For Dr. Sakshi Puranik, the journey into healthcare began with a simple ambition: to become a doctor. A BAMS graduate with a Post Graduate Diploma in Ayurvedic Cosmetology, her professional path has been shaped by a growing fascination with skin, hair and the ways in which health and lifestyle influence them. What began as personal curiosity during her undergraduate years eventually developed into a deeper exploration of Ayurvedic cosmetology, skin conditions, formulations and treatments.
Naturally focused and goal-driven, Dr. Sakshi is also someone who describes herself as shy and introverted. Yet, over the years, content creation has encouraged her to step beyond her comfort zone and communicate her knowledge with a wider audience. Today, her work spans clinical care, education and entrepreneurship, with each aspect reflecting her interest in making Ayurveda relevant to contemporary wellness.
The Making of Soma Wellness
Dr. Sakshi co-founded Soma Wellness with her mother, Shambhavi Puranik, with the intention of bringing outer care and inner wellbeing into one space. Dr. Sakshi oversees Ayurvedic skin, hair and lifestyle care alongside aesthetic treatments, while her mother contributes to the holistic side of the practice through Pranic Healing, Reiki, energy healing, hypnotherapy, NLP and tarot.
The philosophy behind Soma Wellness is rooted in the belief that wellbeing extends beyond appearance. Rather than viewing beauty as something purely external, the practice considers the connection between physical health, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing. This integrated approach allows clients to explore their concerns while also paying attention to the factors that may be influencing them from within.
An Individualised Approach to Ayurveda
For Dr. Sakshi, Ayurvedic care begins with understanding the individual rather than simply addressing a visible symptom. A skin or hair concern is considered alongside lifestyle, habits and other contributing factors before determining an appropriate approach. She combines Ayurvedic principles with a practical understanding of contemporary skincare and hair care, aiming to help people develop a better understanding of their own needs.
Her practice also challenges some common assumptions surrounding Ayurveda. Conditions such as acne, acne marks, melasma, pigmentation and lifestyle-related concerns including obesity are among the issues people seek guidance for. She emphasises that Ayurveda is not a one-size-fits-all system; recommendations need to be tailored to the individual and their overall health.
Another misconception she hopes to correct is the belief that everything natural is automatically safe. Natural ingredients can still cause irritation, allergies or adverse reactions when unsuitable or incorrectly used. For Dr. Sakshi, responsible Ayurvedic care therefore involves appropriate guidance, individual assessment and an understanding of how different ingredients and practices affect different people.
Making Ayurveda More Accessible
Dr. Sakshi’s interest in education extends beyond the clinic through her presence on Instagram, where she creates content around Ayurveda, skincare, hair care and wellness. She began creating content during her internship, initially as a way to spend her free time. What started casually soon became an opportunity to address the misconceptions surrounding Ayurveda and explain its principles in a way that feels relevant to everyday life.
Her content today focuses on education and on creating a bridge between traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and modern science. The process has also had a personal impact. Having been extremely reserved while growing up, speaking in front of a camera was initially far outside her comfort zone. Each video has become an opportunity to challenge herself, communicate more confidently and connect with people beyond the clinical setting.
The Role of Lifestyle in Wellbeing
While skincare products and treatments can have their place, Dr. Sakshi believes that lasting wellbeing also depends heavily on everyday habits. Poor sleep, irregular eating patterns, prolonged stress and neglect of overall health can eventually become visible through the skin and affect hair health as well.
Her approach does not call for complicated routines or perfection. Adequate sleep, nourishing food, regular physical activity, stress management and a sustainable daily routine can collectively make a significant difference. For her, consistency is more valuable than attempting to follow an elaborate regimen that is difficult to maintain.
Building Something Meaningful
The realisation of Soma Wellness has been one of the most rewarding milestones in Dr. Sakshi’s journey. Seeing an idea develop into a functioning space where people seek guidance, place their trust in the practice and return with their concerns has given the venture a deeper sense of purpose.
Outside work, her life is closely connected to the things that help her unwind. She regularly feeds and spends time with a group of stray dogs around her clinic and enjoys reading non-fiction, travelling and meeting friends. The beach remains another favourite retreat, with sunsets, the sound of waves and time in nature offering a welcome pause from a busy routine.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sakshi hopes to continue expanding her knowledge and developing new skills while building greater independence through her work. For Soma Wellness, her long-term vision is to grow the practice into a more comprehensive wellness centre without losing the personalised and approachable character that defines it today.
At the heart of that vision is trust. She hopes to create a space where people feel safe, heard and cared for while taking a more complete approach to their wellbeing. Her message to those exploring Ayurveda and wellness is equally grounded: rather than following every trend or constantly searching for the next product, people should take the time to understand their own bodies, skin and individual requirements. For Dr. Sakshi, informed attention to one’s health remains one of the most valuable investments a person can make.