Dr. Vasant Lad
Dr. Vasant Lad: A Top Ayurvedic Doctor in the USA
One of the most famous Ayurvedic doctors from India, Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, guides our treatments and programs at SoHum. With more than 40 years of professional and clinical experience, he trains his disciples—our team—in holistic healing.
Inspired by Dr. Vasant Lad’s teachings and care, our team brings expertise and unparalleled service to our guests.
From 10-Year-Old to Ayurvedic Physician
Born in India, Vasant Lad’s father woke early every morning for pranayama and meditation. Though Vasant Lad hoped his father would teach him the art, his father told him to wait to learn from his guru. When he was 10, Vasant Lad joined his father on a visit to hear his father’s guru speak. Enchanted by his teachings, Vasant Lad accepted the guru’s mantra for him:
“You will be a very good Ayurvedic student and teacher, and you will go abroad…
You will write books and you will teach people about Ayurveda.”
Vasant Lad felt the electricity of that moment. Years later, the guru’s mantra came to pass.
How the Best Ayurvedic Doctor in India Came to America
In the 1970s, a friend of Vasant Lad’s told him that Americans would love his lectures. Vasant Lad believed Americans to be too advanced scientifically to need his knowledge. However, his friend pushed back, arguing that Americans needed to hear what he was teaching.
Inspired by this friend, Dr. Lad – went to New York, then began traveling the country. He made friends and began teaching regularly and consulting with clients as an Ayurvedic physician. Though he was creating a life for himself, he was quite homesick, so he brought his family to live with him in America.
Because of factors like weather and travel, Vasant Lad moved his family to Albuquerque to establish The Ayurvedic Institute. His friend was right: Americans, no matter how advanced, needed the thousands-years-old wisdom of Ayurveda.
Dr. Lad’s Ayurveda Biography
Dr. Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, guides every practice at SoHum Healing Resort. From the ancient wisdom of our Ayurvedic treatments to our warm hospitality, the entire SoHum experience centers his teachings.
Vasant Lad’s career includes serving as Medical Director at the Ayurveda Hospital in Pune, India. Dr. Lad was also Professor of Clinical Medicine at Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine. He has a Bachelor’s of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAM&S) from the University of Pune. He also has a Master’s of Ayurvedic Science (MASc) degree from Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya.
Vasant Lad’s training includes the study of allopathy (Western medicine) and surgery. He established the first Ayurvedic school in the USA in 1984. Today, The Ayurvedic Institute trains Ayurvedic professionals in Asheville, NC. He is the author of 12 books, and his work has been translated into more than 20 languages.
The premiere authority on Ayurveda outside India, Dr. Lad is the best holistic healer in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
SoHum’s Additional Practitioners
Mitesh Raichada, CAP
Mitesh is the Executive Vice President of the Ayurvedic Institute. His passion for Ayurveda has blossomed in intensive clinical immersion programs with Vasant Lad in India. He also studied Indian Philosophy at the Tattvagyan Vidyapeeth in India and Jyotish with Hard deFouw. Mitesh also holds a Reiki Level I Certification.
Sneha Raichada, MPT, CAP, E-RYT 200
Sneha is the Dean of Education at the Ayurvedic Institute, developing the next generation of Ayurvedic Practitioners. Sneha also provides thoughtful care as an Ayurvedic Practitioner herself. She holds a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and extensive classroom and clinical studies under Dr. Vasant Lad in the US and India. Sneha is a Certified Yoga Teacher and holds a Reiki Level III Certification.
Vrinda Devani, MD, CAP, RYT
Vrinda also studied under Vasant Lad, learning Ayurveda from his teachings. Vrinda additionally studied Ayurvedic Women’s Health under Dr. Sarita Shrestha in Nepal. She is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, as well as a Certified Ayuryoga Instructor. Vrinda empowers women with a well-rounded, compassionate approach.
Nishita Shah, CAP, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
The Lead Yoga Instructor at the Ayurvedic Institute, Nishita studied Ayurveda under Vasant Lad. Following her education at the Ayurvedic Institute, Nishita now also supports clients with Panchakarma and AyurPrana.
Suhanee Chudasama, BSN, RN, CAP
Suhanee bridges ancient wisdom with clinical insight to listen compassionately and deeply to her clients at the Ayurvedic Institute. She studied classical Ayurveda with Vasant Lad in Albuquerque before deepening her healing journey through nursing. After nursing in high-acuity clinical settings, Suhanee became part of the Ayurvedic Institute and SoHum’s family.
Joane Wire, MEd, CAP, E-RYT 200
Joane studied classical Ayurveda under Vasant Lad at the Ayurvedic Institute. She is a Certified 200-Hour Ayuryoga Instructor, teaches at the Ayurvedic Institute, and guides clients through their Panchakarma journeys at SoHum.
How Dr. Vasant Lad Inspires SoHum Healing Resort
Our collective in the Blue Ridge Mountains is both guided and inspired by the teachings of Dr. Vasant Lad. Following his lead, we are committed to elevating consciousness and providing rest and healing to all who seek it.
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