Yoga Kulam Podcast

In this episode, we dive into a revolutionary approach to metabolic health that bridges modern medical research with the ancient wisdom of rhythmic eating. We explore the "Science of Insulin," challenging the modern habit of frequent snacking and revealing how elevated insulin levels are the primary drivers of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. By shifting to a lifestyle of two disciplined meals a day—a practice deeply rooted in traditional Indian culture—individuals can naturally lower insulin resistance and achieve diabetes remission. This conversation provides a practical, medication-free roadmap for anyone looking to reclaim their vitality and live a balanced, sustainable life in today’s fast-paced world.Speaker Bio: Dr. Jagannath Dixit Dr. Jagannath Dixit is a world-renowned medical professor, researcher, and a leading authority on lifestyle-based diabetes remission. With over 30 years of clinical and academic experience, he currently serves as a Professor and Head of Department in Community Medicine in India. Dr. Dixit is the face of a global health movement that has reached 43 countries, inspired by his mission to make holistic health education accessible to all. Recognized by the Society for the Study of Diabetes in India for his groundbreaking work, he specializes in translating complex endocrinology into simple, life-changing daily habits. He is dedicated to empowering individuals to become their own healers through the integration of scientific discipline and traditional lifestyle principles.

In this insightful session, Yogashree Raghuram NV sheds light on Bhakti Sadhana that centers on the profound shift from a self-centered existence to one of selfless devotion, where the ultimate goal is the dissolution of the ego (Ahamkara). He distinguishes between mechanical rituals—which often stem from a desire for personal gain or fear of punishment—and true Bhakti, which is rooted in Anuraga (intense love) and Bhavana (pure feeling). Through relatable anecdotes, such as the elderly lady’s joyous pilgrimage to Rameswaram or the "barter" nature of human relationships, he illustrates how expectations and the "I" corrupt the joy of giving and serving. Ultimately, he emphasizes that the structure of a Puja or a ritual is merely a vessel for expressing love; without the internal elevation of consciousness and the surrender of the ego, the material acts remain as hollow as a fish living in the Ganga without ever experiencing its sanctity.Speaker Bio: Yogashree Raghuram NVYogashree Raghuram NV is a globally recognized expert in yoga philosophy and spirituality. He is a Founding Member of SVYASA Yoga University in Bengaluru and serves as the Founder and Spiritual Guide of Yoga Bharati at VAYU USA. A prolific author, he has penned numerous influential works, including highly regarded commentaries on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and the Narada Bhakti Sutra. With decades of experience, Raghuramji is dedicated to making abstract spiritual concepts experiential and accessible, helping practitioners navigate the emotional and intellectual aspects of the yogic path

In this insightful session, Yogashree Raghuram NV explores the profound philosophical foundations of Bhakti Yoga, moving beyond traditional rituals to define it as an "enriched form of love" (Parama Prema). Rather than focusing on an abstract or external deity, Raghuramji emphasizes that love is an innate human quality present from birth in all living beings. The discussion delves into how the ego often corrupts our natural capacity for compassion and friendship, and how Bhakti Sadhana serves as a discipline to dissolve these barriers. By shifting from complaint to tolerance, and ultimately to appreciation, practitioners can reach a state of self-realization where they perceive the divine in all of creation.Speaker Bio: Yogashree Raghuram NVYogashree Raghuram NV is a globally recognized expert in yoga philosophy and spirituality. He is a Founding Member of SVYASA Yoga University in Bengaluru and serves as the Founder and Spiritual Guide of Yoga Bharati at VAYU USA. A prolific author, he has penned numerous influential works, including highly regarded commentaries on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and the Narada Bhakti Sutra. With decades of experience, Raghuramji is dedicated to making abstract spiritual concepts experiential and accessible, helping practitioners navigate the emotional and intellectual aspects of the yogic path

In this episode, we dive deep into the ancient wisdom of Yoga with Dr. Apar Sao, a leading researcher and academic in the field of Yoga and Naturopathic Medicine. Moving beyond the common misconception that yoga is merely physical stretching, Dr. Sao explores the profound physiological and spiritual impacts of combining breath work with movement.In this session, you’ll discover:The Power of Prana: Understanding "Prana" not just as breath, but as the vital life force that governs our existence from our first cry to our final moment [10:00].The Science of Pranayama: Why breathing is the only physiological system under both autonomic and voluntary control, giving us a "window" to regulate our stress and heart rate [19:00].The Benefits of Breath Retention: A look into Kumbhaka and why it is considered an advanced practice for spiritual and physiological awakening [23:00].Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations): Why this cyclic series of postures is the "ultimate quick fix" for modern life, offering the benefits of aerobic exercise, spinal mobility, and hormonal balance in one synchronized practice [36:00].Authenticity in Practice: Why a "Yogic Lifestyle"—including proper diet and sleep—is essential to reaping the true rewards of these practices, and why learning from an authentic teacher matters more than ever [46:00].Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, this episode provides a research-backed perspective on how to harness your breath and body for optimal health and performance.

This podcast features Usha Lavanya Pappu, a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner  discussing "Shakti Balance"—a holistic approach to women's hormonal health.This session explores how to harmonize women's endocrine systems through the integration of Ayurvedic wisdom and Yoga, specifically focusing on:Ayurvedic Rhythms for Hormones: Understanding how the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) influence the various stages of a woman’s life—from menarche to menopause—and using specific herbs and dietary adjustments to maintain balance.The Power of Yoga and Pranayama: Implementing targeted yoga asanas and breathing techniques to soothe the nervous system and regulate the "Shakti" energy, which directly impacts hormonal stability and emotional well-being.Holistic Self-Care: Emphasizing the importance of Dinacharya (daily routine) and mindful living to mitigate modern stressors that often lead to hormonal imbalances, such as PCOS or thyroid issues.

We are deeply honored to welcome Dr. Kalikaji Uttarkar, a distinguished faculty member at the Hindu University of America and a seasoned psychological counselor. With a PhD in Philosophy and over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kalikaji excels at integrating Yoga, Vedanta, and modern psychology to make ancient Indian wisdom practical for your daily life. In this session, Dr. Kalikaji explores the profound depths of Jnana Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge) by guiding us to answer the single most important question: "Who am I?"

We are honored to host Dr. Ram Ji Vaidya, a respected Sanskrit scholar, PhD in Vedanta philosophy, and the Global Joint Coordinator for Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. Dr. Vaidya has been instrumental in cultivating the principles of Yoga and Ayurveda, including helping to establish Yoga Kulam and Sanskrit Bharati in the UK. In this insightful session, Dr. Vaidya offers a profound yet accessible roadmap to practicing Karma Yoga from the Bhagavad Gita, demonstrating how this ancient wisdom provides a blueprint for a life of purpose and peace today.

In this pivotal World Ayurveda Day address, we host Prof. Rajeev Gupta, a senior Consultant in the UK's National Health Service (NHS) with over 30 years of experience. As a global leader in integrated health and author of Integrating Yoga and Ayurveda with Modern Medicine, Dr. Gupta provides the scientific proof needed to bridge the gap between ancient Bharat wisdom and modern Western practice.As a modern medical doctor who has chaired prestigious committees at the Royal College of Paediatrics and the British Medical Association, Dr. Gupta details:The Scientific Basis of Yoga: How the three pillars of Yoga—Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation—modulate the autonomic nervous system tone, reduce the stress axis (HPA), and downregulate inflammation.Response, Not Reaction: Learn how practices like deep breathing and Anuloma Viloma hyper-oxygenate the brain, increasing the performance of the prefrontal cortex and GABA to allow you to respond rather than react to stress.Clinical Proof: Discover the results of clinical trials showing Yoga's effectiveness in improving conditions like low back pain, hypertension, anxiety, and cancer-related fatigue.The Integration Imperative: Why the current split between Allopathy and Ayurveda must end. Dr. Gupta advocates for integrated medicine—using scientific data to bring these diverse, valuable tools together for better patient care and cost-effective health systems like the NHS.Tune in to discover the powerful scientific "why" behind your practice, giving you the clarity to stick to your routine.

On World Ayurveda Day, we are honored to host Prof. Ish Sharma, a traditional Vaidya with a Doctorate from the National Institute of Ayurveda and the first Ayurveda Chair at the University of Mauritius. With 25+ years of global expertise, Prof. Sharma cuts through modern health confusion to reveal the ancient, powerful truth about your daily meals.In this episode, you will learn:Ahara Mahabhaishajam: Why food is the Super Medicine and why prevention is the only cure for today’s rising Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).The 75% Rule: Prof. Sharma shares the profound Ayurvedic principle—now validated by research—that you must only eat 66% to 75% of your appetite, as overeating kills more people than starvation.Agni & Autophagy: Discover the ancient Sanskrit verse that explains the modern, Nobel-winning science of Autophagy, showing how fasting redirects your digestive fire (Agni) to combust toxins, stress, and excess cholesterol.Yoga for Greed: The ultimate root cause of disease in Kali Yuga is the tendency to "hold" or be greedy (Parigraha), which generates stress. Learn how Yoga balances the mind to stop this destructive cycle.Periodic Maintenance: Why Panchakarma (and DIY Yoga techniques like Kunjal and Shankhaprakshalana) are essential for the body's annual servicing.Tune in to transform your relationship with food and make every meal an act of healing.

In this integrative World Ayurveda Day session, we are joined by Dr. Amit Gumman, Founder and Chief Clinician of Harmony Healing Center, who brings over 28 years of experience in integrative health. Trained in classical Ayurvedic Medicine and holding degrees in Public Health, Acupuncture, and Naturopathy, Dr. Gumman masterfully blends Eastern traditions with modern Western science.This episode explores the profound synergy between Yoga and Ayurveda, using the metaphor of the Samudra Manthan (The Churning of the Ocean) to illustrate the constant struggle and balance within us. You will learn:The Inner Churning: How the Samudra Manthan—involving the churning rod, the snake, and the opposing forces of Devas and Asuras—represents the dynamic balance within our gut microbiome, breath, and nervous system.The Neurotransmitter Bridge: How Yoga (Pranayama) and Ayurveda are essential tools for balancing the body’s sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) nervous systems.The Future of Medicine from Bharat: Dr. Gumman advocates for mainstreaming traditional Ayurvedic molecules, like the powerful compounds found in Vijaya (cannabis) and Turmeric (curcumin), highlighting the massive global market that Bharat can lead with authentic, evidence-based practices.Caring vs. Curing: The powerful realization that the future of health is always caring and about making these ancient sciences adaptable for everyday use.Tune in as Dr. Gumman shows how the complementary sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda offer a holistic path to balancing the mind and body.

Join us for a profound World Ayurveda Day session with VedAcharya Dhanada Kulkarni, a fourth-generation Vedic scholar and BAMS physician with over 23 years of experience. As a former NAMA Board Member and founder of TAPAS, Dr. Kulkarni brings the deep ancestral wisdom of Bharat to the forefront of modern holistic health.This episode unlocks the ultimate secret to personalized wellness: your unique mind-body blueprint. You will discover:The True Definition of Health: Why Ayurveda's definition is not merely the absence of disease, but the perfect alignment of your mind, body, senses, and spirit (Atma). Prakriti (Your Immutable Blueprint): Learn how your individual "private genome" is formed, why 90% of people are a blend of Doshas, and why knowing your Prakriti is the first step to any lasting health regimen.Vikruti (Current Imbalance): Understand how everyday choices—like late-night binges or environmental stress—create imbalance, and how a Vaidya uses this knowledge to "tame your Prakriti type".Hacking Modern Science: Discover how Ayurveda predicted concepts like Chronutrition and Time-Released Meals (TRT) 5,000 years before modern scientists.Preserving Wellness: Why Ayurveda’s core mission is to preserve the health you already have—not to wait until you are sick to start seeking help.Tune in to begin your journey toward a life balanced by the ancient wisdom of your own unique constitution!

Celebrate World Ayurveda Day with a deep dive into the core principles of health! We are honored to host Dr. Nambi, a globally respected Ayurvedic physician with over 28 years of clinical and academic experience, currently the Director of Nagarjuna Ayurveda in Kerala. Hailing from a traditional Vedic family, Dr. Nambi bridges ancestral wisdom with modern Ayurvedic education.In this insightful episode, Dr. Nambi shares the four-step approach to health, emphasizing the ultimate priority: food. You will learn:The Four Pillars: The hierarchy of health maintenance: Food (Ahara), Lifestyle (Vihara), Thoughts (Vichara), and Medicine (Aushadha).The Root of Strength: Why protecting your Digestive Fire (Agni) is the key to immunity, strength, and life itself.The Golden Rules of Eating: Understanding the correct order of the six tastes (Shadrasa) and why overeating (Atiyashana) or eating before the previous meal is digested (Adhyashana) are the main causes of illness.Genetic Diet: The importance of consuming locally grown food and food that is genetically used to you.The True Meaning of Health (Swastha): The ultimate state of being established in oneself.Tune in to discover how aligning your diet and lifestyle with your Agni is the most direct path to a self-healing body and a peaceful mind.

In this powerful World Ayurveda Day session, we are honored to host Vaidya Jay Apte, one of the most experienced Ayurvedic Vaidyas in the U.S. With an integrated background in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, Vaidya Apte’s unique focus is bridging Eastern wisdom with Western knowledge to achieve holistic health.This episode is your essential guide to reclaiming balance in a fast-paced world. Vaidya Apte teaches us that wellness isn't expensive or complex—it's about discipline and timing. You will learn:The Mind-Body Imbalance: How modern stress, anxiety, and late nights disconnect us from nature.Dinacharya (Daily Routine): The foundational principles of Ayurveda that ensure you do the right thing at the right time to align with the body’s natural 24-hour energy cycle.The Dosha Clock: The critical importance of sleeping by 10 PM to utilize the body's natural healing period and waking up before sunrise to sharpen the mind with Pranayama.Rutucharya (Seasonal Routine): How to change your diet and lifestyle with the seasons to prevent illness—as simply as changing your clothes.Listen in as Vaidya Apte offers practical tips forged from over 40 years of practice, empowering you to put your health back in your own hands.

Join us for an enlightening World Ayurveda Day keynote with one of the West's most influential spiritual pioneers: Padma Bhushan Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri).As a leading Vedacharya and Founder of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, Dr. Frawley shares his decades of experience introducing the wisdom of Bharat to the modern world. This essential discussion is a powerful call to action, revealing why the ancient sciences are more critical today than ever before:The Modern Crisis: Discover why a retreat from natural living and the rise of the digital world are fueling anxiety and a decline in well-being.The Integral Path: Learn how Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotisha, and Vedanta form a single, seamless science for healing and Self-realization (Atman).The Pranic Link: Understand the central role of Prana as the foundation connecting the physical body (Ayurveda's Doshas) and the conscious mind (Yoga).Rejuvenation (Rasayana): Explore the power of Ayurvedic rejuvenation practices to restore vitality in an aging and electrified world.Dr. Frawley reminds us that integrating Yoga and Ayurveda is not merely an addition but the very essence that guides us back to the sacred intelligence of life.

Celebrate World Ayurveda Day with a truly groundbreaking conversation! We are honored to host Padma Shri Vaidya Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, the esteemed Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.In this powerful episode, Dr. Kotecha illuminates the incredible surge of Ayurveda on the world stage, detailing its journey from an ancient system to a globally recognized science. He shares the strategic efforts that have led to:Global Recognition: How Ayurveda is now formally recognized in over 25 countries.Scientific Validation: Its inclusion in the WHO's ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases) for scientific documentation.Economic Boom: The massive economic growth of the AYUSH sector, projected to reach $200 billion globally.A New Infrastructure: The role of the dedicated Ministry of AYUSH, the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, and the new accreditation standards for global practitioners.Tune in to understand the future of health, where ancient wisdom and modern science converge to offer holistic well-being for all.

In our modern world, we often seek healing through physical means alone. But what if a deeper understanding of our mind and energy could unlock the secrets to profound well-being? Join us for an extraordinary episode where we explore the subtle sciences of healing and consciousness.We sit down with C.M. Bhandari, a distinguished diplomat and physicist whose lifelong spiritual journey bridges science with the soul. In this conversation, he unveils the wisdom of:Marma Science: The ancient knowledge of energy points that can restore balance and vitality.The Power of Breath and Prana: How controlling your breath can influence your energy flow and overall health.Holistic Well-being: The interconnectedness of meditation, physical health, and the pursuit of inner truth.Tune in to discover how these timeless practices can offer a path to holistic health, a deeper understanding of your own consciousness, and a more resilient spirit.

Back Pain – The Silent Pandemic & How Yoga Therapy Can HelpIn a world of constant sitting and stress, back pain has become a silent epidemic. But what if the key to lasting relief isn't just a pill, but a profound and personalized practice rooted in ancient wisdom? Join us as we explore how to move beyond temporary fixes and discover a path to healing.In this powerful episode, we speak with Rahul Bhalerao, a certified yoga therapist and co-founder of the non-profit Subodh Yoga. Rahul, who holds a Master's degree from the prestigious SVYASA in India, shares his expertise on:Why back pain has become so widespread in modern society.The crucial difference between a regular yoga class and a therapeutic approach.How yoga therapy can offer genuine, long-term relief for chronic pain.Simple, practical tips you can use today to begin your journey to a pain-free life.Tune in to discover a holistic, empowering way to heal your back and reclaim your well-being.

Discover Ayurveda's timeless secrets to graceful aging and radiant health! In this episode, seasoned Ayurvedic practitioner Usha Lavanya Pappu illuminates how Ayurveda views aging as a natural transformation, not a disease. Learn how to counter factors like vata aggravation and weak digestion through personalized dietary recommendations, daily practices like Abhyanga, and powerful rejuvenators like Chavanprash. Usha Ji shares essential Ayurvedic skin health tips, the benefits of buttermilk and potent herbs, offering a holistic roadmap for vitality and longevity in the modern world.

Discover the profound healing power of Therapeutic Yoga! In this episode, we're honored to speak with Gulshan Shekhawat, a distinguished Yoga Therapist trained at SVYASA, India, and founder of Lotus Yoga Studio. Gulshan shares her unique insights and personal experiences, revealing how this specialized approach to yoga offers a path to healing, resilience, and holistic well-being. Learn how Therapeutic Yoga, rooted in ancient wisdom, can address specific challenges and help you navigate life's journey with greater balance and inner strength.

Unlock the secrets of personalized well-being! In this foundational episode, we welcome Professor Vandana Baranwal, BAMS, MD (Ayurveda-BHU), a leading expert and faculty at Ohio State University. Discover Ayurveda, Yoga's sister science, and its emphasis on a unique, personalized approach to health. Learn about the five elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water, Earth) and three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and how understanding your unique Ayurvedic blueprint can empower your diet, lifestyle, and daily routines for unparalleled balance and vitality in our modern Western world. This is your essential guide to embracing ancient wisdom for holistic health.

In this episode, we welcome Usha Lavanya Pappu, a seasoned Ayurvedic practitioner, to unlock the secrets of conscious consumption. We delve into the power of Agni (digestive fire) and the six tastes (shad rasa) from ancient Ayurveda. Learn how to navigate modern food choices with intention, embracing practical habits and nutrition. Discover why "food is medicine," and how Ayurvedic mindful eating serves as a profound form of self-care for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Tune in for actionable takeaways to transform your plate and your life

Beyond the poses, Yoga offers a profound path to holistic growth. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Vikas Rajendra Chothe, a distinguished MD (Ayurveda) and Yoga School Auditor, to explore how ancient Yogic wisdom shapes our entire being. Discover how Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga's balancing principles contribute to mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. We'll delve into the science behind Yoga's benefits for physical and mental health, and how embracing its principles can help you find your Ikigai – your unique purpose and passion in life. Tune in to understand Yoga as a complete way of living and gain practical insights to cultivate an integrated personality for a truly balanced modern life.

Focus: An introductory episode with Dr Devraj Naik (A cardiologist and a long time Yoga practitioner) debunking common misconceptions about yoga (just physical poses) and introducing its broader philosophical framework.Bharat Roots: Tracing "yoga" back to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Vedas, emphasizing it as a union of mind, body, and spirit, not just exercise.Modern Connection: How these ancient principles offer practical tools for managing stress, improving focus, and finding inner peace in a fast-paced world.Key Takeaway: Yoga is a way of life, not just an activity. Devotion (Shradha) and Practice (Abhyas) are key ingredients of an yogic life.