Nourishing Our Senses for Emotional Well-Being: Insights from Ayurveda
/Question asked: How do I nourish my senses more?
Answered by: Kari Nolan - who offers gentle guidance into your own nourishing inner wellspring of vitality, equanimity, & meaning in life, through the ancient wisdom & ecology of Ayurveda.
To explore more about Kari’s offerings, or to start your journey with Ayurveda, you can reach her through her website, Shamana Eco Ayurveda, and discover the beauty of sensory care as a path to wellness.
To register with The Salt Cave Louisville, and attend her FREE Ayurveda & Yoga Nidra for deep sleep session, Sunday, December 8th! This free session will be a prelude to her continuing series, January - June, 2025.
Summary:
In a world that often rushes us through each day, reconnecting with our senses can be a profound way to nurture both our bodies and minds. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kari H. Nolan of Shamana Eco Ayurveda to explore the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and its practices for sensory care. As we delve into our conversation, Kari introduces Ayurveda as a 5,000-year-old approach rooted in harmony with nature and grounded in holistic well-being.
A Pathway to Inner Balance
Ayurveda emphasizes caring for our senses rather than simply using them to process the world. As Kari explains, our senses act as gateways between our inner and outer worlds, allowing us to interpret, interact, and experience life. In Ayurveda, the heart serves as a central organ of discernment, processing the sensory information that shapes our emotions, thoughts, and ultimately, our overall health. Kari highlights that in Ayurveda, our emotional well-being and physical health are deeply interwoven, with the central nervous system acting as a bridge.
"Modern living tends to prioritize physical symptoms, often leaving our deeper needs unaddressed," Kari says. “By reconnecting with our senses, we’re able to tap into our own inner pharmacy, drawing from the wisdom of our bodies to promote healing.”
Morning Rituals to Ground the Day
One practice Kari recommends is intentionally starting each day with simple, sensory-centered routines. "Take the first hour of your morning to avoid screens, savor a peaceful moment, and allow your senses to awaken naturally," she suggests. She starts her own day by cleansing her eyes with warm water and connecting with nature—something as simple as admiring the early morning sky can refresh the senses and create a sense of calm.
A fascinating practice Kari mentions is the preparation of “moon water,” a refreshing Ayurvedic technique for cooling the body. By leaving filtered water in a blue glass container under the moonlight, this water can be used the next day for eye cleansing or as drinking water. This simple act of connecting with the elements, Kari shares, can have a grounding and calming effect.
Gentle Daily Techniques for Stress Relief
For those who spend long hours in front of screens, Kari offers sensory-centered techniques to mitigate digital fatigue. "Try rose water," she suggests, spritzing a small amount on the eyes, head, or wrists during breaks. This helps cool the body, soothe the eyes, and bring calm amidst the stresses of a workday. Another gentle Ayurvedic tool she mentions is Marma therapy, a form of acupressure for energy points across the body. Spraying rose water on specific Marma points, like the wrists or the heart area, can help stabilize emotions and ease tension.
"Ayurveda’s approach is a reminder that we can find balance by tuning into what’s around us,” Kari shares. “Instead of adding more to your day, simplify by reconnecting with your senses."
How to Begin Your Journey
If you’re interested in learning more, Kari’s approach is accessible and collaborative. She offers a 30-minute introductory session over Zoom, allowing potential clients to explore whether Ayurveda resonates with their goals. Her aim is to support individuals in a way that complements other wellness practices, underscoring that healing is a shared journey and not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Ultimately, Kari’s insights serve as a reminder to slow down and give ourselves permission to listen to our inner needs. Whether you begin with a morning ritual, moon water, or a simple sensory break during the day, these practices can be transformative for reconnecting with your body and enhancing your emotional well-being.
To explore more about Kari’s offerings or to start your journey with Ayurveda, you can reach her through her website, Shamana Eco Ayurveda, and discover the beauty of sensory care as a path to wellness.
The information and resources contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. The use of this website does not imply nor establish any type of therapist-client relationship. Furthermore, the information obtained from this site should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical and/or mental health evaluation by an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional.