Melina Takvorian-Mishra Ph.D
One of the basic and most important parts of self-care is getting a good night’s sleep. Our sleep plays a critical role in so many areas of our well-being. It helps to maintain a healthy immune system and it regulates our metabolism. Good sleep is also important for our memory function and our ability to learn. In general, deep and restful sleep improves our ability to be happier and more agreeable.
That is why I am delighted to welcome my guest today, Dr. Melina Takvorian-Mishra. Melina discusses many principles and tools from the Ayurvedic body of knowledge, the ancient traditional system of medicine from India, to help us create balance in mind and body and help get a better night’s sleep.
Melina’s Ayurvedic Journey
Melina received her first Ayurvedic consultation from the Dalai Lama’s own personal Ayurvedic doctor, or “vaidya” in 1998 during a backpacking trip in Northern India. That year, back in the US, she met Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra and instantly knew that she had found her own Ayurvedic guru. She recognized him as “the greatest of living healers and teachers.”
In 2002, while completing her graduate work on trans-generational trauma, she began working with Vaidya Mishra on Ayurvedic remedies for healing the heart and mind, including transdermal “marma” point protocols. In 2003, together they founded two companies (www.chandika.com, www.svayurveda.com) for the development of Ayurvedic formulations and knowledge.
For 14 years, Melina traveled with Vaidya Mishra as he offered workshops and consultations across the USA, Canada, and Europe. Vaidya Mishra transitioned in 2017. But his full range of Ayurvedic herbal formulations, as well as his knowledge and his courses are still available to a global audience.
What You Will Learn
In our interview Melina explains how good sleep is one of the three pillars of good health. She describes how the three different body types have unique qualities, each influenced by different elements in nature and in the cosmos. Those individual qualities are key to getting the sleep we each need.
She demonstrates the simple breathing technique mentioned in one of our earlier posts. It helps calm the mind and body before bedtime. And, she offers recommendations for a daily routine to enhance the quality of your sleep. Finally she gives recommendations for several safe herbs and tinctures that will improve your sleep.
Melina’s Recommendations
Here is a link to those teas, tinctures and transdermal creams she speaks about. (I encourage you to sign up for her newsletter where you can learn more about much of what she mentioned.)
And here’s the recipe for the evening yogurt dish she recommended:
4 TBSP yogurt
1 TSP honey (or more if you like)
2 pinches of fresh grated nutmeg
Mix by hand or in a small blender, then add 1/2 TSP clarified butter (“this is optional but will give even more support, plus it’s delicious!” )
I know you will enjoy this interview. It went longer than usual because she was giving just so much great information!
And Here is the link to our interview.
Sweet dreams! 
Andrea’s books and new video series:
