PRU WEBSTER
“The thing that surprises me most about Ayurveda is how it is intrinsically connected with everything. I can be watching a documentary on the Earth or on fungi and all of a sudden it becomes apparent that the scientists are in fact describing Ayurveda. It’s amazing!”
Pru Webster runs a clinic at The Stillpoint practice and The Practice Rooms in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Her compassion for humanity and our planet first led her to study Ayurveda. In 2003, she began a three-year diploma in Ayurvedic medicine at the Ayurvedic clinic in Purley. This included three months of clinical practice in Sri Lanka, graduating in June 2006. As a registered member of the Ayurvedic Professionals Association, she is truly passionate about Ayurveda.
The main focus of Pru’s treatments is for her clients to achieve a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit through the practice of Ayurveda, incorporating diet and lifestyle, herbal remedies, massage therapies and healing modalities, which in her experience are an amazing synergy. She works together with her clients to help increase their understanding and empower them to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. She really enjoys sharing the immense health benefits and wisdom Ayurveda can offer.
Follow Pru:
Website: Aditi Health
“Some people ask what drew me to Ayurveda, but in truth Ayurveda drew me to it! Like a magnet!”
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
If you have ever been to India, you will know that feeling of intense heat, the scent of exotic spices and incense, the noise and mayhem all around you, street sellers shouting, horns blaring out, the sound of holy cows mooing and temple bells ringing. To me there is no place quite like India, its intensity and richness of Spirituality permeates my very core, and has awakened my soul. This is the home of one of the oldest medical systems in the world, Ayurveda.
To me Ayurveda is not just a medical system or a lifestyle, but a whole new dimension into everyday reality.
My understanding of the world, other people, myself and life itself has been totally transformed.
The reason why people behave the way they do, the importance of choosing to eat certain foods and avoiding others suddenly became crystal clear through Ayurveda, and everything made more sense.
A healthy lifestyle of meditation, yoga and a fresh wholesome diet are literally the building blocks of Ayurveda, to live a long, happy, healthy life. Not because we are told they are good for us but because they help to maintain a state of harmony and balance of our mind, body and spirit through the Doshas and subtle elements of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
Ayurveda is about preventing imbalance in our lives, which can eventually lead to illness and without doubt prevention is a lot easier than cure, especially if the illness has become deeply rooted.
When did you discover it? How long have you been practising it?
I started out practising Ayurvedic massage primarily because it complimented my existing lifestyle so well, which included meditation and yoga and working as a massage practitioner and reiki healer. But it soon became apparent that Ayurveda was my soul’s calling and I went on to train as an Ayurvedic practitioner, graduating in June 2006.
What drew you to Ayurveda?
Some people ask what drew me to Ayurveda, but in truth Ayurveda drew me to it! Like a magnet!
Perhaps it’s my past life experiences in India? One thing is for sure, for me there is a deep soul connection.
Has it helped you with anything major?
I have seen many clients transform and heal throughout my years of practice from IBS, migraines, anxiety, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, hormonal imbalance and so much more. But I had never experienced the healing firsthand for myself until I experienced a big lifestyle change in 2017 leading to chronic back pain.
I couldn’t sleep through the night, I would wake up in the early hours every morning and prop myself up in bed on pillows to try and get comfortable. I was in such pain and discomfort, I tried everything. It went on for years, and after many hospital scans and innumerable therapies and diets, nothing seemed to be working. I was beginning to lose my faith in Ayurveda and healing.
Eventually I began to realise that I was overloading my system, trying so desperately to heal, when all I really needed to focus on was my Vata Dosha imbalance and strengthening my parasympathetic nervous system. I noticed that any stress would cause my back pain to flare up immediately, so step by step I introduced more self-care practices to strengthen, nourish and nurture my Vata: self-massage with warm Ayurvedic oils every morning, restorative yoga postures and Pranayama, paired with a warming, nourishing wholesome Vata-pacifying diet with plenty of turmeric and anti-inflammatory veggies. I went from strength to strength.
Is Ayurveda part of your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall-back routine?
Ayurveda is a lifestyle choice for me. These healthy habits have been invaluable and gradually I have built more of the Dinacharya or Ayurvedic daily routine into my life.
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you?
Going to bed by 10 or 10.30pm when possible and taking time to relax and unwind.
Eating smaller portion sizes to allow room for Vata, Pitta and Kapha to work their magic.
Self-massage with warm herbal oils at least once a week if not daily.
What surprised you most about Ayurveda?
The thing that surprises me most about Ayurveda is how it is intrinsically connected with everything. I can be watching a documentary on the Earth or on fungi and all of a sudden it becomes apparent that the scientists are in fact describing Ayurveda. It’s amazing!
Did you integrate it gradually or overnight for any particular reason?
I integrated it gradually over time. The more I understood the easier it became. For me Ayurveda is experienced through living and breathing it every day.
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 partner and I enjoy Ayurvedic recipes — we love healthy food! Most of our meals begin by adding cumin, coriander, turmeric and black pepper and we work up from there.
My mum loves eating healthily and she has also been really inspired by Ayurveda and my dad will eat it too, without even realising, just as long as he has some meat alongside it.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe or go-to ingredient?
My number 1 Ayurvedic ingredient has to be turmeric! It truly is a wonder herb!!
There are so many lovely recipes but one of my favourites is Agni soup. It tastes delicious and stimulates the digestive fire (Agni) when I’m feeling sluggish, which means I can enjoy more delicious food and still reap all the wonderful health benefits.
How does Ayurveda fit into your day-to-day routines?
I always try to listen to my body and my day-to day routine adapts to my needs, dependent on the time of year and my state of wellness. Twice a year in the spring and autumn I like to do a cleanse to assist and support my body physically and mentally with the change in seasons.
What do you wish was easier in our society to make an Ayurvedic lifestyle more accessible?
I think society could benefit from taking more time out.
Recognising the sacredness of Ayurveda in day-to-day life can really make a difference, taking a little time each day out in nature, to reflect, switching off your phone and devices, just allowing yourself to be and feel your circadian rhythms as they start to regulate.
Whenever possible have your meals sat at a table and take your time, eating with family or friends.
Meditate or practice 10-15 minutes of yoga at least once day.
Do people around you/in your circle of friends know about Ayurveda?
All my friends have some understanding of Ayurveda through me — some I have met through Ayurveda and I am very fortunate to be a part of a lovely local “body thrive support group,: inspired by Cate Stillman’s book.
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 can honestly say hand on heart that meditation is the most valuable tool in my own personal tool kit. In the morning it helps prepare me for my day, to ground, centre and clear my head, allowing me to let go of any negativity and be filled with the love and light of the divine. I set positive intentions for my day ahead and bring in what I need to nourish and sustain me so I may feel strong and supported, ready to help myself and others to the best of my ability. In the evening I release any stresses from my day and give thanks for all the blessings in my life before I go to sleep.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Ayurveda translates as life science or knowledge of life. There is no right or wrong, just cause and effect. If you listen to your body and do the things that make you feel better, you will thrive!