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Meet Your Practitioner: John Immel
Drawing on years of research and clinical experience specializing in digestive disorders, John Immel directs the Joyful Belly Institute’s Master of Ayurvedic Digestion 500 hour program. He is the founder of Joyful Belly, an educational Ayurvedic health care website, and oversees the Joyful Belly Clinic. Clinical Specialties
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John specializes in the advanced treatment of digestive tract pathology. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. He first discovered Ayurveda while working on a public health project in Bangladesh. He received his Ayurveda training and certification in 2008. John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel.
After witnessing Ayurveda's compelling efficiency and practical ease in treatment of his own digestive disorder, John was convinced others could benefit. He sought a way to introduce Ayurveda to the broader American public and make it more culturally accessible. This was the genesis of Joyful Belly. Using ingredients familiar from his childhood, John created thousands of Ayurvedic recipes for the average American. Joyful Belly proves Ayurveda is a practical way to improve everyday health & wellness. His simple, direct and familiar approach has helped thousands on their journey to health. John's Ayurveda accomplishments include:
John's Style
Unlike other traditions, Ayurveda practitioners have to be great teachers so that clients can learn how to self-heal. As a teacher, I strive not only to communicate the basic principles of Ayurveda, but to bring Ayurveda to life by sharing my personal healing journey, and the healing I have personally experienced as a practitioner. When I am at my best, you will find that my presentations are rich with anecdotes. Despite the seriousness of the topic, you will find I maintain a sense of humor as we discuss the blood and guts of health. This humor often comes at my own expense, which I hope you will enjoy!I place a great deal of emphasis on assessment in the interactions I have with my students and my clients. The fundamental skills of assessment are the ability to listen, ask pointed questions, and provide clear analysis that gets down to essentials. I have a zeal for gettings down to the roots of the problem.
Yet, the most important quality and teaching skill I possess is neither language nor analysis. Instead, it is my enthusiasm for Ayurveda, and for you. I am eager to give myself fully and passionately to your learning process. This enthusiasm is the true source of my confidence. Why am I so enthusiastic? Where does the boundless energy I offer to teach others how to heal come from? The bottomless well of energy I bring to our discussions springs from my great faith in each and every individual's capacity to learn, grow and improve their quality of life. Teaching is therefore a true celebration for me. This great hope I've invested in teaching is something I will never give up on, which means I will never give up on you!
Clinical Specialties
While my clinical practice spans a range of health problems, my clinical focus is in:John's Personal Background
John is married to Natalie Immel, also an Ayurveda practitioner, and a father of six (4 girls and 2 boys). His family is located in the Southern Appalachians of Asheville, NC, where they live in a cozy cottage home close to downtown that is perfect for keeping a large family together. His entire yard is an herb garden with fruit trees - which he affectionately calls God's garden. His garden also shelters several bunnies and one ground hog. Early mornings he can be found studying Medieval scholastic philosophy.
As a Catholic, John brings a unique perspective to Ayurveda. Jesus' primary ministry was to feed and heal the sick. His ministry is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church.
He is fluent in Bengali and French, and enjoys studying Sanskrit, Arabic, and more recently, Swedish. In addition to his passion for Ayurveda, John enjoys spending time with his family and praying, two activities which he believes are essential to any health and wellness counselor. Faith and family come first in John's life. He also enjoys soccer, frisbee, cooking and dancing in the kitchen with his wife & kids. John grew up on the East End of Long Island, and spent much of his childhood in commercial fishing with his beloved father on the bays of the South Shore.
From John's Clients
I have tried several things over the years and am pleased to report that this is the first system that truly makes sense. People I haven't seen in 6 months are amazed at how my appearance has changed physically and energetically...I feel like I have come home again!I was dubious about doing this online. You have made it comfortable and your wealth of information you share beyond just the foods required are priceless. You are a teacher as well as a consultant on a food system.