When Paul Colver became extremely ill nearly 10 years ago he wasn’t sure he’d recuperate, until he turned to Ayurveda.
“When I got sick I thought it was over,” he said. “I went to the doctors and did all the doctors stuff and nobody could figure out what it was.”
He remembered learning something about the ancient Indian philosophy and healing system some years before, and thought it was time he give it a try. Gradually his health was rejuvenated and today he feels fantastic.
Colver, now a Parksville resident, wanted to share the knowledge he had gained taking courses and following the Ayurvedic approach with others, which is why he has now been teaching courses for three years locally at ElderCollege and has published a book: An Ayurvedic Approach to Wellness and Vitality.
In order for Colver to regain his health he had to understand his imbalances, he said, get in sync with his body, and the daily and seasonal cycles. He began taking early morning walks, exercised, and learned to eat and even breathe properly.
“I had forgotten how to breathe properly, which a lot of people have,” he said.
He incorporated warm oil massages to stimulate his immune system, and overhauled his lifestyle.
He said the key to the Ayurvedic approach is it should be pleasant and enjoyable. He said the body is always trying to get back to health and normality, and it tells us what it needs.
If the body is craving fat for example, he said, it is signaling that there is an imbalance that has to be corrected. His book works to help figure out what those imbalances are, empowering individuals to take control of their health. It has practical ways to become healthy including recipes to follow.
Colver said his mission, along with his passion, is to continue to write.
Besides his book on Ayurveda, he has also recently released a young adult fantasy fiction novel called Before the Dawn, a contender for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.
He is also currently working on two other novels.
As far as Ayurveda goes, Colver will continue to teach courses around the Island and mainland, helping people get back in tune with their bodies.
“Instead of the body being the enemy, my view is the body is really our friend,” he said. “And to me that view is really needed in this world.”
To purchase a copy of Colver’s book or novel visit www.amazon.com and search Paul Colver. For information on upcoming ElderCollege courses visit www.viu.ca/eldercollege.