Discovering the Power of Rasa: Embracing Yoga and Ayurveda for Vibrancy and Longevity Despite Diabetes

As someone deeply committed to health and wellness, I’ve always sought out methods that cultivate personal growth, vitality, and strength in body, mind, and spirit. This journey took on special significance when I was diagnosed with diabetes at 17. I knew from that moment that I needed to find ways to care for my health holistically. Over the years, my path has led me to explore various forms of yoga and nutrition, ultimately discovering that the practices of Rasa Yoga and Rasayana held the keys to living a vibrant life, despite the challenges of diabetes.

Discovering the Power of Rasa

Through years of study and personal practice, I explored numerous forms of yoga and various nutritional approaches, but none resonated as deeply or proved as beneficial as the ancient concept of Ayurveda called Rasayana. Both share the root word “rasa,” which translates to “juice” or “essence.” This concept represents the vitality and richness of life that these practices aim to enhance.

Rasayana: The Ayurvedic Science of Rejuvenation

Rasayana, a central component of Ayurvedic medicine, is the science of rejuvenation. It focuses on promoting health, longevity, and vitality. Rasayana practices include specific herbal remedies, dietary approaches, and rejuvenating behaviors. There are three main types of Rasayana:

• Kamya: Aimed at achieving specific desired purposes.
• Ayushya: For enhancing longevity.
• Medya: For boosting brain function.

These practices cultivate the juiciness of life, providing a holistic method for managing health and enhancing vitality. Integrating Rasayana into my lifestyle has been instrumental in managing my blood sugar levels, mitigating stress, and slowing the aging process.

Choosing Rasa Yoga

As I deepened my connection with the concept of “rasa,” I felt called to pursue certification in a form of yoga that is true to the tradition and that goes beyond the physical postures commonly associated with yoga, incorporating elements of mantra, mudra, pranayama, and meditation to create a comprehensive practice. Through this holistic approach, Rasa Yoga, fosters a sense of juiciness and vitality in every aspect of life.

Rasa Yoga: A Practice of Juiciness

Rasa Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it is a philosophy that invites us to savor the richness of life. Rooted in tantric traditions, Rasa Yoga integrates asana, mantra, mudra, pranayama, and meditation, offering a deeply nourishing experience. The term “rasa” itself emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s sweetness and vibrancy.

During my certification training, I learned how to tap into the juiciness of my own life by moving with grace, breathing with intention, and living with greater awareness and joy. This practice has not only enhanced my physical flexibility and strength but also deepened my emotional and spiritual well-being. One of the highlights of my training was exploring Sianna Sherman’s Mythic Yoga Flow, an online course that dives into the transformative foundations of Rasa Yoga.

A Personal Journey with Rasa

I remember a particularly powerful moment during one of my early Rasa Yoga sessions. I was flowing through a series of postures designed to evoke Śānta (peace). The room was quiet, the air warm and still, and as I moved slowly from one pose to the next, I felt my breath deepen and my mind clear. In that stillness, I experienced an overwhelming sense of peace, as though all the worries and stresses of my life had fallen away. I realized then that this practice was not just about the body but about accessing a deeper state of being—cultivating the juiciness of life, the essence of who we are.

That moment has stayed with me, a reminder that even with a challenge like diabetes, I can tap into this sense of vitality and peace. It’s about more than just physical health; it’s about emotional and spiritual nourishment as well.

Rasayana: The Path of Essence

In addition to Rasa Yoga, Rasayana has been a cornerstone of my health journey. Rasayana is an Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy that means “path of essence” or “path of juice.” It focuses on rejuvenating the body, replenishing vital fluids, boosting the immune system, and enhancing ojas, the vital life force.

For years, I’ve relied on Rasayana practices such as herbal remedies and dietary regimens to manage my diabetes, reduce stress, and maintain my youthfulness. The synergy between these Ayurvedic principles and my yoga practice has been transformative. Rasayana therapies work on multiple levels—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—promoting longevity and balance within the body’s tissues.

Integrating Rasa Yoga, Rasayana, and Coaching

The combination of Rasa Yoga and Rasayana has profoundly impacted my life. The concept of savoring the sweetness of life in Rasa Yoga aligns perfectly with Rasayana’s focus on rejuvenation and vitality. These practices have helped me create a holistic lifestyle supporting my physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. As a coach, I incorporate these principles into my work with others, helping others find their path to health and vitality.

Here’s how I integrate these practices into my daily routine:

• Morning Rituals: I start my day with a gentle Rasa Yoga practice, incorporating stretches, breathwork, and meditation to set a positive and peaceful tone.
• Herbal Remedies: I use Ayurvedic and Western adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, amla, and Tulsi to support my immune system, balance my blood sugar, and manage stress.
• Nutritious Diet: My diet includes Rasayana foods and spices, like honey and turmeric, to promote vitality and maintain balance in my body.
• Mindful Living: I practice mindfulness and gratitude, checking in with spirit and setting intentions each morning to cultivate positivity and awareness.

The Results: A Youthful and Vibrant Life

By embracing the principles of Rasa Yoga and Rasayana, I’ve experienced remarkable changes. My energy levels are higher, my stress is significantly reduced, and I feel healthier and more vibrant than ever. Clinically, my biological age tests suggest I am 20 years younger than my chronological age—a testament to the rejuvenating power of these practices. But beyond the physical benefits, I feel more connected to the essence of life, its sweetness and richness, in ways I never thought possible.

If you’re curious about how Rasa Yoga and Rasayana can enhance your health—for managing blood sugar, reducing stress, or simply living more vibrantly—I invite you to connect with me. Together, we can explore practices and tailor them to your unique needs, helping you lead a life filled with vitality, joy, and longevity.

About the Author:

Karin Collinsworth combines over thirty-five years of experience in diabetes management, research, yoga, and wellness. As a Type 1 diabetic who has participated in landmark clinical trials regarding blood sugar disease (the DCCT and EDIC trials) while studying holistic alternative healing methods to cultivate Rasa, such as nutrition, yoga, and personal development, Karin brings the best and firsthand insight into her coaching clients in her Holistic Metabolic Mastery program. Based in Seattle and founder of Blood Sugar Dogs and Ideas and Insights, LLC, Karin blends a passion for fun approaches to promoting health despite the challenges and using information technology to improve the world. She helps those facing a life with a blood sugar diagnosis dial in their brand, life path, insights, and routines to live their best, enlightened life. Contact her via a comment here, joining her Holistic Pathways Facebook Group, or booking about a Metabolic Mastery Strategy Session.