Ayurvedic practitioner in Christiansted, St. Croix with Carlisle Kalima Amlak

The California College of Ayurveda is pleased to introduce the Ayurvedic Health Practitioner Interns 2015. Interns have completed their academic studies and work under the supervision of experienced clinical instructors. This semester’s talented group of interns comes from throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

Ayurvedic Health Practitioner (AHP) interns work on supporting patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle that is in harmony with their constitution. Patients learn about their constitution as well as the nature of any imbalances. They will also receive support to adjust their diet and lifestyle accordingly and to normalize your digestion and elimination. As part of the Ayurvedic program, an intern can include ayurvedic herbs, aromatherapy, color therapy, sound and mantra, and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy. This is is the best of preventative health care! For those who have a specific condition and are looking for clinical management through Ayurvedic Medicine, they should consider having a consultation with an Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist intern or graduate. 

Interview with Carlisle from US Virgin Islands

1)  What inspired you to study Ayurvedic Medicine?

When I was about 12 years old I babysat for a family that practiced Ayurveda. I became inspired by their food concoctions, herbs and interesting books and information they had around the home. Eventually it led me to a wider interest in herbology, yogic philosophy and living an Ayurvedic lifestyle.

2)    What do you think makes Ayurveda attractive to the public?

Ayurveda is everything. It is the clearest description of the entirety of life from the subtlest etheric form to the dense material world and the energies of the earth. As we are all made of the elements, with simple descriptions Ayurveda is very graspable to everyone in all stages of life. Truth resonates with people, and Ayurveda speaks truth through all layers of existence from the physical body, to the mental body to the deep layers of the heart and the soul. I think that people crave this kind of Truth in these days when so many are seeking for more. To me, Ayurveda is a means of expression that can support any person, at any stage of life from any background. It truly is the Science of Life.

3)    What do you think about the future of Ayurveda in the Virgin Islands?

I feel that within the Virgin Islands Ayurveda is a wonderful support for the local community. We are blessed here to have so many people with a deep love of the earth, and a desire to learn more about self-healing out of respect for themselves as well as the ancient cultures whom laid the knowledge out so clearly for us to apply even in our modern world. The healthcare system in my local community is challenged. Due to poor healthcare options and slow economic conditions both prevention and sustainable healing techniques are a must.

4)    What is your favorite therapy in this traditional system of medicine from India?

      My favorite therapy is shirodhara. Just thinking about the treatment makes me feel peaceful and in bliss. I think in the hustle and bustle of the day there are fleeting moments of true self-awareness accompanied with deep relaxation and peace. Outside of meditation techniques, shirodhara is such a powerful tool for envoking that blissful space that can be attainable for everyone. Shirodhara is like a magic box, you never know what you may find inside, or how deep the box may go. The gifts from that treatment are never ending and always something different is lying inside.

5) What does your path to Ayurveda look like?

I grew up in the coastal areas of New England. After high school I soon began my path of Yoga and Ayurveda. Studying with the Himalayan Institute and the East West School of Herbology I began my practice. My deep love for the ocean, but aversion to the cold led me the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and then eventually the Caribbean where I reside now. I have continued my studies of Ayurveda with the California College of Ayurveda, where the support from both the staff and fellow students supports growth on so many levels. I now own a Spa and Retreat Center on St. Croix, offering Yoga, Ayurveda, Healthy Foods, Body Therapies and more. Our center, Renuatum, works closely with Pranakriya  School of Healing Arts, as well as Universal Yoga to continue to bring educational programs to the islands. In my free time I love talking to my children and husband, spending time in the ocean, and breathing in silence discovering and learning more each day. 

Contact Information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlisle.siedenburg