Long before biohacking and wellness trends, Ayurveda was teaching balance, gut health, and circadian rhythm — over 5,000 years ago. In this episode of The Health Feast (watch on YouTube), I’m joined by Dr. Shivani Gupta — an Ayurvedic doctor whose PhD research focused on turmeric — to explore how India’s ancient science of life can help us feel more vibrant and at ease in the modern world. Dr. Gupta has dedicated her career to making Ayurveda practical and accessible, blending its timeless wisdom with today’s lifestyle medicine. She helps us understand not only what Ayurveda is, but how it can guide us toward balance, energy, and true well-being without restriction or confusion. Key Topics We Cover: What Ayurveda really is — and why it still matters today The six pillars of Ayurveda, from circadian rhythm to gut health How detox and fasting fit into the Ayurvedic view of healing Understanding the doshas and what they reveal about your unique constitution The role of turmeric and other “super spices” in reducing inflammation Simple daily rituals anyone can start to boost balance and vitality Whether you’re new to Ayurveda, curious about ancient wisdom with modern application, or simply looking for ways to bring more ease into your health journey — this episode will give you both clarity and practical tools to get started. Resources + Links: Learn more about Dr. Shivani Gupta: shivanigupta.com Follow Dr. Shivani on Instagram: @dr.shivanigupta Explore her educational work on Ayurveda and inflammation through her supplement line: Fusionary Formulas — use code HEALTH for 10% off. (Shared here for those interested; inclusion does not represent an endorsement.) And if you found this valuable — share it with a friend, subscribe, or leave a review. Live well and RAK ON, Dr. Rak 👊🏽—💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas?DM on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlife or here on the Substack. 👋 Join My Free Community + Upcoming Event Want to feel better through food, movement, and mindfulness — without going it alone? 👉 Sign up here I created Dr. Rak’s Open Table, a free membership where we host live events like plant-based cook-alongs, strength training, breathwork, and reflections from this podcast. And this Sunday, Sept 28 at 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET, you’re invited to our next Mindful Meals Cook-Along on Zoom — we’ll make a vibrant, whole-food, plant-based meal together (Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup, Stone Fruit & Arugula Salad, and Cardamom-Lime Chia Pudding). It’s free to join, and signing up gives you access to both the event and the ongoing community. Sign up for free here Guest Bio Dr. Shivani Gupta is a distinguished Ayurvedic practitioner and researcher committed to integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific rigor. With advanced training in Ayurvedic Sciences and doctoral research focused on turmeric, her work notably bridges traditional herbal medicine and contemporary clinical applications. As the founder and CEO of Fusionary Formulas, Dr. Gupta leads efforts to develop high-quality formulations that honor the principles of Ayurveda, quality sourcing, and evidence-informed design. She is also an experienced speaker and educator, teaching globally on topics such as gut health, inflammation, circadian rhythm, and how to apply self-care rituals in daily life. Dr. Gupta’s mission is to empower individuals to reclaim vibrant health through practical, accessible tools rooted in Ayurveda — helping people find balance, energy, and well-being in their modern lives. Timestamps 00:00 The Essence of Vibrant Health04:58 Understanding Ayurveda: An Ancient Science09:48 Detoxification: The Ayurvedic Approach14:55 The Doshas: Understanding Your Body Type19:42 Integrating Ayurveda with Modern Medicine24:53 The Power of Turmeric and Its Benefits30:06 Ayurveda and Mental Health34:56 Cultural Respect vs. Appropriation in Ayurveda39:44 Practical Ayurvedic Practices for Daily Life If you found