Growth isn’t linear when it comes from within. Changing your internal script will create exponential changes in your external reality.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing renowned Ayurvedic Doctor Nidhi Pandya.
Nidhi is an Ayurvedic Doctor, women’s health coach and international speaker and educator based in NYC. She is the creator of the Inner Climate Method®, a pioneering approach to health and longevity that blends ancient wisdom with modern science and is the culmination of her 15 years of dedicated practice.
Growing up in India, Nidhi was steeped in Vedic traditions from an early age, inspired by her grandfather, an esteemed Ayurvedic healer. Her formal education in holistic health led her to become an Ayurvedic Doctor.
However, she quickly recognized the limitations of a strictly prescriptive approach to health. This realization led her to use Ayurveda to view the world through a transformative lens. Being happy and healthy does not have to be difficult.
Nidhi’s passion lies in empowering women to become self-aware and live intuitively, achieving Mind-Body Balance. She excels in distilling complex ancient scriptures into practical wisdom, applicable to modern lifestyles, contributing to various publications with features in Vogue, Poosh, Better Home & Garden, ABC News, NBC News, FOX News, Spectrum News, iHeartRadio, and more. Her strength lies in her unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional Ayurvedic teachings and the needs of contemporary women, guiding them towards a balanced, empowered life.
Today, Nidhi shares her groundbreaking method worldwide, guiding women to embrace self-awareness and intuitive living.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Igrew up in a bustling joint family of 14 in Mumbai, with my grandfather as an Ayurvedic healer. Ayurveda was more than just a subject for me; it was a language I spoke long before my six years of formal education. Immersed in the spiritual sciences of the East since childhood, I was taught that mastering the inner world was far more crucial than controlling the outer one.
As a naturally curious and sensitive child, I became fascinated by people — their behaviors, reactions, and emotions. I was drawn to understanding what makes us unwell and, more importantly, what makes us thrive. This curiosity evolved into a lifelong journey, guiding me to become an Ayurvedic doctor.
Today, I help others reconnect with the innate wisdom that lives within them — the science of life that we all know but often forget. My practice is deeply rooted in principles, not just the academic approach I see dominating modern Ayurveda. Now living in NYC with my two daughters, I find joy in witnessing the world in all its diversity, embracing every opportunity for growth and transformation.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
When I started working with Maha in 2016, I had no idea how much it would transform my entire practice.
Maha had access to the best medical experts for her health issues, but despite this, she was emotionally and physically drained. A successful lawyer in NYC, she had endured four grueling years of fertility treatments and a sixteen-year battle with eczema. She was exhausted.
The bloating, painful periods, brittle hair, and constant anxiety — once her biggest worries — had become just background noise in her life. She had mastered temporary fixes and learned to get through the day. But by the time she came to me, something had shifted. She was done merely surviving. She wanted to wake up feeling truly alive — vibrant and at peace in her body and mind.
That’s when it hit me.
Maha’s story wasn’t unique. I had heard it echoed by countless others. They all shared one thing in common: the desire to stop treating symptoms and start healing.
We live in a time with more wellness information at our fingertips than ever before, yet we are more confused and disconnected than ever. Our bodies and minds are burdened by generational trauma, weakened genetic frameworks, and modern lifestyle habits that leave us trapped in an endless wellness cycle — full of suggestions but lacking real solutions.
But I realized it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t need a million answers to solve a million problems. The truth is, your body and mind are not separate; what heals one heals the other. Your discomfort doesn’t have to turn into disease — it can be the gateway to vibrant health, a powerful opportunity to undo, reset, and reclaim your true self. Because life wants life.
This realization changed everything for me. I shifted from simply prescribing herbs and diets to teaching my clients how to truly heal by understanding the principles of life itself. When people grasp these principles, the choices they make for their body and mind become more aligned, and the herbs and nutrition plans we use become far more effective, built on an unshakable foundation.
Over the years, I’ve guided hundreds of women to reclaim their power and step into their healing by tapping into the wisdom their bodies already hold. That same wisdom is within you, too. All you need is the right guide to help you unlock it
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
At 21, I began working with young adolescents, helping them through emotional and mental challenges. My work extended beyond them, requiring me to also address family trauma patterns with their parents. While I was effective in guiding them to healing, I was left emotionally drained, with little energy to process my own feelings or navigate my life.
That’s when I realized something crucial: if I wanted to continue working in the wellness and healing space, I had to heal myself first. This realization marked the beginning of a lifelong journey — one where I had to confront my own wounds and create space for my own wellness. I developed rituals, meditations, and breathing exercises that not only grounded me but replenished my energy.
The journey was not easy. I had to unlearn the notion that healing others meant sacrificing myself. It became clear that true healing doesn’t come from a place of depletion — it comes from wholeness. Only when I nurtured my own well-being did I gain the strength and resilience to support others fully.
Today, I’m able to work with people who have faced all kinds of trauma — without it draining my energy. I’ve learned how to hold space for others while holding space for myself. It’s a delicate balance, but one that has transformed my approach to healing. I’m no longer just a guide for others — I’m also a living example of how to heal, grow, and thrive while doing this deeply emotional work.
What I know now is that healing is not a one-time destination; it’s an ongoing practice. It requires daily commitment, inner reflection, and self-compassion. And when you cultivate this practice, you not only heal yourself — you create the capacity to help others from a place of strength and renewal.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
In a world saturated with wellness advice and expert opinions, people are more confused than ever about what it means to truly heal. My work focuses on cutting through that noise and reconnecting people with their own inner wisdom — the natural intelligence of their bodies that already knows how to heal.
Rather than offering temporary fixes or trendy treatments, I guide people toward understanding the deeper principles of life that govern their physical and emotional well-being. Healing isn’t about chasing the next solution; it’s about aligning with the body’s rhythms and creating an unshakeable foundation. This is a principle I learned growing up immersed in Ayurveda and spiritual sciences in Mumbai, where I witnessed firsthand how true wellness starts from within.
I help my clients recognize the unique patterns that shape their health — what I call their Inner Climate®. Once they understand this, their choices around diet, lifestyle, and even herbal remedies become more intentional and effective. It’s not about adding more to their wellness routines; it’s about simplifying and working with their body’s natural flow.
The impact of this approach goes beyond just individual health. When people start to live in alignment with their body’s wisdom, they experience tremendous shifts — not only in their health but in their relationships, mindset, and daily life. They move from surviving to truly thriving, which creates a ripple effect in their families and communities.
Ultimately, my work empowers people to stop looking outside for answers and to trust in their own ability to heal. That’s where the real impact lies — helping people reclaim their power and, in turn, live more vibrant, meaningful lives
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1. Abhyanga (Self-Massage with Oil)
Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic practice of massaging your body with warm oil, is a simple yet effective ritual that can transform both the mind and body. It stimulates circulation, nourishes the skin, and calms the nervous system, creating a sense of inner grounding.
Example:
I once worked with a client, Rachel, who struggled with constant anxiety and a racing mind, particularly in the mornings. She often rushed through her day, neglecting her own self-care, and felt mentally exhausted by evening. I suggested starting her day with a 10-minute Abhyanga routine, massaging her body with warm sesame oil before her shower. Within weeks, she noticed a marked improvement in her mood and energy levels. Daily oiling and self-touch helped Rachel feel more present in her body and less consumed by her thoughts.
2. Eat a Heavy Lunch and Light Dinner
This Ayurvedic principle emphasizes syncing our eating habits with the body’s natural digestive rhythms. Our digestive fire (Agni) is strongest around midday, making lunch the best time for a large, nourishing meal. As the day progresses, digestion slows, so dinner should be lighter and eaten earlier.
Example:
One of my clients, Mark, had long battled bloating and indigestion. His routine was skipping breakfast, having a small lunch, and then indulging in heavy dinners late at night. I advised him to flip this pattern — making lunch his primary meal and opting for a light, early dinner. Within a few weeks, his digestion improved, the bloating subsided, and he even slept better. Mark learned that our bodies thrive when we align our eating habits with their natural cycles, and it was a game-changer for his energy and overall wellness.
3. Sleep Before 10 PM
Getting to bed before 10 PM allows us to align with the body’s natural repair and rejuvenation cycle, which is most active during the hours before midnight. This practice leads to deeper, more restorative sleep, enhancing physical and mental well-being.
Example:
A client, Emma, came to me exhausted, despite getting 8 hours of sleep each night. When I asked about her bedtime routine, I learned she often stayed up late scrolling through her phone or finishing work, rarely falling asleep before midnight. I encouraged her to create a wind-down routine and be in bed by 10 PM. After a few weeks, she started to experience significantly deeper, more refreshing sleep. The difference in energy was remarkable — proof that the hours before midnight are vital for truly restful sleep.
4. Cooked vs. Raw Foods
While raw foods are often promoted as healthy, Ayurveda teaches that cooked foods are gentler on the digestive system, especially for those with weaker digestion or in colder climates. Cooking food helps break it down, making it easier to digest and absorb nutrients.
Example:
A client, Linda, adhered to a strict raw food diet, believing it was the healthiest choice. Despite her efforts, she constantly struggled with bloating, gas, and fatigue. I explained that raw foods can be difficult for some to digest, particularly when digestive fire is weak. I recommended introducing more cooked foods — like soups and steamed vegetables — into her diet. Within weeks, her digestion improved, and her energy surged. It was a clear reminder that warm, cooked meals often provide the nourishment and comfort that raw foods cannot, especially for those with sensitive digestion.
5. Hugs Are Better Than Words
Sometimes, physical touch communicates more than words ever could. Hugging releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which helps reduce stress and foster emotional connection. In moments of emotional overwhelm, a hug can offer a sense of comfort and safety that conversation alone might not achieve.
Example:
I had a client, Amanda, who was going through a rough patch in her marriage. She and her husband spent countless hours arguing, trying to “talk through” their issues, but it often left them feeling more distant. I suggested they incorporate more physical connection — simple, genuine hugs — without trying to resolve anything verbally. Amanda later shared that something shifted in their relationship; the embrace alone helped them feel more united, and the pressure to solve everything with words melted away. Hugs, in this case, proved to be a powerful tool for emotional healing and reconnection.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would inspire a movement focused on the undoing of ourselves — shedding conditioned responses, healing trigger patterns, and returning to the purest version of who we are. When we’re in harmony with our true nature, the body already knows the formula to live and thrive. In that state of balance, healing becomes second nature, and it radiates outwards, positively impacting not just ourselves but everyone around us. Healing, after all, is deeply contagious.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
- Always observe a wellness trend for at least one full generation before recommending it. Trends often show their true colors over time.
- Say no to clients seeking quick fixes. Real transformation requires a lifestyle and mindset shift, not just band-aid solutions.
- Maintain unwavering integrity and persistence in your work — success is inevitable if you remain true to your purpose.
- Growth isn’t linear when it comes from within. Changing your internal script will create exponential changes in your external reality.
- The short-term game is tempting, with its quick wins and instant results. But the long-term game brings sustainable growth, allowing you to reach heights you could never imagine.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is closest to my heart because it shapes our entire experience of life. It’s the cornerstone of wellness, influencing how we show up in the world, how we heal, and how we connect with others. Without a healthy mind, none of the other causes can truly flourish.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
For more information about my work, as well as upcoming courses, please visit www.nidhi.me and be sure to follow me @My_Ayurvedic_Life
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
