Dr Julie Bernier is a US based Ayurvedic practitioner who helps women reconnect with their bodies, balance their cycles, heal their digestion, and live in harmony with nature’s rhythms. Her own journey with Ayurveda began when she turned to its ancient wisdom to heal chronic imbalances—from digestive issues and hormonal irregularities to emotional overwhelm. What she discovered was not just relief, but a whole new way of living that builds health day by day.
Over the past decade, Julie has immersed herself in the study and practice of Ayurveda both in the United States and in India. She brings a grounded, compassionate, and practical approach to this timeless science, making it accessible and deeply relevant to modern life.
Julie is passionate about sharing what she’s lived and learned to help others feel vibrant, clear, and at home in their own bodies. Through one-on-one sessions, online programs, and educational offerings, she supports women in creating the health and ease they deserve.
How did your own health issues lead you to Ayurveda? Are modern medical systems able to identify and fix the complex health issues of today?
When I first came to Ayurveda, I had been suffering from acne, twice monthly periods, and chronic diarrhoea for several years. I had gone to various modern medical doctors but not one of them connected the dots by recognizing that all three of these symptoms were connected. One prescribed me long-term antibiotics, another birth control, and yet another wasn't sure what to do with me. I knew that all of these symptoms played into one another, beginning in my gut. It was such a relief to meet with my first Ayurvedic doctor who validated that intuition. We took a natural, Ayurvedic approach, and those symptoms were gone within a short couple of months.
Modern medical systems absolutely have their place in health care. However, they fall short in understanding the interconnectedness of our various systems, the role the mind plays in our health, and the subtleties of how diet and lifestyle affect us. There truly is no other system that can explain the wholeness and energetics of the body like Ayurveda.
What was your first exposure to Ayurveda training? How easy is it for non-Indians to study Ayurveda?
My very first exposure was at a yoga teacher training program in India. An Ayurvedic doctor came one day to teach us a little bit about Ayurveda, and that ignited my interest! From there, I enrolled in formal Ayurveda training in the US. Fortunately, there are many Ayurveda schools in the US with knowledgeable, skilled teachers. It's quite easy for a non-Indian person to study Ayurveda these days as its popularity is growing worldwide.
Ayurveda is a wonderful system in disease prevention. Do you think people are aware of this aspect of medicine?
Disease prevention is definitely given less attention than disease management. I have seen a shift since the pandemic, with more people interested in taking care of their health before they fall sick. We know how important prevention is in Ayurveda but the rest of the world seems to just be waking up to it. Better late than never!
How is the response of your patients to your treatment protocols? Are they surprised by the methods or is there awareness about Ayurveda?
Ayurveda has been growing in popularity in the US in the last 10 years, and even more so in the last five. So many more people have at least heard of it, although they mostly are still not sure what Ayurveda is. The clients who come to me tend to be open minded. They're typically people who are looking for a natural method to help with their symptoms, and so, they're not surprised by herbal, dietary, or lifestyle recommendations. The people who are not open to natural methods simply don't come to me. I feel that either you're drawn to Ayurveda or you're not.
How do you think that systems like Dinacharya and Ritucharya be mainstreamed for better health?
There are quite a few dinacharya and ritucharya practices being mainstreamed, such as drinking water upon rising and oil pulling. It's fun to see these trends take off! And while Ayurveda usually doesn't get credit, as long as people are benefiting, that's ok. Overall it promotes enthusiasm around self-care. And that's what we want!
How do you access the herbs and medicines needed for your practice?
There are several companies in the US that import herbs and classical Ayurvedic formulations from India. We certainly don't have the large selection available in India, but it's enough to work with. Since the pandemic, though, formulas often go out of stock and it takes months for a delivery to arrive. That does make recommending herbs difficult, as I always have to check first that whatever I hope to use is currently available, and so often it is not.
You had shared a post about self-care and jewellery and the Goddess. What role do these stories play in changing lifelong patterns?
Our beliefs about self-care affect our motivation to do it or not. When you perceive the body as a temple and divinity residing inside, you are motivated to take care of yourself. That includes self-care for the body, like eating wholesome natural foods and exercising, and even the adornment of the body with makeup and jewelry. It's a celebratory attitude—this form is a blessing, so keep it well and honor it!
