The goal of Ayurveda is to help people to get healthy, stay healthy and live productive, meaningful lives, as defined by the individual. Some people come to Ayurveda in order to improve their life without focusing on a specific problem. In order to solve any given life problem, be it physical, mental or emotional, it is most effective to look deeper for root causes of the problem. Twenty people may have the same symptoms or problem, from external appearances, yet the original causes can be quite varied and thus the appropriate steps to wellness may be different. Suggestions may be made so a person can figure out how to help address each root which contributes to any given illness or issue. Ayurveda focuses on removing ama or toxins, balancing doshas, improving digestion, increasing the integrity and harmony of the dhatus (tissues), balancing the whole system, and creating a state of contentment in every cell. Much of this can be accomplished by living more in tune with Nature. The exact adjustments in lifestyle which are necessary to yield productive, healthy results are the key. The type of chikitsa, or helping activity, has to be determined on an individual basis. Lifestyle, including the timing and patterns of eating, choice of food, balance of rest and activity, bedtime, etc. has a huge impact on health and the balance of mind and body. Detailed nutrition/eating/diet plans may be suggested which include how many times a week it would be ideal for a person to eat any given item.

Diet plans can be very precise, geared towards nourishing you given your prakruti (constitution) and vikriti (current imbalance). This yields vastly better results than generic dosha diets.

Many illnesses have emotional roots and techniques may be suggested for individuals to use at home to help themselves. Suggestions are made to help people discover for themselves their own best life-path, or dharma. Everything we do affects our balance of elements and doshas.

One goal of Ayurveda is to promote the quality of satwa, which is harmony, clarity and consciousness, in people's lives. This gives people a big boost in their efforts to advance on the path of Yoga. The principles of Ayurveda apply to everyone on all parts of the globe.

Daren Black, M.A., Ayurvedic Healer, Holistic Health Educator, Yoga Exponent, has been working with herbs, oils, yoga, and holistic health for over 35 years. Encouraged, inspired and guided by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Daren has developed Practical Ayurveda™ to make Ayurveda more user-friendly. Daren is also the founder of Nature Power™ an ayurvedic herb and oil company.  Nature Power™ has an extensive array of superior potency herb and oil products.  Practical Ayurveda™ offers Ayurvedic health, beauty, knowledge and lifestyle Programs.

Nothing said here is intended to diagnose, treat, prescribe or cure disease. If you have a medical problem please see your doctor.

TESTIMONIALS

"I meant to tell you, I did that process you gave me for my ears and IT WORKED! I can hear! Thank you!!" Mary Hamill

"Meeting you has changed my life. You have helped me to heal so very much. I just want you to know that I appreciate you and thank you so much for your presence in my life." Dawn

"Daren Black has played a key role in my journey to better health. I had suffered silently for countless years with severe acid reflux, digestive problems, allergies, and emotional problems, all of which were affecting each other and grew progressively worse through the years. I was experiencing severe pains in my abdomen after eating, and was diagnosed with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) by my doctor. I was on numerous allergy medications and through the years had tried ALL of the major brands and had developed side effects to most of them. To date my allergies are gone, my digestion is improving and I am finding a balance with my spiritual and emotional growth. I have seen Daren numerous times, have enjoyed the experiences and felt the healing affects of his abilities. He has proved effective both in person and over the phone. He posesses a great understanding and knowledge that can help all those who wish to learn." Dominik Krzanowski

"You have been a great gift and you have made a difference in my life."Barry Rosen

"After following the special eating plan you figured out for me I FELT LIKE SUPERWOMAN! I felt lighter, cleaner, and more energetic. My cravings subsided after a couple of weeks."Happier in Culver City

"I know I will continue to consider Daren as one of the most important teachers and healers. I write this with humility and gratitude." Rachelle B.

"I just wanted to let you know that I love everything you sent me and it's making a difference right away. It's fast acting and that's really good." Madeline Cushing

"I'm feeling better than I can remember feeling and I'm using less insulin." Dr. David Turner

"I'm staying away from chocolate for the 1st time in years - it's a miracle!" Margaret Von Biesen

"I have a great deal of admiration for your work." Doug G.

"Practical Ayurveda has changed my health in a way that I never thought possible. It took only a week to feel a pronounced positive change in my digestion, energy and emotions. As the months have passed, I feel so good. I am sleeping better and when I wake up I feel well rested. I could go on and on with the results I've had." Randy Jaffe

"For more than 15 years I have seen many professionals for my problems without any change in my condition. After just one session with you, Daren, my condition has improved 90% and is still improving. I am absolutely amazed!!" Elke Hill

"I feel calm, balanced, and have lost weight mentally, emotionally and physically." Kathy Carey

"Thanks for the oil - I'll call you again when it starts to run low. I notice a difference. Jai Guru Dev!"Dr. Elizabeth H.

"For 22 years I had chronic yeast infections. After only one week of using Nature Power's Yeast Free my symptoms disappeared." J. Leimbrook

"Nature Power products speeded up my healing in many ways." Z. Todorovic, Bosnian refugee

"After two years of degenerating health, I was diagnosed with a severe blood infection that lodged in my bone marrow and spleen. An emergency splenectomy (removal of spleen) was necessary. I lost 25 pounds and had no energy. My recovery was slow and painful. A friend introduced me to Daren and his Nature Power. After 30 days of Nature Power, my health returned with vigor and my monthly check-up with my doctor showed my blood levels had returned to their normal levels!! My doctor was very pleasantly surprised. When I told him I had seen an herbalist, he did not scoff as I had expected. He waved my blood results and said 'keep it up because something's working right.' I will be eternally grateful." Guy Shulman

"Thanks to Nature Power, I feel like I am seeing things in a new light as well as seeing myself and the world for what they really are." Will Pelton

"After making use of Nature Power, I've been feeling like I'm 22 or 24 years old again. It certainly doesn't feel like I'm almost 45." Raissa Danilova

"I feel I've been able to access more of who I truly am, after using a Nature Power product."
Barbara Ricotta

"The experience felt very powerful and something deep inside my being shifted." Karin Suede

"In only a little over a month, I have gone from having four or five good days in a month to feeling wonderful everyday. My energy level has tripled, and I haven't felt this healthy in the seven years since I was first diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome." Karen Shivley

"Everything Daren said about my healing has come true. I don't crave sugar, my emotions are more relaxed, my acne is clear, my fatigue is receding, and my body is getting strong. Hallelujah!" Dawn Divina

"Thank you for your insightful, holistic, excellent work. Your dietary suggestions, herbal recommendations, and the written letters for personal transformation have significantly improved the quality of my life."
John Watt