The Ideal Daily Self Care Routine with Modern Yogi and Author Rhian Hunter + bonus recipes!

Ayurveda first piqued my interest when I was studying nutritional medicine, and of all the healing modalities covered in naturopathic philosophy, it felt like it was something I had known all my life.

However it wasn’t until my yoga teacher training, and Shirodhara training in Bali that I had decided this would be something I would definitely go on to pursue.

 

How are yoga and Ayurveda interconnected?

 

Yoga and Ayurveda are intimately connected both in philosophy and their practical application, they are often referred to as being sister sciences. 

What some may not know is that yoga asanas or postures and pranayama are a branch of Ayurveda.

 

As your Ayurveda studies have grown, have you found yourself incorporating Ayurvedic theory in your yoga classes and retreats? 

 

I do, but I didn’t always. When covid hit, and studio’s were forced to close and later to re-open with significantly reduced numbers, I took this as an opportunity to start weaving this practical wisdom into each class and then workshops for those seeking to build more on that.

I really feel that without the foundation of Ayurveda, Yoga runs the risk of being just pure physical exercise, and/or only being practiced on the mat.

  

Would you be able to explain to us the concept of the tailoring your self care practice to your dosha?

 

My Prakruti or Body constitution is Pitta and my Manas or Mind constitution is Pitta-Vata.

Living in Queensland and being pitta dominant, I’m always first looking to calm some of the excess fire.

And the common shared qualities between pitta and vata is lightness, movement, enthusiasm and busyness. 

So for me, my self care routine is about striking the perfect balance, ensuring my internal fire still burns, but with a constant, steady flame. 

 

With all of your knowledge and the many hats you wear, what does self care mean for you?

 

As a mum, a business owner and with the kind of work I do, daily self care is essential, is my fuel.

My self care is about ensuring I’m always running on full - staying hydrated, nourishment through food, movement and stillness, and rejuvenation through Ayurvedic rituals.

That may sound like a lot, but it’s roughly 3 hours of refuelling, spread out across a 15-16hr day.  

 

Wow that's impressive! Which aspect of the Dinacharya, or daily self care routine, can you not you live without??  

 

If I had to narrow it down, tongue inspection and scraping, abhyanga and movement.

Looking at the tongue first thing gives me a little insight into what kind of food and activity I need more or less of, and then that gentle stimulation of the internal organs helps to get everything moving.

Abhyanga is like my warm hug to get the day going, and movement is my biggest meditation - 1 hour everyday to work out and in.

 

As a mother and business owner, what does your daily self care routine look like?

 

Waking up before the sun rises - my girls are generally up at this time- they know I have to scrape my tongue before anything. 

Then I make them warm/hot chocolates, and myself a tonic, and we have a cuddle in bed or on the couch.

I then oil pull, dry body brush, and perform Abhyanga ( oil massage ), karna purana ( ear oiling) and nasya (nose oiling) - this doesn’t actually take long.

While the oils infuse in the skin, I may take a few rounds of sun salutes, some dance cardio or invigorating pranayama like bhastrika or Kapalabhati. 

 

Warm shower ( no soaps ) to rinse off. Spritz all over with the full bloom mist and face oil.

I generally don’t eat until about 10:30am so will have a ceremonial cacao, coffee or green juice after my shower - and then I’m good to go for the day.

Again that sounds like a lot, but we are usually out of the house by 7:10am most mornings.

 

Do you have a fave Ayurveda inspired balancing recipe you could share?

 

My Mung Bean, Roasted Carrot + Halloumi Salad is a really good all rounder, Pitta’s and Kapha’s may want to use a little less oil if consuming regularly, but fine as is if having on the odd Occassion.

For Vata’s, it’s really important not to skip soaking the mung and may be worthwhile adding some Hing ( asafoetida ) to the water.

 

I’ll either start my day with Warm water or this Pitta Balancing Tonic - it’s such a lovely kickstart to the day. I’ve included some adjustments for Vata + Kapha’s to enjoy. 

 

If you could give our followers just one piece of game changing advice what would it be?  

 

Invest time into knowledge, and knowledge of yourself. In modern life we are constantly seeking external guidance instead of turning inward and exploring our own mental and physical potential.

If you’re after a place to start - begin with The Pancha Mahabutas ( The five great elements ), their purpose in nature and the body, and their Gunas ( qualities ), and once you understand this, you will understand so much more about yourself, and the world around you. 

 

 

What’s next for you? 

 

At the moment i’m working on my next book  ( finally heeding Ayurveda’s advice ), and not rushing toward any deadline. Once I’ve completed my Ayurvedic Studies I’ll be extending the studio to include a clinic to offer panchakarma treatments, and will start studying yoga therapy; fulfilling my long term goal of integrating the two with nutrition to offer a complete alternative health care system. 

 

Connect with Rhian via healthhunter.com.au

And follow her inspiring journey as a yoga therapist, Ayurvedic practitioner and author on Insta @healthhunternaturaltherapies