A distinguished Faculty Instructor at the California College of Ayurveda, Dr. Marisa Jackson-Kinman’s journey into Ayurvedic medicine is as inspiring as it is profound. Her expertise spans various aspects of Ayurvedic practice, including Ayurvedic Philosophy and Psychology, which she passionately imparts to her students.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Dr. Jackson-Kinman is a prolific writer. She has contributed to numerous publications, including the prestigious Ayurveda Journal of Health, and is the author of the children’s book; Ayurveda Chronicles – The Adventures of Vata, Pitta, & Kapha, a unique exploration of Ayurvedic principles through engaging storytelling.
Her certifications are extensive and impressive: Medical Ayurvedic Specialist, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Panchakarma Specialist, CCA Yoga Nidra Teacher, and Sivananda Yoga Teacher, among others. These qualifications reflect her comprehensive approach to health and healing, integrating mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Jackson-Kinman’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. She conducts Ayurvedic workshops sharing her knowledge and passion through workshops with diverse audiences including the Sivananda Yoga Ashrams. Her lifelong commitment to sacred healing is evident in her work with students, patients, and the global community.
In this interview, we explore Dr. Jackson-Kinman’s personal journey, her insights into Ayurvedic education, and her vision for the future of holistic health.
Can you share your personal journey of how you came to practice Ayurveda? What sparked your interest and what motivated you to pursue it as a career?
From a young age, I was deeply fascinated by natural remedies and spirituality. As a child, I would gather flowers and leaves to create my own “medicines.” This early interest led me to explore the teachings of various authors and speakers on alternative medicine and spiritual practices. In 2001, my journey took a definitive turn when I attended my first yoga class. The instructor, a California College of Ayurveda student, introduced me to Ayurveda. His explanation resonated deeply with my passion for natural remedies and spirituality. Shortly after, I was laid off from my job in publishing, which felt like a serendipitous push toward pursuing an Ayurvedic education. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
As an Ayurvedic teacher, what do you find most rewarding about sharing your knowledge with others?
I love nothing more than seeing the faces of eager students light up as they learn the ancient, sacred teachings of Ayurveda. They frequently experience “Aha!” moments when learning these teachings, and aspects of the world begin to make sense for them in ways they never dreamed possible. As they progress in their studies, they begin making lifestyle changes that profoundly affect their health, which enlivens them even more. I find great joy and fulfillment in this.
For aspiring Ayurvedic students, what advice would you give them to make the most out of their learning journey?
Embrace the journey with an open heart and mind. You’re delving into ancient, sacred wisdom that has stood the test of time. Let go of any limiting beliefs and allow yourself to be fully immersed in the teachings. Approach Ayurveda with a sense of curiosity and openness, letting it guide you to higher states of awareness and health. This approach will enrich your learning experience and help you achieve a deeper connection with your true Self.
What are some of your favorite Ayurvedic tips or daily practices that you personally incorporate into your life for overall well-being? How have these practices positively influenced your health and lifestyle?
I have gradually incorporated so many practices into my daily life that they are as natural—and imperative—to me as breathing. Here are a few that come to mind: Tongue scraping (I can’t imagine going through my day without this); daily self-massage with quality food-grade vegetable oil (this practice is called abhyanga, and it is a game-changer in terms of how it balances and soothes me on all levels of body, mind, and soul); eating quality foods with conscious awareness and ensuring that I chew them slowly; drinking only room temperature or warm beverages with meals; and, most importantly, tuning into myself and listening to any symptoms that my body may be signaling. By identifying the messages my body is giving me and taking heed of them, I can make necessary adjustments to my lifestyle practices. This is particularly important for digestive symptoms, which Ayurveda teaches are the precursor to disease and, therefore, are especially important to address promptly.
Throughout your journey as an Ayurvedic teacher, what have been some of the most inspiring success stories or transformations you’ve witnessed in your students? How does witnessing these positive changes fuel your passion for teaching Ayurveda and helping others on their path to well-being?
Many students come to the California College of Ayurveda with health challenges that haven’t been resolved by Western medicine. As they embrace Ayurveda, I often witness remarkable improvements in their health. These transformations are incredibly gratifying and reinforce my belief in the power of Ayurveda. They remind me that living in harmony with nature’s laws promotes optimal health and inner peace. Witnessing these positive changes fuels my passion for teaching and helping others on their wellness journey.
Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?
Blessings to you on your transformative journey into Ayurveda. The world awaits the incredible and much-needed healing gifts you will bring. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this commitment to bettering yourself and the world!
