After a long time, we're excited to return with our Rediscovering Ayurveda series. In this much-anticipated instalment, we had the pleasure of interviewing Katie Silcox, an Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga instructor who has found her calling in the ancient wisdom of holistic healing.
Meet Katia Silcox
A long-time student of yoga and Tantra turned Ayurvedic practitioner, Katie is the founder of Feminine Form Ayurveda School. Since dedicating herself to Ayurveda full-time, she has guided countless individuals on their journey to holistic health and self-discovery.
"My journey into Ayurveda began as an extension of my yoga and Tantra studies," Katie recalls when asked about her introduction to Ayurvedic practices. "I discovered that Ayurveda was the sister science of healthcare that had always existed alongside the deeper spiritual practices of yoga."
While her spiritual journey had already begun, Katie's interest in Ayurveda was further fueled by her personal health struggles.
"I've dealt with chronic health issues since birth," she explains. "I knew there had to be a more holistic, natural approach to healing and living."
Deepening the Ayurvedic Knowledge
What drove Katie to pursue Ayurveda as a full-time profession? Let's hear it from her.
"Suffering, honestly!" Katie laughs.
"But more importantly, I've always had a strong desire to understand the deeper truths of human existence. I realized early on that while money and fame can be supportive, there's a deeper value to human life. Moreover, without the basics of health and vitality, none of those things can be truly enjoyed."
Katie's commitment to Ayurveda is rooted in a personal vow she made years ago.
"I made a sankalpa, or sacred vow, to free myself from as much unnecessary fear and anger as possible," she shares. "Some fear and anger are healthy, but living in old patterns of inner aggression only leads to outer war."
Prioritizing Health
Following an Ayurvedic lifestyle can seem daunting, but Katie finds motivation in the transformation she witnesses in her students. "I'm super-inspired by the women who attend our year-long feminine form Ayurveda school," she enthuses. "Seeing them get so amazed by the power and beauty of Ayurvedic theory reminds me to practice what I preach – do my neti pot, massage my body, and scrape my tongue."
A typical day in Katie's life involves rising early, cooking healthy meals, meditating, and practising various Ayurvedic rituals. She emphasizes the importance of looking at the sun in the morning, drinking tea, and going to bed early with minimal blue light exposure.
We asked Katie about her three favourite Ayurvedic habits, and she shared:
- Oiling the body (Abhyanga)
- Meditation
- Deep relaxation as the ultimate healing elixir
"Without knowing your true self, the Silent, Pulsing Life Force that you are, none of the other Ayurvedic practices matter long-term," Katie explains.
Connecting Ayurveda and Yoga
Katie believes that Ayurveda and yoga are intrinsically linked. "When our rasa - our vital life sap and juices - is healthier, our mental and emotional outlook improves, making it easier to rest in Santosha or wellbeing," she elaborates.
"When we eat poorly, our consciousness becomes cloudy, and it's harder to find the peace and prana that we ARE! This is the fundamental connection between Ayurveda and yoga."
Katie's Message to the Readers
"It's never too late to start studying Ayurveda and learning a daily spiritual practice. It's also never too early! Move into these practices with levity, curiosity, and compassion. You won't get it all perfect, but that's okay!"
From Amrutam's range of holistic products, Katie is excited to try the Onion Hair Oil and the Amrutam Ashtagandh Body Lotion, inspired by Rudrabhishekam Temple Secrets.
We are thrilled to have Katie Silcox as part of the #AmrutamFamily!
Check Katie out on Instagram here