The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
It’s difficult to begin a practice when people are not very familiar with the basis of your work, but thankfully there were some that were very open to learning about something new. Once they understood that Ayurveda is unique to other modalities currently in practice, they were very receptive to the Ayurvedic approach to wellbeing.
When I started seeing clients, it was initially difficult for them to understand the philosophy and why I was giving them lifestyle recommendations. It was my challenge to help them understand this and discuss the root cause of their issue, educating them rather than bombarding them with some herbal blends to fix the issues they were facing.
When I first set up my practice in New Zealand, I came to know that natural medicine was classified as complementary medicine and to my surprise and shock – there were no standards within practice and education. Natural medicine modalities were self regulated and anyone could start practising without any qualification. I worked hard to set Ayurvedic standards in teaching and practice in place. Time has since changed but still, complementary modalities are not recognised by the authority in spite of the fact that the public can see and feel their benefit and importance. This is especially true for those who practise philosophies and principles that don’t follow western medicine modalities.
Within my practice, one of the biggest challenges to this day is finding qualified therapists that can do all body work required, so a lot of time and effort goes into training therapists with the specific movements and techniques used within Ayurveda.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running your own business will always present its challenges, but at the same time, it can give you freedom to do what you feel will be valuable, not for yourself but for your clients. You will always have to face various challenges, some you won’t be prepared for, but you’ll learn most through experience and find solutions for yourself.
In my daily life, it’s not always easy to find balance amongst work, family and yourself, though I make time to meditate every day, follow an ayurvedic lifestyle that keeps me going and keep my family close. For me, Ayurveda is not just to be used in my clinic but at every level of my life and this is what gives me strength.
Being in the wellness industry, I get to see people healing from physical, mental and emotional issues that they have suffered from for many years – all with their own effort incorporating Ayurvedic principles in life, and this gives you huge satisfaction. Seeing improvements through the sacred science I have dedicated so much of myself to is truly rewarding.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Our children are off to study and now that Rippan has more time to focus on our business, she has taken over the management of Ayurda as a whole. We’re now based in Parnell and Ponsonby, Auckland and her current focus is rebranding this wellness business of ours to encompass all of our Ayurvedic offerings into one. Wellness consultations, massage treatments, herbal supplements and natural skincare have been brought together under one name, Ayurda. This has meant that we have had to refresh our brand across all touchpoints.
She continues working toward introducing new wellness programs for the public and has been instrumental in developing the first Ayurvedic skincare range. We hope to take it to the next level by increasing awareness of our natural skincare and TGA supplement range across New Zealand and Australia. With all of our offerings, we also hope to hold retreats that would provide a chance to reset and welcome in a new way of being.
Everyone around the world has been challenged in all areas of holistic health, especially in the last few years due to Covid. There has been increasing acknowledgement of the fact that wellness is not based solely on products in bottles or the physical. It’s much more than that and people are becoming more interested in following alternative approaches to understanding the meaning of wellness at a deeper level.
More awareness of the connection within mind, body and soul is being presented in western society from various points of views, and this can be confusing to some. We believe the science of Ayurveda provides the very solution to modern health: an insightful approach that is not new but has been followed for thousands of years, scientifically and spiritually, which is why we feel very excited and committed to continuing to share this knowledge to the wider community and seeing the transformation unfold on a larger scale.
Visit the Ayurda website to find out more about the treatments and products they offer. You can also follow them on Facebook – Ayurda Wellness & Spa | Facebook & Ayurda Skincare | Facebook and on Instagram.
