Detailed Summary of Episode 315: "Your Body Already Knows with Nidhi Pandya"
Podcast: This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil
Host: Nicole Kalil
Guest: Nidhi Pandya, Nama Certified Ayurvedic Doctor
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 315 of "This Is Woman's Work," host Nicole Kalil delves into the realm of health and wellness with guest Nidhi Pandya. Recognizing the overwhelming influx of wellness information that often leaves listeners more confused, Nicole seeks to simplify the narrative by exploring ancient wisdom that emphasizes innate bodily knowledge.
Overcomplicating Health & Wellness
Nicole opens the conversation by expressing her frustration with the convoluted nature of modern health and wellness advice. She emphasizes her commitment to covering diverse topics but acknowledges that health and wellness often dominate listener requests. Nicole states:
"I refuse to believe that doing so requires us reading 342 books about gut health... [and] following 1,520 Health & Wellness influencers on social media."
— Nicole Kalil [01:59]
She advocates for a return to the basics, focusing on fundamental health principles without the complexities introduced by excessive information.
Nidhi Pandya's Philosophy
Nidhi Pandya introduces her foundational belief that "your body already knows" what it needs to maintain and restore health. She draws parallels between humans and other species, highlighting innate instincts that guide survival and well-being:
"Health is not a complicated system... animals know exactly what to eat when the seasons change..."
— Nidhi Pandya [05:32]
Nidhi emphasizes that over-intellectualization and excessive information have clouded our natural wisdom, leading to confusion and health issues.
The Three Principles of Intuitive Ayurveda
Nidhi outlines three core principles from her book "Your Body Already Knows: Intuitive Ayurveda 21 Days to Reset Your Gut, Sleep, Mood, and Health," providing a framework to reconnect with our body's innate knowledge.
1. Inner Climate
Nidhi compares the body's internal environment to Earth's climate, stressing the importance of maintaining a "warm and moist" state for optimal health. She explains:
"The inner climate, warm and moist... is where life thrives. Just as agriculture requires the right climate, our microbiome needs a specific internal climate to function properly."
— Nidhi Pandya [11:04]
This principle underscores the significance of diet and lifestyle choices that support a balanced internal environment, such as consuming warm, moist foods and incorporating spices and healthy fats.
2. Rhythms of the Day
Dividing the day into six phases, Nidhi advocates for aligning daily activities with natural hormonal and physiological rhythms:
"Morning cortisol is high, blood sugar is high... afternoon, your gastric juices are high. You need to design your day according to these six phases."
— Nidhi Pandya [28:22]
By synchronizing activities with these phases, individuals can enhance productivity, digestion, and overall well-being while preventing burnout.
3. Transformation and Decline
Recognizing the inevitability of change, Nidhi discusses the natural cycles of building, transformation, and decline, both in nature and within ourselves:
"A fruit will build and ripen, and in its ripe, warm stage, it will transform and then decay. Understanding these phases helps us interact harmoniously with our own bodies and the world around us."
— Nidhi Pandya [18:04]
This principle fosters acceptance of life's transient nature, encouraging proactive engagement with each phase to maintain balance.
Bio-Individuality
Acknowledging that each person is unique, Nidhi introduces the concept of bio-individuality, categorizing individuals into three types based on their internal climates:
- Builders: Individuals who naturally build and retain tissues, relationships, and memories but may be prone to conditions like obesity or high cholesterol.
- Transformers: Highly active and metabolic individuals who may struggle with inflammation and rapid burnout.
- Decayers: Those who quickly move into decline phases, experiencing symptoms like dry skin, anxiety, and scatterbrained tendencies.
Nidhi emphasizes tailoring health practices to one's specific type:
"Once you understand what your tendencies are, then you're more kinder and gentler to yourself."
— Nidhi Pandya [22:29]
Practical Applications and Examples
Nidhi shares personal examples to illustrate her principles, discussing her daughters' differing body types and how she adapts care accordingly. She explains how understanding one's internal climate allows for personalized health strategies, such as appropriate dietary choices and exercise routines.
Simplifying Health: Small Rituals
To make the transition back to innate health knowledge manageable, Nidhi suggests incorporating small, daily rituals:
- Oil Your Body Before Showering: Using warm, moist oils like sesame or almond oil before showering locks in moisture and supports skin health.
- Nasal Breathing: Focusing on full exhales to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and healing.
- Aligning with Sun Cycles: Rising with the sun, consuming heavier meals during peak daylight hours, and engaging in activities that resonate with natural energy levels.
"Every inhale sets your body on the solar action sympathetic. Every exhale brings you back into the lunar parasympathetic rest and digest and repair."
— Nidhi Pandya [32:51]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of the importance of listening to one's body and simplifying health practices. Nicole underscores the value of Nidhi's insights, encouraging listeners to trust their inner wisdom over external advice.
"Your body is speaking to you all the time... Listen to yourself above all else."
— Nicole Kalil [34:30]
Nidhi's framework offers a holistic approach to health, rooted in ancient Ayurvedic principles, tailored to individual needs, and designed to restore the natural balance between body and environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Simplicity Over Complexity: Embrace fundamental health practices without getting lost in excessive information.
- Innate Knowledge: Trust your body's inherent wisdom to guide health decisions.
- Personalization: Recognize and adapt to your unique internal climate for optimal well-being.
- Daily Rituals: Incorporate small, meaningful habits that align with natural rhythms and support health.
Resources Mentioned:
- Your Body Already Knows: Intuitive Ayurveda 21 Days to Reset Your Gut, Sleep, Mood, and Health by Nidhi Pandya
- Nidhi's 21-day healing program available at nidhi.comme
For more insights and to explore the episode further, visit nicolekalil.com.