Ayda Koc

Ayda Koc was not a natural born yogi and healer. The former model and dancer became a hardcore fitness enthusiast while working in corporate marketing for luxury brands, taking class after class in addition to running every day. 

Like many others, she took yoga classes in the gym, but didn’t feel a particular connection with them. After practicing yoga for six years in this way, Ayda experienced a personal and emotional breakdown, suffering from extreme asthma (that today she describes as “the tears of my soul”) which required a series of daily injections. 

The pain she was suffering saw Ayda seek treatment beyond the offices of a doctor and led her to start practicing yoga in a professional studio space, with a focus on breathing exercises. “What hooked me was the way I felt afterwards,” she explains of her newfound interest in yoga. 

As it turned out, the Brahmin in India had seen something in Ayda that needed to be guided out of her, feeling that she had potential to help and heal many people through her openness and willingness to share her personal journey. 

Five years of intense yoga training and tantric healing in India followed, setting Ayda on a life changing course which included 18 months Anusara inspired teacher training in Germany. 

She didn’t stop there, following her deep desire to complement her yoga teacher trainings with studies in psychology, wellbeing and therapy. She spent almost two years receiving from three Brazil shamans before being called to bring the ground-breaking therapy of shamanism to the western world. 

She completed further qualifications in psychology and wellbeing and is today a revered therapist, shaman, naturopath and transformational coach. Her healing abilities are sought out by clients from across the globe. 

YOGAYDA is about connection, with yourself, with others and to the heart. It’s about connecting with your light and darkness. Drawing on her personal experiences with pain and her desire to help clients reach their full potential in life.

What does Yoga mean to you?

Yoga means for me, respecting what is and creating day-by-day, joyfull and blissful life. Connecting my body, mind and soul.

Favourite yoga position?

Backbends and Hip Openers.

Favourite meal or snack?

Lentil, Glutenfree, Pasta with all sorts of sauces.

Favourite Inspirational quote or saying?

"Actions speak louder than words!"

Who is your greatest influence?

Sadhguru, Guruji Mohan and my inner master.

If you were stuck on a desert island which three items would you take?

Water, Lighter and my family.