Ayurveda Connected: Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla
Today, ancient Ayurvedic traditions are increasingly becoming filtered out. With modern-day living conditions such as diet, work, money, and relationships becoming more of a chore rather than a way of life—we are becoming more separated from each other as a community. As a society, we focus more on the differences between one another rather than how we are connected. In the Ayurvedic community, however, we are all supported, connected, and similar in more ways than we think.
At Urban Ayurveda it is our mission to “Help people achieve sustainable well-being in today’s demanding world through the Ayurveda lifestyle by bridging traditional and modern Ayurvedic practices with minimal environmental impact.” To better connect with one another, we need to get the Ayurvedic conversation started.
Dr. Shekhar V. Annambhotla is a trained Ayurvedic Doctor, having earned his B.A.M.S. and M.D.-Ayurveda from two accredited universities in India. He has since become an accomplished Registered Ayurvedic Doctor, Licensed Integrative Massage Therapist, Panchakarma Specialist, Therapeutic Yoga Instructor, Pranic Healer, Reiki Healer, and Energy Healer. Dr. Shekhar is a former board member for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and is the current director and founder of AAPNA (Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America).
Dr. Shekhar took time to share with us his journey and knowledge involving Ayurvedic practices. We highlighted his wisdom and mission to help further expand Ayurvedic teachings and methods within our modern-day society.
Q: How Did Your Journey Lead You to Becoming an Ayurvedic Doctor?
“I joined Medical School at the age of 17 and continued my education in India for nine years studying for a Master’s degree. From there, I graduated with an M.D. in Ayurvedic Medicine and became an Ayurvedic doctor. Ayurveda is my passion. My intentions focus on how I can bring the knowledge of Ayurveda to different places. I have visited many places throughout the world, spreading the word of Ayurveda to many countries.
I am very passionate about Ayurveda; I do not feel as though I am working. I work long hours, seven days a week, but it does not feel like work. I always tell my students and colleagues, not to view the world of Ayurveda as a profession. People will respond to your level of work and reciprocate that feeling. We are purifying the body; we are healing ourselves without pharmaceuticals. I consider myself a student of Ayurveda; I am constantly learning and growing. We must be honest, keep our integrity, and stay humble.”
Q: You Are Involved with Many Ayurvedic Organizations – What is Your Mission With These Organizations?
“I am a founder of the AAPNA Organization (Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America) and my goal when I came to the United States was to see what I can do for the community. Ayurveda is not an Indian medicine; it is a world medicine, that anyone can learn and be involved in. Ayurveda helps to enhance health, relationships, and spirituality. It is not religion based; it is spiritually-based. It connects the mind, body, and spirit to improve people’s lives. It is to make people happy and enjoy life.
Ayurveda is all about improving the quality of life. When you are happy, you make the others around you happy. So I focus on helping others develop happiness within themselves. I started AAPNA to create a community. I am also involved with several organizations throughout India, NAMA, and other organizations throughout the United States, India, and many other countries. I am happy to be involved so that l can further spread the knowledge of Ayurveda throughout."
Q: You Have Traveled to Over 22 Countries – How Can Ayurvedic Practices Impact Communities Around the World?
“Ayurveda is not new to this world. Five elements comprise the universe—Earth, Wind, Fire, Air, and Space, and we use that as the basis to determine the needs for cultures throughout the world. We find a way to develop diets, lifestyle changes, and other Ayurvedic methods using the foundational characteristics of each country.
Ayurveda espouses the idea that ‘like-minded people gather together’, enjoying each other’s company and promoting happiness. It is not always a medicine; it is connecting a community of people together to promote wellness. The sky is the limit; we can continuously grow the knowledge of Ayurveda and expand the learnings and teachings to so many more individuals. I have taught over 80 medical doctors who were interested in studying Ayurveda throughout the world. They wanted to know ways to incorporate Ayurveda into mainstream medicine and medical schools.”
“It has to be a passion. When you are passionate about your work, and you do not feel tired or drained, people will respond to you.” --Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla
Q: Referencing the Urban Ayurveda mission, How Do You See the Ayurveda Lifestyle Impacting the Western Culture in the Near Future?
“We are all stressed out. Ayurveda can work with everyone. We all need to support each other to sustain a healthy form of living. Ayurveda is all about the sustainability of the environment and protecting nature. By being aware of Ayurvedic concepts and respecting and valuing nature and the environment in which we live, we can also promote the Ayurvedic lifestyle."
Q: Do You Believe the Covid-19 Pandemic Influenced a Growth in Ayurvedic Practices? Why or Why Not?
“Ayurvedic practitioners should always respect the medical professionals. The same goes for the clients as well. I tell my clients all the time that they must respect the advice of the medical professionals. If there are significant concerns, that should be addressed with a medical specialist first. If there are lifestyle concerns or lifestyle changes need to be made, that is where Ayurveda comes in. We must respect the medical professionals always and value the various fields of medicine.
The effects of COVID-19 have affected many people. Especially those working as frontline workers, healthcare workers, and anyone in the medical field. The greatest importance is in improving the quality of life. For that, habits must change. Especially with COVID-19, we must focus on boosting our immune systems through healthy eating, lifestyle changes, and exercising. This will not fix the pandemic, but it can certainly help. Those who are health conscious and taking the correct measures to protect themselves should not worry.”
By following the principles of nature and connecting with yourself, you can boost your immune system. Stress and anxiety negatively affect our immune system, so learning how we can become more robust and self-reliant through Ayurveda can help in addition to the COVID-19 protocols.”
Q: What is the Best Way to Connect Clients Seeking Treatments to Various Ayurvedic Practitioners? What Can One Look for in an Ayurvedic Practitioner if it is Their First Time?
“For clients, I would suggest doing research. The internet is a great resource. Many Ayurvedic practitioners have websites, but those that do not are often affiliated with different organizations and associations, such as, AAPNA. As an organization, AAPNA looks at the educational background of each practitioner. Based on that information, we then put these practitioner’s credentials on our website as a resource for those seeking Ayurvedic treatments or connections.
Many people who study Ayurveda have additional resources such as educational opportunities, books, and other facilities to help current Ayurvedic students or clients interested in Ayurveda. In addition, various associations have provided these practitioners with benchmark guidelines and standard training credentials. Like an American doctor requiring training and education to practice in the United States, the same principles apply to Ayurveda. There must be standardized credentials with Ayurvedic practices”
It can be challenging for clients to determine which Ayurvedic practitioner is qualified. To resolve this, you must call them. Ask them about their education, what they studied, where they studied, and for how long. Background information is so important with any treatments, either for Ayurveda or medical professionals. If you have any doubts or concerns about a potential practitioner, always check with the organizations.”
Q: How Can We Make Ayurvedic Teachings More Accessible to Communities That Are Not Yet Aware of These Ayurvedic Practices?”
“We have to spread the word. We must each take a responsibility through incorporating an Ayurvedic lifestyle and teaching what we know. There is so much information about Ayurvedic methods to be learned and taught, such as breathing techniques, cooking, and wellness activities. If it impacts you, then you should share with the people around you. We must inspire each other and continue to grow through virtual opportunities, small workshops, and educational coursework and materials. The opportunities are endless, but we must start.”