Alchemy & Ayurveda with Chitra

Breathe Deeper, Think Clearer: Nasal Rituals & the Science of Scent

Where Ayurvedic wisdom meets neuroaromatherapy — Chitra, Doctor of Ayurveda and Tammy Davis of Aromagenomics™️ explore allergies, the senses & the healing power of aromatics. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com [https://chitraji.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Hair Care For Life

Hello Alchemist, Its been another of those weeks where I needed to focus on charting a new course for this newsletter and website. My continued prayers to all who are in need of healing and soothing. As winter in the northern hemisphere continues to deepen you may find vata and in specific the qualities of dryness and cold setting in. The skin and hair are particularly susceptible to dryness. In this recording, Clarissa and I delve into the multifaceted topic of hair changes during menopause. You don’t have to be in menopause or female for your hair to change, go gray or fall out. These tips concepts are for everyone who has a scalp. We explore how traditional practices in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda can support healthy hair through dietary choices, herbal remedies, and scalp care. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, the cultural significance of hair, and the impact of emotional well-being on hair health. We emphasizes the importance of nutrition, the benefits of oiling, and other preventive measures to maintain vibrant and healthy hair during menopause. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome03:22 The Impact of Marketing on Holistic Health05:17 The Importance of Authentic Conversations08:12 Today's Topic: Hair and Its Significance09:25 Understanding Hair Changes During Menopause12:10 Ayurvedic and Chinese Perspectives on Hair24:19 Factors Contributing to Hair Loss33:50 Preventative Measures and Hair Care Tips39:28 Introduction to Ayurveda and Oil40:16 Weekly Hair Oil Routine41:23 Choosing the Right Oil for Your Dosha42:55 Tips for Washing Oily Hair44:01 Herbs for Hair Health45:21 Chinese Medicine and Hair Growth47:18 Cultural Perspectives on Aging and Hair49:41 Castor Oil: Benefits and Cautions53:18 Nutrition for Healthy Hair01:00:32 Herbs and Spices for Hair Health01:06:03 Personal Hair Stories and Experiences Til next time. Peace, Chitra This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com [https://chitraji.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Your tongue reveals your health and you’re probably ignoring it.

Dear Alchemist in Training In the early ‘90s I visited my cousin from the Bronx who was studying with a chinese medicine doctor in China Town NYC. I was living the lifestyle that you see on TV and in movies of a single woman in the city. My cousin, took one look at me and said, show me your tongue and proceeded to tell me all about my sleep habits, what food I was eating and what I was ignoring when it came to my health. My jaw dropped, I thought I was hiding my lifestyle so well, not just from friends and family but from myself. That’s when I first became fascinated by the tongue as a diagnostic tool. While you regularly check your eyes, ears, and nose, when’s the last time you examined your tongue? This overlooked organ is actually an immediate diagnostic tool, showing what’s happening inside your body before you even feel symptoms. Both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have used tongue diagnosis for centuries. Why? Because your tongue is a map of your organs and systems. That coating you see in the morning? It’s showing you what your body couldn’t break down properly overnight. The problem: modern medicine has abandoned the practice of checking the throat let alone the tongue. Doctors don’t even use tongue depressors anymore. But learning to read your own tongue can save you money on doctor’s visits, supplements, and medications by catching issues early. And most importantly it gives you a heads up on your health. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Video 00:59 The Overlooked Importance of the Tongue 02:30 Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine Perspectives 03:29 The Tongue’s Role in Digestion 07:17 The Tongue as a Diagnostic Tool 10:48 Practical Tips for Tongue Health 12:13 Upcoming Class and Q&A 15:05 Daily Rituals for Better Health 16:22 Q&A Session 22:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is the first of 6 Daily Sacred Rituals for 2026 where you will receive support in making the most important dinacharya rituals a habit for long term health. Friday January 30th, you’ll learn: * How to read your tongue’s health indicators * Proper tongue scraping technique (and why brushing isn’t enough) * Which signs warn of upcoming colds, flu, or allergies * When to see a doctor The class is free as a benefit to all paid subscribers. Everyone is invited even if you don’t subscribe and are just curious * Cost: $35 * When Friday January 30th 12pm EST, 9am PST 1 hour. There will be laughter because sticking out your tongue is just funny. This class is designed people who take personal responsibility for their long term health through daily observation and simple rituals, not for those wanting a quick fix. Stop guessing about your health. Start reading the map your body shows you every morning. If you want to know more before signing up for class. This is a previous post I wrote earlier this year. Til next time. Peace, PS This class is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com [https://chitraji.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

[RECORDING] Exploring Acne in Menopause: Insights from Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine

In this episode of ‘Art and Heart of Menopause,’ hosts Chitra and Clarissa delve into the issue of acne, particularly in relation to menopause. We discuss how acne is perceived and treated differently in Western medicine compared to Eastern traditions like Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. Exploring root causes such as diet, digestion, and emotional stress and explain various holistic remedies, including specific herbs, facial masks, and dietary adjustments. We emphasize the importance of early detection of imbalances to prevent acne and other menopausal symptoms. This episode is an exploration of natural ways to manage acne during menopause, offering practical advice for overall health and well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Today’s Topic: Acne 00:55 The Role of Skin in Eastern and Western Medicine 02:19 Personal Experiences with Skin Conditions 04:30 Introducing the Hosts 06:34 Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms 08:26 Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine Perspectives on Acne 17:30 Facial Mapping and Diagnostic Techniques 27:20 Diet and Lifestyle Factors in Acne 36:48 Yogurt and Sour Fruit: A Digestive Dilemma 37:47 Irregular Sleep and Suppression of Urges 39:46 Environmental Toxins and Emotional Stress 2:51 Pathogenesis of Acne in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine 49:08 Natural Remedies and Dietary Recommendations 54:04 Herbal Treatments for Acne 01:00:22 Practical Tips for Skincare and Lifestyle 01:10:11 Concluding Thoughts Thanks for watching Art and Heart of Menopause. Conversations women should be having in midlife and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com [https://chitraji.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Hair, Skin and Nails: Objects of Beauty or Health? Part 1

Navigating Menopausal Skin: Holistic Insights from Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda In this episode of ‘Art and Heart of Menopause,’ hosts Clarissa, a Chinese medicine practitioner, and Chitra, an Ayurvedic doctor, explore the intersection of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda in managing menopausal skin changes. Join Clarissa (Chinese Medicine Practitioner) and Dr. Chitra (Ayurvedic Doctor) as they explore holistic approaches to skin health during perimenopause and menopause. This episode dives deep into how Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda view skin changes during midlife, offering natural alternatives to conventional anti-aging treatments. Learn why your skin is the body's largest organ and how it reflects your internal health, from digestion to bone tissue. The hosts discuss practical daily rituals including oil massage, dry brushing, lymphatic stimulation, and the importance of gentle steaming practices. Discover the constitutional differences that determine your skin type and needs according to both medical traditions. From Vata's dry, thin skin prone to early aging, to Pitta's inflammatory rosacea and acne, to Kapha's thicker, oily complexion - understand your unique skin constitution for targeted care. The episode covers specific foods and herbs that support skin health, including goji berries, tremella snow fungus, turmeric pastes, and the golden rule: "if you can eat it, you can put it on your skin." Learn why harsh chemical peels and excessive cleansing damage your skin's protective microbiome. Both practitioners emphasize that healthy skin requires consistent daily practices, not occasional treatments. From ancient Tibetan wisdom to modern skincare mistakes, this conversation bridges 10,000 years of traditional knowledge with practical applications for today's menopausal women. The hosts stress personalized medicine approaches over one-size-fits-all solutions, explaining why what works for your friend may not work for you. Next week's episode will focus on hair health during menopause - another external reflection of internal changes that affects how women navigate this life transition. Key Quotes from the Episode "I'm really passionate that women can be given the power and the knowledge to navigate what can seem a very overwhelming period of their lives. So much better to know that it isn't all just, uh, you are failing, take hormones, take meds, and that's the only route." - Clarissa "The skin is always going to be a reflection of the digestive system... and the skin is going to show everything. It's going to show how you care for yourself. It shows whether or not you're exercising and breathing and hydrating all of these things." - Dr. Chitra "If you can eat it, you can put it on the body, you know, so don't put anything on the body that you can't eat... These practices are not occasional. They are rituals. And there are... they don't have to be elaborate practices, but they can be rituals." - Dr. Chitra & Clarissa Keywords: menopause skincare, perimenopause skin changes, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic skincare, natural anti-aging, rosacea menopause, dry skin menopause, holistic skincare, constitutional medicine, skin microbiome, facial gua sha, oil massage, lymphatic drainage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chitraji.substack.com [https://chitraji.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]