We are excited to share our interview with Geeta Vara with you, who we first discovered through her beautiful book 'Ayurveda- Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellbeing, which we came across in the library of Sen Wellness Sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Geeta is a London-based expert practitioner with a passion for preventative healthcare. She encourages the awareness of Ayurveda through her workshops, writings, international retreats and clinical practice - Geeta Vara Ayurveda.
After setting up her practice in 2008, Geeta has been working globally with clients to help them manage and heal from a variety of health complaints. Her vision is to make the profound science of Ayurvedic accessible and understandable for all whilst maintaining its authenticity. In her clinic, Geeta focuses on restoring gut health and managing stress at the root-level as she believes they are often responsible for many lifestyle-related health conditions.
Make yourself a Turmeric potion and take 5 minutes to absorb our conversation with Geeta.
Do you believe you have found your purpose, if so would you mind sharing it with us?
Yes, Ayurveda was definitely ‘a calling’ and a part of my dharma. The way in which I deliver Ayurveda is constantly evolving but I try to ensure that I stay authentic to the science while making it accessible to all through my practice, workshops, retreats and book.
I really enjoy going deeper into practice of Ayurveda at the same time I am constantly being guiding to explore other areas like tantra, vedic astrology, spiritual coaching and more.
What are your ultimate daily rituals?
I follow dinacharya practices in the morning that change with the seasons but it truly sets me up for the day feeling both grounded and clear. For me this includes: a simply gratitude prayer, tongue scraping, oil pulling, neti pot cleansing, warm oil body massage, dry body brushing, yoga stretches, breathing exercises, a short meditation, a herbal tea, and a long morning walk in the woods. It may sound a lot but it’s just so routine now.
The evenings are gentle and I love to wind down with candles and gentle music and always a short meditation and a warm shower before bed to help me sleep well.
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic non-constitution related tips that our readers can apply?
- Eat only when you feel hungry – like genuinely!
- Eat a balanced meal with all 6 tastes– sweet, sour, salty, bitter pungent and astringent.
- Maintain balance by listening to your intuitions and following the rhythms of the sun, moon and seasons.
What does Ayurveda mean to you in your daily life?
It’s a journey into the self in bite-sized chunks. Ayurveda has just become ‘a way of life’ for me and it’s ever-evolving. I’m never rigid but always stay conscious and aware of my food, actions and habits.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe?
I love simple 1-pot dishes all year round and my go to Ayurvedic staple and favourite is hands down kitchari – a perfect blend of mung dahl, rice, veggies, spices and ghee. You can get my kitchari recipe and others here.
What are your 3 go to ingredients?
Ghee –It’s as good as fats can get - this really is versatile Ayurvedic nectar!
Cumin – I love this aromatic spice as its great for digestion and I literally use this in everything.
Turmeric – again found everywhere in my food and drinks. But it’s medicinal properties are second to none. No household should be without it.
What is your top tip to practice balance during these uncertain times?
- Practice self care rituals as a priority. Self care is health care!
- Find things to laugh about and know that vulnerability is not a weakness
- Nourish yourself with good healthy foods
Share with us a quote that gives you daily inspiration.
‘Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.’ Rumi
What is your favourite way to use turmeric, be it in your beauty regime or recipes?
Turmeric has been an integral part of my daily diet since I was a child and aside from the trending golden milk/turmeric latte. I recommend seeking out some fresh turmeric, peel and cut in 5mm discs and pickling it in salt and lemon water and you can eat a few pieces daily. I love this with a hot masala chai, fresh hot chapattis and sweet homemade lemon pickle.
My general beauty regime is super simple and but I sometimes make a light scrub with turmeric, chickpea flour and rose water.
To find out more about her work you can connect with her via her website or follow her on Instagram or twitter @geetavara.