Kristen Lillian Riordan

Ayurveda Counselor & Mental Health Counselor


Kristen first fell in love with Ayurveda while earning her 200-hour yoga teaching certification in India. Kristen studied at Kripalu School of Ayurveda, the Ayurvedic Institute, and Chakrapani Research Clinic in Jaipur, India. Kristen focuses on the mental and emotional aspects that influence our diet and lifestyle choices. Kristen is passionate about self-care, women’s health, and the cultivation of healthy thought patterns. You can find Kristen on Instagram.
Follow Kristen Lillian Riordan
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- Health and Wellness
- May 11, 2021
Read ArticleMany of the negative symptoms attached to the menstrual cycle are commonly known as PMS. But, from an Ayurvedic viewpoint, they are a request for more self-care.
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- Yoga, Meditation & 8 Limbs
- September 23, 2019
Read ArticleWhen push comes to shove, it's easy to forgo our good intentions because the demands of life beckon our attention (and consume our time). Read this article for a simple yet powerful practice for busy days.
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- Ayurveda & Fitness
- March 29, 2019
Read ArticleThe word “yoga” means union, and the essence of Yoga is to unite with your true nature. The paramount theme of yoga at its core is the same as Ayurveda—to return to your true nature. As Yoga is Ayurveda’s sister science, Yoga and Ayurveda share themes and principles. Yoga is fantastic for everyone because there are a variety of styles and poses that can be selected, adapted, and modified to complement anyone’s mind-body constitution.
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- Holidays
- December 14, 2018
Read Article’Tis the season—the season for joy, celebration, family, friends, lights, gifts, and yes—challenges to our health. Here are six immune-boosting tips to help you stay happy and healthy this season!
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- Health and Wellness
- October 22, 2018
Read ArticleIf you were to go over to your mirror right now and stick out your tongue, would you see a thick, white coating? If so, it might be time to clean your tongue.
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- Natural Beauty
- July 05, 2018
Read ArticleOur skin has a lot to teach us, and everything physical has a corresponding mental/emotional counterpart. Our skin is symbolic of how we see ourselves. If we see ourselves as flawed humans, this can manifest as flawed skin. If we’re angry, our skin can look angry and agitated.
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- Food and Cooking
- May 29, 2018
Read ArticleAyurveda teaches us that our gut health is a determining factor of our overall health, and it’s important to learn how to keep our agni, or digestive fire, strong and efficient. Our agni is a big soup of acid, bile, and enzymes that help transform food into usable energy. Maintaining a balanced agni translates into better digestion, elimination, and immune function.
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- Yoga, Meditation & 8 Limbs
- January 05, 2018
Read ArticleLet me be clear, I hate that fat has a bad reputation. Fat isn’t bad. Fatty tissues help protect our organs, lubricate our joints, and store hormones so we can carry babies and breastfeed our little ones. Fat helps us stay satiated after a meal. Fat fuels our brains. Fat is wonderful. Now that we’re clear on the goodness fat offers us, let’s address the concern with having too much fat.
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- Yoga, Meditation & 8 Limbs
- December 02, 2017
Read ArticleCat-Cow is actually two poses that combine together to create the common mini-sequence known as Cat-Cow. This sequence is designed to help lubricate and warm the spine. We use both flexion and extension to restore the space between each vertebra and support the supple nature of the spine.
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- Routines and Rhythms
- October 24, 2017
Read ArticleWe all know the value of sleep. Perhaps more importantly, at some point in our lives we’ve endured the consequences of not getting enough sleep. Both the quality and quantity of sleep play into our moods, hormones, organ restoration, and energy levels.
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- Routines and Rhythms
- September 19, 2017
Read ArticleHere are three yoga sequences that are especially good at balancing one particular dosha. Choose from these sequences, or mix and match the postures to create your own unique asana flow.
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- Yoga, Meditation & 8 Limbs
- September 07, 2017
Read ArticleAnjali mudra evokes the qualities of being present and grateful. Whether you are new to the practice, or have been a yogi for many lifetimes, Anjali mudra can change your life.
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- All Recipes
- July 06, 2017
Read ArticleIt's all about the bitters this summer! Try this amazing bitter and cooling aloe vera smoothie recipe to keep yourself in balance when the heat starts to rise!
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- Routines and Rhythms
- June 07, 2017
Read ArticleHow do we navigate new time zones, different foods, varied climates, and unfamiliar mattresses (or sleeping bags) in a way that promotes balance? As always, Ayurveda is here to guide you.
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- Ayurvedic Herbalism
- March 07, 2017
Read ArticleEating fresh food is important, but do you get tired of the same salads, soups, and steamed vegetables day in and day out? Spices are colorful, aromatic, and exciting. There are no rules when it comes to spices, so don’t be bashful—get creative!
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- Health and Wellness
- February 09, 2017
Read ArticleWhether you love them, avoid them, or cherish them—we all have them. With Valentine’s Day in the air, I wanted to shed light on how we can illuminate our relationships through awareness of the doshas and the practice of meditation.
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- Health and Wellness
- January 09, 2017
Read ArticleWe can launch change and growth in our lives by being deliberate with the thoughts and language that support our beliefs. Reinforcing our beliefs on a daily basis provides cosmic nutrition so that the universe can support us while we take the necessary actions to move in the direction of fulfilling whatever it is we want.
Experience and Education
Degrees and Studies
- Bachelor’s Degree—University of Central Florida
- Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling—Troy University
- 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) Training—Yog Peeth
- 500-Hour RYT—World Peace Yoga School
- Ayurveda Studies at the Kripalu School
Certifications
- Marma—Ayurveda Institute
- Ayurveda for Pregnancy—Kripalu
- Nutrition Response Testing—Ulan Method
Publications
Kristen is the author of Your Life is Medicine: Ayurveda for Yogis. Written in a simple, friendly voice, this book is the perfect healthy lifestyle companion for beginners. It includes education and resources for self-care, proper nutrition, yoga, dosha assessments, and more. You can find it on www.wellblends.com and Amazon.
Kristen’s Point of View
How were you first introduced to Ayurveda?
I was first introduced to Ayurveda while studying yoga in India.
When are you most likely to go out of balance and how do you bring yourself back in balance using Ayurveda?
I am most likely to go out of balance in times of change, transition, travel, or during the anticipation of big events. During these times, my vata increases and manifests as constipation, anxious feelings, and sleeplessness. I ground myself by distancing myself from devices, going into nature, eating warm foods, and drinking turmeric milk. I often use pre-recorded Yoga Nidra meditations to help me find rest.
What does the future of Ayurveda look like to you?
I believe Ayurveda will become more of a household name and modality in the future. Most Americans are familiar with chiropractic work and acupuncture. I believe Ayurveda will become this well known and utilized soon.
What's one Ayurvedic practice anyone can implement to spur change in their life, right here, right now?
Drinking turmeric milk at night is an easy and effective practice. It not only tastes yummy, but also helps promote comfort, ease, and sleep.