Belonging Matters

From the Director: Balance!

This past week’s wild weather reflects the quest for greater balance in our lives. Some days, balance is a breeze. On other days, balance is elusive. Whether navigating partnership, raising a family, and working, or nurturing mind, body, and spirit harmony, balance requires constant vigilance and fine-tuning because, well…the only constant is change. From time to time, structures that once supported balance may need to be reinforced, reinvented, or even retired.

For me, balance is best achieved when I patiently and lovingly ask myself two important questions, “What’s working?” and “What’s not working?” It’s amazing how taking a moment to answer these questions often lowers and deepens my breaths. Then, I can focus on identifying my needs. Even when those needs may not be able to be satisfied, the simple act of acknowledging them affords access to greater ease.

On March 17, daylight will last for over 12 hours for the first time since the end of last September! As the days grow longer and brighter, we explore how Ayurvedic traditions can support greater balance for ourselves and our clients. I hope the resources in this newsletter prove valuable to you as you continue to nurture balance in your daily life, too.

Seva Van Why

KCHA is excited to share our recent collaboration with West Michigan newcomer Seva. Extensively trained in the practices of massage, yoga, holistic midwifery, and as an Ayurveda counselor, chef, and educator, Seva brings to our community a wide breadth of experience, exceptional skills, and a generous heart. She has

developed a hybrid program that trains Massage Therapists in Ayurveda (Holistic Medical System from India) and the very ancient, unique, and deeply healing Ayurvedic Bodywork that she has been classically trained in. We hope to be sharing more of that with you soon!

Enhancing Massage with Essential Oils

In a recent Holistic Aromatherapy workshop at KCHA, Seva guided participants through the process of unpacking the therapeutic and precautionary use of essential oils for clients and self-care. Aromatherapy can be incorporated to enhance almost all modalities, so learning all of the different techniques was inspiring! Students explored the different qualities of a variety of essential oils and explored ways to formulate custom blends. Everyone also created their own personal and client blend to take home!

Here is what some of the participants want to share with you:

“This was a fun and interactive class! Seva is engaging with her method of training,  hands-on practice, and the substance of knowledge. I feel equipped to bring this into my massage practice!” 

~Val E. 

“Seva’s Holistic classes are such a gift to the massage community! She has so much knowledge and experience and makes learning fun. Loved the deep dive into learning the therapeutic effects of essential oils and that I got to learn how to formulate and blend my own oils, too!” ~Nicholas V.

“I really enjoyed today’s workshop. It’s so nice to get hands-on CEs for massage therapists in person here at KHCA. This class opened the door for me to begin using essential oils to enhance the therapeutic effect for my clients. Seva was articulate and thorough and left me wanting more!” ~Mary H.

Gentle Guidance and Resources

Seva’s passion for Holistic Health & Ayurveda is helping others create a lifestyle that is fulfilling physically, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. If you or someone you know suffer from any of the following, you may consider the wisdom Ayurveda can offer:

Seva provides gentle guidance, resources, and accountability for you to be your own healer. Her goal is that by educating her clients about their unique constitution, Ayurveda will help empower their preventative health and longevity. If your wellness goals include eliminating impurities, reducing symptoms, increasing resistance to disease, reducing stress, and increasing harmony in life, Ayurveda may be a path for you. Consider scheduling a free 15-minute Clarity Call to see if Ayurveda is right for you.

Finally, Seva also offers deeply therapeutic Ayurvedic Bodywork sessions at the massage suite in our very own KCHA, which you can book through her website, Seva Ayurveda!

Stay tuned for more CE Workshops from Seva!

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. Originating in India thousands of years ago, it relies on a natural and holistic approach to physical, mental, and emotional health. While research into the scientific efficacy of various Ayurvedic treatments is ongoing, this ancient practice continues to be a well-regarded and dominant medical system in other parts of the world, including India.

Everything is Connected

Ayurveda is centered on the belief that everything in life is connected. In Ayurveda, the focus is on implementing individualized lifestyle interventions and natural treatments, therapies, and remedies to provide balance among the physical body, mind, spirit, and the world around us.

A Holistic Science

Ayurveda centers on five elements—ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth, and they make up the three primary doshas, or energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which are present in everything and everyone. While all three doshas are present in humans, one is typically more dominant than the others.

•  Vata is likened to the wind and kinetic energy and influences bodily movements, such as the movement of limbs and blood flow.
•  Pitta, which consists of fire and water, is responsible for digestion, metabolism, and body temperature regulation.
•  Kapha consists of water and earth and is responsible for moistening the body—lubricating the joint spaces, for example.

Within Ayurveda theory, each person is born with their own unique constitution, also known as a dosha balance or Prakruti.

While Western medicine tends to focus on treating and eradicating symptoms, Ayurveda seeks to discover and treat the root of the disturbance. Because Ayurveda is highly individualized, treatments vary significantly from person to person, respecting the uniqueness of each individual and emphasizing prevention.

Ayurveda treatment may include:

Complementary Care

While it is best to visit your doctor or an emergency room for emergency medicine and conditions that require treatment with drugs or surgery, specific Ayurvedic treatments can support any healing process. It is also important to note that Ayurveda is not a licensed profession in the U.S.; however, the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) is working toward that goal while providing resources for both practitioners and patients.

MJ Cobb; she/her/hers Staff Writer & Copy Editor

Always speak with your doctor before trying a new treatment, including Ayurveda, to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

The spring equinox is often associated with themes of balance, growth, and renewal. As early bloomers delight, birds build their nests, and spirits lighten, how will you create this new season of growth for yourself?

Student Clinic

Take a break from your busy life and receive a massage at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts Student Massage Clinic. Students are nearing the end of their training and are ready to provide sessions for the public. The sessions are relaxing, and the price can’t be beat!

Gift certificates are available, as are monthly specials. Check the booking site for more details.