C.J. THOMAS
Barbara Bowman
“When you learn about Ayurveda, learn about where it came from, seek out Indian practitioners and support Indian-owned and operated businesses. It’s a beautiful way to honour the gift of this amazing wisdom!”
C.J. Thomas is the founder of Life by the Moon Yoga. Her mission: to elevate others so that they can elevate the world.
She’s a 200-hour Hatha Yoga teacher and Ayurvedic Health Educator. She specialises in teaching pre and postnatal yoga, women’s reproductive health, and Ayurvedic cleansing. C.J. also uses education as activism and shares her wisdom with spiritual communities on the importance of equity through uplifting and creating space for BIPOC.
C.J. is based in Ashland, Oregon.
Links:
Instagram: @lifebythemoonyoga
Website: Life by the Moon Yoga
Spicy Pumpkin Kitchari recipe
“Your daily routine can change your life!”
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
This powerful life science is like a good friend that helps to keep me in check! Whenever I feel off or I get sick, I know I can turn to my knowledge around Ayurveda to help me find balance.
When did you discover it? How long have you been practising it?
I first discovered Ayurveda in 2016. I did my first cleanse that year, and I’ve been actively practising ever since!
What drew you to Ayurveda?
I came across a podcast about the Doshas and I was hooked! At the time, it felt so fascinating to learn about how the elements showed up in my body, mind, and spirit, and the fact that I could work with those elements to maintain health and balance seemed magically alchemical!
Has it helped you with anything major?
I can attribute my biggest weight loss to Ayurveda. I had always had issues with my weight growing up, but after doing my first Ayurvedic cleanse, I lost 10 pounds. I went on to tailor my eating to my Dosha and I lost 30 more! I never gained back that 40 pounds and the way I view self-care and eating has shifted drastically. I can thank my connection to Ayurveda for that.
Is Ayurveda part of your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall-back routine?
For me, Ayurveda is all 3 of those things! No one’s perfect, and just like everyone else, my lifestyle changes and fluctuates from time to time. There are moments when I’m fully dedicated to my practices and moments when I go off track, but Ayurveda is always there to fall back on! As far as medicine goes, my pantry has become my pharmacy, and the one constant when it comes to my self-care practice. I don’t even remember the last time I took a Tylenol!
There are some herbs that I rely on when I have trouble with digestion, herbs I rely on when I’m after a or during a cleanse, and herbs that I immediately go to during menstruation.
I deeply value is the range of use Ayurveda offers!
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you?
Food as medicine is the key to preventative health.
Tongue scrape every morning, trust me — it’s worth it!
Your daily routine can change your life!
What surprised you most about Ayurveda?
The biggest surprise for me was how easy, affordable, and accessible it was. As an entrepreneur without a healthcare plan, Ayurveda really helps take away the worry of how I’m going to care for myself when I get sick. It’s not a replacement for everything, but it covers a whole lot and sure beats a trip to the pharmacy!
Did you integrate it gradually or overnight for any particular reason?
Because my journey started with an Ayurvedic cleanse, it felt as if I dove in head-first. I was determined to change my habits and this was the best way for me, but I always recommend gradually implementing lifestyle changes and listening to your body around what feels best for you.
Do your children/family eat an Ayurvedic diet? And if they do, do they know it’s Ayurveda or do they just think of it as home cooking?
While my family members are not turned on to an Ayurvedic diet, I notice that they typically tend to favour the flavours that pacify their dominant Dosha anyway! It’s super interesting!
What is your favorite Ayurvedic recipe or go-to ingredient?
My favourite recipe is one I posted on my blog, Spicy Pumpkin Kitchari. It’s a hearty and nourishing meal, perfect for autumn!
How does Ayurveda fit into your day-to-day routines?
My mornings start with Ayurvedic practices like meditation, lemon water, and tongue scraping. When I’m really being good, I add in a walk, roller skating in the park, or a yoga practice!
What do you wish was easier in our society to make an Ayurvedic lifestyle more accessible?
I wish that health insurance would cover trips to Ayurvedic practitioners. Since the majority of people who have health insurance tend to see health providers in their network, having access to holistic practitioners could make a huge difference in the way Americans embrace alternative medicines like Ayurveda. It would also be great if state health plans would cover visits as well!
Do people around you/in your circle of friends know about Ayurveda?
I love to share my interests with my friends so they all know about Ayurveda in one way or another. Some of my friends ask me for advice, and some of them have even gotten hooked on researching it themselves!
What’s the one thing you would encourage everyone to try or you think would benefit the majority of people’s health for the better?
I would encourage everyone to implement a morning routine into their life. It’s amazing what can shift in one’s life when they start off their day with intentional practices!
Anything else you’d like to add?
If Ayurveda seems intimidating at first, the most important thing to remember is that taking it step by step is the best way to go. Don’t force yourself to do it alone. The help of a great coach or practitioner will make a huge difference, and there are so many of them out there! Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance, it will definitely be worth it. The last piece I’d like to add is the importance of honouring the lineage. When you learn about Ayurveda, learn about where it came from, seek out Indian practitioners and support Indian-owned and operated businesses. It’s a beautiful way to honour the gift of this amazing wisdom!