Digestive Problems Can Be Helped with Ayurveda

Holistic Practitioner Spotlight with Greta Kent-Stoll: How Digestive Problems Can Be Helped with Ayurveda

We are speaking with Greta Kent-Stoll, an Ayurvedic Practitioner who focuses on dietary, lifestyle, and herbal consultations. She works through the lens of Ayurveda, herbalism, and holistic wellness. She is located in Asheville, North Carolina

How Does Ayurveda Help Your Clients Who Have Digestive Problems?

Since I am an Ayurvedic practitioner, I work with the whole person, rather than focusing on individual symptoms. As opposed to Western medical diagnosis, I help identify health imbalances from an Ayurvedic perspective which looks at biological energies found throughout the body and mind. My clients learn that adopting lifestyle habits and choices that support optimal health also help to restore wellbeing.

I have worked with a number of clients who were suffering from digestive problems, auto-immune disorders, and skin issues. Ayurveda teaches that all illnesses originally stem from problems with digestion. Therefore, digestive health is always one of the first areas to assess.

In Ayurveda, the universal life force show up in the person’s body as three different energies known as doshas. These energies are called vata, pitta, and kapha. The combination of these energies is the individual’s blueprint. Throughout life, the distribution of these energies constantly change due to the environment, diet, climate, age, medications, toxins, thoughts and many other factors. The doshas can affect health, energy level, and mood.

One of my clients was experiencing chronic acne that was interfering with her self-esteem and self-confidence. This client also had a history of body image challenges and experienced occasional acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea. After a thorough intake, I determined that she had a predominant pitta constitution and a pitta imbalance.    

What Modalities Did You Use?

I worked with my client to support her in gradually adopting a pitta pacifying food plan: one that focuses on lots of vegetables and foods with a predominantly sweet, bitter, and astringent taste. I also suggested herbal supplements to support skin health and eliminate digestive problems. We also worked on practices that supported self-care and self-love.

What Diagnostic Tools Do you Utilize?

During the initial consultation, I always interview my clients about their health history, eating habits, lifestyle habits, sleeping patterns, and any health imbalances that they are experiencing. I also look at their tongue, take their pulse, and make an Ayurvedic constitutional assessment.

What Did Your Client Try Before coming to You?

The client previously had not experienced lasting results with her Psychotherapy sessions, cleanses, or prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

What was the Outcome for Your Client After Working with You?

After six months of working together, the client’s digestive problems were eliminated and she no longer experienced discomfort.  She was so pleased that her skin had cleared up significantly which greatly improved her self-confidence. Another benefit was that her congestion associated with seasonal allergies was also reduced. 

Why and When Did You Choose the Holistic Path?

It just always made sense to me to work through a holistic, Ayurvedic lens. My goal is to give my clients the tools to regain optimal health.

What Lessons Have Your Work and Personal Experiences Taught You?

Through my work I have learned that the client has to be ready to make changes. The practitioner cannot force change or improvements upon the client, but by providing a pathway to optimal health, I can support my clients in regaining balance. I have seen tremendous transformation occur in my clients when they are ready and willing to make changes and to look at their wellness plan holistically.

What Would You Like Your Clients to Know About Your Services that They May Not be Aware of?

Ayurveda is time-tested tradition, and is totally applicable for the modern person. Ayurveda is highly individualized and everyone has something to gain from learning about this vast and ancient system.

Any Additional Comments

… check out my articles and learn more about Ayurveda and you at http://www.ashevilleayurveda.net/blog/

Biography

Greta Kent-Stoll is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and a graduate of the California College of Ayurveda. A former educator and long-time Iyengar yoga practitioner, she brings extensive background experience in education and yoga to her Ayurveda practice. In addition to consulting with individual clients, Greta is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville and is on staff with the American Herbalists Guild. She regularly publishes articles on Ayurveda and herbalism, and has served as an Intern Supervisor with the CA College of Ayurveda. Greta’s mission is to inspire, educate and heal through the wisdom of Ayurveda.

Greta’s website

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