What's Your Favorite Stress-Busting Pranic Formulation? ALL 10% Off
This time of year, you might have noticed, things always feel out of whack! The scorching summer heat dries up the soma, as we drift away from the sun, the dry whimsical days of Autumn set in. Less Soma and more Marut, with dropping temperatures and we feel hot and bothered, spaced-out and tired. In other words: inside-out stressed! For no apparent reason… This is the time Ayurveda recommends to take a break. The transitional point between two season, the “ritu sandhi” is the time one needs to slow down and allow the body, mind, and heart, to get a full reset. Adjusting the diet is essential, in addition to a gentle detox protocol. But many of us are unable to allot the time, and dietary changes can be even more challenging. Just the thought of this all is stressful!!!
So take the first step and address your vata dosha first…. Vaidya Mishra gave us so many pranically potent instant remedies…. Discover them all on www.chandika.com. AFTER you have settled down your mind, and nervous system, and soothed your heart, then you can think about seasonal detox and protocols… Not sure where to start? May we suggest our best-selling “Calm Temples Oil.” It will calm things down in 1, 2, 3!
Apply a drop on your ring finger and go clockwise on your right temple. Then repeat on the left temple. Close your eyes and breeeeeath!
The best Vata pacification comes from a full night’s sleep. But most of the time, that’s the most illusory thing in life! Not anymore! Try the best-selling “Total Bliss” capsules with Ashwagandha, Ashoka, and more – tridoshic, gentle, and effective!
You are interested in pacifying your doshas and following an ayurvedic regimen but need to sleep first to get energy to revamp your lifestyle? Then try the Total Bliss Capsules for a quick and effective reset!
JANUARY 5, 2027
New Book by
Dr Teitelbaum
For and About
Babies & Mommies
Crucial topic for turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Pre-order on Amazon now for a digital or physical copy.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
Do you feel like there simply are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all you need to do? Do you wish you could sleep less so you could do more?
Why do we need to sleep at all anyways?! Is there not another way of plugging in and recharging back to full – without having to spend 7-8 hours passively dormant and non-productive? Is there not a way of restoring the body’s energy without sleep?
Ayurveda actually teaches us that sleep is so much more than a “mindless pause” meant to restore the physical body. And modern science is slowly but surely catching up and confirming what Ayurveda has known forever!
For example: the scientific consensus is now between 7-9 hours of sleep a night for an adult. This is not just to restore the body, but to reset the brain! Groundbreaking studies demonstrate how the brain needs sleep in order to wash itself off from toxins created during the day’s activities. Yes, you read that right modern science now confirms that sleep is necessary for brain detox and reset!
A specific type of brain cell – the glial cells – shrink during sleep. When they shrink, they open up the interstitial gaps between neurons to allow cerebral fluid to flush out neurotoxins in the brain through a network of plumbing pipes – the glymphatic system. If the brain is not allowed this detox process through a proper continuous 8 hour cycle of sleep, toxic proteins may be formed and/or left behind. It has been found that these proteins play a major role in chronic brain disorders such as: Alzheimers, Parkinson’s, or dementia.
So science confirms that sleeping 8 hours a night – minimum – is a necessary detox for the brain. Through this nightly process neurotoxins are flushed out of the brain tissue. Ayurveda already elaborates on this topic of “Shodhana and Rasayana” in great depth.
Vaidya Mishra not only emphasized the importance of regular sleep for a physical reset, but he elaborated – in great detail – on the topic of ”shodhana” or the detox properties of sleep, as well as the ”rasayana” or rejuvenative values of sleep.
The detox and rejuvenative functions of sleep – “shodhana” and “rasayana” – have long been known an expounded in the Carak Samhita Sutrasthana. We read that sleep or “svapn”(स्वप्न), along with a healthy diet or “ahar,” (अहर) as well as ethical balanced behavior or “Brahmacharya” (ब्रह्माचार्यः)are the 3 sub-pillars of life, or “traya upastambah (त्रयाउपस्तम्बः).
The sutra goes on to state that with proper regular sleep the body gains “bala” or physical and mental stamina. In addition:
its overall immunity is enhanced;
complexion improves;
digestive and post-digestive activities are optimal;
the mind gets more balance and nourishment from the physiology ;
there is overall improvement in the assimilation and transformation of activities on the cellular as well as vibrational levels.
By nature, when the day wanes, if our body is attuned to Nature’s rhythms, we will naturally shift gears and allow the body to slip into sleep. The sutra says:
When “manas,” the mind, gets “klante” or fatigued, from too much activity or”karma,” enjoying the objects or “visyayebho” of the senses, then it wants to release itself (“nivartante”) of those objects by going into sleep or “svapiti.” This is the definition of sleep according to Ayurveda. So now we know! But sometimes we are tired and sleepy and we want to sleep but can not…. The body is in overdrive mode and the mind won’t settle down. Or we fall asleep exhausted but wake up between midnight and 2am and can’t fall back asleep at all… There are very many scenarios of sleeplessness as you can imagine…
The question then is:
if sleeping through the night is a problem, How Can Ayurveda help?
In our modern day culture, sleep is the most elusive thing. No matter how tired we feel and want to sleep, we are not able to wind down, fall asleep, nor stay asleep, because our modern lives are not only fast-paced externally with deadlines and racing against the clock; but because our circadian cycles are also being disrupted by electromagnetic technology and highly “agneya” potent devices. So one must use different approaches to correct sleep imbalances: based on external and internal factors.
Sleeplessness occurs when the brain is unable to disconnect from the activities of the senses… When the brain remains engaged in the objects of the senses – something that happened during the day – either extremely exciting or stressful; a task that was unfinished; an emotional charge that remains unprocessed; a stressful thought that won’t leave you. Your mind keeps running the episode over and over again in its attempt to resolve it.
In this situation, unless one takes strong supplements or sleep aids, one will not be able to disconnect or detach their mind from the senses. Sleep then becomes and elusive dream.
As we know, in Ayurveda, there is NOT one remedy for all. Each individual and condition is unique. Just so, there is not one way to correct sleep imbalances, because there is not one reason that may be causing the insomnia.
In SVA, Vaidya Mishra insists on following the हेतु लिङ्ग औषादि ज्ञानम् “hetu lingam aushadi gyanam” principle: first investigate and isolate the actual cause of sleeplessness in order to be able to correct it fully and effectively. In this sense, based on one’s physiology, there can be 3 distinct ways of addressing sleeplessness, depending on our dosha: Kapha, Pitta, and Vata.
In this sense, based on one’s physiology, there can be 3 distinct ways of addressing sleeplessness, depending on our dosha: Kapha, Pitta, and Vata.
General Recommendations:
1)Turn down the lights, specially blue light, as it forces our brain to reduce the production of melatonin which affects sleep quality;
2) Reduce the use of computers and cellphones, turn off the wifi in your home: EMF is the #1 disruptor of the body’s internal clock, it also disrupts our vibrational channels or nadi-s that carry prana – prana is essential for health and for sleep;
3) Gentle stretching or yogic exercise or meditation to ease the muscles into the rest period of the day and disconnect the mind from stress will go a long way.
Here are more dosha specific guidelines for those who need a little more pacification…
VATA
Sleeplessness that is caused by too much Vata, or air and space accumulation, can result from:
*the overuse of EMF devices such as computers, cellphones, etc.
*from eating or drinking too much dry or drying foods or drinks (snacks, caffeinated drinks);
*from skipping meals or not eating enough, or eating on the go;
*eating too much pungent and spicy meals; or cold food;
*over-engaging in physical or mental activity without taking proper breaks;
*travelling for long hours (flying, driving too much) without a break to recover and reset the body
In this case, the mind gets overwhelmed, it needs a nourishing nurturing break to ground itself and recover.
Sometimes, even if one falls asleep, they wake up fatigued and foggy – sleep is scattered and not grounded enough. In this case, one should adopt one or more of the following steps:
*proper vata pacifying foods that are more unctuous and grounding in nature;
*Drink a “Milk-date Shake” before sleep (boil milk with a couple cardamom pods, a stick of cinnamon, a pinch of turmeric; take off the heat, pour into a blender and add 1-2 pitted medjool dates and blend. Drink warm before bed). If it’s too heavy you can do 50% milk and 50% water.
*Give yourself a self-massage with a Vata Dosha pacifying massage oil (Vata oil with Vit D and Magnesium);
*Drink Soma Nidra Tea 2 hours before sleep;
*Use the Soma Nidra Oral spray a few minutes before going to bed;
*Shower with Soma Nidra Soap;
*Take a bath with Soma Nidra Sleep Pouches an hour before sleep;
*Apply Soma Nidra Aroma oil blend on your wrists and behind your ear lobes, or put a couple of drops in an aroma diffuser to release the aroma in your room during your sleep.
*Apply Mastishk Shamana transdermal cream on your lower spine, as well as on your feet – massage gently.
You are interested in pacifying your doshas and following an ayurvedic regimen but need to sleep first to get energy to revamp your lifestyle? Then try the Total Bliss Capsules for a quick and effective reset!
PITTA
All of the above Vata pacifying recommendations can be done to help with sleep by an individual of any constitution, but sometimes things need to be addressed specifically for Pitta problems. Pitta imbalance prone individuals may experience lack of sleep primarily due to stomach/food related imbalances. If they do not eat a proper meal that has high protein content, their fiery high metabolism will not settle down enough to allow soma to ground them and give them deep rejuvenative sleep. They will wake up during high pitta time, between 12am and 2am, sweating and hot, with a restless mind, probably with heart palpitations, emotionally strung. When this happens, it is important to pacify pachak or digestive pitta. Here are some recipes:
1) Eat a sweet juicy pear, to help you fall back asleep
2) Make the Milk-Date Shake recipe
3) Have some yoghurt: add 2 pinches nutmeg powder and some raw honey, mix and eat.
High Pitta individual must make every effort to go to bed no later than 10pm – 9:30 lights out is best! If they are awake past 10pm, they will experience a second wave of energy, and they will be drawn to engage in intense mental or physical activities instead of allowing the physiology to rest and detox. The longer they stay awake into the night, the harder it becomes for them to fall wind down and fall asleep, accumulating more pitta, and resulting in higher pitta related imbalances – mood swings and crankiness resulting from excess heat in the body.
Between 10pm and 2am, Pitta organs become more active and go into detox mode: the liver, spleen and pancreas. When one is fast asleep between 10pm to 2am, our body is repaired through nightly detox and rejuvenation, waste products go into proper detox pathways and the body produces the most refined tissue that maintains health and happiness: ojas.
The shastras – ayurvedic texts – highlight that proper sleep produces ojas, and support a toxin-free cellular system.
If pitta types consume alcohol or meals that are high in spices as well as pungent, their physical brain will need an extra-boost of Soma to settle down at night. Soma is the raw material for neurotransmitters. When there is not enough soma, the brain starves and it becomes difficult for it to get disconnected from the “horses” – aka: the senses as per Vaidya Mishra – resulting in poor sleeping patterns.
What to do?
*Eat protein rich yet light meals before sleep
*Consume some Rose petal preserve with/after dinner
*Have more squashes during the day or for dinner and reduce salt in the evenings, even Soma Salt;
* Avoid any/all pungent spices at night or after 2pm: no black-pepper, chillies, or even channel-opening herbs such as oregano, rosemary etc
*Drink the milk/date shake recipe given above (Vata imbalance section)
*Make a cup of Soma Nidra tea and sip slowly 2 hours before bedtime;
*Apply DGL transdermal cream on your liver and stomach area, gently massaging in circular motion;
*Take a shower with Soma Nidra soap, spray the Rose Body Silk lotion after shower
*Give yourself a gentle calming massage with Pitta oil with Magnesium
*LAUGH EVERY DAY! specially in the evening, and at the end of stressful day – make sure you end things on a high happy note: “don’t worry be happy”!
KAPHA
Lack of sleep related to kapha imbalance can result from eating heavy clogging meals during the day; not having enough exercise in the morning or having only sedentary activities/work during the day; consuming yogurt at night; sleeping during the day – late into the morning or taking a nap after lunch… In all these instances, the physical channels between mind and body get clogged, and the mind cannot communicate properly with the senses, making it difficult to disconnect the senses from the mind.
If you are prone to kapha imbalance – your body tends to have a slower metabolism and accumulate more soma. This is how you can balance things:
*Incorporate daily exercise/yoga into your life: it does not have to be intense, but it must be regular! As the body responds to the cumulative benefits;
*Eat spice rich food for lunch and dinner – you may also add fresh ginger and Thai green chilies if your pitta is not off and your agni needs support. This will help oxygenation to the brain and the body overall, and better circulation will help fall asleep and stay asleep!
*Apply Prana-Flow roll-on or cream on arms legs as well as your lower spine morning and evening;
*Use Soma Nidra oral spray – 2-3 squirts before bed;
*Drink a cup of Soma Nidra Tea or use any of the other Soma Nidra products to help induce sound sleep, however, all these will work best when you incorporate exercise and balanced meals into your routine
*most important is to make sure you do not sleep beyond 6am in the mornings. Sleeping beyond 6am accumulates more Soma in your physiology resulting in clogged channels. For a Kapha type, this can cause Pitta and Vata imbalances.
Wishing you blissful somagenic nights…
JANUARY 5, 2027
New Book by
Dr Teitelbaum
For and About
Babies & Mommies
Crucial topic for turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Pre-order on Amazon now for a digital or physical copy.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
Pranic Supplements or Herbal-Memory Nectar Drops? – ALL 10% Off
Supplements?
the
SVA Perspective
~ with Dr Lisa Raskin (DC)
When I first went to see Vaidya Mishra in 2008, I brought my supplements with me. I was proud of them! Quality brands. Good ingredients. All the right nutrients. I told him: “They give me energy.” He looked at them and said one word: “Stimulants.”
That moment stayed with me for a long time!
Because he was right. That energy I was feeling wasn’t nourishment. My body was being pushed, not supported. Here’s what he taught me: most supplements are made in labs – synthetic copies of nutrients that originally came from living food. And when you isolate a nutrient that way, three things happen.
First, it loses its cofactors. Take vitamin C. Isolated ascorbic acid is just one molecule stripped of everything nature put around it. Vitamin C from a whole food source comes with bioflavonoids and other compounds that help your body actually use it. The isolated version is missing that.
Second – and this is the deeper teaching – it loses its prana: its vibrational energy and nutrition. The living intelligence that no lab can replicate… Prana is what allows your cells to know what to do. When to release which hormone. When to make neurotransmitters. How to communicate with each other so your whole system stays coordinated. Your heart beats. Your liver filters. Cells repair themselves. Hormones release at exactly the right time. That coordination doesn’t come from nutrients alone. It comes from prana. When a supplement is made in a lab, that intelligence is gone. Your body gets the molecule with the nutritional dosage but not the “intelligence” that is a living energy. The building materials are there. But the thing that tells your body what to actually do with them – that’s gone.
Third – this is something I think about with every patient – the liver only recognizes food. When it receives something synthetic, something it doesn’t recognize as food, it has to work incredibly hard just to metabolize it. Even while it may be delivering some benefit, it is simultaneously creating burden. This is why something can help and hurt at the same time. And I want to be clear – this doesn’t mean every supplement is useless! Some are necessary. Some are genuinely helpful for a period of time. I’m not saying throw everything away…
But the question is bigger than “is the nutrient there?”
The deeper question is: can your body actually recognize it? Can it use it? Does it nourish – or does it stimulate?
This is why lab numbers can improve while you still feel terrible.
I see this constantly. Women come to me having taken dozens of supplements for months or years. Their numbers may look better. But they don’t feel better. So we begin looking differently. Not just at what they’re taking – but at whether their body can actually receive and use it.
When we shift toward herbs that are properly prepared, whole food sources, and remedies the body can actually recognize – something changes. Not because we added more. Because we gave the body something it could actually work with. Something that carries intelligence. And here’s a simple way to start paying attention to this yourself: when you take something, how does your body actually feel? Not just in the moment – but over time. Does it actually feel supported? Or slightly pushed, slightly off, even if a symptom improves?
Your body can tell the difference. It really can.
Look for whole food sources whenever possible. Herbs that are wild-crafted or grown and processed in ways that preserve their intelligence. And companies that understand that how something is prepared matters as much as what’s in it. That’s just a very different way of thinking about this than most people have been taught.
Today, through Soma Radiant Wellness, Dr. Lisa Raskin works primarily with women with complex or highly sensitive systems, particularly women who react unexpectedly to supplements or treatments, have tried many approaches without getting well, or have complicated health histories that do not fit neatly into a single diagnosis or protocol.
Dr. Raskin began studying Ayurveda in 1985, years before becoming a Chiropractic Physician. Her undergraduate background was in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was Phi Beta Kappa. While still an undergraduate, she worked at the Clayton Foundation for Biochemical Research, where she conducted research and helped develop and refine a lymphocyte-based assay for assessing nutritional status. She graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic in 1995.
Her interest in Ayurveda grew out of a much longer exploration of consciousness and the relationship between mind, body and health. A meditation teacher since 1976, Dr. Raskin participated in an intensive five-year program in Europe during the 1980s focused on the development of consciousness. During that time, she was invited to join a group of physicians developing treatment protocols for Ayurvedic clinics.
After returning to the United States, she also worked in molecular biology research with Dr. David Pasco at Maharishi International University, doing genetic cloning and related laboratory work as part of an NIH-funded research project.
She later worked as a biochemist at Stanford Research Institute, conducting research on Ayurvedic herbs..
Dr. Raskin’s research at SRI International also resulted in co-authorship of a peer-reviewed paper published in Mutation Research examining the relationship between dietary and lifestyle factors and measured mutation frequency in human erythrocytes.
Her work took another important turn when she began studying extensively with Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra in the Shaka Vansya Ayurveda tradition. She continued studying with him for many years and became one of only seven physicians worldwide certified by Vaidya Mishra in the teachings of Shaka Vansya Ayurveda.
The principles of SVA remain foundational to the way Dr. Raskin understands health and healing today. One of the lessons that most deeply shaped her work was Vaidya Mishra’s insistence on respecting the individual in front of you rather than simply applying a treatment because it is supposed to be beneficial.
That became especially important as Dr. Raskin found herself working with people who were unusually sensitive, who reacted to supplements or treatments that should have helped them, or who had complicated health histories that did not fit neatly into a single diagnosis or protocol.
Her approach brings together the principles and subtle understanding of Shaka Vansya Ayurveda with modern laboratory testing, functional blood chemistry, genetics, detailed health history, symptoms and patterns of response. She is interested not only in what is happening now, but in how a person’s health story unfolded over time and how seemingly separate pieces may be connected.
Dr. Raskin is particularly careful with people who do not tolerate standard approaches well. Rather than assuming that more treatment, more supplements or a stronger protocol is better, she works gently and individually, paying close attention to how each person responds.
Her work reflects a question that has guided her for many years:
At what cost?
Something may be considered beneficial, but if the person cannot tolerate it, or if helping one part of the system comes at the expense of another, Dr. Raskin believes that matters.
Through Soma Radiant Wellness, her fully virtual practice, Dr. Raskin works with women worldwide.
“I started my sessions with Dr. Lisa after trying many other modalities and was referred by a friend who had experience with Ayurvedic medicine. My challenges have been in dealing with osteoporosis and being overweight.
Dr. Lisa very gently started me on a cleansing protocol and over the course of several sessions, built me up to a point where I could start effectively supporting my health from a more balanced and clear level.
Currently I feel much clearer, lighter and healthier only a few months later!
I would recommend Dr. Lisa because of her attention to the patient’s concerns and her very sensitive approach to addressing each issue, as well as her rare skills and training in this field. I was surprised again and again at how spot-on she is!” — MM
“I was experiencing a lot of fatigue, and had a hard time getting out of bed. I also had digestive issues and insomnia.
After I started the program from Dr. Lisa, I started to have more energy and my digestion improved. Also my hot flashes had lessened significantly within two weeks. The insomnia has also improved significantly. I felt normal again.
I like working with Dr. Lisa because she really listens to you and your concerns and she is respectful of your experience. Unlike many doctors who patronize you and tell you your disease doesn’t exist. I feel I am in good hands and that I can turn to her whenever I need advice.” — LH
“I have suspected since I was a teenager that something was not right, possibly with my adrenal glands or my thyroid. I am now into my 50’s and so happy to have started working with you last year. You did a great job zooming right into the challenges that I have experienced my whole life, particularly related to low energy and weight struggles.
I love your approach of using Western diagnostics to confirm what’s going on and using the gentle approach of ayurveda for support. In many ways, I feel better than I ever remember feeling.
I also appreciate that you offer many suggestions and encourage your patients to focus on the things that feel right. It is really empowering to meet a Dr who sees her patients as their own experts with their own bodies.
Through your experienced guidance, I continue to find new ways to improve the quality of my life, my energy levels and just a general overall feeling of well being.
I love that ayurveda seeks to support the whole person in a unique way tailored to that person’s needs.
The world could use more of you and those like you.”
— Lisa B.
Sensitive Care for Sensitive Systems
“Dr. Lisa Raskin was recommended to me because I had anxiety, digestion/elimination problems and difficulty sleeping. After working with her for less than a year I feel so much calmer, my digestion has improved and I’m no longer dependent on laxatives.
I’m also sleeping better than I ever have. I’m falling asleep faster and sleeping through the night.
I’m forever grateful for Dr. Lisa!”
— Eileen Hogan-Murthy
“My blood tests showed that my thyroid was low functioning. I heard about Dr. Lisa Raskin and asked her if she would work with me; I had heard that one of her special talents was supporting those with thyroid issues. When she saw my tests she said that she was surprised that I had enough energy to get out of bed and get dressed in the morning.
Working with natural herbs and Ayurvedic spices and oils I began to feel my energy and strength return. I no longer fall asleep in my recliner in the afternoon or have trouble getting to sleep at night. And…get this…without even trying, my weight has dropped about 15 pounds. Weight loss was not really a goal…natural energy restoration was…but I’ll take it with gratitude.
I feel so-o-o much better, and many people tell me that I couldn’t possibly be 73 years old. YAY!”
— Beverly C.
“Before working with Dr. Lisa I was experiencing muscle pain and weakness from a fall, felt fatigued most of the time and my blood sugar was slightly high. After working with her for less than three months my pain has cleared up, my energy level is much better and my blood sugar has improved.
Dr. Lisa is a very caring, responsive and knowledgeable Health Provider. She understands and supports my desire to improve my health state with natural means where possible.”
— LS
Changes Throughout the Body
“I am a patient of Dr. Lisa Raskin. I have had Parkinson’s for more than 10 years. I have Cervical Dystonia in addition to a variety of unrelated autoimmune diseases. I was in a lot of pain that never seemed to let up. I had Restless Leg Syndrome and my toes were crippling.
I had tried muscle relaxers and low-dose pain killers. Also, Acupuncture, Botox, and other treatments. Some of the treatments take the edge off the pain briefly. Until I started working with Dr. Raskin, my life was feeling quite dismal. I couldn’t sleep, and was using my cane a lot to avoid falling. I had no energy.
Since starting with Dr. Lisa, there has been a lot of improvement. Without the restless legs, I am getting an average of seven hours of sleep a night. Before I was lucky to get three. My tremors have reduced dramatically.
Although I’m still a work in progress, I feel hope at last. I have less pain. I lost my smell years ago, but recently have been able to smell things I haven’t smelled in years. I am now able to walk my little dog. I went dancing with friends. I haven’t danced in years.
She works holistically with baby steps. Also, I have more energy.
I’m not sure how Dr. Raskin does what she does. She is incredibly intelligent, well trained and most of all knows one treatment doesn’t fit all. She is always searching for ways to help her patients get better. She’s dedicated to all of her patients. Most of all, she listens. I thank God I found her.”
— J W
“Before I started working with Dr Lisa, I was struggling just to see any light. I was in a lot of pain. I could not walk to the mailbox at the end of my road much less work. I didn’t sleep much from the pain keeping me awake through most nights. I had been diagnosed in my early teens with ovarian cysts and then endometriosis, and was given treatment after treatment – surgery, drugs, pain medicines.
After I started seeing Dr Lisa, the pain became less and less. I was seeing, feeling, and present in a way I hadn’t before. My strength came back.
I felt a little like Wonder Woman some days. It’s astonishing what the absence of pain allows you to feel and see again.
Dr. Lisa really is a blessing. I half joked with her once saying if I were Catholic, I would call the Pope because she is performing miracles. I can’t say enough how grateful I am to have found her.”
— Lei
“Just wanted you to know the new formula, Kanchenar, and slight dietary modification really seems to have made a significant difference. I’m sleeping better, so I have more energy during the day, more wakeful programs, leading to more clarity in communication, teaching, work, and more patience. Dare I say, I’ve even had prolonged bouts of contentment. Woo-hoo!” — Gary G.
Energy, Function, and Daily Life
“I had spent 7–8 years trying different healing methods, detox protocols, supplements, specialists, organic diets, and exercise, but it felt like my body was no longer responding to anything I tried. The headaches, indigestion, fatigue, and low energy just would not improve.
Working with Dr. Lisa was completely different.
The first thing that struck me was how comprehensive and thoughtful her intake process was. I immediately felt that she genuinely wanted to understand what was happening in my body instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Her work has been gentle, gradual, and deeply individualized. She listened carefully, adjusted things slowly over time, and always respected what my body could actually handle. Instead of forcing protocols, she allowed my body to “speak.”
Over the months, I began noticing subtle but very real positive changes that I had not been able to achieve during my previous wellness journey.
Dr. Lisa combines deep clinical knowledge with genuine compassion, and I have felt supported not only physically, but emotionally throughout this process. I still have healing ahead of me, but for the first time in years, I truly feel hopeful. — Rumi
“I have known Dr Lisa for over 30 years and know her to be one of the kindest, most compassionate and thorough healing professionals I have ever worked with. As a multiple cancer survivor, I finally decided to go through chemo and radiation to treat vulvar cancer.
Once I stopped chemo and radiation, I knew I needed natural medicine to support my recovery from the treatment and rebuild my system. My intuition led me back to Dr. Lisa, and I have been very happy with the results we have achieved.
My CA125 cancer marker has dropped dramatically during the time I have been working with Dr. Lisa. She is systematic and intuitive in her approach. I am confident that I will continue to heal and feel energized. Even my oncologist and PCP are impressed.
If you want to work with someone who really listens and gets results, I highly recommend Dr. Lisa.”
“I became aware of my EMF hypersensitivity after returning to the US and taking up my previous position in law enforcement. This required that I carry two cell phones on me and be near high-tech equipment for sometimes 24 hours a day.
I started feeling the effects: buzzing in my head, ringing in my ears, nausea, feeling hyper, sleep disruptions, and more. My body began to put on weight with high inflammation.
I started with Dr. Raskin in November of 2023; now it is June 2024. I’ve noticed a big difference in how I feel mentally, spiritually, and physically.
We have made great leaps and bounds. I have been able to have better sleep, my digestion has improved, and my liver feels better which helps support my body’s natural processes.
Dr. Raskin listens to you. She adapts her protocol based on the information you give and all of the knowledge that she has about Ayurveda.
I think that the package that she offers is beneficial. I have to do things with Nature, plants, those things that we were given to nourish our bodies and support our bodies and then at times heal our bodies. So those are the tools that Dr. Raskin uses and it works for me.”
— MJS
Complex, Long-Standing Issues
“Dr. Lisa Raskin is a Health Care Practitioner, a blessed healer. It is not the many many different degrees and certificates in numerous fields of Health and Healing that makes her special. It is Dr. Lisa’s profound gifts of healing and intuitive knowledge of the being in its Wholeness which stems from her spiritual life.
Her understanding of the whole being, mental, emotional, physical, energetic, and spiritual lends her the clarity to not only know what is needed to create wellness but she carries with her the Divine Grace to create and support Wellness.
Lisa lives at a level of Spiritual Awakening that infuses her work with that of Divine Grace. You will receive excellent care be it Ayurveda her specialty or one of the many other healing modalities she works with,
Dr. Lisa is extremely talented her scientific mind always working to bring about Wellbeing. Lisa cares deeply for her clients and loves her work, and is constantly growing and becoming an even more profound healer.
If you are looking for help with your health Dr. Lisa Raskin is someone with profound training and experience, natural gifts of healing and the presence of Divine Grace.”
— Ananda M.
“WOW what an empathic exacting healer Dr. Lisa amazes me every time I work with her. She uses her clinical skills and her quantum biofeedback machine on me regularly and I’ve seen a huge shift in my health for the better, including better sustained energy, my temperature and energy levels have improved, and I’m sleeping better now that I feel like all my systems are coming back into balance. My balance is improved, and now we’re working on low back pain that’s a chronic aggravating situation.
If in doubt, TRUST HER, she’s got some kind of magic healing and diagnostic capability.” — Knoel
JANUARY 5, 2027
New Book by
Dr Teitelbaum
For and About
Babies & Mommies
Crucial topic for turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Pre-order on Amazon now for a digital or physical copy.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
Gut Care through Diet and Herbs: Oral, Transdermal, AND Transmucosal – ALL 10% Off
The
Keystone Species of the
Gut Microbiome
~ Dr Marianne Teitelbaum
The Human Genome Project which began in 1990 and was completed in 2003, with remaining gaps largely filled in by later projects, identified the roughly 20,000 genes within human. Today scientists continue to study how genes are regulated, how they interact with one another and sequence genomes from many different people to understand disease and human diversity.
Just as important, or even more importantly, the Human Microbiome Project started in 2007. The scientists discovered something surprising: our bodies contain trillions of microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites — that collectively have millions of genes, vastly outnumbering the approximately 20,000 human genes.
Thus, the microbiome became such a major focus is because our genes alone don’t explain many diseases. Two people can have nearly identical genomes but different risks of obesity inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, or even responses to medications. And it now appears that the microbiome is one important factor in helping to explain these differences.
Your genome is like the blueprint of a house. Your microbiome is like the people living in the house. They don’t change the blueprint, but they can dramatically affect how the house functions.
The point I’m making here is that it is important for us to understand the workings of our gut microbiome, because unlike the genes we’ve inherited and whose traits we cannot change, we can improve the function of our gut microbiome if we understand what throws it out of balance and even more importantly, how to repair it when it does go out of balance.
I am attempting to educate the public as much as I can as I read the latest research on the gut — through my books, articles, podcasts and videos.
In today’s video I would like to discuss the Keystone Species — an integral part of the gut microbiome.
There are a group of beneficial bacteria within the gut microbiome, known as the keystone species, which while they only make up a small percentage of all the bacteria in your gut, many other microbes and even your own body, depend on what they do.
The term “keystone” comes from the study of architecture. Imagine an arch made of stones. The keystone is the stone at the very top. It doesn’t have to be the biggest stone, but it locks all the others into place. Remove it, and the arch becomes unstable or may collapse.
The gut microbiome contains roughly 500-1,000 beneficial species in a typical healthy adult, although any one person usually carries about 150-300 species. Of those only a relatively small number are thought to be true keystone species, anywhere from 1 to 25% depending on each individual person.
While scientists don’t yet know the exact number, current estimates suggest that there are probably dozens rather than hundreds of keystone species. As microbiome research advances, scientists continue to discover additional organisms that may qualify as keystone species, so the list is still evolving.
A microbiome with hundreds of species but missing its keystone organisms may not function well. Just like in an orchestra: the violin section may have 30 musicians, but without the conductor the orchestra loses coordination.
Keystone species are like the conductors of the microbial community. They don’t necessarily do the most of the work themselves, but they coordinate and support many of the processes that keep the gut ecosystem functioning smoothly.
Akkermansia muciniphila is one of the most intensively studied beneficial gut bacteria because it appears to play important role in maintaining health. It was first identified in 2004 and research into it is expanding rapidly:
It maintains the gut lining — it lives in the mucus layer that coats the intestines.
It feeds on old mucus, but in doing so it stimulates the body to produce new mucus.
This helps keep the protective barrier between the contents of the intestine and the bloodstream healthy.
A healthy amount off Akkermansia is associated with lower levels of inflammation — it can influence immune cells in the gut, preventing the immune system from overreacting to harmless substances.
It helps support the “tight junctions” between intestinal cells. A stronger barrier makes it harder for bacteria and bacterial toxins to pass into the blood stream.
People with higher levels of Akkermansia often have better insulin sensitivity, better blood sugar control, lower body fat and healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Studies suggest it helps “educate” the immune system so it responds appropriately to threats while remaining tolerant of beneficial microbes and food proteins.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, another keystone species, is one of the most important beneficial bacteria in the colon because it produces butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that nourishes the cells lining the colon. It helps reduce inflammation and strengthens the intestinal barrier. In fact people with inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease usually have low levels of this bacteria.
Look at my video on YouTube on butyrate where I describe how butyrate is made and the huge role it plays in making mucus to support the growth of Akkermansia, in addition to many other things.
Bifidobacterium longum, along with other bifidobacterium species is one of the first beneficial bacteria to colonize infants. It produces vitamins and beneficial acids. It supports normal immune function and helps crowd out harmful bacteria.
Ruminococcus brodi is considered a “primary degrader” of resistant starches. It breaks down resistant starches or starches which are resistant to digestion, into nutrients that feed many other beneficial microbes.
There are several other keystone species as well which work together to maintain a healthy gut environment, support butyrate production, mucus production, the breakdown of fibers and sharing nutrients with other microbes.
Many companies are trying to make specific probiotic species, but it is difficult at times because many of these species are anaerobic, which means they cannot grow in the presence of oxygen.
But these friendly bacteria in the gut work in harmony with each other, as colonies, each helping the next to thrive in various ways. Therefore it is felt that you can increase these species naturally and have a larger effect than you can by taking an isolated supplement.
This would include a diet rich in polyphenol foods such as cranberries, blackberries and blueberries, pomegranates, grapes, berries, and olive oil.
It would also include prebiotic fibers, which the friendly bacteria in general and the keystone species specifically, love to eat, such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, kiwi fruit, asparagus, apples, and dandelion greens.
Also incorporate foods containing resistant starch such as rice, beans, lentils and oats.
Researchers often describe keystone microbes as ecosystem engineers. They:
—decide which microbes can survive.
— produce nutrients other microbes require.
— remove waste products.
— help regulate the acidity or pH of the gut.
— they influence oxygen levels.
— they affect the immune system.
— the help maintain the intestinal barrier.
They are constantly “managing” the ecosystem.
Even though they make up such a small percentage of the microbiome, if they disappear, many more abundant species can also decline because they depend on them for their survival.
Researchers are very interested in studying the keystone species because a microbiome with hundreds of species but missing its keystone organisms may not function well.
I hope you have learned a little more about your gut microbiome from this video! Learning the various facts about this important ecosystem, will contribute to your overall good health.
There is a reason Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, and the ancient seers of Ayurveda both stated that, “All diseases begin in the gut.” Therefore, the starting point for treating any disease must be with the gut microbiome.
A very central topic in these turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Place a pre-order on Amazon now for teh digital or physical copy: book will be available for purchase on January 5, 2027.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
Lalita's Facial Beauty Care – Pranically Pure – ALL 15% Off – PLUS: A GIFT!
In this newsletter, we feature more “divine shakti-s” – as Vaidya loved to call them! Women who are spiritually and dharmically empowered and carry on the SVAyurveda tradition to spread bliss and balance in their communities.
Meet Evangeline. And Irina. And Corinna: her in-depth SVA PK course is still open for enrollment!
Scroll down to read more….
“Radiance from Within!”
through
SVA Marma:
A Lakeside Weekend
with
Evangeline Mangune
Lakeside Inn, Orillia, Lake Simcoe
August 29 & 30, 2026
“I Can See the Difference!”
That is the message I received from one of the participants the day after our Radiance From
Within retreat this past weekend. It made me smile too:
“I can’t believe to see my face this morning! I can see the difference! Can’t help but smile.” ~ Ruth
Over the weekend, a small group of us gathered on the shores of Lake Simcoe – Canada – to explore
holistic beauty through the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda (SVA) lens, certainly not leaving out how to
cultivate inner beauty for lasting results with a good diet, sleep and steady routine.
The plan was to do practices I learned directly from Vaidya Mishra – Transdermal Marma System™,
and Samadhi Marma. After taking these courses, I had immediately incorporated them into my massage therapy practice, as well as all services I still offer to this day.
What I wanted to ensure during our retreat, was enough personal practice time. We prepared body and
mind prior to delving into marma points: gentle movement and restorative pranayama to help create the conditions to receive the knowledge and practices of SVA. Participants were immediately taken with the knowledge of SVA- particularly the youngest of the group, a 12 year old girl who came with her mother! How
lucky she is, I thought, at a tender age of 12, discovering SVA! She was taking notes, asking many questions such as “Can you spell those words again- the parts of prana?”
This weekend brought me back to where my Ayurvedic journey began… Twenty-two years ago I met Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra, an Ayurvedic doctor who came from a very long line of Ayurvedic healers who treated the royalty in India, known for their specialty in dermatology. A friend emailed me saying Vaidya Mishra would be coming to Sarnia, Ontario – and add: “he is the “real deal.” And said he would be teaching Ayurvedic pulse assessment for the first time in Canada! I went to the course and brought my then 6 year old daughter, Evergreen.
Over the next few years, Vaidya would return to Canada, and I would take any opportunity I could to study with him – next level marma, home panchakarma, hair course. I had the good fortune to organize and help out at courses and events he was a presenting at. On top of that he would see patients, lined up for him by eager practitioners, such as myself. Vaidya was tireless! And he was very generous with his knowledge too. He had a way of shaping complex teachings so that we could understand them without losing their depth- a depth I found no textbook could emulate.
Some of the Ayurvedic books I would read were amazing, but just felt lifeless to me. His teachings opened my eyes to a much deeper understanding of health and the healing process, and to the profound relationship between the nervous system, digestion, liver, gut, mind, skin, circulation, vitality, ojas, prana. Every time I was learning from Vaidya, I could connect a few more dots.
And I still do, though he is no longer with us in body.
The heart and mind need healing and Vaidya knew our world so desperately needed this, which is
why he created practices and formulations to care for heart and mind. We practiced them this past
weekend. One of the formulations we used is called Blissful Awakening Facial mist. I still feel the bliss
effect today, a day after- spraying it the suggested 3x a day, which many of the participants had
done also, and remarked on its beautiful fragrance.
Good vibes stay with you…
With our lakeside weekend, good vibes certainly flowed – non-stop for 2 days! We practiced
Samadhi Marmaon Sunday applying Prana Flow, Brahmi, Arjuna and Tulsi roll-ons on specific
marma points. Saturday was Transdermal Marma System, with face and eye marma points, and
discovering Ayurvedic face massage. I had shared with them how ALA cream can be used as a
preventative measure, which I do personally daily, around the eyes and the back of the neck, as I
had learned from Dr Marianne Teitelbaum – to keep my eyes healthy, and help prevent cataracts. Even my eye doctor is surprised how my eyes are doing well for someone my age!
Some were surprised that face cream could be formulated as water-based with Lalita’s Age Defying Cream, and lipid-base with Lalita’s FaceLift. They were all unanimous on how much they loved the Facial Oil though!
It has been a gift to carry these teachings with me, and now share some of them in group settings.
Vaidya’s teachings have left a profound imprint in me and continue to shape the way I live, care for
my family, and clients.
As parting words to all the participants I gave a reminder to never forget their eternal light
– the “gem” as Vaidya Mishra called it, and the power of their mind- learning (dhi), memory (dhritti)
and recall (smriti), and how chanting the prana mantra with each marma point connects them with
their light, keeping their heart open, bright and radiant.
This is another message a participant emailed me after the course, just today:
“Thank-you for a lovely Radiant Ayurvedic experience ✨💖 It was a much needed self-care
getaway, I was truly inspired and enjoyed learning new beauty techniques and understanding the
Ayurveda concept and the connection between mind, body, spirit!🙏 Most of all, being
surrounded by positive energy and like-minded souls, made me feel I was in a safe place!🫶 I had
always been interested in Ayurveda and considered pursuing for my health journey so am glad I
had the opportunity to join your retreat and i look forward to future events and learning more!”
~ Julie
Ahhh..what a blissful message!
Thank you,
Evangeline Mangune (BA, RMT, E-RYT)
HeartLotusHealth.com
(647)883-5023
Can’t Travel to Canada But Really Want to Experience SVA Marma?
Meet Irina Petrova!
Irina migrated to the USA from the Ukraine in the mid 1980s. She left behind a beautiful childhood and home nestled in a quiet orchard with berry bushes and countless patches of fresh fruits and vegetables, surrounded by green forests, clean rivers, and endless fields and meadows of wild grass and flowers. In this pristine environment, she developed a great love for Nature’s restorative powers.
Trained as a classical musician from a young age, her love for beauty, aesthetics, and the healing power of Nature and plants found deeper fulfillment through Ayurveda. Before embarking upon her ayurvedic journey full-time, Irina taught classical piano and ran a successful real estate career. She holds a Master’s degree in Ayurveda from MUM (Fairfield, Iowa) 2001. In addition, she has studied SV Ayurveda with Vaidya Ramakant Mishra. She also recently completed an advanced cosmetology course at the Santa Barbara Cosmetology Academy in 2017 and is now a fully licensed aesthetician. She is certified in Vaidya Mishra’s Blissful Beauty Marma Facial System, as well as advanced SVA Marma protocols. Irina is also trained in Usui / Holy Fire III Reiki Ryoho, with a certification for First and Second Degree Reiki, a healing energy modality that can add immense value to any skin care or wellness sessions, in person or remote.
… REGISTRATION STILL OPEN …
SVA PANCHAKARMA TRAINING
For more than 30 years, Corinna Maharani has practiced and taught Ayurvedic bodywork and Panchakarma. A longtime practitioner and student of Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda (SVA), she had the great privilege of studying with the late Vaidya R.K. Mishra, whose wisdom and compassionate approach to Ayurveda remain a profound inspiration in her life and work.
Through the Maharani Academy, Corinna offers her own comprehensive training in Ayurvedic Sacred Bodywork™ and Panchakarma, bringing decades of clinical experience into a practical, hands-on approach.
Students explore Abhyanga, Marma Therapy, Shirodhara, Swedana, localized Bastis, Nasya, Picchu, sense therapies, and supportive Panchakarma practices, with particular attention to gentle, individualized care.
Designed for Ayurvedic practitioners, bodyworkers, massage therapists, wellness professionals, and dedicated students, the hybrid program begins with 12 weeks of live online study, followed by the opportunity to continue into hands-on clinical training.
A training in the art of therapeutic touch—and in carrying the wisdom of Ayurveda forward. A beautiful opportunity to deepen your knowledge and to bring these timeless healing practices into your life and professional healing practice. Cohort JUST started, September 5th, so you can still join us. Learn more and sign up here: HERE
A New Book by
Dr Teitelbaum –
For and About
Babies & Mommies !
A very central topic in these turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Place a pre-order on Amazon now for teh digital or physical copy: book will be available for purchase on January 5, 2027.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
STOREWIDE SALE 15% OFF – PLUS FREE GLOBAL SHIPPING (minimum purchase required)
Our fulfillment center will be closed on Monday September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day Weekend. We resume regular hours on Tuesday September 8, at 8am.
At www.chandika.com, we take your total “bliss and balance” to heart!
Our global SVA audience shares their experiences and feedback below….
DIGESTION? CHECK!
ADDICTED TO COFFEE?… NO MORE!
BEST GHEE ON THE MARKET?
Magnesium
Why Is Transdermal Even Better?!
Pranic Quality Matters….
UPCOMING WORKSHOP
Ayurvedic Sacred Bodywork™ & Panchakarma Training
Next Cohort Begins September 5, 2026
For more than 30 years, Corinna Maharani has practiced and taught Ayurvedic bodywork and Panchakarma. A longtime practitioner and student of Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda (SVA), she had the great privilege of studying with the late Vaidya R.K. Mishra, whose wisdom and compassionate approach to Ayurveda remain a profound inspiration in her life and work.
Through the Maharani Academy, Corinna offers her own comprehensive training in Ayurvedic Sacred Bodywork™ and Panchakarma, bringing decades of clinical experience into a practical, hands-on approach.
Students explore Abhyanga, Marma Therapy, Shirodhara, Swedana, localized Bastis, Nasya, Picchu, sense therapies, and supportive Panchakarma practices, with particular attention to gentle, individualized care.
Designed for Ayurvedic practitioners, bodyworkers, massage therapists, wellness professionals, and dedicated students, the hybrid program begins with 12 weeks of live online study, followed by the opportunity to continue into hands-on clinical training.
A training in the art of therapeutic touch—and in carrying the wisdom of Ayurveda forward. A beautiful opportunity to deepen your knowledge and to bring these timeless healing practices into your life and professional healing practice.
Next cohort begins September 5th. Learn more and sign up here:
A very central topic in these turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Place a pre-order on Amazon now for teh digital or physical copy: book will be available for purchase on January 5, 2027.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
Vaidya Mishra’s Shaka Vanshiya Ayurveda legacy is in full bloom through its students and many beautiful offerings. In this newsletter, we are so delighted to showcase upcoming workshops and trainings with many of his students. This Saturday, don’t miss a unique course with author, teacher and restaurateur – Divya Alter – with Dr Melina Takvorian-Mishra (PhD) on demystifying toxins! We are also announcing an in-depth training with long-time SVA student and PK expert Corinna Maharani, a unique opportunity to learn all the SVA PK techniques that she specialized and excelled in, working with and learning from Vaidya Mishra one-on-one. An upcoming book from Dr Marianne Teitelbaum (DC) – reserve your copy now on Amazon. PLUS: so many new episodes of ayurvedic knowledge and wisdom await you on our SVAyurveda podcast channel – have you checked our channel out recently?
Vrikshamla,(Garcinia Cambogia)
How Good Is It
For You?
It’s been inordinately hot this summer! And high heat in the Summer time not only aggravates Pitta dosha, but also puts out our digestive fire – pachak agni. This happens for a couple of reasons: the high external temperatures relax our shrotas and our pachak agni gets dispersed. But also: we end up craving AND consuming more (lots more!) soma to cool of the body – in the form of fruits, ice cream, sugary treats… As a result, our digestive fire, pachak agni is twice compromised: it is overloaded with soma foods which put out our agni, AND further imbalance pitta – the body produces more pitta fuel to help digest. But it is not enough. This is ONE of the reasons we catch the “seasonal flu” towards the end of summer – as we accumulate somagenic ama. This is another reason why we feel tired, and emotionally and mentally exacerbated. The heat slows us down, but the heat stuck in our stomach in addition to undigested soma makes everything worse… So what can you do?
Of course, we can go over detailed dietary and routine regimens…. but towards the end of Summer NO ONE even wants to hear any of this! So let’s keep it simple. And delicious! A Garcinia tea to help you reset it all and prep your body for the change of season ahead.
It’s a delicious blend of Vrikshamla, Garcinia cambodia, with Green Cardamom, Cinnamon, Black peppercorns, Nutmeg, and Fennel. This delicious tangy tea will reset your digestive fire, calm your mental strain, and cool off your body. Tangy and delicious, it will help digest any soma foods you eat with ease without sharpening pitta. have one cup before or after meals – anytime of day.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RESETTING YOUR METABOLISM AND LEARNING EASY SVA RECIPES? JOIN US THIS SATURDAY! SCROLL DOWN TO SIGN-UP FOR A UNIQUE SVA WORKSHOP!
Join us THIS WEEKEND
August 29 and 30
Learn how to identify and recognize toxins in your own body, and what you can do about them: detox and balance your body, calm your mind, and soothe your heart through authentic SVA knowledge & recipes by Vaidya Mishra taught by his students!
Mental & Emotional Toxins
What They Are & What You Can Do: An Introduction
“Before studying with Vaidya Mishra, I believed that toxins were mostly something we encountered outside ourselves—in polluted air, contaminated water, pesticides, chemicals, or processed foods. Ayurveda certainly recognizes these dangers. But Vaidya Mishra taught something much deeper. He explained that some of the most damaging toxins are created within us.” – Divya Alter
For more than 30 years, Corinna Maharani has practiced and taught Ayurvedic bodywork and Panchakarma. A longtime practitioner and student of Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda (SVA), she had the great privilege of studying with the late Vaidya R.K. Mishra, whose wisdom and compassionate approach to Ayurveda remain a profound inspiration in her life and work.
Through the Maharani Academy, Corinna offers her own comprehensive training in Ayurvedic Sacred Bodywork™ and Panchakarma, bringing decades of clinical experience into a practical, hands-on approach.
Students explore Abhyanga, Marma Therapy, Shirodhara, Swedana, localized Bastis, Nasya, Picchu, sense therapies, and supportive Panchakarma practices, with particular attention to gentle, individualized care.
Designed for Ayurvedic practitioners, bodyworkers, massage therapists, wellness professionals, and dedicated students, the hybrid program begins with 12 weeks of live online study, followed by the opportunity to continue into hands-on clinical training.
A training in the art of therapeutic touch—and in carrying the wisdom of Ayurveda forward. A beautiful opportunity to deepen your knowledge and to bring these timeless healing practices into your life and professional healing practice.
Next cohort begins September 5th. Learn more and sign up here:
A very central topic in these turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Place a pre-order on Amazon now for teh digital or physical copy: book will be available for purchase on January 5, 2027.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
Awaken your taste-buds with the flavor of exotic fruits and spices in Vaidya’s SVA Tamarind Wild Amla Preserve. Connect your brain centers with your stomach, support your appetite, enhance your digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients, feel energized instead of fatigued after your meals! The Wild Amla berry is ideal for protein synthesis, and for enhancing the dhatu-agnis (metabolic process in all the tissues). Wild Amla is a powerhouse of Vitamin C, and is highly alkalizing. It pacifies all doshas and subdoshas. Sweet Thai Tamarind is a delicious exotic fruit ideal for metabolism, and for maintaining cool and healthy skin conditions. Tamarind also supports the colon’s friendly bacteria and balances all doshas and subdoshas. This ketchup-substitute condiment will help you catch-up with your health resolutions and keep you two steps ahead of the old habits you are trying to kick off!
It’s Summertime! And it’s been very hot this year. One of the most important lessons Ayurveda teaches us is that our digestion changes with the seasons! This means that you cannot keep eating the same things over and over again and expect different results…. This is a BIG topic – as you can imagine – and you CAN learn more. Join Divya Alter and Melina Takvorian-Mishra next weekend for an in-depth workshop on balanced recipes that can restore bliss through balance into your life. Below is a recipe for protein for high pitta-s – can’t get more delicious or healthy, trust us! And Divya shares SVA teachings on okra – a somewhat maligned vegetable that can do us so so much good! Let’s re-learn how delicious healthy can actually be. Join the workshop to find out more about how SVAyurveda can help you!
Discover Even More Recipes!
Join us: August 29 and 30
Learn how to identify and recognize toxins in your own body, and what you can do about them: detox and balance your body, calm your mind, and soothe your heart through authentic SVA knowledge & recipes by Vaidya Mishra taught by his students!
Why Did Vaidya Mishra Call Okra a “Toxin-Binder”?
Not all toxins are the same,
and okra isn’t right to detox all of them…
~ Divya Alter
You may know okra as a summer vegetable. Commonly prepared as fried okra, Creole gumbo in the USA. Or you may be familiar with Indian “bhindi masala.” But Vaidya Mishra taught me to appreciate it for a very different reason: okra is one of Ayurveda’s most valuable foods for binding certain types of toxins and helping carry them out through the colon.
Its naturally slippery, binding quality is particularly useful for ama-visha—the deeper, reactive toxicity we introduced in our last newsletter—as well as gara-visha (environmental toxins) and indra-vajra-abhijanya-visha (toxicity associated with electromagnetic exposure). Okra also supports healthy elimination and acts as a prebiotic for beneficial organisms in the digestive tract.
But here’s what makes this teaching especially interesting: okra is not recommended for every kind of toxicity. For ordinary ama, its too heavy and cooling qualities may actually be counterproductive. How you select, prepare, and combine okra also matters tremendously.
This is a beautiful example of one of the principles we’ll explore in The Toxins Nobody Talks About: when it comes to detoxification, the right food depends on what kind of toxicity you’re trying to clear.
What kind of toxicity is present? →
Which foods have the appropriate qualities? →
How do we combine them into an actual meal?
Join Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra and I on August 29–30 for this special six-hour workshop. In Part 2, Cooking for Gentle Detoxification, I’ll show you how to put these principles into practice with:
Okra Three Ways — Binds three types of toxins and supports their elimination.
Kulthi & Mung Dal — Opens the channels and helps break down calcification and plaque.
Toxin-Binding Kitchari — Binds ama-visha and gara-visha and supports their elimination.
Vaidya Mishra’s Detox Masala — Supports digestion and enhances the detoxifying effects of foods.
Mental & Emotional Toxins
What They Are & What You Can Do: An Introduction
Before studying with Vaidya Mishra, I believed that toxins were mostly something we encountered outside ourselves—in polluted air, contaminated water, pesticides, chemicals, or processed foods. Ayurveda certainly recognizes these dangers. But Vaidya Mishra taught something much deeper. He explained that some of the most damaging toxins are created within us.
He taught that ama, the residue of incomplete digestion, is only the beginning. Over time—or under the influence of chronic stress, unresolved emotions, and other disturbances—the body can create a much deeper and more reactive form of toxicity known as ama-visha. Although related, ama and ama-visha differ greatly in their qualities, effects on the body, and the way they are treated.
Think about food scraps in a compost bin. At first, they are relatively cool and inert. But leave them in a warm, enclosed environment for a week or two, and they begin to ferment, generating heat, strong odors, mold, and swarms of flies. Vaidya Mishra used this analogy to illustrate how one state can transform into another with very different qualities and consequences. This understanding completely changed the way I viewed the chronic inflammation I was experiencing at the time. I had never heard another Ayurvedic teacher explain this with such clarity.
It is one of the defining teachings of the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda lineage, yet surprisingly few people—even within Ayurveda—have had the opportunity to study it in depth.
That is why I am especially grateful that Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra, Vaidya Mishra’s wife, closest companion, and longtime student, has agreed to teach this workshop with me. Few people had the privilege of studying, traveling, and teaching alongside him as closely as she did, and there is no one better suited to share this extraordinary body of knowledge.
On August 29-30, we’ll spend six hours exploring the four types of toxicity described in this lineage, how to recognize them, and how food and lifestyle can gently support the body’s natural ability to heal. I’ll also demonstrate simple, delicious recipes that bring these principles into everyday practice.
If you’ve ever wondered why you’re eating well yet still struggle with inflammation, fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, or other chronic symptoms, I believe this workshop may offer a perspective you’ve never encountered before.
Could the toxins making you feel tired, inflamed, or chronically unwell be different from the ones you’ve been told about?
Today, conversations about toxicity usually focus on pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, air pollution, contaminated water, processed foods, and the growing concerns surrounding electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR). While these external exposures certainly matter, Ayurveda teaches that some of the most harmful toxins are created within the body itself.
In the Shaka Vansiya (SV) Ayurveda lineage brought to the West by Vaidya Ramakant Mishra, toxicity is understood on four distinct levels. Most Ayurveda programs teach only ama—the cold, sticky accumulation of incompletely digested food and metabolic waste. Yet Vaidya Mishra also emphasized another, far more complex state called ama-visha. While ama can transform into ama-visha over time, this deeper form of toxicity can also arise through chronic stress, unresolved emotions, and other disturbances that profoundly affect the body and mind. Understanding the difference is essential, because each form of toxicity requires a different approach to healing.
In this immersive six-hour workshop, you’ll learn to recognize the four primary forms of toxicity described in SV Ayurveda, understand how they affect digestion, inflammation, immunity, hormones, energy, mood, and healthy aging, and discover practical ways to reduce their impact through food and lifestyle.
Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra was Vaidya Mishra’s wife, closest companion, and devoted student for many years, until he departed this world in 2017. She studied directly under him, assisted him in writing his articles, and co-taught alongside him, making her one of the few people to have experienced his teachings so intimately. Today, she continues preserving and sharing the unique wisdom of the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda tradition, offering a rare opportunity to learn this lineage from someone who lived and worked beside its foremost modern teacher.
Together, Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra and Chef Divya Alter—also a longtime student of Vaidya Mishra—will combine profound Ayurvedic knowledge with practical tools and delicious recipes, helping you bring these timeless teachings into your own kitchen and daily life.
Whether you are new to Ayurveda or an experienced practitioner, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn one of the defining teachings of Vaidya Mishra’s lineage and discover why it is more relevant than ever in today’s increasingly toxic world.
A very central topic in these turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Place a pre-order on Amazon now for teh digital or physical copy: book will be available for purchase on January 5, 2027.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
Did you know that every single product or formulation on chandika.com has a story?! The case with the protein powder is when Vaidya noticed that so many who came to see him were supplementing their “protein intake” with unhealthy alternatives such as: soy, green peas, and whey powders. These are so very popular right now, and through SVA we learn that they might not be as healthy as they are said to be….
The soy trend has somewhat abated, but not fully. While it is true that soy beans provide a rich source of amino acids, there are severe side-effects to consuming soy on a regular basis. Ayurveda teaches us that nutritional content is just a small fragment of the value of an edible item. Anything we ingest has to go through a process of digestion that is made up of 6 stages, and each stage plays a crucial role. Beyond the “nutritional value” of a food item, we have learnt to consider the post-digestive effect on the doshas, tissues, physical channels, as well as vibrational channels. In this sense, Soy is a major ‘channel blocker,’ consumption of which is only suitable for those doing hard physical labor day-in and day-out. It is not at all suitable if you have a sedentary lifestyle, are older and have imbalanced digestion, or are experiencing low agni. But in addition, Soy is also highly estrogenic and can promote many disturbances in the female physiology. Scientific studies now confirm this. So soy protein is definitely one to be avoided.
The problem with green peas …
Peas and pea-based protein powders are mahavistambhi. Maha means ‘great.’ That is to say, peas are first-class channel blockers, even more so than soy. They will slow down your overall metabolic system, promote the production of toxins, or ama, and long-term cause many unwanted imbalances. For those who already experience joint pain or joint related conditions, they should avoid them by all means.
Whey? No Way!
Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production. Not only is it clogging to the channels, whey is also very acidic and pitta provoking. We know that our physiology needs good pH to be healthy. Eating whey provides protein but it will also unnecessarily introduce more acidity into the physiology. Plus, as a protein isolate, whey has lost the intelligence originally found in its milk source and has become a ‘dumb’ protein. Dumb foods (less prana) are hard to digest and likely to produce ama (toxins.)
Ayurvedically speaking, in ancient India, there is a long tradition of consuming dehydrated lentil powders, blended in with different spices and added to water, or some yoghurt, to rehydrate oneself in high heat temperatures. Inspired by this ancient ayurvedic tradition, and the needs of his clients, Vaidya Mishra introduced his SVA Instant Tridoshic Vegan Protein Powder. A nutritious, easy-to-use powder that can be made as a shake or smoothy with seasonal ingredients.
But you can also sprinkle it on cooked food such as rice or soups. Or salads.. Made from dry-roasted and pulverized kala chana (black chickpeas). In India, kala chana is a low-budget high-protein ingredient used in many delicious recipes. Millions subsist on this affordable food as their primary source for daily protein, especially in the north eastern states.
Nutritional Value of the Vegan High-Protein Powder
Kala chana is high in protein, low in fat. Besides building and maintaining healthy muscles, protein is needed to synthesize hormones and neurotransmitters. Therefore, everyone can benefit from a quick supplement of high-quality protein in shake form. However, if you are a vegan, you can use this powder even more liberally as a shake or smoothy. You can sprinkle it on your food, to supplementing for the essential protein you may be missing from your diet. Kala chana also provides high amounts of dietary fiber needed to help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and provide healthy intestinal flora and bowel movements. Kala chana is also a good source of potassium and sodium: balanced source of potassium with low sodium. Kala chana is also rich in easy-to-absorb minerals and vitamins – especially iron, calcium and folate.
This is what the nutritional content looks like:
per 100g (roughly 6 tablespoons) of raw kala chana (black chickpea) powder or flour, you can get roughly 360 calories, 20g of protein, 55g of total carbohydrates, 11g of dietary fiber. But in addition, Kala Chana Protein Powder also has – per 100 g – 4.5 mg of Iron, 57 mg of Calcium, 718 mg of Potassium. Magnesium and B Vitamins are also abundantly present in high amount, giving the powder a lot glycemic index.
It’s the PERFECT protein powder made my Mother Nature! Not sure how to add it to your diet? Here are a couple of Summer recipes – easy, refreshing, and delicious!
Here are some delicious Summer Protein Shake Recipes. These are both for pacifying pitta. Despite your ayurvedic body constitution, we all experience high pitta in the summer time; however, you can have high pitta with high agni; or, high pitta with low agni! As you might have learnt by now, Vaidya Mishra’s SVA lineage was very much keen on details. It is NOT just about being a high pitta, it’s about the relationship between pitta and agni…. in order words: the fuel and the flame… High Pitta does NOT mean high agni as in good digestion. And then high agni along with high pitta is also not a good combination – it will result in overeating due to insatiable appetite and results in other imbalances in the dhatus and organs….
Recipe #1
High Pitta and High Agni
When, no matter what or when you eat, you always have intense, sharp, voracious appetite and hunger, this recipe is for you! Sometimes we ALL experience this. So regardless of your dosha you can try it as well.
You will need:
Spring water: 8 oz.
Instant Vegan Protein Powder: 4 TBSP
Rose Petal Preserve: 1 tsp OR rose petal powder ½ tsp.
Raw sugar: 1 tsp – not needed if using the rose preserve
Directions: Mix all well and enjoy!
Pro-biotic Variation: All ingredients same as above, but add 4 TBSP homemade, fresh yoghurt. Blend in blender for 3 – 5 minutes.
Recipe #2
High Pitta and Low Agni
For those experiencing high body heat, acidity, along with poor digestion and irregular hunger or poor appetite. Use the following ingredients:
Spring water: 8 oz.
Instant Vegan Protein Powder: 2 TBSP
Fennel seeds (toasted and ground): ½ tsp
Rose Petal Preserve: 1/2 tsp. or rose powder 1/4 tsp.
Raw sugar: 1/2 tsp. (not needed if using rose preserve)
Clove: 1 bud
Green Cardamom: 1 pod
You can grind down all the spices together. Enjoy this drink anytime of day, with or without meals.
Here’s to a Cool & Composed Summer!
Discover More Recipes!
Be Balanced and Blissful Again …
Signed up for our 2-day workshop….
Learn how to identify and recognize toxins in your own body, and what you can do about them: detox and balance your body, calm your mind, and soothe your heart through
authentic SVA recipes by Vaidya Mishra!
“The Lesson
from
Vaidya
I’ll Never Forget!”
~ Divya Alter
“On August 5th, we celebrated the birth anniversary of my late teacher, Vaidya Ramakant Mishra. Throughout the day, I found myself reflecting on the many lessons he shared over the years and how deeply they continue to shape my understanding of health, healing, and life. One teaching, in particular, transformed the way I think about chronic illness.
(scroll down to read more)
Mental & Emotional Toxins
What They Are & What You Can Do: An Introduction
Before studying with Vaidya Mishra, I believed that toxins were mostly something we encountered outside ourselves—in polluted air, contaminated water, pesticides, chemicals, or processed foods. Ayurveda certainly recognizes these dangers. But Vaidya Mishra taught something much deeper. He explained that some of the most damaging toxins are created within us.
He taught that ama, the residue of incomplete digestion, is only the beginning. Over time—or under the influence of chronic stress, unresolved emotions, and other disturbances—the body can create a much deeper and more reactive form of toxicity known as ama-visha. Although related, ama and ama-visha differ greatly in their qualities, effects on the body, and the way they are treated.
Think about food scraps in a compost bin. At first, they are relatively cool and inert. But leave them in a warm, enclosed environment for a week or two, and they begin to ferment, generating heat, strong odors, mold, and swarms of flies. Vaidya Mishra used this analogy to illustrate how one state can transform into another with very different qualities and consequences. This understanding completely changed the way I viewed the chronic inflammation I was experiencing at the time. I had never heard another Ayurvedic teacher explain this with such clarity.
It is one of the defining teachings of the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda lineage, yet surprisingly few people—even within Ayurveda—have had the opportunity to study it in depth.
That is why I am especially grateful that Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra, Vaidya Mishra’s wife, closest companion, and longtime student, has agreed to teach this workshop with me. Few people had the privilege of studying, traveling, and teaching alongside him as closely as she did, and there is no one better suited to share this extraordinary body of knowledge.
On August 29-30, we’ll spend six hours exploring the four types of toxicity described in this lineage, how to recognize them, and how food and lifestyle can gently support the body’s natural ability to heal. I’ll also demonstrate simple, delicious recipes that bring these principles into everyday practice.
If you’ve ever wondered why you’re eating well yet still struggle with inflammation, fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, or other chronic symptoms, I believe this workshop may offer a perspective you’ve never encountered before.
Could the toxins making you feel tired, inflamed, or chronically unwell be different from the ones you’ve been told about?
Today, conversations about toxicity usually focus on pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, air pollution, contaminated water, processed foods, and the growing concerns surrounding electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR). While these external exposures certainly matter, Ayurveda teaches that some of the most harmful toxins are created within the body itself.
In the Shaka Vansiya (SV) Ayurveda lineage brought to the West by Vaidya Ramakant Mishra, toxicity is understood on four distinct levels. Most Ayurveda programs teach only ama—the cold, sticky accumulation of incompletely digested food and metabolic waste. Yet Vaidya Mishra also emphasized another, far more complex state called ama-visha. While ama can transform into ama-visha over time, this deeper form of toxicity can also arise through chronic stress, unresolved emotions, and other disturbances that profoundly affect the body and mind. Understanding the difference is essential, because each form of toxicity requires a different approach to healing.
In this immersive six-hour workshop, you’ll learn to recognize the four primary forms of toxicity described in SV Ayurveda, understand how they affect digestion, inflammation, immunity, hormones, energy, mood, and healthy aging, and discover practical ways to reduce their impact through food and lifestyle.
Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra was Vaidya Mishra’s wife, closest companion, and devoted student for many years, until he departed this world in 2017. She studied directly under him, assisted him in writing his articles, and co-taught alongside him, making her one of the few people to have experienced his teachings so intimately. Today, she continues preserving and sharing the unique wisdom of the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda tradition, offering a rare opportunity to learn this lineage from someone who lived and worked beside its foremost modern teacher.
Together, Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra and Chef Divya Alter—also a longtime student of Vaidya Mishra—will combine profound Ayurvedic knowledge with practical tools and delicious recipes, helping you bring these timeless teachings into your own kitchen and daily life.
Whether you are new to Ayurveda or an experienced practitioner, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn one of the defining teachings of Vaidya Mishra’s lineage and discover why it is more relevant than ever in today’s increasingly toxic world.
A very central topic in these turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Place a pre-order on Amazon now for teh digital or physical copy: book will be available for purchase on January 5, 2027.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
“On August 5th, we celebrated the birth anniversary of my late teacher, Vaidya Ramakant Mishra. Throughout the day, I found myself reflecting on the many lessons he shared over the years and how deeply they continue to shape my understanding of health, healing, and life. One teaching, in particular, transformed the way I think about chronic illness.
(scroll down to read more)
Mental & Emotional Toxins
What They Are & What You Can Do: An Introduction
Before studying with Vaidya Mishra, I believed that toxins were mostly something we encountered outside ourselves—in polluted air, contaminated water, pesticides, chemicals, or processed foods. Ayurveda certainly recognizes these dangers. But Vaidya Mishra taught something much deeper. He explained that some of the most damaging toxins are created within us.
He taught that ama, the residue of incomplete digestion, is only the beginning. Over time—or under the influence of chronic stress, unresolved emotions, and other disturbances—the body can create a much deeper and more reactive form of toxicity known as ama-visha. Although related, ama and ama-visha differ greatly in their qualities, effects on the body, and the way they are treated.
Think about food scraps in a compost bin. At first, they are relatively cool and inert. But leave them in a warm, enclosed environment for a week or two, and they begin to ferment, generating heat, strong odors, mold, and swarms of flies. Vaidya Mishra used this analogy to illustrate how one state can transform into another with very different qualities and consequences. This understanding completely changed the way I viewed the chronic inflammation I was experiencing at the time. I had never heard another Ayurvedic teacher explain this with such clarity.
It is one of the defining teachings of the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda lineage, yet surprisingly few people—even within Ayurveda—have had the opportunity to study it in depth.
That is why I am especially grateful that Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra, Vaidya Mishra’s wife, closest companion, and longtime student, has agreed to teach this workshop with me. Few people had the privilege of studying, traveling, and teaching alongside him as closely as she did, and there is no one better suited to share this extraordinary body of knowledge.
On August 29-30, we’ll spend six hours exploring the four types of toxicity described in this lineage, how to recognize them, and how food and lifestyle can gently support the body’s natural ability to heal. I’ll also demonstrate simple, delicious recipes that bring these principles into everyday practice.
If you’ve ever wondered why you’re eating well yet still struggle with inflammation, fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, or other chronic symptoms, I believe this workshop may offer a perspective you’ve never encountered before.
Could the toxins making you feel tired, inflamed, or chronically unwell be different from the ones you’ve been told about?
Today, conversations about toxicity usually focus on pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, air pollution, contaminated water, processed foods, and the growing concerns surrounding electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR). While these external exposures certainly matter, Ayurveda teaches that some of the most harmful toxins are created within the body itself.
In the Shaka Vansiya (SV) Ayurveda lineage brought to the West by Vaidya Ramakant Mishra, toxicity is understood on four distinct levels. Most Ayurveda programs teach only ama—the cold, sticky accumulation of incompletely digested food and metabolic waste. Yet Vaidya Mishra also emphasized another, far more complex state called ama-visha. While ama can transform into ama-visha over time, this deeper form of toxicity can also arise through chronic stress, unresolved emotions, and other disturbances that profoundly affect the body and mind. Understanding the difference is essential, because each form of toxicity requires a different approach to healing.
In this immersive six-hour workshop, you’ll learn to recognize the four primary forms of toxicity described in SV Ayurveda, understand how they affect digestion, inflammation, immunity, hormones, energy, mood, and healthy aging, and discover practical ways to reduce their impact through food and lifestyle.
Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra was Vaidya Mishra’s wife, closest companion, and devoted student for many years, until he departed this world in 2017. She studied directly under him, assisted him in writing his articles, and co-taught alongside him, making her one of the few people to have experienced his teachings so intimately. Today, she continues preserving and sharing the unique wisdom of the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda tradition, offering a rare opportunity to learn this lineage from someone who lived and worked beside its foremost modern teacher.
Together, Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra and Chef Divya Alter—also a longtime student of Vaidya Mishra—will combine profound Ayurvedic knowledge with practical tools and delicious recipes, helping you bring these timeless teachings into your own kitchen and daily life.
Whether you are new to Ayurveda or an experienced practitioner, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn one of the defining teachings of Vaidya Mishra’s lineage and discover why it is more relevant than ever in today’s increasingly toxic world.
A very central topic in these turbulent times – what Ayurveda teachers us from Preconception to Adolescence! Place a pre-order on Amazon now for teh digital or physical copy: book will be available for purchase on January 5, 2027.
Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!
if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.
We want to help you protect your purchase – there’s been an increase in lost/stolen packages.
To protect your shipment – in case your shipping address is not secure – we have now added the “signature delivery” option upon check-out on www.chandika.com and we highly recommend you select it to ensure your package is guaranteed to reach you after it leaves our warehouse. Kindly note we are unable to replace stolen/misplaced packages once they are confirmed delivered by the carrier of your choice.
