Ep 68 | Ayurveda as Your North Star: Dr. Marc Edwards on Holistic Health and Wellness

The Healthy Peaceful Podcast

In this episode of The Healthy Peaceful Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Marc Edwards, an adjunct professor at Maharishi International University (MIU), teaching in its graduate level Ayurveda programs. With an MD, MBA, and over 30 years of experience in healthcare management, Dr. Edwards has dedicated his career to the study and practice of Maharishi Ayurveda since 1984.

Having relocated to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 2004, Dr. Edwards has been actively involved in various research programs at MIU. Notably, his research on MIU's MS Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine alumni revealed that 70% of participants joined to improve their own health, with most achieving significant health benefits.

In our conversation, Dr. Edwards shares insights from his recent lecture for MIU titled "Mental Health in Ayurveda," which extended far beyond mental health. We explore essential Ayurvedic principles, including:

• Who Needs Ayurveda? Dr. Edwards discusses the universal relevance of Ayurveda.
• Food and Medicine: The integral role of diet, digestion, and daily routine in maintaining health.
• The Nature of the Mind: How consciousness is a crucial leverage point for improving health.
• Ayurveda as a Guiding Principle: Dr. Edwards' perspective on navigating information and decisions with Ayurveda as his "true north."
• The Three Gunas: The interplay of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas in the material universe and their impact on behavior and diet.
• Digestion: The importance of Agni (digestive fire) and Ojas (vital essence) in achieving optimal health.
• Doshas: Understanding the doshas as the first expressions of consciousness and their balanced state.

Dr. Edwards also addresses common mental health disturbances, such as anxiety, anger, and depression, from an Ayurvedic perspective, providing practical strategies for managing these conditions through lifestyle and herbal remedies. Additionally, he highlights the significance of sleep hygiene, the therapeutic use of herbs, and the foundational importance of proper diet and routine.

Join us for a rich and insightful discussion that bridges ancient wisdom with modern health practices, offering actionable steps for a balanced and harmonious life.

His website: Dr. Marc Edwards

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Noreen