The Wheel of Healing with Ayurveda

May 1, 2015

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian wellness system that focuses on the prevention of disease through awareness of the body, mind, and intellect. Fondin, vedic master from the Chopra Institute, asks readers to explore their mind-body types (doshas) along with their dharma (life purpose) to craft a healthy existence by living in tune with their life calling. She explores the "spokes" of the ayurvedic wheel, its physical, emotional, relational, environmental, occupational, and spiritual components, and supplies advice as to healthy practices for each dosha. The guide concludes with illustrations and directions for practicing yoga sun salutations, which aid in cardiovascular health. VERDICT A strong beginning text for those seeking wellness beyond the bounds of traditional medicine.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2015
A cancer diagnosis at age 28 inspired Fondin to explore Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old medical system developed in India that explores illness' root cause and how it originates in you. Combined with traditional treatments, Ayurveda helped Fondin get well, and she now outlines a multifaceted approach designed to help readers discover their own inner healing powers. She states that nearly all illnesses are preventable, identifying lifestyle as the primary culprit and the principle of spiritual, physical, and emotional wholeness as the root of health, and she uses the continuum of the wheel as an analogy for self-responsibility for wellness. The brief explanation of Ayurveda, covering seeking balance over imbalance, the stages of various maladies, and a Checklist for Health segues to advice for living one's dharma or life path. Chapters on physical, spiritual, and emotional health, healing wounds from the past, and maintaining healthy relationships, among other subjects, contain guidelines and exercises that, along with recommended resources, make this a comprehensive guide.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)