Why I Chose the Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) Program

I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to radically change my life by enrolling in an Ayurvedic program. It wasn’t one grand epiphany but a slow simmer. A series of experiences, a lot of curiosity, and some frustrations with my health challenges finally brought me to Kerala Ayurveda’s Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) program.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with generalized IBS. That’s doctor-speak for: “We know something’s wrong with your stomach, but we’re not exactly sure what.” This was my first encounter with a condition that couldn’t be fixed by a pill or a quick solution. Instead, I was handed a prescription for diet changes and told to follow the low FODMAP diet. If you’re unfamiliar, this diet is essentially a game of culinary Sudoku: “Can I eat this? How about that? Will I ever enjoy garlic or onions again?” It was tedious and restrictive.  

I stuck with it because I was desperate to escape the bloating, discomfort, and stomach-burning that had become my daily life. While the diet helped, it wasn’t sustainable. I found myself on a rollercoaster—two steps forward, three steps back. What really surprised me, though, was how much my mind affected my gut. Stress? Instant flare-up. Calm day? My stomach sighed in relief. The brain-gut connection stopped being an abstract concept and became painfully real. 

Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC)

My First Encounter with Ayurveda

Let’s rewind for a moment—way before IBS entered the picture. My Ayurveda journey began in my mid-20s when I stumbled upon Dr. Deepak Chopra on an American talk show. There he was, talking about doshas and the uniqueness of our constitutions, and I was intrigued. At the time, I had no major health concerns. I wasn’t even particularly stressed (ah, the bliss of youth). But his explanation of Ayurveda lit a spark in me. I bought his book *Perfect Health* and embarked on a self-guided adventure into Ayurveda.  

I wish I could tell you I became a model Ayurvedic student overnight, but the truth is, I struggled. Many authors presented Ayurveda more like a rulebook than a guide: “Eat freshly cooked meals every day,” they said. I’d valiantly try for a few days, only to crumble under the weight of my schedule. Fresh food every day? In a busy life? It felt like a setup for failure. So, I’d quit, only to be drawn back to Ayurveda’s wisdom time and time again. It was like an itch I couldn’t scratch—frustrating but irresistible. 

Discovering Kerala Ayurveda Academy

After years of dabbling and self-study, I realized I needed formal learning. I wanted to know the why behind the things I was being told—like why warm water is better than cold or why abhyanga or self oil massage is a good thing to do every morning. Of course, I assumed this would mean hopping on a plane to India, which wasn’t exactly in the cards. So, I started researching Ayurveda schools in the U.S., bracing myself for disappointment. And then, like a beacon of light, I found Kerala Ayurveda Academy.  

The program structure was manageable for someone juggling work and life. Online learning made it possible to join from my apartment in a big, bustling city on the opposite coast, and their approach blended traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern accessibility. I attended an introductory seminar, and their down-to-earth vibe sealed the deal. It felt like the universe was saying, “This is your next step.” 

Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) knife

How Ayurveda and Kerala Ayurveda Changed My Path

I won’t lie—enrolling in the Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) program was intimidating at first. Learning something new in my 50s while managing IBS and daily life was like learning to cook a soufflé when you’ve only ever made toast. But I’ve always believed growth comes from challenges, and this was no exception.  

Over six months, I didn’t just learn about Ayurveda—I learned about myself. Concepts like the connection between mind and body, the rhythms of nature, and the importance of Agni (digestive fire) reshaped how I approached my health. IBS became more manageable, but more importantly, I felt balanced for the first time in years.  

The program also reignited my love for sharing knowledge. As a classically trained chef with 25 years of experience, I’ve always believed food is a powerful connector. Now, I’m bringing Ayurvedic principles into my work, helping others—especially those over 45—make small, sustainable changes to transform their health. 

Why Kerala Ayurveda Stands Out

Here’s what I love most about Kerala Ayurveda Academy: They don’t expect you to live on a mountain in total harmony with nature (though, admittedly, that sounds lovely). Instead, they teach you how to bring Ayurveda into your real life—messy schedule, occasional fast-food cravings, and all.  

Their authenticity and inclusivity set them apart. Ayurveda isn’t presented as a rigid, ancient artifact but as a living, breathing science that adapts to modern challenges. This made it approachable and, dare I say, fun. 

Why I chose Why I chose Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC)

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say this: Joining Kerala Ayurveda Academy was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Ayurveda is no longer just something “out there” that other people follow in mysterious ways—it feels intuitive now. One of the greatest lessons it has taught me is to recognize my body’s innate intelligence.  

Thanks to this program, I’m now sharing Ayurveda’s wisdom with others in a way that’s accessible, practical, and meaningful. I’ve started writing about Ayurveda in a newsletter I created, sharing what I wish I could have read when I first became interested in Ayurveda decades ago.  

If you’re on the fence about diving into Ayurveda, let me say this: You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need curiosity and a willingness to start. Kerala Ayurveda Academy will meet you where you are—whether that’s in a big-city apartment or a quiet corner of the world. 

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