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In this week’s article of our Rediscovering Ayurveda series, we interviewed Geeta Vara.
Meet Geeta Vara
Inspired by her Indian roots, Geeta is a fervent British-born practitioner who brings the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda to her clinic, coaching, workshops, and wellness retreats. Her purpose as a spirited traveler and an ardent cook is to encourage conscious and healthy living. She has made it her dharma to make Ayurveda accessible without compromising on its veracity. To do that, she has authored an amazing book, "Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellbeing," published in June 2018.
"I would describe publishing my first book – "Ayurveda: Ancient wisdom for modern wellbeing" – as one of my biggest achievements! This was really dear to my heart for many reasons. Being seen as a South Asian expert writer in my field and being able to deliver authentic and accessible Ayurveda to share with the world feels like my small contribution and legacy for generations to come."
The Vedas inspired most of Geeta's childhood habits. It was almost as if Ayurveda had chosen her. She has always embraced natural healthcare and has been a great believer in the concept of holistic well-being. Even after several years of working as a successful marketer in the corporate world, it was unsatisfying. She felt compelled to find a fulfilling life purpose. That was the moment she understood Ayurveda was her actual calling.
"After spending a large period of time in India, watching and practising Ayurveda in all its grandeur, I went on to earn a BSc and a PG Dip in Ayurvedic Medicine from Middlesex University. And hence, for the past 13 years, I've had the honour of giving a really complete approach to healthcare to my clients."
Geeta Vara Ayurveda
Today, she is the founder of "Geeta Vara Ayurveda" with the vision of helping people live balanced and vibrant lives. Geeta focuses on root-cause stress management and gut health restoration as she believes they are frequently to blame for a number of lifestyle-related health conditions. She assists the former by utilizing herbs, food, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments. As for the latter, she introduced us to three wonderful stress-relieving therapy regimens, namely Shirodhara, Ayurvedic Abhyanga, and Marma Abhyanga.
Shirodhara
Geeta describes Shirodhara to be relaxing and by far the most effective ayurvedic therapy to alleviate fatigue, improve metabolism, and invigorate the body. It does so by rebalancing the pituitary and pineal glands situated deep in the brain. Shirodhara involves pouring warm herb-infused oil in a continuous stream on the forehead to activate Ajna-Chakra. The Ajna-Chakra is regarded as the center of our intuition and is helpful in the prevention and treatment of many psychosomatic illnesses. Additionally, Shirodhara can be used in conjunction with the 'Panch-Karma' for deep cleansing and rebalancing of Doshas. This makes Shirodhara the ultimate stress relief therapy!
Also Read: PANCHAKARMA – All You Need To Know About It
Ayurvedic Abhyanga
A relaxing, rejuvenating, and refreshing retreat! Ayurvedic Abhyanga stimulates the nervous system, enhances coordination between sensory and motor controls, and most importantly discards stress blocks from the body resulting in holistic well-being.
Also Read: What is Abhyanga? Learn with Amrutam
Marma Abhyanga
Marma Abhyanga is a relaxing full-body massage designed to release both physical and emotional blockages through the massage of Marma points. This technique aims at rebalancing the doshas using herbal oils. An expert, however, chooses these oils based on the body's constitution. Marma points are vital energy points. Upon stimulation, they harmonize and stimulate the organ functions and immunity of the body.
Geeta's Experience
People frequently have the misconception that Ayurveda is a slow science that may not be as successful as contemporary medicine. So, we asked Geeta about her journey and the changes she experienced after adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Here's what she says:
After so many years, I am firmly immersed in an Ayurvedic lifestyle. It's not about being perfect, but being more self-aware and connected to our inner guidance on a daily basis. Following my circadian rhythms and seasonal patterns, as well as understanding my mind-body type more intimately, has helped me align my energy to optimize my wellness. I do regular seasonal cleansing and know when I'm feeling out of balance. And anyone can do this once they get to know themselves more intimately.
Also Read: 6 Ayurvedic Tips to Lead a Healthy Life
The Significance of Ayurveda and Yoga
For Geeta, Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences that have many synchronicities and share similar principles. She adds, "we've come a long way but our bodies haven't evolved at the same speed as our minds." And therefore, to move forward, we must look back and learn from our ancient sciences. Furthermore, in her opinion, Ayurveda can only encourage deeper wisdom, wisdom that is timeless and will be relevant for years to come. Following habits and routines is the way forward as our humanitarian needs are best aligned to nature for maintaining optimal well-being.
Geeta's Message
For all Ayurveda, Spiritual, Yoga, and healthy living enthusiasts, this is Geeta's message for you!
"Take your guidance from your inner wisdom and not Google. We all have answers within. Our job is to slow down, quieten down, and listen. A skilled practitioner will help guide you with wellness advice that suits you, the environment, climate, age, strength, etc. Trust in your own ability to live vibrantly!"
The secret to Geeta's delightful smile is her nighttime routine, and a step of this routine is Mukha Abhyanga. This gentle face massage relaxes the facial muscles and stimulates the marma points. And this is the reason Geeta is so excited about trying Amrutam's Kumkumadi face oil! Not only that, but she is also enthusiastic about experiencing the wholesomeness of Amrutam's Kuntal Care hair oil for those "Vata" hair days and to calm your mind :)
We are so thankful to Geeta Vara for the wonderful work she has been doing and are beyond grateful to have her as part of our #AmrutamFamily!
