Education and Experience
- Certificate of Achievement: High Performance Master's Program, High Performance Institute, 2017–2019
- Advanced studies of Astanga Hrdayam, 2017
- Certification in Ayurvedic Facials, California College of Ayurveda 2016
- Certified in Panchakarma, AyurGreens, Kerala, India, 2010
- Diploma in Ayurvedic Sciences from Kerala Ayurveda Academy, 2009
- NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association) Member
- Friends of Ayurveda Member
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer, since 2006
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, May 1998
Upcoming Events
Learn about any upcoming events and offerings at www.heymonicab.com.
Monica's Point of View
How were you introduced to Ayurveda?
In the midst of “Project Monica” (my mission to heal myself) I was depressed and wanted to disappear, so I googled “yoga retreat in India.” The website I found talked of Ayurvedic treatments and Ayurvedic remedies. The word struck me—I swear I had seen it before, so I googled Ayurveda.
What appeared before my eyes was everything I had always believed in my SOUL about healing, medicine, and LIFE, but never knew existed. Tears streamed down my face and I felt struck in the heart.
From that moment forward, I knew it was my job to study and share Ayurveda with as many people as possible. Four days later I was enrolled in Ayurveda school.
How has Ayurveda changed your life?
Ohh…I can't answer this succinctly. How has it not? Ayurveda is everything to me. It has changed me, is still changing me, and will continue to change me, forever.
When are you most likely to go out of balance and how do you bring yourself back in balance using Ayurveda?
Vata goes out pretty quickly for me (unfocused, racing mind, distracted, no pooping, dry skin) so I have to consciously remind myself to move slower than I naturally want to.
My first go-to is the breath—my routine is a full body, chakra-opening set of big inhales and exhales (with body movement), which clears me instantly.
Next up is oil massage in a steamy bathroom. If I really need to settle my mind, I turn off the computer (always the root of my anxiousness!) and put pen to paper to write, draw, strategize, and create. I go outside when I'm out of my head. I do a slow, grounding yoga practice or stretching, even if just 20 minutes. I also go to bed by 8 p.m. sometimes for extra restoration.
I also turn to herbs, like amalaki—it's my favorite rejuvenative and has the highest content of Vitamin C of any fruit. It focuses my mind and I feel less moody, less edgy. I also love the Soothing Skin Balm on very dry elbows and knees.
