24. Moving Through Grief: Insights from a leading Ayurveda Expert

Grief is more than an emotional experience—it leaves its imprint on the body, digestion, and overall health. In this deeply personal episode, host Kate O’Donnell speaks with Ayurvedic doctor Sweta Vikram, author of The Loss That Binds Us, about how Ayurveda helps us process grief. Kate shares her own journey of loss after her father’s passing, while Sweta discusses how grief manifested physically and emotionally after the sudden deaths of her father and father-in-law. Together, they explore Ayurvedic practices that support the digestion of emotions and movement of grief through the body.

From understanding how grief shows up in digestion and tongue diagnosis to setting boundaries and finding rituals that honor lost loved ones, this episode offers compassionate wisdom and actionable steps for navigating loss.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The connection between digestion and grief in Ayurveda

• How grief manifests physically in the body (inflammation, digestion, immune system)

• Ayurvedic breathwork practices for processing emotions

• The importance of setting boundaries and creating space for healing

• Movement and mindful rituals for emotional release

• How unprocessed emotions turn into toxicity (Ama) in the body

• The role of nature, journaling, and solo walks in grief processing

• Ayurvedic insights into different grief responses based on doshas

Guest Bio:

Sweta Vikram is an Ayurvedic doctor, author, and mindfulness coach specializing in holistic well-being. Her latest book, The Loss That Binds Us, offers 108 actionable ways to process grief and loss. With a background in both Western and Eastern healing modalities, Sweta integrates Ayurveda, yoga, and mindfulness into her grief coaching practice, helping individuals navigate loss in a deeply compassionate and sustainable way.

Learn more about Sweta Vikram and her work:

📌 Website: https://www.swetavikram.com

📌 Instagram: @swetavikram

📌 Book: The Loss That Binds Us (Available online)

Connect with Kate O’Donnell:

📌 Website: https://healwithkate.org

📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateodonnell.ayurveda/

This episode is sponsored by our friends at Sohum Healing Resort:

https://sohumhealing.com/

use code KATEPK2025 for $500 off when you book a panchakarma retreat

Call to Action:

If you or someone you know is navigating grief, take a moment to pause and listen to your body. Share this episode with a friend who may need support, and consider implementing one of the practices shared today.

Health Disclaimer:

The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is sponsored by our friends at Sohum Healing Resort

https://sohumhealing.com/ use code KATEPK2025 for $500 off when you book a panchakarma retreat

Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org

Summer Self Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/summer-self-care-workshop  

Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Osi Oi