We have been fans of Dr Mathew Shijoe at Wunder for a long time, having followed his insightful Ayurvedic wisdom across many topics on social media. Mathew is an Ayurvedic Doctor with more than a decade's experience in Ayurvedic therapy and the wellness industry.
Mathew is working on a holistic 'vedic lifestyle' format for natural wellness and preventive healthcare based on the principles of the Ashtanga Hrudya and the Ayurvedic traditions of Kerala. His wealth of knowledge also includes specialising in chronic health conditions, diet and lifestyle planning to support recovery and Ayurvedic medicinal plants.
We asked him some questions about how he integrates Ayurveda into his personal life, and more about Ayurveda itself.
Do you believe you have found your purpose, if so would you mind sharing it with us?
That’s a very important but equally complex question for me to answer in simple few sentences. My passion is to help people navigate complex health situations and learn to heal themselves in that process. Following this passions has so far been very satisfying and nourishing experience. I sort of want to believe that I found my purpose in my passion.
What should someone new to Ayurveda expect on their first consultation with you?
First consultation will be mainly to find out who the person is, what is the actual nature of the illness, what makes it worse or better, and why it is not healing naturally as it should. In the end of the conversation we come up with a routine for next 2-3 weeks including herbs, diet and lifestyle changes.
How does Ayurveda fit into your everyday routines?
Ayurveda helps me understand the science behind lot of things I experience during the day. It gives me a language to communicate more effectively with my body. So Ayurveda is the language and its there in every bit of my life.
What does Ayurveda mean to you in your daily life?
Like I said earlier, it is not just for health care and illness cure it’s a way of life.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe?
It’s called rasam which is a digestive lentil soup with tamarind and spices.
What are your 3 go to ingredients?
Ginger, cardamom and turmeric
What is your favourite way to use turmeric, be it in your beauty regime or recipes?
Turmeric is basically in almost every recipe we prepare at home daily. Its usually tempered with other spices in coconut oil and curry leaf before adding to lentils, stir fries and curries.
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic non-constitution related tips that our readers can apply?
- Start your day with warm water with ginger. It not only activated the digestive system, having a simple healthy habit in the morning will set the right intentions for the rest of the day.
- Eat only when you’re really hungry.
- Do apply thin layer of oil under your feat in the evening. Your feet is most important organ you would want to preserve and nourish as age progresses.
What is your top tip to practice balance during uncertain times?
Do acknowledge the fact that there will be some anxiety associated with the uncertainty associated with the times. Try to have a good routine and structure to your own day and routine that will help to focus on the certain aspects of life including your own physical and mental health.
Share with us a quote that inspires you.
“The main difference between a food medicine and poison is the dosage and method of taking it.”
What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
I love spending time with my family, especially my toddler son. Looking the world through his eyes and helping him navigate through his tiny problems give me a fresh perspective and problems kind of melts away during that time.
Find out more about his work here.