What Is Ayurveda?
By Supriya Ruparelia, Founder of The Veda Lab
Supriya isn’t just a practitioner of Ayurveda—she lives and breathes it. Drawing from her Indian heritage and personal journey through burnout and healing, she brings a deeply relatable and modern take on this ancient system of wellbeing. Through The Veda Lab, Supriya helps others reconnect with themselves in simple, sustainable ways—no overwhelm, no extremes. In this post, she shares what Ayurveda is really about, how it can support our busy modern lives, and why small, consistent changes can make a big difference.
First up, what exactly is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. At its heart, it’s about creating balance—between body, mind, and the world around us—so we can feel well, every day. What’s beautiful is how timeless it is. Even with all our modern complexities, its core principles still apply. It’s not about doing more or becoming someone else—it’s about coming home to yourself.
How did you come to practice it?
I grew up in an Indian household where food, herbs, and rituals were simply part of everyday life—natural ways we supported our health. But like many people, I lost touch with those roots in the hustle of adult life—career, kids, responsibilities. It wasn’t until I hit a period of burnout that I returned to Ayurveda, not out of nostalgia, but out of necessity. I was looking for something that could meet me where I was—exhausted, overwhelmed, and stretched too thin—and I found comfort in its grounded, natural approach to healing and balance.
What kind of issues can Ayurveda help with?
So many people I speak to in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are quietly struggling—with poor sleep, low energy, digestive issues, anxiety, feeling wired but tired. Ayurveda offers gentle, consistent ways to shift how you feel: what to eat (and when), how to sleep better, ways to calm your nervous system, and how to build sustainable energy.
One study found that nearly 80% of Australian people have experienced burnout, and almost half of all adults report struggling with sleep. These aren’t just passing complaints—they're signs that our current pace isn’t sustainable. Ayurveda gives us practical tools to reset, not just in crisis, but as a way of living.
Is it a big lifestyle overhaul?
Not at all. In fact, I always say—start small. A warm breakfast, eating your main meal at lunch, going to bed before 10pm, switching your coffee to a calming tea after midday. These things sound simple, but when done consistently, they create powerful change. It’s about living in rhythm with your body, not pushing through.
What if someone’s curious but doesn’t know where to start?
You don’t need to know everything. Ayurveda meets you where you are. Start by tuning into how you feel after certain meals, noticing your energy patterns through the day, or swapping your afternoon coffee for a calming CCF tea (a traditional Ayurvedic blend of cumin, coriander, and fennel). If you’d like more support, I’ve created The Veda Lab as a place for people to explore these tools in a way that feels approachable and empowering.
Any last words for people curious about this approach?
If you’re feeling tired, stretched, or disconnected—it’s not just you. And it’s not your fault. We were never meant to run on empty. Ayurveda isn’t about being perfect. It’s about remembering what it feels like to feel good again.
✨ Curious to explore more? Visit thevedalab.com.au for simple, practical resources and tools to support your wellness journey—grounded in tradition, adapted for modern life.
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