SAUMIL MANEK: A JOURNEY OF HEALING, BIOHACKING, AND INNER MASTERY
A Story of Profound Transformation
COLETTE SCHNABEL
2024
Saumil Manek’s life story is one of profound transformation. His journey—from a chaotic youth marked by substance abuse to becoming a sought-after sound healer and breathwork coach—highlights the power of both ancient healing modalities and modern biohacking practices.
At just 16, Saumil began using drugs and alcohol, living through years of toxic relationships, including the most difficult one—with himself. Though he found financial success in finance and later in the jewelry business, by his late 30s, Saumil realized that material wealth wasn’t the answer. “At 220 pounds, I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin,” he reflects. It was during this time that he began exploring plant medicine, psilocybin, and Ayahuasca, and yoga soon followed, becoming the foundation for his healing journey.
The real transformation began when Saumil fully committed to sobriety at age 40, embracing wellness practices like yoga and sound healing. In 2017, he opened a yoga studio, introducing sound healing with singing bowls. Inspired by his eclectic musical background—including influences from Mötley Crüe, Rush, and EDM—Saumil developed a unique sound healing approach that resonated with his clients. “I didn’t want to sound like anyone else,” he explains. “I play from the heart, and that resonates with people.”
However, Saumil’s health journey didn’t end there. Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and a rare blood disorder, he turned to biohacking, incorporating practices like cold plunges, infrared therapy, and breathwork into his routine. These techniques drastically improved his health. “Biohacking made huge advancements in my health journey,” Saumil shares. “The cold plunges were a game-changer.”
Saumil Manek
Music is transformative
When the world went into lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, Saumil saw it as an opportunity to focus on himself. During this global crisis, he felt a deep calling to bring more love and healing to others. Hosting online Zoom sound healing sessions, he reached over 6,000 people in one session alone, showing the growing need for wellness and connection. Once restrictions eased, he opened the “Garage Mahal,” a space for yoga, somatic healing, and workshops. “During that time, I wasn’t even focused on biohacking yet,” he recalls. “I just wanted to help people feel better through ancient practices.”
But Saumil’s most significant creation may be the sound healing events he holds at Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern in Houston, a historic 85,000-square-foot underground space that once held 15 million gallons of water. These sold-out events, held three times a week, have attracted over 15,000 people. “Playing in that cave is magical,” Saumil says. “The sound resonates in ways that are impossible to replicate elsewhere.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Today, Saumil’s work extends beyond yoga studios. He leads corporate wellness programs for companies like BP and the Houston Texans, helping stressed executives find balance through sound healing and breathwork. “I’m so blessed to do what I do,” he says. “I’ve had people tell me that my sessions have changed their lives—that’s why I keep going.”
Saumil’s personal health practices, including cold plunges and breathwork, have also played a critical role in his healing journey. Despite his diagnoses, his dedication to biohacking has brought his health back into balance. He views these practices as essential tools for both personal healing and helping others. “Sound is one of the oldest healing modalities,” he explains. “When you combine it with biohacking techniques like cold exposure and breathwork, you can create profound shifts in both health and consciousness.”
Saumil Manek
Working with others
At nearly 50, Saumil reflects on the many lives he has lived and the lessons learned along the way. From his rock-bottom moments to his current role as a wellness leader, he’s emerged with a message of hope and resilience. “At the end of the day, it’s about loving yourself,” he says. “That’s where true healing begins.”