By Sarah Kruse
People often ask me: “How did you first get into practicing Ayurveda?” Well……
Even as a child, I was curious about balance and living a healthy life. I grew up on a small farm in the countryside in Oregon and became very aware of our intimate connection with Nature. I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to practice some form of natural healing. Immediately after high school, I moved to Seattle to explore possibilities for my education.
One evening, I was having dinner in an Indian restaurant and saw a poster about an Intro to Ayurveda lecture coming up. I knew I had to attend. I was already a student of Yoga but this was my first exposure to Ayurveda. The teacher, Dr. George Eassey, was a kind doctor from south India who spoke about the beauty of Ayurveda: the ancient, traditional healing system from India that looks at each person as an individual and prescribes remedies such as food as medicine, herbs, yoga, meditation, cleansing, etc to restore balance. I knew at once that Ayurveda was my path, my dharma. I asked Dr. Eassey if he would recommend that I move to India to pursue my Ayurvedic studies. He said, “Not like that…I suggest you go to the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque to study with Dr. Vasant Lad.” He gifted me Dr. Lad’s book ‘Ayurveda – The Science of Self-Healing’ and the CD ‘Chants of India’ by Ravi Shankar and George Harrison and the fire of learning was lit!
Soon after, I was planning my move to Albuquerque to study Ayurveda with Dr. Lad, site unseen. I just knew in my bones that this was my true path. This was 23 years ago. I feel tremendously blessed to have found my life path at that young age. Since then, I have been continually studying, practicing and teaching Ayurveda: in an integrative medical practice in Newport Beach California, at an Ayurvedic spa on Kaua’i, and in private practice in California, Seattle and Kaua’i. I had the great blessing to travel to India four different times to study with renowned Ayurvedic doctors and scholars. I will always remember those days in the villages, attending to the farmers and their families with Dr. Lad and my classmates.
I have also taught Ayurveda at Bastyr University, Brenneke School of Massage, Evergreen State College and various yoga studios, clinics and corporate settings. Occasionally I have the privilege to lead healing retreats in the Pacific Northwest, Kaua’i or abroad.
As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, I assist clients in returning to their personal state of balance and wellness, based upon understanding their unique body type. It is very fulfilling to see people thriving in their health and lives again. Simple, daily changes can bring lasting results. I serve everyone but specialize in women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, menopause, digestive issues, sleep and helping people regain their energy. In addition to offering Ayurvedic Consultations, my team and I offer rejuvenating Ayurvedic bodywork such as Abhyanga – warm oil massage, Shirodhara and Panchakarma cleansing programs.
My team and I are thrilled to practice within Tilia Natural Health, in the Tangletown neighborhood of Seattle. Come see us for a nurturing session and start feeling your best!
As Dr. Lad says “Love Your Life with Ayurveda!”
* To learn more, visit: Embrace Ayurveda
* My other Ayurvedic online offering: Ayurvedic Wisdom for Women
* Corporate Wellness Programs highlighting Ayurveda and Yoga: Luminous Living Inc luminouslivinginc.com Coming soon!