Dr. Paula's Herbals

07/07/2026

oṃ bhūrbhuva̱: sva̱:
tatsa̍vi̱turvare̍ṇya̱ṃ
bhargo̍ de̱vasya̍ dhīmahi.
dhiyo̱ yo na̍:

04/23/2026

Chanting isn’t about getting it “right.”
It’s about what you feel.

These sounds work through vibration—
not just meaning.

You’re not thinking your way into calm or strength…
you’re creating the experience of it in your body.

Subtle, but powerful.

Start with the one your system naturally leans toward.
That’s usually the one you need.

Which one are you drawn to right now? 👇

03/25/2026

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute an article for National Aesthetic Spa Network, exploring a topic I see in my work and have also personally experienced:

Burnout is not always just about workload—it can be a signal of underlying imbalance in the body.

“Burnout is not a failure—it is information.”

In this piece, I explore how underlying physiological stress, nervous system overload, and cumulative life experiences can contribute to what we label as burnout, and how supporting the body through nutrition, somatic work, and lifestyle practices can begin to restore balance.

Thank you to NASNPRO for the opportunity to share this work.

“When the body feels safer and more supported, energy, clarity, and passion begin to return.”

I’d love to hear what resonates with you.

01/29/2026

SO HUM — the breath mantra of the Self
(An ancient Ayurvedic practice)

In Ayurveda, So Hum is known as the natural mantra of the breath.

It is said that we are born breathing this mantra without effort or instruction.

So —on the inhale
Hum —on the exhale

Dr. Vasant Lad teaches that this practice was passed to him by his guru—a reminder that healing wisdom lives in the body and is transmitted through presence, not force.

Why practice So Hum?
• Calms the nervous system
• Reduces anxiety and mental agitation
• Supports vagal tone and parasympathetic regulation
• Grounds scattered Vata energy
• Improves digestion and elimination through relaxation
• Cultivates self-awareness and inner steadiness

In Sanskrit, So Hum loosely translates to “I am That”—a reminder of our inherent wholeness and connection.

Simple So Hum practice:
1. Sit or lie down comfortably. No special posture required.
2. Bring gentle awareness to your natural breath. Do not change it.
3. As you inhale, silently say “So.”
4. As you exhale, silently say “Hum.”
5. Let the breath be slow, soft, and unforced.
6. Practice for 5–10 minutes, once or twice daily.

This is not about concentration or “doing it right.”

If the mind wanders, simply return to the breath and the mantra—kindly, without judgment.

So Hum is especially balancing for Vata dosha, but beneficial for all constitutions when practiced gently. It is a practice of remembering, not achieving.

Give it a try if you feel overwhelmed, burnt out, anxious, or disconnected from your body—and you will meet your nervous system where it is.

Your breath already knows the way.

10/08/2025

It was a pleasure to attend the National Aesthetic Spa Network (NASNPRO) conference this weekend in Atlanta! What a beautiful day of learning, inspiration, and connection with so many passionate professionals in the field of holistic beauty and wellness.

I also had the honor of contributing to NASNPRO’s October magazine with my article “The Skin Speaks: Connecting Energy, Emotions, and Health.”

In it, I explore how the skin tells the deeper story of our inner world — reflecting not only our physical health but also our emotions, energy, and even ancestral imprints. When we listen with curiosity and compassion, the skin becomes a wise messenger guiding us toward balance and wholeness.

Deep gratitude to Denise and the NASNPRO team for such a thoughtful event and the opportunity to share this work.

💛 Read the full article in the October issue here: https://nasnpro.com/archive/october-2025/

11/19/2024

💕Attaining & Maintaining the Self Love Hormone

Releasing emotions stored in your cellular memory through the work we do together is important & crucial to be free from the past (See my Blissful Healing Page for somatic healing/energy work).

Part of continued self care and self love is nourishing food & moving your body regularly. 🙏

If you need support knowing what to eat through the seasons for your specific body type, reach out.

10/30/2024

In Ayurveda there is a sutra in the Charaka Samhitha that recommends to walk 100 steps after a meal. In the west these are known as Thermal Walks (a leisurely walk taken shortly after a meal). According to Ayurvedic texts walking 100 steps is what is needed to kick start the gastric fire (Jataragni). The enhancement of the thermic rate of metabolism can aid digestion and mood elevation and reduce bloating, gastritis and glucose levels.

The article below shows that science today is backing what Ayurveda has know for thousands of years. Keep in mind when reading the article that the walk should be mild and short. If you take a brisk and longer walk it can be tiring and you will not digest your meal because all the blood flow and energy will be redirected to your legs and arms instead of the stomach.

Happy leisure walking.

Head out too late and you could lose the benefits

10/30/2024

If you are ready to get started on your diet lifestyle as form of healthcare and healing, I am ready to help you.

"When the diet is wrong, medicine is of no use; when the diet is right, medicine is of no need." - Ayurvedic Proverb