Hi, I’m Melanie olu abiola
I’m an Ayurveda practitioner, yoga teacher and a Mum of two girls I never thought I’d be able to have. I came across Ayurveda via yoga which I’ve been practising for over twenty years now. At a young age, I instinctively knew that yoga linked my body with my mind, enabling me to better inhabit myself. It has since been a constant in my life, despite me living and working in a number of different countries and facing numerous challenges along the way. My background is in teaching and education consultancy, and I spent my twenties and early thirties living and working in various different countries in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Yoga is a big part of my life, but so are lots of others things- I like to think I make yoga approachable for those who are intimidated, and fun for those who think it’s serious! I will soon be Pilates qualified too.
As a teenager, I wondered why some of my friends could eat three packets of crisps in a day with no apparent reaction, and yet if I ate just one I would have the oiliest, spottiest skin EVER (well, probably not ever, but teenagers are prone to exaggeration!). Similarly, as an adult, I talk with friends who are trying to lose weight, and whilst one fad diet will be successful for one person (e.g. the paleo, low-GI, Atkins) it fails miserably with the next. Some people crave sweet things when they’re sad, others crave salty snacks. Some are drawn to hardcore exercise in order to forget their troubles, whilst others are drawn to drink. Some people suffer with recurrent low mood, others with skin irritations, some with headaches, some with aching joints, whilst others are prone to hormonal or adrenal issues. All of these differences in people and our low-level chronic ailments have always fascinated me, and as someone who is really interested in people as well as bodies, Ayurveda appealed to me as it’s one of the few disciplines (ancient or modern!) which incorporates psychology as well as physiology, food, herbs and massage to make an integrated system of living and healing.
Understanding my constitutional type has fundamentally changed and enriched my life (I have two children I never thought I’d have!), and I use my knowledge to help keep my mind, emotions and body balanced. I love that I can do the same for other people, including my daughters and my husband (when he lets me!). Although I ‘do yoga’ and meditate, I also have a healthy cynicism for the world of wellness, and am aware of how pious, earnest and off-putting a lot of what is written about Ayurveda and yoga can be. For many working people or those with young families, time for oneself is a rare treat, and phrases like ‘meal prep’ or ‘morning routine’ can fill some with dread. It is for this reason that I work with my clients to find ways to make small changes that they can make to their lives forever in order to relieve seemingly unrelated symptoms such as IBS and anger or dry hair and forgetfulness.
Above all, as an Ayurvedic Practitioner, I see the gut as the key to our health and balance, whilst also viewing it as the root of many of our problems. As a yoga teacher, I see that the core is the outer ‘shell’ of the gut- it’s protector. I called my business Trusty Guts as I think we need to be able to rely on our guts!!
My Approach
I love Ayurveda for it’s ability to empower us in our understanding of ourselves and others. My aim is to make this ancient holistic practice accessible and therefore beneficial to everyone, no matter your background or belief system. I will work with you to determine your current physical health, mental balance, spiritual well-being, dietary and lifestyle habits, and environmental and seasonal considerations. I will help you to identify any imbalances, and to find routes back to balance that fit in with your lifestyle and other commitments.
ojas
Did you know that ojas is the good stuff behind all nourishment, health and creativity? It is the most important essence in nature, connecting us with ourselves and everything around us. In essence, it sustains the quality of our lives, and is something Ayurveda tries to culture in all of us.
ama
Did you know that ama refers to the unmetabolised waste that hasn’t been used by the body? It could also be referred to as unripe, uncooked, fermented or toxic waste. It obstructs various flows in the body, leading to mental and physical ailments. In Ayurveda, we strive to rid ourselves of the ama that life inevitably creates.