My own personal journey led me to yoga in 1998 at the Sivananda Center, located directly behind the hospital where I worked in San Francisco. The postures and the breathing (asana and pranayama) helped as I dealt with the stress of working in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. This led me to meditation and deeper studies in yoga, and eventually to a life-changing Teacher Training program.

Initially I took the teacher training only to deepen my own practice but soon discovered that I absolutely love teaching. I began teaching Yoga Courses for Beginning students and it is here that I had my first experience with students having medical conditions. Where other teachers would shy away from this population, I was drawn to them. My nursing background allowed me a comfort level and confidence when working with special populations. I had students with Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, torn rotator cuffs, obesity, etc. I loved working one-on-one and in small groups, assisting those who would otherwise feel lost at a drop-in studio class.

From here, an organic career shift became clear. I could combine my training and knowledge in Western Medicine, with the practices of Yoga. It is an integrated practice, both based on emerging scientific evidence as well as 5,000 years of experience. I have seen a regular yoga practice transform the lives of many students as well as my own. They are simple techniques and are available to all.

It is not my intention to tell someone they should or should not follow a Western Medical protocol. What is meant by integrative is that we integrate the systems of the body and the systems of knowledge of health and disease. So someone diagnosed with high blood pressure may still choose to take their medications, and at the same time proactively manage and reduce the stress in their life.  A person with cancer may still opt for chemo, radiation and surgery, but maybe they can reduce symptoms by practicing relaxation, meditation and guided imagery. I believe anybody can practice yoga and everybody can benefit. I welcome you to take the first step.