Ayurveda – my path, my passion, my calling. An Interview with Dr. Dhananji
Ayurveda – my path, my passion, my calling
An Interview with Dr. Dhananji
Ayurveda has been an inseparable part of my life, not just as a medical system but as a path, a philosophy, and a deep spiritual calling. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I am often asked why this ancient system of healing—rooted in over 5,000 years of tradition—is still so relevant today. And to me, the answer is clear: everything in existence is governed by the eternal laws of Mother Nature.
All living beings on this planet are born, live, and return to the earth through the mechanism of nature. Despite centuries of technological advances, cultural shifts, and environmental changes, the core principles that govern life have remained unchanged. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, from the warmth of the sun to the healing herbs that grow around us—every element is gifted by nature for our sustenance. Ayurveda is built upon these principles. It is a timeless science that reflects the wisdom of living in harmony with nature’s rhythm.
The word “Ayurveda” means “science of life.” It was introduced to humanity by ancient yogis and sages who, through deep meditation and spiritual insight, were able to access and record profound knowledge about the body, mind, and the healing power of plants. This sacred wisdom was preserved on palm leaf manuscripts and passed down through generations of devoted scholars. Its continued practice offered exceptional results, proving its effectiveness. Today, Ayurveda remains recognized and respected worldwide for its depth and holistic approach.
My Personal Path to Ayurveda
My connection to Ayurveda goes back to my roots. My grandfather on my father’s side was an Ayurvedic healer, though I never had the chance to meet him. After his passing, his two younger brothers continued his healing legacy, serving our village with devotion and wisdom passed down to them.
As a child, I was more inclined toward Western medicine. I believed strongly in its scientific approach and pursued studies to become a Western medical doctor. However, my life took a transformative turn when I met my husband, Dr. Kushan Harsha Pathirana. His mother, Dr. Chandramali Senanayake, is a renowned Ayurvedic doctor in Galle, southern Sri Lanka. Living closely with her and witnessing her practice opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of healing.
I saw how her patients thrived—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The harmony, respect for nature, and profound understanding of the human body and mind that Ayurveda offered felt entirely different from what I had learned in my Western medical training. This experience awakened something in me. I gradually shifted paths, devoting my life fully to the practice and philosophy of Ayurveda. Its strong foundations, logical principles, and practical wisdom spoke to my soul. I knew I had found my true calling.
What Makes Ayurveda Unique
Ayurveda and conventional medicine both aim to heal, but they do so from fundamentally different perspectives. Conventional medicine often focuses on symptom relief, targeting specific issues quickly—sometimes at the cost of side effects or overlooking deeper imbalances. Ayurveda, on the other hand, seeks the root cause of disease. It treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—not just isolated symptoms.
One of Ayurveda’s greatest strengths is its personalized approach. Even if two people suffer from the same condition, they might receive completely different treatments based on their unique constitution (Prakriti), lifestyle, digestion, and emotional state. This is something Western medicine rarely offers.
Ayurveda also emphasizes prevention through lifestyle, detoxification, proper diet, seasonal routines, and ethical living. It supports the body’s innate intelligence using natural methods: herbs, oils, yoga, meditation, and therapeutic rituals. While Ayurveda may not bring instant results, its healing is deep and long-lasting. I believe both systems—Ayurveda and Western medicine—have their place. They can beautifully complement one another when used thoughtfully.
Practicing Ayurveda in Poland
In my current practice in Poland, I often work with patients who are struggling with chronic illnesses and mental health challenges. Common issues include anxiety, depression, stress, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, and sleep disturbances.
Many people in today’s society are overwhelmed by emotional and physical stress, poor dietary habits, irregular routines, and insufficient rest. This creates a buildup of toxins—what we call “Ama” in Ayurveda—which is often the root of disease.
In recent years, I’ve also seen more patients dealing with burnout, emotional instability, and relationship issues. They are searching for more than just physical treatment—they long for balance, inner peace, and holistic healing. Ayurveda offers that through personalized detox programs like Panchakarma, mindful living, herbal therapy, and emotional support.
It has been beautiful to see how open people in Poland have become to this ancient science. Many are eager to take active roles in their healing—not just by taking medicine, but by transforming their habits, food choices, and mindset.
Understanding the Three Doshas
Ayurveda teaches that each person is governed by three bio-energies: Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water), and Kapha (earth & water). These doshas influence everything from digestion to mood. When in balance, they support health; when out of balance, disease arises.
Though these principles are deep and thoroughly explained in classical texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, the essence is simple: know your nature, and learn to keep it in balance. Health begins with self-awareness.
Ayurveda Beyond Diet
While diet is a major pillar of Ayurveda, it’s just one part of a larger system. Other equally important components include:
- Panchakarma – Detoxification
- Dina & Ritu Charya – Daily and seasonal routines
- Ahara Vidhi – Eating according to your body type and digestive fire (Agni)
- Nidra – Quality sleep and mental rejuvenation
- Achar Rasayana – Positive behavior, patience, compassion
- Sad Vritta – Ethical discipline and emotional balance
- Rasayana Therapy – Rejuvenation for longevity and vitality
- Yoga & Meditation – For physical, mental, and spiritual harmony
My Ayurvedic Consultations
Each consultation is unique. I listen deeply to the patient’s life story. I assess their body type, digestion, pulse, mental state, and daily routines using ancient diagnostic tools. We speak not only about their illness but also about their life, emotions, and habits. From this understanding, I create a fully personalized treatment plan—including diet changes, herbs, daily rituals, and more.
Changes to Begin Your Journey
Over the years, I’ve noticed that many health issues stem from mental and emotional instability. Our modern surroundings can easily become toxic to the mind, leading to agitation, negativity, and eventually physical illness.
If would suggest three starting points for anyone wanting to live more in tune with themselves:
- Release excessive desires and attachments
- Manage anger and resentment
- Overcome delusion through awareness
These are the roots of many mental disturbances. Learning to observe and understand your emotional patterns is the beginning of true healing.
Why I Do What I Do
My journey to becoming an Ayurvedic doctor has not been easy. It came with sacrifices that many may never see. But to me, Ayurveda is more than a profession—it is my path, my passion, and my soul’s mission.
Each patient I meet receives my full heart and energy. I treat them not just as cases, but as complete human beings, with their own stories, hopes, and pain. My greatest joy comes when I see real transformation—when someone tells me, “I feel like I have returned to myself.” That is the true power of Ayurveda.
How to Begin Your Path in Ayurveda
In today’s world, information is everywhere. But not all of it is true or pure. Due to commercialization, Ayurveda has sometimes lost its authenticity. So I always recommend: begin with self-awareness.
Observe your body, your energy, your emotions. Notice how your system reacts to food, stress, and seasons. This is the foundation. From there, seek knowledge from reliable sources, certified practitioners, and teachers who walk the path with integrity.
When you begin to connect the dots, you’ll see the true beauty and depth of Ayurveda—and how it can change your life.
Thank you, my beloved readers, for taking the time to walk with me through this journey. May you find balance, health, and harmony in your own path—guided always by the gentle wisdom of Mother Nature.
With love and gratitude,
Dr. Dhananji Nanayakkara
Comes from a traditional Ayurvedic family of physicians known as the “Kaikavala Gurukade Veda Parampara” in Sri Lanka.
Since 2013, she has been helping people improve and maintain their health. She offers daily consultations at Ceylon Ayurveda in Bielsko-Biała, where she passionately diagnoses and treats patients from across Europe. Her specialty is Panchakarma therapy.
She is also involved in education and the promotion of Ayurvedic knowledge through lectures and workshops. Patients appreciate her not only for her expertise and effectiveness but also for the warmth, empathy, and attentiveness she brings to every individual.
This interview was given for Hair M Club magazine.
