I am an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner with a private health practice on a beautiful 22-acre property in the countryside of Illinois. Nestled in my new home, my office provides a place for deep contemplation and serenity. From my window, I can see a small pond, running creek, and the land is adorned with tall prairie grasses, black walnut trees, and dotted with yellow wildflowers. Every day I am greeted by curious barn swallows, eagles, deer, and fox; they remind me of my responsibility to the land. This place takes care of me, and in return, I do my best to practice stewardship and honor this truly majestic land.
Here is where I serve my community and clients around the globe. I completed my training at the California College of Ayurveda (CCA), located in Nevada City, CA, one of the most highly respected Ayurvedic schools in the Western world.
Ayurveda came into my life unprescribed while I was in my early 20s, living in Beijing, China. It was several years still before I decided to take on the task of becoming a health practitioner, but during this time, what Ayurveda did for me, personally, was truly remarkable. It strengthened my body naturally, balanced my hormones, and increased my energy so that I could enjoy life to the fullest.
You see, I came into this world with a weakened immune system. As a result, I have suffered frequent colds, flu, viruses, and infections throughout my life and was often sick multiple times throughout the year. I never knew what it felt like to be strong and healthy. My resistance against environmental stressors was almost non-existent. When the seasons changed, I was unable to tolerate even the slightest changes to my daily routine.
Growing up in a small, Midwest farming town didn’t help matters. There was no easy access to holistic medicines or therapies as a means of healing from the inside out. The Western ‘allopathic’ way meant, in my experience, loads of antibiotics, hastily prescribed medications, and lots of ‘quick-fixes’ that only led to more side effects.
Ayurveda gave me back my life. Based on this experience, I felt compelled to share this experience with others, who could surely benefit from what I had learned.
Over my years of study and practice, Ayurveda taught me how to take my health back into my own hands. Ojas, which is a Sanskrit word for one’s vitality, has been strengthened in me. My hormones balanced, and my energy increased as my body’s natural balance was restored.
By applying Ayurvedic practices and rituals, we become more aware of our bodies, spirit, and environment, awakened through action and connected through our choices. My journey with Ayurveda is still unfolding, and it continues to bring health and wellness into my life. It is my hope and mission is that it does the same for you!
