(Photo by Annetta Kolzow)

"I educate those who are looking for optimum health in the tools of
Yogic practices and Ayurvedic diet & lifestyle, so they can cultivate
depth of spirit, health of body and peace of mind."
~Kate Lumsden

Kate Lumsden, Yoga Teacher and Ayurvedic Practitioner sees clients individually, holds fun educational workshops and leads seasonal group cleanses. Kate has been a beloved yoga teacher at the Mindful Body since 2007 and offers jewels of Ayurvedic wisdom woven into the flow of her Vinyasa Yoga classes.

Ayurveda is the "sister science" of yoga and is said to be the oldest sustained form of medicine on the planet. It differs from conventional medicine in that it pays great respect to each individual as a unique being in nature while managing the ongoing imbalances we endure from day to day, season to season, year to year. While Western medicine has only recently adopted a multi-dimensional definition of health (physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being), Ayurveda has fully embraced and practiced this theory for thousands of years.

A large part of the practice is based on our dosha, our constitution relative to physique, physiology, and psyche. Knowing your dosha helps you to understand the relationship between your daily choices and your health, so that you can easily reverse directions when headed down the wrong path. Consultation with Kate includes Ayurvedic constitution (prakruti), any current imbalances (vikruti), and receiving a plan to re-establish themselves in health using foods, medicinal herbs, self-massage, exercise, yoga, pranayama, and daily routine guidance.

Some of Kate's specialities and passions are: Healthy Weight Loss * Women's Self-Esteem & Body Image * At-home Detoxification * Skin Rashes * Establishing & Enjoying a Healthy Diet * Yoga for Women's Health & Scoliosis

Testimonials

On Individual Consultation with Kate:

"Kate is so kind, gentle, and generous. During my ayurveda consultations, never once did I feel judged or belittled. Her suggestions were simple yet effective changes that encompassed not only my diet, but my entire lifestyle. With her help I now have a daily routine that helps me stay grounded and aware of my body and mind throughout the day. In the short time that I have seen her, I truly feel like a different person. I look forward to continuing my sessions!"  ~ Natsumi C.

"I have worked with Kate in a variety of capacities and let me start off by saying she's absolutely WONDERFUL! I started with the Spring Cleanse that she leads and after feeling so energized and just fabulous after that I sought some further one-on-one help. I have suffered from dry skin and skin irritation on my legs for some time and after meeting with Kate my problems quickly began to fade. I had tried prescription creams, certain soaps, etc. Nothing really worked until Kate and I sat down and came up with a nutrition plan to ease my symptoms. After just a few short weeks my skin irritation was immensely better. I had been eating foods that were irritating my skin unknowingly and Kate helped me find delicious foods to eat that gave me plenty of energy and made me feel the best I have ever felt!!! I've continued to see Kate and love her online blog; it's full of wonderful suggestions and recipes. If you're looking for someone who can relate to you and is nonjudgmental you'll find all those things in Kate. She really listens to your concerns and is flexible to finding solutions that fit your lifestyle. I couldn't be happier with the services she provided and her positive outlook is simply contagious : )" ~ Erica C.

On the Intro to Ayurveda 4-Part Workshop Series:

"I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the class! I think it was perfectly balanced between the different elements of ayurveda to get a great overview. I have been suffering from a lot of the vata physical symptoms for a long time now and no matter what anybody else said, including my acupuncturist, I was reluctant to change my eating habits. After taking your class and better understanding the doshas and balances, I have totally changed my eating habits and am noticing such a difference in only a few weeks. Similarly, with yoga, I have always walked away from class kind of sore and tweaky and now I know why...I think the style of teaching was great. Loved the interaction and the take aways (my spice blend was delicious)."

On Group Seasonal Cleanses:

"FIVE STAR Go see kate for the best cleansing experince! I was feeling low down, heavy in my body, mind and spirit. The ayurvedic Cleanse with Kate really boosted me into a better place. I think she is an angel. It was her spitfire teaching and wonderful attitude that helped me get through ten whole days of cleansing and taking a deep look into myself. I am no longer addicted to sugar the way I was before (a miracle) She gives you wonderful tools and recipes to work with. Ayurveda is so interesting to learn about! I will be back to do her workshops whenever she has them. Thanks Kate!" ~ Talisha H.

"I've been cleansing off and on in various ways for years. Kate's cleanses are by far the best I've done. What I love most is that they are deep and also nourishing-- I am able to stay with my incredibly busy schedule, and I only feel better and better with each day of the cleanse. In this last cleanse, my skin cleared up, I lost weight, my palate was "detoxified" (less craving for sugar or salt), and my digestive system got an amazing makeover.

The cleanse recipes take time, but it is worth the commitment. They are actually good!

Try a 10-day cleanse with Kate-- she will help you through the process no matter what your current state of health is, and you will be so glad you did!" ~ Sasha P.  

Valentine's Day Love Pudding

In this month of candy hearts and boxes of chocolates, turn to this healthy & delicious recipe instead that combines four of the most revered Ayurvedic vajikaranas, or reproductive-organ-nourishing (read: libido enhancing) foods!   Foods that enhance shukra & artava dhatus (the male and female reproductive tissues respectively) are also great for the production of Ojas, the essence of our immunity, youth and juiciness.   Make this pudding as food love for yourself or for a loved one; you might even be able to sweet talk them into a yoga class between bites... Enjoy!

Love Pudding

Vajikaranas are indicated with the asterisk*

1/4 cup Raw Almonds*, soaked and skins removed

1 1/2 cup Water

1/2 cup White Basmati Rice*, rinsed

1 1/2 cup Organic Full Fat Milk* (or coconut milk for a vegan option)

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom

Dash of Cinnamon and/or 3 Threads of Saffron

3 tablespoons Coconut Sugar

2 Medjool Dates*, chopped into tiny pieces

Garnish : Fresh Nutmeg & Toasted Shredded Coconut

In a blender combine almonds and water until smooth. In a saucepan combine Almond Water, Rice, Milk, Cardamom, Cinnamon/Saffron, Coconut Sugar, and Dates. Bring to boil then simmer, stirring often, partially covered, until rice is soft and pudding is thick. Serve in bowls (or one to share) and garnish with toasted coconut and fresh grated nutmeg.

Note: For those with weak digestion, add 1/4 teaspoon Ginger powder at the start to be sure this dish nourishes as it's meant to.