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It’s Deeper Than Skin ®
It’s Deeper Than Skin ® is a compilation of interviews featuring diverse multicultural individuals each carrying unique aspirations and desires yet bound by a common passion to create a more joyful, diverse and inclusive space for us all. They inspire, empower and help transform the way we think and feel about beauty, culture, ancient traditions, diversity, mental health, societal standards and more. Through these multifaceted lenses, we learn to celebrate our uniqueness and are reminded once again that our beauty is deeper than skin.
Ayurveda was never new to Minakshi Mann - it lived in her family’s kitchen, echoed in her father’s gentle reminders, and shaped how she viewed food, health, and beauty long before she had the words for it. What began as her father’s sayings has now become the backbone of her clinical practice - a healing space born from a longing for refuge. Today, she helps clients rediscover health not through restriction, but through remembrance.
In this soulful interview, Minakshi shares her journey from a fast-paced career to founding The Ayurveda Nest (@theayurvedanest). Settle into a story of ancestral echoes, digestive wisdom, and reclaiming the care we were always given - but didn’t yet understand.
Hi Minakshi, it’s lovely to chat with you! Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I live in the heart of West London with my husband and our two wonderful children. As I approach my 50th birthday, I find myself reflecting on a life filled with growth, change, and discovery. After graduating with a top degree in Economics, I began my career in City Financial Recruitment. While the work was financially rewarding, I found it lacked deeper meaning and purpose.
Seeking more fulfilment, I transitioned into a role with a government-funded charity, supporting individuals facing disadvantage as they worked to rebuild their lives through employment. It was in this space that I discovered my true calling - helping people, especially those who are vulnerable.
But life, as it often does, brought its own set of challenges. Personal experiences of bereavement and trauma began to impact my well-being, both mentally and physically. In the midst of this struggle, I found myself searching for answers. It was Ayurveda that finally offered the healing and clarity I had been seeking.
For someone entirely new to Ayurveda, how would you describe it to them?
“Ayurveda" is a Sanskrit word that translates to "the science of life." It’s an ancient system of health and wellness that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to living in balance - physically, mentally, and emotionally. What’s truly fascinating is how detailed and practical its guidance is: it gives advice on diet, lifestyle, daily routines, and even seasonal living. One of its key principles is maintaining strong digestive health, which is considered the root of overall well-being. Despite being ancient, Ayurvedic wisdom feels incredibly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, offering timeless tools to stay balanced and healthy.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Ayurveda?
One of the biggest misconceptions about Ayurveda is that it’s only relevant to people of Indian origin. In reality, Ayurvedic principles are universal and can be applied to anyone, regardless of their background or culture. It's a system rooted in nature and balance - something we all can benefit from.
Another common myth is that Ayurveda always involves taking lots of herbs or supplements. In my clinical experience, I’ve seen people experience profound shifts in their health, simply by making thoughtful adjustments to their daily routines and diet. While herbs can play a supportive role, powerful changes often come from the basics - like using common kitchen spices and aligning meals with your body type and natural rhythms, and having a good sleep routine.
There’s also a stereotype that Ayurvedic eating means sticking to Indian food or eating kitchari all the time. That’s not the case at all. I work with clients from many different cultural backgrounds and help them integrate Ayurvedic principles into the foods they already enjoy. It’s all about making subtle, personalised shifts that support balance - not forcing a complete lifestyle overhaul.
Ayurveda isn’t about restriction or rigid rules - it’s about understanding yourself and making choices that support your unique nature.
Can you take us back to the beginning - what were your earliest memories of Ayurveda growing up?
My Dad, who is sadly no longer with us, was our 'Ayurveda Sounding Board.' Growing up, we constantly heard him say things like, "Don’t eat yet, your previous meal hasn’t been digested," or "Don’t drink that ice-cold water," or "I’ve overeaten this evening, so I’ll go easy on breakfast tomorrow." The list goes on...
He attributed every symptom we complained about to our digestion. Every imbalance we had was due to our imbalanced digestion or 'pait karab,' as he would say in Punjabi/Hindi. It became a running joke that even if our little finger was sore, Dad would blame our digestion. Poor Dad, we mocked him so much.
In hindsight, he clearly knew something we didn’t. This Ayurvedic wisdom was in his blood, though he never once used the word Ayurveda! These principles were deeply rooted in our ancestry. So, when asked when I discovered Ayurveda, I’d have to say it has been with my family for as long as my ancestors have existed.
Were there any unspoken or inherited Ayurvedic traditions passed down to you that you now carry into your work?
Yes, absolutely! One of the core principles passed down to me - especially from my Dad - was to always look after digestion. He believed almost every imbalance could be traced back to poor digestion, and now even modern science supports this through the gut-brain axis. This is something I pay close attention to in my clinic. In fact, gut health - or Agni in Ayurveda - is at the heart of my treatment plans.
He would always tell me: don’t nibble after meals. Once you’ve eaten, stop and let the food digest. He also emphasised the importance of eating on time and managing emotions, knowing how closely these are tied to our digestive health. These teachings have become second nature to me and are now things I actively embed into my clients’ routines as well.
How has your upbringing and cultural identity shaped the way you approach beauty, health, and self-care today?
I feel very fortunate to have been brought up with a non-conventional view of beauty, health, and self-care. In my family, beauty was always seen as a reflection of health and overall well-being. They always brought it back to diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. I’m incredibly grateful for that foundation. It’s something that has stayed with me to this day. So when I think about beauty and health now, my instinct is to look inward first. For me, true self-care starts from within.
What inspired you to start The Ayurveda Nest?
The Ayurveda Nest is a dream that emerged from a deep inner calling - a longing to create a space of refuge, healing, and transformation. Over the years, I’ve faced my own health challenges, moments when I longed for a safe haven to recalibrate and restore equilibrium.
Through those experiences, I discovered the profound wisdom of Ayurveda, and it changed everything. The Nest was born from that journey - a desire to offer others the sanctuary I once needed, where ancient healing meets heartfelt care.
Is there a story or moment from your journey with The Ayurveda Nest that has stayed with you? A transformation or a memory that reminds you why you do what you do?
My ‘why’ always stems back to the premature demise of my birth family. Anyone who has seen their loved ones suffer and go before their time will never be the same again. Life takes on a new perspective, and purpose becomes crystal clear - for me, that purpose is understanding why we get sick, always seeking the root cause. This mission is the foundation of The Ayurveda Nest. I remember one client who came in with chronic illness, disheartened and exhausted. Through the work we did together - addressing not just symptoms but the deeper imbalances - I saw a transformation not just in her health, but in her spirit. That moment reminded me exactly why I do what I do. That’s the power of healing from the root. That’s why The Ayurveda Nest exists.
Could you walk us through what a typical morning routine looks like for you?
I usually begin my mornings by waking up early and starting with emptying my bowels, brushing my teeth, and scraping my tongue. Some days, I also include oil pulling and nasya (nasal oiling), depending on what my body needs. I then slowly sip on some warm water to gently awaken my digestion.
Next, I go for a mindful morning walk, which helps set my circadian rhythm and connect with nature. My routine is flexible - some days I include abhyanga (self-massage with warm oil) or shiro-abhyanga (a calming warm oil head massage), usually twice a week, followed by a warm shower.
After that, I move into yoga, followed by breathwork and meditation to ground myself before the day begins. I really try to tune into what my body and mind need each morning and adjust accordingly.
What does your current skincare ritual look like?
My skincare ritual is very simple and intuitive. I'm fortunate to have balanced healthy skin, which I believe is largely thanks to my upbringing that emphasised the importance of digestive health and self-care. But it also can sometimes be a bit sensitive, so I approach it with care. In the mornings, I cleanse with a gentle, natural cleanser - or sometimes just fresh water - depending on how my skin feels. I follow this with a spritz of organic rose water and then apply 100% pure Rosehip oil, which my skin loves.
In the evenings, I cleanse more thoroughly to remove any buildup from the day - dirt, grime, or makeup. At the moment, I don't moisturise before bed, as I like to let my skin breathe overnight.
However, as I approach 50 and begin transitioning into the Vata stage of life, I’m becoming more aware of my skin’s evolving needs. Vata is governed by the air and space elements, which are light, dry, and cold in nature - qualities that can manifest in the skin as dryness, roughness, and increased sensitivity. To help balance these qualities, I may begin incorporating a nourishing nighttime oil or gentle moisturiser to support hydration and maintain softness and elasticity. Let’s see where it leads...
As someone deeply rooted in South Asian traditions, what are your hopes for the next generation in reclaiming and preserving ancestral practices like Ayurveda?
I really hope the next generation recognises Ayurveda for the profound system of wisdom it truly is - not just as a trend or a quick-fix solution. It’s more than the latest super herb or health craze. Even something as simple and powerful as practicing Dinacharya (daily routine), as outlined in the ancient texts, can help prevent a wide range of diseases and imbalances. My hope is that people begin to realise how much control they already have over their well-being. Modern science is only beginning to validate what Ayurveda has known for centuries. This isn’t just a passing wellness trend; it’s a system validated by centuries of observation and practice.
And some rapid-fire questions:
What song is currently on repeat?
Ooh, this is such a tough one - I absolutely love music!
I must say anything by Jahnavi Harrison – she helps me stay rooted.
Your skin in one word:
Balanced.
A mantra that holds you:
“All things are impermanent”. This helps me put everything into perspective.
Finish the sentence: I feel beautiful when…
I am in tune with my inner wisdom.
