JESICA CERVONARO
“Ayurveda is not only about food and diet, it's also about good conduct, caring for people, speaking the truth, empowering others, and sharing the knowledge of Ayurveda to inspire and uplift.”
Jesica is a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Holistic Chef based in New South Wales, Australia. She is passionate about aligning people with their true nature and encouraging a state of balance. This inspires greater flow, creativity, and harmony in daily life and optimises states of wellbeing and success.
As part of her services, she offers a selection of integrative practices ranging from consultations to mentoring sessions, treatments, workshops, and wellness events.
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“Any time I read about Ayurveda, there were these “aha” moments when it all made sense.”
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
A state of balance in life.
When did you discover it? How long have you been practising it?
I discovered Ayurveda in 2014 when I went on a retreat to India for the first time. Not too long after that, I began the path of a student and started studying Ayurveda.
What drew you to Ayurveda?
I was reading about Ayurveda in Deepak Chopra's book called Perfect Health, before I went on a meditation retreat in India where it all began. Any time I read about Ayurveda, there were these “aha” moments when it all made sense, and then when I was in India I began to listen to people's experience of how Ayurveda had transformed their lives. It was from that moment that I left the fashion industry to begin my journey with Ayurveda.
Has it helped you with anything major?
It has helped me to connect with myself on a much deeper level in a way that has aligned my mind-body connection. It has allowed me to remove toxins, stress, old memories, and negative ways of thinking into a state of vitality, joy, and fulfilment.
Is Ayurveda part of your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall-back routine?
I'm a practitioner so I practise what I preach; otherwise, how could I offer advice if I wasn't living it myself? So yes, Ayurveda is a huge part of my everyday life as I have experienced firsthand the benefits of these ancient practices.
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you?
Sip hot water frequently
Only eat when you are hungry
Early to bed and early to rise
What surprised you most about Ayurveda?
The complexity yet the profound vastness of this science, which has an explanation for everything.
Did you integrate it gradually or overnight for any particular reason?
Gradual is always key. There is no rush to the finish line. The sweet spot and nectar are in the process.
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?
My mother and a big selection of my friends eat Ayurvedic food and know the foundation and qualities of this way of eating. Once you begin to learn the principles it becomes second nature.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe or go-to ingredient?
Too many to list, but ghee, besan pancake, chai, oh, and of course kitchari.
How does Ayurveda fit into your day-to-day routines?
From when I get up to when I put my head on the pillow at night. Ayurveda is not only about food and diet, it's also about good conduct, caring for people, speaking the truth, empowering others, and sharing the knowledge of Ayurveda to inspire and uplift.
What do you wish was easier in our society to make an Ayurvedic lifestyle more accessible?
Simplicity is key. Nothing needs to be overcomplicated. Gain an understanding of the foundations of Ayurveda and build from that.
Do people around you/in your circle of friends know about Ayurveda?
Many of my friends align to living an Ayurvedic lifestyle and promote that in their life. Ayurveda is becoming more common in the West now, especially in Australia.
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?
Panchakarma!
For those of you who don't know what this is... Panchakarma means “five actions,” specifying the five methods of cleansing and renewing the body. This is a process used to clean the body of toxic material left by disease, poor nutrition, and environmental stresses. These treatments are hands-on rejuvenation techniques that purge the physiological stress and age from the body's deep tissues. Panchakarma, is best practised in India, in particular with The Raju Family who are renowned leading experts in Ayurveda. People from all over the world travel to India to visit their clinics in Hyderabad. An experience not to be missed, it will transform your life in ways you didn't know were possible. For more information visit: https://www.drraju.com/explore-ayurveda/panchakarma
Anything else you’d like to add?
The main aim of Ayurveda is Swastasya, maintaining health. If you are maintaining good health and you don’t have any disease, then there is no need for treatment. For this reason, Ayurveda is mainly based on Rasayana treatment, or the science of longevity and increasing the lifespan.