The journey of wellness

AARTI SREENATH
With a background in clinical nutrition counselling and research at premier institutions such as Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Manvi Lohia embodies a passion for excellence in holistic health, research and analysis. Her diverse educational and professional background has been the cornerstone of her multifaceted career.
Manvi’s journey began with an Associate in Science in Baking and Pastry and Culinary Arts. She honed her skills as a culinary and pastry chef at Gaggan in Thailand and at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Her culinary expertise seamlessly transitioned into the realm of nutrition and dietetics, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and worked in various disciplines, including cardiac and oncology, at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Hospital for 1.5 years.
Her career further blossomed at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, where she worked as a registered dietitian with the Dean Ornish Cardiac Rehab Center. Most recently, she concluded her tenure as a lead researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, focusing on diabetes and genetics. Her work in these prestigious institutions has brought her significant acclaim, particularly for her contributions to assisting individuals with diabetes and cardiac conditions.
Beyond her professional achievements, Manvi’s commitment to community service is evident in her efforts to train healthcare workers in Lesotho, South Africa, on COVID-19 protocols and safety techniques. Her holistic approach to health and wellness is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and philosophies.
“I used to work for four jobs at Harvard, totaling nineteen hundred and two hundred hours a week. I recall things becoming really out of control. However, my mother instilled in me mindfulness at a very young age, which proved to be useful. ‘Education and mindfulness are the two things that nobody can take from you,’ she reportedly said to me. Her ideology has sustained with me throughout! Today, I keep a thankfulness book, which helps me feel even more appreciative of my life.”
Her wellness retreat, Ekaanta, was born from a desire to help people find peace amidst the chaos of modern life. The retreat emphasises mind-body harmony and regeneration, incorporating Ayurveda and nutritional science.
“I selected every wellness program. My sister and mother fervently wished for everyone to be instilled with the concept of mindfulness in their lives. Then, how did it begin? With the assistance of spiritual masters’ sessions! The last Zen master who assisted me in curating this was Shantum Seth. I even made the same inquiry as psychology academics to receive the correct answers and avoid making mistakes when it comes to ‘wellness.’ The wellness retreat featured master teachers of mindfulness who were visiting from overseas. These workshops were conducted across India.”
Manvi’s approach to wellness is not just about physical health but also about mental and emotional well-being. She incorporates mindfulness exercises into wellness programs, such as creating mindful art, reading sessions to stimulate the mind and cooking healthier versions of traditional recipes.
“For instance, Kheer, Millet upma, or Makhana chaat. I prefer to have a fairly ‘satvik’ meal with some regional fare.”
Her appreciation for mindfulness and spirituality is evident in her creation of an appreciation diary, developed with Shantum Seth and Professor Christopher.
“It is due in thirty days, and believe me when I say that it has transformed the lives of several people, including major corporates in our nation. IBS affects a large number of my clients! Your ‘mental health,’ which none of us are aware of, is one of the main contributing factors. Specifically, I’ll mention stress! Being a specialist in gut health and a qualified dietician, I frequently hear from patients in the US and in India that mujhe bloating hori hai (I’m having bloating). No one comprehends that their main cause is stress.
Her path was not without challenges. She faced numerous rejections before finding her place at Harvard.
“The greatest joke of my life was being rejected by every single organisation after applying to nearly a hundred jobs at once! Then, when I applied for a credit card in America as a new immigrant, I was turned down as well. Even now, my buddies still make fun of it. ‘Manvi, how can a credit card business reject you?’ Eventually, I was accepted to Harvard! After all, those rejections were predetermined because I was supposed to attend Harvard. That’s my awareness communicating with me. I felt a lot stronger after all of these rejections.”
Manvi’s vision for Ekaanta is to offer more than just a respite from daily life; it aims to provide a spiritual and holistic experience deeply connected to traditional Ayurvedic practices and modern science.
“People with illnesses are taken care of at my wellness retreat. Someone approaching Ekaanta only to hang out doesn’t impress me! We are concentrating on mind-body harmony and regeneration. I have included Ayurveda in all the plans, supported by nutritional science. Let me inform you, if you are going here, that this place is all about medicine centered on prevention. Many who visit spa resorts are merely seeking a respite from their daily lives. There is no shaanthi there; therefore, they wish to take a staycation.”
Her approach to wellness is also deeply personal and inspired by her family’s values.
“My mother took me there for my eighteenth birthday. I was ecstatic because I didn’t realise that the true meaning of luxury was found in the combination of modern science and age-old knowledge until I constructed my own healing retreat. Even though my family has been wealthy for many generations, we have always been subject to restrictions. Show-offing was strictly forbidden. That explains the retreat’s incorporation of minimalism! Many of the stones are repurposed. Nothing has changed with the marble flooring as a whole.”
Her dedication to wellness and mindfulness extends beyond her professional work, influencing her personal life and philosophy.
“I think that a sense of contentment exists. I don’t make an effort to be upbeat. In general, I have a lot of optimism about life. I have a deep spiritual background. I am not making any religious allusions here. I, therefore, don’t experience too much agony.”
Manvi’s wellness retreat integrates a rich spiritual ambiance, inspired by the presence of three generations of saints who once resided there. The retreat’s minimalist design, influenced by Japanese capsule hotels, maintains the essence of the saints’ kutirs, where they practiced “tap”. The natural surroundings and the historical significance of the location enhance the holistic experience.
“The Ganga river adds another level of spirituality to my wellness retreat, which is why I wanted to include it. Murals also aid in the understanding of Bhagirathi’s tale. I held on to the saints’ vibes from when they were residing here. That’s the reason I didn’t go into detail. As we keep aware, it gives you a very boutique and vintage vibe.”
Manvi’s dedication to integrating traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern wellness programs is evident in her offerings at Ekaanta. She emphasises the importance of nutrition, incorporating local and traditional ingredients like millets and jaggery into the retreat’s cuisine.
“When discussing wellbeing, the topic of nutrition is equally crucial. I think it’s fascinating how ‘ragi’ is included in our regular meals. Jaggery is what I use in place of sugar. I adore introducing Millets to new people! All of this was initially visible to me at 1440 Multiversity in California.”
As Manvi continues to inspire others through her work at Ekaanta, her dedication to promoting mindfulness and well-being serves as a ray of hope for those seeking to find peace and harmony in their lives. Her blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary knowledge not only addresses physical ailments but also nurtures mental and emotional health, offering a comprehensive approach to wellness. Through her innovative retreat and mindful living practices, Manvi Lohia is paving the way for a healthier, more mindful world.