Can you tell us a bit about your background—where you grew up, your professional journey, and what brought you to Finland?

I was born and brought up in Shimla, a beautiful British Himalayan town nestled in northern India. It’s a place of colonial charm, winding roads, and pine forests—scenery that stays with you long after you’ve left.

My professional journey has been dynamic and international, rooted in the healthcare industry with a focus on pharmacovigilance, clinical research, and project management.

What brought me to Finland was love. I moved here to join my husband, who had secured a position in Helsinki. Before this, we lived in Milan, Italy. It’s been a wonderful transition—from the vibrant Italian streets to the calm Nordic landscape—and over time, Finland has come to feel like home.

 What drew you back to Ayurveda after working in clinical research and pharmacovigilance, and how did it evolve into your life’s calling?

Ayurveda has always been a part of my roots, but it became a calling when I began to sense the limitations of conventional medicine in addressing the full spectrum of human well-being. While working in pharmacovigilance and clinical research, I often witnessed how healing required more than just prescriptions—it needed a deeper understanding of the individual, their environment, and their emotional and spiritual needs.

This realization led me to immerse myself more fully in Ayurveda, where I found a science of life that emphasized balance, prevention, and personalized care. What began as personal exploration became a passionate commitment to share this wisdom with others—especially in places like Finland, where people are already deeply attuned to nature and seasonal living.

What inspired you to start promoting Ayurveda in Finland, and how was it first received there?

Twelve years ago, I began promoting Ayurveda in Finland, becoming one of its early pioneers. My inspiration came from recognizing a clear need—Finland’s dry climate, long winters, and extreme seasonal shifts deeply affect both body and mind. Ayurveda, with its emphasis on restoring balance through nature-aligned living, felt not only relevant but essential.

The early days were challenging. Many were unfamiliar with Ayurveda and unsure of its relevance. But I remained committed—teaching, guiding, and gently introducing its principles. The yoga community in Finland offered early support, welcoming me as a teacher with trust and curiosity.

Over time, as people experienced real results—relief from chronic skin issues, gynaecological conditions, digestive disorders, and emotional imbalances—acceptance grew. Through small lifestyle changes, daily routines, and herbal support, many found better balance and vitality.

Today, it’s deeply rewarding to witness Ayurveda being embraced as a pathway to clarity, wellness, and holistic health in the Nordic setting.

You often speak about everyday healing starting in the kitchen. What were some of the first Ayurvedic habits you introduced into your own Finnish lifestyle?

When I began integrating Ayurveda into my daily life in Finland, I started with simple yet transformative habits. The first was switching to warm, home-cooked meals and sipping hot water throughout the day. In Ayurveda, warm food and drink are key to igniting the digestive fire—agni—and flushing toxins from the body.

Another life-changing practice was abhyanga, the daily self-massage with warm oil. It helps calm the nervous system, ground the body, and protect against the cold, dry Finnish climate.

These small rituals—hot meals, warm water, and oil massage—have become cornerstones of my well-being. They offer me strength, balance, and serenity through Finland’s long winters and shifting seasons.

You’ve mentioned that Finnish values—like closeness to nature and seasonal living—resonate with Ayurveda. Can you share how these philosophies complement each other in your experience?

Over the past 20 years of practicing Ayurveda, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how Finnish values beautifully harmonize with Ayurvedic principles.

In Finland, nature isn’t just scenery—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s walking through forests, spending time by lakes, foraging berries, or taking saunas, the Finnish lifestyle is closely attuned to nature’s rhythm. This aligns seamlessly with Ayurveda’s foundation: living in sync with the seasons.

Ayurveda emphasizes Dinacharya (daily routines) and Ritucharya (seasonal routines), helping us adapt our diet, sleep, and activity to nature’s cycles. In my own life, combining these ancient principles with Finnish traditions has enhanced both my personal health and the guidance I offer others.