I have been reaping the benefits of Ayurveda for many years, having spent time in India and working with Ayurvedic experts. The more I delved, the more convinced I became that these rich teachings could help all areas of my life. While I am not fanatical and do not live fully in sync with nature’s rhythms, I eat with the seasons and use many of Ayurveda’s herbs, especially ashwagandha, turmeric (made into a tonic with a dash of pepper and warm water) and super spicy freshly-cooked curries.

I am an avid yogi, on my mat most mornings even if just for 15 minutes, but mostly longer. And when I’m faced with a challenge, rather than feeling my stomach tighten and tension building, I pause to breathe deep and long until I feel my whole body easing. Only then will I think about the issue at hand. I advise my children to do the same. Most of the time, they tell me it doesn’t work, but I know as long as they continue to let their breath guide them, it will.

Fundamental to the concept of Ayurveda is prana – the energy that drives life and enlivens our bodies and souls (much like Qi in traditional Chinese medicine). In essence, prana is the wise guide and sure, steady hand that propels us along. At its core, Ayurveda is based on the body having the correct balance of nature’s basic fundamentals – earth, fire, water, air and space – which express themselves in the three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. Knowing your dosha will dictate your unique prescription for health and vitality. Being a vata type, I now understand why my body is so receptive to shirodhara – the slow dripping of medicated oils onto the third eye in my forehead. My head immediately feels lighter and freer and, as the treatment progresses, this sense of ease permeates my body – while nourishing my skin and hair, too!

One of the real draws of Ayurveda is that it doesn’t preach or prescribe pills, it simply guides us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves. What sets it apart is that it is not an idealistic, one-size-fits-all model. It recognises that each of us is a unique living entity with an inimitable vibrational energy, and prescriptions are tailored to help us live more aligned with who we really are.