MINAKSHI MANN
Minakshi Mann, an Ayurveda Nutrition & Lifestyle Consultant (AyurDip) and Certified Face Yoga Teacher, is the visionary founder of The Ayurveda Nest—a sanctuary born from a profound inner calling. Dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's imbalances, The Ayurveda Nest offers healing, strength, and a pathway to new horizons. Having triumphed over personal health challenges, Minakshi deeply understands the urgent need for a supportive refuge during unexpected health crises.
Born and raised in London amidst a diverse cultural backdrop, Minakshi seamlessly integrates her Indian heritage with Western lifestyles. This unique fusion equips her to effectively guide clients in the UK through the integration of Ayurveda into their busy lives—an endeavour she approaches with empathy and expertise. Her holistic approach bridges Eastern and Western perspectives on nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle, facilitating lasting positive transformations for her clients.
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Website: www.theayurvedanest.com
Email: info@theayurvedanest.com
“FOR ME, AYURVEDA IS THE ULTIMATE SOURCE - I FIND EVERYTHING I NEED TO UNDERSTAND MY MIND, BODY AND SOUL RIGHT HERE.”
WHAT DOES AYURVEDA MEAN TO YOU?
Ayurveda answers my endless ‘whys’. It helps me understand: “Why am I experiencing this imbalance right now?” “Why am I prone to these conditions or symptoms?” “Why do I react to situations the way I do?” “Why do I respond in a particular way to the foods I eat?” and so on. Only with this knowledge of ‘why’ can we truly become empowered to solve the imbalance. Ayurveda is profound ancient wisdom that has given me and my clients a deep, true understanding of how our bodies function. This understanding is a privilege I haven't found in any other health modality. Ayurveda is Truth.
WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER IT? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING IT?
Ayurveda has been part of my family for generations, though perhaps not in the way you might expect.
My Dad, who is sadly no longer with us, was our 'Ayurveda Sounding Board.' Growing up, we constantly heard him say things like, "Don’t eat yet, your previous meal hasn’t been digested," or "Don’t drink that ice-cold water while exercising," or "I’ve overeaten this evening, so I’ll go easy on breakfast tomorrow." The list goes on...
He attributed every symptom we complained about to our digestion. Every imbalance we had was due to our imbalanced digestion or 'pait karab,' as he would say in Punjabi/Hindi. It became a running joke that even if our little finger was sore, Dad would blame our digestion. Poor Dad, we mocked him so much.
In hindsight, he clearly knew something we didn’t. This Ayurvedic wisdom was in his blood, though he never once used the word Ayurveda! These principles were deeply rooted in our ancestry. So, when asked when I discovered Ayurveda, I’d have to say it has been with my family for as long as my ancestors have existed.
When my Dad passed away in 2020, I knew I had to study this profound ancient wisdom in more detail. This is when my true calling began, eventually leading me to achieve a Distinction as an Ayurveda Nutrition & Lifestyle Consultant, studied with The School of Ayurveda. I have been extremely fortunate and blessed to learn from renowned BAMS-qualified Ayurveda doctors from around the globe including India, America, and the UK. I am truly humbled to be doing this work in this lifetime and feel blessed to have the opportunity to share this much-needed ancient wisdom.
WHAT DREW YOU TO AYURVEDA?
Ayurveda has always been a subtle presence in my life. However, the untimely deaths of my mother and brother nearly 25 years ago deepened my search for answers—real, meaningful answers. The trauma took a severe toll on my health, to the point where I could barely walk to my kitchen. Despite my GP's reassurances and normal blood tests, my condition did not improve. It was then that I began to take holistic healing seriously, and my journey led me back to Ayurveda.
HAS IT HELPED YOU WITH ANYTHING MAJOR?
Ayurveda has transformed my entire being. It has reshaped my mindset, my approach to food and lifestyle, how I handle emotions, and my perspective on health and well-being.
Understanding the fundamental principles of Ayurveda has revolutionised my outlook on everything.
Personally, I've experienced numerous benefits including improved digestion, heightened focus, increased vitality, and most significantly, a renewed zest for life after years of feeling disconnected. Approaching my 50th year, I've found that following Ayurvedic guidelines for my body type has made the challenges of peri-menopause—a phase many women struggle with—more manageable for me.
Ayurveda has also profoundly impacted my family in countless ways. For instance, my husband and children enthusiastically embrace Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), knowing it not only balances their nervous systems but also alleviates daily aches and pains, keeping their muscles and joints supple.
IS AYURVEDA PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE OR JUST FOR YOUR MEDICINE CABINET OR FALL-BACK ROUTINE?
Ayurveda permeates my daily life in every way. It influences my thoughts, guides my actions, and shapes my choices—whether mental, emotional, or physical.
However, when the need arises, I do reach for my Ayurvedic kitchen spices and herbs without hesitation!
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 AYURVEDIC TIPS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR YOU?
Routine, routine, routine! Especially around mealtimes and bedtime. Embrace simplicity because it works!
Creating sufficient gaps between meals allows 'true hunger' to naturally build before my next meal. This approach enhances my anticipation of and enjoyment during meals, while promoting better digestion and more efficient metabolism. This, in turn, helps in managing my weight and digestive issues effectively.
Ensuring I'm asleep by 10pm has been transformative! It helps regulate my circadian rhythm, ensuring higher quality sleep, preventing late-night mental overstimulation, curbing late-night snacking impulses, and supporting both mental clarity and physical wellbeing through effective detoxification processes.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT AYURVEDA?
Ayurveda constantly astounds me with its profound insights into my questions. It truly comprehends the intricacies of the mind-body connection. For me, Ayurveda is the ultimate source—I find everything I need to understand my mind, body and soul right here.
There is a growing body of research affirming the effectiveness of many Ayurvedic practices. Modern science increasingly acknowledges the wisdom of Ayurvedic principles, such as the gut-brain axis and the significance of a balanced diet for overall health.
The depth and sophistication of Ayurveda illustrate why it remains impactful and pertinent in today's world.
DID YOU INTEGRATE IT GRADUALLY OR OVERNIGHT FOR ANY PARTICULAR REASON?
It's a blend of both for me. Ayurvedic principles have been ingrained in me since birth, so they've naturally integrated into my life over time.
Yet, when my health hit rock bottom, I had to take a more proactive role in my wellbeing. This required a significant adjustment and discipline, almost overnight.
It's crucial to recognise that Ayurveda, like any transformative journey, is a gradual process. It should be tailored to suit your individual body constitution, implemented step by step for sustainable results.
DO YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET? AND IF THEY DO, DO THEY KNOW IT’S AYURVEDA OR DO THEY JUST THINK OF IT AS HOME COOKING?
Absolutely, my family tends to lean towards an Ayurvedic diet, although they just see this as home cooking and not a restrictive way of eating. Personally, I don't like to be too rigid, but I find certain Ayurvedic principles regarding food incredibly helpful. These include avoiding incompatible food combinations, eating meals at the right times, steering clear of ice-cold drinks with meals, and adapting our diet to fit the seasons. These basics really shape how I cook dishes from various culinary traditions worldwide.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AYURVEDIC RECIPE OR GO-TO INGREDIENT?
Oh, this is a tough question!
Green mung dahl soup serves as my ultimate 'reset button' every time. And Kitchari is equally versatile—I love how I can adjust it with seasonal veggies and spices to address any imbalances.
I strongly believe there should be more education about ghee.
HOW DOES AYURVEDA FIT INTO YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ROUTINES?
In the morning, after waking and visiting the bathroom, I instinctively check my tongue—it's like a map reflecting my overall health, especially my digestion. This sets the tone for how I approach my day, influencing my food and lifestyle choices to maintain balance. I also integrate practices like tongue scraping, nasya (nasal oiling), oil pulling, and abhyanga (self-oil massage), along with yoga and meditation when time allows. I don't pressure myself to do all of these, every morning; instead, I prioritise listening to my body and responding to its needs. My morning walk is non-negotiable I absolutely cherish it.
Throughout the day, I ensure I eat meals on time, leaving sufficient gaps to allow true hunger to guide each meal. Staying hydrated is key, and I've been enjoying pomegranates and sipping warm water and herbal teas.
To ensure I'm in bed by 10pm, I plan my evenings backward, aiming to finish dinner no later than 7pm.
I take regular breaks during the day to simply be present and breathe. Deep abdominal breathing or alternate nostril breathing helps relax my nervous system and provides the energy I need.
WHAT DO YOU WISH WAS EASIER IN OUR SOCIETY TO MAKE AN AYURVEDIC LIFESTYLE MORE ACCESSIBLE?
Education is crucial. There are many misconceptions surrounding Ayurveda, like the belief that it's only for people of Eastern descent or that it requires eating dahl and rice daily. These ideas are far from accurate. I eagerly anticipate the availability of Ayurvedic services on the NHS, as it would be a game changer.
DO PEOPLE AROUND YOU/IN YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS KNOW ABOUT AYURVEDA?
Not as much as I'd hope. While they've heard of Ayurveda, few know what it truly involves. It's a joy to see their faces light up when I explain the core principles of Ayurveda—it just clicks for them.
WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO TRY OR YOU THINK WOULD BENEFIT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE’S HEALTH FOR THE BETTER?
Focus on nurturing your Agni, your digestive fire. It is understood that most diseases originate from the gut. By paying attention to how we feel around mealtimes —whether it's genuine hunger or emotional eating—monitoring signs like indigestion or bloating, and observing our bowel movements, we can detect imbalances in the body. Applying Ayurvedic principles can then help restore balance, leading to robust immunity and optimal health.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD
Ayurveda doesn't need to be complex. It's accessible because it emphasises simple, natural methods to maintain health. By making minor adjustments in your daily routine—such as eating nutritious foods, prioritising sufficient sleep, and staying active—you can follow Ayurvedic principles effectively. Many of the herbs and spices it advocates are readily available. Ayurveda also encourages stress-relieving practices like yoga and meditation, which are widely practiced and easy to learn. Moreover, it offers personalised guidance based on your unique body type, allowing you to discover what suits you best. This practical approach makes Ayurveda a feasible and effective way to support overall well-being.