In Part 3 of a 3-part series, Dr. J and Sasha conclude their exploration of Ayurveda for Happy and Healthy Kids, this time focusing on Ahara (diet and nutrition) and herbal remedies. They look deeply into the foundational role of Āhāra, or food as medicine - how it shapes a child’s growth, mood, immunity, and overall wellbeing. They also unpack the gentle power of Ayurvedic herbs and formulations — from digestive teas to ojas-building tonics — and how to use them safely and effectively for common childhood concerns.

If you’ve ever wondered what to feed your child to strengthen their agni, how to calm their nervous system without sugar or screen time, or which classical remedies can help with sleep, focus, or seasonal colds — you’re in the right place.

This episode offers nourishing guidance to help the little ones in your life thrive — body, mind, and spirit.

Send us a text

• For 20% off Kerala Ayurveda herbs and products, visit https://keralaayurveda.store/?ref=SASHABERSHADSKY
• For 20% off Garry N Sun herbs and products, visit: https://garrysun.com/?ref=e9r0u5k1

Book a 1:1 with Sasha at https://www.ojasoasis.com/book

For 50% off your initial intake consultation, mention you're a subscriber of the podcast.

Support the show

To learn more about working with us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com
Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram

Welcome to Season 7 of Ojas Oasis!

In part two of this three part series, Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath (also known as Dr. J) and Sasha continue our exploration of Ayurveda for happy and healthy kids. In today's conversation, we focus on Vihara, which means lifestyle in terms of conscious or unconscious behavior, tendencies or hobbies, and Dinacharya, the Sanskrit word for ideal daily routines, which includes waking and sleeping times, oral and bodily hygiene, bowel illumination, self oil massage (abhyanga), exercise, meditation, prayer, and eating meals at regular times, all of which follow the circadian and seasonal rhythms. A key differential between Vihara and Dinacharya is that Dinacharya focuses on when and how you do the self-care rituals that optimize and regulate your life, while Vihara focuses on how you live overall: conscious or unconscious habits or hobbies you engage with throughout the day that impact your body and mind.

Vihara and Dinacharya are both pillars of health in Ayurveda. Balancing both in a child's life supports healthy nervous system development, creative expression, emotional regulation, and physical resilience. In a world of overstimulation and technology continuing to advance at the speed of light, it has never been more important to balance the external environment with an internal environment that feels safe, nurturing, slow, and in sync with nature. These Ayurvedic principles offer a grounded, simple approach toward joyful, thriving childhood.

We also touch on the importance of these principles being applied in parents' lives as parents are the most influential, energetic imprint in a child's life.

We highly recommend Dr. J's book The Parent's Complete Guide to Ayurveda: Principles, Practices, and Recipes for Happy, Healthy Kids, published by Shambhala in 2022, which you can find in stores and online.

More about Dr. J here: https://www.keralaayurveda.us/wellnesscenter/our-team/jayarajan-kodikannath/

Send us a text

• For 20% off Kerala Ayurveda herbs and products, visit https://keralaayurveda.store/?ref=SASHABERSHADSKY
• For 20% off Garry N Sun herbs and products, visit: https://garrysun.com/?ref=e9r0u5k1

Book a 1:1 with Sasha at https://www.ojasoasis.com/book

For 50% off your initial intake consultation, mention you're a subscriber of the podcast.

Support the show

To learn more about working with us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com
Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram

Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath, B.Sc, B.A.M.S, is a world-renowned Ayurvedic doctor and the former President of NAMA (the National Ayurvedic Medical Association). An esteemed scholar, researcher, and teacher, he represents a lineage of Vaidyas from Kerala, India. As the CEO of Kerala Ayurveda Academy and Wellness Center in Northern California—where Sasha is currently completing her doctorate—Dr. J has played a pivotal role in advancing Ayurvedic education and clinical research. His work includes leading research on Ayurvedic wellness solutions, with a recently patented herbal composition for managing metabolic syndrome disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and lipid imbalances.

Dr. J is also the author of The Parent’s Complete Guide to Ayurveda: Principles, Practices, and Recipes for Happy, Healthy Kids, a practical and user-friendly resource offering over 50 Ayurvedic wellness practices for children ages 3–16. With over two decades of clinical experience, he has focused extensively on pediatric health and mental well-being.

Above all, Dr. J—whom we lovingly call “Dr. J”—is a compassionate healer and educator, dedicated to sharing the consciousness-based teachings of Ayurveda across the globe. As Sasha's own teacher, he embodies the Divine Father and Ayurveda itself, guiding his students with wisdom, humility, and love.

Today, in part one of our three-part series on Ayurveda for Happy and Healthy Kids, we explore a topic close to both our hearts. We begin with Prana—the primordial life force—its role in childhood development, and its impact on cognitive health. We also discuss:

• The Ayurvedic perspective on childhood growth and development
• Common childhood imbalances and their root causes
• The role of parents in their children’s health
• The impact of stress and environmental factors on kids
• The controversial use of pharmaceuticals for behavioral challenges
• Breaking cycles of sleep deprivation for parents
• Balancing structured activities with free, unstructured playtime
• The healing power of nature and the innate healing capacity within us all

It seems fitting that Dr. J wrote a book on conscious, loving Ayurvedic parenting—because that is exactly what he offers us as his students. He doesn’t just teach Ayurveda; he embodies it, sharing from his heart rather than merely his vast knowledge. His wisdom flows effortlessly, granting all of us in his presence the blessing of Darshan—Divine sight.

Send us a text

• For 20% off Kerala Ayurveda herbs and products, visit https://keralaayurveda.store/?ref=SASHABERSHADSKY
• For 20% off Garry N Sun herbs and products, visit: https://garrysun.com/?ref=e9r0u5k1

Book a 1:1 with Sasha at https://www.ojasoasis.com/book

For 50% off your initial intake consultation, mention you're a subscriber of the podcast.

Support the show

To learn more about working with us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com
Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram