Claire Ragozzino

Constitution: Pitta-Vata
Currently Resides: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Hometown: Ketchikan, Alaska

Claire Ragozzino is a certified yoga instructor and holistic nutrition educator with a background in the Vedic sciences and plant-based cooking. Having struggled with digestive disorders, she turned to Ayurvedic wisdom to heal her body and mind. By moving beyond dietary theories, she’s learned the time-tested laws of nature and how to integrate them into her day-to-day awareness to build a life of balance, one conscious meal at a time. Claire founded Vidya Living with the mission to empower women to transform their own lives using the tools of Ayurveda within a modern context. Through accessible blog content, easy recipes, guided online cleanse programs, interactive workshops and immersive retreats, Vidya Living provides a resource and growing community for women looking to reconnect with their roots and the ancient wisdom of self-healing using food, breath, sound, and conscious movement. Learn more about Claire’s work at vidyaliving.com.

How were you introduced to Ayurveda?

I first picked up Dr. Lad’s primer, Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing, when I was in high school. I got it at a little health food store in the small island town where I grew up. It wasn’t until several years later in my yoga teacher training that I started to understand the beauty of the sister sciences in more depth. From there, it became a decade love affair of uncovering the wisdom through continued studies and personal practice.

How has Ayurveda changed your life?

It took me out of the cycle of searching for answers beyond myself and gifted me an expansive freedom in my life through understanding my relationship to the elements.

Which Banyan product(s) are your currently using and why?

I’m currently using Ashwagandha Bala Oil, Nasya Oil, and Daily Swish in my regular oiling practices. Triphala powder is also a staple in my home. I soak it overnight in cool water with a little licorice powder for digestive support. It’s also great for eye rinses when pitta shows up in my red eyes!

When are you most likely to go out of balance and how do you bring yourself back in balance using Ayurveda?

I can go out of balance when I’m traveling frequently or have overcommitted myself. For example, when pushing through to complete work deadlines or traveling to host events, I see both pitta and vata quickly increase in my body and mind. I’m always reminded during these cycles to shift the intensity in my thoughts with a little light-heartedness and laughter, and take time to support my nervous system with a daily yoga nidra practice, abhyanga, and quiet time alone.

Favorite hobbies?

Rock climbing, hiking, photography

Favorite books?

The Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche, Wild Feminine by Tami Lynn Kent, Path of Practice by Maya Tiwari

Favorite quote?

“Living in the sacred is a choice, the chance to create every moment is an opportunity for awakening.” ―Matthew Engelhart

Who inspires you?

Maya Tiwari has been an incredible influence on me and has helped shaped my awareness of Ayurveda into a more fluid, feminine, and embodied approach to the practices.