Staying Connected |Akhila Health Newsletter | Vol 3 | Ed 4.23 

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The World Health Organization defines health as physical, mental and social well-being. Several health organizations speak of ‘whole’ person health, that which pertains to the whole person and not just body systems or discrete organs.

Holistic health refers to an approach to health and wellness that considers the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, rather than just focusing on one aspect of health. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of different aspects of a person's life and the importance of treating the whole person, rather than just treating specific symptoms or conditions. It also recognizes the importance of individualization in healthcare, as every person is unique and may require different approaches to achieve optimal health and wellness. 

Research has found a range of benefits to this approach for both the individual and society. Not only do we see improved health outcomes overall, but also better quality of life, individual empowerment, improved public health and reduced healthcare costs. 

So if that’s a quick overview of what holistic health is and some benefits, how do the koshas fit in?  What are they? 

THE KOSHAS

The quest for happiness is universal. Integrating and balancing the different layers leads to optimal health and happiness, our focus at Akhila Health. In future editions, we’ll dig deeper into each specific kosha, explaining its meaning and highlighting its importance.



In February we talked about the importance of Mindful Eating. Diet is an integral part of the Body kosha. Three key takeaways:

• Put your phone down and turn off your screens while eating.
• Take a pause in between bites and put your fork down - this helps us eat slower, and gives our body time to tell our brain when it’s full.
• Observe how foods affect your emotions, thoughts, and feelings as they nourish your body.

Quarterly Challenge: Listen to our Mindful Eating Audio Exercise from the Resources section of our website and try to eat mindfully during at least one meal every day for a week.

TIP: Focus on Progress, not Perfection

Spring Tabouli Salad

Inspired to celebrate the coming of spring, this recipe is designed to be flexible - so use any fresh seasonal veggie you have!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shelled fresh English peas or substitute shelled edamame, radishes, cucumber, snow peas or even spring greens
• 3 scallions – thinly sliced at a diagonal
• 1/2 cup fresh dill ( 2 x .5 ounces packages) chopped (or substitute mint)
• 1 cup Italian parsley, more to taste.
• 1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted (optional, or substitute other nut or seed)

Dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• zest from 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (1-2 lemons)
• 1/2–1 teaspoon kosher salt
• pepper to taste

1. Rinse the quinoa and place it in a pot with the water and pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat, and allow it to simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes. Turn off heat, and let sit covered for 5 -10 minutes, then uncover, fluff with a fork and let it cool.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, blanch the peas and asparagus in salted boiling water for just a few minutes, until bright and tender. Rinse under cold water.
3. Place the cooled quinoa and blanched veggies in a bowl. Add the scallions, dill and almonds and give a toss. Add the oil, lemon zest and lemon juice and salt, pepper and stir again.
4. Taste, adjust salt and lemon, adding more if you like.
5. If you are making this ahead, be sure to taste before serving as flavors will mellow – so I’ll usually add a little more salt and lemon right before serving and a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Serve with optional avocado, feta, goat cheese, and/or sunflower sprouts.



SANDY LEE

What does serving community mean to you?

• The opportunity to serve my community means being able to provide support to those who may need it, and it is a truly rewarding experience!

How do you incorporate mindfulness into your life?

• Besides learning and teaching about mindfulness, I try to implement it in my personal life by taking moments of pause and appreciation for the gift that is life.

What do you enjoy about empowering women through Akhila Health?

• My favorite part of my work here at Akhila Health is being able to hold a safe space for the women attending the workshops and witnessing those "ah-ha" moments when they have reached a transformative insight or learned a new skill.



We help our community partners by supplementing their programs with complementary stress management and holistic health programs and tools at no cost. We have a unique partnership model that is impactful and customizable to meet our mutual objectives and goals. 

Last quarter, we highlighted three organizations where we’re currently conducting workshops. Below is information on another community partner. We hope you get to know them!

Together we can help lift these women and their families out of hardship and poverty.

LIfeMoves Villa | San Jose

The LifeMoves model leverages three integrated programs designed for long-term success. Their model is personalized to holistically serve the broad needs of their diverse client population – Veterans, families, single adults, the LGBTQ+ community, aging seniors, and more. Villa provides interim shelter and services to 15 families and 18 single women experiencing homelessness in San Jose. Villa also serves up to 5 Veteran families each night in San Jose.



Wondering how you can help and stay involved to uplift and support underserved women? Do you want to pay it forward and bridge the gap? Become an Akhila Health Ambassador - Learn more



“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." ~ Mother Teresa