Despite getting accepted into a medical school to study Ayurveda in India, Simmi Chopra chose to focus on molecular biology. Years later, when her daughter was diagnosed with a medical condition, Chopra went back to study Ayurveda.
Today Chopra’s approach combines both Western medicine and Ayurveda. Chopra published an article at Columbia University journal “Ayurveda: Controversies and the need for Integration with Mainstream medicine.”
As a mother of two and no support system in the US, Chopra said working, parenting and battling cancer have been challenging. She credits her strength to three things.
“We all go through ups and downs. So when we are down and when I was very down, especially during cancer, I was kind of alone in dealing with it,” explained Chopra. “ I have found so much peace in doing three things. One was meditation–that brought a lot of strength as well as pranayama, which is these breathing exercises, which really calm your mind. And then I listen to classical music, Indian classical music really calms me down.”
Chopra stays busy - practicing in New York City, making regular TV appearances as an Ayurvedic expert and holding workshops where she empowers people to take charge of their health.
