OXANA WEBER
“By consciously creating space for daily reflection and integrating Ayurvedic principles into our daily routine, we can better comprehend ourselves and achieve physical, emotional, and mental equilibrium.”
Oxana has trained as an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle consultant at the Ayurveda Pura Academy in London in 2018 and completed an extensive two-year yoga and meditation teacher training at the Mandala Yoga Ashram in 2017. Prior to this, Oxana had a successful career in the public sector - supporting people through life's challenges, motivating and helping them facilitate change, for nearly two decades.
Oxana’s journey into yoga and Ayurveda began as the result of an urgent need to heal her fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue symptoms. Having been virtually asymptomatic for the last 3 years, Oxana now helps others to improve their health and wellbeing using yogic and Ayurvedic principles. She teaches and facilitates yoga and Ayurveda classes, workshops and retreats and coaches individuals on implementing a conscious lifestyle into their lives.
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“ this is why Ayurveda is so unique - it approaches each person from a very individualized perspective based on their inborn nature, whilst also taking account of their dynamic circumstances. ”
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
Ayurveda has given me a deeper knowledge and understanding of Vedic philosophy and the universal laws of life. I love that the Ayurvedic principles and approaches to treatment are based on nature - they are simple, logical and, most importantly, exist within each one of us. This makes Ayurveda accessible to everyone as a science of self-healing and life. In my daily life, approaching my diet & lifestyle from an Ayurvedic perspective, helps me understand the energetic changes within my body and mind and to maintain balance.
When did you discover it? How long have you been practising it?
Although I first heard of Ayurveda more than 20 years ago, I didn’t get to practice it until I began my Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Consultant training with Dr Deepa Apte at the Ayurveda Pura Academy in London in 2017. I have been practising it ever since.
What drew you to Ayurveda?
I loved the fact that it comes from the same source as yoga and I wanted to improve my health and well-being holistically.
Has it helped you with anything major?
I was struggling with fibromyalgia at the time. Although my health has improved tremendously through my daily yoga, pranayama and meditation practices, understanding the root causes of the illness from an Ayurvedic perspective, and treating the underlying energetic imbalance instead of just the symptoms, have been instrumental in my recovery and management of any future flare-ups.
Is Ayurveda part of your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall-back routine?
Ayurveda, along with yoga, is my lifestyle of choice. I can definitely say that since integrating those modalities into my life, my general health and overall sense of well-being and happiness have increased.
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you?
I am Pitta/Kapha in constitution and applying self-care practices and dietary adjustments that complement and pacify these energetic tendencies has been very helpful. I feel that this is why Ayurveda is so unique - it approaches each person from a very individualized perspective based on their inborn nature, whilst also taking account of their dynamic circumstances.
If I was to choose 3 general tips for all doshas, it would be:
1. Start your day with warm water and lemon.
2. Have your main meal at lunchtime.
3. Turn off your phone an hour before bed.
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 cooking is very much based on Ayurvedic principles and my son seems to love it. He is 21 and is a bit of a yogi - he definitely knows what kitchari is and how to use spices! I think he has a good understanding of what the Ayurvedic diet is from hearing about it from me and watching me cook.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe or go-to ingredient?
I love making steamed salads with various spiced oil dressings using mustard seeds and cumin seeds as a base. Mung bean tortillas (dosas) are just delicious - super easy to make with just one ingredient and a pinch of ajwain and turmeric. I also love making chutneys - spiced yoghurt and fresh coriander chutneys are my favourites at the moment.
How does Ayurveda fit into your day-to-day routines?
My daily routine is based on yogic and Ayurvedic principles. Mornings always start with tongue scraping, oil pulling and warm lemon water and lunch is always the main, and the biggest meal of my day. I adhere to circadian rhythms as much as I can and make sure that I source local and organic food whenever possible. Evenings are for winding down - I never have the main lights on in the house and I love massaging my feet with warm sesame oil before sleep - this is also a great practice for all the Pittas out there.
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?
Slowing down and developing a daily routine. In today's fast-paced Western world, everything seems to move at lightning speed - from fast food to fast internet and fast transportation. Unfortunately, our daily routines often reflect this rushed lifestyle, leaving little time for self-care. We often eat at our desks, hurry through our mornings, and take on too many responsibilities that do not always align with our values. This constant state of ‘busyness’ creates energetic imbalances that, if left unaddressed, can manifest as physical illness and disease.
Although being busy has become somewhat of a trend, it often prevents us from facing our deepest fears and desires. Many of us keep ourselves occupied to avoid confronting the dissatisfaction of not realizing our full potential in life, often without even realizing it. Ultimately, conscious living principles, which Ayurveda gives us, can help us be honest with ourselves and live a more fulfilled life. This is why it is essential to develop a daily practice and consistent routine. Ayurvedic tools such as daily self-care rituals, herbs, an individualised approach to diet, meditation, and various breath techniques provide a framework for self-reflection and self-exploration, leading to a happier life experience and longevity.
Setting aside just 10 minutes each morning and/or evening for quiet reflection through simple meditation can have a significant impact on our well-being. In the long run, it can lead to a calmer approach to life and help balance the nervous system. Taking time to eat our meals without distractions and away from work can improve digestion and assimilation of food, enhances enzyme function, and boost immunity. Creating space in the mind and in life encourages creativity and helps us flow with life's ups and downs.
By consciously creating space for daily reflection and integrating Ayurvedic principles into our daily routine, we can better comprehend ourselves and achieve physical, emotional, and mental equilibrium. Given the fast-paced nature of modern life, I feel that cultivating a mindful lifestyle is not merely a luxury, but rather an essential component of well-being.