Nancy Raffa Ayurveda
Biography
Our Founder-Nancy Raffa
Nancy Raffa C.A.D.L.P. ( Certified Ayurvedic Doctor Level Practitioner; B.S. Psy): A Journey of Healing and Artistry
Nancy Raffa is a Certified Ayurvedic Doctor Level Clinical Practitioner ( C.A.D.L.P.) who has graduated from the Level 3 – Advanced Ayurvedic Certification Program at the prestigious Kerala Ayurveda Academy, USA.- ‘Class of 2021’ Her training was guided by esteemed mentors, including Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath (CEO and Chief Ayurveda Consultant of Kerala Ayurveda USA, and Former President of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association), Dr. Princy Prasad (BAMS, MS (AYU), PhD (AYU)), Dr. Sheena Sooraj (BAMS), and Dr. Kamya Pillai (BAMS). She further expanded her knowledge through courses and seminars with Dr. Vasant Lad, a pioneer in Ayurveda.
In 2020, Nancy founded Healing Heart Ayurveda, a holistic practice dedicated to helping clients achieve physical and mental well-being through the principles of Ayurveda. She specializes in addressing a range of concerns, including anxiety, thyroid dysfunction, metabolic imbalances, post-COVID-19 symptoms, sports injuries, post-cancer treatment support, and female reproductive health.
Nancy’s approach begins with a comprehensive Ayurvedic assessment, which forms a detailed case study used to educate her rogis (clients) and serves as the foundation for personalized treatment plans, functioning as teaching modules to help clients understand the Ayurvedic principles behind balancing the conditions presented during the consultation. These plans integrate dietary guidance, herbal remedies, Keralan bodywork, counseling, yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Her practice is imbued with deep empathy, care, and compassion, undrescored by her profound expertise in Ayurvedic traditions.
Nancy’s Ayurvedic education paralleled the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) curriculum offered in India, excluding surgery, with over 8,000 hours of coursework and 1,000 hours of clinical internship. She advanced her clinical expertise through a series of internships totaling 500 hours at The Health Village in Kerala, India and completed an apprenticeship under Dr. Amritha T.T., with guidance from Dr. J.V. Hebbar, founder of Easy Ayurveda at the Sharadha Hospital in Mangalore. These immersive experiences provided her with hands-on training in internal medicine (Kaya Chikitsa), Panchakarma treatments, Ayurvedic pharmacology, Marma therapy, Pulse Diagnosis, Ayurvedic Psychology and the study of foundational texts such as the Ashtanga Hridayam, Charaka Samhita, and Sushruta Samhita.
Her advanced studies at Kerala Ayurveda Academy followed a comprehensive progression, from foundational Ayurvedic philosophy to disease management, pharmacology, gynecology, and prenatal/postnatal care. Nancy also undertook a clinical research study for her doctoral dissertation, titled “Exploring the Efficacy of Ayurvedic Interventions in Mitigating Pre-Performance Anxiety in Professional Ballet Dancers.” This research exemplifies her innovative integration of Ayurveda into her former career in ballet.
A Legacy in Ballet
Before pursuing Ayurveda, Nancy was an internationally celebrated ballet artist. At 16, she became the youngest and first American female to win the Gold Medal at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne International Ballet Competition in 1980. A former principal dancer, she performed with leading ballet companies worldwide and later became Director of Repertoire and Rehearsal Director at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City. Her expertise was instrumental in staging iconic productions by renowned choreographers such as Twyla Tharp and Alexei Ratmansky.
Nancy’s lifelong interest in Yoga began at the age of 10 when she studied privately with Juliu Horvath, the founder of Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Methods. As an instructor, she integrated Hatha Yoga into her teaching at the Miami City Ballet School and ABT’s Summer Intensive programs. She is currently pursuing a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification at the Yogamu Institute in Rishikesh, India, further enriching her integrative approach to health and wellness.
Commitment to Community and Spiritual Growth
Nancy’s time in India has included significant community outreach. During her Kerala internship, she provided free Ayurvedic treatments in rural communities and independently partnered with local organizations to distribute food, clothing, and medicines to underserved populations. These charitable efforts underscore her commitment to holistic wellness and the transformative power of community care.
Nancy’s spiritual journey is at the heart of both her personal and professional life. In 2000, she was initiated into Kriya Raja Yoga Meditation by her revered Satguru, Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri, who has been her spiritual mentor, teacher, and guiding light for the past 25 years. His profound influence shapes her ongoing spiritual study and practice, which deeply informs her Ayurvedic work and serves as the cornerstone of her life’s path. Nancy plans to return to India to further her Ayurvedic studies, contribute to community outreach projects, and deepen her spiritual journey under the continued inspiration of her Satguru.
A Holistic Vision for the Future
Complementing her Ayurvedic training, Nancy earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Saint Thomas University in Miami. This academic foundation, combined with her expertise in Ayurveda, allows her to offer an integrative approach to health and wellness, addressing both the mind and body.
Nancy’s unique path—combining Ayurveda, psychology, yoga, and a celebrated ballet career—has made her an inspiring figure in holistic health. With an unwavering commitment to learning and a compassionate approach to care, she continues to guide others toward healing and balance while drawing from the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and her rich professional experience.