Susan Weis-Bohlen Shares Her Journey to Wellness Through Ayurveda and Holistic Healing

Inspirational Ayurvedic Practices for Modern Life

Susan Weis-Bohlen blends ancient Ayurvedic principles with modern living, sharing her personal transformation, holistic healing practices, and journey as a bestselling author, teacher, and wellness advocate.

Susan Weis-Bohlen offers an enlightening perspective on how ancient Ayurvedic practices can help modern individuals achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. As a bestselling author, teacher, and certified Ayurvedic practitioner, Susan’s journey through the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda is a beacon for those looking to incorporate holistic health into their everyday lives. In this exclusive interview, originally published by Reader’s House Magazine, Susan shares her personal experiences and practical advice for embracing Ayurveda in the modern world.

Susan Weis-Bohlen’s wisdom and authenticity empower others to embrace Ayurveda, balancing body, mind, and spirit for lasting transformation.

Susan Weis-Bohlen is a beacon of wisdom in the world of holistic health, infusing ancient Ayurvedic principles with an approachable, modern sensibility. A celebrated author, teacher, and practitioner, Susan has made Ayurvedic healing accessible to a global audience through her best-selling books and inspirational workshops. From her transformative journey through Panchakarma to her vibrant reflections on the art of writing, Susan’s life is a testament to the power of balancing body, mind, and spirit.

In our exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, she shares her insights on Ayurveda’s timeless relevance, practical home remedies, and how storytelling has become a vital thread in the fabric of her life. Whether you’re new to holistic practices or a long-time advocate, Susan’s guidance offers both inspiration and actionable wisdom.

The Beginning of Susan’s Ayurvedic Journey

Susan’s path to Ayurveda began in 2004 when, at the age of 41, she opened a new-age bookstore called Breathe Books in Baltimore, Maryland. Although she had a small Ayurvedic section in her store, she knew little about it beyond what she had read in Deepak Chopra’s Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. Drawn to Ayurveda’s promise of balance, she embarked on a personal transformation that would profoundly affect her life.

At 230 pounds, Susan was dealing with excess Kapha, the dosha associated with earth and water. She began studying how to reduce Kapha through food and lifestyle changes. Her transformative journey led her to the Chopra Center in California, where she participated in a 10-day Panchakarma (PK) program—a detoxifying Ayurvedic treatment. Through this program, Susan lost 60 pounds and adopted Ayurveda as a permanent lifestyle. She later became a certified practitioner, continuing her studies with The Ayurvedic Institute and Amadea Morningstar.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Beginners

Susan recommends simple Ayurvedic practices to help individuals create balance in their lives. She suggests eating three meals a day, each containing two handfuls of food, and avoiding snacks. A light dinner should be consumed at least three hours before bed, ensuring that the body can undergo the metabolic process necessary for elimination and healing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

For boosting the immune system, she suggests herbs like ashwagandha for energy or relaxation, depending on the time of day, and triphala to keep the colon toned and bowel movements regular. A daily oil massage known as abhyanga is also recommended to keep the skin supple and protect against environmental toxins.

Panchakarma’s Lasting Impact

Susan’s Panchakarma experience in India at Vaidyagrama was life-changing. The program emphasized rest, reflection, and self-care, helping her to rejuvenate physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She encourages her clients to incorporate these practices into their lives, particularly journaling, meditation, and the nourishment of music and podcasts to enhance their wellness.

Writing, Ayurveda, and the Path to Authorship

Although Susan had always enjoyed writing, she didn’t initially set out to write books. However, when approached by a publisher, she embraced the opportunity. She admits that she initially struggled with the structure and flow of her writing but learned valuable lessons from her editors. She found that personal stories resonated with readers, allowing them to connect with her on a deeper level. Her creative writing process became intertwined with her Ayurvedic practices, reflecting her natural rhythms and energy flow.

For aspiring authors, especially those writing about holistic health, Susan advises authenticity. “Come from a place of vulnerability, not victimhood,” she shares. “Show your weaknesses and how they became your strengths.” She emphasizes the importance of being an avid reader and attending retreats to learn from one’s favorite teachers.

Discovering the True Causes of Weight Gain

Susan’s studies in Ayurveda led her to a surprising discovery about her weight loss journey. She realized that weight gain wasn’t just about overeating; it was deeply connected to her natural doshic makeup, which stored emotional baggage and past experiences. As she balanced herself physically and emotionally, the weight melted away. This insight is the focus of her forthcoming book, which will explore the emotional and physical aspects of weight management from an Ayurvedic perspective.

Balancing Life’s Demands

Balancing her writing, teaching, and personal life has been an Ayurvedic journey in itself. Susan’s lifestyle embraces flexibility and forgiveness, understanding that sometimes it’s okay to enjoy the occasional indulgence. She also recognizes the importance of listening to her body’s rhythms—finding that her creativity flows best between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. when the Vata energy is at its peak.

Final Thoughts

Through her personal experiences and teachings, Susan Weis-Bohlen offers a holistic, grounded approach to living a balanced, healthy life. Her advice for aspiring authors is to stay true to themselves, heal through the practices they write about, and connect with their readers through vulnerability and authenticity.

Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.