Neuroveda Podcast for Complex Health

#98 Sujatha Reddy-Explore the Ayurvedic understanding of mental health as a metabolic and systemic process rather than a standalone diagnosis

In this episode of the NeuroVeda podcast, we sit down with Sujatha Reddy, LPC, BC-TAM, BAMS, a deeply experienced mental health clinician and Ayurvedic practitioner whose work bridges ancient wisdom and modern therapeutic practice. Sujatha is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and Ohio, a Licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator in Colorado, a Board-Certified Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine practitioner, certified psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist, holosomatic breathwork therapist, and yoga therapist. With over 35 years of Ayurvedic practice in the U.S. and 25 years in the mental health field, she brings a rare depth of perspective to the conversation. She is the founder and executive director of Ayumind LLC and Heartland Wellness PLLC, and also owns a Humanly mental health franchise in Lakewood, Colorado.Together, we explore the Ayurvedic understanding of mental health as a metabolic and systemic process rather than a standalone diagnosis. Sujatha explains the concept of the koshas, the layers of self, and how disconnection across these layers contributes to anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. She shares how the gunas shape our mental and emotional states, and how practices like breathwork, meditation, mantra, yoga therapy, and personalized Ayurvedic protocols can release stored trauma and restore balance. This episode offers a powerful look at truly integrative mental health care, blending Ayurveda, Western psychology, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to address root causes rather than symptoms, while emphasizing the importance of resilience, community, and reconnection to self in healing.TakeawaysAyurveda views mental health as a metabolic disorder.The mind is interconnected with the body and spirit.Understanding the koshas helps in addressing mental health.Disconnection from self leads to anxiety and depression.Breathwork can release trauma stored in the body.The gunas influence our mental and emotional states.Personalized programs are essential for mental health.Holistic approaches integrate body, mind, and spirit.Ayurvedic practices can enhance resilience and well-being.Community and social engagement are vital for mental health.

#97 Anjali Brannon: Ayurvedic Practitioner discusses Trauma & Parenting

SummaryIn this episode of the Neuroveda podcast, host Gillian Ehrlich and guest Dr. Anjali Brannan delve into the intricate relationship between parenting and trauma. They explore various techniques for somatic trauma resolution, the importance of heartfulness meditation, and how Ayurvedic principles can guide parenting practices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intuition, the integration of Ayurveda with allopathic medicine, and the healing potential of the mind-body connection. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of being aware of health implications, such as nickel allergies in medical treatments.TakeawaysParenting and trauma are intricately related and cannot be separated.Somatic trauma resolution helps individuals process and heal from past traumas.Heartfulness meditation can significantly improve mental clarity and emotional well-being.Intuition plays a crucial role in parenting and decision-making.Ayurvedic principles can guide healthier parenting practices.Integrating Ayurveda with allopathic medicine can enhance patient care.The body has an innate ability to heal when it feels heard and understood.Practicing gratitude can shift family dynamics positively.Awareness of health implications, such as nickel allergies, is essential in medical treatments.Meditation and mindfulness can help reduce trauma and improve communication. Bio: Anjali is a 2001 graduate of the acclaimed Ayurvedic Institute's Advanced Studies and Clinical Program (Gurukula) with world-renowned Ayurvedic physician Dr. Vasant Lad where she studied for 3 years. She is also trained and skilled in Somatic Trauma Resolution, Lymph Drainage, Craniosacral therapy, hands-on Brain therapy, Fluid Articular Release for the joints, Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy, Polarity Therapy, LIIFT, Synergy Yoga and Dance. Anjali volunteers as a teacher of Heartfulness Meditation whose system she has been practicing since 1994, and teaching since 2000.  Anjali has also been the featured guest on several different TV & radio shows on health.  Her practice has been part of the University of Cincinnati’s Alternative Medicine Rotation for Family Practice Medical Residents at the Clinton Memorial Hospital where medical students would observe her in her work to understand more about complementary medicine. She has also been an Ayurvedic panelist for a Masters Capstone project at the prestigious Brown University. Since 2001, Anjali has had an active Ayurvedic practice and has been teaching classes in Ayurveda. She is the Director of the skilled team at the Ayurveda Natural Health Center in Dayton, Ohio. 

#96 Vinita Prachi Murarka; Ayurvedic Doctor, Waldorf educator, and transformational guide

SummaryIn this episode of the Neuroveda podcast, host Gillian Ehrlich engages with Ayurvedic doctor and Waldorf educator Vanita Prachi Mararca to explore the principles of Waldorf education, its unique approach to child development, and the integration of spirituality and culture in learning. They discuss the importance of nurturing the head, heart, and hands in education, the role of nature in fostering resilience, and the critiques of Waldorf education. The conversation also touches on the traditional Gurukula system of education in India and concludes with Vanita's upcoming book release.Prachi Healing is excited to give a special offer on her signature packages for Neuroveda clients to receive the benefits of integrative Ayurvedic practice for families and children.  $50 off of Agni Radiance, and $100 off of Soma Radiance packages for Neuroveda podcast listeners.  Use code NEUROVEDA50 and NEUROVEDA100TakeawaysWaldorf education focuses on holistic child development.The head, heart, and hands are integral to learning.Cultural relevance in education is crucial for identity.Mirror stories help children see themselves in narratives.Window stories provide insight into diverse experiences.Nature plays a vital role in child development.Waldorf education emphasizes creativity over consumerism.The teacher-student relationship is foundational in learning.Gurukula education fosters deep connections with teachers.Community involvement is essential in a child's education.Bio: Vinita Prachi Murarka is an Ayurvedic Doctor, Waldorf educator, and transformational guide who bridges medicine, education, and spirituality. Born in India and raised in the United States, she later returned to India to immerse herself in Vedic sciences, gurukula education, and esoteric wisdom traditions. With over a decade of experience in integrative health and education, she brings a unique lens on how Waldorf education nurtures child development—socially, emotionally, and physiologically. Vinita is the founder of Matre Sofia, an organization dedicated to soul-centered parenting and holistic family well-being. A storyteller, writer, and curriculum developer, she translates ancient traditions into practical approaches for modern families and health practitioners alike. She currently lives between Hawaii and Colorado, consulting, teaching, and guiding others in aligning health, learning, and wholeness.

#95 Dr. Jon Berner discusses his unique lens to reimagining how we treat complex mental health conditions with both precision and humanity.

SummaryIn this episode of the Neuroveda podcast, host Gillian Ehrlich engages with Dr. John Berner, a Harvard-trained psychologist and neuroscientist, to explore the intricate relationship between mind and body in the context of mental health. They discuss the limitations of traditional medical silos, the importance of cellular communication, and the role of hormones in health. Dr. Berner introduces the concept of intersectionality in psychiatric treatment, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches. The conversation also delves into innovative treatments like rapamycin and the significance of understanding cellular interactions through advanced technologies.TakeawaysMind-body medicine should not separate mental and physical health.The shift from Newtonian to quantum thinking is crucial in medicine.Cellular communication is a localized and complex process.Hormones play a central role in coordinating bodily functions.Understanding evolutionary constraints can inform health practices.Intersectionality is key in treating mental health conditions.Rapamycin shows promise in extending lifespan and improving health.Eavesdropping on cellular conversations can enhance treatment strategies.Innovative technologies can measure cellular responses effectively.Biology is complex and cannot be simplified into binary categories.BioDr. Jon Berner, a Harvard-trained psychologist, UCLA-trained neuroscientist and physician, and University of Washington–trained psychiatrist. With over 25 years in clinical practice, his work bridges rigorous neuroscience, psychiatry, and compassionate patient care. Dr. Berner’s publications span from the cognitive effects of cocaine and memory in schizophrenia to pioneering treatments with ketamine, rapamycin, and novel metabolomic approaches for mood and pain disorders. He brings a unique lens—uniting neural networks, biochemistry, and clinical psychiatry—to reimagine how we treat complex mental health conditions with both precision and humanity.

#94 Kendyl Morris discusses; hypnotherapy, conscious conception, and breathwork

Kendyl Morris is an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Integrative Medicine Health Coach, and Fertility Coach with over a decade of experience helping individuals, couples, and groups navigate their paths toward inner transformation and holistic well-being. With a deep understanding of the intricate mind-body connection, Kendyl specializes in helping clients regulate stress through tailored, evidence-based approaches that meet their unique needs.Agenda:There are 3 specialties that you have: hypnotherapy, conscious conception, and breathwork: what’s your unifying factor here? What have been your influences for your work?Let’s break down each, one by one: Hypnotherapy: What is this? Why would a person do this? What kind of benefits do you see?What’s a session like? How often are sessions recommended? What are the cadence options? (like weekly x 6 wks vs once/ month, etc). How is this different from regular therapy and how would you recommend to juxtapose it with ongoing traditional therapy? Will you make a person sqwack like a chicken? Just kidding. What I meant to say is, is everybody hypnotizable?How does this work telehealth, like over the internet? Can anybody in the US/ abroad access your services? What are the costs & how do people access you? Conscious Conception: omg- the two things that would change the world we know from public health would be to increase equity & invest in the first 1000 days of life. Tell us about your program. Why is it so important to conceive consciously? Does the man really play any role in the health of the pregnancy/ infant? What if you are already well into your pregnancy & learn about your services? How early should somebody seek out your services? What are the costs & how do people access you?Breathwork: why does breath work matter? What is it doing physiologically inside of us? Why are there so many different kinds of breath work? What kind(s) have you been trained in? What kind(s) do you teach? How do you recommend people use breathwork in their pantheon of interventions/ practices? Daily/ periodic/ seasonal/ etc? Are there specific conditions or situations for which you recommend the breathwork that you teach? How come sometimes people report getting more anxious when they do breath work? What do you recommend to help them? What are the costs & how do people access you?