Ami Jayaprada Hirschstein, Ayurvedic Practitioner
How did you choose Ayurveda as a practice?
In many ways, Ayurveda chose me. Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga. I was already teaching yoga for over two decades when I decided to formerly study Ayurveda. As a Yoga Therapist, I was working with clients with chronic pain, injuries, anxiety, depression, hyperactive nervous system responses, and PTSD. I was also a self-taught student of natural healing and Western herbalism. I knew I needed more training because I was interested in working more holistically and expanding my scope of practice. A life-changing experience helped me to move to Ayurveda.
In 1997, while living in India, I almost died of typhoid fever and dysentery. I came back to the U.S. weighing 95 pounds, and for almost two years, I could not eat anything without being in severe pain. I went to many doctors and specialists, but nothing helped. I was miserable. I finally found an Ayurvedic doctor who helped me with a simple tea of kitchen spices and a special diet. Within a couple of weeks, I had my life back. After that I devoted myself to learning more about Ayurveda.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the 5,000 year old healing science of India. It is the oldest and most continued health care system in the world. Ayurveda translates as the, “Science of Life.” Based on a five elemental theory, Ayurveda works on creating balance through diet, lifestyle, herbs, body therapies, and cleansing techniques. It considers each person a unique combination of the five elements and gives lifestyle tools accordingly.
Where did you study Ayurveda?
In 2021 I received my Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner Training with Dr. Sehgal of Boston Ayurveda. Before that I trained in Marma Therapy with Dr. Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute. In 2015, I completed my Ayurvedic Health Counselor training with the Kripalu School of Ayurveda. I belong to the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and the International Association of Yoga Therapists. I am currently furthering my studies by taking a course in Pulse Diagnosis with The Ayurvedic Institute. I will be a lifelong student of Ayurveda.
What do you offer?
I offer Ayurvedic Wellness Consultations, yoga classes, Yoga Therapy, and Marma Therapy. (Marma Therapy is Ayurvedic acupressure and energy work. I often do Marma sessions at HCHR’s Kingston Clinic.) When working with a client I will often blend all of these modalities to treat my client holistically.
What do you do outside of work?
I like to spend much of my time outdoors. My husband and I have a gigantic garden when we grow vegetables, fruits, and nuts. We do a lot of winter storage so we have food year-round. I also enjoy growing flowers, and they feed me more than anything else I grow. I love to swim, hike, bike, cross-country ski, kayak, dance, and sing. When I am not outside, I like to read, do puzzles and spend time with my family and friends. I am filled with gratitude for my daily practice of yoga, meditation, and pranayama (yogic breathing) that keeps me grounded, balanced, and open.
Email Ami at ami@balancedwellnessami.com and visit her website at balancedwellnessami.com.