There are so many health and wellness practitioners that we adore and simply not enough time to highlight each and every one of them; however, we knew that this summer, without further adieu, we must formally introduce you to Dr. Meghana Thanki. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dr. Thanki is a Naturopathic Doctor, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Yoga teacher, author of “The Ayurvedic Lens”, owner of Second Nature Clinic and mom to Veda and Ayura, 2 of the most darling kiddos that we ever did see. In short, Dr. Thanki is an absolute BOSS BABE! 

We were lucky enough to connect with Dr. Thanki in 2018. We felt immediately drawn to her once we learned about her incredible work in introducing individuals to the transformative modalities of both Naturopathic and Ayurvedic medicine. Her passion for Ayurveda and ingenuity in the field seamlessly bring this traditional healing modality to the modern world. We instantly resonated with this and continue to be inspired by Dr. Thanki’s work. 

Please enjoy this exclusive interview with Dr. Meghana Thanki!

PAAVANI: Hi, Dr. Thanki! Thank you so much for sitting down with us today so we can learn more about you and your important and inspiring work. We would like to start by asking you, when did you first hear about Ayurveda? When and where did you start your informal as well as formal studies in Ayurvedic medicine?

Dr. Thanki: I learned about Ayurveda during my Naturopathic program at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. I actually spent a summer at Bastyr and first was exposed to it prior to starting naturopathic school in Arizona.  We weren’t offered any proper training or classes during our program but there was a small Ayurvedic club. I knew it was a calling and once I finished my doctorate in naturopathy I wanted to go on and study Ayurveda as well as become a Yoga Teacher. I studied with Dr. Paul Dugliss in Michigan after graduating. That was my first formal training.

PAAVANI: When did you know that you wanted to be a Naturopathic Doctor? What connections do you find between naturopathic medicine and Ayurveda?

Dr. Thanki: I knew I wanted to become a Naturopathic Doctor after I took the MCAT and found out my heart was just not into allopathic medicine. I realized I wanted to become a physician but treat with naturopathic modalities. I grew up with meditation, yoga, and the use of spice and herbs in our food and with both my grandparents and parents being physicians I knew being a physician was my path. I remember googling ‘natural medicine physician’ or something of the sort and immediately found the concept of becoming a Naturopathic Physician. There are only 3-4 schools in the US and I applied to 3 of them and got into all of them and it was exactly what would fulfill my desire to become a physician. My naturopathic training gives me the necessary foundation to understand the human body and how healing occurs and yet I do have the training that a physician requires. Ayurveda is an entire lifestyle and science of healing that has its own diagnosis methods. I do offer other modalities in my practice that I have training from naturopathic school in and so it gives me a full variety of modalities to use.

PAAVANI: Can you please share the mission of Second Nature Clinic?

Dr. Thanki: The mission of Second Nature is to spread thousands of years of ancient wisdom to the community & beyond for the purpose of helping people achieve lifestyle mastery and healing. 

PAAVANI: We are proud and honored to sell your book, “The Ayurvedic Lens: Magnifying the Mysteries & Abundance of Life” on our website. We love that you share your personal story of how Ayurveda has transformed your life in the book. For people that have not read the book yet, could you share a little more about it and what inspired you to write it?

Dr. Thanki: The book is an educational memoir. It is an insight into my journey as well as those that have shaped my world and continue to.

PAAVANI: How does your family inspire your work? 

Dr. Thanki: Well, I have named both my kids Ayura & Veda which just shows my absolute devotion and dedication and love to spreading the message of Ayurvedic medicine. 

PAAVANI: Those are such beautiful names, Dr. Thanki and a wonderful homage to your devotion to Ayurveda! Are there any Ayurvedic rituals that you do with your children to support their health and wellness?

Dr. Thanki: Yes, we meditate together. I sat  vipassana meditation (a 10 day silent retreat) when both kids were in utero. I also have raised my kids with Ayurvedic principles of foods as well as daily abhyanga from the day they were born. 

PAAVANI: We know that you have tried a lot of different PAAVANI products and we are so grateful that you have! Do you have any PAAVANI essentials that you can’t live without?

Dr. Thanki: I can’t live without the abhyanga (Body) Oil, the Teas, and my absolute favorite the Ayurvedic Facial Serums. I don’t go one day for the past 5 years without using the serum on my face. 

PAAVANI: Those are some lovely PAAVANI essentials, Dr. Thanki! Do you have any words of wisdom for folks who are trying to integrate Ayurveda into their busy lives?

Dr. Thanki: Start with an initial consultation (in person at Second Nature Clinic or online with PAAVANI Ayurveda). You will learn so much right off the bat. I feel it is an eye-opener for almost every patient of mine!

PAAVANI: Can you share with us any special upcoming or ongoing events happening at Second Nature Clinic this summer?

Dr. Thanki: We are opening up our Yoga Studio this summer/ fall 2022 Bhogam Studio- A global movement and stillness studio. Second Nature itself continues to have a Happy hour every Thursday from 2:30-5 which includes discounts on IV’s, vitamin shots, our Ayurvedic Facial and DIY Dinacharya Bar, PAAVANI (dosha specific) Tea and so much more. We also have launched our Ayurvedic Royals Retreat which is a 2.5 hr retreat for you and your friends as an intro/sampler to all things Ayurveda. 

Here is a little more about the Ayurvedic Royal Retreat (which is such a treat!).

The Ayurvedic Royals: rituals for health & wellness

Embark on a journey of health and wellness as an Ayurvedic Royal!

This Ayurvedic sampling allows you to discover how to create and maintain balance in your world. The royal treatment includes the art of meditation, the importance of balancing your dosha, the key role of nutrition, and the six “tastes,” including how to prepare a hot pot meal. Your experience includes a mini herbal-infused balancing massage with touch to hands, head and feet and concludes with a shared meal. Treat yourself as an Ayurvedic Royal and achieve balance in your life.

PAAVANI: We want to thank you so much for sitting down with us today, Dr. Thanki. Wishing you and yours a very happy, cool, calm and collected pitta (summer) season!