Ayurvedic practitioner in Durango, Colorado with Sheryl McGourty

by

The California College of Ayurveda is pleased to introduce the Ayurvedic Health Practitioner Interns 2014. 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 Sheryl from Colorado

1)  What inspired you to study Ayurvedic Medicine?

As a long time practitioner of yoga is seemed quite natural to explore the sister science of Ayurveda.  An understanding of my own personal healing and approach to life became more profoundly comprehensive when I began to blend these two practices.

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

I believe people are beginning to realize that the road to health and healing must take an individual approach.  Ayurveda is empowering, in that it suggests we make conscious choices of how we live in order to be responsible for our own health and sense of contentment.  Ayurveda focuses on root causes of disease and imbalance, recognizing that everyday choices of diet and lifestyle are imperative.

3)    What do you think about the future of Ayurveda in the United States?

I think the word  “Ayurveda” is now recognizable to the mainstream.  As we evolve as a society, I think it is detrimental to ignore the wisdom that comes from time honored, ancient practices such as Ayurvedic medicine.  We are witnessing more and more people suffering because of modern lifestyle choices and Ayurvedic principles can help reclaim mental, physical and spiritual health.  Ayurveda is not an expensive intervention that temporarily eases symptoms but rather an empowering shift in lifestyle that works on prevention. I believe people already know and understand how it feels to be closer to their true nature and in a state of balance and will look to Ayurveda to help them remember.

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

My favorite therapy is self-abhyanga or oil massage.  Now, more than ever we need daily practices that nourish and restore the body and mind.  Abhyanga is a simple way that connects us to self-love and nourishment.  Self-massage is a simple way to begin the day with the awareness that we are taking time to care for ourselves.

5) What does your path to Ayurveda look like?

From a very early age, Sheryl has always enjoyed the experience of being embodied and feeling the joy that comes from physical disciplines coupled with grace.  Sheryl began a steady practice of yoga well over a decade ago.  Her dedication to yoga began as a necessary focus to help reduce the stress of her vocation at the time, a middle school teacher for at-risk youth.  Sheryl has always been a teacher in some capacity, working with people of all ages both inside and outside of classrooms. Sheryl’s first official yoga training was in Nasik, India at Yoga Vidya Dham.  She is the co-owner of Yogadurango, a thriving yoga studio with two locations in successful operation since 2006.  Sheryl also leads retreats, facilitates teacher trainings and co-founded The Living Yoga Project, a performance troupe that blends yoga, movement and live music. 
Sheryl is currently completing her studies at the California College of Ayurveda.  She is merging the sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda into her own understanding to help others on the road to health and healing. She feels fortunate to practice Ayurvedic medicine at Pura Vida Healthcare, a holistic cooperative in Durango offering patients a variety of alternative, healing modalities. Sheryl finds her grounding and strength in connecting with the earth, from a passion of outdoor adventures to digging around in the dirt.  But her most favorite pastime is watching her son, Cedar grow each day, a deep reminder of gratitude for the opportunity to be a mom. 
 
 

Contact Information