Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom: A Complete Prescription to Optimize Your Health, Prevent Disease, and Live with Vitality and Joy

Shunya, president of the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, says it was her “karma” to write an “authoritative bible of sorts” on Ayurvedic wisdom. Raised in India, Shunya studied Ayurveda under the tutelage of her grandfather, who was born in 1900 and served as his town’s Ayurvedic guide; throughout this informative text she weaves poignant stories and lessons learned from her highly esteemed relative and advisor. Ayurveda, Shunya explains, is a 5,000-year-old system that covers such topics as lifestyle, food, health, spirituality, meditation, and yoga. Her focus is on applying the ancient principles to modern life and she includes selected case histories from clients and students who believe Ayurveda helped them resolve a variety of issues (e.g., eating disorders, stress). Despite the range of applications Shunya cites, she cautions that Ayurveda is not “one size fits all,” and gives readers a number of guidelines. Shunya writes with passion and expertise; newcomers to Ayurveda will receive a comprehensive education, and long-standing practitioners can also delve more deeply into this wellspring of knowledge. This is an important addition to a “holistic approach to health” that readers will want to refer to time and again. (Feb.)