The Vital Veda Podcast: Ayurveda | Holistic Health | Cosmic and Natural Law

Dylan Smith: Ayurvedic Practitioner, Holistic Health Educator, Conscious Entrepreneur
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The Vital Veda Podcast is a show for people who intend to live the most evolutionary life at their highest potential, while experiencing total wellness and bliss. Our host Dylan Smith brings you the most inspiring interviews with thought leaders and experts from around the world in the fields of health, spirituality, personal development and natural law. Dylan Smith is an Ayurvedic practitioner, holistic health educator and exponent of Vedic wisdom. He is devoted to learning, sharing and radiating this profound knowledge for everyone to utilise and enjoy. Enliven your natural capability to tune into your own body and mind, awaken your instincts and engage in life in a frictionless flow. Find out more at www.vitalveda.com.au

  1. JAN 14

    How Fear Shapes Disease: Prāṇa, Pulse & Ayurvedic Healing | Dr A.V. Raju #151

    In this profound wisdom session, Dylan sits with Dr Krishna Raju to explore how fear consciousness disrupts health, and how prāṇa, pulse awareness, and subtle Ayurvedic sciences restore balance at the deepest level. Rather than approaching disease as something external to fight, this conversation returns to a core Ayurvedic truth: health and illness arise first in consciousness. Through stories, clinical insights, and lineage-based knowledge, Dr Raju explains how fear weakens prāṇa, how confidence and understanding support healing, and why Ayurveda prioritises early imbalance long before disease manifests. This episode weaves together classical Ayurvedic philosophy, pulse wisdom, marma science, and lived experience from generations of Vaidyas, offering a rare glimpse into healing that begins within. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: 🌿 Fear as a Root Cause of Disease 🌿 Doṣas, Consciousness & the Inner Churning 🌿 Prāṇa as the Foundation of Healing 🌿 Pulse Awareness as a Healing Practice 🌿 Agni, Ama & the Six Stages of Disease 🌿 Marma Therapy And The Power of Touch 🌿 Sound, Mantra & Subtle Prāṇic Healing 🌿 Seasonal Intelligence & Ritual Reset ABOUT OUR GUEST: Vaidya A.V. 'Krishna' Raju Vaidya Krishna Raju is the Director and Head Physician of The Raju Family clinic in Hyderabad, India, where thousands of patients travel from across the world for expert Ayurvedic care, ranging from preventative health to complex and chronic conditions often considered “incurable.” Renowned for his refined mastery of pulse diagnosis, Dr Raju brings decades of clinical experience and a deep, practical command of classical Ayurveda. He is a specialist in Pañcakarma (Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation), and is widely respected for his encyclopaedic recall of Ayurvedic knowledge and its precise application in real-world cases. In 2022, he received the Health Conclave Award in recognition of his service in successfully treating countless patients across Telangana during the 2020–2022 COVID pandemic. RESOURCES: Marma & Pulse Retreat with The Raju familyIntroductory Self-Pulse Course with The Raju FamilyEssence of Ayurvedic Nutrition Online CoursePodcast: "Navaratri: The 9 Nights of The Divine Mother | Acharya Shunya #093" Support the show 🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda) 🌿 Our Courses 🌿 Our Treatments 🌿 Our Online Shop 🌿 Vital Veda Website

    1h 7m
  2. How to Heal a Hernia Naturally & Without Surgery | George Hirst #150

    11/20/2025

    How to Heal a Hernia Naturally & Without Surgery | George Hirst #150

    Ever been told surgery is your only option for a hernia—and felt deep down there must be another way? In this episode, Dylan sits down with George Hirst, founder of Comfort Truss, who healed his inguinal hernia naturally after being told it was impossible. George shares the physical, emotional, and practical steps that took him from a painful two-golf-ball bulge to living symptom-free—no mesh, no surgery. Together they unpack what a hernia really is, why it develops, and the five core factors that often drive it—poor digestion, weak deep-core muscles, pelvic misalignment, emotional tension, and lack of mobility. You’ll learn how to strengthen the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor safely, the role of proper digestion in reducing pressure, and why awareness and breath are key to true recovery. Whether you’re facing surgery, living with a hernia, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers grounded hope and actionable tools to help you rebuild strength from the inside out. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: 💪 Understanding What a Hernia Really Is 💪 Root Causes of Hernia Development 💪 Strengthening the Core & Healing Naturally 💪 The Role of the Hernia Belt 💪 Diet & Digestion for Hernia Healing 💪 Emotional & Energetic Healing 💪 Practical Steps for Prevention & Recovery ABOUT OUR GUEST: George Hirst George Hirst is the founder of Comfort Truss, a company born from his own journey of healing an inguinal hernia naturally. When surgery was presented as his only option, George set out to find another way - developing methods to strengthen his body and support healing while documenting his process to help others do the same. Frustrated by the bulky, painful belts available, he designed a lightweight, low-profile truss that offered genuine comfort and confidence in daily life. What began as a personal solution has now supported tens of thousands of people worldwide - whether pre-surgery, post-surgery, or pursuing natural recovery. Through his videos, online program, and the Comfort Truss community, George continues to empower people to take an active, informed, and natural approach to hernia healing. RESOURCES: Comfort-Truss WebsiteA Proactive Approach to Hernia Intervention (Online Program)Use code VITALVEDA for a community discount on both the Comfort Truss and the online programGeorge Hirst on YouTubeBook: Healing Back Pain: The Mind–Body Connection by Dr. John SarnoBook: The Great Pain Deception by Steve OzanichVital Veda Online Course: The Essence of Ayurvedic Nutrition - Learn Ayurvedic principles to support digestion and healing (currently 50% off). Support the show 🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda) 🌿 Our Courses 🌿 Our Treatments 🌿 Our Online Shop 🌿 Vital Veda Website

    1h 5m
  3. The Churning Of The Ocean Of Milk | Dylan Smith #149

    10/17/2025

    The Churning Of The Ocean Of Milk | Dylan Smith #149

    From the depths of the cosmic ocean, Dhanvantari arose - radiant and serene, carrying the pot of Amṛta, the nectar of immortality. This is the birth of Ayurveda, the birth of healing itself. In this special Dhanteras episode, Dylan retells the ancient Vedic story of the Samudra Manthana (the Churning of the Ocean of Milk) and reveals how this timeless myth mirrors the process of transformation within us all. As light and shadow churn together, both poison and nectar emerge, showing that healing is not about escape, but integration. A meditative and mythic journey through one of the Vedas’ most profound tales, this episode invites you to awaken the Dhanvantari within - the innate intelligence that restores balance, purifies what’s toxic, and reveals the radiant nectar of health and consciousness that lies beneath the surface of all experience. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: 🌿 The Karmakāṇḍa Layer: the outer story of the Samudra Manthana 🌿 The Emergence of Dhanvantari 🌿 The Alchemy of Poison and Nectar 🌿 The Treasures of the Churning 🌿 The 'Inner' Samudra Manthana RESOURCES: • Mantra Śāstra Explained: The Ancient Science of Sound | Purnesh #148 • Diwali: Spark Radiance & Supersede Limitations | Acharya Shunya #071 • Marma & Pulse Diagnosis Retreat – Byron Bay, Australia (June 2026) • Abhyanga Massage Practitioner Training – Ayurvedic Massage Training in Byron Bay & London Support the show 🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda) 🌿 Our Courses 🌿 Our Treatments 🌿 Our Online Shop 🌿 Vital Veda Website

    29 min
  4. Mantra Shastra Explained: The Timeless Science of Sound | Purnesh #148

    08/27/2025

    Mantra Shastra Explained: The Timeless Science of Sound | Purnesh #148

    Ever wondered what makes a mantra truly powerful? Is it the precision of pronunciation, the ancient lineage it comes from, or the sincerity of the heart behind it? In this episode, Dylan speaks with Purnesh (formerly Swami Purnachaitanya), a teacher and practitioner who has spent over twenty years immersed in the Vedic tradition of mantra. Together they explore what mantra really is - not just words or sounds, but vibrations that carry & enliven consciousness itself. The conversation traces Purnesh’s own journey of initiation and study, the importance of authentic transmission, and how mantras can shape not only our spiritual practice but also our daily lives. This is a grounded, heartfelt exploration of a subject often clouded by mystery and misconception. Whether you’re curious about starting a mantra practice or seeking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers clarity, wisdom, and inspiration for engaging with sound as a profound tool for transformation. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: 🕉️ Purnesh’s personal journey with mantra — from childhood fascination to deep study and initiation in India. 🕉️ What makes a mantra effective 🕉️ The difference between universal (prasiddha) mantras and specialised mantras. 🕉️ Mantra Shastra as a systematic, scientific tradition — and its connection to other Vedic sciences like Jyotish and Ayurveda. 🕉️ The inner symbolism of the Samudra Mantana (Churning of the Ocean of Milk) and its link to mantra practice and the 108-bead mala. 🕉️ Why meditation and emptiness are essential foundations for effective mantra practice. 🕉️ How modern seekers can responsibly approach mantra, initiation, and daily practice in today’s world. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Purnesh Purnesh (formerly Swami Purnachaitanya) is an internationally respected teacher of Sanskrit mantras and Vedic wisdom, with over 20 years of dedicated practice. Trained under Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and later initiated into the Shaiva Agama tradition, he has mastered Vedic hymns, rituals, and the deeper science of mantra śāstra. As a former monk, he travelled for more than 15 years across 30+ countries, teaching meditation, yoga, and mantras to diverse audiences from heads of state to prison inmates. His bestselling book Looking Inward has been translated into over 10 languages and is a practical guide to meditation and inner peace. Now based in the Netherlands with his partner Rowena, Purnesh leads Just Be (justbe.org) and offers online courses on mantra practice, bridging authentic tradition with modern seekers eager to unlock the transformative power of sound and vibration. RESOURCES: - Mantra Mastery Level 1 program in English (20% OFF Discount Code: VITALVEDA) - Purnesh's Website - Purnesh's Youtube Channel - Japa, Mantra, Sound Energy, Rites of Passage & Expert Guidance | Swami Purnachaitanya #102 - Sanskrit & Vedic Chanting: Vibratory Sounds of Cosmic Intelligence | Samadhi Collective w/ Kamala & Jahnavi #066 Support the show 🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda) 🌿 Our Courses 🌿 Our Treatments 🌿 Our Online Shop 🌿 Vital Veda Website

    58 min

  5. 06/26/2025

    All About Chai: History, Rituals, Recipes & Ancient Wisdom | Mira Manek #147

    Step into the aromatic world of Indian chai with Mira Manek, author of The Book of Chai and founder of Chai by Mira. In this episode, we trace the surprising history of how tea became India’s most beloved beverage - through colonial trade routes, opium, and clever British marketing. Mira shares chai-making secrets passed down through generations: from the Ayurvedic ritual of boiling milk three times, to unlocking spice potency with proper preparation (spoiler: whole ginger slices won’t cut it). You’ll learn why different Indian regions brew chai in unique ways, and how spices like cardamom and saffron offer profound medicinal benefits. This is more than a conversation about tea, it’s a journey through heritage, healing, and the unseen wisdom in everyday rituals. Whether you're a lifelong chai lover or simply curious about the deeper stories steeped in your cup, this episode will enrich your connection to this timeless tradition. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: ☕️ How British marketing and the opium trade shaped Indian chai culture ☕️ Family chai rituals and spice secrets passed down through generations ☕️ The Ayurvedic approach to chai ☕️ Medicinal benefits of chai spices like cardamom, ginger, clove, and saffron ☕️ Regional chai variations across India and the logic behind them (yes, even salty Kashmiri chai) ☕️ How to make chai a deeper, more mindful ritual in your day ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mira Manek Mira Manek is an author, wellness coach and expert, and has her own chai brand. Her third book, The Book of Chai, follows on from the success of her first two books, bestselling cookbook Saffron Soul and a book on Ayurveda and happiness called Prajna. Mira was born and raised in London, where she grew up in a large joint family with her grandparents, strongly rooted in their Indian heritage. She grew up speaking Gujarati, learned Sanskrit at school and has travelled extensively in India, inspiring her passion for Indian philosophy and spirituality, chai and chaiwalas, Indian food and spices, and especially Ayurveda. RESOURCES: Mira Manek’s Website: miramanek.com Chai by Mira (chai blends & products): chaibymira.com Books by Mira Manek: The Book of ChaiSaffron SoulPrajna: Ayurvedic Rituals for HappinessMira Manek’s Instagram: @miramanek Vital Veda Podcast Episode: "The Ancient and Stimulating Spice Industry" with Ian 'Herbie' Hemphill Support the show 🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda) 🌿 Our Courses 🌿 Our Treatments 🌿 Our Online Shop 🌿 Vital Veda Website

    55 min

  6. 03/26/2025

    Why Honey Deserves a Place in Infant Care: Debunking the Honey Myth

    For millennia, honey has been treasured across cultures as a symbol of nourishment and healing, particularly for infants. Yet in 1978, Western medicine abruptly deemed it unsafe for babies under one year old due to concerns about botulism. But was this ban truly justified, or did precaution overshadow ancient wisdom and emerging scientific insights? While infant botulism is an extremely rare condition, modern research reveals that most cases stem from environmental spores, not honey consumption. Meanwhile, traditions spanning Egypt, Africa, and Ayurveda have safely incorporated honey into infant care for thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts even describe Swarna Prashana—a revered practice of giving gold-infused honey to newborns to enhance immunity, intellect, and vitality. In this episode, we challenge the stigma around honey in paediatric care, exploring its rich history, scientific evidence, and time-tested applications. Whether you're a parent or health practitioner, this conversation will empower you to navigate infant nutrition with confidence and clarity. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: 🍯 The Honey Ban: How a Nutritional Staple Became "Forbidden" 🍯 Infant Botulism: Separating Myth from Science 🍯 Ancient Cultures & Honey in Infant Care 🍯 Ayurveda’s Perspective on Honey for Babies 🍯 The Science Behind Raw, High-Quality Honey 🍯 Debunking Common Concerns: Sugar, Allergies & Choking Hazards 🍯 Swarna Prashana: Ayurveda’s Time-Tested Immunisation Ritual 🍯 The Importance of Responsibly Sourced Honey 🍯 Reintroducing Honey with Confidence and Wisdom RESOURCES: Further Reading & Related Articles: Ayurvedic Immunisation Over Vaccination For BabiesHoney – Nectar or Poison?Related Podcast Episodes: Natural Immunisations for Babies & Children: Building Resilience with AyurvedaBees: Crucial Beeings for Health on Earth | Simon Mulvany #031Immunising your Baby Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092Heavy Metals, Minerals and Bhasma in Ayurvedic Herbology and Herbal Products (3rd Biggest Myth in Ayurveda) | Dylan Smith #084Ayurvedic Products & Herbal Formulations: Swarna Prashana (Ayurvedic Herbal Immunisation for Babies)Pushya Nakshatra Dates for Swarna Prashana – Check Here Support the show 🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda) 🌿 Our Courses 🌿 Our Treatments 🌿 Our Online Shop 🌿 Vital Veda Website

    21 min

  7. 03/12/2025

    Natural Immunisations for Babies and Children: Building Resilience with Ayurveda | Dylan Smith #145

    Human adaptation has shaped an extraordinary immune system in your child over millions of years—yet modern interventions often overlook this innate intelligence instead of strengthening it. In this episode, Dylan explores how to nurture your child’s immunity using time-tested Ayurvedic wisdom and holistic parenting approaches that work in harmony with the body’s natural defenses. He also addresses key parental concerns around vaccines, vitamin K injections, and the honey “ban” for infants, offering insights that empower parents to make confident, well-informed decisions. Tune in to discover how to honour your child’s natural resilience while navigating today’s health landscape with clarity and trust. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:  🌿 The Innate Evolutionary Intelligence Of A Baby’s Immune System  🌿 The First Steps In Building Immunity At Birth  🌿 Breast Milk And It's Role In Enhancing Immunisation  🌿 Ancient Ayurveda Approaches To Enhancing Immunity  🌿 Conventional Immunisation Programs: Navigating Vaccines, Vitamin K Injections & Alternative Perspectives.  🌿 The Honey Controversy: Understanding The Role Of Honey In Infant Care  🌿 The Role Of Digestion In Immunity  🌿 The Importance of Parental Confidence: Learning To Trust Your Instincts OTHER RESOURCES: Related Blog Articles: Ayurvedic Postnatal Care PlanRelated Podcast Episodes: Immunising your Baby Effectively and Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092Related Courses: Baby Abhyanga Massage: Postnatal Course & CommunityAyurvedic Herbs & Products for Immunity: Swarna Prasa Pusya – Ayurvedic herbal immunisation for infants & childrenPushya Drops – A more affordable alternative for immune supportSwasakasantak Yog – Ayurvedic respiratory formula for babiesSwasananda Leham – Strengthens the lungs & respiratory systemAnand Sid Yog – A potent immune-boosting Ayurvedic blendBaby Agni – Digestive support for newbornsSwagni – Advanced digestive tonic for infants with digestive concernsSupport the show 🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda) 🌿 Our Courses 🌿 Our Treatments 🌿 Our Online Shop 🌿 Vital Veda Website

    53 min

  8. 01/12/2025

    Shilajit Unveiled: The Myth, Magic, & Misuse of this Mountain Mineral Medicine | Dr Sumit Kesarkar & Vaidya Dr J.R. Raju #144

    “There is no curable disease in the universe which has cannot be effectively cured by śilājatu, [but only] when administered at the appropriate time, in combination with suitable herbs and by adopting the prescribed protocol”. ~ Caraka Samhitā, authoritative classical Ayurveda text I’m Dylan Smith, an Ayurveda practitioner and educator, and in case you have not heard of Shilajit, it is one of Ayurveda’s most revered herbal substances. This potent, mineral-rich resin sourced from rocky mountains is rapidly gaining popularity in Western supplement markets for its purported energising and rejuvenating effects. In this episode, we aim to disrupt the growing fad of shilajit as a dietary supplement in wellness communities. We’ll challenge the notion that shilajit—prized in Ayurveda for its potent healing properties—can be casually consumed. Much of what’s sold is adulterated or harvested improperly, and often lacks proper purification. We’ll explore essential Ayurvedic principles like correct dosage, the right vehicle (anupāna), and a tailored diet (pathya) to balance shilajit’s intense qualities and ensure safety and efficacy. When these elements are neglected, shilajit’s benefits can be lost—or even become harmful—underscoring the need for proper guidance in its use. My guests include Dr. Sumit Kesarkar, who has spent over two decades harvesting shilajit indigenously across Asia, and the renowned Raju family of Ayurvedic doctors: Vaidya J.R. Raju, Vaidya Pavani Raju, and Vaidya Harsha Raju. Together, we’ll offer practical insights on sourcing authenticity, safe usage, and time-tested ways to honour shilajit’s role as a powerful rasayana. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: 🏔️ Shilajit’s Geological Formations and Origin 🏔️ Understanding Shilajit as a Rasāyana (longevity elixir) In Ayurveda 🏔️ Shilajit's Health Benefits & Debunking the Overemphasis on Mineral Content 🏔️ Proper Purification of Shilajit (not common knowledge) 🏔️ Prevalence of Adulteration, Unsustainable & Improper Harvesting Methods 🏔️ Appropriate Dosage to Absorb the Benefits and Prevent Harm 🏔️ Diet & Protocol to Adhere to While Consuming Shilajit 🏔️ + more! RESOURCES: Abhyanga Course w/ Vital VedaTraining in External Basti Treatments w/ Vital VedaMarma & Pulse Retreat w/ the Raju FamilyShilajit, Can It Keep Us Young Forever? –  Dr. KesarkarBook a Consultation with DylanRelated Podcast Episodes: Coffee, Whisky & Lord Shiva | Dr. Sumit Kesarkar #104Organic Herbal Revolution & Prana Potent Herbs | Bharat Mitra #057The Yoga of Time, Vedic Medicine & Veda Mandala (#059)Support the show 🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda) 🌿 Our Courses 🌿 Our Treatments 🌿 Our Online Shop 🌿 Vital Veda Website

    51 min
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4.8
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98 Ratings

About

The Vital Veda Podcast is a show for people who intend to live the most evolutionary life at their highest potential, while experiencing total wellness and bliss. Our host Dylan Smith brings you the most inspiring interviews with thought leaders and experts from around the world in the fields of health, spirituality, personal development and natural law. Dylan Smith is an Ayurvedic practitioner, holistic health educator and exponent of Vedic wisdom. He is devoted to learning, sharing and radiating this profound knowledge for everyone to utilise and enjoy. Enliven your natural capability to tune into your own body and mind, awaken your instincts and engage in life in a frictionless flow. Find out more at www.vitalveda.com.au

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