Advertise on podcast: Ayurveda For Women's Health

Today on the podcast, Brittni and Rita dive into one of Ayurveda's three pillars of health — sleep. This conversation goes far beyond standard sleep advice, exploring why Ayurveda considers sleep so essential for detoxification, cognitive health, and long-term wellbeing, and how the timing of sleep matters just as much as the total hours. They also break down sleep imbalances through the Ayurvedic lens, explaining how Vata, Pitta, and Kapha type sleep issues each look completely different — and how to address each one in a way that actually fits your body and constitution. Highlights: Why Ayurveda considers sleep one of the three pillars of health — and what that actually means for your body overnightThe glymphatic system and what modern science now confirms about sleep and brain detoxificationWhy the timing of sleep matters — what happens in the body between 10pm and 2am and why going to bed later disrupts more than just your energyHow Vata, Pitta, and Kapha type sleep imbalances each present differently — and the specific tools and practices that support each oneWhy starting with just one small shift is almost always more effective than overhauling everything at once Support the podcast on Patreon! Classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more for $5 a month in the Wellness Library! Follow us: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

Today on the podcast, Brittni and Rita explore one of their most passionate topics — cycle syncing. Not just in the context of hormone health, but in the context of how we work, create, make decisions, and move through life. In this conversation they break down why our menstrual cycle is one of the most underutilized tools we have as women, and how learning to align our energy and output with each phase of the cycle can reduce burnout, unlock creativity, and help us show up more fully in every area of life. Highlights: How the four phases of the menstrual cycle — menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal — map onto different types of cognitive and creative energyWhy our current work structures are built around the male 24-hour hormonal cycle — and what it would look like to build around the female cycle insteadReal examples from Brittni and Rita's own businesses of how they align their work, writing, editing, and decision making with their cycleWhy bleeding on a big decision might be the most powerful thing you can do before saying yes or noThe connection between cycle syncing, healing painful periods, and unlocking creativity — and why these aren't separate thingsHow to start cycle syncing even if you have limited autonomy over your scheduleDownload Brittni's free guide at mountainsforbreakfast.com to go deeper into each phase and how to plan your work around your cycle Support the podcast on Patreon! Classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more for $5 a month in the Wellness Library! Follow us: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

This week, Rita and Brittni are talking about transitioning into Vata season. They break down why autumn calls for a two-phase approach: first flushing out the heat that accumulated over summer, then building warmth and stability for the winter ahead. As the air gets colder, drier, and more mobile, many people notice an uptick in anxiety, poor sleep, constipation, dry skin, low energy, and scattered focus without understanding why. In this episode, they break down exactly what's happening from an Ayurvedic perspective and share simple, practical tools to help you move through this transition with more ease, groundedness, and even a little creativity. Highlights: Why it's essential to flush out summer heat before building warmth and stability for winterWhy the fall transition can feel so unsettling for your body and mind — and what Ayurveda says is actually going onThe symptoms that show up this time of year that most people never connect to the seasonKey foods, spices, and practices to support digestion, circulation, and the nervous system The one practice Brittni and Rita keep coming back to for grounding the nervous system during Vata seasonWhy oil might be the most underrated tool in your fall wellness routine — and all the ways you can use itThe unexpected creative and spiritual opportunity that Vata season offers — and how to actually tap into itWhy learning to rest this season might be one of the most powerful things you can do for your health all year Support the podcast on Patreon! Classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more for $5 a month in the Wellness Library! Follow us: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

Today on the podcast, Brittni and Rita dedicate a full episode to Abhyanga — the Ayurvedic practice of warm oil self-massage. One of the most beloved and foundational practices in Ayurveda, Abhyanga is far more than a skincare ritual. It supports circulation, lymphatic flow, joint health, nervous system regulation, digestion, sleep, and emotional wellbeing — and it can be adapted for any constitution, any season, and any schedule. In this episode, they break down exactly how to do it, how to make it work in real life, and why this simple practice of oiling your body might be one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. Highlights: What Abhyanga is and why Ayurveda considers it one of its most important daily practicesThe meaning of sneha — why oil and love are the same word in Sanskrit, and what that means for how we practiceThe wide-ranging physical benefits — skin health, circulation, lymphatic drainage, joint strength, bone health, nervous system support, digestion, breast health, and healthy agingWhy so many women feel hesitant to connect with their bodies through touch — and why this practice can be so healing for thatHow to warm your oil, what type of oil to use, and the key massage techniques to knowHow often to practice, how long to spend, and how to create both a short version and a longer more luxurious version that fits your lifeContraindications — when to skip Abhyanga and what to be mindful of during menstruation, pregnancy, illness, and active digestionPractical tips for managing oil on your laundry, plumbing, septic systems, and avoiding slipping in the shower Support the podcast on Patreon! Classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more for $5 a month in the Wellness Library! Follow us: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

If you're in the middle of perimenopause or menopause and feeling like your body has completely changed overnight — this episode is for you. Hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, dryness — these symptoms are real, they're disorienting, and most women are told very little about why they're happening or what they can actually do about them. Today Rita and Brittni break it all down through the Ayurvedic lens, offering a framework that finally makes sense of what the body is going through — and practical tools that can work alongside or before turning to HRT. There is so much more to this conversation than most women are ever told, whether you're considering HRT, already on it, or looking for additional ways to support your body through this transition, we hope this conversation offers a helpful perspective. Highlights: Why perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, and dryness happenThe three stages of life in Ayurveda and why this transition is one of the most profound transformations a woman moves throughWhy losing estrogen and progesterone is like losing your body's buffer — and what that means for your mood, sleep, and digestionWeight gain around the middle during perimenopause — what Ayurveda says is actually happening and why restriction often makes it worseWhy common wellness trends like intermittent fasting, cold plunging, hot yoga, and cutting carbs can backfire during this transitionThe Ayurvedic tools that actually help — Abhyanga, alternate nostril breathing, daily routine, grounding foods, and gentle movementAn honest, judgment-free conversation about HRT, lifestyle medicine, and why starting to support yourself earlier always makes a differenceThe powerful reframe — why this transition, as hard as it is, is also one of the most transformative chapters of a woman's life If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean the world to us and help support our work if you’d like, share, leave a review, as well as subscribe to our podcast on whichever platform you use. Support the podcast on Patreon! Classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more for $5 a month in the Wellness Library! IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

Today on the podcast, Rita and Brittni break down one of the most foundational concepts in Ayurvedic nutrition — the six tastes. Sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent each carry specific elemental qualities that have a direct effect on digestion, tissues, cravings, and overall balance in the body. In this episode, they walk through each taste, the foods that embody it, and how to work with them based on your constitution, the season, and what your body is asking for. This one is equal parts educational and practical, and a great episode to share with anyone who's curious about using food as medicine. Highlights: What the six tastes are and why Ayurveda uses taste — not macros or calories — as its primary framework for understanding foodA breakdown of each taste, its elemental qualities, and which doshas it balances or aggravatesWhy incorporating all six tastes can reduce cravings and help you feel truly satiated after a mealThe difference between lemon and lime — and why it matters more than you might thinkWhy ferments, sourdough, and other wellness staples aren't always the right choice for every body or every seasonHow seasonal eating maps directly onto the six tastes — and why nature makes it easier than you thinkEasy, practical ways to start incorporating all six tastes into your everyday cooking without overhauling your whole diet If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean the world to us and help support our work if you’d like, share, leave a review, as well as subscribe to our podcast on whichever platform you use. If you’re looking for more connection or would like to support this podcast, we’d love to have you join our Patreon community. Here you’ll get bonus episodes and access to our community chat Q&A. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness Library, which is filled with self-guided classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more Ayurvedic practices all for just $5 a month! Patreon | Library | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

This week on the podcast, Brittni and Rita dedicate a whole episode to one of their most talked-about topics — ghee. From why Ayurveda considers it one of the most medicinal foods you can incorporate into your daily life, to how to use it internally and externally, to the research around cholesterol and heart health, this episode covers it all. Whether you're ghee-curious or already cooking with it every day, there's something here for everyone. Highlights: What ghee actually is, how it differs from butter, and why Ayurveda considers it so medicinally powerfulHow ghee kindles Agni and supports digestion, and why it's rich in butyric acid and omega-3 fatty acidsWhy ghee is balancing for all three doshas — and when to use it with more cautionThe many ways to use ghee internally — from cooking and herbal tonics to postpartum and reproductive supportExternal uses including skin care, wound healing, vaginal dryness, and the Ayurvedic eye treatment Netra BastiWhat a 2025 meta-analysis actually found about ghee and cholesterol — and why the fear around it may be misplacedThe importance of sourcing quality ghee and why grass-fed and pasture-raised mattersRita and Brittni's personal favorite ways to use ghee — including a full moon ghee-making ritual If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean the world to us and help support our work if you’d like, share, leave a review, as well as subscribe to our podcast on whichever platform you use. If you’re looking for more connection or would like to support this podcast, we’d love to have you join our Patreon community. Here you’ll get bonus episodes and access to our community chat Q&A. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness Library, which is filled with self-guided classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more Ayurvedic practices all for just $5 a month! Patreon | Library | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

In this episode, Brittni and Rita explore the Ayurvedic practice of tongue analysis and what your tongue may reveal about your digestion, detoxification abilities, and overall health—with a few personal stories along the way. In this episode, we explore: What your tongue can reveal about digestion: How the tongue can reflect digestive strength (Agni), the presence of accumulated waste or toxins (Ama), and the health of the tissues and organs—sometimes before other symptoms appear. Constitutional Differences: How Vata, Pitta, and Kapha can show up differently on the tongue and what these patterns may tell us. The tongue as a map: An Ayurvedic breakdown of what different areas of the tongue are traditionally thought to reflect, including the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, kidneys, and more. Rita’s Panchakarma story: The time her tongue turned black, then yellow, and eventually returned to pink—and what she learned from the experience. Tongue scraping 101: Why tongue scraping is considered a foundational Ayurvedic daily practice, how to do it properly, and why it goes beyond simply keeping your mouth clean. If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean the world to us and help support our work if you’d like, share, leave a review, as well as subscribe to our podcast on whichever platform you use. If you’re looking for more connection or would like to support this podcast, we’d love to have you join our Patreon community. Here you’ll get bonus episodes and access to our community chat Q&A. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness Library, which is filled with self-guided classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more Ayurvedic practices all for just $5 a month! Patreon | Library | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

This week on the podcast, Rita and Brittni discuss menstrual care products — from tampons and cups to pads and period underwear. They explore what Ayurveda teaches us about why certain products might actually be contributing to cramping and discomfort, plus a few surprising findings from recent research to help you make informed choices that feel best for your body. Highlights: An overview of the vaginal microbiome and why caring for our womb space is about more than just physical healthWhat Ayurveda teaches us about how certain menstrual care products may be contributing to period cramps or lower back painA breakdown of different menstrual care products — pros, cons, and our personal experiences and preferencesHow to spot misleading marketing claims when purchasing menstrual care products and make more informed decisions

In this episode, Brittni and Rita explore hair thinning and hair loss through an Ayurvedic lens — covering why it happens, what your constitution has to do with it, and what your body might actually be communicating when your hair starts to change. Highlights: How Pitta and Vata imbalances contribute to hair thinning and loss — and why heat rises to the scalpThe surprising connection between hair health and bone tissue, and the minerals your body needs mostWhy stress and hormonal shifts (especially in perimenopause) are major drivers of hair fall — and what to do about itMineral-dense foods that support hair and bone health, and why digestibility matters as much as what you eatTopical practices that actually help: scalp massage, Bhringraj oil, aloe and coconut hair masks, and needle tappingWhy breathwork and nervous system support may be the most underrated hair loss treatment of all Needle Tapping Hammer: Use code BRIT10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase, https://thefacialcuppingexpert.com/products/7-star-plum-blossom-hammer If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean the world to us and help support our work if you’d like, share, leave a review, as well as subscribe to our podcast on whichever platform you use. If you’re looking for more connection or would like to support this podcast, we’d love to have you join our Patreon community. Here you’ll get bonus episodes and access to our community chat Q&A. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness Library, which is filled with self-guided classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more Ayurvedic practices all for just $5 a month! Patreon | Library | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

In this week’s episode, Brittni and Rita explore Ayurveda’s simple yet profound framework for understanding and balancing the mind- The Three Gunas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, distractibility, anger, procrastination, burnout, or depression, this episode provides a holistic lens for understanding these experiences, as well as practical tools to support a calmer, clearer, more resilient mind. Highlights: A deep dive into Sattva (mental clarity), Rajas (the active, stimulated mind), and Tamas (the heavy, withdrawn mind).Why we can start to crave more stimulation, multi-tasking, and productivity when life gets busy.The mental patterns each constitution is prone to- and how to create a care plan when you end up in a tough space.The connection between anxiety, burnout, overstimulation, and depression.How time in nature, creativity, meaningful connection, and movement are necessary to cultivate a clear/calm mind.Which foods are most supportive (and which to avoid!) when you’re feeling anxious, angry, overstimulated, unmotivated, or depressed. Dr. John Douillard's Article: The Science and Ayurveda of the Three Gunas https://lifespa.com/intro-ayurveda/ayurvedic-philosophy/science-of-the-gunas/ If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean the world to us and help support our work if you’d like, share, leave a review, as well as subscribe to our podcast on whichever platform you use. If you’re looking for more connection or would like to support this podcast, we’d love to have you join our Patreon community. Here you’ll get bonus episodes and access to our community chat Q&A. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness Library, which is filled with self-guided classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more Ayurvedic practices all for just $5 a month! Patreon | Library | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

This week, Brittni and Rita are exploring aging through the lens of Ayurveda and sharing the foundational qualities that support physical, mental, and emotional vitality as we grow older. Rather than viewing aging as something to fear, Ayurveda invites us to embrace it with intention by nourishing the body in ways that promote resilience, strength, and longevity. Highlights: The Ayurvedic ‘stages of life’ and how our needs change in each phase.Why we become more prone to things like dry skin, joint pain, constipation, insomnia, and poor focus as we transition towards/into menopause.How burnout in the Pitta years can accelerate imbalances later in life, and what to do about itThe two most important qualities to prioritize in your food and lifestyle to support healthy aging.What does it actually mean to ‘age well’ as women- and how can we re-write this narrative altogether. If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean the world to us and help support our work if you’d like, share, leave a review, as well as subscribe to our podcast on whichever platform you use. If you’re looking for more connection or would like to support this podcast, we’d love to have you join our Patreon community. Here you’ll get bonus episodes and access to our community chat Q&A. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness Library, which is filled with self-guided classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more Ayurvedic practices all for just $5 a month! Patreon | Library | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

Trigger Warning: this episode contains honest and detailed discussion of pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and surgical procedures. Please take care of yourself when deciding if and when to listen. Today on the podcast, Rita and Brittni get deeply personal and share their own experiences with pregnancy loss. Between them, they've navigated four losses — each one different in its timing, its physical experience, its emotional impact, and what they needed to heal. In this episode, they talk openly about what those journeys have looked like, what surprised them, what the medical system failed to offer, and how Ayurveda became an essential part of finding their way back to themselves. This is a conversation about grief, anger, body intelligence, and the deep need for more compassion and systemic support for women going through pregnancy loss. Highlights: Rita and Brittni share their personal pregnancy loss stories, including an ectopic pregnancy, a surgical loss, and the emotional complexity of experiencing multiple losses close togetherWhy every pregnancy loss experience is different — and why the word "miscarriage" doesn't begin to capture the full pictureWhat they found helpful and unhelpful from the people around them, and how to support someone going through loss without causing more painThe physical reality of pregnancy loss as a postpartum experience — and why women are so often left without adequate supportThe Ayurvedic tools that helped them heal, including abhyanga, herbal infusions, easy-to-digest foods, and creating ritual and ceremony around lossAn honest conversation about the medical and political systems that leave women without access to essential careThe grief, the anger, and the meaning making — and why feeling it all is part of the path through Whether you're navigating your own journey with pregnancy loss or looking for ways to better support someone you love, we hope this conversation helps you feel seen, less alone, and a little more held. If you’re looking for more connection or would like to support this podcast, we’d love to have you join our Patreon community. Here you’ll get bonus episodes and access to our community chat Q&A. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness Library, which is filled with self-guided classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more Ayurvedic practices all for just $5 a month! Patreon | Library | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/

In this week’s episode, Brittni and Rita dive deep into coffee! In Ayurveda, we don’t view foods or plants as being ‘good’ or ‘bad’- it always depends on the individual. In this episode we’ll help you gain awareness of how coffee may be impacting your mind and body, as well as simple shifts to how you're drinking coffee that can support balance.  Highlights:  The qualities and elements of coffee and how different constitutions may respond to it differently. When coffee becomes a red flag: the symptoms and diagnoses that are easily aggravated by caffeine like skin rashes, digestive issues, Crohn’s disease, insomnia, anxiety, and certain hormonal imbalances. Middle ground options for coffee lovers, including simple things to add to your mug to make coffee gentler on the body. Practical tips and alternatives for those interested in reducing or eliminating their coffee intake

Today on the podcast, Brittni and Rita step away from their usual format to share fun facts about themselves that most people, and even each other, don't know. From past lives and career paths to current beliefs and interests, these personal shares are a reminder of the many versions of a person and how all of them contribute to who we become. Highlights: How Brittni's background in interior design is coming full circle through Vastu, the Ayurvedic study of architecture and spaceHow Rita currently balances two careers — Ayurvedic clinician and medical speech-language pathologist, and how certain symptoms are looked at through both lenses. What it was really like for Brittni to live out of her truck through a New England winter, and what that season of life taught herRita's journey in finding the balance between science and spirit- from skeptic to energy practitioner, and how adopting her dog helped her deepen into this world.  We'd love to hear from you too — drop a fun fact about yourself in the comments on our Patreon page!  If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean the world to us and help support our work if you’d like, share, leave a review, as well as subscribe to our podcast on whichever platform you use. If you’re looking for more connection or would like to support this podcast, we’d love to have you join our Patreon community. Here you’ll get bonus episodes and access to our community chat Q&A. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness Library, which is filled with self-guided classes, kitchen tutorials, herbal recipes, and more Ayurvedic practices all for just $5 a month! Patreon | Library | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube Connect with Rita https://www.rhythmiclivingayurveda.com/ Connect with Brittni https://mountainsforbreakfast.com/