Niika Quistgard, CAS

Dividing her time between East and West, Niika Quistgard is American by heritage, but proud to be an adopted child of India, too. A certified Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, Niika has 13 years experience practicing, teaching and writing on Ayurveda–yoga’s sister-science of healing, happiness and vital longevity.

“I’ve been fascinated with Eastern wisdom since childhood, and first came to live in India at age 19. Year after year, I continue to explore the treasures of Ayurveda, Siddha Vaidya and Yoga, and never cease to be amazed to find that the very clear concepts and natural technologies for living and healing–spelled out thousands of years ago by wise sages, healers and teachers–are so practically valuable for women today.”

Niika came to Kerala, India, for her own traditional healing in January 2006. It wasn’t long before she recognized that it was possible to realize her vision of opening a traditional residential Ayurvedic clinic that would allow all women a reconnection with self, Nature and the traditional technologies of sensory nourishment. In 2007, with the participation of her adopted Malayalee brother and business partner, Sanjeev ‘Sanju’ Kumar, she founded Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women.

Often consulted as an expert on Ayurveda, Niika is a frequent contributor to Yoga Journal Magazine, and a passionate, entertaining and practical presenter. Her multi-sensory and personally-revealing lectures, workshops, retreats and yoga teacher-training segments bring India’s ancient wisdom to life in places like Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, New Jersey prep and Danish animation schools, Pacific Gas & Electric in the mountains of Northern California,  yoga studios and womens’ conferences and gatherings, everywhere.

Niika often returns in the U.S. to spend time with her husband, and to teach Ayurveda to Western women who want to enjoy the practical benefits ancient Ayurveda offers us for living well in these times.