Dr Yashoda Manickchund, a 43-year-old former paediatric surgeon, has transitioned from saving lives abroad with Doctors Without Borders to exploring spiritual traditions in the communities she once cared for. Her work took her to Pakistan, Libya, and Ethiopia, where she witnessed the devastating effects of conflict and poverty. Manickchund's experience with Doctors Without Borders began after she saw the devastation caused by the Haiti earthquake in 2010. This exposure inspired her to join the organization and make a difference in the lives of others.
Manickchund established Yashoda Yatra in 2025, offering energy medicine consultations, spiritual guidance, and research collaborations. Her business combines her medical background with her growing interest in spirituality. She uses a Bio-Well scan, a device that measures a client's energy and emotional state, providing a report based on the readings. This approach allows her to assess her clients' physical and emotional wellbeing, identifying areas that require attention.
Manickchund's journey into spiritual healing began with her own experiences of burnout and a desire to reconnect with her spiritual side. She spent time in nature, which she credits with helping her come back to herself. Her approach to healing is rooted in her upbringing, which emphasized the importance of service to humanity. Manickchund's father, a doctor, had initially encouraged her to pursue a career in surgery, and she studied medicine at the University of Cape Town.
At her farm in Gonubie, Manickchund offers consultations that begin with an interview about a client's physical and emotional wellbeing. She then uses the Bio-Well scan to gather more information, discussing the results with her clients. In addition to energy medicine consultations, Manickchund provides online spiritual guidance, offering one-to-one conversations about clients' health, personal difficulties, and sense of purpose.
Manickchund's approach to spiritual healing is informed by her medical training and her experiences with Doctors Without Borders. She is committed to ongoing learning, trying out different modalities and assessing their effectiveness. Her goal is to provide holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of her clients. This approach reflects her growing interest in the intersection of medicine and spirituality.
In addition to her work with clients, Manickchund is also involved in community projects. She grows organic vegetables on her farm, donating produce to Guardians of Hope and providing vegetables for communities through local partners. This work allows her to make a positive impact on her community while also supporting her humanitarian mission.
Manickchund's decision to transition from paediatric surgery to spiritual healing reflects her commitment to ongoing growth and learning. Her experiences with Doctors Without Borders and her work as a surgeon have given her a unique perspective on the importance of holistic care. As she continues to develop her approach to energy medicine and spiritual guidance, Manickchund remains dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Key points
- Dr Yashoda Manickchund's transition from paediatric surgery to spiritual healing reflects her growing interest in the intersection of medicine and spirituality.
- Manickchund's approach to healing combines her medical background with her interest in energy medicine and spiritual guidance.
- Her business, Yashoda Yatra, offers a range of services, including energy medicine consultations, spiritual guidance, and research collaborations.
