I have spent the last twenty years in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, treating kids from 5 to 105 years old for orthopedic issues. Truthfully, so many of my patients struggled with their healing journey that conventional medicine failed to address. I was frustrated with the limitations of short appointments, making it difficult to fully and holistically address my clients’ lingering pain, stress,
anxiety and frustration. This inspired me to use my own lifelong mindful practices to teach them how to cope with their medical issues. I found that many patients simply needed someone to really listen to their story and help guide them back to their personal goals of wellbeing. By using yoga, breathing practices and nutrition, I could teach my patients about their powerful mind-body connection. I chose a dedicated path of promoting wellness and “ease” from disease. I began using yoga therapy as a complement in my office visits to reduce pain from injections, and as preparation for surgery, or for recovery from injuries. I began to teach therapeutic yoga classes to help people with chronic pain, recover from and prevent overuse injuries, and manage stress, anxiety and depression. I sought out the most up-to-date scientific publications on yoga and meditation to find ground-breaking work that helped people recover faster, and change their lives. I studied with the nation’s top yoga therapists and doctors dedicated to helping the “whole person”. I founded Sandalwood Yoga with a mission to guide people on their healing journey. I provide the highest safety, in part from my medial experience as a Physician Assistant. As an ex-college athlete, I understand the mindset of the athlete and use both yoga and my medical background to offer the most comprehensive injury prevention and rehabilitation program for the body, mind and soul. As a yoga therapist, I use both ancient and modern tools to help people restore their health, revive their spirit, and renew their intentions to live life to its fullest. I’m a second-generation Indian American, born and raised in New Jersey. I learned yoga at home from my father who studied yoga extensively in India. I studied Indian Classical Ballet while playing competitive sports, growing up in a home that melded the best of both Indian and American cultures. My mother’s vegetarian and Ayurvedic background helped steer me through autoimmune issues by integrating natural foods as medicine. Raising me non-vegetarian and mostly gluten free, Mom taught me how much nutrition played a role in health and I extend this wisdom as well as my ongoing scientific studies to coach nutrition’s role in wellbeing. My work at Sandalwood is to promote wellbeing by creating programs for kids, young athletes and young adults to integrate mind with their body. This is the best way to protect them from past and potential injuries derailing life dreams. I believe in using natural self-cultivated techniques available anytime to help people with managing their difficulties. My students learn how to breath and practice simple cues to relieve stress off the yoga mat. Sandalwood originates from India has qualities that helps heals scars and wounds, relaxes the body and mind, improves mental clarity, reduces inflammation, anxiety, and stress. It is the inspiration for my intention to help my clients on their journey and for this brand, where medicine meets yoga therapy. Sandalwood Yoga is where I help you realize the best version of you.
