The Yogaveda Story

This is how it all started

In 2008, while attending an international Yoga & Ayurveda conference in Rishikesh (India), Nikki and Leah had a vision to bring the complimentary systems of Yoga and Ayurveda together into a holistic health venture. The two traditions with their common vedic roots have a long intertwined history as complimentary healing systems. It became evident along our learning journey in the practice of Yoga and Ayurveda, that they were not two healing systems but one, and that one can not be practised optimally without the other.

Their modest beginnings in Nikki’s lounge room prepared the groundwork for turning this vision into reality.

Initially, Yogaveda started working from ‘Yoga On George’ in George Street East Fremantle, where Nikki taught yoga classes and Leah created a treatment space in the back room. They practised there from mid-2008 to mid-2010.

In September 2010, Yogaveda set up its own Yoga premises in Wray Avenue, Fremantle, and Leah established a dedicated Ayurvedic treatment studio in Beaconsfield. Although at different locations, Leah and Nikki were still operating together as Yogaveda. They began to develop a product range and to retail yoga equipment.

In December 2011, they organised and took their first group of 12 people on a Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness Retreat to Rishikesh, India. Their aim was for participants to take time out to experience daily yoga and learn healthy lifestyle routines to bring balance into their lives. They have continued to run these retreats every year and enjoy sharing this experience in the beautiful Himalayas with others.

In June 2015, Yogaveda moved the yoga studio to its current location at Unit 3, 1 Emplacement Crescent, Hamilton Hill. After extensive renovations, it has been transformed into a lovely light and peaceful space with views of the ocean.

Yogaveda has grown and developed over the years and now has a great team of yoga teachers with a broad range of experience and yoga knowledge. We offer a full timetable with daily classes and a variety of teaching styles to suit all levels.

The Ayurvedic studio offers an extensive range of Ayurvedic treatments including Ayurvedic Acupuncture and is in a peaceful garden setting.

Through the complimentary practices of Yoga and Ayurveda, the team at Yogaveda offer a caring and compassionate approach in your journey to radiant health.

Leah & Nikki at Yoga retreat in Rishikesh, India
Doing Yoga at the Tuscan Villa.
Doing yoga at the Tuscan Villa
Nikki and Leah on retreat in Tuscany, Italy.
Nikki and Leah on retreat in Tuscany, Italy

About Us

Nikki Leaf

Yoga Teacher & Ayurveda Practitioner

Leah Albrecht

Ayurveda Practitioner

Our Mentor - Dr. Rajen Cooppan

Dr. Rajen Cooppan

Dr. Rajen Cooppan is Nikki and Leah’s mentor in Ayurvedic medicine

In 1999 Dr Rajen Cooppan held a lecture on Ayurveda at Murdoch University. His warmth and passion for Ayurveda inspired Nikki and Leah, who went on to undertake his Foundation Training in Clinical Ayurveda (F.T.C.A) studies the following year.

Dr Cooppan (M.B., Ch.B, M.D., Dip. Ayu.) is a medical doctor, who following his medical training in clinical medicine and medical research, went on to specialise in Ayurvedic medicine. He is the medical director of the centre for Mind-Body Health in South Africa and founding president of the South African Ayurvedic Medical Association. He developed and taught the training course in Ayurvedic medicine for allopathic doctors in South Africa and Australia.

Dr Cooppan’s simple and practical approach to Ayurveda, coupled with his extensive medical knowledge was infused with the essence of love and compassion, that lies at the heart of this mode of healing.