Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Chasca Summerville, Hardie Grant, $34.99.
When there’s an invitation to go on a journey to explore ancient, altruistic and intrinsically primal philosophies that inspire a sensual way of living … curiosity takes a front seat.
A clearer picture emerges when Chasca Summerville, a qualified Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle consultant, adds the inducement about a “lifestyle infused with ritual and poetry, where life becomes an expression of creativity and colour, imbued with our connection to Mother Nature and all of her inhabitants.”
It’s obvious that Chasca is passionate about translating Ayurveda into a language that is accessible. More than that, her life-long exploration of alternative healing modalities has inspired a vast understanding of holistic wellbeing, the relationship between the mind and body, our connection to nature and natural methods to both prevent and heal disease through diet and lifestyle practices.
Ayurveda, or ayurvedic medicine, is a healthy-lifestyle system that people in India have used for more than 5,000 years. It provides the channel for you to connect with your body, mind and spirit on a path of empowerment where you can intuitively recognise and harmonise daily imbalances, ultimately unlocking an invaluable sense of freedom, health and vitality. This is a journey in becoming your own healer.
As Chasca points out: “For me, Ayurveda has been a journey of deep self-discovery that has allowed me to understand myself beyond my wildest dreams. I have learnt not only to accept, but to embrace as blessings the more challenging aspects of myself and my experiences through life.”
Featuring striking photography, Ayurvedic Rituals includes seasonal recipes, herbal teas, natural beauty recipes, self-care rituals, a plant-based first-aid kit plus methods to reduce stress and anxiety, improve digestion and gut health and techniques to access deep rejuvenating sleep.
Routines and rituals spread throughout the book will help you feel relaxed, happy, healthy and deeply connected to the natural world. What’s more, this ancient practice will aid in finding a sense of peace and vitality so you can glow from the inside out!
