Jivaka Ayurveda is a holistic health and longevity practice nestled in the Southern California community of Laguna Beach. Rob Talbert began Jivaka Ayurveda in 2004 as a consultation-based practice offering individuals an opportunity to improve their health and wellness through self-knowledge using the teachings of Ayurveda. Rob is a graduate of the California College of Ayurveda as a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and a Registered Herbalist in the American Herbalist Guild.
The Foundation of Ayurveda
Known as the science of life, Ayurveda is based on principles found in nature — space, air, fire, water, and earth. It is these principles and their translation into the vital functions that run the body, called doshas, which provide Jivaka with its Ayurvedic foundation.
This foundation of healing begins with food. It is the therapeutic use of food, food as medicine, which can move the body gently in the direction of healing. In the beginning, Rob’s role is as an educator, helping clients discover their true selves. As each individual learns and practices the knowledge of self healing through the Ayurvedic principles, Rob’s role shifts to that of a coach or counselor, helping each individual continue on the path of greater self knowledge and well being.
A Bridge to the West
In Ayurveda, health is defined as the perfect balance between body, mind, spirit and the environment. Ayurvedic techniques focus on achieving that balance using the five senses as portholes, or openings, presenting harmonious information to an individual either as tastes, smells, sounds, touch, or colors. When the body is presented with all these individually designed balancing stimuli then an innate vitalism, through the memory of the body, returns.
Much of Ayurveda is about being present. This includes awareness of where we live and what foods and herbs are available locally. So it made sense for Rob to build on the Ayuvedic principles and create a bridge to western thinking and terminology; to incorporate the teachings of Ayurveda and healing in this contemporary western culture.
Rob has included studying the paradigm of how Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at herbs and the diagnostic techniques of Traditional Chinese medicine as well as other systems to expand his knowledge base and include these systems in addressing modern life.
With a vision of sharing the knowledge of Ayurveda with as many people as possible, Rob has extended his consultation-based practice to include teaching, currently at the California College of Ayurveda , providing workshops for clients and for students. Jivaka Ayurveda also publishes a monthly newsletter, Rasa News, with seasonal information, updates in health, information about herbs, and some delicious, always seasonal, recipes.
You are invited to join Rob in your exploration of wellness.
May all beings be with peace.