Aparna Khanolkar

Aparna Khanolkar

Aparna is an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor whose unique combination of Ayurvedic treatments, emotional processes, meditation, yoga and food as heart-based medicine leads people to overcome physical and emotional roadblocks that prevent them from fully enjoying life. Learn more at aparnakhanolkar.com.

Aparna and Lindsay talk about wellness for your whole being.

Learning from motherhood, Ayurveda, and self-care

Aparna discusses the importance of a holistic approach to wellness and life, and shares with us the ancient knowledge of the power and beauty of Ayurvedic living.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself

I am an advocate for health, wellness and longevity. I believe great health is everyone’s birthright. I’m dedicated to showing people what great health is – strong immunity, balanced digestion, cultivating love and joy. I grew up in India in the Ayurvedic tradition and feel blessed by this rich lineage. Food as medicine, healing oils for the body and emotional freedom are the foundations of my teaching.

Q: Tell us about your path to creating your business and your vision

My career began as a postpartum doula after the birth of my son. I cooked for many clients as part of their recovery. This began my career as a chef. Later on, I became the head chef of the Chopra Center’s Perfect Health program. To me, food is medicine for the body. And love is the medicine for the heart. And connecting to the Divine is medicine for the mind. This is what I have taught for the last 13 years and I see a grand vision of people recognizing their own ability to heal by using these three medicines.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your philosophy on wellness:

Wellness is a lifestyle choice, an investment in one’s long-term health and present quality of life. It requires self-discipline and self-love. 20 years ago, I was a woman without any experience of self-love or commitment to my health and wellness. My highest purpose is now to make my life meaningful and to be of service to others. It so happens that my highest purpose is to teach people how to live a healthy and balanced lives.

Q: What was the catalyst in your life to fuel your commitment to wellness?

I decided to have natural childbirth with my son and my experience was so profound that I decided to become a postpartum doula. This catalyzed my interest in health and wellness. Once I decided to incorporate my knowledge of Ayurveda into my career, I never looked back.

Life in the West is so fast-paced and over-stimulating. I grew up in India where life was simpler and slow. My vision is to show people that a slow, loving and organic lifestyle can be created by each of us — even here in America — so we can have great health and happiness.

Q: How do you stay healthy, resilient and vibrant?

First thing every morning, I connect with the Void, expressing gratitude. I practice self-massage with warm oil, exercise, practice afternoon meditation, take a short nap, and fill myself with delicious, nourishing food. I express my love as much as I can. I pay attention to my integrity with myself and stay aware of my feelings. I stop and allow myself the full experience of being human. I value the integration of my body and mind through Ayurvedic practices.

Q: If there was only one thing a person could find the energy and resources to make a priority what would it be?

Practice self-massage each day. This is a simple, nurturing practice that has many benefits to the body and mind. Watch this video to learn how to practice this ancient ritual.

Q: What is your favorite inspirational quote for wellness / awesomeness / thrival?

We are not victims of aging, sickness and death. These are part of scenery, not the seer, who is immune to any form of change. This seer is the spirit, the expression of eternal being.

Deepak Chopra