of distinguishing between true intuition and reactions based on past experiences. The speaker emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's inner truth and recognizing the influence of mental and emotional patterns. By tuning into our intuition, we can achieve greater clarity and wisdom in our decision-making.

The conversation touches on common issues like control, perfectionism, and disconnection, particularly in the wellness community. The speaker highlights the value of creating safe spaces where vulnerabilities can be shared, as this fosters connection and mutual understanding. They stress that listening to our intuition, even when it’s difficult, is essential for self-acceptance and growth.

The speaker encourages listeners to sit in stillness, connect with their gut feelings, and trust their authentic voice. By cultivating curiosity and embracing the process of self-discovery, they believe we can overcome fear and deepen our understanding of intuition, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Differentiating Intuition from Conditioning

00:02:06 - Navigating Intuition and Conditioning

00:04:57 - Navigating Intuition and Authenticity

00:09:00 - Uncovering Common Challenges and Vulnerabilities

00:11:01 - Connecting to Intuition and Grounding

00:14:24 - Refining Intuition Through Stillness

00:17:23 - Trusting Intuition and Staying Grounded

00:18:36 - Embracing Intuitive Moments with Non-Judgment

00:21:07 - Exploring the Intuition Landscape

Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/