Live a long, healthy and happy life with Ayurveda, with Jessica Rose

Meet Jess..

When it comes to our Saint Jess, founder of Jessica Rose Ayurveda, she glows from the inside out. Mother of two busy boys Jess is living and breathing proof that an Ayurvedic lifestyle can support and help you thrive through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Jess has made it her life’s work to be dedicated to health and wellness and guide you to do the same. We sat down with the wonderous Jess and got the top tips for busy mothers who want to incorporate some ancient wisdom into their days…

SM: What is Ayurveda? 

Jess: Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old scientific healing system of medicine. ‘Ayur’ means ‘life’ and ‘veda’ means ‘knowledge,’ so it could be translated to mean ‘the science of life.’ It is part of a collection of ancient texts called the Vedas. Its wisdom teaches us how to live in alignment with Nature and our True Selves through nutrition, herbs, lifestyle practices and yoga, for optimal health and vibrancy. Ayurveda is also a form of medicine that treats the individual as opposed to the disease, recognising that we are all different with unique constitutions and needs.

SM: How can Ayurveda be brought into motherhood? 

J: Women's health takes up a prominent space in Ayurveda and there is a whole protocol for pregnancy and postpartum. Through the process of birth, a mother's body, mind and soul go through an immense transformation. Specific postpartum meals, herbs and self-care practices are recommended to help mother and baby regain balance.  

The Sacred Window (the first six weeks postpartum) is an especially important time to build strong digestion, immunity, a calm nervous system and balanced hormones. It is said that the first 42 days after birth set the mother's health up for the next 42 years! It is a great way to prevent postpartum depression and depletion. 

The knowledge that Ayurveda provides empowers a mother to not only take care of herself but also her family. She can use its practices to support her whole experience of motherhood, as well as nourishing her children in a way that supports health and immunity.

SM: As mums, we are typically time-poor, so what are some simple and effective Ayurvedic practices for mums? 

J: Abhyanga - self-massage with warm black sesame oil. This is one of the most powerful tools for mothers. It calms and strengthens her nervous system which has a direct influence on her digestion, mindset and emotional response. It pacifies Vata dosha in particular, which is the dosha most likely to go out of balance during pregnancy and postpartum.

Ujjayi Pranayama - this breathing technique seems simple but its importance is often overlooked. During feeds, a mother can close her eyes and bring her attention to her breath. Applying a slight constriction at the base of her throat to make a quiet but audible oceanic sound, she inhales for 5 counts through both nostrils - holds for a count of 2 - and exhales for 5 counts through both nostrils - then pauses as the bottom of the breath for 2 counts. When her mind wanders, she gently brings her awareness back to her breath. Breathing with this technique activates the parasympathetic nervous system and provides Mum with a much-needed reset to support her mood, digestion and energy.

Jess has generously shared with our Saint Majella community two of her delicious and nutritious Ayurvedic recipes. You can make these staples for your family, or perhaps a friend. Food is a love language and this Kitchari and Ghee will love your body from the inside out.

Kitchari

Kitchari is a traditional and wonderful meal for mothers to include in their diet, both during the Sacred Window and long into her motherhood journey whenever she feels burnt out or to reset her digestive system.

Ghee

Ghee is the most nutrient-dense form of fat for the body and brain. I recommend using it as your main cooking oil.

Upcoming Programs with Jess

Ayurvedic Postpartum Rejuvenation (online)
6 weeks to harmonise your digestion, energy and hormones after birth. ‘The first 42 days after birth dictate the mother’s health for the next 42 years’
Included: 4 video calls and WhatsApp communication.

Signature Gut Revival Program (online)
This 12-week immersion is perfect for women who are more than 1 year postpartum and are suffering from digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, irregular appetite, fatigue, hormone imbalance, and the list goes on!
Included: a series of online 1:1 sessions, unlimited private WhatsApp communication and take-home content.

“I am dedicated to educating women and supporting them on their health journey. We can all benefit from integrating Ayurveda into our daily lives and I am here to show you how. I have poured my heart and soul into creating my signature program “90 day Ayurvedic Gut Revival” which is a transformational gut health protocol for women looking to restore their wellbeing at the root level - Jessica Rose

You can find Jess @jessicarose_ayurevda
And on our Motherhood Rolodex