Blending Eastern and Western Wisdom: Robyn’s Ayurveda Story

Meet Robyn, a dedicated nurse, mom, and graduate of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Health Counselor program. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, Robyn’s journey to Ayurveda was deeply personal, driven by her desire to balance life’s stressors and take charge of her health. After successfully losing 50 pounds and transforming her own well-being using Ayurvedic principles, Robyn was inspired to guide others on their health journeys. She now integrates Eastern and Western wisdom through her practice, Sanctuary Integrative Health, LLC, offering personalized consultations, lifestyle guidance, and Ayurvedic therapies. Join us as Robyn shares her insights on blending holistic care, self-discovery, and the wisdom of Ayurveda in everyday life. 

What inspired you to study Ayurveda? 

The idea that we are all a part of nature and have the ability to take care of ourselves including all aspects of our health using the awareness of this special relationship. Understanding that the five elements have a direct connection with our true self has fascinated me as well as fueled my studies! Personally, I applied Ayurveda to my lifestyle health for over a year to achieve my own health goals (balance my life stressors, lose 50 pounds of weight) and was successful! Working in healthcare professionally for over 25 years, learning Ayurveda created a passion within me to guide others with the wisdom that many holistic views exist to care for your well-being. Supporting others in their health journey by integrating eastern and western philosophies was my overall goal in studying Ayurveda. 

What has your professional journey been since graduation? 

After graduating in May 2024, I created my own business called Sanctuary Integrative Health, LLC located in an office space within Harleysville, Pennsylvania. Sanctuary Integrative Health, LLC provides private consultations 6 days/week (in person or virtual) to adults (18+) and couples interested in an ongoing journey designed to achieve personal health goals. I offer recommendations intended for improving lifestyle choices, stress management, sleep, and nutrition integrating Eastern and Western philosophies of wellness in the care of acute health concerns or chronic health challenges. It is my passion to educate and encourage clients in making healthy lifestyle choices by co-creating individualized goals. To support their health journey, follow-up appointments and ongoing motivational communications are available. Along with offering Ayurvedic wisdom, I am an Adult Nurse Practitioner and can collaboratively work with client's existing primary care providers and specialists in supporting their healthcare needs. Along with private consultations, I also offer both Kati Basti and Janu Basti Sessions (30-minute or 60-minute sessions) used to relieve acute or chronic symptoms of discomfort along the spine or knees. The soothing properties of herbal oils are believed to help alleviate discomfort/stiffness, decrease inflammation, deeply clean/fortify the blood, build strong muscle and connective tissues, and lubricate the joints. This new business venture has been a long-awaited goal come to life! 

What professional achievements are you most proud of? 

The professional achievement I am most proud of would be my completion from the Kripalu School of Ayurveda 650-Hour Ayurveda Health Counselor Program (AHC). I am also very proud of my Bachelor's (BSN, RN) and Master's (MSN, CRNP) Degrees in Nursing from Villanova University, which led to my Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner Licensure (CRNP). 

How did your time in the Kripalu School of Ayurveda prepare you for the work you are doing in Ayurveda? 

Kripalu's 650-Hour Ayurveda Health Counselor Program offered a variety of professors, courses, as well as hands-on learning opportunities that prepared me to start my own private practice. I truly enjoyed the program in the hybrid format giving us the flexibility to do the coursework on our own schedules as many of us have responsibilities in our own lives. Living on campus 5 different weeks of immersive experiences gave us many opportunities to bond with other classmates in our sangha in person as well as hands-on learning within the kitchen and practicum learnings on each other including pulse reading. My favorite part of the program was the clinical experiences of practicing consultations in the real world, applying our new knowledge, and helping to bring Ayurveda to life! Another bonus was the business courses included giving us guidance and support in starting our own businesses once we graduated. I appreciated the variety of professors who educated our sangha as they each provided unique perspectives when sharing the wisdom of Ayurveda. All of these experiences collaboratively guided us in wisdom as well as support in however we were going to use Ayurveda to help others in the world! Thank you to all of Kripalu's Professors and School of Ayurveda Staff for this incredible gift you have given to my life! 

What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates looking to succeed in your field? 

I would encourage current students to enjoy the process of self-discovery by applying Ayurveda to their own lives over a period of time. As the saying goes, "walk the walk", before you take the next steps to help others in your own community. Allow yourself time to process and integrate the wisdom that is presented to you, so you don't feel so overwhelmed by the amount of content. When parts of the program become challenging, always come back to your initial intention of what brought you to Ayurveda and Kripalu in the beginning. Stay rooted and grounded during your studies, making it a priority of taking care of yourself throughout the program. Lean on your support system continuously throughout the program whether it be your family, friends, or sangha. You've got this! It is totally worth it! Outside of your work in Ayurveda, what brings you joy and fulfillment? My family including my husband and 4 children brings me daily joy, love, and support! Travel has always been a passion of mine, especially exploring international destinations! I enjoy practicing self-care strategies to maintain my health including yoga and meditation every day! I have always loved reading books, cooking healthy meals, volunteering at my children's schools and non-profit organizations, as well as sharing free time with friends! My life is truly a blessing! 

Robyn's Favorite Ayurvedic Recipe 

My family swears by Kripalu's Winter Warming Honey (Winter Ayurveda Remedy) to combat cold, congestion, and low agni. 

Ingredients: 

• ¼ cup honey
•  ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric 
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 
• 1 pinch ground black pepper or pippali (long pepper) 

Directions: Place all ingredients in a small glass jar with a lid. Mix into a thick paste. Keep covered and store in dark cabinet for a few months. Take ½ teaspoon 15-30 minutes before meals – right off the spoon or stir into tea after it has cooled below boiling point. 

Indications:

• Digests ama (āma pācana) 
• Stokes agni (dīpana) 
• Breaks up mucous 
• Helps decrease time of a seasonal cold or congestion