Simmi Chopra is a highly accomplished Ayurvedic Practitioner with a unique blend of expertise in traditional Ayurveda and modern science. Trained in the ancient healing system, she completed the prestigious Ayurveda Doctor program from Kerala Ayurveda. Simmi also holds a double Master’s degree in Biostatistics and Molecular Biology from Rutgers University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Based in New York City, she practices at SIDH Ayur, where she offers personalized Ayurvedic therapies, dietary guidance, lifestyle recommendations, and herbal solutions to help clients achieve holistic balance.
Simmi’s journey to Ayurveda is a testament to the idea that Ayurveda finds you when the time is right. “One of our senior Ayurvedic doctors always says that you don’t find Ayurveda; Ayurveda finds you. That’s been so true for me,” she shares. Her interest in Ayurveda began during her college days when she suffered from severe chronic sinusitis. “I was living on antihistamines daily, walking like a zombie,” she recalls. A visit to her hometown in Lucknow, India introduced her to Nasya therapy, where herbal oils were administered, providing her with lasting relief. Years later, when her daughter faced health issues, Simmi’s search for a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner led her to study Ayurveda herself. “I fell in love with it, and there was no looking back,” she says.
Simmi’s background in Biostatistics and Molecular Biology enriches her Ayurvedic practice. “I’m at the right time trying to blend both fields because there’s a lot of integration happening these days,” she explains. For complex cases, she refers to scientific journals to understand molecular mechanisms and biochemical reactions. “My focus is always the Ayurvedic protocol, but I use scientific knowledge in my teaching and to reassure clients who are new to Ayurveda,” she adds. By sharing research articles, she bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern evidence-based medicine.
At SIDH Ayur, Simmi addresses a wide range of health concerns, from gut health issues like bloating and constipation to metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and even Parkinson’s disease. “Everything is individualized,” she emphasizes. For pain management, therapies like Kati Vasti (for lower back pain) and Janu Vasti (for knee pain) are tailored based on the client’s doshic imbalance and blockages. If inflammation is present, she opts for Churna Pinda Sweda or Dhanyamla Dhara. For stress management, Shirodhara—a therapy involving herbal oils poured on the forehead—is a popular choice. “It all depends on the individual’s problem, the level of blockage, and the nourishment they need,” she explains.
Panchakarma, a three-to-five-week intensive detox, is one of Ayurveda’s most profound therapies. It includes five cleansing procedures: Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enemas), Nasya (nasal administration of oils), and Rakta Mokshana (bloodletting, though not practiced in the U.S.). “The first phase focuses on enhancing digestive strength and balancing the doshas, followed by Snehapana—intake of medicated ghee to mobilize toxins,” Simmi explains. The toxins are then expelled through purgation or enemas. Post-detox, a light vegetarian diet and rejuvenating herbs are recommended to reset the body. “Unfortunately, many clinics market spa treatments as Panchakarma, but true Panchakarma is an intense detoxification process,” she cautions. –
Ayurveda’s core principle is balancing the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which govern all bodily functions. “Health is defined as the balance of doshas, proper elimination of waste, and a pleasant state of mind,” Simmi explains. Imbalances arise from diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. “Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance through individualized protocols,” she adds.
Ayurveda approaches mental health through the lens of the three gunas: Sattva (purity), Rajas (action), and Tamas (inertia). “The goal is to cultivate a Sattvic mind,” Simmi says. Practices like meditation during Brahma Muhurta (the hour before sunrise) enhance mental clarity. “A Sattvic mind helps you handle daily stresses effectively,” she notes. Diet and lifestyle also play a crucial role in maintaining mental balance.
Simmi’s consultations are thorough, involving Ayurvedic assessments of the tongue, pulse, nails, and eyes, alongside modern medical reports. “The key is to identify the imbalanced dosha (Vikriti) and assess digestive strength (Agni),” she explains. Weak digestion leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxins), which can cause various health issues. “For mild imbalances, dietary changes and spices may suffice. For severe Ama, Panchakarma is recommended,” she says.
Simmi advocates for an integrated approach, especially for chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases. “Modern medicine excels in emergencies and diagnostics, but Ayurveda can manage chronic conditions effectively,” she says. For autoimmune diseases, Panchakarma helps remove toxins and reduce inflammation. For Alzheimer’s, herbs like Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, and Lehsunadikritam show promise. “Research is increasingly validating Ayurvedic protocols,” she adds.
Ayurveda is gaining acceptance in Western countries, particularly in Europe. “Germany’s Rosenberg Academy collaborates with Indian Ayurvedic institutions, conducting groundbreaking research on conditions like Parkinson’s,” Simmi notes. In the U.S., Ayurveda is often misunderstood as a mere diet and lifestyle tool. “There’s more to it than just identifying body types,” she emphasizes. The emerging field of Ayurgenomics, which studies how Ayurvedic protocols influence gene expression, is particularly exciting. “Research shows how Ayurvedic herbs can silence genes responsible for conditions like asthma,” she explains.
Publishing Ayurvedic research in mainstream scientific journals remains challenging. “Pure Ayurveda studies often appear in Ayurveda-specific journals. For mainstream journals, collaborations and review articles are more acceptable,” Simmi says. The individualized nature of Ayurveda makes randomized controlled trials difficult, but she remains optimistic. “As more research emerges, acceptance will grow,” she believes.
Simmi often encounters misconceptions about Ayurveda being pseudoscience. “Initially, I used to get worked up, but now I take it in stride,” she says. For skeptics, she provides scientific evidence and research articles. “When people are ready, they’ll come to Ayurveda,” she adds.
For those looking to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into their lives, Simmi recommends starting with the Ayurvedic circadian rhythm. “From 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., Kapha energy dominates, so counteract it with exercise and warm food,” she advises. Eating according to one’s dosha, strengthening Agni with spices, and following a daily routine (Dinacharya) are key. “Add homemade buttermilk for probiotics and practice meditation to strengthen Sattva,” she concludes.
Simmi’s journey and practice exemplify the harmonious integration of ancient wisdom and modern science, offering a holistic path to health and well-being. As Ayurveda continues to gain recognition, practitioners like her are paving the way for a deeper understanding and acceptance of this timeless healing system.
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