MÓNICA GISELLA
“Ayurveda values our emotions. Not being able to digest memories or experiences can have a negative impact on our bodies. This is so significant because you start seeing your emotions, thoughts, and even relationships as part of what needs to be taken care of in order to heal.”
Mónica Gisella is a certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant. She is the director of Prana With Love. where she offers online Ayurvedic consultations and Dosha-customised meal plans to her clients. Originally from Colombia, she spreads Ayurveda’s message in English and Spanish, and believes her Dharma is to help those who don’t have access to alternative forms of medicine, so she works in particular with the Hispanic community.
Mónica Gisella has spent the last five years using her personal and career experiences, as well as education, to help others overcome different health issues and give them the support they need to restore their health and make Ayurveda a part of their lives. She knows there is no single approach that works for everyone, so she places great importance on the three primary life forces of the body: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, as a fundamental tool to provide her clients with the most comprehensive programme. She received her education from the American Institute of Vedic Studies. Mónica Gisella lives in South Florida with her husband.
Follow Mónica:
Website: www.pranawithlove.com
Instagram: @prana_with_love
“That’s the beauty of Ayurveda. It helps you understand the microcosm that is you, as well as the macrocosm that is the Universe.”
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
Ayurveda to me is really the art of living in adherence to the cycles of nature.
To be one with the universe.
To become aligned with all that is.
Ayurveda has taught me how to live in a way that makes me a better, healthier, happier individual, and inspires me to share this knowledge with the world.
When did you discover it? How long have you been practising it?
Back in 2013. It was love at first sight, and I have practised it ever since. Living Ayurveda somehow reminded me of principles I knew, but I had forgotten due to social programming. Principles that healed both my body and mind.
What drew you to Ayurveda? Has it helped you with anything major?
A personal crisis. I was into fitness at that time and living in a way that was harmful for my Pitta constitution: working out 2-3 times per day, eating lots of meat, drinking processed protein powders, fuelling my extraneous exercise routines with black coffee, and not sleeping well. I was stressed and pushing my limits to the highest level. My body was crying for help, begging me to stop. But, I didn’t listen. Until I had no other choice. My liver became really affected after a year of living like this. Then, miraculously, I was given the healing gift of Ayurveda and my life changed forever. Through dietetics, herbs, bodywork, and lifestyle changes, I was able to reverse the damage, restore my health, and finally thrive.
Is Ayurveda part of your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall-back routine?
To be honest, Ayurvedic principles influence every aspect of my life. Literally!
In fact, because of Ayurveda, I switched careers. I was a full-time elementary teacher before getting certified as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant, and helping others heal their bodies, minds and spirits. It is because of Ayurveda that I am doing what I love for a living!
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you?
Abhyanga
This warm Ayurvedic self-massage has increased my self-love and confidence levels exponentially.
I believe this is one of the best Ayurvedic secrets for rejuvenation. I love it because it relaxes my nervous system instantly, helps me sleep better, and makes me feel loved and at ease. Interestingly, I have found that this is a great way to keep my hormones balanced too!
Meditation & Pranayama
Starting my days with meditation and Pranayama has been a powerful way to keep my body in harmony and my mind calmed. I first meditate and pray. Then, I practise alternate nostril breathing, nadi shodhana, to nourish my Prana and keep it flowing nicely throughout my body. This wonderful routine, done very early in the morning, calms the nervous system, focuses the mind, helps digest emotions, and sets the tone for a beautiful day.
Going to bed and waking up early
One of the most important Ayurvedic principles to me is the practice of Dinacharya or daily routine. Doing the same things at the same time, every day, is highly regarded in Ayurveda. Having a routine makes you feel relaxed and brings a sense of contentment, calm, and peace to your life. A vital aspect of the routine is the time you go to bed and wake up each day. Since Ayurveda sees the alignment between one’s day and the cycle of life, it is important to wake up early in the morning to regulate the biological rhythm of your body and enjoy the serenity and peacefulness that only this time can offer, before you start the activities of the day. I know for a fact that it helps with having more energy and being more active. Going to bed early is also a “best practice” in Ayurveda to increase the quality of sleep and avoid insomnia.
What surprised you most about Ayurveda?
I think it was the concept that being truly healthy goes beyond eating the right foods and getting the appropriate type and amount of exercise. For instance, Ayurveda values our emotions. Not being able to digest memories or experiences can have a negative impact on our bodies. This is so significant because you start seeing your emotions, thoughts, and even relationships as part of what needs to be taken care of in order to heal.
Did you integrate it gradually or overnight for any particular reason?
I basically went overnight. Blame my Pitta nature! ;)
However, as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach, I understand the importance — especially for other types of constitutions — of going step by step and savouring every moment of the healing journey, with no rush. In fact, my husband, who was my first client, did it gradually until it became an integral part of his life.
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 husband is well educated in Ayurveda and we normally refer to Ayurvedic principles to talk about everything at home — from jokes about being too Kapha, too Pitta, or too Vata to using the 20 qualities of Ayurveda to pacify ourselves. Hence, Ayurveda is a fundamental part of our daily lives. In regards to cooking, he eats a Kapha Dosha-pacifying diet whereas I eat a Pitta Dosha-pacifying diet, which means I cook two menus to keep our unique constitutions in balance.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe or go-to ingredient?
My favourite ingredient is turmeric, hands down!
I use it for almost everything in the kitchen as well as for face masks and some homemade remedies. Turmeric is believed to be one of the best medicines in Ayurveda and is Tridoshic. It promotes good digestion, has tonic properties, and can be used as an antibiotic. But I love it most because of its powerful healing effect on the skin. And I adore the beautiful colour it gives to foods.
What do you wish was easier in our society to make an Ayurvedic lifestyle more accessible?
I know Ayurveda's wealth of knowledge is still a foreign concept for many people. I think that as Ayurveda’s ambassadors, to make this information more accessible, we must continue promoting Ayurveda through various channels, like social media. How we deliver the message is also crucial. With Prana with Love, I try to share the Ayurvedic ancient knowledge from a modern perspective, in order to make the message more appealing and be able to touch those lives.
Do people around you/in your circle of friends know about Ayurveda?
My family and friends do as I continuously refer to it in normal conversations. That’s the beauty of Ayurveda. It helps you understand the microcosm that is you, as well as the macrocosm that is the Universe. They are supportive of my passion for it and in most cases already know what type of Ayurvedic constitution they are.
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 think the one thing that can help you the most getting started with Ayurveda is determining your constitution or Dosha. When you reflect on the functions of your body, your emotions, and your mind, you are taking such a big step towards restoring your health. It means you are getting to know yourself better. That will lead you in the right direction to adopt a healthier lifestyle that genuinely aligns with your unique constitution.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I want to thank Jasmine for being such an inspiration and for amplifying the voices of the Ayurveda community! I feel honoured and empowered to be part of the global Ayurvedic movement, which I believe is changing the world for the better.