Sarita Solvig Blankenburg is a Ayurvedic medical practitioner and yoga therapist, she’s a woman who is always upbeat and smiling.
What is Ayurvedic medicine and Yoga therapy?
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic medical systems, originating in India over 5,000 years ago. It focuses on understanding a person’s unique constitution (dosha) and restoring balance through nutrition, lifestyle, herbal medicine, body therapies and cleansing practices. Yoga therapy complements this beautifully by using movement, breath and mindfulness to support physical health, emotional wellbeing and nervous system balance. Together they offer a deeply personalised and preventative approach to health.
Are people more open to this these days?
Most definitely. More and more people are discovering Ayurveda and becoming curious about their doshas and lifestyle patterns. Word of mouth and the educational events I host throughout the year such as cooking classes, day retreats and workshops, often spark that interest. New Zealand’s large Indian population has also contributed to my growing clientele, as many people grew up with Ayurveda and already understand its healing benefits.
What nationality are you?
My passport name is actually Solvig Blankenburg. Solvig is Norwegian and means “on the way to the sun”. Sarita is my spiritual name, given to me by my yoga guru in India when I completed my yoga teacher training. Sarita means “flowing river” in Sanskrit. It gets a little confusing when I travel back to Germany where everyone knows me as Solvig, while in New Zealand I’m known as Sarita - but I love both names.
The best thing about where live?
I live in Freemans Bay with my husband, two kids and our two-year-old border collie. Being so close to Ponsonby Road, I love walking locally, eating and shopping nearby, and bumping into people for spontaneous chats, it gives me a real sense of belonging. The variety of yoga studios and health cafés is a bonus.
Have you ever met a celebrity?
Martin Henderson - talented, grounded and genuinely kind. We once bumped into him at Baduzzi, and when my daughter asked for a photo he ended up having a long chat with us. The photo is adorable and the experience unforgettable.
See yourself in ten years where?
Running my Ayurvedic clinic in Ponsonby, with regular trips to Europe and India to stay connected with family and continue deepening my Ayurvedic training.
If they made a movie about your life, who would play you?
Julia Roberts. Eat, Pray, Love came surprisingly close to my own journey and she played it beautifully.
What project are you most looking forward to?
Writing a book about my life. Growing up in East Germany was unique, and my journey from corporate life into Ayurveda has been deeply transformative. I hope it might inspire others.
How would you like to be remembered?
As an adventurous nature lover, passionate about Ayurveda and helping people live healthier, happier lives.
What do you love most about your age?
The wisdom, confidence and perspective.
Which item do you wish would come back into fashion?
Neon colours from the 80s - uplifting, bold and unapologetic.
What motivates you?
Seeing clients experience real, life-changing improvements after embracing ayurvedic principles. Those moments remind us why we do this work.
What’s inspired you recently?
Three weeks of professional training at an Ayurvedic hospital in Bangalore, where I deepened my understanding of Panchakarma. It inspired me to offer it in an authentic way at my clinic.
Your all time favorite movie?
The Lives of Others - a powerful and authentic portrayal of East German history that deeply resonated with my upbringing.
Advice for your teenage self?
Reach for the stars, try everything, and don’t fear failure - it’s the best teacher.
How do you chill out?
Paddleboarding on glassy water or walking my dog through Western Park.
One item of clothing you can’t live without?
Birkenstocks. Comfort always wins.
Most treasured possession?
My border collie, Tui. Gentle, loyal and always thrilled to see me.
Something very few people know about you?
I’m fluent in Russian, studied Mandarin in Hong Kong, and Sanskrit during my Ayurvedic training.
Favourite hero of fiction?
Millie Bobby Brown - fearless, talented and a great role model for young women.
Which talent would you most like to have?
A great singing voice. I still sing anyway - courage over talent!
Greatest indulgence?
Chocolate. Dark, minty, spicy - all of it.
Best thing your parents taught you?
To love nature, value community, and help others.
Travel light or heavy?
Heavy except when living on our boat, where minimalism feels perfect.
